Arts & Entertainment
Watch: gay dads criticized for raising a child on ‘What Would You Do?’
The social experiment was conducted in Kentucky and New York
(Screenshot via YouTube)
Unsuspecting diners had their views on gay adoption and foster care tested in a new segment on “What Would You Do?”
The scenario was inspired by the statistic that same-sex couples in the U.S. are raising almost 60,000 adopted and foster children. Married same-sex couples have opened their homes to 26,000 of those children.
On this episode of the hidden camera show, actors portrayed a gay couple raising an adopted daughter. While out at a restaurant, the couple is verbally harassed by a woman who believes the child shouldn’t be raised without a mother. The social experiment was conducted in both Orangetown, New York and Bardstown, Kentucky to compare how location affected people’s reactions.
In Kentucky, the harasser makes comments such as “I don’t think a child should be raised that way” and “That’s an innocent child with two gay men raising her.”
One man jumps up from the table saying “Lady, are you nuts or something? This lady is annoying me, probably these other people. We need it stop. We didn’t come here to be annoyed by you.”
A woman responds to the harasser by saying “I’m a teacher. I see it all the time and the children do not have problems.”
Some diners did note that while they disagree with the couple’s lifestyle they thought it was wrong of the woman to harass them in public.
In New York, customers were also supportive of the family.
“You need to lighten up lady,” one customer tells the harasser.“You need to back off. You’ve got two people celebrating and demonstrating love for a child. You’ve got some nerve. It doesn’t matter. Love is love. Would you rather see that child homeless, starving to death? It’s not about your opinion. It’s about the welfare of a child, a human being. The problem in the world is not two men raising a child. The problem in the world is you making comments like that.”
Watch below.
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
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
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)
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
BREAKING NEWS: Barney Frank dies at 86
Intersex lives, constitutional freedom, and the dangerous future of Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill
Doc on Blade reporter Chibbaro scores Emmy nomination
Don’t let Rehoboth rain deter you, there’s lots to do for Memorial Day
HIV Vaccine Awareness Day set for May 18
‘The Inheritance’ is most-nominated at this year’s Helen Hayes Awards
Calendar: May 15-21
United Night Out set for Saturday
