Arts & Entertainment
‘HTGAWM’ star Jack Falahee comes out as straight
the actor wants people to know he is an ally
(Screenshot via YouTube.)
“How to Get Away with Murder” actor Jack Falahee is finally setting the record straight on his sexuality.
Falahee, 27, posted a long message on Twitter on Monday revealing that he identifies as straight and credits the election as to why he chose to “come out.”
“I spent election night with a few of my close friends, glued to the television,” Falahee began.
“By the end of the night a friend of mine, who is gay, was sitting on the floor under a table crying.”
“While I’m not gay, on HTGAWM I play a character who’s in an interracial relationship with an HIV positive man,” Falahee continued. “In the past I’ve declined to discuss my own sexuality in an attempt to try and dismantle the closet. Opponents to my ambiguous answers to questions surrounding my sexuality argued the importance of visibility. Ultimately I think my stance has been unhelpful in the fight for equality.”
“Now more than ever, I want to offer my support to the community as an ally,” Falahee writes.
Until now, the actor has been cagey about his sexuality choosing to keep mum on the topic in an interview with Out Magazine last year.
“I don’t think answering who I’m sleeping with accomplishes anything other than quenching the thirst of curiosity,” Falahee said.
Falahee plays gay law student Connor Walsh on the hit ABC show who in the midst of covering up a murder finds himself falling for nerdy computer tech Oliver.
“How to Get Away with Murder” returns to ABC on Jan. 19.
(1/2) sorry for the small font, but I wanted you all to read this. pic.twitter.com/9BAKHJMTdJ
— Jack Falahee (@RestingPlatypus) November 15, 2016
a&e features
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
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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
