Local
Adam Lambert headlines Marylanders for Marriage Equality fundraiser
Concert comes day after governor admitted campaign needs additional $2 million
Adam Lambert at the 9:30 Club (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Gay former “American Idol” contestant Adam Lambert on Tuesday headlined a D.C. fundraiser for the campaign to defend Maryland’s same-sex marriage law.
“Marriage equality is about treating everyone as equals, regardless of who they fall in love with, said the Grammy-nominated singer in a statement released before the concert at the 9:30 Club in Northwest Washington. “I’m honored to appear at this event to help do whatever I can to bring notice to a cause that is close to my heart.”
The fundraiser took place a day after Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, who asked the 9:30 Club to host the event, conceded that Marylanders for Marriage Equality needs to raise an additional $2 million ahead of the Nov. 6 referendum on the law he signed earlier this year. Josh Levin, campaign director of Marylanders for Marriage Equality, said in June that he could run a “winning campaign” with between $5 and $7 million, but he once again declined to tell the Washington Blade how much money his group has raised during a conference call with reporters earlier this week.
District of Columbia
Wanda Alston Foundation launches culinary program for LGBTQ youth
Slay & Sauté campaign seeks to raise funds for cooking utensils
The Wanda Alston Foundation, the D.C. nonprofit organization that has provided housing and support services for homeless LGBTQ youth since its founding in 2008, announced it has launched a campaign to raise $15,000 for a new culinary program to “equip our LGBTQ+ youth with cooking skills, kitchen gadgets, and a taste for joy,” according to its executive director, Cesar Toledo.
In a May 14 statement, Toledo said the Alston Foundation had been selected to receive food and shelter funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, “but due to the federal freeze, it’s unlikely those critical resources will reach us.”
He said the new program being launched is in partnership with the DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K organization, an LGBTQ runners group. The funds will be used to provide 20 Alston House residents “with air fryers, rice cookers, smoothie blenders, healthy food, and condiments,” Toledo said.
He said the campaign, which has been named Slay & Sauté, is offering donors a chance to win WorldPride concert tickets if they submit their donation before June 1. His announcement says among the concerts for which tickets could be won are Grace Jones and Janelle Monae, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Werq the World, MIXTAPE Pride, and Betty Who.
“Thanks to supporters across the District, we’re able to continue providing not just shelter but comfort and joy to LGBTQ+ youth!” Toledo said in his statement.
The Opening Reception for the 34th annual D.C. Black Pride was held at the Capital Hilton on Friday, May 23. Presenters, speakers and entertainers included Ts Madison, Monroe Alise, Billy the Goat, Kerri Colby, Apple Brown Betty, Heather Mahogani, Lyrical Mar, Lolita Leopard, Ink, and Bang Garçon. Anthony Oakes was the host.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
The 2025 Silver Pride Resource Fair and Tea Dance was held at the Eaton Hotel on Wednesday, May 21.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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