Arts & Entertainment
‘Fear the Walking Dead’ reveals first gay male main character in franchise
Victor Strand could be only LGBT star
(Screenshot via YouTube)
“Fear the Walking Dead’ gave mysterious character Victor Strand a backstory, which includes a former gay lover, on Sunday’s episode “Blood in the Streets.”
While the rest of the main characters’ lives pre-zombie apocalypse have been fleshed out to some degree, Strand, played by out actor Coleman Domingo, remained a giant question mark. Before the latest episode all that was known was his ruthless personality, insistence to travel to Mexico and his boat Abigail.
In a series of flashbacks, Strand’s story unfolded showing that after Hurricane Katrina he lost all his assets. After meeting a wealthy real estate business man, Thomas Abigail, in a bar he attempts to con him for his money. Although Strand gets caught, Abigail and Strand begin a business and romantic relationship.
The boat is shown to belong to Abigail and after sending other main character Nick Clark (Frank Dillane) on shore to pick up Abigail’s assistant Luis, it’s clarified that Strand is so eager to take the group to Mexico because Abigail has a safe-house.
“Fear the Walking Dead” is the prequel to “The Walking Dead” and showcases the beginnings of the infected outbreak. Strand’s past history makes him the first gay male main character in “The Walking Dead” series universe.
The show also stars Alycia Debnam-Carey who played popular lesbian character Lexa on “The 100.”
“Fear the Walking Dead” airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on AMC.
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Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
