Arts & Entertainment
‘Gossip Girl’ creator says he regrets lack of gay storylines, diversity
the teen show celebrates its 10-year anniversary
(Ed Westwick as Chuck Bass on ‘Gossip Girl.’ Screenshot via YouTube.)
“Gossip Girl,” the steamy CW series that followed the lives of Manhattan’s elite teenagers, celebrates its 10-year anniversary this week. While the series became a cultural teen phenomenon, out creator Joshua Safran told Vulture he had two regrets about the show.
“When I look back on ‘Gossip Girl,’ the only things I regret were not as much representation for people of color and gay storylines,” Safran says. “Those are the two things I think we probably could have delved into more deeply.”
The show was known for its sexually charged scenes, including sex in a limo and a threesome with guest star Hillary Duff, but all of the main characters were white and heterosexual.
Serena van der Woodsen’s younger brother Eric (Connor Paolo) was gay but his romance storylines were much shorter than his straight counterparts. Bad boy Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick) was bisexual in the book series, but spent the show involved in a tumultuous relationship with Queen B, Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester).
A scene in season three did hint at Chuck’s possible attraction to both genders. However, the scene was written more as a game with Blair, and his sexuality was not fully explored.
One thing Safran doesn’t regret is the cameo of Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump in the season four episode, “Easy J.” But he admits it’s because the couple fit in perfectly with the elite environment of the show.
“They are socialites in New York and they do fit the world of ‘Gossip Girl,’” Safran says. “I’m sure Lily van der Woodsen knows Trump and would have been on the board of charities with him or Melania. That’s the world of Gossip Girl, so to deny it would be wrong. I think it was literally an Observer party.”
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.
Indian election heats up
Judy Shepard to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Andy Cohen coming to D.C.
Want to dance for a good cause?
HHS reverses Trump-era anti-LGBTQ rule
4th Circuit rules gender identity is a protected characteristic
Pride season has begun
New World Bank US executive director: LGBTQ rights are human rights
