Arts & Entertainment
Actor DJ Qualls comes out

DJ Qualls, known for his role in “The Man in the High Castle” and appearances in several other popular television shows and movies, has become the latest Hollywood actor to come out as gay.
The 41-year-old actor was appearing in San Diego at a taping of “The Jim Jeffries Show,” which airs on Comedy Central, when he made the announcement. Afterwards, he took to Twitter to talk about it.
“It is 11:20pm,” he tweeted. “I just came out on stage at a @jimjefferiesshow in San Diego. Yep, I’m gay. Been gay this whole time. Tired of worrying about what people would think of me. Tired of worrying about what it would do to my career.”
Qualls, a cancer survivor who was diagnosed with Hodgkins’ lymphoma at age 14, began his career as a community theatre actor in his native Nashville, before landing a few parts in front of the camera and working as a model for Prada and photographers like David LaChapelle and Steve Klein. He became a familiar face for his frequent roles as a geeky virgin in such movies as “Road Trip” and “Cherry Falls.” Other big screen roles have included parts in “Big Trouble,” “Hustle & Flow,” and “The New Guy.” On TV, he’s turned up on numerous popular shows, such as “Scrubs,” “Lost,” “My Name is Earl,” “Breaking Bad,” and a particularly memorable guest appearance on “The Big Bang Theory.” In recent years, he has gained a growing fan following for his role (as a gay character) on Amazon’s “The Man in the High Castle,” along with Syfy’s “Z Nation” and CW’s “Supernatural,” where he plays fan-favorite recurring character Garth Fitzgerald IV.
Following his announcement, Qualls’ fans and followers were quick to offer their congratulations and support. One, Twisted Resister (@CryptoMcVape), commented “Good on you. Every person brave enough to live their truth gives courage to others that aren’t quite there yet. Much love brother.” Another, itsalwayssues (@smesues), said, “Hey, cheers and congratulations for being the you that you are! It’s the way it ought to be, damn the torpedoes and full steam ahead. You are perfect just being the you that you are! Don’t hide your light under a bushel as my Nan used to say.” Sebastian Roche, who co-stars with Quall on “High Castle,” commented simply, “Well done my friend, very proud of you.”
Qualls has been friends with Jeffries for several years, according to The Independent. He has appeared on Jeffries’ comedy show before, in 2018, and worked with the Australian-born comedian’s series “Legit” in 2013.
This is the first time he has spoken publicly about his sexuality.
a&e features
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.

Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)































Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)















Photos
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)














