Arts & Entertainment
The Lady Chablis dies at 59
the transgender performer passed away from pneumonia
(Lady Chablis in ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.’ Screenshot via YouTube.)
The Lady Chablis, the transgender performer best known for her role as herself in the 1994 film “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” died from pneumonia in Savannah, Ga. on Thursday. She was 59.
Savannah’s Club One, where Chablis was a frequent performer, reported the news on its Facebook page.
“Club One’s very first entertainer, officiating our grand opening in 1988, and paving the way for female impersonation in Savannah. No one, however, could outshine the Grand Empress herself. … She’d be the first to tell you that she stole the show in Clint Eastwood’s 1997 adaptation. Since then, thousands of visitors have come to Savannah, visiting the locations in The Book and crowding into Club One to see her,” the Facebook statement reads.
She adopted the name Chablis as a teenager, eventually legally changing her name to The Lady Chablis. John Berendt featured her in his 1994 true-crime novel “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” She would continue on to star as herself in the Clint Eastwood film adaptation of the book starring Kevin Spacey and John Cusack.
In an interview with Kim Wade, Chablis detailed her feelings on gender labels.
“I don’t know what it’s like to be a woman and I don’t try to be a woman,” Chablis told Wade. “I just try to be who I am without all the labels people try to put on you.”
“That hurt me so badly to hear people call me a drag queen,” Chablis continued. “I thought celebrity would change the way people looked at me.”
Chablis is survived by her sister Cynthia Ponder.
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.
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Andy Cohen coming to D.C.
Want to dance for a good cause?
Calendar: May 3-9
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