Latest on twitter:
For all the DC newcomers in town for the National Equality March there is a fantastic article in our local paper, The Washington Blade, that offers a Crash course in DC’s Gay Scene
DC never falls short on nightlife offerings and National Equality March weekend has ramped it up to a whole new level! I’ve picked out a few events happening around town tonight to highlight so take a look!
-
For more information on the 14th Amendment Dance Party at Phase1
-
For more information on Catie Curtis LIVE w/Tom Goss at Miss Pixie’s
-
For more information on the Titan Dance Party at The EFN Lounge
-
For more information on Revive at The EFN Lounge
-
For more information on the Equality Dance Party @ Town feat. DJ Tracy Young at Town DanceBoutique
Jarrett T. Barrios Understands His Audience
After hearing Jarrett T. Barrios speak in person it is very evident why he is the President of GLAAD. Charismatic to say the least and easily utilizes pop culture references which the entire audience can identify with. To explain how effectatious GLAAD is Barrios referred to Fox Network’s “So You Think You Can Dance” when at one point judge Nigel Lythgoe expressed his dislike of a pair of male ballroom dancers who tried out for the show. Lythgoe said the following:
”This is the first time we’ve had two guys Samba for us…. Your styles were good, if I just stick with the dancing. I think you probably alienate a lot of our audience. We’ve always had the guys dance together on the show, but they’ve never really done it in each other’s arms before…. Thank you for coming and sharing a first with us…. I’d like to see you both dancing with a girl. You never know, you might enjoy that, too.”
”The same sex ballroom guys did remind me of ‘Blades of Glory.’ However, I’m not a fan of ‘Brokeback’ Ballroom…. I am very sad the word ‘homophobe’ is being used. That is someone who hates homosexuals. I dislike effeminate dancing! Wake up and listen! … I believe overtly effeminate dancing destroys the opportunity for many male dancers to be supported. Being gay doesn’t mean effeminate.”
”I wholeheartedly apologize for my Brokeback Ballroom Tweet. It was insensitive, ignorant and stupid. I have upset a number of dear friends.”
Lythgoe’a first comments aired on television, then he followed up the show with a series of Twitter comments for which he has finally apologized. This was in no small part to GLAAD taking suift action thus resulting in the apology.
Tonight’s short yet effective speech by Barrios easily rallied the audience, not only because it is such a recent example but one that so many of us witnessed first hand. While Barrios may be the youngest leader that GLAAD has had, it is obvious that will hold no bearing on his capability.
Understanding what GLAAD does for the GLBT Community
Washington DC-Tonight is the first of two GLAAD hosted fundraisers “Thank GLAAD it’s Friday”. The first of which occurring at The EFN Lounge and the second to be held at Nellie’s Sports Bar.
GLAAD is focused on “changing people’s hearts and minds through what they see in the media”. If you’re not familiar with their full mission statement, I highly recommed you read further into this essential organization.
