Arts & Entertainment
George Takei slams Trump for Islamaphobic comments
The actor and activist speaks out against presidential candidate
(Screenshot courtesy of MSNBC)
George Takei spoke with MSNBC’s Thomas Roberts about Donald Trump’s comments proposing to ban muslims from the U.S.
Takei stated that he didn’t think Trump was learning from the U.S.’s history of incarcerating Japanese-Americans during World War II. Takei and his family were sent to a World War II Japanese- American internment camp in Arkansas. His personal experience has given him cause for alarm to Trump’s comments.
“Donald Trump is a perfect example of that failure,” Takei says. “It was because political leadership could not educate the hysteria that was sweeping across this country. ‘Get rid of the Japs’ was the most popular political issue of the time.”
The actor and activist continued on to riff on Trump’s slogan “Make America Great Again” for his Islamaphobic views.
“What Donald Trump is talking about is something that’s going to make his logo ‘America Disgraced Again.’ It’s all over again,” Takei says.
Takei also took issue with Roanoke Mayor David Bowers for choosing the word “sequester” to describe President Franklin Roosevelt’s administration’s internment of Japanese-Americans.
“We were imprisoned, incarcerated in barbed wire prison camps, concentration camps,” Takei says. “And we were American citizens.”
Takei currently is starring in the Broadway musical “Allegiance.” The play is inspired by Takei’s experiences during the Japanese-American internment of World War II.
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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)
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
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HIV Vaccine Awareness Day set for May 18
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Calendar: May 15-21
United Night Out set for Saturday
