Arts & Entertainment
Ryan Murphy spearheads effort for Hollywood diversity
‘American Horror Story’ show runner wants to help minorities
(Screenshot courtesy of YouTube)
Ryan Murphy is initiating an effort to expand diversity in Hollywood to include more LGBT people, women and people of color, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Murphy was spurned into action after hearing former publicist Nanci Ryder’s speech at The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment breakfast, where she said Hollywood had a “gender problem.”
“Nanci said, ‘People in power, you have a position and responsibility to change the industry,’ and I thought, ‘She’s right,’ “Murphy told The Hollywood Reporter.
Murphy, show runner for “Scream Queens,” American Horror Story” and “American Crime Story” has decided to create inclusion for minority groups by having 50 percent of his director positions filled by women, people of color or members of the LGBT community.
According to the Directors Guild of America, women are 16 percent of directors in T.V. and minorities are 18 percent.
Young people will also be given more attention. Murphy’s plans will have outreach at colleges and universities for potential internship and shadowing opportunities. He plans to have a database of names and contact information that he can share with other show-runners.
“The industry has always been about, you come to us,” Murphy says. “There’s not a lot of effort and inclusion, and I’m saying, ‘No, we’re going to go to you.’”
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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