Arts & Entertainment

YouTuber Nilsen grills Obama on tampon tax

social media star questions feminine hygiene in U.S.

Published

11 years ago

January 21, 2016

Mariah Cooper

(Screenshot courtesy of YouTube)

Lesbian YouTuber Ingrid Nilsen stumped President Barack Obama when she asked him why tampons and other feminine hygiene products have a luxury tax during a YouTube interview last week.

Nilsen, 26, asked why those items were classified as a luxury in 40 states.

“I don’t know anyone who has a period that thinks it’s a luxury,” Nilsen says. “It’s something that’s part of our everyday lives and it’s really crucial to our health as women.”

Obama responded that he wasn’t aware of the problem but that luxury taxes are state, not federal, taxes.

“I suspect it’s because men were making the laws when those taxes were passed,” Obama says.

Nilsen was one of three YouTube stars invited to interview Obama. She asked questions pertaining to the LGBT community as well as women’s health.

Nilsen, otherwise known as MissGlamorazzi, is a popular beauty, fashion and lifestyle guru on YouTube with more than three million subscribers. Last year, Nilsen came out as a lesbian in a video uploaded to her channel which has reached more than 13 million views.

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Photos

PHOTOS: Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade

Annual LGBTQ celebration held in Dutch city during World Pride

Published

5 hours ago

August 1, 2026

Michael Key and Michael K. Lavers

A scene from the 2026 Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Editor’s note: International News Editor Michael K. Lavers and Photo Editor Michael Key are on assignment in the Netherlands through Aug. 10.

AMSTERDAM — The 2026 Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade was held on Saturday, Aug. 1.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key and Michael K. Lavers)

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Photos

PHOTOS: Lambda Legal in the Pines

Fundraiser held at ‘Normal Heart’ house

Published

1 day ago

July 31, 2026

Guest photographer

A scene from the 'Lambda Legal in the Pines' fundraiser on July 25. (Photo by Santiago Felipe)

The LGBTQ organization Lambda Legal held its annual “Lambda Legal in the Pines” fundraiser on Saturday, July 25. The event was held at a house on Fire Island featured in Ryan Murphy’s 2014 HBO film, “The Normal Heart.”

Organizers say over $500,000 was raised to support Lambda Legal’s national litigation and advocacy work.

(Photos by Santiago Felipe)

Out & About

Come showcase your singing, poetry talent

Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13

Published

1 day ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.

Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite.