Arts & Entertainment
Singapore censors Obama’s LGBT comments on ‘Ellen’
a network in the city-state edits ‘Ellen’ broadcast for LGBT content
(Screenshot courtesy of YouTube)
According to Gay Star News, Obama’s segment congratulating DeGeneres on her role in gay rights progression was cut from the Feb. 23 broadcast on the channel.
DeGeneres thanked Obama for his dedication to LGBT rights in the episode, which originally aired on Feb. 14 in the U.S. Obama responded by thanking DeGeneres for the work she has done as a gay entertainment icon.
“As much as we’ve done with laws and ending ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ et cetera, changing hearts and mind…I don’t think anybody has been more influential than you on that,” Obama told DeGeneres who became teary eyed over the praise.
“You being willing to claim who you were, that suddenly empowers other people,” Obama continued. “And then suddenly, it’s your brother, it’s your uncle, it’s your best friend, it’s your co-workers. And then attitudes shift. And the law is followed, but it started with folks like you. I’m so proud of you.”
Gay Star News reports that in addition to Obama’s segment being censored, Michelle Obama wishing DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi Happy Valentine’s Day was also cut from the broadcast.
Channel 5 in Singapore is owned by Mediacorp, a government-owned broadcaster that controls seven television channels in the city-state.
Mediacorp caused controversy in the city-state when it hired Adam Lambert to perform during its on air New Year’s Eve celebration. The performer choice caused a petition for Lambert’s removal due to his “acts of indecency.”
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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