News
Pence responds to criticism from Pete Buttigieg, says he ‘knows better’
Pence touts having ‘fully implemented’ Obergefell decision
Following remarks in which 2020 hopeful Pete Buttigieg in defense of his same-sex marriage criticized Mike Pence, the vice president responded by saying the South Bend mayor “knows better,” ignoring his own longtime opposition to LGBT rights.
“I worked very closely with Mayor Pete when I was governor of the state of Indiana,” Pence said. “We had a great working relationship, and he said some things that are critical of my Christian faith and about me personally, and he knows better, he knows me.”
Pence made the remarks during an interview Wednesday with Joe Kernen on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” that was set to air Thursday morning.
The vice president suggested he thinks Buttigieg made the remarks to stand out amid the field of Democratic candidates vying for the 2020 presidential nomination.
“They got 19 people running for president on that side, and the party is sliding off to the left, and they’re all competing with one another for how much more liberal they can be,” Pence said. “I get that.”
Alluding to polls showing a supermajority of the American public now backs same-sex marriage, Kernen asked Pence whether he has evolved on LGBT rights.
“Look, the Supreme Court has made their decision,” Pence responded. “When I was governor of Indiana we fully implemented that decision into law.”
But Pence concluded with additional comments indicating his opposition to LGBT rights hasn’t changed.
“I have my Christian values,” Pence said. “My family and I have a view of marriage that’s informed by our faith, and we stand by that. That doesn’t mean that we’re critical of anyone else that has a different point of view.”
Drew Anderson, a spokesperson for the LGBT media watchdog GLAAD, said on Twitter Pence was lying about his remarks when he asserted he “fully implemented” the 2015 Obergefell decision in favor of same-sex marriage.
“Mike Pence claimed he helped implanted marriage equality in Indiana in 2015,” Anderson said. “Spoiler: It’s Because had had to.”
Anderson also pointed out Pence as Indiana governor backed a state constitutional amendment that sought to prohibit same-sex marriage in the Hoosier State. The measure ultimately failed in the state legislature.
Buttigieg invoked Pence during his speech before the LGBTQ Victory Fund brunch in D.C. on Sunday in a emotional speech in which the South Bend mayor talked about his personal struggle accepting being gay.
Reflecting on the Pence’s notorious anti-LGBT history, Buttigieg had a message with respect to his marriage for the Vice President, saying his marriage to his spouse, Chasten Buttigieg, has made him closer to God.
“I wish the Mike Pences of the world could understand, that if you have a problem with who I am, then your problem is not with me, your quarrel is with my Creator,” Buttigieg said.
The right-wing media had a field day with the remarks, asserting Buttigieg was unfairly criticizing the vice president.
Among those expressing indignation with Buttigieg was conservative commentator Ben Shapiro.
“You have not pushed back honestly against Pence’s policies,” Shapiro said on Twitter. “You have maligned his religious beliefs and character.”
The right-wing response ignores Pence’s long anti-LGBT history, which includes promoting as U.S. House member a Federal Marriage Amendment that would have banned same-sex marriage, signing as Indiana governor a “religious freedom” bill enabling anti-LGBT discrimination and defending as vice president his wife for teaching at a Christian school that refuses to admit LGBT student or employ LGBT teachers.
LGBT advocates have asserted Pence supports widely discredited “ex-gay” conversion therapy and engineered the transgender military ban, although spokespersons for Pence have denied that.
It should be noted that in 2015 when Buttigieg came out as gay, Pence as governor of Indiana had good things to say about the South Bend mayor.
“I hold Mayor Buttigieg in the highest personal regard,” Pence told WSBT-TV. “We have a great working relationship, and I see him as a dedicated public servant and a patriot.’
A Buttigieg campaign spokesperson referred the Washington Blade back to Buttigieg’s remarks and Pence’s anti-LGBT history in response to Pence’s remarks.
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Congratulations to Congresswoman Sarah McBride (D-Del.) on being honored with this year’s Stonewall Award from Whitman-Walker Health. Amy Nelson, senior director of Legal Services, said, “Congresswoman Sarah McBride is working to make healthcare accessible to all, and this award recognizes her support of healthcare as a human right. Our legal program supports families facing unprecedented challenges to stay healthy and safe – families that Congresswoman McBride champions with a deep understanding of the issues they face and the legislative expertise of how to support them.”
McBride, in a press release, said, “I am honored to accept this year’s Stonewall Award from Whitman-Walker Health — an organization that has spent 40 years doing vital work to ensure every person can access the dignity of care. In the wealthiest and most developed nation on earth, the ability to receive care should not be a matter of luck—it should be the law of the land. I am proud to be recognized as a partner in this work and to support Whitman-Walker Health in their mission to build a healthier society for all.”
Congratulations also to Wes Drummond who will join Clear Space Theatre Company in Rehoboth Beach, Del., as its third artistic director. Managing Director Joe Gfaller said, “This is an exciting moment of growth for Clear Space as we welcome Wes to join our remarkable team. I am confident he will be an excellent partner as we work with our entire staff, board, and committed team of volunteers, to ensure Clear Space can achieve its full potential in pursuit of our mission to unite and enrich our community through every production on stage, and every arts-based learning program we offer throughout our community.”
On accepting the position Drummond said, “I’m honored to join Clear Space Theatre Company as artistic director, and beyond excited for what we’re about to create together. Clear Space has established itself as a vital and vibrant part of the cultural life of coastal Delaware, and I feel incredibly fortunate to step into this next chapter alongside such a passionate and dedicated team. Rehoboth Beach is a place defined by creativity and community, and I look forward to listening, learning, and building meaningful relationships across the region in the months ahead. My vision is to help Clear Space continue to grow as a bold, forward-thinking, cultural force, that champions fearless storytelling.”
Drummond served in leadership roles at Duluth Playhouse in Duluth, Minn., from 2021 to 2026, including four years as executive director followed by one year as executive producing artistic director, guiding the organization through a period of significant transformation and stability in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a director, he has worked extensively in New York City, Chicago, and at regional theaters across the country, directing both musical theater and plays with a focus on storytelling that bridges classical works with contemporary perspectives. He has collaborated with leading figures in the industry, including Tony Award-winning director Matthew Warchus, and Tony-nominated director Michael Greif. He is an associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.
Wes earned his MFA in directing, Penn State University, where he studied under Tony-nominated director, Susan H. Schulman.
Virginia
Va. Supreme Court invalidates Democrat-backed redistricting plan
Voters narrowly approved new congressional districts last month
The Virginia Supreme Court on Friday struck down a Democrat-backed redistricting plan that voters approved last month.
Ten of 11 of Virginia’s congressional districts favor Democrats in the plan that passed by a 51-48 vote margin in last month’s referendum.
The Human Rights Campaign PAC is among the groups that support it. The court by a 4-3 majority invalidated the referendum results.
District of Columbia
Maren Morris to headline Capital Pride Concert
Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter came out as bisexual in 2024
Capital Pride Alliance, the group that organizes D.C.’s annual LGBTQ Pride events, announced on May 7 that nationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Maren Morris, who identifies as bisexual, will be the headline performer at this year’s Capital Pride Concert scheduled for June 21.
The concert takes place as part of the annual Capital Pride Festival held on Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., usually between 3rd Street near the U.S. Capitol and 9th Street.
“Morris, known for her genre-blending sound and outspoken support of LGBTQ+ rights, will be joined by a standout lineup, including acclaimed queer rapper Leikeli47, pop icon Lisa Lisa, Juno-nominated producer and DJ from the ‘Heated Rivalry’ soundtrack, Harrison, and ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18 winner Myki Meeks,” according to a statement released by Capital Pride.
“In a moment when LGBTQ+ people are being challenged across the country, the Capital Pride Concert is a space where our community is fully seen and heard,” Ryan Bos, the Capital Pride Alliance CEO and president, said in the statement. “Bringing Maren Morris to the stage reflects this year’s theme: Exist, Resist, Have the Audacity,” Bos said.
The statement notes that the concert takes place as part of the annual D.C. Pride Festival, which is open to the public free of charge, with tickets available for purchase for specific areas listed as the Capital Stage Pit Zone and the VIP Concert Zone.
It says the festival takes place from 12 –10 p.m. and points out that in addition to the music performed by multiple other performers on several stages, festival attendees “can explore hundreds of exhibitors, community organizations, and artisans, along with multiple food courts and beverage gardens throughout the festival footprint.”
Information on the Capital Pride Alliance website shows that the festival takes place one day after the annual Capital Pride Parade, scheduled for June 20 and which is expected to travel from 14th and T Streets, N.W., to Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., where it is expected to end at 9th Street.
The statement adds that following the stage performances during the June 21 festival, which are expected to conclude around 8 p.m., “the celebration will continue with the Capitol Sunset Dance Party, closing out the evening against the backdrop of the U.S. Capitol.”
The online publication Today, which is part of the NBC “Today” television show, reported that Morris came out as bisexual in a 2024 during Pride. It reports Morris “shared several images of herself holding a Pride flag to mark the occasion, writing, ‘Happy to be the B in LGBTQ+’”
Comings & Goings
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