Arts & Entertainment
First openly gay player in NCAA leaves to become firefighter
basketball player announced news on Instagram
Derrick Gordon (Photo via FlashGordon Instagram)
Derrick Gordon, the first openly gay Division 1 player in the NCAA, has chosen to leave basketball to become a San Francisco firefighter.
Gordon, 24, was not chosen in last month’s NBA draft so he has decided to pursue a different career. Gordon announced the career change on Instagram.
“I’ve had an amazing basketball career and want to thank everybody who has always been there supporting me every step on the way,” Gordon wrote. “But I’m making a change in my career…I will now be working towards becoming a San Francisco Firefighter!! I’m excited about this and looking forward to having a long career!!”
Gordon previously played for Western Kentucky, Seton Hall University and UMass. In 2014, he publicly came out as gay. In an interview with ESPN, he revealed why he made the decision to come out.
“I’ve always loved sports but always felt I had to hide and be someone that I’m not,” Gordon told ESPN. “I am telling my story so that athletes never feel like they have to hide. You can be true to yourself and play the sport that you love.”
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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