Arts & Entertainment

Woman at Iowa caucus wants to change her vote after finding out Buttigieg is gay

Published

5 years ago

February 5, 2020

Pete Buttigieg did pretty well in Iowa this week. Though the final tally in Monday’s all-important caucus had yet to be determined at the time of this writing, the first openly gay presidential candidate in US history was holding on to a narrow lead that is, frankly, a historic victory in itself.

But a video shared by TMZ on Tuesday shows that at least one of the former South Bend, Indiana, mayor’s supporters might be jumping ship.

A caucus-goer spoke to Buttigieg precinct captain Nikki Heever on camera when she found out for the first time (!) that her favored candidate was married to another man after already casting her vote. The surprise was not a welcome one; the woman, who hails from the city of Cresco in Iowa’s Howard County, immediately asked Heever if she could change her vote.

After being told by Heever that “she’s not sure if they can do that,” the disgruntled citizen launches into a display of incredulous homophobia, saying “I don’t want anybody like that in the White House,” and that Buttigieg “had better read the Bible.”

The plucky Buttigieg staffer then attempts to talk the woman down, gently suggesting that a candidate’s sexuality shouldn’t matter if “you believe in what they are saying,” while stressing that everybody is entitled to their own beliefs. She does an impressive job of maintaining her pleasant composure, but she and a co-worker are clearly put at a loss for words when the woman asks them, “How come none of this has been brought out before?”

After that, the conversation shifts as Heever manages the situation, telling the woman that they she can go and ask a supervisor whether the ballot can be changed. She also manages, politely but firmly, to point out that she teaches her own son (who is standing right beside her with a bewildered look on his face) that “love is love, and we’re all human beings.”

There’s no report so far as to whether or not the bible-thumping bigot was allowed to change her vote; but either way, the video reveals the unpleasant truth that homophobia is alive and well in America – even in the Democratic Party.

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Arts & Entertainment

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

Published

17 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