Arts & Entertainment
Elton John blasts Russia gay propaganda law
Gay singer made comments during Dec. 6 concert in Moscow
Singer Elton John on Dec. 6 criticized Russia’s LGBT rights record during a Moscow concert. (By David Crawshaw via Wikimedia Commons.)
“You took me to your hearts all these years ago and you’ve always welcomed me with warmth and open arms every time I’ve visited,” said John while on stage in the Russian capital. “You have always embraced me and you have never judged me. So I’m deeply saddened and shocked over the current legislation that is now in place against the LGBT community here in Russia.”
Members of the audience applauded John as he continued to speak out against Russia’s LGBT rights record that includes a broadly worded law that bans gay propaganda to minors. He dedicated the concert to Vladislav Tornovoi, a 23-year-old man whom authorities said two men tortured and killed near Volgograd in May after he came out to them.
“Some people have demanded that because of this legislation, I must not come here to Russia,” said John. “But many, many more people asked me to come and I listened to them. I love coming here.”
Lady Gaga and Madonna’s comments against St. Petersburg’s gay propaganda to minors ban during concerts in the city in 2012 prompted Russian authorities to investigate whether the singers did not secure the proper visas to enter the country. A St. Petersburg court dismissed a $10 million lawsuit against Madonna over her comments.
John’s concert took place in Moscow roughly a month after gay MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts co-hosted the Miss Universe 2013 pageant in the Russian capital.
Roberts criticized the gay propaganda law during a series of pre-pageant interviews with his network. Neither he, co-host Mel B nor pageant participants discussed the Kremlin’s LGBT rights record during the event’s broadcast.
German president to boycott Olympics
The Associated Press on Sunday reported German President Joachim Gauck will boycott the 2014 Winter Olympics that will take place in Sochi, Russia, in February because of the Kremlin’s human rights record.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Obama and retired tennis champion Martina Navratilova are among those who oppose a boycott of the Sochi games over the gay propaganda law and Russia’s ongoing LGBT rights crackdown.
Lesbian Russian journalist Masha Gessen on Dec. 5 discussed her support of a boycott of the Olympics while speaking on a panel at Human Rights First’s annual summit in D.C.
“[Russian President Vladimir] Putin should be a pariah at this point,” said Gessen. “He should be alone in that box at the Olympic games, which are his personal project.”
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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
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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)
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