Arts & Entertainment
Shawn Mendes refuses to help bisexual fan come out to her parents
Social media divided on if the singer made the right decision
Shawn Mendes denied a fan’s request to help her come out to her parents as bisexual during a fan Q&A in Oakland, Calif. on July 14.
The fan tells Mendes that she is bisexual and hasn’t told many people. Mendes and the rest of the crowd cheer her on and the fan explains that her parents are very strict. She requests for Mendes to film a video telling her parents that she is bisexual.
“This is what I want to tell you. Your parents are your parents. They’re going to love you no matter what you say, no matter how you say it, no matter how you look when you say it, at any time of the day,” Mendes replies. “Nothing I say is going to mean anything that is even close to what you saying it means to them. Okay? You’re their world. I cannot possibly come close to the amount of joy and happiness that they’re going to feel when they find out that you’re telling them your truth and you’re honest.”
He added, “Don’t ask me to do that. I would if I thought that it was a better thing to do, but I know in my heart that it’s not. I know your parents are going to love you even more for being honest with them.”
.@ShawnMendes receives backlash after telling a fan that he won’t help her come out to her parents. pic.twitter.com/jChVmMCwxA
— Music News Facts (@musicnewsfact) July 19, 2019
Fans were divided on how they felt about Mendes’ response to the request. Some people felt it was his duty as a celebrity to be supportive of his fans while others didn’t think this type of request was in his job description.
it is. He’s a celebrity that people look up to and with that comes the responsibility to help the people that made you famous in the first place.
— Alessia del Perry B (@_katycaralana) July 19, 2019
I don’t remember celebrities being hired to assist their fans in their personal issues. If he doesn’t feel comfortable, then he doesn’t have to oblige, whether or not the fan looks up to him or not. His job is to make his fans happy with his music, his arts and crafts.
— andre || #1 art deco stan (@remforeverboy) July 19, 2019
Yeah but how is him recording a video to tell them would make her situation better?? Like if they are strict or conservative they were gonna accept her because Shawn Mendes told them to?? Lmao
— karina (@mskarinalemos) July 19, 2019
a&e features
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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Calendar: May 15-21
United Night Out set for Saturday
