Arts & Entertainment
James Franco explains his infatuation with gay culture
the actor is tired of ‘heteronormative narratives’
(Screenshot via YouTube)
James Franco explained his interest in putting gay themes in his films and writings in an interview with Rolling Stone.
Franco, 37, said he became attracted to gay films as a student and decided he wanted incorporate it into his own work.
“When I was studying at NYU, I took classes in critical studies, and one of my favorites was on queer cinema. We’ve told the straight, heteronormative stories ad nauseam by now — in our movies, our shows, our commercials — everywhere,” Franco told Rolling Stone. “I think it’s healthy to make work that disrupts and questions that, and shows alternative narratives. That’s what an artist should do.”
Franco says people have questioned his sexuality before, but he doesn’t mind because it works in his favor when dating women.
“One of the nice things about all that speculation is that it’s a smokescreen,” Franco says.
Franco stars in “King Cobra,” based on the true story of gay porn filmmaker Bryan Kocis, coming out later this year. The actor has also appeared in “Milk,” and starred in “I Am Michael,” the story of a gay activist who rejects homosexuality and becomes a Christian pastor. Last year, he released a book of poetry, “Straight James / Gay James,” featuring “Straight James” interviewing “Gay James.”
The Capital Pride Alliance presented the 2026 Capital Pride Honors at “The Audacity Brunch: In Full Fuchsia” at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. on Sunday, June 7.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Out & About
Congressional Cemetery hosts Gays & Graves
Daylong Pride celebration blends history, remembrance, art and community
Historic Congressional Cemetery will host the second annual “Gays & Graves: A Big Gay Festival” on Sunday, June 14 at 11 a.m.
The event will feature pioneering activist Randy Wicker, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, and new public art installations and programs celebrating LGBTQ+ history. Gays & Graves is an official partner event of Capital Pride 2026.
This event is a daylong Pride celebration blending history, remembrance, art and community. Visitors can shop from LGBTQ+ and allied artists and makers, experience performances and interactive installations, and engage with programs exploring LGBTQ+ history and lived experience.
For more details, visit the cemetery’s website.
Baltimore Pride is underway, taking place from June 8-14.
The Pride Parade will be on Saturday, June 13 at 12 p.m. at Charles Street & North Avenue, followed by the Pride Block Party at 1 p.m. at Druid Hill Park. And then the Pride Festival will be held on Sunday, June 14 at 12 p.m. at Druid Hill Park.
There will be an array of additional events including: a fashion show, a “Suits and Sneakers” reception and a 5k race, among many other events.
For more details, visit Baltimore Pride’s website.
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