Arts & Entertainment
Ellen DeGeneres surprises gay Georgetown University student kicked out by parents
The student’s crowd-funding campaign went viral
Ellen DeGeneres surprised Seth Owen, the high school valedictorian who was kicked out by his parents for being gay, with a hefty donation.
The 18-year-old student from Jacksonville, Fla. recounted to DeGeneres when his father found a picture of him and his first boyfriend on his phone. His parents sent him to conversion therapy in an attempt to change his sexual orientation.
“The dangerous part about that is, as a patient, I believed that this health care professional was doing what was best for me,” Owen said.
During his senior year in high school, a new pastor preaching anti-LGBT sermons joined his church.
“I asked to go to a different church, and they said that I would either have to go with them or move out. And so I decided that day that I had to move out,” Owen said.
Owen began couch surfing before eventually staying with his friend’s family. He says that he still keeps in contact with his parents because “they’re still my parents.”
In June, Owen was accepted into Georgetown University. Jane Martin, one of Owen’s high school teachers, launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $20,000 for his college education. The fundraiser surpassed the goal and raised $141,636. After he graduates, Owen says he plans to put the remaining funds into a scholarship for students in similar situations.
DeGeneres and Cheerios decided to kickstart the scholarship by donating $25,000.
Watch below.
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.