Arts & Entertainment

‘Fantastic Beasts 2’ director says the film makes it ‘clear’ Dumbledore is gay

Fans were disappointed the wizard’s sexuality wouldn’t be included

Published

7 years ago

October 4, 2018

Mariah Cooper

Jude Law as Dumbledore in ‘Fantastic Beasts 2’ (Screenshot via YouTube)

Some “Harry Potter” fans were outraged when director David Yates said Albus Dumbledore wouldn’t be “explicitly” gay in the upcoming “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.”

In the “Fantastic Beasts” sequel, a young Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) makes his debut. Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) will also be a big focus of the film. “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling has stated that Dumbledore is gay and had a romantic interest in his friend Grindelwald.

As the film would feature both characters together, some fans had hoped Dumbledore’s sexuality would be explored. At first, Yates explained that wouldn’t be the focus.

“Not explicitly,” Yates said at the time. “But I think all the fans are aware of that. He had a very intense relationship with Grindelwald when they were young men. They fell in love with each other’s ideas, and ideology and each other.”

In a new interview for Empire magazine, Yates says that Dumbledore’s sexuality will be known in the film.

“This part of this huge narrative that Jo is creating doesn’t focus on his sexuality, but we’re not airbrushing or hiding it… The story [of the romantic relationship] isn’t there in this particular movie, but it’s clear in what you see… that he is gay,” Yates says.

“A couple of scenes we shot are very sensual moments of him and the young Grindelwald,” he added.

“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” hits theaters on Nov. 16.

Related Topics:Albus Dumbledore David Yates Fantastic Beasts 2: The Crimes of Grindelwald Harry Potter Johnny Depp Jude Law

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Arts & Entertainment

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

Published

15 hours 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