Arts & Entertainment
Netflix won’t film series in North Carolina over anti-LGBT law
Production companies bypassed the state because of the bill in 2016
North Carolina won’t be the filming location for an upcoming Netflix series because of the state’s lingering House Bill 2, the bathroom bill that caused numerous production companies to forgo North Carolina in 2016
“OBX” is a coming of age story about four teens forced into isolation after a hurricane hits and knocks out communication. Netflix hasn’t officially announced the show but picked up a 10-episode season. The series was meant to film its fictional Outer Banks town in Wilmington, North Carolina, the hometown of series creator Jonas Pate.
However, Netflix decided not to film in North Carolina because of the anti-LGBT HB2. In particular, Netflix took issue with a clause in HB2’s replacement bill, HB 142, that prevents cities and municipalities from passing non-discrimination ordinances to protect the LGBT community.
The clause is in effect until Dec. 1, 2020 but the series was set to start production in the spring. Netflix would have spent $60 million in Wilmington for the show.
Netflix is now eyeing Charleston, South Carolina as a new filming location.
Pate told Star News Online that the clause is an economic hinderance to North Carolina.
“This tiny law is costing this town 70 good, clean, pension-paying jobs and also sending a message to those people who can bring these jobs and more
According to Pate, Netflix would reconsider filming in North Carolina if the bill expires sooner.
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.
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Andy Cohen coming to D.C.
Want to dance for a good cause?
Calendar: May 3-9
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