Arts & Entertainment
Out bi singer-songwriter mxmtoon shares new song, ‘quiet motions’
Fresh on the heels of her latest single, “fever dream,” singer songriter mxmtoon has released another new track.
The 19-year-old musician, who is also known as Maia, shared the new song, “quiet motions,” earlier this week, dropping a video on YouTube with an introductory caption.
“I am writing this description on Wednesday morning, and this song comes out tomorrow, she wrote. “I literally just filmed this video and I wish I was kidding about snoozing my alarm for the sake of this video but then also going back to sleep accidentally for another 40 minutes oooooops… anyways! Here is me going about my morning routine and taking clips of the “quiet motions” (get it, I am so clever wow). I hope you enjoy!”
Maia, who recently announced mxmtoon’s dawn & dusk tour, is currently working on two back-to-back Eps, which are due later this year. She made her debut with the 2019 EP “plum blossom,” recorded in her parents’ bedroom, which racked up over 100 million streams on Spotify alone. She followed it up with 2019’s “the masquerade,” accompanying it with an original podcast and a graphic novel.
She has amassing millions of followers and subscribers across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, where she makes a point of using her ever-growing platform to speak out on issues close to her heart. “As a young bisexual woman of color from a family of immigrants, a lot of current events directly affect who I am,” says the Chinese-American artist. “I firmly believe it’s my obligation and opportunity to speak on issues that affect us all.”
On this “shimmering” new song, according to the press materials, Maia “embraces the underrated beauty of solitude.”
She says of the track, “One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in my short time so far on this earth is that finding comfort in your own company is a wonderful thing. As an introvert, it’s always been a practice of mine to recluse and hangout by myself as a way to recharge my energy, and I think finding those quiet moments throughout my weeks has kept me sane throughout life. The ‘quiet motions’ of pouring yourself a cup of tea, turning on the TV, or lighting a candle, can all be pieces of a puzzle that help you to maintain calmness throughout the chaos of the world. quiet motions is about just that, the comfort in the alone moments. It’s not a bad thing to recluse, and being content solo can be extremely fulfilling and healthy in the long run.”
You can watch her homemade video below.
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
a&e features
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Laverne Cox, Reneé Rapp, Deacon Maccubbin named WorldPride grand marshals
House passes reconciliation with gender-affirming care funding ban
PHOTOS: D.C. Trans Pride
Men convicted of murdering two men in NYC gay bar drugging scheme sentenced
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
WorldPride events round-up
Pope Leo XIV: Family based on ‘stable union between a man and a woman’
Wes Moore signs HIV decriminalization bill
