Arts & Entertainment
Rosario Dawson comes out while discussing relationship with Cory Booker
Actress Rosario Dawson, who has in the past made public comments that have created confusion about her sexuality, has now officially come out… sort of.
The star, speaking to Bustle about her current relationship with former 2020 Democratic presidential contender Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), said that it was time to publicly claim her sexuality.
“It’s the first time I felt like I had to be responsible about my choice of love, which is a challenging thing to do,” said the actress. “If you fall in love, you fall in love. But there’s another aspect I had to consider: what this meant in [putting] a microscope on my family and particularly on my daughter.”
Dawson adopted her now-17-year-old daughter, Isabella, in 2014.
Later in the interview, the actress and activist was asked about a controversial Instagram post from 2018, in which she reposted a video of a song from @oranicuhh (who has since deleted all posts from their account), quoting the lyrics in a caption which also included her personal remarks celebrating Pride Month:
“????✊?????♥️?????❤️ I will not be ashamed. this is just who I am. and who I was meant to be. No mistakes. so right here I stand. I’m out on my own two feet. no you will not tear me down. no my heart will not be bound. sing it loud. sing it loud. I’m proud. I’m proud. #Repost @oranicuhh ・・・ happy pride month! sending love to my fellow lgbtq+ homies. keep being strong in the face of adversity. loud & proud. ??? here’s a lil throwbyke to last year. ✨”
At the time, many observers took Dawson’s words to mean she was coming out as a member of the LGBTQ community, but she has never elaborated on the subject until now.
Responding to Bustle, she explained, “People kept saying that I [came out]… I didn’t do that. I mean, it’s not inaccurate, but I never did come out come out. I mean, I guess I am now.”
She further clarified, “I’ve never had a relationship in that space, so it’s never felt like an authentic calling to me.”
Dawson did not disclose how she identifies within the LGBTQ spectrum, though according to LGBTQ Nation, many media outlets are referring to her as “bisexual.”
As to her relationship with Booker, the prolific actress, whose resume includes over 100 film and television roles since her debut in the controversial 1995 film, “Kids,” says she thinks that “in each other, we have found our person.”
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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
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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)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
