Arts & Entertainment
‘Stranger Things’ star Shannon Purser comes out as bisexual
the actress revealed her sexuality after a “Riverdale” fandom spat
(Shannon Purser as Barb in ‘Stranger Things.’ Screenshot via YouTube.)
Shannon Purser, best known for her roles as Barb on “Stranger Things” and Ethel Muggs on “Riverdale,” has come out as bisexual.
The 19-year-old actress revealed her sexuality on Twitter after fans of “Riverdale” accused the show of queerbaiting. Two of the main characters, Betty and Veronica, share a kiss in an earlier episode of the show. Nothing romantic has beenĀ explored between the two characters since and fans of the relationship, known as “Beronica”, have taken to social media to tweet their disappointment.
In a now deleted tweet Purser mentioned,Ā āangry Beronica stansā which caused “Riverdale” fans to share their issues with the kissing scene. Purser addressed the fighting in the fandom saying she was “disappointed with hateful people.”
Ships are great, being horrible to people who don’t ship your ship is not.
ā Shannon Purser (@shannonpurser) April 18, 2017
Lemme clarify, not angry at beronica stans. Not even angry at rightfully upset beronica stans. Disappointed with hateful people. Peace ā?
ā Shannon Purser (@shannonpurser) April 18, 2017
She eventually opened up about her own sexuality in a note posted on Twitter.
“I donāt normally do this, but I figure now is just as good a time as any to get personal,ā she wrote. āIāve only just recently come out as bisexual to my family and friends. Itās something I am still processing and trying to understand and I donāt like talking about it too much,” Purser writes.
āIām very very new to the LGBT community. I have never heard the term āqueer-baitingā in my life until today. That being said, I have never ever wanted to alienate anyone and my tweet was thoughtless. I wasnāt referring to all the Beronica shippers, just the ones who had been particularly cruel to me personally,” Purser continues.
ā Shannon Purser (@shannonpurser) April 19, 2017
Earlier this month, Purser revealed she had been experiencing anxiety reconciling her faith and her sexuality.
“Getting comfortable with your sexuality is a process. It’s going to be ok. I wish I’d known that sooner,” Purser tweeted,
“Riverdale” airs on Thursdays at 9 p.m. on CW.
Out & About
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Politicians slated to speak at annual Blue Moon party
The Washington Bladeās 17th annual Summer Kickoff Party returns Friday, May 17, 5-7 p.m. at the Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave.) in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Itās an exciting election year in Delaware, which is poised to elect its first Black woman senator (Lisa Blunt Rochester) and the nationās 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 ā Marty Rendon, Kathy McGuiness, and Claire Snyder-Hall ā are slated to speak at the party. A representative from Blunt Rochesterās 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 Bladeās Facebook page. The party is sponsored by Justin Noble of Sothebyās, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.
Andy Cohen, executive producer of āThe Real Housewivesā franchise and host of āWatch What Happens Live,ā 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, āThe Daddy Diaries,ā 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 āThe Real Housewivesā in congressional hearings.
Tickets start at $12 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
āHerses- Purse Frist Extravaganzaā 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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HHS reverses Trump-era anti-LGBTQ rule
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Pride season has begun
PHOTOS: Capital Pride Pageant
