Arts & Entertainment
Travis Scott criticized for removing trans model Amanda Lepore from album cover
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ winner Aquaria called the edit transphobic
Travis Scott (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)
Travis Scott is facing criticism over the removal of transgender model Amanda Lepore from his forthcoming “Astroworld” album cover.
The album art, shot by celebrity photographer David LaChapelle, shows half-naked models posed at an amusement park with a statue of Scott’s head as the centerpiece.
Scott unveiled the cover on Instagram but Lepore is notably missing. Lepore posted the version with her in it captioned “It was great being part of @david_lachapelle s incredible photograph of @travisscott s album cover but I’m curious why I’m not on the picture @travisscott posted.”
When fans asked LaChappelle on Instagram why LePore was cut he replied “she just upstaged every one lol.”
Lepore seemed to accept that response and edited her original caption of the album cover to add “A girl can’t help it! Too distracting for the eyes! Upstaged everyone in the photograph!”
Some people weren’t so forgiving including “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 10 winner Aquaria.
“Hi transphobia! I just saw transphobia gurl!” Aquaria tweeted.
Hi transphobia! I just saw transphobia gurl!
— Aquaria (@aquariaofficial) August 1, 2018
She added, “Also fun fact: u can tell exactly the mindset and beliefs of (presumably) travis and (specifically) his fans by the repulsive remarks they share about a very valid complaint about the artwork regardless of who’s complaining. Grab a towel. Your phobias are showing.”
Also fun fact: u can tell exactly the mindset and beliefs of (presumably) travis and (specifically) his fans by the repulsive remarks they share about a very valid complaint about the artwork regardless of who’s complaining. Grab a towel. Your phobias are showing.
— Aquaria (@aquariaofficial) August 1, 2018
Scott is dating Kylie Jenner, transgender celebrity Caitlyn Jenner’s daughter. The couple has one child together. Scott has not publicly commented on the controversy.
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The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
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(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
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