Arts & Entertainment
Thousands sign petition to ban Adam Lambert from Singapore
Out singer considered unsuitable based on previous videos, performances
(YouTube screen capture)
A group of Singapore citizens launched a petition to ban Adam Lambert from performing as headliner for Countdown 2016, the city-state’s New Year’s Eve celebration in Marina Bay.
Organizers of the petition credited Lambert’s “acts of indecency” from his latest music video “Another Lonely Night” and “sexualized acts” including from his 2009 American Music Awards performance where he kissed another man as reasons for the ban. They also expressed concerns over Lambert’s LGBT activism. Sex between men is illegal in Singapore.
The petition had gathered more than 20,000 signatures and a counter-petition was also launched. The counter-petition, which collected almost 25,000 signatures, protested Lambert’s potential ban from performing.
The counter-petition stated:
“We think it’s time these groups truly respect all people living in Singapore and confirm they will help stop LGBT discrimination by working towards accepting and loving our LGBT family members and their natural and normal sexual orientation. Discrimination has no place in Singapore and these groups need to work towards a together Singapore not a divisive Singapore.”
Lambert, 33, issued a response to the original petition banning him from performing on the Warner Music Singapore Facebook page.
“My performance at Celebrate 2016 will not only be a spectacular one, it will celebrate the entire human family in all its diversity. I am a uniter, not a divider, and I believe in celebrating the human heart and spirit. I have put together an entirely new show experience for my fans that is kicking off in Singapore,” Lambert wrote.
Both petitions have since closed after Lambert’s response. The original petition replied saying that they hoped Lambert’s show “is hopefully in better taste and shows greater restraint.”
According to Reuters, state TV company MediaCorp has promised that Lambert’s performance would follow broadcast regulations and be appropriate for family audiences.
Out & About
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Politicians slated to speak at annual Blue Moon party
The Washington Blade’s 17th annual Summer Kickoff Party returns Friday, May 17, 5-7 p.m. at the Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave.) in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
It’s an exciting election year in Delaware, which is poised to elect its first Black woman senator (Lisa Blunt Rochester) and the nation’s first transgender member of Congress (Sarah McBride).
McBride is scheduled to speak at the party along with several politicos from the area. With the retirement of longtime state Rep. Peter C. Schwartzkopf, a staunch LGBTQ ally, three strong contenders are running to replace him. All three — Marty Rendon, Kathy McGuiness, and Claire Snyder-Hall — are slated to speak at the party. A representative from Blunt Rochester’s campaign is scheduled to speak, along with Kim Leisey, the new executive director of CAMP Rehoboth.
Tax-deductible tickets are $20 and available on Eventbrite or via the Blade’s Facebook page. The party is sponsored by Justin Noble of Sotheby’s, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.
Andy Cohen, executive producer of “The Real Housewives” franchise and host of “Watch What Happens Live,” will return to Sixth & I on Wednesday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m.
This event will be his fifth appearance at the venue to celebrate the paperback release of his New York Times bestselling memoir, “The Daddy Diaries,” talk about the latest Housewives happenings, and answer audience questions about everyone’s favorite Bravolebrities.
Cohen will be in conversation with Rep. Robert Garcia, who represents California and is the first LGBTQ immigrant to win a congressional seat. Rep. Garcia has also been known to quote from “The Real Housewives” in congressional hearings.
Tickets start at $12 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
“Herses- Purse Frist Extravaganza” will be on Friday, May 3 at 9 p.m. at 1835 14th St. N.W. This will be an evening of dancing and performances, hosted by HAUS of Bambi Award-winning Performance Artist, BUMPER. Refreshments are also available for purchase.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Andy Cohen coming to D.C.
Want to dance for a good cause?
Calendar: May 3-9
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