Arts & Entertainment

Rosie O’Donnell says ‘everyone’ knew Whitney Houston’s sexuality

the star claims the late singer was in a relationship with assistant Robyn Crawford

Published

7 years ago

November 14, 2017

Mariah Cooper

(Rosie O’Donnell on ‘Watch What Happens Live.’ Screenshot via YouTube.)

Rosie O’Donnell got candid about Whitney Houston’s sexuality on “Watch What Happens Live” on Thursday claiming that “everyone” knew about the late singer’s sexuality and her romantic relationship with assistant Robyn Crawford.

When Andy Cohen asks O’Donnell what Houston and Crawford were like as a couple, she admits that she didn’t know them on a personal level but it was common knowledge they were a couple.

“I didn’t know them as a couple per se, but I knew that they were together,” O’Donnell says. “I’m friends with a lot of very athletic, older lesbian women who are in the WNBA. And that’s sort of the group, all of these basketball-playing women. So I knew that, and I knew it for a very long time.”

“Everyone sort of knew it,” O’Donnell adds. “So I thought it was very surprising when Clive Davis came out and said that he never discussed her being gay. I don’t believe that for a minute.”

In the documentary “Whitney: Can I Be Me?” friends and family insinuate Houston’s close relationship with Crawford was romantic.

Bobby Brown also revealed Houston was bisexual in his 2016 memoir “Every Little Step.”

“I really feel that if Robyn was accepted into Whitney’s life, Whitney would still be alive today,” Brown told Us Weekly. “She didn’t have close friends with her anymore.”

Watch below.

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Arts & Entertainment

Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns bigger than ever with two-day WorldPride celebration

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2025

Staff reports

The Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier will be extended to a two-day celebration in honor of WorldPride coming to D.C. this year. Taking place on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 at The Wharf, this year’s event promises more entertainment, more community, and more pride than ever before — all set against the stunning waterfront backdrop of our nation’s capital.

With the addition of Friday, the party kicks off at 3 p.m., with the inaugural WorldPride Boat Parade at 7 p.m. As an Official WorldPride Partner event, the boat parade will feature 30 decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. For information on signing up for the boat parade contact Stephen Rutgers at [email protected].

Saturday’s signature Pier Party kicks off at 12 p.m., featuring a drag show, DJ’s, streaming of the WorldPride Parade, and the iconic Fireworks Show Presented by the Leonard-Litz Foundation — one of D.C. Pride’s most anticipated spectacles.

“We’re expanding Washington Blade Pride on the Pier to reflect the excitement and momentum building for WorldPride in D.C.,” said Blade publisher Lynne Brown. “It’s a celebration of our community’s progress and a powerful reminder of the joy and visibility Pride brings to the heart of our city.”

Now in its seventh year, Washington Blade Pride on the Pier extends the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ visibility to the bustling Wharf waterfront with an exciting array of activities and entertainment for all ages. The District Pier will offer DJs, dancing, drag, and other entertainment. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

Pride on the Pier is free and open to the public, with VIP tickets available for exclusive pier access, hosted bars, and private viewing areas for the boat parade and the fireworks show. To purchase VIP tickets visit www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip.

Friday VIP: 5-9 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, cash bar and complimentary drink.

Saturday VIP Session #1: 2-5 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered food, and an open bar.

Saturday VIP Session #2: 6-9 p.m., enjoy the air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered snacks and dinner, and open bar with a front-row view of the fireworks.

Event Details:

📍 Location: District Pier at The Wharf (101 District Sq., S.W., Washington, D.C.)
📅 Dates: Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7, 2025
🛥️Boat Parade: 7 p.m. (June 6). 🎆 Fireworks Show: 9 p.m. (June 7)
🎟️ VIP Tickets: www.PrideOnThePierDC.com/VIP

Event sponsors include Absolut, Capital Pride, DC Fray, Infinate Legacy, Heineken, Leonard-Litz Foundation, Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, Relish Catering, Washingtonian, and The Wharf. More information regarding activities will be released at www.PrideOnThePierDC.com