Arts & Entertainment
49 celebrities honor Orlando victims in HRC tribute video
Laverne Cox, Lady Gaga make appearances
49 celebrities eulogized the 49 Orlando victims in a video produced by Ryan Murphy in partnership with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) “Stop the Hate” movement.
The famous faces say the names and tell the stories of each victim in the 18-minute long video.
Celebrities include Lady Gaga, Laverne Cox, Jane Fonda, Demi Lovato, Lee Daniels, Colton Haynes, Tyler Oakley and Sofia Vergara. “American Horror Story” cast members both past and present also appear including Sarah Paulson, Connie Britton, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Emma Roberts, Matt Bomer and Denis O’Hare.
“For too long, a toxic combination of anti-LGBTQ hate and easy access to guns has put LGBTQ people at disproportionate risk of violence and murder,” HRC said in a statement.
The video ends urging for action on gun safety legislation and against laws that harm LGBT people.
“Since the massacre, Congress has voted down common sense gun safety laws … four times. Meanwhile, more than 200 bills targeting the LGBTQ community have been introduced in states this year. It will take all of us to change that,” the video concludes.
HRC’s “Stop the Hate” campaign website includes a link to donate to the Orlando victims’ families and survivors. Supporters can also email Congress to “tell them to support common sense laws to protect all people in the U.S. from hate violence.”
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.