Arts & Entertainment
Caitlyn Jenner says she no longer supports Trump
‘I was wrong’
Caitlyn Jenner has changed her mind about President Donald Trump.In an op-ed written for the Washington Post, Jenner says she no longer believes Trump and his administration are looking out for the transgender community.
She admits that during her “highly publicized and glamorized early Caitlyn days, when my life as an out trans woman was just beginning,” she was naive and thought Trump “was the first Republican presidential candidate to claim to support this valuable, vulnerable community.” She thought he would “stand up for the LGBTQ community.”
She hoped to “leverage my privilege for change” and “shift the minds of those who most needed shifting” by advocating with the Trump administration.
“Sadly, I was wrong,” Jenner writes. “The reality is that the trans community is being relentlessly attacked by this president.”Trump “has shown no regard for an already marginalized and struggling community.”
She references the New York Times report of a leaked memo that would require the Department of Health and Human Services to define gender by a person’s biological sex at birth.
“I do not support Trump,” Jenner writes. “I must learn from my mistakes and move forward.”
She concluded that given her “unique position of privilege” she is open to continue to uplift the transgender community.
“I will still work with anyone who is committed to help our community,” she writes.
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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)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
