Arts & Entertainment
Karamo Brown says D.C. High Heel Race ‘a model of what the world should be’
TV host and reality star will make a special appearance at the event
Television host and reality star Karamo Brown connected with the Washington Blade on Tuesday afternoon before his special appearance at the 36th annual 17th Street High Heel Race in D.C. at the invitation of Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs.
The city’s historic LGBTQ event, by providing a space where participants can feel safe and supported while also welcoming other diverse groups of people to join the fun, is “a model of what the world should be,” Brown said.
Best known for his eponymously named talk show, now in season two on NBC Universal and “Queer Eye,” the Netflix series that wrapped its seventh season in May, Brown became the second openly gay Black man to appear on a reality show when he was cast in MTV’s “The Real World: Philadelphia” in 2004.
Fans of his current television projects are likely aware he is also an author and activist who has worked on behalf of causes related to racial justice, LGBTQ rights, and HIV, with a background that includes training in psychotherapy and experience working in social services.
As intra and inter-party warfare in Washington has reached new heights in recent weeks, Brown advises that divisiveness comes when “you put comprehension over compassion,” adding, “you don’t have to understand me to respect me and have compassion for me as a human being.”
Likewise, he said, being curious about the feelings and experiences of others, and being open to exploring alternative points of view — however inscrutable they may seem, and however different they might be from our own — can also lead to better interpersonal interactions.
With respect “any adult who would choose to willfully hurt a child” by advancing anti-LGBTQ policies targeting young people, Brown said, “I would have to question, ‘what are their motives?’ ‘Why are they feeling this way?'”
We are responsible for ensuring that children are loved, supported, and protected — whether in the context of policy discussions over gun violence prevention, mental health, or matters concerning sexual orientation and gender identity, Brown said.
Asked whether he is interested in inviting any special guests from Washington to appear on “Karamo,” Brown said “let’s be real, there’s tons of politicians — I could bring them and their wives and their mistresses on my show, and they’d fit right on in.”
“I don’t need to call out any names,” he said.
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony
The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
A performance featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and local drag artists was held at the end of the first act of the program to celebrate WorldPride 2025.
The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
a&e features
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
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PHOTOS: D.C. Trans Pride
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