Arts & Entertainment
Amanda Nunes becomes first openly gay UFC champion
the fighter’s defeat of Miesha Tate makes history

(Screenshot via YouTube)
Amanda Nunes is the first openly gay UFC champion after her win over Miesha Tate at the UFC 200 on Saturday.
The 28-year-old Brazillian fighter took the women’s bantamweight title from Tate who had held the honor since March. In a post-fight press conference, Nunes discussed being the first openly gay UFC champion.
“It’s amazing,” Nunes said in the conference. “The most important thing is I’m happy with my life. That’s the most important thing.”
Nunes has been in a relationship with fellow UFC fighter Nina Ansaroff for four years. Nunes credits her big win to having Ansaroff as a training partner.
“Nina is the best training partner I’ve ever had in my life,” Nunes said. “This girl is going to be the next UFC champion. I’m telling you.This girl has so many talents. She means everything to me. This girl, she helps me with everything. I love her.”
Nunes also gave her thoughts on the Orlando tragedy, which claimed 49 lives at Pulse nightclub.
“It’s very sad. I wish these things didn’t happen anymore. Peace in the world is very important. I don’t think the U.S.A. is gonna let this happen anymore. It’s gonna stop,” Nunes said.
USA Today reports UFC vice president of public relations Dave Sholler spoke on the monumental moment for UFC.
“To have our very first openly gay champion shows you how far this sport has come,” Sholler said in a statement. “Amanda is an incredible ambassador. When you talk about all the great moments, having Amanda carry the flag literally and figuratively for the gay community is a seminal moment for our sport.”
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.
