Susan Powter still has no desire to get married or to be around men.The 1990s fitness personality know for her Stop the Insanity! weight loss infomercials is making her way back into the spotlight with a new documentary about her life, Stop the Insanity: Finding Susan Powter. Powter, now 67, told Entertainment Weekly upon its release that her last serious relationship was "years ago," and she's instead spending her golden years just having fun. "Now Im a huge lesbian," Powter said. "Total lesbian, great love affairs, many girlfriends, big fun. Best fun ever!"Powter married her first husband in 1982, with whom she had two sons in 1983 and 1984. The two divorced in 1988, and Powter married her husband a year later in 1989. They divorced in 1995, after which she adopted her third son, who was born in 1998. Powter came out around as a lesbian around the turn of the century, though she would later say she never made an effort to hide her sexual orientation. Now, Powter says she has "no interest in ever getting married again," adding "I never want to live with anyone [again]"Im a very isolated person. Im a hermit," Powter continued. "I dont date anymore, because thats annoying as crap. ... I like very large groups. I dont socialize, I dont have friend groups, I dont socialize with anyone. I see my children once in a while, theyre adult men."Though she was once worth an estimated $300 million, Powter filed for bankruptcy in 1995 after accumulating extensive legal fees in a series of lawsuits between her and her former business partners from the Susan Powter Corporation, Gerald Frankel and his brother Richard Frankel. Powter now lives in an apartment in Las Vegas, and delivers for Uber Eats. Though she has long been open about her sexuality, Powter was once hesitant to fully embrace the lesbian community. She told Curve magazine in 2004 that she didn't consider herself part of the scene because she wasn't political, saying that their fight for marriage equality was "absurd." "Everybody's surprised? What the fuck? I'm a gay woman, you know. Duh," Powter said. "It's the whole hip thing now, the whole Rosie thing. I don't do that. I was never in any closet. If anybody asked me directly, I would have told them .... The whole lesbian scene, the whole aligning myself with one particular group I don't because I don't participate in politics at all. I think this whole gay marriage thing is absurd. I think that women want to ask for the few crumbs that the state gives them. It's horrifying, when we worked so hard to get divorce. Marriage doesn't work.''

Bridgerton stans, wake up!Reg-Jean Page is leading another steamy rom-com slated to come out next April. In the trailer for his upcoming movie You, Me & Tuscany, the handsome actor shows off his sexy physique and his rock hard abs.Naturally, fans online went berserk of the heartthrob's chiseled body, so check out all of the highlights below. (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

The Dominican Republics Constitutional Court recently struck down provisions that criminalized consensual same-sex conduct by officers in the countrys National Police and Armed Forces.Codes of Justice for the two security forces previously punished same-sex sodomy by officers with up to two years in prison. No equivalent penalties existed for heterosexual sexual acts. Related Caribbean court strikes down ban on abominable crime of buggery The court ruled that those references to sodomy are not in accordance with the Constitution, and ordered their removal. The court emphasized that the criminalization of same-sex conduct in the security forces lacked a legitimate constitutional interest or aims to strengthen and improve institutional efficiency. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today No regulation issued by state authorities or private individuals may diminish or restrict in any way a persons rights based on their sexual orientation, an essential aspect of personal privacy and the free development of personality, the court said in a resounding affirmation of the personal rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people in the Dominican Republic.For decades, these provisions forced LGBT officers to live in fear of punishment simply for who they are, said Cristian Gonzlez Cabrera, a senior researcher with Human Rights Watch, which filed an amicus brief in the case last year. This ruling is a resounding affirmation that a more inclusive future is both possible and required under Dominican law., Cabrera added.The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) called the ruling, made public on Tuesday, a landmark victory for equality, ending a regime of state-sanctioned discrimination that violated the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender officers.This positive outcome represents the first case of general applicability advancing equality and dignity for LGBTI people in the Dominican Republic, said Anderson Javiel Dirocie De Len, one of the lawyers who brought the legal challenge against the policy. There is still a long way to go, but it sets a historic precedent in the fight against discrimination based on sexual orientation. The Dominican Republic lags behind other island nations in the Caribbean on the issue of LGBTQ+ rights. The country doesnt recognize same-sex unions, lacks discrimination protections, has outlawed adoption by gay couples, and doesnt recognize nonbinary citizens. There are, however, no LGBTQ+ censorship laws in the country, and gender-affirming care remains legal there.In the Caribbean region, five Anglophone countries Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago still have laws on the books that criminalize consensual same-sex conduct, a relic of British colonialism. Similar laws are widespread in Africa as well.President Luis Abinader and Congress should use the momentum of this landmark ruling to advance long-overdue protections for LGBT people, said HRCs Gonzlez. By moving forward with laws addressing discrimination and violence, the Dominican Republic can align itself with progress in Latin America and demonstrate a genuine commitment to equality and dignity for all.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

President Donald Trump called for the execution of six Democratic congressmembers who all previously served in the U.S. military or intelligence community after they released a video encouraging military members to refuse to commit illegal acts under Trumps direction. In response, Trump wrote on social media, SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH! He also republished someones post stating, HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !! Related U.S. ships groundbreaking HIV drug to Africa, but slashed funding threatens progress While Trump is correct that federal convictions for sedition and treason can carry death sentences, the congressmembers video doesnt qualify as a violation of federal sedition and treason laws. We want to speak directly to members of the Military and the Intelligence Community.The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution.Dont give up the ship. pic.twitter.com/N8lW0EpQ7r Sen. Elissa Slotkin (@SenatorSlotkin) November 18, 2025 Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today In response to Trumps social media posts, congressional Democrats demanded that Trump immediately delete the unhinged, disgusting and dangerous death threats against the Democrats and recant his violent rhetoric before he gets someone killed. Critics worry that a Trump supporter could take the presidents words literally and assassinate the Congress members with his approval.Later in the day, Trumps Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied that Trump had called for the Congress members deaths. Instead, she and Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) both said it was dangerous for Congress members to encourage active soldiers to defy the military chain of command, and that Trump wants accountability for the legislators video.However, considering that Trump has been authorizing extrajudicial killings of Caribbean fishermen, accusing them of drug smuggling without providing any proof of their alleged crimes, its highly doubtful hes too concerned about the legality of his military commands at all.In a CNN interview Thursday evening, U.S. Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) said, It just tells us everything that we need to know that reminding people to obey the law, reminding people to obey the Constitution, is somehow criminal in Trumpworld and should be responded to with death threats. Its very, very telling.Crow: "It just tells us everything that we need to know that reminding people to obey the law, reminding people to obey the Constitution, is somehow criminal in Trumpworld and should be responded to with death threats. It's very, very telling."[image or embed] Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) November 20, 2025 at 3:26 PMSubscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The U.S. just shipped two million doses of lenacapavir, a groundbreaking twice-a-year HIV-prevention injectable medication, to the African nations of Eswatini and Zambia, the U.S. State Department announced on Tuesday.But the future of HIV-prevention efforts in the continent remains in doubt since the current presidential administration halved funding for the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a 22-year-old HIV prevention program credited with saving 26 million lives since its inception. Related Trumps PEPFAR cuts are crippling LGBTQ+ rights & worsening the HIV crisis in Africa The lenacapavir shipment came through a partnership between the Department of State, Gilead Sciences (the developer of the drug), and the Global Fund to Fight HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.Lenacapavir is a twice-yearly injectable drug that stops HIV from replicating inside cells, thereby reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to other people by 96%. HIV advocates hope it will help reduce national transmission rates because the medication is easier to take than the many current once-a-day medications. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The medication aims to reach targeted populations in high-burden HIV countries, a phrase meaning the groups most at-risk for contracting HIV in countries with high rates of HIV infections and related deaths.The arrivals of the first doses of lenacapavir in Eswatini and Zambia mark an important milestone in HIV prevention and reflect our commitment to supporting communities with the greatest need. For the first time, a new HIV medicine is reaching communities in sub-Saharan Africa in the same year as its U.S. approval,said Daniel ODay, chairman and CEO of Gilead Sciences, referring to the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) June 18 approval of the drug. The State Department noted that lenacapavir has the potential to be particularly helpful for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, as it safely protects them during and after pregnancy to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission. But the State Departments press release about the drug shipment doesnt mention any other groups most at-risk for contracting the virus, which raises concerns.The current presidential administration has generally sought to defund all U.S. foreign aid as well as programs that acknowledge LGBTQ+ people in any way.A February memo from the State Departments Global Health Security and Diplomacy program stated that PEPFAR-funded PrEP would not be given to individuals other than pregnant and breastfeeding women who may be at high risk of HIV infection. This directive excluded HIV-prevention medication from being given to men who have sex with men; girls and young women between the ages of 15 and 24 who are not pregnant or breastfeeding; sex workers; people who inject drugs; and people who were previously on a PrEP regimen.Its unclear whether this prohibition has since been rescinded or whether it will also apply to the lenacapavir distribution. Furthermore, while Congress appropriated $7.1 billion for PEPFAR in the 2024 federal budget, the White House cut the programs 2025 funding to $4.85billion and plans on reducing PEPFARs 2026 funding to $2.9 billion. Though next years federal budget is still being negotiated in Congress, the president has demonstrated a willingness to illegally defund any programs he personally disapproves of, leaving the actual funding levels in complete uncertainty.This is particularly concerning, considering that lenacapavir is intended as a twice-a-year injectable medication. Even if Eswatini and Zambia receive the second doses of the drug in 2026, the closure of African HIV-prevention programs and clinics (due to PEPFARs slashed funding) and the exclusion of LGBTQ+ people from medication could worsen the continents epidemic regardless.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Fans of Ariana Grande have seen her through her best days making a name for herself in the music industry and successfully using the kids' television world as a springboard for her success. But they've also seen her through some of the darkest moments of her life the death of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller, who died of a drug overdose, and the Manchester bombing at one of her shows that killed 22 people and injured over a thousand. In the aftermath of the most traumatic moments in her life that's left her with PTSD, we saw her sob in front of the public while trying to keep a brave face on for her fans. That's why, when I was watching Grande in Wicked: For Good, there was a dull ache in my chest that sat there throughout the movie, and it flared up every time she cried.As a society, we need to have a better relationship with the word "parasocial," which is defined as a one-sided relationship with a public figure. It doesn't need to carry the negative connotation it often has, which leads many to automatically assume it means an unhealthy obsession. I'm not afraid to admit that I have parasocial relationships with my favorite celebrities Rihanna, Beyonc, and Grande, to name a few. That comes from respecting them as artists, taking pride in their success, and empathizing with them in their low moments. This also does not mean that they are not at fault, nor can I not recognize that and hold them accountable. Some fan groups have given the word "stan" a bad name (I'm looking at your Swifties and Barbz), and some of Grande's fans fit into this group too. Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande as Fiyero and Glinda in "Wicked: For Good"Giles Keyte/Universal PicturesIt's possible to hold a celebrity in regard and let it just be that, especially, in the case of Grande, someone you've known since they had their breakout moment on a show like Victorious. As she grew in popularity and started toying with the idea of solo music, Grande and her castmates would post videos on YouTube of them singing together, or she'd post solo covers. Or, she'd occasionally sing a song from Wicked with her best friend Liz Gilies. There are also videos of her singing "The Wizard and I" as a child, so it felt like a full-circle moment for her to be invited to the 15th-anniversary special to perform a cover of the same song, and then, a few years later, be cast as Glinda in the movie adaptation.When she and her costar, Cynthia Erivo, were cast in the roles, it was clear how much the opportunity meant to them. Through sobs, both of them vowed to do a good job and as Grande said, shed take good care of Glinda. After the first movie, it was clear that she did the work in making sure she understood the character inside and out. In the second movie, the lines between Grande and Glinda blurred. Ariana Grande as Glinda in "Wicked: For Good"Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures Glinda, for all her faults, is a complex character not too dissimilar to Grande having had a few faults in her career that shes had to manage in the public eye. Like her Wicked character, shes lost a love that she didnt have much of a chance in saving, and there were casualties that she couldnt have stopped. Those moments where shes overwhelmed with emotion brought me back to the moments of watching Grande do interviews in the aftermath of the Manchester bombing, where she is spiritually torn apart and so clearly trying to keep herself together.On top of that, she was subjected to accusations that she was milking Millers death for clout and those accusations clearly came from hollow-minded individuals with access to the internet. Nonetheless, I wouldnt wish half of what Ariana has gone through on my worst enemy. It doesnt matter what shes done or what people think shes done in the past couple of months shes a person whose gone through a number of traumatic events and this project is clearly giving her a space to heal. @buterhs blood, sweat and tears went into making this. i love u @arianagrande #arianagrande #fyp Ever since filming began back in 2023, it was clear how much this project meant to the entire cast and crew, but especially Grande, who wrote a lengthy Instagram caption about how special this production has been to her. I don't want it to end. so while i am still here, present, now, i just wanted to.exclaim my tremendous gratitution [sic] ! and allow my heart to overflow. i hope this isn't all a dream because as present as i am attempting to be, it sure does feel like one, her caption read. To be transforming and healing parts of me that i never knew needed it. or maybe did. She ended the post saying, My heart will be stuck here forever. See on Instagram Watching her in both Wicked movies made me want to be with her in Oz as long as she planned to stay there.Moises Mendez II is a staff writer at Out magazine. Follow him on Instagram @moisesfenty.Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit out.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on any of our stories. Email us at voices@equalpride.com. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists, and editors, and do not directly represent the views of Out or our parent company, equalpride.

Editor's note: This article contains mild spoilers for Wicked: For Good, which is now in theaters and also for both acts of the Wicked musical on Broadway.After spending months speculating over the new original songs that would be featured in Wicked: For Good one new song for Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo) and another new song for Glinda (played by Ariana Grande) Wicked fans are finally able to experience them within the overall context of the Wicked saga on the big screen.Stephen Schwartz, who wrote the lyrics and composed the score of Wicked on Broadway, was very involved in the film adaptation and wrote the two new songs himself. For Elphaba, that new song is "No Place Like Home," an immediate reference to an iconic line delivered by Dorothy Gale (played by Judy Garland) in the original 1939 musical film The Wizard of Oz. Glinda's new song is "The Girl in the Bubble," which metaphorically references her iconic mode of transportation in the movies.The overarching storyline of Wicked: For Good centers on Act Two of the original Broadway musical. However, the two new songs performed by Erivo (as Elphaba) and Grande (as Glinda) are fresh material even to longtime fans of the Oz world and the Wicked musical, thus serving as exciting equalizers for everyone in the audience to have certain experiences for the very first time with other audience members.Below, explore our comprehensive breakdown of these brand-new songs featured in Wicked: For Good, including the past they're referencing, and the present context in which they exist.What is Elphaba's new song 'No Place Like Home' about?The references that informed Elphaba's song "No Place Like Home."The entire premise of the 1939 musical film The Wizard of Oz centers on Dorothy Gale wanting to find her way back home after she is flown into the Land of Oz by a tornado. By the end of the original MGM movie, Glinda (played by Billie Burke) gives Dorothy (Garland) a few instructions to return home."Close your eyes, and tap your heels together three times," Burke's Glinda says in the classic film. "And think to yourself: 'There's no place like home.'" After hearing it a few times, Garland's Dorothy joins the Good Witch and starts repeating it, too.The context surrounding Elphaba's song "No Place Like Home.""No Place Like Home" turns out to be a very important song for a character like Elphaba, who doesn't get to express herself as much as she does in the first Wicked movie and Act One of the Broadway musical. Overall, the song shows viewers that the heroine is finding herself in the middle of a conundrum that is both literal and metaphorical.While Elphaba fights and advocates for the rights of animals and Animals, many of them have already given up on Oz and are in the middle of a mass exodus to whatever destination they can find beyond this Land. In that sense, "No Place Like Home" is a metaphor-turned-slogan that Elphaba creates to try to convince animals and Animals that it's worth sticking around and fighting the good fight for a Land that is also theirs.The more literal meaning of Elphaba's new song, "No Place Like Home," is much more brutal.Elphaba's father, Governor Thropp (played by Andy Nyman), has died. Elphaba's sister, Nessarose (played by Marissa Bode), is wildly drunk with power after assuming the role of Governor of Munchkinland from their father's passing.Elphaba's love interest, Fiyero, has become a cop in the Gale Force, which is actively hunting down the Wicked Witch to kill her. And even though Elphaba knows that Glinda is being a double agent as a figurehead to the government ruling over Oz, the roles they're playing inherently limit their time together as friends.In other words, as Elphaba tries to convince the animals and Animals that Oz is their home, she wonders Does she even have a home in Oz at all?Elphaba's 'No Place Like Home' lyrics in full.Read the full lyrics of Elphaba's new song "No Place Like Home" below.Why do I love this place / That's never loved me? / A place that seems to be devolving / And even wanting to?But Oz is more than just a place / It's a promise, an idea / And I want to help make it come trueWhy should a land have so much meaning / When dark times befall it? / It's only land, made of dirt, and rock, and loamIt's just a place that's familiar / And home's just what we call it / But there's no place like homeDon't we all know? / There's no place like homeWhen you feel you can't fight anymore / Just tell yourself / There's no place like homeWhen you feel it's not worth fighting for / Compel yourself / Because there's no place like homeWhen you want to leave / Discouraged and resigned / That's what they want you to doBut think how you'll grieve / For all you leave behind / Oz belongs to you tooThose who would take it from you / Spout a lie to tell yourself / You go their way or goIt's them who you'll be defeating / If we keep on repeating / There's no place like homeThere's no place like home / There's no place like homeIf we just keep fighting for it / We will win back and restore it / There's no place like homeWatch and listen: 'No Place Like Home' lyric video.The official lyric video for "No Place Like Home" from Wicked: For Good - The Soundtrack.What is Glinda's new song 'The Girl in the Bubble' about?The references that informed Glinda's song "The Girl in the Bubble."Glinda is depicted traveling in a bubble in all but two main pieces of media: L. Frank Baum's original 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and Gregory Maguire's hit 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.Otherwise, Glinda traveling across Oz in a bubble is present in all three of her live-action presentations: 1939's The Wizard of Oz film starring Billie Burke, Broadway's Wicked musical originated by Kristin Chenoweth, and 2024's Wicked movie starring Ariana Grande.Placing Glinda the Good inside a floating bubble in the 1939 musical film immediately framed the character as ethereal, graceful, and benevolent drawing a sharp contrast with the Wicked Witch of the West. The MGM movie was also very excited about using Technicolor, which is literally why The Wizard of Oz had a green Wicked Witch, a yellow brick road, and a pair of ruby slippers, all elements that were never in Baum's original novel.Chenoweth's Glinda descended onto Oz in a more mechanical bubble due to technical constraints of staging a Broadway musical. (Whether it was 1939 or 2025, one couldn't create a CGI bubble to surround Glinda on a live musical happening in front of a live audience.) But as Maguire's Wicked novel reintroduced Glinda as a self-obsessed young diva vying for superstardom, combined with the bless-your-heart southern charm brought in by Chenoweth's performance, the bubble became a symbol of Glinda's high-and-mighty, out-of-touch disposition, which was perfected by Grande in 2024's Wicked and 2025's Wicked: For Good.The context surrounding Glinda's song "The Girl in the Bubble."Grande put the "pop" in Glinda's "Popular" like no other performer had ever done before. Certainly borrowing from her experiences a real-life pop star, her studious approach to music and musical theater, and her true love of drag as an art form, Grande was just as high-and-mighty as Burke and Chenoweth in their respective performances, while also adding up a few layers clearly inspired by Maguire's Wicked novels.The Glindas originated by Burke and Chenoweth are so high-and-mighty that the concept of bursting their bubbles seems completely foreign. Grande's version, much like Glinda in Maguire's books, does come from a traditional family and does earn people's respect pretty easily. But whereas Burke's Glinda is too ethereal for earthly concerns and Chenoweth's Glinda is too distracted by literally any shiny object, the Wicked movies insist on showing viewers that Grande's Glinda is actively choosing to look the other way over and over and over again Blue Jasmine style.Just like in Cate Blanchett's Academy Award-winning performance as Jeanette Francis in Blue Jasmine, audiences see the deliberate look-the-other-way choices that Grande's Glinda makes in Wicked and Wicked: For Good. And even seeing how gigantic Glinda's metaphorical bubble has become, it's clearly still not big enough to insulate her from the issues plaguing Oz, how much she misses (and worries about) Elphaba, and how Fiyero simply won't be forced to love her or marry her, no matter the circumstances.After a lifetime of looking the other way for the sake of plausible deniability, Glinda realizes that floating inside a bubble up in the air literally and metaphorically can be quite nice. But it's also dizzying, and claustrophobic, and lonely. It is when she finally realizes that not making a choice is a choice And perhaps it's time to face the music.Glinda's 'The Girl in the Bubble' lyrics in full.Read the full lyrics of Glinda's new song "The Girl in the Bubble" below.Look, there's that / Beautiful girl / With a beautiful life / Such a beautiful life / Built on lies'Cause all that's required / To live in a dream / Is endlessly closing your eyesShe spins such beautiful stories / To sing her to sleep / Full of magic and glory and loveShe's the girl in the bubble / A bright, shiny bubble / Blissfully floating aboveAh, but the truth has a way / Of seeping on in / Beneath the surface and sheenAnd blind as you've tried to be / Eventually / It's hard to unsee what you've seenAnd so that beautiful girl / With a beautiful life / Has a question that haunts her somehowIf she comes down from the sky / Gives the real world a try / Who in the world is she now?And though so much of her wishes / That she could float on / And the beautiful lies never stopFor the girl in the bubble / The pink, shiny bubble / It's time for her bubble to popFor the popular girl / High in the bubbleIsn't it high time / For her bubble to popWatch and listen: 'The Girl in the Bubble' lyric video.The official lyric video for "The Girl in the Bubble" from Wicked: For Good - The Soundtrack.What songs are in Wicked?The first Wicked movie includes all of the songs from Act One of the Broadway musical, with a tracklist that goes as follows:"No One Mourns the Wicked""Dear Old Shiz""The Wizard and I""What Is This Feeling?""Something Bad""Dancing Through Life""Popular""I'm Not That Girl""One Short Day""A Sentimental Man""Defying Gravity"Wicked: The Soundtrack is available on all music streaming services. Physical copies and limited-edition versions of the album are also available for sale via Republic Records.What songs are in Wicked For Good?Wicked: For Good has all of the songs from Act Two of Wicked on Broadway, plus the aforementioned two original songs for Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba and Ariana Grande's Glinda. The tracklist goes as follows:"Every Day More Wicked""Thank Goodness / I Couldn't Be Happier""No Place Like Home""The Wicked Witch of the East""Wonderful""I'm Not That Girl" (Reprise)"As Long as You're Mine""No Good Deed""March of the Witch Hunters""The Girl in the Bubble""For Good"Wicked: For Good The Soundtrack is available on all music streaming services. Physical copies and limited-edition versions of the album are also available for sale via Republic Records.Elphaba songs in Wicked and Wicked For Good: A full list.Played by Cynthia Erivo, Elphaba's songs in Wicked are:"The Wizard and I""What Is This Feeling?""Something Bad""Popular""I'm Not That Girl""One Short Day""Defying Gravity"Elphaba's songs in Wicked: For Good are:"Every Day More Wicked""No Place Like Home""The Wicked Witch of the East""Wonderful""As Long as You're Mine""No Good Deed""For Good"Glinda songs in Wicked and Wicked For Good: A full list.Played by Ariana Grande, Glinda's songs in Wicked are:"No One Mourns the Wicked""Dear Old Shiz""What Is This Feeling?""Dancing Through Life""Popular""I'm Not That Girl""One Short Day""Defying Gravity"Glinda's songs in Wicked: For Good are:"Every Day More Wicked""Thank Goodness / I Couldn't Be Happier""Wonderful""I'm Not That Girl" (Reprise)"The Girl in the Bubble""For Good"Fiyero songs in Wicked and Wicked For Good: A full list.Played by Jonathan Bailey, Fiyero's songs in both Wicked and Wicked: For Good amount to one number per film, as listed below."Dancing Through Life""As Long As You're Mine"

Motivational fitness media personality Susan Powter known for her catchphrase Stop the insanity! called herself a total lesbian in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, though its not the first time she has come out.The now 67-year-old Australian-born influencer gained fame in the 1990s with her weight-loss story of growing to 260 pounds after a divorce from a cheating husband and eventually slimming down to 114 pounds through dieting and fitness. Through infomercials and TV appearances, she sold motivational audiotapes, fitness videos, low-fat recipes, plus-size exercise clothing, and her memoir, Stop the Insanity!, as well as six other books throughout her career. Related Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, protests Elon Musk with her Tesla car & a chainsaw Though she amassed a $300 million fortune, she went bankrupt in 1995 because of poor money management and business-related lawsuits, Advocate reported. She now lives in Las Vegas, delivering food through Uber Eats.Now Im a huge lesbian. Total lesbian, great love affairs, many girlfriends, big fun best fun ever!, she told Entertainment Weekly in an interview promoting her upcoming documentary, Stop the Insanity: Finding Susan Powter (produced by LGBTQ+ ally Jamie Lee Curtis, the mother of a trans child). Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today In the documentary, Powter is confronted by an episode of her 1994 talk show, The Susan Powter Show, entitled, How to Meet a Man. When her videographers ask if shed like to see it, she responds, Id never do a segment like that [now]. Id never talk about that. I dont care if you meet a man, and I dont think most women should meet a man.When asked about it by Entertainment Weekly, she responded, You want my opinion on it now? Lesbian, all the way! Though this is Powters first mainstream media re-appearance in some time, it doesnt mark the first time she has ever declared her lesbianism. She first came out as alesbian in a 2004 interview withCurvemagazine. Everybodys surprised? What the f**k? Im a gay woman, you know. Duh, she told the magazine. I was never in any closet. If anybody asked me directly, I would have told them. In the interview, she also called herself apolitical but said, I think this whole gay marriage thing is absurd, noting that women shouldnt settle for the few crumbs that the state gives them when we worked so hard to get divorce.Marriage doesnt work, she added.That same year as that 2004 interview, she datedAnimal Prufrock, a queercore musical duo known for their debut album,Whats That Smell, which included tracks such as Drag King Bar and P**sy Manifesto. Powter also dated comedianJessica Kirsonin 2008. As for romance now, Powter told the aforementioned publication that she has no interest in ever getting married again.I never want to live with anyone [again]. Im a very isolated person. Im a hermitI dont date anymore, because thats annoying as crap, she said. I like very large groups. I dont socialize, I dont have friend groups, I dont socialize with anyone.She said she spends time with her adult male children. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Queer pop chaos-agent Ashnikko is back with her second studio album, Smoochies, and this time, she's teaching fans how to survive an apocalypse.Smoochies is an ovaries-to-the-wall, full-throttle thrill ride through sexy hookups, wild nights out, and reflective nights in. In her most personal album to date, the pansexual singer explores her life post-breakup, navigating a world that wants women to shrink themselves and fit into boxes. Ashnikko is having none of that."I think now more than ever, it's so important to deeply root yourself in your beliefs and to build community and advocate for other people. And I think now more than ever, it's important to share stories," she says. "And I think storytelling and making music and making art is the great vessel of social change and has been since forever."As a pansexual woman, she knows all too well how difficult it is to feel powerful and proud in America right now. Ashnikko's personal life also went through an upheaval, with her years-long relationship to fellow singer Arlo Parks coming to an end. But with Smoochies, she's being her boldest and brashest self, and she's healing. AshnikkoVasso VuSongs like "Skin Cleared" and "Itty Bitty" serve as sigils of strength and growth post-breakup. And there's plenty of power there."I think that the itty bitty skirt is my fuck-me outfit, but I also think one's fuck-me outfit is really important for healing," she says of the slutty empowering anthem "Itty Bitty." "I think that conflating fashion and beauty with something shallow and vacuous is very, very misguided. And I think within that there's also misogyny.""Dressing for the day you want to have, dressing for the beauty that you see in the world, dressing for the beauty you see in yourself, dressing for how you want to feel, I think is really important and something that can be ritualistic and quite beautiful," she adds. "It's so beautiful that humans like beautiful things that we like adorning our bodies with jewelry, belts, and scarves. I think that's so pure if you actually really think about it. And I think us adorning ourselves with beautiful things is worship and it is protection. And I think of my jewelry and my little bottle caps and little things that I pin into my hair. I think of them as little talismans, little protectors on my body, protecting my inner child, protecting my whimsy and my awe."The 29-year-old singer is finding strength and joy wherever she can, including in the beautiful things she sees every day and in the hilarity of sex, which she explores in detail in songs like "Liquid," "Microplastics," "Full Frontal," and "Wet Like."Ashnikko says she believes "at the heart of eroticism is play," and she loves games."I mean, I think objectively [sex] is funny. I think human bodies are funny. I think eroticism is it makes me laugh, it makes me squeal!" she says. "I feel like it's all within the same universe of heightened feeling of gleefulness." AshnikkoVasso VuIn all the songs, whether silly, sexy, both, or neither, Ashnikko finds her power by centering herself above all."I guess I don't really think about other people when I'm writing my lyrics," she says. "I think thinking about the audience is kind of... You're setting yourself up for failure when you're thinking about the audience as you're making music." "I think first and foremost, it's about me and my experiences, and then being able to relate that to other people's experiences is an incredible thing that happens after the fact and into something that I'm so grateful, I'm so grateful for," she adds. "But yeah, at the forefront of my music-making is just being able to tell my own stories."She hopes that fans who might be struggling in their own lives to find joy and power can start seeing it in the world around them."I think that people should go on more walks and just journal beautiful things that they see every day. Write gratitude lists, pick up things that they find on the street, pretend that you're a little crow looking at shiny objects," she encourages. "I think that there are little altars that you can build for yourself privately. There are little talismans you can put in your car, in the bottom of your purse, secret private places that no one else has to see that are just for you. Because I think beauty that's just for you is also amazing."Next year, she's heading out on a wide-spanning North American tour, which she says will be like "a musical and a concert gig had a love child," and she's working with some "amazing collaborators" to get remixes done for a deluxe edition of Smoochies.She's excited to see how people dress for the tour and is most excited about "the community aspect" of her shows."I just think it goes back to ritual," she says. "Music is ritual, and it's important to be joyful in this fascist hellscape."Smoochies is out now.

This holiday season, the world is more divided than ever. When families gather this Thanksgiving and Christmas, they might feel like they don't have anything they can talk about that won't lead to a fight or someone walking out.In order to help you bond with family that may come from different places and have different world views and interests, Out has collected this group of queer inclusive movies that anyone can love. Moms, dads, straight cousins, grandparents, and kids will all find something for them here!Looking for a romance, comedy, animated film, musical, or drama? Look no further. Here are 15 queer films that any family would love.'Nimona'This family-friendly animated film, based on a graphic novel by ND Stevenson, follows a queer shapeshifter (Chlo Grace Moretz) who teams up with a falsely accused knight to save their kingdom. Riz Ahmed voices Ballister Boldheart, who must go on the run from the all-powerful Institution (and his boyfriend, Ambrosius Goldenloin, voiced by Eugene Lee Yang). They learn powerful lessons about loving oneself, allowing others to help, and fighting against fascism.Streaming on Netflix.'A Nice Indian Boy'This heartwarming 2025 rom-com stars Karan Soni as Naveen, an Indian-American doctor who brings his white fianc, Jay (Jonathan Groff), to meet his traditional family.Streaming on Hulu.'Love, Simon'Greg Berlanti directs this classic coming-of-age film about a closeted teen named Simon (Nick Robinson) who is struggling to balance his life after a blackmailer threatens to out him to the entire school. The film also stars Josh Duhamel, Jennifer Garner, Katherine Langford, Alexandra Shipp, and Keiynan Lonsdale.Streaming on Prime Video.'Anything's Possible'Billy Porter's directorial debut follows a trans teen, Kelsa (Eva Reign), as she navigates her first love with her classmate Khal (Abubakr Ali) while dealing with self-doubt, bullying, and her relationship with her mother (Renee Elise Goldsberry).Streaming on Prime Video.'Strange World'Disney's 2022 animated family adventure, Strange World, follows three generations of a family of legendary explorers who must team up to survive a trip to a mysterious underground world. Jaboukie Young-White plays Ethan, the youngest member of the adventuring Clade family, who was touted as Disney's first out gay main character in an animated film.Streaming on Disney+.'Pride'Families will love this film about a group of British LGBTQ+ activists who joined in solidarity with striking miners in 1980s Wales. It's a heartwarming story of community as two very different groups come together to help each other through thick and thin. Starring Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West, Paddy Considine, Andrew Scott, and George MacKay.Streaming on Prime Video.'Happiest Season'This Christmas rom-com stars Mackenzie Davis as Harper and Kristen Stewart as Abby, a couple who must pretend to be friends when they go to Harper's conservative parents' house for the holidays. It also stars Aubrey Plaza, Mary Holland, Alison Brie, Dan Levy, Mary Steenburgen, and Victor Garber.Streaming on Hulu.'The Birdcage'Robin Williams and Nathan Lane star as a longtime couple in this hilarious farce about their son getting married to the daughter of a conservative politician (Gene Hackman). Williams and Lane are perfect as an over-the-top gay couple who must pretend to be straight for their son's sake.Streaming on Prime Video.'The Devil Wears Prada'This classic 2006 comedy stars Anne Hathaway as aspiring journalist Andy Sachs, who gets a job at a high-end fashion magazine run by the tyrannical Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). Also starring Stanley Tucci, Simon Baker, and Emily Blunt, this movie has something for everyone.Streaming on Hulu.'The Half of It'Alice Wu's high school romance film The Half of It is about a shy queer teen girl named Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) who befriends a jock classmate and helps him write love letters to the girl they both have a crush on.Streaming on Netflix.'To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar'Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo star as three drag queens on a cross-country road trip who run into some car trouble and a homophobic cop in a small town in Nebraska. The town's inhabitants are a little wary at first, but soon adopt the three queens as community members, and they all help each other grow.Streaming on Prime Video.'The Prom'Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Keegan-Michael Key, Andrew Rannells, James Corden, Kerry Washington, Jo Ellen Pellman, and Ariana DeBose star in this musical about two girls who want to go to a high school prom and the Broadway stars who come to their small town to help.Streaming on Netflix.'In & Out'Kevin Kline stars in this 1997 comedy about an English teacher whose former student thanks him for being a gay role model when he wins an Oscar. The only problem is, he's not gay. Or at least that's what he tells himself. Also starring Tom Selleck and Joan Cusack.Streaming on Prime Video.'Wicked'The magical musical event of 2024 was this adaptation of the "true story" of the Wicked Witch of the West and her former best friend, Glinda. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star alongside Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Ethan Slater.Streaming on Prime Video.

Out Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg accused Fox News host Lawrence Jones of cherrypicking data to say that Democrats are not doing enough to protect Black people from violent crime. Buttigieg then flattened the claim with a seven-word response that turned the tables on Jones and his Republican talking point.During the contentious interview, which occurred the morning after the first night of the Democratic National Convention, Jones said, So lets talk about the record of the Biden-Harris administration. When you look at crime, violent crime across 66 major cities is up almost 10% at 9.6%. Is that a record that you can run on? Related Out gay Congress members, AOC, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton speak at Democratic convention Buttigieg replied, I often wonder, you know, whether viewers of this network are aware that violent crime went up under Donald Trump. I think that deserves more coverage so we can ask ourselves why, and some of that has to do with policy. Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Those seven wordsviolent crime went up under Donald Trumpdeserve some unpacking.While violent crimes defined by the FBI as homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault dropped for the first three years of Trumps presidency. However, in 2020, the violent crime rate spiked to 385.2 per 100,000 people higher than any previous year under Trump largely due to social and economic unrest during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, WRAL reported.As for Bidens record, while voters have increasingly expressed concern about violent crime since 2021, a May 2024report from the journalism research organization The Poynter Institute found that violent crime is near a record 50-year low, writing, The FBIs violent crime rate for 2022, the last year officially available, was 370 per 100,000 population. Since 1972, only two years have had a lower violent crime rate: 2014 and 2019. Buttigieg continued, Some of [the rise in crime under Trump] has to do with the message we send when you have Donald Trump, an unrepentant convicted criminal, running against a prosecutor like Kamala Harris, we have an opportunity to send a message about whether were serious on law and order in this country, or whether its a talking point, whether its just something people try to use as a political theme for partisan gain. Jones, who is Black, responded that he himself has reported on crime often and isnt using it for partisan gain, adding, The people who are being killed in places all over the country, they look like me they dont look like you and theyre upset with the Democratic Party not taking it seriously. [Democrats] sent the calvary in for you guys [during the convention], for your protection, but the people of Chicago dont see that on a day-to-day basis. What are you guys going to do to stop the bloodshed in our community?Buttigieg said that, during his time as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, The toughest part of the job was dealing with gun violence, and the most heartbreaking part of the job was comforting, or trying to comfort, mothers who just wanted their child back. The big question, I think, for politics, for policy, for media, is who is going to help them versus who is going to use them? The question is, what are you going to actually do when you come into office to actually confront gun violence?Buttigieg then said that 90% of Americans, including more than 80% of Republicans, agree with doing universal background checks, But Donald Trump says no, Buttigieg said. The Republican Party says no.Jones interjected, There were over 20 people shot last week, five people shot over the weekend.Buttigeig said, Then why would we elect leaders who wont do anything about gun violence? Jones said, Its the Democrats that run the city. Name the Republicans in charge. Tell me: one Republican in charge of Chicago, name them.Listen to me, Buttigieg said, because not only did we have those levels of crime under Democratic and Republican leaders, right? But if you want to try to cherry pick this for partisan purposes, you want to play that game? Lets talk.Jones said he wasnt asking for partisan purposes, adding, I told you, Mr. Mayor, [the victims] look like me, not you.Buttigieg continued, So is the case in Boston, where there is a much lower murder rate and also a Democratic mayor. We can talk about how the murder rate in Mississippi is double what it is in Illinois. Now I can go around saying that the murder rate in Mississippi is double what it is in Illinois, because Mississippi has a Republican governor and Illinois has a Democratic governor. But you and I both know it just doesnt work. that way. JONES: Over 20 people shot last weekBUTTIGIEG: Then why would we elect leaders who won't do anything about gun violence?J: Name one R in charge in ChicagoB: Want to play that game? We could talk about the murder rate in Mississippi being double what it is in Illinois pic.twitter.com/Xo7Tt4EXTm Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 20, 2024Elsewhere in the interview, Jones asked about President Joe Bidens mental fitness to continue serving as president. He asked Buttigieg when Democrats realized that Biden was unfit to run for re-election. Biden dropped out on July 21, following his lackluster June 27 debate performance against Trump.Jones noted The New York Times reports alleging that the 81-year-old presidents Cabinet meetings are scripted with pre-determined questions and bullet-point responses to accommodate him and that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) reportedly had to take over the 2023 debt ceiling negotiations with congressional Republicans. Jones also noted an Axios report claiming that Biden is only available for work between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each weekday.Thats funny, Buttigieg replied. Sometimes I feel like conservative media and the Republican Party still think theyre running against Joe Biden. I think, in any job, but especially the presidency, you want to be judged by your results people want to nitpick the show flow of a Cabinet meeting.We have had a country that, when he inherited it, was in a condition where you couldnt even approach the Capitol because of the violent assaults on the Capitol by Trump supporters, Buttigieg added, referencing the January 6, 2021 riots. He then mentioned Bidens accomplishments in restoring the countrys economy and infrastructure.I just want to know, when did you guys know that the president was unfit to be on the ticket? Jones asked.Buttigieg began replying, The president is not unfit to beJones asked, So why is he not the nominee right now? Buttigieg replied, Because he did something that Donald Trump cannot comprehend. He put his ego aside.When Jones restated his initial questions about the news reports on Bidens work, Buttigieg replied, Thats the point. You can go over whether [Biden] slips up and says one name when he wants to say another name, or you can look at what hes actually accomplished as president. It turns out hes really good at being president of the United States.

A photograph recently surfaced of transgender Republican millionaire Caitlyn Jenner standing next to transphobic white nationalist billionaire Elon Musk and transphobic president Donald Trump.The photo was recently posted by the right-wing watchdog social media account @PatriotTakes on X. The account commented, Funny how trans people magically become ok when they are at [Trumps Florida resort] Mar-a-Lago. Related Caitlyn Jenner refuses to say Donald Trump lost the election & dodges question on trans rights Trumps hosting of the transgender woman at his resort is notable considering his many executive orders looking to eradicate trans identity from all aspects of public life.Trump has signed numerous executive orders directing the federal government to deny all legal recognition of trans gender identity, ordering schools to end their trans-inclusive student policies, and vilifying trans people as child sexual mutilators and who are mentally ill, selfish, dishonorable, deceitful, and undisciplined. Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today From left to right: Donald Trump, Trumps granddaughter, Caitlyn Jenner, and Elon Musk | PatriotTakes screenshot via XLast December, Jenner implied that she uses the womens bathroom at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort, revealing the hypocrisy behind the MAGA partys attitude toward trans people. At the time, Jenner responded to a post on X questioning if Caitlyn, Elon and Donald all used the bathroom together, considering the GOPs obsession with banning trans women from using womens bathrooms. Jenner herself replied to the post, plainly stating, We do not.Musk has deliberately misgendered his own transgender daughter, claiming she is dead and was killed by the woke mind virus. Musks now ex-wife, musician Grimes, left him to start dating military whistleblower and trans activist Chelsea Manning. Musk regularly spouts transphobia on his social media site X. Caitlyn Jenner, who came out as transgender in 2015, is an American media personality and former Olympic gold medalist who nonetheless opposes allowing trans athletes to partake in competitive sports.Though she claimed to vote for Trump in the 2016 presidential election,that may have been a lie. In October 2018, she withdrew her support of Trump saying he relentlessly attacked the trans community by rolling back protections for trans students and banning trans people from the U.S. military.I have gotten more flak for being a conservative Republican than I have for being trans, the transgender millionaire said. In 2021, she said,Obviously I would support Trumps2024 presidential campaign. Ina May 1 Instagram post, Jenner endorsed Trump, writing,We had world peace, unity, and law and order under President Trump!Jenner believes that trans female athletes should be banned from girls and womens sports, even though she is herself a trans female athlete.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Editor's note: This article does not include spoilers beyond the widely reported cameos of Dorothy Gale as a faceless character in 2025's Wicked: For Good, which is now in theaters.It's official! The world now knows the name and professional details of the actress who played a faceless version of Dorothy Gale in a few scenes of the first Wicked movie and subsequently expanded her onscreen appearances in Wicked: For Good... though she did, indeed, remain faceless.Fans who stuck around and carefully read every line in the Wicked: For Good after credits clocked the name of a real actress no Tilly Norwood in our Wicked fantasy, no ma'am! named Bethany Weaver. See on Instagram Weaver, an up-and-coming actress with more experience on-stage than on-screen, had to meet the impossibly-high bar of living up to Judy Garland's performance of a lifetime as Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas, who became a global superstar after starring in the 1939 classic MGM musical film The Wizard of Oz.Within just a few hours since social media posts like the one attached above highlighted Weaver's name, The Sun broke the story with images and a few details, which was then picked up by outlets like IGN, Broadway World, Parade, Metro UK, and Us Weekly, Just Jarred, and E! News, to name a few.You know you're that witch when you cause all this conversation.Who was Dorothy in the Wicked movies? See on Instagram Up-and-coming actress and dancer Bethany Weaver played Dorothy Gale in 2024's Wicked and its sequel, 2025's Wicked: For Good. Thanks to press releases from her talent management company and social media posts, we now know a few details about Weaver's career, life, and approach to disclosing to the world that there's a new Dorothy Gale on the big screen now.Bethany Weaver is a British actress based in the Greater London area Surrey, England, more specifically who's been featured in the ensemble of a few onstage musicals, worked as choreographer in various productions, and has now made her big-screen debut as the iconic Dorothy Gale.Did Bethany Weaver confirm that she played Dorthy Gale in Wicked and Wicked For Good? Bethany Weaver via Instagram Story.Instagram (@bethanyweavesx)Bethany Weaver has shared quite few social media posts reacting to her casting.The faceless star of Wicked: For Good also noted how much more engagement her Instagram profile has gotten since news broke about her playing Dorothy. Bethany Weaver via Instagram Story.Instagram (@bethanyweavesx) In a screenshot shared via Instagram Story, Weaver noted that her profile had reached 1.2 million views as of Thursday, November 20."Wow... Thank you so much for all of your kind messages and love!" Weaver wrote on the post. "Lots of love, Your friend Dorothy [rainbow emoji]."Watch a video of Bethany Weaver singing 'The Wizard and I' an Elphaba anthem. See on Instagram In a seemingly casual post from March 2022, Bethany Weaver shared an Instagram Reel of herself singing "The Wizard and I" one of Elphaba's standout musical numbers in the Wicked musical on Broadway and in the two-part cinematic adaptation. Originated by Idina Menzel on Broadway and given a new life by Cynthia Erivo in the first Wicked film, "The Wizard and I" is an unforgettable scene within this greater musical.Ironically and perhaps on purpose Weaver also doesn't show her face in that Instagram video, which makes this whole thing even funnier.What is Bethany Weaver known for? See on Instagram Prior to her faceless stints as Dorothy Gale in the live-action Wicked movies, Bethany Weaver was best known for starring in U.K. musical productions such as 2017's Oklahoma! The Musical and 2022's Rumi the Musical.This year, Weaver has also been attached to work as an assistant choreographer for a 2025 stage production of the Charlie and The Chocolate Factory musical. The aforementioned credits are all detailed on Weaver's official Spotlight profile of acting credits.Additional details about Bethany Weaver as an actress. See on Instagram An official release shared by her reps, KMC Talent Management, note that Weaver is an Alto. E1 C2 (belt to G1). She can play characters anywhere between age 17 and 25, earned a degree in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre, and is also a "Qualified First Aider," swimmer, and Pilates Instructor.Weaver's Instagram page also makes it clear that she has just turned 30 years old and starring in Wicked is quite a moment to enter this 3.0 era. See on Instagram Weaver wrote in a post celebrating her 30th birthday earlier this month, writing:"Feeling very grateful and extremely loved. [purple heart emoji] Here's to a continuously exciting life."Wicked: For Good is now playing in theaters. See on Instagram

This week in the U.K., gay member of Parliament Josh Newbury spoke in the House of Commons during the International Mens Day debate. To highlight and challenge the stigma victims of sexual assault face including male victims he bravely revealed his story of being raped ten years previously on a night out.International Mens Day should be an opportunity to smash through stigma, Newbury said. One that I believe still persists amongst men is being the victim of sexual harassment or assault. Breaking the silence can mean those of us in privileged positions telling our stories. So heres mine. Related Trans people banned from single-sex spaces based on their appearances in leaked UK guidance Newbury explained that he was on a night out in an unfamiliar city ten years ago and had intended to drink only in moderation to ensure he could safely get back to the hotel he was sharing with his friends. However, he unexpectedly blacked out and had no memory of the night, and subsequent messages from the man he shared a room with made it clear that sexual activities had taken place that he could not have been in a position to consent to.he said that the other man texted him for days. Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today What followed in the days after was constant text messages from this man, initially just asking if I was OK, but then repeatedly asking what I remembered and commenting that I was a great shag.'Now that made me freeze, because I had no recollection of getting back to the hotel, let alone anything else, and hed repeatedly told me how out of it Id been, so how could I have ever consented? It took me a few weeks to piece together my memories, the blanks, the text messages, this mans insistent tone. Obviously, I cut myself off from contact but it took me a long time to admit, even to myself, that I was a victim of rape.Newbury said that he never reported it because of a lack of physical evidence and that he still feels guilt about that.I found myself processing all of this with thoughts like, I count myself lucky that I was unconscious when it happened But I want to say clearly today, that no victim should ever feel that they have to put themselves in a hierarchy or feel any shame.It is the people who do this to another person who should feel shame, and I hope that we can foster an atmosphere where men have the courage to speak out about this, and seek justice, even if it is a hard road. WATCH: Labour MP Josh Newbury reveals during a debate on International Men's Day that he was raped 10 years ago after being spiked pic.twitter.com/szEGU59J89 Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) November 20, 2025Josh Newbury is the Labour Party MP for Cannock Chase, a role he was elected to in July 2024. Prior to entering politics he worked in the energy industry and in the healthcare sector, including a communications role with a mental health trust in the National Health Service.Newbury called himself a proud gay man when he was endorsed by the Chris Smith List, which supports the election of LGBT+ Labour candidates. He lives in Norton Canes, inside his constituency, with his husband and two children.International Mens Day was established in 1999 and first officially observed in the U.K. in 2010. Each year, the House of Commons normally debate topics related to issues affecting men, which have included the high male suicide rate, the shorter life expectancy of men, and the challenges faced by marginalized men and boys in society. While it can sometimes be viewed in a similar light to heterosexual or cis pride, Newburys speech is a good example of some real stigma, much like mental health, that men face and are often not supported in.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Stories of anti-trans vitriol dominate the media, which makes it easy to forget just how many folks out there give endless love and support to the trans people in their lives.Every day, hundreds of thousands of parents across the country fight with all their might to provide their trans kids with love, hope, and a community of support. They fight to shield their kids from pain and to make them feel proud of who they are. Related Grief mixed with sunshine: A trans kid & her family fled the U.S. to find hope & home in Uruguay TheNovember IssueofLGBTQ Nationcelebrates the incredible parents uplifting their trans children at one of the most challenging times in history for the community. It highlights the passionate, furious, and exhausting behind-the-scenes work these unsung heroes do to give their kids the lives they deserve.LGBTQ Nationasked these parents a simple question:What do you wish the world knew or understood about your trans child?We received dozens of responses, and are publishing some of our favoritesevery Friday this month (you can alsostill submit). Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today In every single message, one thing became clear: These parents want nothing more than for the world to see the humanity in their kids, to see past thepronounsand body parts and understand that they are so much more than their genders.Here is what 10 of these parents, who we have allowed to remain anonymous, had to say. Hes destined to make a difference Jack has always been the same human we met the day he was born. Calling him our son hasnt changed anything about who he is. But the day we started referring to him as our son Jack, the entire world opened up for him. Hes just like any other 5 year old. He loves going to school and learning about science. He loves to sing, dance and play music.We see the unique perspective that he brings to our lives and will continue to gift to the world. We hope for a future that gives him the chance to be whoever he chooses to be. Hes destined to make a difference.Theyre planning to study marine biologyMy child has so much to offer this worldjust like yours. Theyve been accepted to a university to study marine biology, pursuing their dreams with passion. Like anyone, they simply want to be accepted and loved. Theyre also one of the most caring and generous friends anyone could ask for. We are so blessed to have him in our lives. They live & love out loudMy trans children show more bravery every day than most people will need to display in their entire lives. They show up with kindness, openness and light in a world that wants to crush their spirit. They live and love out loud and simply ask to be acknowledged for who they are and not who society says they should be. I am proud to be their Mama and proud that they are changing the world. | Shutterstock She is so proud of being trans She just wants to be a kid. She wants people to see her self, not just her identity. She is so proud of being trans, but she is also creative, emotionally intelligent beyond her years, and funny as hell. The people around us either dont know or forget that she is trans, because there is so, so much more to her. He is a gift from God About 1 year after my son let me know he was transgender, I (white, cis-gender, straight, female) attended an event for Indigenous Peoples Day. After the event, I was speaking to a Tribal Elder and asked about the concept of Two-Spirit. During the conversation she looked at me and said, Transgender people are a gift to our world. And I started crying. No one had ever told me that transgender was a gift- that my transgender child was a gift. That moment changed me. It made me realize that, while I considered myself an ally, I was still approaching transgender from a deficit or other perspective rather than from an asset perspective. As a Christian, I contextualize her message within my religion, that transgender people are a gift from God and have so much love, insight, and light to share with the world, if we are willing to listen. What do I want the world to understand about my transgender child? Transgender children are not mistakes, misguided, brain-washed, or abominations. My child, and all transgender children, are gifts from God. We have so much to learn and love from them. And for parents of transgender children, I want you to know that Your child is a gift.You can feel the peace in her voice I wish the world understood that my daughter is so much more than the word transgender. Shes an artist who sees beauty in the smallest things, a musician who feels deeply, a caring friend, and the kind of sibling who makes everyone around her laugh and feel loved.Her transition didnt change who she is it just allowed her to finally be who shes always been. The same child who used to wake up saying, Its a beautiful day, is still right there. Only now, she says it as her true self, and you can feel the peace in her voice.What I wish people knew is that being trans isnt about confusion or rebellion its about truth. Its about finally being able to live without hiding. And watching her step into that truth has been one of the most powerful, humbling things Ive ever witnessed as a parent.Shes not someone to pity or fear. Shes someone to celebrate. Shes strong, kind, creative and so full of love. I just wish the world could see her the way I do. | Shutterstock Every trans childs journey is differentI am a mum of 3 children, 2 are trans, 1 is not. I wish people understood that every trans childs journey is different. I have one who is out and proud, and one who is still partially closeted because she wants to preserve a couple relationships with non-affirming family until she is older. One has medically transitioned and has overcome quite significant dysphoria, the other experiences next to no dysphoria and is completely comfortable in her identity with just social transitioning at the moment. I wish people knew that parents of trans kids are simply parenting their children as unique individuals with their own needs, just like any other parent. Hes a real boy Hes a real boy, just like Pinocchio. He really is. From Mormons to Muslims, everyone that has spent time with him, teachers included, all say the same thing. Hes a boy.They are both gentle & generous Our trans son is just like anyone else finishing high school, trying to figure out what career path will be best for himwill it be following his love of acting or should he train to be a zookeeper? In the meantime he is trying to sample an iced matcha latte at every cafe in our city.Our trans daughter juggles working successfully in retail and following her creative interests such as performing, singing, playing piano and writing stories & poetry. Shes not a fan of matcha.They are both gentle and generous, insightful and creative. They care for their friends and visit their grandparents. They worry about the future like all young people do.They are both loved, admired and supported by their cis brothers and us, their mum & dad! | Shutterstock They know the world is not safeThat they hide their transness. Even at 11, theyve learned that the world is not a safe place for them, and choose to hide behind binary pronouns and appearances in unsafe spaces. Make your spaces safer. Ask kids their pronouns. He will always be safe at home My son knew he was a boy when he was three years old. The very first time we teach children pronouns. His response surprised us. At age six, we let him cut his hair and stopped calling him She. Three years seemed like a good amount of time for any phases or waivering. He is 16 now.Honestly the thing Id love for people to know is that my son is who he is. Even when he wears pink or likes something the world shoves into the girl side, he is still him. Its not a bad thing to allow your children to be secure in themselves. Secure and safe starts at home. It doesnt matter how old any of my children become, they will always be safe at home. If I could give everyone that safety, to merely exist and be loved, I would.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

A woman who was charged with a hate crime after she spraypainted a transgender symbol near a Catholic elementary school in Maryland pleaded guilty to charges of defacing the property of a religious institution and malicious destruction of property, both misdemeanors.Sian Radaskiewicz-King was accused of spraypainting the combined male-female symbol near the Saints Peter and Paul Elementary School in Easton on September 4. She also spray-painted the symbol near some businesses in the area, according to police, including a liquor store, an Ulta Beauty, and an archway outside a shopping center. Related Rainbow-flag bearing vandal sprays anti-gay cult onto churches in the dead of night The symbol is associated with trans identity and is not a symbol of hatred. Parents of kids in the school claimed that it made them afraid because there was a school shooting in Minnesota in August that was allegedly carried out by a transgender person. Mass shooters are not disproportionately transgender, but many on the right claim that they are to dissuade voters from supporting gun control and to stir up anti-trans hatred. Radaskiewicz-King, who is transgender, said she spray-painted the symbol because she wanted people to know what the symbol meant, and to create a sense of space for herself, court documents say. She attended the Saints Peter and Paul school when she was a kid and said that she was bullied there. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today She was arrested and charged with a hate crime. Marylands hate crimes statute includes the use of hate symbols and lists nooses and swastikas as examples of such symbols. She was held in jail with men without the possibility of bail and denied access to health care for two months.She was sentenced to time served and five years probation.While the schools lawyer, Jeffrey P. Bowman, who pushed for Radaskiewicz-King to be held without bail, said that his severe response to the vandalism has nothing to do with the transgender identity, Radaskiewicz-Kings attorney said that the case was discriminatory.This was never about danger, her lawyer, Lawrence Greenberg, said after his client was sentenced. It was about discrimination. University of Baltimore School of Law professor David Jaros said that it was utterly ridiculous to use the hate crimes statute in this case.I think its sadly a symptom of the public discourse over trans rights and trans issues, he told the Baltimore Banner. But this seems like a gross abuse of the law.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Over the last 10 years, Donald Trump has come to singularly define the Republican Party. His rule has created a singular cult-mindset meets mutually-assured-destruction that has been enough to turn someone like JD Vance from calling him Americas Hitler to being Trumps vice presidential lap dog. But it looks like that unity is finally breaking down, and the split that results could save America not just from Trump, but from the political system that allowed for him.Over the last few decades, the Republican Party has rarely been fully unified on many topics; being pro-military might be one of the few defining features of the party. But as Trump has set a course for them, theyve come together, too afraid to step out of line for fear of his political wrath. Now, that Trumpian direction doesnt even prioritize true military effectiveness, but the Republicans have followed along to keep their leader happy. Related Everything is grooming now except for actually grooming children But underneath that superficial unity, there are still some genuine ideals (not necessarily good ones, but theyre there). Trump is holding together a Republican party that has splintered under the surface as centrists and alt-right conspiracy theorists pull away from each other along the political alignment chart. At this point, it seems that Trump isnt enough to hold those disparate parts together, and the party is going to snap.The list of Republicans who have started to point out that the emperor isnt wearing any clothes is growing. From Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), that might not be surprising. Even from Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), it might be expectedhes often been one on the outside of the group because (reportedly) no one can stand him. But now were hearing it from figures like Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Nancy Mace (R-SC), and Lauren Boebert (R-CO), who once seemed to worship the ground Trump walked on. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today So much of this comes down to the Epstein Files. Greene showed signs early that she wasnt going to be chill with anyone trying to backtrack on promises to expose child predators: she had made protection of children a huge part of her campaigns and warned back in July that not releasing the files would lose Trump his base.Trump directly tried to get Boebert to withdraw her name from the petition to vote on the release of the Epstein Files. Despite that pressure taking place in the White House situation room, Boebert held strong and told the president, No. Mace has spoken out on not being willing to continue backing Trump on the files, saying that she had run out of patience. Trump has built himself as someone you dont say no to, and these three former fawners rejecting him speaks volumes. Hes also seen a rebuke from Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), the Republican co-sponsor of the Epstein Files bill for the House of Representatives. Despite Trump pressuring Massie to back down on the matter, he held firm, and the dispute between them got ugly.The result has been discord within what was once Trumps Republican Party. Trump has been hurling insults at Massie and Greene (even if theyre not very good insults). But more importantly, hes encouraging challengers from both of their seats, suggesting that hell endorse anyone who tries to unseat them.That discord is going to be a big problem for Trump. Greene isnt going anywhere. Shes sure that voters will stick with her, and theres a reason she has been able to make a name for herself despite all the bigotry and conspiracy theories she spouts. Her new tone is likely an early bid to expand that base, and she seems ready to shoot for the presidency. With a growing number of Republicans ready to distance themselves from Trump, it opens the door to the party splitting apart in a move that could be exactly what America needs: multiple major parties that are more disparate in their views, rather than a lot of differing opinions housed under one roof, with the steering wheel being grabbed by whoever is loudest.The Republicans could easily separate into the groups they already huddle in under the banner of the Republican Party: centrists, hard-rights, extreme-rights, and conspiracy theorists.Under their supposed unifying goal, voters can be gathered for bills on extreme and unpopular ideas in order to get the quid pro quo support for more moderate bills, and thats especially true when the party only holds a slim majority. Without the authoritarian brand of unity that theyve had under Trump, there might be space for some more reasonable negotiations to take place. Of course, this isnt a problem that plagues only the Republicans. The Democrats, too, are, in reality, multiple smaller parties stacked on top of each other in a trenchcoat. Centrist Dems and Progressives under the same roof have provided more bickering inside the party than truly concerted efforts to bridge political divides outside of the party. A split would do them good as well, and with Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) announcing plans to retire, the old guard that has held the group together might be coming to an end.If these schisms were to happen, it would take the country to a place closer to what George Washington had once hoped for: one where party mindset doesnt define every part of politics. The current electoral framework might make all of this difficult as it supports a two-party system above all else. But other countries have worked on ranked-choice voting methods and used systems where multiple parties come together to form a coalition government that more proportionally represents the will of the people. With the right ruptures within the parties and political interests more widely spread, electoral reform might one day be feasible.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Good news, Out readers, Wicked: For Good is here!After a long wait, Wicked: For Good is finally in theaters! Have you already seen it? Are you seeing it tonight? If you're still questioning if you should, check out our review first!Before you see Wicked: For Good, make sure you stream the first Wicked movie so you're up to speed on the plot and characters.Wicked: For Good features two new songs by Stephen Schwartz: "No Place Like Home," sung by Elphaba, and "The Girl in the Bubble," sung by Glinda. Here's everything you need to know about both songs!While Wicked: Part One was all about Elphaba, For Good shifts the focus to Ariana Grande's Glinda, and gives her a chance to show off the acting skills she's been honing her entire life. Make sure you read this beautiful essay about Grande's connection to the role and how healing it is.Of course, Wicked isn't just about Glinda and Elphaba, it's about the hunky Fiyero, played by Jonathan Bailey! And thank Oz, we've got 45 pics of Jonathan Bailey to look at if Fiyero makes you melt!Keep reading to find out our Gayest Song of the Week and all the best pop culture news!- Mey RudeWicked For Good's Dorothy Gale actress revealed here's what we know15 LGBTQ+ films the whole family will loveWicked For Good's new songs: Lyrics, references, and context45 pics of Jonathan Bailey if 'Wicked's Fiyero made you melt5 steamy AF things we learned about 'Heated Rivalry's gay sex scenesWicked For Good: Updates, songs, storylines, theories, and referencesAmericas most basic HIV protections are in danger as a decade of progress unravelsSusan Powter says she's a 'huge lesbian,' gives her biggest bit of dating adviceGayest Song of the WeekLesbian pop artist Chrissy Chlapecka's new album Christine is out today, and includes our Gayest Song of the Week, "Aria". Chlapecka shows off her vocal skills and love for Broadway on the track and its lesbian Phantom of the Opera-inspired music video!For a limited time, you can get one full year of Out / The Advocate for just $6Sign up for a one-year subscription now, or send a gift subscription to your favorite fan of queer media!

The Alabama Public Library Service Board of Directors has banned materials that discuss transgender procedures, gender ideology, or the concept of more than two biological genders from the childrens and young adult sections of the states public libraries.The board approved the change to its administrative code in a November 20 vote, declaring such material inappropriate for minors, according to the Associated Press. Related Republicans cut a librarys funding over LGBTQ+ books. Then the community did something surprising. As the Alabama Reflector reports, the change is more expansive than what was originally proposed by board member Amy Minton earlier this year. Mintons proposal would have banned positive depictions of gender ideology and transgender procedures, but board chairman John Wahl argued that material critical of trans people should be banned from childrens sections of the library as well.I dont think that was ever the intent that we should be allowing negative content and not positive content, Wahl, who also serves as the chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, said, according to the Reflector. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today According to the AP, Minton said that public comments the board had heard indicated that this is what the majority of people in Alabama want, a claim refuted by Jim Vickery at a recent board meeting.Most of the people of Alabama have not asked for this latest library-fixated assault on the LGBTQ community because its their children and children of friends and relatives youre attacking with this misguided proposal before you, Vickery said. Advocacy groups, including Read Freely Alabama, PEN America, Every Library, and the Alabama Transgender Rights Action Coalition, blasted the boards decision in a joint statement. The amended language, they said, is overbroad and will result in all books featuring trans representation being moved to Alabama libraries adult sections, regardless of their age relevance. The groups described the term gender ideology, which is not defined in the administrative code, as a vague, undefined term often used as an anti-LGBTQ+ dogwhistle.Angie Hayden, a co-founder of Read Freely Alabama, explained that because state regulations prevent libraries from acquiring books aimed at children if those books have also been deemed inappropriate for children, the long-term effect of the change will be that childrens books featuring trans representation will disappear entirely from library shelves in Alabama.So long term they are banning these books, Hayden said, according to the AP. According to the Reflector, groups including the Alabama Library Association have alleged that the process that led to Thursdays vote is unfair and lacks transparency.This was all a mechanism for which they could have the end result that they already predetermined, Hayden told the outlet. She also suggested that Wahls positions as chair of both the state library services board and the state GOP represent a conflict of interest. I think he used one to influence the other.Thursday nights meeting also saw the board delay a vote on restoring state funding to the Fairhope Public Library. In March, the board voted to suspend funding to the library after anti-LGBTQ+ groups Clean Up AlabamaandMoms for Liberty complained that it was in violation of rules approved in 2024 that require obscene and sexually explicit material to be limited to adult sections. In September, the APLS board delayed a decision on whether to reinstate Fairhopes funding until it could review all 17 of the books challenged by parents. According to the Reflector, Wahl is the only board member actually reviewing the books and will report back to the rest of the board.Are you becoming the censor-in-chief for Alabama? board member Ron Snider reportedly asked Wahl at the November 20 meeting.Prior to Thursday nights meeting, Fairhope Public Library Board members learned that APLS had already redistributed the remaining $22,000 in 2025 funding withheld from the library because, Wahl told the Reflector, Fairhope was not in compliance with the APLSs administrative code by a June 30 deadline mandated by state law.I had hoped that if they voted to reinstate us, that we would get the money, Fairhope Public Library Board Chair Randal Wright told the Reflector earlier this week. Now, I am assuming they are going to vote no because there is no money to give us.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The U.S. State Department is making official changes first seen in human rights reports issued over the summer, hollowing out support for marginalized groups around the world, including the LGBTQ+ community.In a cable sent to diplomatic posts on Thursday, the State Department ordered a refocus of human rights reports away from torture, politically motivated killings, and the persecution of minority groups to a Heritage Foundation wish list emphasizing conservative social and religious priorities, mixed with a one-sided defense of free speech. Related Deliberate erasure: State Department removes anti-LGBTQ+ abuses from annual human rights report The changes are more evidence of a takeover of U.S. diplomacy by a Christian fundamentalist worldview, with orders to embassies and consulates to refocus human rights reports on liberties given to us by God, our creator.They do not include the right to gender-affirming care, abortion, or DEI. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The Trump administration will not allow violations such as the mutilation of children, laws that infringe on free speech, and racially discriminatory employment practices, to go unchecked. We are saying enough is enough, said Tommy Pigott, a spokesman for the department, in a press briefing reported by The Washington Post.New reports will provide an accounting of the chemical or surgical mutilation of children with gender-transition procedures, the prevalence of euthanasia, and state-subsidized abortions, according to another State Department official. This effectively categorizes health care as a human rights violation. Embassies and consulates will collect data on other governments affirmative action policies, highlighting those that provide preferential treatment based on gender or race. Data on arrests or official investigations or warnings related to speech will also be culled from other countries.The United States remains committed to the Declaration of Independences recognition that all men are endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable rights, said another senior State Department official. New reports will focus on rights given to us by God, our creator, not by governments.The change in emphasis was first seen in the annual human rights report for 2024 issued by Trumps State Department over the summer. It included no mention of LGBTQ+ rights violations and abuses. Initially prepared by the Biden administration, the report was delayed for months while the State Department removed any references to categories of human rights violations not explicitly required by statute.State Department employees were ordered to cut references to gender-based violence, environmental justice, restrictions on political participation, government corruption, sexual violence against children, and violations of the rights of LGBTQ+ and disabled people, among scores of other human rights categories.The changes were made to fit the view and vision of the current president, said then-State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.In just one egregious example, sections on Uganda and Hungary made no mention of those countries sweeping anti-LGBTQ+ laws and restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights.It is deliberate erasure, said Jessica Stern, a former Biden administration special envoy for LGBTQ+ and intersex rights.A senior State Department official called the 2024 reports a good preview of what to expect next year.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Donald Trump has not been having a great month of November, with his party joining Democrats to force the release of the Epstein files, several major Republicans publicly breaking with him, and widespread criticism for his mean comments towards women.And its starting to show in the polls. Related Analyst says Trump is setting records you do not want to set as he hits new lows in the polls This is probably the worst 10-day period for the president in the polls his entire second term, CNN data analyst Harry Enten explained. The numbers are just atrocious.Enten then showed a slew of polls that all showed Trumps net approval rating was, at best, negative 14, with one showing it 26 points below zero.If you think this is bad, Enten continued, showing numbers among independents. Whoa, look at this number, 43 points underwater!When youre 43 points underwater with independents, you know youre doing terribly.Enten: "This is probably the worst 10 day period for the president in the polls his entire second term. The numbers are just atrocious when your best poll has you 14 points underwater, you know it's truly bad and it's as bad as 26 points underwater -43 with independents! They despise him." Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 2025-11-21T17:37:28.162Z

Once again, Taylor Zakhar Perez is feeding his fans.After going viral at the end of summer for his steamy vacay pics, the star is now living it up in Miami and people are going wild over every photo circulating on social media.Naturally, fans started swooning over his shirtless photos on the beach, so check out all of the highlights below! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

The gay hockey romance just released a sneak peek of the two-episode premiere, and its just as hot and sweaty as we hoped. The upcoming six-episode series, based on Rachel Reids spicy gay enemies-to-lovers romance novel about rival hockey players, has been going viral as fans wait with baited breath for the November 28 premiere date.And the main question on fans minds is whether the show will live up to the book.If this sneak peek is anything to go by, the answer is a resounding yes.The short clip is a perfect portrayal of a scene from the very beginning of the book, where hockey stars Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) and Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) compete for who can run the fastest on a treadmill after the NHL draft.See on InstagramThe two young men end up sitting on the gym floor together with their feet touching as they catch their breath, and while they chat and share water, they quickly realize there is a simmering heat between the two of them.The clip shows the two handsome athletes dripping in sweat as they exchange heated eye contact and brush their hands against each other as they pass a water bottle back and forth.It may be short, but the instant chemistry between the two leads is palpable, and you can almost feel Shanes gay panic.Fans immediately flooded the comment section with their overflowing excitement.TWO HAND TOUCHES WTFFFFF, one person wrote, while someone else commented, i think i just died ?? is this what cardiac arrest feels like ??Another fan wrote, OMGGGG OMG OMG OMG THE ACCENT!! THE EYE CONTACT!!! THIS IS GONNA BE SO GOOD.I think my heart just stopped. This is perfection, someone else said.Heated Rivalry premieres on November 28 on HBO Max in the U.S. and Crave in Canada.

Trump administration gay envoy Ric Grenell is reaping the whirlwind amid allegations of lavish spending, cronyism, and a bombing box office that hes brought to the Kennedy Center while serving as leader of the nations once-preeminent cultural institution.Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) announced in a letter to Grenell, made public on Thursday, that Democrats on the Senates Environment and Public Works Committee, which has jurisdiction over all public buildings owned by the federal government, have initiated an investigation into Grenell and his leadership of the treasured American institution and memorial. Related Empty seats & plummeting sales have plagued Kennedy Center since Trumps takeover: Its dire Addressed to Ambassador Grenell, a title the former top diplomat to Germany has ordered Kennedy Center subordinates to call him, Sen. Whitehouse told Trumps personal pick to head the cultural center, I have ample reason to be concerned by reports and information that cast doubt on your stewardship of the institution.Contracts, invoices, and facility use agreements reveal that you operate the Center for the enrichment of your friends and acquaintances, to dole out political favors, and as a playground for the President of the United States and his allies, Whitehouse writes in the unvarnished takedown of the ambassadors reportedly corrupt management of the living memorial to former President John F. Kennedy. Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The Center is being looted to the tune of millions of dollars in foregone revenue, cancelled programming, unpaid use of its facilities, and wasteful spending on luxury restaurants and hotels an unprecedented pattern of self-dealing, favoritism, and waste, the letter stated.Grenells performance at the Kennedy Center has prompted multiple staffers to come forward as whistleblowers to the Senate committee. The former ambassador and short-lived director of national intelligence in the last, chaotic days of the first Trump administration was handed leadership of the center as a consolation prize after being passed over for Secretary of State.Grenell also holds the amorphous and doubly special title of the Centers interim president and special presidential envoy for special missions. Hes already been admonished for his performance in that role after meddling in a Venezuela prisoner swap earlier this year.Grenell has reportedly taken out his frustrations over being sidelined in foreign policy ever since, and has allegedly been reduced to stage-managing diplomatic events at the center while partying hard at taxpayers expense with friends and business associates at the nearby Watergate hotel. Over eight days alone this summer, Grenell spent more than $11,000 on meals for himself and his friends, according to restaurant receipts and bills from the Kennedy Centers catering company culled from documents obtained by Whitehouses committee.In response to the committees investigation announcement, Grenell called his guests donors to the financially strapped center.Grenells allegedly corrupt management style has also furthered the political aims of the Trump administration at the once-bipartisan institution.He slashed use fees for the Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) when they held a conference at the Kennedy Center earlier this year, an unprecedented booking to begin with for the formerly politically neutral venue. He did the same for FIFA, soccers Trump-friendly governing world body. That steeply-discounted arrangement was a complete takeover of the center, forcing the cancellation of multiple performances over the holiday season, according to The New York Times.FIFA will announce the winner of their newly created Peace Prize dreamed up after Trump was passed over for a Nobel honor in October live from the Kennedy Center this month.Grenell is also handing out lavish salaries and fees to friends and political allies. Contracts show he hired his former chief of staff to write speeches for $15,000 a month, while Kari Lake, the former local news anchor and Trumps pick to head the hollowed-out Voice of America network, was paid a favor when Grenell hired her husband to make social media videos for $10,833.33 a month.This week, Grenell watched from the sidelines as Trump delivered remarks at the Eisenhower Theatre at the Kennedy Center for an economic forum held in honor of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on his visit to the United States.History is being made here at the nations center for the performing arts, one of Grenells cronies posted to the Kennedy Centers Facebook page.It may be the closest the ambassador ever gets to the diplomatic stage again.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Bisexual former Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema said in a Friday Fox Business interview that shes excited to be working hand in glove with the Trump administration as a lobbyist leading a Big Tech effort to expand the U.S. artificial intelligence industry. She also reportedly warned local politicians in her home state of Arizona last month that Trump may force them to build an AI data center whether they want one or not, something that would significantly strain local energy and water resources while adding to air and noise pollution. Related The gay man behind Chat GPT says AI could revolutionize the world but could also destroy it Sinema appeared on Fox Business to discuss her recent launch of the AI Infrastructure Coalition, a group backed by the lobbying firm Hogan Lovells. Hogan Lovells is a global regulatory, intellectual property, and lobbying law firm where Sinema now works as a senior adviser, advising industry leaders on navigating government regulations on AI, technology, fintech, cryptocurrency, and private equity.The coalition which advocates for all aspects of AI, including energy, manufacturing and financing is backed by tech and energy giants, including Andreessen Horowitz, Microsoft, Meta, ExxonMobil, NextEra and Pinnacle West, which owns Arizonas largest utility, Politico reported. Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The work that were doing is really supporting exactly what [Trumps] Commerce Secretary Lutnick said at our launch earlier this week, which is to ensure that America wins the global AI race, Sinema told Fox Business. And President Trump and the Trump Administration are going full steam ahead in ensuring that we dominate this and beat China, which is absolutely critical to American interests both nationally and globally.So its a really exciting time, she continued. We are so excited to be working hand in glove with the Trump administration to ensure that American companies and American values are what dominate the AI race globally."We are so excited to be working hand in glove with the Trump administration" Kyrsten Sinema is on Maria Bartiromo's show shilling for AI and praising Trump pic.twitter.com/ZsvpLSeO9U Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 21, 2025 Last month, Sinema spoke at a meeting of Phoenix suburbs Planning and Zoning Commission, warning commissioners that they can either have input on the building of 422,000-square foot AI data center in the nearby town of Chandler or wait for federal preemption when well no longer have that privilege. OD Harris, a member of Chandlers city council, told Politico, As a local official, we never appreciate when a county, a state, or a federal official attempts to insert their authority into our local process. We represent what the voters want because were closest to the people. Sinemas thinly veiled threat comes at a time when Trump is considering signing an executive order that would withhold vital federal funds to any state whose municipalities oppose the building of AI data centers. The order would help AI companies overcome a patchwork of laws that they say stifle innovation, but such an order would likely get pushback from states.Thats because AI critics say that the technology suffers from a lack of regulation and oversight, especially since AI-limited language and image processors illegally built their models by scraping previously published texts and images without asking or compensating their creators. Some AI products have worsened users mental health by reaffirming any of the users beliefs, even if theyre false or harmful; leading some users to develop psychosis or die by suicide.AI critics also note that AI data centers require massive amounts of electricity and water, which can raise local utility costs, consume limited natural resources, and increase local air pollution, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular problems among local residents. Sinemas alignment with Trump and Big AI isnt really surprisingWhile serving in the U.S. Senate, she positioned herself as a political moderate and a reliable ally to the business community: voting against several of former President Joe Bidens labor nominees, opposing an increase in the $7.25 federal minimum hourly wage, preventing tax increases on private equity and venture capital earnings, and providing taxpayer subsidies to exporters.While she highlighted her bisexuality before her election to Congress, she largely avoided mentioning it afterward. During her last senatorial term, she joined another fellow former Democrat, Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV), to block the elimination of the filibuster, and with it, Democrats hopes for enacting legislation on expanded voting, LGBTQ+ rights, the economy, and climate change. It was a stand that brought scorn from Democratic colleagues and voters, alienating Sinema from her non-wealthy constituents and party members. The Arizona Democratic Party voted to censure Sinemain January 2022, citing her failure to help pass federal voting rights legislation. Arizona Democrats also blasted her for being noticeably absent on the campaign trail during the 2022 midterm elections.Her unpopularity and ineffectiveness compelled then Arizona Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego to successfully run for her Senate seat in 2024. Polling showed that majorities of Arizona voters from every political affiliation all disapproved of her. Her low approval ratings made her one of the five most unpopular senators in the entire nation.She would have faced Gallego in a re-election race, but instead, she disaffiliated from the Democratic party, becoming an Independent, and then announced her retirement, since her re-election defeat seemed all but certain. She then used her farewell Senate speech to defend the filibuster.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

In the column Straight Nonsense, columnist Moises Mendez II takes a queer eye to the insanity of straight culture.Fashion has always been political. Not just in this nightmare fascist state we currently are finding ourselves in, but since the dawn of time. Now, two of the most tacky billionaires Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos are tarnishing the name of the Met Gala because they are so desperate for people to like them and make people think they have any real cultural cache. But instead of finding ways to work with chic fashion houses and do some good for the industry, Sanchez has subjected the public to being featured in the pages Vogue twice: The first was a feature written by the newly appointed head of Editorial Content for U.S. Vogue, Chloe Malle, and the second was Sanchez's cover featuring her unsightly Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress. This is all starting to enflame rumors once again that Bezos plans to buy Vogue for Sanchez as a wedding present, because you know, why not?The annual benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute is intended to raise money for the institution's yearly new exhibit. The excitement of the event lies in the ultra-curated guest list and (sometimes confusing) dress code, which are decided by Anna Wintour, who has served as the chairperson of the Met Gala since 1995. Now that this ludicrously capacious couple is major donors this year, they will have the opportunity to send out invites and have a say in how the event will look. What was once considered the Super Bowl of Fashion is going to be an assault on the eyes if Wintour gives these two free rein to do whatever and invite whomever they want. Are we going to get MAGA billionaires storming the red carpet? We know Sydney Sweeney will be there, but let's try to keep the (out) Trump supporters to a minimum. Are there going to be ICE agents arresting foreign celebrities outside the event?Wintour and President Donald Trump have had their differences and have publicly stated them, but Trump hasn't attended the gala since 2012. In 2017, the former editor in chief of Vogue said on James Corden's The Late Late Show that she would not invite Trump back to the annual festivities. With Bezos and Sanchez at the helm this year, and since the two were invited to the presidential inauguration, will they return the favor by slipping him an invite to next year's Met Gala? We know the couple has some famous friends, including Leonardo DiCaprio and fellow billionaires Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Gates.Being a billionaire is tacky (not you, Beyonc; I'm never talking about you in this scenario because you're not hoarding the amount of wealth that could fix world problems in an instant). This is for the losers who are actively making every facet of life on Earth worse because of their insatiable greed for more like implementing AI data centers in low-income communities to power your chatbot that lies about you being more athletic than Lebron James. Money doesn't buy you taste, no matter what Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Sam Altman, or any of the .01 percent of the wealthiest people want you to believe. I mean, look at their clothes (insert Cardi B in the courtroom meme here).Not to get all tin-foil hat, but billionaires are working to control every facet of our lives, whether we see it or not. That's why every single ultra-wealthy person on the planet has cozied up to Trump not for stimulating conversations, I'd imagine, but to lobby for ways to continue their never-ending quest to deplete everyone of their money and resources for their own gain. Bezos and Sanchez making their way to our cultural institutions sets an even more eerie precedent than multiple billionaires buying publications like the subject of today's column, who purchased The Washington Post in 2013 for $250 million, and Patrick Soon-Shiong, a tech entrepreneur who created a cancer drug and bought the Los Angeles Times (as well as a few other publications) for $500 million. But they're not the only ones, and they most certainly won't be the last. Yes, the media industry feels like it's in a tailspin given the changing landscape because of my mortal enemy AI and a number of other factors, but that doesn't mean we should be in the pockets of the wealthiest people in the world who have no swag. They've got no rizz. They're chopped as well as unc.As a society, we need to push back on the idea that these swag-less losers are attempting to become cultural tastemakers, because it's clear that all the money in the world couldn't buy them a sense of style or moral clarity. If these two think that throwing money into sponsoring the 2026 Met Gala might give them a chance to seem cool, for the whole world's sake, I genuinely hope it doesn't work. We don't have to take these billionaires' hostile takeover of a beloved cultural institution seriously, and maybe we can finally bring back shame to make them feel like the losers they are.Moises Mendez II is a staff writer at Out magazine. Follow him on Instagram @moisesfenty.Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit out.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on any of our stories. Email us at voices@equalpride.com. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists, and editors, and do not directly represent the views of Out or our parent company, equalpride.

Drag superstar Pattie Gonia and trans icon SJ Joslin arrived at the 2025 Out100 celebration tonight pulling off one of the queerest and most powerful red-carpet fashion stunts of all time.In May, queer and trans activists joined forces with allies to display a 55-by-35-foot trans pride flag on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. The gesture, part of a project titled Trans Is Natural, resulted in the largest flag ever hung on El Capitan one of the world's most popular wall-climbing sites."We flew the trans pride flag in Yosemite to make a statement: Trans people are natural, and trans people are loved. Let this flag fly higher than hate," Pattie Gonia wrote at the time.The group of activists included a biologist and National Park ranger named SJ Joslin, who identifies as transgender and uses they/them pronouns, and who revealed that they had been fired from their job for taking part in the unfurling of the giant trans pride flag at Yosemite National Park."Raising this flag in the heart of El Capitan is a celebration of our community, standing in solidarity with each other and all targeted groups," SJ told the Los Angeles Times in an interview conducted after they were fired. "Being trans is a natural, beautiful part of human and biological diversity."Pattie Gonia and SJ did what needed to be done arriving at the 2025 Out100 event serving looks, sending messages, and being fiercely visible to inspire queer and trans youth across the U.S.Out: Where did the idea come from to display a transgender pride flag over the El Capitan in Yosemite National Park?Pattie Gonia: For the past few years, I've joined several queer park rangers, including SJ, to help throw Pride in Yosemite. This event isn't open to the public; it's just for queer people and allies that work in the park.As the Trump administration fights to spew hatred, defund national parks, and demonize trans people, we have an important reminder with flying the trans flag and wearing it here tonight: Trans people are natural and trans people are loved.RELATED: Creator of the trans flag is fleeing U.S. due to LGBTQ+ persecutionSJ Joslin: Trans rights are under attack and there are hundreds of queer and trans people working to take care of Yosemite and other beautiful national parks like it. So, we wanted to fly the largest trans flag hung on El Capitan in a naturally formed rock feature, shaped like a heart, as a symbol of trans people being welcome outdoors. What's happened to U.S. national parks and to the trans community since that powerful and headline-making stunt?Pattie: Not only are trans people under attack more than ever, but Trump is doing all he can do to defund and dismantle our national parks. Even with all the threats facing national parks and trans people, the queer community in the National Park Service remains strong.SJ: Trans rights continue to be under attack and people feel liberated to demonize people they know nothing about. Now, National Parks are under attack. We are seeing the erasure of history, the degradation of natural landscapes and the deprioritization of science preserving these has always been a non-partisan sentiment that makes visiting a National Park a visually and culturally rich experience.RELATED: Transgender references erased from Stonewall National Monument websiteSJ: The trans community is seeing people we previously thought were allies placate to Washington and abandon us out of fear. This administration keeps expanding the number of groups they are targeting, it may not be you today, but it will be tomorrow that's the problem with a government that seeks to profit from instead of uniting a county.Why did you feel inspired to recreate that moment here, tonight, at the 2025 Out100 event?Pattie: What better fashion statement is there to make than that trans people are loved? And getting to do it while upcycling something the Trump administration tries to demonize into a hot outfit? My dream!RELATED: Hundreds of U.K. celebrities sign open letter supporting trans rightsSJ: Trans people aren't going anywhere. We want our message of love, community and support to continue to reach as many people as possible. We won't back down to the fearmongering from Trump and his administration. We will use every opportunity possible to spread the message that our identities are valid, real, and nothing to be ashamed of.When did you meet for the first time, and what was it like to get together and make this bold statement against conservative forces?Pattie: SJ and I connected through with throwing Pride in Yosemite over the past few years. SJ is a crucial member of the Yosemite Queer community and has been an organizer, standing for love and inclusion of all people. When SJ came to me with the idea to fly the trans flag I was in even though I'm scared shitless of heights.SJ is an Out100 honoree this year. Pattie, why do you think SJ deserves this spot among 2025's most impactful and influential people in the LGBTQ+ community?Pattie: No one more deserving that SJ. More than flying this flag, they've been a leader for queer people in the national parks for years. I'm proud of SJ for standing strong in the face of the Trump administration.RELATED: Trump's government declares that trans people don't existSJ are rising above the Trump administration's fear and hatred with love and compassion. This is how we fight hate. This is how we all win.Any quick message you'd like to share with the LGBTQ+ community right now?Pattie: Guess who's not in the Epstein Files? Drag queens and trans people.SJ: Protect the dolls, eat the rich, and get outside.The 2025 Out100.The annual Out100 magazine issue highlights 100 people who are trailblazers advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. This year's Out100, presented by Lexus, featured Niecy Nash-Betts as the 2025 Icon of the Year honoree. An event celebrating this milestone is taking place this Friday, November 21, in Los Angeles.

Niecy Nash-Betts is the 2025 Out100 Icon of the Year. And in her acceptance remarks for this honor, the All's Fair star made a point to thank the LGBTQ+ community and underline the need for visibility "in a time like this."I am so honored to be the Out100 Icon of the Year, baby! she said in a recorded speech played Friday at the Los Angeles gala celebrating 2025's most impactful LGBTQ+ changemakers. I am so sad I cant be there with you guys tonight, but I had to work. And as you know, it is so important to keep showing up on these sets because representation matters, especially at a time like this, OK? Can mama get an amen?Unfortunately, Nash-Betts was unable to be present at the Out100 due to a scheduling conflict with a production. But in her remarks, she thanked Out, parent company equalpride, and each and every one of you for showing up, for living, and for loving out loud. Thank you, I love you, keep being great!"Nash-Betts was named Icon of the Year due to her commitment to representation onscreen and off. Nash-Betts has graced television screens for years from her breakout moment in Reno: 911, to Ava DuVernays critically acclaimed When They See Us, to Ryan Murphy projects such as Scream Queens and Dahmer, which helped her nab her first Primetime Emmy Award in 2024. The actress is continuing to make a splash in Murphys hit new Hulu series, Alls Fair, alongside Kim Kardashian, Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, and Naomi Watts, which centers on a women-run law firm.Nash-Betts surprised the world amid the pandemic when she announced in 2020 she had married her "hersband," Jessica Betts, after previously publicly dating only men. Ever since she revealed her marital status, Nash-Betts has been shouting from the rooftops how proud she is part of the LGBTQ+ community, most recently touting on the All's Fair press tour her status as the "Queer of the Year."At the 2025 Out100, presented by Lexus, Kathy Griffin was also honored as the Advocate of the Year. The ceremony came at a pivotal moment for the LGBTQ+ movement as it faces renewed political attacks and erasure.Watch Nash Betts's Icon of the Year remarks ahead.

Over three decades of being "Out" and proudFor 31 years now, the annual Out100 issue has been highlighting the trailblazers who are advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. This year's Out100, presented by Lexus, featured Niecy Nash-Betts as the 2025 Icon of the Year honoree. An event celebrating this milestone is taking place tonight, November 21, in Los Angeles. Scroll on to see the first exclusive pics from this year's Out100 red carpet...Comedian Dana Goldberg arrives at the 2025 Out100 gala.Drag superstar Pattie Gonia, alongside trans icon SJ Joslin, hit the 2025 Out100 red carpet wearing a 55-by-35-foot trans pride flag fashioned into a dress.SJ Joslin wrapped in the trans flagSJ JoslinBoots star Miles HeizerAdvocate of the Year honoree Kathy GriffinKathy Griffin and equalpride CEO Mark BerryhillSasha Lance and Bre-Z Activist and drag artist Miss BouveeLauren Chan

Wicked: For Good star Colman Domingo is sharing his love for Out100 Icon of the Year Niecy Nash-Betts!Domingo, who voices the Cowardly Lion in the new film, recorded a special video message for his friend."Congratulations on your Out100 Icon of the Year award. No one is more deserving than you, friend," the 2023 Out100 alum said. "You are always an inspiration, you are always standing in your truth. You always love out loud in every single shape and form. You are love. We love you and we honor you today with this."In her Out100 cover story, Nash revealed that she and her wife, Jessica Betts, are close friends with Domingo and his husband, Raul. Nash and Domingo met while filming Selma together."Once I introduced Colman and his husband, Raul, to J.B. [Jessica Betts], it was like we became the Fab Four," Nash-Betts says. "It was like, OK, we are locked. Now we vacation together. We plan swim dates together. We do all sorts of fun things together. And yes, Colman officiated our wedding.""When we got our marriage license, the very first place we stopped on the way home was at Colman's house. And they celebrated us. We drank champagne. We danced in the living room. I just love him so much, on camera and off," she says.Out100 is presented by Lexus. Colman Domingo Sends Love to Niecy Nash-Betts for Out100 Honor