Arts & Entertainment
Trump disagrees with Megan Rapinoe’s national anthem protest
The U.S. women’s soccer captain hasn’t participated in years
President Donald Trump doesn’t agree with Megan Rapinoe’s choice to protest during the national anthem at a soccer game.
The out co-captain of the National Women’s Soccer League has refused to protest in the national anthem for years. In 2016, Rapinoe knelt during the national anthem in solidarity with former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick who knelt as a form of protest against police brutality in the U.S. His protests received widespread criticism and debate.
Rapinoe’s protest led to the the U.S. Soccer Federation creating a rule requiring players to “stand respectfully” during the national anthem.
In a different form of protest, Rapinoe now stands silently with her hands behind her back instead of one hand over her heart.
“Using this blanketed patriotism as a defense against what the protest actually is was pretty cowardly. I think the NFL does it,” Rapinoe told Yahoo Sports about the new rule in May. “I felt like the statement from U.S. Soccer, and then the rule they made without ever talking to me, that was the same as what the NFL was doing – just to not have the conversation, to try to just stop me from doing what I’m doing instead of at least having a conversation, and trying to figure out a [solution] that makes sense for everyone.”
In an interview with the Hill, Trump was asked if Rapinoe should protest during the anthem.
“No, I don’t think so,” Trump replied.
However, he did offer support for the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League in the World Cup.
“I love watching women’s soccer,” Trump said. “They’re really talented.”
Rapinoe has slammed Trump in the past referring to him as “sexist,” “racist” and “not a good person.”
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.
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