Arts & Entertainment
Thomas Dekker comes out as gay after producer Bryan Fuller outs him
the actor says he ‘wasn’t ready’ to reveal his sexuality
(Screenshot via YouTube.)
“Heroes” actor Thomas Dekker has come out as gay and married after producer Bryan Fuller outed the star.
While speaking at an Outfest event, “Heroes” producer Bryan Fuller mentioned “het-washing” on the series, when an actor’s management team did not want his character to be gay on the show.
“The character became straight, and the actor came out as gay,” Fuller said.
In a Twitter response, Dekker came out as gay and revealed he got married to his husband in April.
“My sexual orientation once again came into question this week when a prominent gay man used an awards acceptance speech to ‘out’ me,” Dekker, 29, writes. “While he did not mention me by name, the explicit details of his reference made it easy for the public and media to connect the dots.”
Dekker also says that he never publicly came out and felt it wasn’t Fuller’s place to reveal his sexuality to the world.
“I have never lied to the press about the fluidity of my sexuality but this man claiming that I came out is not true,” Dekker continued. “Because I have not ‘officially’ until this moment. I simply refuse to be robbed of the glorious joy that belongs to me. To say the words myself. ‘I’m gay’. Those words are a badge of honor that no one can steal. Sexuality and who you love is a deeply personal and complicated thing. For some of us, it takes time to cultivate, discover and conclude. It is not something anyone should ever be ashamed of and certainly not something anyone should be rushed into.”
As for why he waited so long to come out, Dekker says it’s because he simply wasn’t ready.
“I agree with many who believe it is an important responsibility for LGBTQ persons with a platform to come out. It has the power to change minds, challenge beliefs and make others feel understood and supported. It can strengthen the progression of our community and help disarm those who discriminate against us,” Dekker writes. “It is a brave, powerful and important thing to do but it is also a deeply personal decision. One that should only be made when you are ready.”
Dekker has also appeared on “The Secret Circle” and “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.”
PLEASE READ ? pic.twitter.com/Uo5hM94Qp5
— Thomas Dekker (@theThomasDekker) July 14, 2017
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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HHS reverses Trump-era anti-LGBTQ rule
4th Circuit rules gender identity is a protected characteristic
Pride season has begun
PHOTOS: Capital Pride Pageant
