Since the day Heated Rivalry premiered, fans have been commenting on star Hudson Williams and Connor Storries impressive physiques, and lets be honest, it was mostly focused on their hockey butts.Fans of the show have been trying to figure out the workout routines that the two actors used to get those muscles, and now Williams is finally sharing what exercises he does.In a new video from Mens Health, Williams broke down his workout routine, which includes dumbbell flies, lying dumbbell curls, Bulgarian split squats, seated cable rows, tricep extensions, lateral raises, and dragon flags.Williams said that director Jacob Teirney told him he didnt need to be wall-to-wall muscle when they started filming the first season, but when he got a peek at the other actors, he knew he had to up his game.I dont know, Ive seen these other guys, and they look like underwear models, and then as soon as I saw Connor Storrie, I just decided to not eat carbs and try to get as big as possible, he said.- YouTubeFor season 2 which will likely start filming this coming summer Williams said he wants to put on 10 lbs of muscle so he can get bigger, juicier, thicker.Instead of breaking things up into arm day and day, Williams always does a full body workout so he can make sure he hits all the muscle groups, and aims for spending 45 minutes to an hour in the gym. In the sweaty workout video, Williams is shown doing a hypertrophic-focused workout, and because he is incapable of not speaking in double entrendres, he said hed be doing things that will rip me and tear me better than Heated Rivalry ever did.Williams also couldnt stop complimenting Storrie's now infamous butt. Im ok talking about my butt, but poor Connor Storrie, who has the fattest butt Ive ever seen on a man, Im sure just wants to stop talking about his beautiful cheeks, he explained. I want to get as big as he was in the first season because I think that guy is just going to eat so much protein hes going to ascend and hes going to show up looking like Olympia, Mr. Olympia. Fans have not only been laser-focused on Storries peach, but there have been whole TikTok videos and social media posts devoted to the stretch marks on Williamss own butt. Im happy for my dimples and my ass stretch marks," he said of the attention theyve garnered. "I like them."

The only thing hotter than a steamy gay scene is one where everyone is soaking wet, so of course we cant get enough of sexy pool scenes.Add to that the skimpy swimwear, the light dancing off actors bodies (or getting them perfectly sun-drenched), and were ready to dive all the way in.All that water, and somehow these scenes still leave us oh-so-thirsty.Dean & Alex in Lazy EyeFormer lovers Dean (Lucas Near-Verbrugghe) and Alex (Aaron Costa Ganis) reconnect for a steamy weekend getaway after more than a decade apart. The chemistry and passion are powerful, as are the steamy pool scenes.Where to watch: TubiJulio & Tenoch in Y Tu Mam TambinThis sexy coming of age film from Alfonso Cuarn follows friends Julio (Gael Garca Bernal) and Tenoch (Diego Luna) as they embark on a road trip across Mexico with an alluring woman Luisa (Maribel Verd) along the way passion sparks between the the three of them. But the pool scene where they pleasure themselves at the same time, definitely made an impression.Where to watch: AMC+George & The Poolboy in The EstateThis campy queer crime thriller sees a billionaires new wife and son, George (Chris Baker), teaming up with a sexy hitman to take out the patriarchand things take a sexy turn. Much of the film happens poolside, but when a hot pool boy pops by, things get even hotter (Kyle Rezzarday).Where to watch: TubiKafka & Daniel in AmphetamineThis sexy but heartbreaking film from Hong Kong follows the love story between Kafka (Byron Pang) , a straight swimming instructor, and Daniel (Thomas Price), a gay, wealthy investment banker. Despite their obvious differences, the men fall into a passionate and troubled relationship that involves a very romantic and steamy pool scene.Where to watch: TubiPatrick & Ivn in EliteThere is no shortage of steamy scenes in this Spanish series, and happily, some of them take place in a pool. The first to make our list features forever faves Patrick (Manu Rios) and Ivn (Andr Lamoglia) getting cheeky in the pool.Where to watch: Netflix Patrick & Cruz EliteThat wasnt the only time Patrick got up close and personal with a hot guy while submerged. Ivnand the audiencegot an eyeful when he and Cruz (Carloto Cotta) got intimate in the pool.Where to watch: NetflixJohnny & Ben in DareThis coming-of-age story meets (not-so-ethical) nonmonogamy as three studentsAlexis (Emmy Rossum), Johnny (Zach Gilford), and Ben (Ashley Springer) explore a complicated romantic and sexual dynamic that pivots around a pool seduction scene between Johnny and Ben.Where to watch: Tubi

From arrests during sit-ins at Capitol Hill bathrooms to injecting hormones on the steps of theU.S. Supreme Court, the Gender Liberation Movements freshman year has been defined by defiance.January marks the first anniversary of the launch of GLM, a grassroots and volunteer-run national collective seeking to unite LGBTQ+ people and women with their neighbors in the fight for bodily autonomy. You might have heard of the group already GLM spearheaded several demonstrations in 2025 that resulted in the arrests of dozens of activists, adding to the great American tradition of causing good trouble. Participants of the Gender Liberation March in Washington, D.C., on September 14, 2024Cole Witter for GLMIn our first year, Gender Liberation Movement championed transgender people, bodily autonomy, and the affirming families and communities who refuse to abandon us, says cofounder Raquel Willis. From actions outside the Heritage Foundation to the Supreme Court to the Texas capitol, weve built movement infrastructure, supported grassroots leaders, shifted narratives, and hosted culture-defining gatherings.Even before Donald Trumps election, the activists who would become GLM were fighting back against Project 2025. The streets of Washington, D.C., were flooded with protesters on September 14, 2024, when the group led the Gender Liberation March, speaking out against laws restricting abortion and gender-affirming care. GLM cofounder Raquel Willis at the 2024 Gender Liberation MarchAlexa WilkinsonThe group made waves again before its official launch with a U.S. Capitol bathroom sit-in in December 2024. Willis and trans whistleblower Chelsea Manning were among 15 activists arrested protesting Republicans transgender bathroom ban and treatment of the first out trans member of Congress, U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride of Delaware.GLM followed its launch with the Rise Up for Trans Youth rally on February 8, which took over New York Citys Union Square. The protest made a strong statement against Trumps first round of executive orders, which denied the existence of trans people, attempted to ban gender-affirming care for those under 19, barred trans athletes from womens sports, and revoked civil rights protections dating from the 1960s. Participants of the Gender Liberation March in Washington, D.C., on September 14, 2024Rena Schild/ShutterstockWillis, who is transgender, was again arrested along with eight other activists June 20 while protesting the Supreme Courts ruling allowing states to ban gender-affirming care for youth, U.S. v. Skrmetti. In a powerful display, nearly a dozen trans people took their hormone replacement therapy in front of the court. We met authoritarianism not with fear, but with power and joy, Willis says. Year one proved what happens when the most targeted become the most organized. Were already building a future where gender liberation isnt negotiable and where every attempt to erase us only grows our power. This article is part of The Advocates Jan-Feb 2026 issue, which hits newsstands January 27. Support queer media and subscribe or download the issue through Apple News, Zinio, Nook, or PressReader.

In twin moves attacking transgender detainees and prisoners, new guidance from the Trump administration strips away safeguards against rape and other protections for trans people in custody in U.S. prisons and Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities.The Department of Homeland Security instituted this revised guidance this month for several privately-run ICE facilities, while the Department of Justice (DOJ) is moving to eliminate rules protecting LGBTQ+ people from sexual abuse in prisons, a shift advocates are calling reckless and dangerous. Related Trump just told inspectors to stop tracking anti-LGBTQ+ prison rapes At least six ICE detention facilities, most run by private prison companies, have newly modified government contracts to strip away safeguards against rape and other protections for trans detainees rounded up in the Trump administrations immigration crackdown, The American Prospect reports.As of January 5, multiple detention centers revoked safety measures and halted medical care for trans prisoners in Arizona, New Mexico, Georgia, and at least two facilities in Texas. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today A third in Laredo, Texas, run by CoreCivic, has a contract modification stating all transgender guidance provided here is hereby rescinded, but doesnt specify what the guidance included.The revised contracts cite Trumps executive order Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism as the reason for the changes, which also include a revocation of all diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility language. Similar contract modifications erasing trans protections from multiple immigration prisons were made last year, including at the Aurora ICE detention center in Colorado, the Buffalo Service Processing Center in New York, and the Broward Transitional Center in Florida.As of January 8, there were68,990 peoplein ICE detention facilities, a record high.According to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, 650,000 immigrants have been arrested, imprisoned, and deported from the U.S. so far in the Trump administration purge. Noem claims 2 million more immigrants and asylum seekers have left the country voluntarily; an amount thats highly questionable.The number of trans people held by ICE is unknown, following the Department of Homeland Securitys order last year to stop collecting or publishing that data. Thelast report, published on January 12, 2025, counted 47 transgender people in ICE detention, although that number is likely low because not every trans person self-identifies for reasons of safety, advocates say. The number of trans prisoners has likely grown over the last year as the Trump administration pursues its goal of 1 million deportations annually.Trans asylum seekers are typically in the U.S. because theyve already endured incredibly high levels of sexual assault, repeated beatings, and attempted murder in their home countries, said Bridget Crawford, director of law and policy at Immigration Equality, about the effect of the revised trans guidance. Theyve endured just the most horrific persecution you can imagine.Theyre coming here for protection, and they find themselves in immigration detention, which by law cannot be punitive, but we see that it is, she said.Approximately 40% of trans prisoners reported they had endured sexual abuse in ICE detention facilities, compared to 14% of gay, lesbian, and bisexual prisoners, and 3.1% of non-LGBTQ+ people. This finding by the Obama administration in 2014 was calculated years before Trump stripped away protections and made trans animus and erasure a central part of his second-term agenda. Trump has taken that animus as well to the U.S. prison system.In December, the Justice Department issued a memo to auditors charged with tracking sexual abuse in federal prisons stating, effective immediately, prisons and jails will no longer be held responsible for violations of standards meant to shield LGBTQ+ people from harassment, abuse, and rape, the Guardian reported.The memo also directed inspectors to stop auditing facilities for compliance with those protections as the department formally updates the rules. The directive relates to regulations under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), a federal law passed unanimously by Congress in 2003, which addresses high levels of violence against LGBTQ+ people in prisons and jails in the U.S. PREA applies to all correctional facilities in the country. Like the ICE detention facility contracts, the DOJ memo also cited Trumps restoring biological truth executive order as the reason for the change.In April, the Trump administration defunded the National PREA Resource Center, which provided federally funded training and technical assistance to states and localities, serving as a single-stop resource for those charged with implementing the congressional mandate addressing violence against incarcerated LGBTQ+ people.The proposed revisions to the PREA standards will lead to increased chaos and violence inside prisons and jails, placing staff and incarcerated people in greater danger, said Linda McFarlane, executive director of human rights group Just Detention International. It will allow rapists to act with impunity. And it is already sowing confusion among prison leaders, who have worked for more than a decade to put in place commonsense rules to end prisoner rape.Its sickening, she added.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Why is Donald Trump hosting a FURRY PARTY??? asked California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) after seeing pictures of dancers wearing dog heads and aristocratic costumes at the American Humane Societys 15th Annual Hero Dog Awards Gala, held January 9 at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. The event was a fundraiser for dogs that work with law enforcement, the military, and as disability service animals. But it also featured dancers in ball gowns and embroidered coats reminiscent of clothing worn by 18th-century European aristocrats. Related GOP lawmaker admits he has no proof of student furries using litterbox Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Trump apparently spoke at the event, bragging to the audience about stealing oil and kidnapping Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro and his wife during Trumps recent invasion of Venezuela. While Trump proudly proclaimed to the cheering audience that no U.S. military members were killed during the invasion, an estimated 80 Venezuelan security forces and civilians were killed during the incursion. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Uma Explores (@usa_life_with_uma)Online commenters mocked the event, especially for having an aristocratic theme, while food prices for most Americans have risen, and inflation rose 2.7% in December. Similar criticisms were made of Trumps Great Gatsby-themed Halloweenparty, heldjust hours before millions of Americans lost their food and nutritional assistance benefits.Commenters also noted the irony of a Trump-owned venue holding a party for furries when Republicans nationwide have spewed fear-mongering lies about student furries demanding to use litter boxes at public schools. While no such thing has ever actually occurred at any school in the U.S., Republicans repeat the lies to discredit public schools and students who self-identify as transgender.However, Trumps Mar-a-Lago venue is available to rent by anyone, so while Trump merely hosted the party, the Humane Society is the organization that chose the theme. Checking in on Mar-a-Lago https://t.co/ofS0Lm6r4G pic.twitter.com/9vy1fZBnuL MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) January 15, 2026Speaking to Good Morning America late last year, American Humane Society President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert explained that the annual honor of Hero Dog is bestowed on dogs nominated and voted upon by Americans.We thank everyone for loving those incredible canine heros who make our communities kinder and safer, Ganzert said. Its all about a celebration of unconditional love.The winner of last years Hero Dog honor was Sergeant Bo, a four-year-old mixed-breed dog that brings joy to students at local schools. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Beware: Spoilers ahead for The Traitors season 4, episode 5, "If You're Gonna Come for Me, I'll Finish You."Michael Rapaport admitted he went "too far" when he came for Colton Underwood's "secret" and it cost him his time on The Traitors season 4.The Atypical actor, who has a long history of offensive remarks, brought his self-described "trash talk" to the roundtable ("banishment ceremony") on episode 5. Rapaport's arguments against gay contestant Colton Underwood came off as homophobic, which some players cited as their reason for voting him off.Rapaport came for Underwood after the former professional football player brought up his name as a possible Traitor prior to the roundtable."Conniving, commiserating Colton," Rapaport labeled Underwood in front of the group. "Nobody in this room would be better at holding a secret than you." (Like President Donald Trump, Rapaport is prone to using alliterative labels to disparage his opponents. And though the audience is unable to confirm Rapaport's intent, his mention of Underwood's "secret" was enough of a dog whistle to rattle the queer and ally contestants while leaving the door open for plausible deniability.)As background, Underwood's sexuality and his time in the closet had been established to his Traitors cast mates earlier in the episode during breakfast. "He was on The Bachelor, and he hadn't come out, and he was dating 30 women," Survivor winner Natalie Anderson told the table, where Rapaport was present. Indeed, Underwood came out in 2021 on Good Morning America after almost three decades in the closet. And he interpreted Rapaport's accusation of "holding a secret" to refer to this history."There it is," Underwood replied. "You think it was fun for 29 years of my life?"Others picked up on a dog whistle as well. "You can't blame somebody being forced into a closet for the majority of their life," said Johnny Weir, who himself knows something about the closet; he came out in 2011 following his final Olympic Games as a figure skater in 2010."Very low blow," Love Island's Maura Higgins agreed.Rapaport replied, "I don't think it was.""It was," Survivor winner Yam Yam Arocho remarked."I'm not talking about closets!" Rapaport maintained, before burying himself further: "His behavior is of a Traitor. His behavior is secretive, it's conniving, it's chirping, it's commiserating, it's cowardly."Rightly, Love Island USA star Rob Rausch whipped out the dictionary at this point: "Commiseration means to feel sorry for someone," he corrected.After this exchange, some contestants expressed at the roundtable that, whether he be Traitor or Faithful, Rapaport had effectively made himself worthy of banishment for his remarks. "Today, the way you spoke with Colton? It's enough to write your name down," said Anderson. "I think we should just get together and vote him out of here.""At this point, I don't want to be in the same room as you," Underwood said. And after he wrote Rapaport's name down for elimination, he added, "You've been pretty lucky to get this far," a nod to how difficult he has been with the cast as a whole, particularly with another queer contestant, Yam Yam, with whom Rapaport started a feud over a shield in an earlier episode.And as Underwood said in his confessional, "I'm typically pretty good at separating game and not playing super emotional, but Michael is now at the point where it's become offensive to a few of us. And that doesn't keep you around very long. This might be the straw that broke the camel's back."Ultimately, Rapaport received the majority of votes for banishment and revealed himself to be a Faithful. In his parting confessional, he expressed some contrition for his remarks toward Underwood."It sucks, but I felt backed into a corner, and I tried to fight my way out of it," he said. "Maybe I fought too hard. I meant what I meant within the context of the game. It had nothing to do with his sexuality. I really, sincerely apologize if I offended Colton or anybody in the house. That absolutely wasn't the intention. I'm a fan of the game, I played hard. I played a good game, except for when it went a little too far, which sucks."The Traitors season 4 is streaming weekly new episodes every Thursday on Peacock.

Less than a week after the University of Arkansas announced that Emily Suski would serve as the new dean of its law school, the university withdrew its job offer because right-wing legislators complained that Suski once signed an amicus court brief supporting transgender athletes.On Wednesday, the law school said in a statement that it had decided to go a different direction in filling the vacancy rather than follow through with Suskis hiring. The statement didnt explain the universitys reasoning, but in a January 14 Facebook post, Democratic state Rep. Nicole Clowney explained that Suski was one of 17 academics who signed an amicus court brief in a lawsuit challenging an anti-trans sports ban. Related Education Dept. says its aggressively pursuing 14 schools over trans-inclusive sports policies The signature alerted Arkansas elected officials that Prof. Suski may share different political views than they do on this one issue, Clowney wrote. That was enough for multiple state elected officials to threaten to substantially reduce funding in the upcoming fiscal session.Clowney wrote that legislators have sadly made veiled threats and comments behind closed doors about the political leanings of University of Arkansas faculty and staff But state elected officials threatening to withhold funding to the entire School based on the political beliefs of the newly hired Dean is a new, terrifying low. 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 State Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester (R) told KATV that he personally contacted university leaders to make very clear how much I disapproved of [Suskis] hire.We agree in diversity of thought and educationtotally agree with that, Hester told the news station. But this was a potential dean that disagreed with the very foundations of society. She didnt understand what a woman was. Didnt understand how important it was to protect women in sports. Through a spokesperson, state Attorney General Tim Griffin expressed dismay at Suskis selection and applauded the universitys withdrawn job offer, arguing that many more qualified candidates could have been identified. Similarly, a spokesperson for Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) said that she praised the universitys decision as being in the best interests of students.In a statement, Holly Dickson, executive director of the Arkansas chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), wrote, after a two-year national search [the university withdrew its offer to Suski] not because she was unqualified, but because she exercised her First Amendment rights in a court of law. That is not just wrong. It is unconstitutional.If state officials can threaten to cut funding because they dislike a professors legal analysis, then no public employee in Arkansas is safe to speak freely. Under this logic, any public worker could be punished for expressing a belief unless it has first been approved by politicians. That is not governance it is ideological control, Dickson added. This action is retaliatory, full stop. And it is impossible to believe this outcome would have occurred had Professor Suski signed a brief on the other side of the issue, Dickson continued.The implications are staggering, she wrote. This sends a chilling message to every faculty member: stay silent or risk your career. It tells future educators to look elsewhere. It damages the credibility of the University of Arkansas School of Law and its ability to function as a serious institution committed to independent thought and rigorous legal education.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.A day we never thought would arrive finally came: A trailer for Euphoria's third season dropped this week. The whole gang (minus Angus Cloud, RIP) is back together again for some shenanigans. These crazy kids are now grown, thanks to the time jump, and trying to live as full-fledged adults. As the first look at the new season, cycled through all the storylines and characters, I just had one thought in my head: I'm not as excited about this show as I once was, like at all. And that's for a couple of reasons, but the biggest being that I just haven't missed it being on my TV after the stain the show's creator, Sam Levinson, and Sydney Sweeney have left on it in the years since the last season premiered. Thank god, this is the last season. If I'm being 100 percent honest, I didn't miss the show on my TV screen. There are seasons, where at the end, you feel an emptiness in the pit of your stomach now that you don't have that show to look forward to anymore, but you have a hankering for more. I could rattle off a list of shows where I've felt that. But that just isn't the case with Euphoria, at least not since 2023, when things started to fall apart behind the scenes.When the first season of Euphoria came out, I was a fan just like almost everyone else I knew. I never missed an episode, and I engaged in the discourse on social media. But it was after the second season that the cracks in the show became hard to ignore. Barbie Ferreira, who played Kat Hernandez for two seasons, sparked rumors of tensions between the cast and Levinson after an investigation by The Daily Beast alleged that she walked off set after "butting heads" with the creator over the direction of her character's storyline. In retaliation, it's reported that Levinson allegedly cut her screen time.The publication spoke with several people who worked on the production and said that Ferreira indeed walked off set, including once when she had to be carried off after slipping and falling twice, twisting her ankle during the infamous hot-tub puking scene. The actress has denied these claims on a podcast appearance, clarifying that she "never walked off set."Then there was The Idol, which Levinson co-created a disturbing portrait of the lack of agency a female pop star has in the sinister world of Hollywood. The same journalist who looked into Ferreira's alleged disputes with Levinson, Cheyenne Roundtree, broke the story on the show's controversial production. According to her expos in Rolling Stone, the show was originally intended as a feminist look at how the entertainment industry treats women. But in 2022, the show was overhauled by Levinson after the original director, Amy Seimetz, had to leave the project for another due to contractual obligations. As he and Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye took over, one source described the show as a "rape fantasy" that "went from satire to the thing it was satirizing.There have been multiple instances where Levinson's more problematic views on sex were made public. In the story, Roundtree writes that at various points, "Levinsons scripts contained disturbing sexual and physically violent scenes between Depp and Tesfayes characters, three sources familiar with the matter claim." She continued, "In one draft episode, there allegedly was a scene where Tesfaye bashes in Depps face, and her character smiles and asks to be beaten more, giving Tesfaye an erection," though this scene was never shot, sources say.Levinson has also faced pushback for the arguably gratuitous sex scenes and nudity in Euphoria. Sweeney and guest star Minka Kelly have both pushed back against having to perform nude scenes on the show. The latter told Vanity Fair that the show's creator thought it would be "more interesting" if she disrobed in a scene. But, she told the publication that she pushed back: "That was my first day as a guest on this new show, and I just didnt feel comfortable standing there naked," Kelly said.Sweeney had a similar situation with Levinson, but emphasized that she never felt pressured. "Sam [Levinson] is amazing," she said in an interview with The Independent. "There are moments where Cassie was supposed to be shirtless, and I would tell Sam, I dont really think thats necessary here. He was like, OK, we dont need it. Ive never felt like Sam has pushed it on me or was trying to get a nude scene into an HBO show. When I didnt want to do it, he didnt make me.Though Sweeney has left a sour taste in my mouth ever since the American Eagle jeans debacle, in which a commercial was accused of having white supremacist dog whistles and naturally, it was praised by our president and vice president. The actress didn't denounce the transphobic fascists, as she worked with and hung out with her co-star Hunter Schaefer in the midst of the world "Republivestigating" her yes, that's a term I just made up. Even when she had the opportunity to tell people she wasn't a Republican or that she wasn't accepting the endorsement of white supremacists, she just said that she "just did a jean ad" and that when she has something to say, she'll say it.That's when I checked out entirely with her. It was a disgusting display of privilege that is only afforded to conventionally attractive, rich, white women. But now she's doing another season of Euphoria, where she'll continue to play Cassie, the terrible friend, sister, and girlfriend who oversexualizes herself for attention.So the question remains: Will I be watching the new season of Euphoria? Yes, obviously because it's my job to stay abreast of all things culture. But that doesn't mean my point doesn't still stand, and that I'll be watching it with a smile on my face. I'm glad (most of) these actors got more work, but I'd argue that for some of them (Zendaya, mainly), their talents are being wasted on this awfully written show.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.

Alan Cumming was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last week for his contributions to film, television, and theater not only as a groundbreaking performer, but also as a boundary-pushing producer, writer, and director who's been a queer luminary for the past four decades. As noted by Playbill, this recognition reflects Cumming's Tony Award-winning performance as the Emcee in Cabaret, as well as the four Primetime Emmy Awards he's won as a producer on and as the host of Peacock's The Traitors.Cumming wore a Trans Pride medal at the event, as he's done while attending showbiz-related events in the last few years, to display his support for trans rights. A dear friend of Cumming's, Dylan Mulvaney, also sat in the audience and applauded this well-deserved milestone for the Scottish superstar.Hours after Cumming's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was revealed, season 4 of The Traitors premiered with a three-episode batch introducing fans to new Faithfuls and Traitors who'll be loved, hated, and meme-fied for months to come.A chaotic cast of reality TV stars: Check. A new set of spectacular looks worn by Cumming: Check. The exciting narration of a game of "treachery," contrasting the Instagram-ready soundbites from reality TV icons: Check. For a moment, everything felt just right, except for one noteworthy absence that has now gone unchecked for a second season in a row: There wasn't a single trans contestant on the show.The trans-inclusive casting choices of The Traitors.I can hear it already: Why ask this question about The Traitors, specifically, when nearly all mainstream reality shows never even cast a single trans person at all? Well, that's precisely what makes it such a conundrum. Unlike other shows, The Traitors (U.S.) featured at least one trans contestant in each of its first two seasons which helped the reality competition stand out and queer-ified Cumming's castle even more.The season 1 cast, which combined reality TV stars and non-famous players, had a nonbinary, transmasc contestant, Andie, whose goal was to get top surgery after the show. A year later, The Traitors season 2 cast featured Peppermint, a trans woman who had a breakout run on RuPaul's Drag Race, made Broadway history in Heads Over Heels, and was the subject of a 2025 documentary titled A Deeper Love: The Story of Miss Peppermint.The heartbreaking departures of Andie and Peppermint.Even though their journeys on The Traitors were very different, it's hard to dismiss that both Andie (season 1) and Peppermint (season 2) had heartbreaking endings in their respective seasons.Andie made it to the grand finale of The Traitors season 1 only to find out that Cirie Fields was a Traitor, meaning that the grand prize wouldn't be split among Faithfuls, further delaying Andie's desire to get top surgery. This tragic experience was so intense that it prompted the show to overhaul its casting practices and only cast celebrities within reality TV and social media moving forward.After The Traitors shifted into a celebrity-only casting format, Peppermint was announced as a season 2 cast member, which was incredibly exciting for fans who had known her from Drag Race, or various movies and TV shows, or Broadway, or even just social media. Alas, unlike Andie, the overall Traitors cast never really warmed up to Peppermint. One minor slip and a misinterpreted reaction later, Peppermint became a target and was promptly banished from the castle by majority vote in episode 2.Both Andie and Peppermint were featured in their respective reunion specials still feeling unsure of why things played out that way, and left those reunions without resolving anything or gaining any clarity from other competitors.Alan Cumming's trans advocacy roars (outside the show).Those two first seasons turned The Traitors into one of the most popular reality shows on television and positioned the series as a new frontrunner in awards shows too.Cumming attended the 76th and the 77th Emmy Awards ceremonies to win trophies, thank the Television Academy, and wear visible Trans Pride pins. In his first speech, the host and producer reasoned that "all of America's problems will be solved" if they could get together to have a few drinks. The following year, Traitors and Cumming won again, and the host spoke of a "difficult time we're living in; it's so great that our show brings a little bit of joy into this life."Since 2024, Cumming turned up the volume on trans advocacy even more, telling Entertainment Weekly that he "actually lobbied quite hard" for The Traitors producers to increase the number of contestants from the LGBTQ+ community. As the cover of Out, Cumming remarked that "anything I can do to just show trans power and trans beauty and trans happiness, I do," adding that trans people are "being erased in front of us."Trans rights were also discussed on The View: "I can't imagine what it must be like to be a trans person," the Traitors host mused, "knowing that the government is trying to legislate that you do not exist." Cumming went on to deliver an iconic monologue as a guest host on Jimmy Kimmel Live, calling out the anti-trans rhetoric that was sweeping the nation.But the bottom line is that the casting choices for the third and fourth seasons of The Traitors were not impacted by Cumming's speeches, interviews, or "lobbying," despite his dual role as host and producer on the show. And, frankly, this equation is just straight-up odd.A reality series once perceived as being ahead of its time for casting trans contestants in seasons 1 and 2 became very successful, won awards, and then reverted to casting zero trans contestants in its two latest cycles (season 3, which aired in 2025; and season 4, which is currently streaming new episodes every weekly).When the season 4 cast was announced last year, Peppermint attributed to the lack of representation as a direct result of the new political environment following the 2024 election. "I was hopeful to see more inclusion with the new cast, but after the current administration's threats to punish those who include trans people in their respective industries everything from healthcare and beyond I knew many would fall in line," Peppermint told Out in a statement."I've called upon producers and casting directors to be more inclusive, hoping someone would be brave. I know Alan Cumming understands the importance of trans inclusion especially in this time and I'm hopeful more people in the industry will take the next opportunity."A precedent of betrayed Faithfuls who return for revenge.A well-liked contestant from season 1 who didn't engage well with The Traitors as a reality competition series was, in fact, brought back for another run in season 2: Kate Chastain (not Andie).A well-established and beloved reality TV juggernaut ended up being a way-too-early-out player on The Traitors who, amid outrage from fans, was brought back the following season for a second chance: Dorinda Medley (not Peppermint).Why not bring back Andie? Why not bring back Peppermint? And if contestants like Michael Rapaport, with a problematic history of racist and Zionist statements, can be featured in a 2026 cast, why not highlight a transgender person who, sure, might be controversial in this political moment, but also deserves a chance to win a reality competition and just maybe, some hearts and minds.The Traitors season 4 is streaming new episodes every Thursday on Peacock.Bernardo Sim is a staff writer and associate editor for Out magazine. Follow him on Instagram at @bernardosim and explore more of his work on bernardosim.com/links.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.

Ten years can feel like a lifetime in the entertainment industry, a sentiment that rings particularly true for the rise of Erin Kellyman. It was in 2015 that the British actress first appeared on-screen in the quirky U.K. sitcom Raised by Wolves, a debut that showcased a raw, naturalistic talent far beyond her teenage years. In the decade since, the now-27-year-old movie star has navigated a career trajectory that most actors only dream of, leaping from the cobblestones of British drama to the hyper-speed lanes of Hollywoods biggest intellectual properties.Since her debut a decade ago, Kellyman has battled across a galaxy far, far away in Solo: A Star Wars Story, led a revolution in Marvels The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, and wielded a sword as a queer romantic lead in Disney+s Willow. Recently, she found herself under the direction of Scarlett Johansson in the June Squibb-starrer Eleanor the Great, a collaboration that Kellyman cites as a career peak.Honestly, working with Scarlett Johansson recently has been, I mean, its insane, says Kellyman. I didnt ever think Id be in a room with her, so to be directed by her was incredible. Erin KellymanDerek Reed/Getty ImagesHowever, her immediate future lies in a darker, more terrifying realm. This January, Kellyman stars in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the fourth installment in the 28 Days Later franchise initiated by filmmaker Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland about a post-apocalyptic world where a pathogen threatens to turn humanity into zombies. She plays Jimmy Ink, a character she describes as extremely complicated and extremely traumatized.Shes like part of a cult, and she has been part of that since she was maybe like 8 years old. And you follow her on a journey to waking up. I think I decided that her survival technique is dissociation, Kellyman reveals. So when I say waking up, its sort of snapping out of that fog that shes put over herself to keep herself safe.The Bone Temple marks a departure for Kellyman, who admits she is usually terrified of the horror genre. Im not great with horror, she confesses.As for the film itself, Kellyman describes it as wild, weird, and scary. Honestly, but its also just deep, she adds. Theres so much more than just jump scares. Its about humanity and hope. Theres a lot going on.This latest installment, directed by Nia DaCosta, produced by Boyle, and also starring Ralph Fiennes, promises to address the divisive tonal shift seen at the end of 28 Years Later, where a group of highly trained youths dressed in tracksuits and blond wigs the Jimmies make their head-scratching appearance. During that final scene, Kellymans character is glimpsed performing a flip as her faction dispatches a horde of infected in a hyper-violent, albeit cartoonish way. (Note: The two films were shot back-to-back, with the former directed by Boyle.) Kellyman as her character Jimmy Ink in '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple'Sony PicturesKellyman defends the shift as an injection of necessary chaos. I found it exciting to have that flash of colors: blond, blues, and reds like, just chaos at the end of the film. ... You see these Jimmies this group of teenagers just completely whoop them with their eyes closed. To me, thats exciting.Given her prominent roles in 28 Years Later, Solo, The Green Knight, Willow, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, one might assume Kellyman is a die-hard devotee of sci-fi and fantasy. But her personal tastes lean much closer to home.I think I was always more drawn to sort of movies like This Is England and movies that were super realistic and super naturalistic, she explains. Things about everyday people going through everyday things. I think thats what Im most drawn to, and Id like to branch out into more of that too.One of the most significant chapters in Kellymans recent career was the honor of portraying Jade Claymore in the 2022 Disney+ series Willow. As a queer woman playing a queer character in a high-fantasy setting, Kellyman brought a layer of authenticity to the role that resonated deeply with audiences. For her, the bravery wasnt in the performance but in the normalization of queer love.I remember speaking to somebody on the production about it. He was saying how brave it was. And I was like, Its not brave. Im just being me. I do this every single day as a queer woman, she recalls. It was brief, but Im happy that there was that normality shown on screen. Kellyman with costar Jack O Connell in a scene from 'The Bone Temple'Sony PicturesKellyman credits show creator Jonathan Kasdan for writing a world where sexuality wasnt a source of angst or plot-driven taboo. Jon had made it so there wasnt really much stigma around it. Its just people love who they love, and no one has to come out, she notes. The only reservation that they had was ruining a friendship it wasnt questioning if they were queer or not. And I just think that its beautiful to have queer representation shown in a safe space.As she looks toward the next decade, Kellyman is returning to the basics of her craft. This February, she will make her stage debut in Evening All Afternoon at the Donmar Warehouse in London. It is a challenge she finds both intimidating and exhilarating.Im so terrified but so excited just to sort of like strip everything back, she says. I think theater is solely about the acting rather than anything else.Despite a fleeting interest in writing and directing, Kellyman remains steadfast in her primary identity. The girl who started as a teenager bouncing off the walls with excitement when she landed her Raised by Wolves gig is still present in the woman now commanding the screen alongside Hollywood legends.I see myself as an actor forever. I cant imagine doing anything else, she concludes.28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is in theaters everywhere January 16.This article is part of OUTs Jan-Feb 2026 issue, which hits newsstands January 27. Support queer media and subscribe or download the issue through Apple News+, Zinio, Nook, or PressReader.

Pete Buttigieg zoomed out on Saturday on the controversy surrounding Donald Trumps teardown of the East Wing of the White House, saying hes not as concerned about historic preservation as he is about Americans suffering the effects of historic price hikes for health insurance, all while Trump builds a ballroom to party with his billionaire fans.Whats most wrong about what President Trump is doing to the White House grounds is, it shows that his focus is on building a bigger venue for fancy dinners, when, because of his actual policies, Americans are opening those letters and finding out this week that theyre not going to be able to afford their healthcare next year. Related Can Democrats come up with a Project 2029 to rebuild democracy after Trump? 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 My focus right now isnt about historic preservation, he told CNN. Its about whats going on in peoples lives.The presidents timing couldnt be worse, Buttigieg said. Both the demolition and premium hikes come during an extended government shutdown that Trump and Republicans dont seem anxious to end. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers, including air traffic controllers, TSA agents, and military personnel, are working without pay, while thousands more have been furloughed or fired by the president.Democrats and the GOP are in a standoff over extending Biden-era subsidies to keep Obamacare premiums low.How in the world could you be focused on building a new ballroom a literallygilded ballroom for fancy parties for your rich friends at the exact moment when working Americans, actually disproportionately working Americans, who voted foryou, are getting screwed by your healthcare policy, and you dont seem to be interested in helping them, Buttigieg asserted. Politicians and preservationists alike have denounced Trumps unilateral destruction of the East Wing, and the grandiose and growing plans to replace it with a Roman-style temple rumored to be named after the president himself. Trump called that gossip fake news over the weekend.Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), another possible candidate along with Buttigieg to succeed Trump in 2028, trolled the president on Sunday over plans for the enormous edifice honoring his ego at 90,000 square feet, the neoclassical building is almost double the size of the White House footprint.Asked on NBC News Meet the Press whether his party should tear down the ballroom if they get the chance, the Democrat responded, No. I think to really mess with him, just name it the Barack Obama ballroom, Gallego said. Some past administration officials have said a larger venue for state dinners and similar functions isnt a bad idea on its face, but Trumps execution unilateral and in poor taste has undermined a worthy objective.News of plans for guest suites for Trumps billionaire friends in the new addition has only added to charges of influence-peddling associated with the $300 million building, said to be paid for by those same deep-pocketed Trump supporters and business associates.Buttigiegs take: Most of the people who are getting these letters about their healthcare premiums are never going to be invited to dinner at the White House. Hes not there for them.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Bisexual former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) allegedly had an affair with her male bodyguard. Now the mans North Carolina ex-wife is suing Sinema for $75,000 in an alienation of affection lawsuit that blames the former congresswoman for willfully and intentionally breaking up her marriage of 14 years. North Carolina is one of six states that allows such lawsuits. Sinema hasnt publicly commented on the accusations. Related Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema says shes excited to work with Trump as an AI industry lobbyist Sinema hired Matthew Ammel after he retired from the army in 2022 and accompanied the congresswoman on trips to Napa Valley, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Saudi Arabia, The Guardian reported. Heather Ammel said she had a good and loving marriage with genuine love and affection, her lawsuit states, and said she was introduced to Sinema as Matthew Ammels wife at a December 2023 concert for the rock band U2. But, in January 2024, she allegedly discovered romantic and lascivious text messages between her then-husband and Sinema on the Signal messaging app.Sinema reportedly sent Matthew Ammel a picture of herself only wearing a towel, asked him to procure the drug MDMA (also known as molly or ecstasy) so that she could guide him through a psychedelic experience. The drug is sometimes used in therapeutic settings, and Matthew Ammel suffered from substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury following his deployments to Afghanistan and the Middle East, the lawsuit states. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Sinema also allegedly offered to work on [Matthew Ammels] back at her apartment using a handheld massage tool, and messaged him about sexual positions in certain scenarios, The Hill reported. Specifically, when Matthew Ammel messaged Sinema about having sex in the missionary position with the lights on, the senator allegedly replied, Boring!By June 2024, Matthew Ammel stopped wearing his wedding ring so that it wouldnt look as if Sinema was placing her hands on a married man, Heather Ammel alleged. Heather Ammel said that her husband admitted that Sinema would sometimes get handsy with him, but said that he didnt know how to get out of the situation without offending her, the lawsuit alleged.Healther Ammel says she sent Sinema a text message in October 2024 that said, Are you having an affair with my husband? You took a married man away from his family. Heather and Matthew Ammel separated the following month.Healther Ammels case was moved from a state court to theU.S. Middle District Court of North Carolina last week.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Everythings coming up roses for Vivian Wilson. The 21-year-old transgender rising star of the modeling world who also just happens to be the estranged daughter of anti-trans billionaire Elon Musk is one of the faces of the buzzy new campaign for Savage X Fentys 2026 Valentines Day collection.Last week, the lingerie brand unveiled the first images from its Love So Savage: A Modern Ode to Aphrodite campaign, featuring founder Rihanna as the Greek goddess of love as well as Wilson alongside actress Lovie Simone and fellow model Emma Arletta. Related Sorry your daughter hates you: Gavin Newsom & Elon Musk on social media According to People, the campaign also features actor Michael Cooper Jr., who sat down for a chat with Simone in a promotional video posted earlier this week to the brands Instagram account.As U.K. LGBTQ+ outlet Scene Mag reports, Savage X Fentys 2026 Valentines collection features lingerie and loungewear for all body types, with sizes available from XXS to 4XL. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Wilson appears in the brands Sinful Rose Printed Lace Balconette bra paired with a matching skirt and red tights, People notes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SAVAGE X FENTY BY RIHANNA (@savagexfenty)While it may be her most high-profile ad campaign to date, its hardly Wilsons first modeling gig. Shes been at it for a year now and has so far walked the runway for designers Chrishabana, Prabal Gurung, and Alexis Bittar, according to The Cut.But Wilson is perhaps best known for her criticism of her estranged father. Musk has, himself, been outspoken about his relationship with Wilson, his eldest daughter with his first wife, Canadian author Justine Wilson, claiming that he was tricked into consenting to her gender-affirming care and that her transition was what has driven him to destroy the woke mind virus.On social media and in interviews, Musk has consistently misgendered and deadnamed Wilson. In an infamous 2024 interview with Canadian right-wing provocateur Jordan Peterson, Musk claimed that Wilson had been killed by the woke mind virus, and in a December 2025 X post, he described her as suffering from a tragic mental illness.Wilson, meanwhile, has frequently clapped back at Musk, whom she has described as cold, very quick to anger, uncaring and narcissistic, and a largely absent parental figure. She has reportedly been financially independent from Musk since coming out as trans in 2020.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Bad Bunny has shared a new Super Bowl Halftime Show promo in which the reggaetonero and global pop star is seen having a kiki to the tune of "BAILE INoLVIDABLE" (off his sixth studio album Deb Tirar Ms Fotos) dancing salsa with men, women, people of all ages, and coming from all over the world expressing the plurality of his work and underscoring how welcoming he's been to cultural and personal differences.At its core, this new Super Bowl Halftime Show commercial showcases everything that conservatives hate about Bad Bunny and are scared to acknowledge: Being himself unapologetically, existing in a cultural melting pot where differences are embraced, welcome, and loved, and being the poster child of what was once referred to as the American Dream coming from nothing, working hard, and eventually becoming the most-streamed artist of all time for several consecutive years And the next artist to headline the Halftime Show. See on Instagram The Super Bowl Halftime Show is set to air Sunday, February 8 on NBC.

The commissioner of the National Hockey League (NHL), Gary Bettman, recently shared his admiration for the show on everyone's mind, Heated Rivalry. The show follows a hockey romance between two bitter foes, Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie). Speaking with The Hockey News, the head honcho at the NHL told the publication that he loved the show and binged it in one night."It's a wonderful story," Bettman said during the interview. "The content particularly for young people may be a little spicy, so you have to balance that out." But he goes on to praise the show, saying he thought the storyline was compelling and added, "I could see where they were picking at things we (as a league) had done in the past, whether or not it was being in Sochi or the All-Star Game in Tampa. It was very well done."The fervor surrounding the show undoubtedly piqued the interest of many non-hockey fans, and he said it definitely contributed to the success of the 2025-26 regular season in the NHL. It's similar to Taylor Swift's effect on the NFL after she was spotted at multiple Kansas City Chiefs games supporting her fianc, Travis Kelce.The commissioner also made it clear that he and the league support the LGBTQ+ community, stating that he is happy to host Pride night, but that there is currently no plan to allow players to wear Pride jerseys during warm-ups again (well, any themed jersey). "It wasn't about Pride jerseys or Pride night; it was about the fact of bringing things into the game that might not be embraced by the players wearing the jerseys," the commissioner said. "It could be heritage nights we don't allow it it could be political causes. It could be in times of conflict between countries, national origin. It was becoming a distraction, not just for the Pride jerseys, but for a variety of other things."He added, "It's a misrepresentation of what we did to suggest that it was about Pride jerseys; it was about the whole issue of what you put on the ice and how, when players don't embrace the cause, whatever it is, then you create a distraction, and it doesn't fulfill the purpose in terms of embracing Pride nights."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt lashed out at a journalist after he asked why the administration is saying that ICE is doing everything correctly even after queer mom Renee Good was shot in the face three times by an ICE agent. Leavitt then ranted about how he is a left-wing hack who should be reporting administration propaganda instead of asking questions about ICEs brutality.You were just defending ICE agents generally, and earlier on, [Homeland Security] Secretary [Kristi] Noem spoke to the media, and she said, among other things, that they are doing everything correctly, asked Niall Stenage of The Hill. Thirty-two people died in ICE custody last year, 170 U.S. citizens were detained by ICE, and Renee Good was shot in the head and killed by an ICE agent. How does that equate to them doing everything correctly? Related Karoline Leavitt shares claim that angry God caused earthquake over Charlie Kirk murder 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 Why was Renee Good unfortunately and tragically killed? Leavitt asked snidely.Are you asking me my opinion? Stenage asked, perhaps surprised that she would want to know his opinion instead of stating the White Houses position.Yes, she responded.Because an ICE agent acted recklessly and killed her unjustifiably.Oh, okay, so youre a biased reporter with a left-wing opinion, she pointed at him and said.What do you want me to do-Because youre a left-wing hack! she started shouting. Youre not a reporter! Youre posing in this room as a journalist, and its so clear by the premise of your question. And you and the people in the media who have such biases, but fake like youre journalists, you shouldnt even be sitting in that seat. But youre pretending like youre a journalist, but youre a left-wing activist, and the question that you just raised and your answer proves your bias.The reporter tried to press her on his question, but Leavitt shouted over him and continued to berate him. You should be reporting on the facts. You should be reporting on cases. Do you have the numbers of how many American citizens were killed at the hands of illegal aliens who ICE is trying to remove from this country? I bet you dont. She went on to talk about people who she claimed were killed by undocumented immigrants. Immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born people, despite the fact that some immigrants have probably committed violent crimes in recent years. The Hill is a D.C.-based newspaper that covers federal politics and other topics. Its mission statement describes it as nonpartisan, and it has a reputation as a centrist publication.Leavitts reaction has become the modus operandi for Republican elected officials interacting with journalists asking real questions. Instead of just answering, they often attack the journalist for raising uncomfortable questions.The administrations position on Goods death has been that she deserved to die because she was very disorderly and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, even though multiple videos show her pointing her car in a different direction than ICE agent Jonathan Ross, and a video even shows him walking away from the interaction without any visible injuries. Cellphone footage released last week showed Ross approaching the Goods SUV in a snowy residential neighborhood. In the video, Renee Good can be heard telling the agent, Thats fine, dude, Im not mad, though its not clear exactly what shes referring to. Her wife, Becca Good, is standing behind the car, taunting Ross, and then she enters as Renee Good drives away with Ross shouting, Get out of the f**king car.The video does not show whether the Goods car came into contact with Ross. Three shots can be heard as Ross is next to the drivers side door.F**king b**ch, Ross says, and then the sound of the car crashing can be heard.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The U.S. Department of Education is reportedly investigating a Maine school district over a complaint about a transgender member of one schools co-ed cheerleading team.This week, the Education Departments Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced that it had initiated investigations into more than a dozen K-12 school districts in mostly blue states across the country. The investigations stem from complaints OCR has received alleging the districts are violating the presidential administrations anti-trans interpretation of Title IX by allowing transgender girls to participate in girls athletics. Related Education Dept. says its aggressively pursuing 14 schools over trans-inclusive sports policies The complaints assert that these entities maintain policies or practices that discriminate on the basis of sex by permitting students to participate in sports based on their gender identity, not biological sex, a January 14 press release reads.According to the Portland Press Herald, a U.S. Department of Education spokesperson said that the complaint against Regional School Unit 19, one of two Maine school districts under investigation, alleges that the district allowed a male student to use female facilities and join the girls cheerleading squad. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today But RSU 19 superintendent Michael Hammer told the paper that the cheerleading squad in question is a co-ed team.Boys can join, girls can join. No one lost a place on the team because a transgender student joined, Hammer said. (Hammer did not address allegations that the district allowed a male student to use female facilities.)Hammer told the Press Herald that a letter the district received from the Education Department notifying him of the federal civil rights investigation was the first time hed ever heard of anyone having a problem with an alleged trans students participation on the schools cheerleading squad. Hammer said the letter alleged that a trans girl joined a district middle schools cheerleading team in February, but it neglected to acknowledge that the team is co-ed. In the letter, the Education Department said that its investigation would examine whether the district has a policy or practice of allowing male students to participate in athletic programs designated for female students and whether the district has a policy or practice of allowing male students to use intimate facilities designated for use by female students in violation of Title IX.Upon returning to office last January, the president signed an executive order rescinding the Biden administrations interpretation of Title IX as protecting students against discrimination based on gender identity. The following month, OCR notified U.S. schools that it would not enforce the Biden administrations trans-inclusive interpretation of the law.As the Press Herald notes, only six school districts in Maine have complied with the administrations interpretation of Title IX, deferring instead to the Maine Human Rights Act, which protects trans athletes right to compete on sports teams and in athletics divisions that align with their gender identity. In November, the Maine Human Rights Commission sued five school districts whose anti-trans athletics policies, it alleges, violate state law.Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) has publicly clashed with the president this year over the rights of trans student-athletes. In her state. When the president threatened to withhold federal education funding in retaliation for Mills refusal to comply with the administrations anti-trans agenda in February, the state successfully sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the release of the $3 million in congressionally appropriated funding.Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice has sued Maine, challenging the states trans-inclusive interpretation of Title IX. The case is scheduled for trial in April.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

A reader's being driven up the wall by her friend's money asks on social media. Also; how to handle ticket money in a friendship with an ex.The post Why Am I So Put Off By My Friends Constant Asks For Financial Help? appeared first on Autostraddle.

Happy Friday, Out readers!We're two weeks into 2026, and already we're tired of a few things.The first thing we're tired of is Michael Rapaport. The Atypical actor is on the newest season of The Traitors, and his offensive attitudes and behaviors are bringing one of our favorite shows down!Rapaport has a long history of controversy, beginning in 1997 when he was arrested for harassing his ex-girlfriend, actor Lili Taylor. Since then, Rapaport has become something of a conservative and Zionist firebrand.Now, on a recent episode, Rapaport made comments that came off as homophobic. When talking about fellow contestant Colton Underwood, who is gay, Rapaport said, "Conniving, commiserating Colton. Nobody in this room would be better at holding a secret than you."Thankfully, Underwood and fellow contestants Johnny Weir and Maura Higgins shut Rapaport down.We're also happily leaving behind influencer Jeffree Star. In recent years, Star has pivoted from talking about makeup and beauty to going on anti-trans tirades and defending Charlie Kirk.Most recently, he's made some seriously disgusting jokes about Latino creators and ICE. On a recent livestream, Star "joked" about a young Latino man who joined and was filming in a room with a red light."I'm just surprised they have red lights in the deportation centers," Star said.2026 is already packed full of important news we need to focus on; we don't have time for jokers like these.Keep reading to find out the Gayest Song of the Week and all the best pop culture news!Bad Bunny dances with men, women, & people of all ages in Super Bowl adNHL commissioner says that he 'binged' Heated Rivalry in one night28 Years Later: The Bone Temple's Erin Kellyman talks her path to stardomStraight Nonsense: We don't need another season of 'Euphoria'Alan Cumming loves trans people. Why aren't they on The Traitors?The Traitors: Michael Rapaport's Trumpian attack on Colton Underwood backfiredHudson Williams on the workout that will help him compete with Connor Storrie for 'fattest butt'7 sexy gay pool scenes from TV & movies that flooded our basementsTERFs lose it over an autistic Barbie's speech toolGayest Song of the WeekRicky Martin is back with a sexy new Spanish-language song with Arcngel called "Lluvia." Check it out now!Get Out / The Advocate in your physical mailbox, too!Get print issues of Out Magazine / The Advocate in the mail for just $9.95 a year!

This second term of the Trump administration has been brutal in so many ways. For the LGBTQ+ community, it has meant a year of relentless legal and social attacks scapegoating transgender people, pushing laws meant to strip us of our rights, and attempting to erase us altogether. The daily weight of it all can feel overwhelming.As an older lesbian, its heartbreaking to witness such a coordinated and malicious effort to undo decades of progress progress I saw, fought for, and experienced us win firsthand. And yet, the more I sit with whats happening, the clearer the bigger picture becomes. No matter how desperately this administration and its supporters try to keep us down, they will fail. We have endured before. We will endure again. And it will continue, overall, to get better. Related We deserve wrinkles: The fight for trans youth is a fight for a future with trans elders in it But before I lean too hard into optimism and play the role of Pollyanna, its worth sharing a bit of my background.I grew up as a deeply closeted lesbian in the late 1970s, a time when the thought of two people of the same sex showing even the smallest public affection was unimaginable. Visibility came with real consequences: Ridicule was almost guaranteed, and few dared to be publicly out and proud. Before 1973, the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) actually considered homosexuality a disorder. It wasnt completely removed until 1987. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today I remained firmly in the closet through most of my youth and well into young adulthood, finally coming at age twenty-six. I learned to perform to talk about boys, to act interested, to play a role that never, in a million years, fit. During those years, fear was my constant companion. I lived in a state of vigilance, terrified that someone might uncover my secret.But even worse was the loneliness, the crushing, suffocating loneliness. Any attraction I felt for other girls had to be carried in silence. There is a special kind of heart-wrenching pain that comes from living a lie. Even into my mid-twenties, I kept trying to convince myself that maybe, just maybe, I could be normal, like everyone else, and not a gross lesbian, a phrase Id heard echoed for years. I told myself that my attraction to women was just some strange hormonal phase, something that would eventually pass.Yet no matter how hard I tried to convince myself, each night still ended the same wayin tears. I ached to be loved and accepted for who I was, not judged for who I was drawn to. It was a quiet, grinding isolation, the kind that wears you down day by day, and one I wouldnt wish on anyone. Dark thoughts lingered at the edges of my mind, tempting me with the idea of escape. I had no one to talk to, no one I felt I could trust during that time, and the loneliness was exhausting. More than once, I came dangerously close to giving in to the darkness.It wasnt until college in the 1990s that I met my first love, and everything began to change. I came out, found community, and slowly started shedding years of internalized homophobia and self-hatred. For the first time, the pain I felt no longer came from within; it came from the world around me. I realized then that I wasnt the problem, and neither was my LGBTQ+ community. We were whole and worthy exactly as we were. The real harm was the homophobia and transphobia imposed from the outside. Over the next couple of decades, I lived out and proud, continually fighting for equality and basic rights while witnessing both progress and fierce backlash. I lived through the AIDS crisis, watching President Reagan dismiss it as the gay plague and largely ignore the devastation. I watched the nation grapple with the horror of Matthew Shepards torture and death; Oregons Ballot Measures 9 and 13thinly veiled as No Special Rightswhich attacked our community under the slogan Protect Our Children; and the rape and murder of Brandon Teena, a transgender man, in 1993.Yet alongside the setbacks, there has been remarkable progress: the first gay pride parade in 1972; ACT UPs fearless activism in the 1980s; and the Clinton administrations executive order barring discrimination based on sexual orientation in the federal workplace. In 1997, I watched Ellen come out on national television and felt, for the first time, publicly seen. The first Transgender Day of Remembrance followed in 1999. In 2004, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon became the first same-sex couple married in San Francisco, and in 2015, marriage equality was finally recognized nationwide. In 2020, the Supreme Court affirmed federal employment protections for LGBTQ+ workers, and in the years since, LGBTQ+ leaders have continued to break barriers in public officeincluding in my home state of Oregon, which elected the nations first openly lesbian governor in 2022.So many positive momentssome monumental, others quiethave unfolded over the years. Taken together, they form a clear trajectory forward. Even when the pace slows, we are still moving in the right direction. Which brings me to the present moment. Under the Trump administration, the barrage of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rhetoric has been relentless, clearly aimed at dragging us backward. Decades of hard-won progress, both legal and cultural, are being challenged with a deeply unsettling speed and aggression.History feels as though it is repeating itself, as backlash once again follows progress. Transgender rights are being rolled back at an alarming pace as some lawmakers urge the Supreme Court to reconsider same-sex marriage. At the same time, LGBTQ+ people are being pushed out of public life removed from government webpages, targeted by Dont Say Gay legislation, and even erased symbolically, as seen in the removal of all references to trans people at the Stonewall National Monument.Make no mistake: This administration is determined to force us back into the closet and to criminalize our existence, both subtly and overtly. But despite this coordinated effort, I remain confident that the public will not accept a return to the past. Most Americans do not see LGBTQ+ people as the enemy, no matter how aggressively that narrative is pushed. Progress may slow. Backlash may grow louder. But the direction of history has not changed, and it will not stop here. There was a time when I truly believed I would not survive what I was going through those painful, lonely years spent in the closet, followed by coming out into a world that was still deeply unaccepting of LGBTQ+ people. But decades later, my life tells a very different story. I am a successful business owner, surrounded by a strong and loving community of friends and family. In my youth and ignorance, I never could have imagined that life could get this much better. But it did.For younger queer generations who have not yet experienced years of being treated as abnormal or less than, I want you to know it does get better. You are not alone. You have a community, even if right now its just one or two people you trust. Find them. Confide in them. Talk about what youre feeling. And if you cant find someone you feel safe talking to, there are organizations and online resources created to support you and help guide you through difficult moments.Since I cant go back in time to offer comfort to my younger self, I offer it now to todays younger LGBTQ+ generation. There is nothing wrong with you. You belong here. This is your country too, and you deserve to live openly and safely within it. I know how dark it can feel when those in power try to convince you otherwise. But even now, I believe that despite the backlash and the fear, it will get better. Because we are still here, and we always have been.Shaley Howard is the author of Excuse Me, Sir! Memoir of a Butch, which received the IPPY Silver Award for excellence in 2024. Shes a small-business owner and an award-winning activist in Portland, Oregon.If this story affected you, just know you are not alone. TheTrans Lifeline Hotlineoffers support to trans/nonbinary people struggling with mental health from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. PST Monday-Friday. Call (877) 565-8860 to be connected to a trans/nonbinary peer operator and receive full anonymity and confidentiality. The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth ages 24 and younger, can be reached at (866) 488-7386.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The one-year mark of Donald Trumps second term is quickly approaching, and Americans are not happy with what they see. A large majority 58% say that his first year was a failure.The new CNN poll, conducted from January 9 to 12 with 1,209 U.S. adults participating, found his approval rating was very low too. Only 39% of people approved of how he is handling the presidency, compared to 61% who disapproved. Related Survey finds LGBTQ+ people deeply hurting after a year of Donald Trump Approximately 39% approved of how he is handling the economy, the top issue for Americans in the poll. But respondents also rated him poorly on the rest of the major issues asked about in the poll, including health care policy (36% approval), immigration (42%), foreign affairs (39%), the role of commander-in-chief (41%), tariffs (37%), management of the federal government (39%), and the situation in Venezuela (42%). The poll did not ask about LGBTQ+ equality issues.When it came to personal qualities, few Americans were willing to say that they were proud of having him as president (35%) or that they think hes in touch with ordinary Americans (32%). His best rating came to the question of whether he has the stamina and sharpness to serve effectively as president, but even there, only 46% of people agreed, and 53% disagreed.

Hockey player Jesse Kortuem, who recently came out as gay after being inspired by Crave/HBO Max's hit hockey romance Heated Rivalry, has spoken out about what life has been like since his big announcement with Out this week went viral."Did I ever expect this level of attention? Not at all," Kortuem says, adding, "I just felt it was finally my time to share my truth, to share my story.""It's been overwhelming, but honestly, in the best way possible," he tells Out. "What inspired me really to post after Heated Rivalry, for me, it was the fact that there are a lot of Shanes, Scotts, Ilyas out there currently in the hockey world that are feeling alone. This stirred up a lot of emotions for myself, and I'm sure a lot of other people that are still in the closet playing hockey. I wanted to let them know you're not alone, you'll get through this, you'll find your tribe. They're fictional characters, but it's real life at the same time."Kortuem never played in the NHL, but played in several leagues, and said he was inspired by the show to come out."I know many closeted and gay men in the hockey world are being hit hard by Heated Rivalry's success," he previously told Out. "Never in my life did I think something so positive and loving could come from such a masculine sport. I've struggled the last few weeks to put these emotions into words, fearing the impact on team dynamics, etc."Heated Rivalry stars Hudson Williams as Canadian hockey star Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov, his Russian rival-turned-lover. While there have been no out players in the NHL, the league's commissioner said that he "binged" the show, and the league has said the show is a "unique driver for creating new fans."Watch Kortuem's statement ahead.

Alexander Skarsgrd is bringing the heat!The handsome actor is turning heads in his leading new role in the erotic new film Pillion. Skarsgrd tackles his sexiest character yet as he portrays a gay leader of a motorcycle club.The movie contains many incredibly spicy scenes focused on BDSM culture, public play, and so much more. Some of the photos from the film are already going viral on social media, so check out the highlights below. (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

Vinnie Hackers photos have us feeling euphoric.The TikTok star went from the Hype House to the runway, and now hes joined the cast of Euphoria. One look at this tatted-up hunk, and we could not be more excited for this new chapter.After years of anticipation, Euphoria is finally headed back to our screens and will pick up with our characters five years after the events of season two. But if you thought high school was tough on Rue (Zendaya), Cassie (Sydney Sweeney), Jules (Hunter Schafer), and Nate (Jacob Elordi), things arent looking any easier for the crew, who face new messy challenges and poor life choices. But then, what else would we expect?For those unfamiliar with the handsome influencer, model, and actor, he started his career with thirst traps on TikTok, which earned him a spot in the Hype House reality series on Netflix. From there, he became a full-time Twitch streamer and model, starring in advertising campaigns for Hugo Boss, Yves Saint Laurent, H&M, and more. Hes now breaking into acting, first with a voice role in Netflixs anime adaptation of Sakamoto Days. Next up hes making the leap to HBOs hit series. As for who Hackers character is and how he will fit in when the show returns this spring remains to be seen. But why not build some anticipation and a little, ahem, tension by scrolling through some of the actors steamiest pics?Euphoria returns for season three on HBO on April 12, and be sure to follow Vinnie Hacker on instagram @vinniehacker View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by HUGO (@hugo_official) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker) View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@vinniehacker)

Its been great to see the way queer media has gotten so popular in recent months with Heated Rivalry becoming a cultural phenomenon, but were still lacking in sapphic shows. Thats where queer creator Quinn Shephard and Netflixs upcoming series The Body come in!While the streaming giant has yet to release details about how explicitly queer the characters are going to be in this raunchy teen psychodrama, people on social media have already heralded it as the next sapphic drama.But what we do know is that there are going to be famous queer women behind and in front of the camera including sapphic queen and The Traitors star Gabby Windey and that it will be campy and focused on girlhood. Ive always been interested in the idea of girlhood as a religious experience. This story is definitely my way of putting a playful spin on all the nightmares of my own teenage-dom, Shephard told Tudum when the show was announced last year. Tonally, I would describe the show as gritty camp. Its a raunchy teen psychodrama with a dash of Catholic horror. What is Netflixs The Body about?The eight-episode series is created by Shephard, the writer-director of Emmy-nominated (lesbian) mystery Under the Bridge, and follows a dance team at an all-girls Catholic high school.After a dance-team initiation goes wrong, a group of badly behaved Catholic school girls begin having prophetic visions that set off mass hysteria in their town, the official synopsis reads. The body is a love letter to all the 90s and Y2K teen movies and erotic thrillers, which Shephard loved growing up and also features religious and historical references throughout. I was also a teen with an embarrassingly intense fixation on The Crucible and the Salem witch trials, she said. Its been very interesting to revisit that with the shading of our current political climate!Who is starring in 'The Body'?See on InstagramThe Bachelorette and The Traitors star Gabby Windey, who is married to comedian Robby Hoffman in real life, will be playing the dance teams coach, Coach Miller.The series also stars a long list of up and comers, including, Kristina Bogic (Playing Gracie Darling), Sara Boustany (Hello, Beautiful), Geena Meszaros (The Order), Nnamdi Asomugha (The Knife), Louisa Krause (King Kelly), Shirley Chen (Slanted), Jackson Kelly (The Pitt), and Sofia Wylie (The Map that Leads to You).How queer is 'The Body' going to be? (@) Its unclear which characters, if any, are going to be explicitly queer, but both people behind and in front for he camera definitely are. Windey starring alone is enough reason for lesbians everywhere to tune in.Plus, Shephard is acting as the showrunner, writer, and director of the series, and her last project, Under the Bridge, featured queer actor Lily Gladstone as a queer cop in a relationship with Riley Keough's Rebecca. Quinn has also said that she was inspired by Carrie, Jennifers Body, Heavenly Creatures, and Mean Girls. And its set in an all-girls Catholic school. At this point, it would be shocking if it wasnt extremely sapphic.When will 'The Body' be released?Netflix hasnt revealed a release date yet, but it will probably premiere toward the end of 2026.

Late-night talk show hosts, political pundits, and web commenters are making fun of President Donald Trump for accepting the Nobel Peace Prize medal belonging to Venezuela opposition leader Mara Corina Machado. Machado gave her medal to Trump on Thursday at the White House after he dismissed the idea of her leading Venezuela following Trumps illegal January 3 arrest of the countrys President Nicols Maduro.Numerous web commenters have noted the irony of Trump recieving the peace prize after illegally invading Venezuela; repeatedly threatening to take over Greenland; using Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to kill innocent Americans in the U.S.; bombing Iran, Nigeria, Yemen, Somalia, Syria; and largely encouraging Israel to commit genocide against Palestinians. Though Trump claimed to have ended eight wars, fact-checkers call that claim exaggerated. Related This is pathetic: FIFA awards fake peace prize to Trump Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Late Night Host Jimmy Kimmel joked, You know [Trumps] in the Oval Office sucking on it like a pacifier, and said that Machado left the White House with a Make America Great Again mug. He also offered Trump one of his past awards including a Daytime Emmy, a Cleo Award, or his 2015 Soul Train Award for White Person of the Year if he promises to pull ICE out of Minneapolis.Stephen Colberts audience booed when he announced that Machado had given her award to Trump. But Colbert said the award could possibly cheer Trump up seeing as Trump recently sent his followers a money beg email proclaiming, Im alone and in the dark. The Norwegian Nobel Committee said that Machados giving her prize to Trump violates Nobel rules, as a Nobel Prize can neither be revoked, shared, nor transferred to others, AlterNet reported.Economist and former New York Times columnist Paul Krugman mocked Trump in a Friday Substack post in which he wrote, Its a Nobel medal, a symbol of the honor, not the honor itself. Only a vain, insecure fool would imagine that blackmailing someone into handing their medal over adds to his stature.MS NOW host and former Biden White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, He behaves like a petulant toddler who cries and whines because some other kid got a trophy and he didnt The winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize literally had to hand that prize over to our butthurt president in order to try and secure the future of her own country. And it was not just some gesture that Machado came up with to flatter Trump, Psaki added. Trump has been incredibly vocal about the fact that he felt he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize last year.Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) noted that Trump said Machado gave him her medal in recognition of the work I have done, and assed, Well, if somebody gives [Trump] a Super Bowl ring, hell be convinced he was the greatest football player who ever played in the NFL.Everybody is tiptoeing around the king, and nobody wants to say the emperors got no clothes, whos in his immediate vicinity, Raskin said. So theyd rather, you know, turn over their peace prizes and try to lure him into doing the right thing. @Number10cat, a commenter on the social media platform X, clowned Trump by tagging Riley Gaines, a transphobic activist who has accused biological men (transgender women) of stealing sports trophies from cisgender female athletes.Showing a picture of Trump taking the framed medal from Machado, @Number10cat wrote, @Riley_Gaines_ A disturbing example of a man claiming a medal that belongs to a woman; you must be furious.@Riley_Gaines_ A disturbing example of a man claiming a medal that belongs to a woman; you must be furious https://t.co/UlQVpKwwXj Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) January 16, 2026Various Norweigian political figures called the transfer of the prize disrespectful and pathetic, with one calling it incredibly embarrassing and damaging to one of the worlds most respected and important prizes.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair, the mother of one of Elon Musks 14 children, is suing the billionaires artificial intelligence (AI) company, xAI, over sexualized images she claims its Grok chat bot created of her and disseminated on the social platform X.As NBC News reports, St. Clair filed her lawsuit on Thursday, January 15. In it, she alleges that Grok created and disseminated altered, deepfake images of her on X, the social media platform also owned by Musk, that depicted her as a child stripped down to a string bikini, and as an adult in sexually explicit poses, covered in semen, or wearing only bikini floss. Related Elon Musk wants custody of child because its mom might turn the kid trans The complaint alleges that after St. Clair reported the images to X and requested their removal, Grok promised her that it would refrain from creating further sexualized images of her without her consent. However, St. Clair claims that xAI instead retaliated against her by canceling her Premium X subscription, banning her from purchasing another, and demonetizing her X account while leaving the images on the platform and continuing to allow Grok to create sexualized images of her.St. Clair claims she has suffered psychological trauma, loss of privacy, reputational harm, and fear of continued dissemination as a result of xAIs negligence and accuses the company of intentional infliction of emotional distress and of financially benefitting from exploiting her image without her consent, among other claims. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today As NBC notes, St. Clairs lawsuit was filed in a New York state court and was transferred to the federal Southern District of New York following a request from xAI. The same day, xAI filed a lawsuit against St. Clair claiming she is in breach of the Terms of Service she agreed to when she signed up for X, which stipulate that any legal action against the company must be filed either in federal court in the Northern District of Texas or in state courts in Tarrant County, Texas.St. Clairs lawsuit comes amid recent backlash over Groks creation of nonconsensual sexualized AI-generated images of real people as well as of children. According to NBC News, the chatbot created thousands of such images per hour last week. While Musks company has since blocked Grok from creating nonconsensual sexualized deepfakes on X, as of Thursday, it can still do so on the Grok app, website, and X tab, NBC News reports. Musk is nowfacing legal probesin Europe, India, and Malaysia over Grok. St. Clair, who welcomed a son fathered by Musk in September 2024, has been a vocal critic of Groks sexualized deepfakes.Can someone explain how 0.26% of the population potentially playing womens sports is a threat worthy of executive order from the president but the twitter mechahitler robot that makes child sexual abuse material + distributes it publicly is not, she wrote in a January 10 X post, apparently referring to President Donald Trumps executive order banning transgender women and girls from participating in womens and girls sports.St. Clair, who published a transphobic childrens book in 2021, has also recently expressed immense guilt for her role in spreading anti-trans propaganda. In a response to another X users comment on January 11, St. Clair wrote that she feels even more guilt that things I have said in the past may have caused my sons sister more pain, likely referring to Musks estranged daughter Vivian Wilson, who is trans. [I dont really know] how to make amends for many of these things but I have been trying incredibly hard privately to learn + advocate for those within the trans community that Ive hurt.In response, Musk wrote in a January 12 comment on X that he intends to file for full custody of his and St. Clairs son, given her statements implying she might transition a one-year-old boy.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Joggers, blazers, and patterned shirts, OH my!The post So You Want To Dress Like Shane and Ilya in Heated Rivalry appeared first on Autostraddle.

There was technically no reason for Colton Underwood to go on The Traitors season 4, a reality competition series notorious for clashing a wide range of fanbases rooting for their faves based on wildly different shows, experiences, and background stories.Alan Cumming's treacherous Scottish castle isn't a Survivor-style endurance series like Beyond the Edge (which Underwood won), a playful talent show like The Masked Singer (which he finished as a semifinalist), or a brand-new dating show for virgins like Are You My First? (which he cohosted with Bachelor Nation star Kaitlyn Bristowe)."Well, obviously, I've watched [The Traitors], I love competition, and I just wanted to compete," Underwood tells Out. "And I think it was like the perfect show balance for me returning to television, where the drama is for the most part the gameplay, and the strategy, and what you do. So it was, in my opinion, a safe way for me to return to television without really having to put myself back into the vulnerable position of having to share my life."Underwood's biggest priorities in recent years have been his family and his mental health, he says, adding that he "had a blast shooting" this season of The Traitors. That tracked, from a viewer's perspective, until episode 5 when Michael Rapaport arguably insinuated that Underwood's closeted years were evidence that he was good at keeping secrets, so he might as well be a Traitor. (No, Rapaport didn't make any sense. And, yes, it spectacularly backfired.)In the Traitors universe, Faithfuls and Traitors have various rounds of "banishment ceremonies" held at a giant roundtable. Much like Survivor's "tribal councils," the contestants can discuss, dissect, debate, and perhaps even dissociate from the intense arguments that come up in these ceremonies. But even within this pressure cooker, Underwood recognized that Rapaport crossed a line."Of course I was caught off guard a little bit," Underwood admits when asked about Rapaport's remarks. "You know, in the rules of the game, there's sort of an unspoken truth of like, 'Let's not make it personal.' And I think you sort of see that with how I went about my gameplay even with Tiffany [Mitchell] and people who I sort of questioned."The Coming Out Colton star adds, "When it became personal, you know, I tried to just stay level-headed, and stay in the game; to focus on gameplay and what was best for that. I didn't really sit in that emotion very long. I just wanted to get back to the gameand what we were doing." But Underwood does remember how Rapaport's remarks played out in the room. "Pretty much all the air in the room got sucked out," he explains. "Everybody, for the most part, took it how it was intended. Anybody who hears that and then says, 'Well, I didn't mean it that way.' It's like 'I mean, yeah, you did.'""That's a conversation that is bigger than like you and The Traitors," he considers. "It's something that still goes on in our society."Episode 5 ends with Rapaport staring at the camera and telling viewers that he didn't mean it that way, which could be true, at least in hindsight. Nonetheless, the insinuation was on the table that Underwood's closeted years made him a potential Traitor as if struggling to accept one's sexuality as a teen and early 20s is the same as being a grown man competing on a TV show that parodies murders and banishments among reality stars.The real surprise, I tell Underwood, now 33, was seeing how he handled Rapaport. He didn't shut down and sit in silence, a la various moments in Coming Out Colton. He didn't jump fences and run away, a la his season of The Bachelor. He sat there, listened, and responded. He was then supported by every other queer player even Kristen Kish, who planned on voting out Underwood prior to the banishment ceremony and most of the other contestants, like Natalie Anderson, Rob Rausch, and Maura Higgins."I took care of myself. I have a family, and a kid, now," Underwood says, reasoning how these factors play a role before he commits to any new endeavors. "A hit show like The Traitors, you get thrust back into the spotlight. I'm a polarizing figure, I know that. I'm self-aware to know people either really, really love me or really, really hate me, and that's just part of my journey through reality television."Underwood reflects, "Going into the show, of course I've grown over the years, and I've changed. Not that I had anything to prove on this television show, but I'm tired of being a punching bag. I'm not going to sit there and take it. I'm going to hold my own.""It was challenging, and hard," Underwood adds. "I was terrified of the [players with] big personalities because I didn't want to have those conversations and confrontation. But it happened, and I think you sort of just get to see me stand up for myself, and not just sit there."Underwood's stardom is specific to different audiences. On the one hand, lots of people, including some on The Traitors, had never watched The Bachelor and had no idea he was even in it. As his Traitors cast mate Natalie Anderson summed up for the uninformed in the castle (and the audience) at the beginning of episode 5, "He was on The Bachelor, and he hadn't come out, and he was dating 30 women." Real Housewives star Dorinda Medley seemed astounded. Later that day, Rapaport told Underwood, "Nobody in this room would be better at holding a secret than you."On the other hand, his reality TV debut in Becca Kufrin's season of The Bachelorette, his follow-up run on Bachelor in Paradise, and his eventual leading role on The Bachelor were some of the most-viewed seasons in modern-day Bachelor history. (Underwood, a Christian who was closeted at the time, was dubbed "The Virgin Bachelor" during his run as he openly discussed his sexual inexperience.) Everything he has ever said or done on TV has been canonized by the so-called warriors of Bachelor Nation. And many of these warriors have not forgiven him for the fallout over his ex Cassie Randolph, whom he met on The Bachelor. The pair dated from 2018 from 2020. And after the breakup, Randolph filed a temporary restraining order against Underwood over stalking allegations, which she later dropped.The entire premise of The Traitors, though, is based on this wild crossover casting of people from various different reality shows, thus exposing each contestant to a more diverse audience than ever before. Some viewers meet them for the first time in the castle, but others bring a longer history of fandom (and sometimes, hard feelings) to the table."I think that's what makes people like me, and the show, so polarizing, you know?" he says. "Some people really like you. They've gone along the journey with you. They've been at the lows. They've been paying attention to see how you handle those lows. And they're rooting for you to come out on the other side, and to get better, and to grow, and to learn, and to hold me accountable."Underwood continues, "And then there's people who will never understand. Not that I have anything to prove, or need them to understand, but there's just people who are either mean-spirited or don't want to see me succeed. And, you know, those aren't my people. I don't want to pay attention to those types of commentsIt doesn't fulfill my happiness. It doesn't help me or my family in any way. They don't know, and they don't understand."So why did he return to reality TV? "I was ready for it, and I have a support system now," Underwood reasons. "Like, my life has changed so much, where I have an incredible professional team around me, and I have an incredible husband and partner, and family. Life has changed so much." View on ThreadsOne lighthearted discourse regarding Underwood's run on The Traitors concerns his fashion, aesthetics, and lewks. Beyond the standard formal attire that leads wear on The Bachelor, the football player turned reality TV star is best known as a "jock" who's fine wearing shorts and a T-shirt. Did Underwood become a fashionista leading up to The Traitors, or is he still getting help from stylists?"I'm actually in a fitting right now as I'm doing this interview," Underwood says, with a chuckle. "It's something new. But also, I'm in a phase in my life where I want to have fun. I want to try new things. I wore suits on Bachelor. I am, of course, more 'jocky,' casual training clothes. But if I'm going to do an Alan Cumming show, a hit show, an Emmy-winning show, The Traitors, why not go for it?"Underwood, who credits stylist Kristie Harrison in many of his social media posts, says that he aimed for "campy, fun, funny, and self-aware," adding: "Would I ever wear a blue cardigan with bedazzled button clips? Absolutely not. But if you tell me I'm going to be shooting a show with Alan Cumming in Scotland, and this is the premise, I will go all out. I'm a 100 [percent] type of guy."The Traitors season 4 is streaming on Peacock.

CBS News has adopted a new term and an old dog whistle to address sex assigned at birth: biological sex at birth but without the quotes.On Tuesday, after a months-long internal debate at the network over how to address transgender people in its coverage and the terminology associated with them, Tom Burke, senior director of standards and practices at CBS News, issued a memo to staff about the change, The Wrap reports. Related Queer anti-woke journalist Bari Weiss is now CBS News editor-in-chief. Thats troubling. Effective immediately, the news division will use the term biological sex at birth with no quotes needed.CBS Evening News used the term in its coverage of oral arguments the same day at the Supreme Court in two cases challenging bans on trans student-athletes in school sports.Its a switch overseen by Bari Weiss, the queer and controversial new editor-in-chief at CBS News installed by Trump ally David Ellison, following his purchase of Paramount Studios last year. CBS is owned by Paramount. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Weiss has a history of transphobic public stances, which she describes as moderation. The editorial change is an about-face for CBS News standards department.In November, Burke recommended following style guidance from the Trans Journalists Association (TJA) in an email conversation about a story covering the Trump administrations efforts to erase trans identity from U.S. passports.The TJA style guide states, outside of medical literature,assigned sex at birthis preferable overbiological sexwhen describing a persons anatomy at birth.Burke agreed with that terminology, with exceptions for quoting individuals or documents in a story. We should not alter what they say or write, he wrote in an email chain reported by The Guardian. Jan Crawford, the networks chief legal correspondent, disagreed with the TJAs guidance.We have had this discussion multiple times before, and I continue to believe we should refrain from adopting terminology advocated by the movement and continue to use biological sexwithout putting it in quotes,she wrote.Setting aside the question of whether we as a news organization should be adopting TJA style,she claimed use of the term by the U.S. court system, including the Supreme Court, was justification enough. Nicole Cutrona, a CBS Evening News producer, took issue with the use of biological sex, previously describing it as a transphobic dog whistle.I continue to believe our continued use of the term biological sexillustrates our organizations ignorance about topics involving sex and gender,she wrote.Burke then responded that the standards team would review the guidanceand determine what, if any changes need to be addressed.Tuesdays memo was the result.Weiss, who has no television news experience, quit The New York Times in 2020 claiming left-leaning bias at the publication, then started a Substack newsletter called The Free Press to counter what she called progressive groupthink. She earned millions in funding from libertarian Silicon Valley investors in the process. Shes had a bumpy first few months in her new role as legacy media Trump stalking horse, taking hits from both sides of the media echo chamber.Weiss hosted a December 13, 2025, town hall with Charlie Kirks widow Erica Kirk, who has taken over her deceased husbands role leading Turning Point USA. The interview and Erica Kirks takeover of the organization earned derision from both the left and the right.Bari doesnt know anything about Erika. Bari Weiss has never been to a Turning Point event, Megyn Kelly said of the televised event. Kelly accused Weiss of trying to play both super-important VIP executive and super-fabulous star anchor at her new network, CBS. Weiss earned bipartisan derision for her rollout of new CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil, with a 10-day tour reporting from red and blue states that was plagued with technical difficulties and burdened with a statement by Weiss of five simple values delivered by her new anchor andmocked by critics.Most notoriously, Weiss pulled a segment from CBS investigative news program 60 Minutes just hours before air that examined torture at the CECOT prison in El Salvador, where the Trump administration has sent hundreds of detainees rounded up in the administrations immigration sweep.While the biological sex change aligns with Weiss transphobic history and tenure, CBS staffers say she hasnt been around much in the newsroom, and thats fine with them. We dont hear from her very often, one said. She rubs people the wrong way, said another person in the liberally biased newsroom.There was agreement on that point from the other, antisemitic side of the political spectrum. Im not too worried about Bari Weiss taking over the world, Tucker Carlson said on a recent episodeof his streaming show, criticizing her support for Israel. I dont care how many billionaires hand her news organizations because shes obedient to their preferred country. Shes still an idiot sorry. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.