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Tim James is the definition of a versatile performer.Not only does he film plenty of sexy content for his fan sites and notable adult studios, but James is also a certified personal trainer known for his viral "verse bottom bodybuilder" workout regimens and meal prep videos."I've been doing some simple recipes for bottoms that's really been catching on! Diet impacts so much of your sexual health, especially if you're a bottom. I've really been leaning into that and helping all of my sisters," James tells PRIDE. See on Instagram Besides his passion for fitness and health, James has starred in multiple spicy films that have captured the eyes of millions of people around the world."My favorite scenes are one-on-one scenes where you can actually have a connection with the person. My favorite scenes are where we flip and we get to take turns!"Although he's branded himself as a "verse bottom bodybuilder," the model thoroughly enjoys giving his fans a little bit of everything."Sometimes I'll be really masculine and sometimes I'll be really feminine. I like that dynamic where you change things up based on how you're feeling in that moment. You don't have to be one thing or the other thing all the time." See on Instagram James is about to hit three years in the adult entertainment industry and he's loving every second of it. In fact, the star used to work behind a desk every day earning six figures in a finance role. However, he wasn't happy working in corporate, so he decided to pursue his passion in physical and sexual health."I just want people to know that it doesn't matter where you're at in life or how old you are or how many people tell you that you can't do something. If you believe it in your heart and you have the ambition to make it happen, you really can do anything that you want to achieve if you put your mind to it."Fans can follow Tim James on Instagram here. To see the full interview, check out the video at the top of the page.

A new poll reveals that the Trump administrations stance on transgender rights, particularly its ongoing ban on transgender people serving in the U.S. military, may be out of touch with the views of most Americans. Released by Gallup on Monday, the poll highlights growing public support for transgender individuals in the military, even as Trump moves forward with an executive order reinstating aSource

Retail giant Target is facing mounting criticism, including calls for a boycott, after announcing it would scale back some of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The backlash comes after the company revealed plans to eliminate hiring goals for minority employees and disband an executive committee dedicated to racial justice. The announcement, made just four days after PresidentSource

Alice Oseman, creator of the popular Netflix series Heartstopper, is working behind the scenes to secure a fourth season of the beloved teen romance series. During a recent appearance at the Waterstones Childrens Book Festival, Oseman shared her optimism about the future of the show. Im working very hard behind the scenes to get us a renewal for Heartstopper, she said. It is still ongoing.Source

A new satirical drag competition series is set to captivate fans of drag culture this week, and its not your typical reality show. Drag House Rules, which premieres Friday, February 21, on OUTtv, is shaking up the genre with a blend of over-the-top drama, alliances, and unpredictable moments. The show brings together a star-studded cast of seven drag queenssix alumni from RuPauls Drag RaceSource

Click above to watch my full interview with The Stonewall Inn Co-owner Stacy LentzOn Tuesday, I had the pleasure of going LIVE on Substack with Stacy Lentz, the co-owner of The Stonewall Innthe location of the 1969 Stonewall Riots and probably the most famous queer bar on the planet.I spoke with Lentz five days after the National Park Service eliminated references to transgender people from the Stonewall National Monument. It now only refers to those who are lesbian, gay and bisexual.I asked her how she thinks well look back on 2025 regarding the fight for LGBTQ rights. Its gonna be a really big battle. So I think well look back at this time and say, 2025 was another Stonewall 2.0.Subscribe nowThis interview also took place days after the New York State Police arrested five people in connection with the murder of Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old trans man who had been tortured for over a month. One police officer said it was one of the most horrific crimes [they had] ever investigated in their 20-year career.Additionally, our interview was weeks after Elisa Rae Shupe, a nonbinary veteran, died by suicide. Shupewho is known as the first person in America to have their gender marker changed to Xwas found wrapped in a trans flag. Shupe left an email to the Trump administration: Fuck you America! I dont want your hatred. I dont want the military decorations and medals you awarded me I dont want to be buried anywhere on American soil I dont want my ashes to be stored on American soil.In the middle of such despair, Lentz underscored the urgency for cis folks and allies to engage and fight for trans rights: You need to get out into the streets. You need to be making phone calls. You need to be talking to people and thinking about people that are in that middle, that maybe you can have a conversation with because this battle will be won by changing hearts and minds. People forget that sometimes.She added, Its kinda like the early days when we were fighting for other rights in the LGBTQ community. We gotta start with changing hearts and minds.Upgrade to paid to support LGBTQ-focused accountability journalism. World's 'first openly gay imam' shot dead in South Africa (BBC) Muhsin Hendricks, a pioneering figure dubbed the world's first openly gay imam, has been shot dead in South Africa.No evidence of hate crime in 'torture' killing of transgender man in upstate New York: Investigators (ABC News)The victim, Sam Nordquist, was reported missing on Feb. 9, police said. One of the most horrific" homicides seen by the investigating officers. Trump administration gives schools a deadline to end DEI programs or risk losing federal money (Associated Press)The Trump administration is giving Americas schools and universities two weeks to eliminate diversity initiatives or risk losing federal money, raising the stakes in the presidents fight against wokeness.Stonewall Inn protestors stand against recent moves to 'erase trans and queer people' (NPR)The National Park Service has taken down all references to transgender people on the Stonewall National Monument website.Subscribe nowWe had a blast at last nights LGBTQ Ivy League Intercollegiate Mixer. Its always a privilege to connect with brilliant minds from across the Ivy League and beyond. Special thanks to Shawn Cowls for having us. This weekend, be on the lookout for new Uncloseted reporting: We know companies are sprinting away from DEI but did you know that biblically responsible investing is booming? I interview Robert Netzly, CEO of Inspire Insight, whose company was influential in getting Meta, Walmart and others to ditch DEI efforts. Violence and harassment is pulsing through the NYC subway system, and its disproportionately affecting LGBTQ New Yorkers. When attacks happen, bystanders often stay silentbut should they? If you see something, should you do something? Sam Donndelinger explores the risks, psychology and why some advocates are calling for action. Thanks for reading! Feel free to email me with questions, complaints, tips, and story ideas! Spencer Macnaughton, Editor-In-Chiefspencer@unclosetedmedia.comIf objective, nonpartisan, rigorous, LGBTQ-focused journalism is important to you, please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our fiscal sponsor, Resource Impact, by clicking this button:Donate to Uncloseted Media

This essay discusses sexual assault, which may be distressing to some readers. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, support is available. In the U.S., you can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE or visit RAINN.org for confidential support and resources. You are not alone. In an empty church, two white men wearing combat boots, army pants, and beige t-shirts tear at each other's bodies. They move almost in sync, panting as they push each other through and against the pews, destroying everything in their path.Are these men the same person or different? It's starting to feel like they are the same, and the pain in my body is creeping in. Julien Baker's "Faith Healer" tells a story about what it means to feel. Like the men in conflict, it's unclear what will destroy or help us survivethe experience of feeling too much or not feeling at allperhaps both. Baker, a queer artist and member of Boygenius, often sings about her experiences with substance abuse, religion, and inner struggle. It has helped me to embody and understand the feelings arising within me before and during my journey of transitioning genders.Before I started testosterone in 2020, I was hurting. I remember being a master's student in Columbus, Ohio, crawling to the bathroom as I gathered my body to stand before the mirror. Taking the image of my face in, I'd rack my body over in shame and pain."What was this body before me?" I'd ask myself. "Who was this awful and ugly person?"But Julien helped me to survive these unbearable dysphoric moments. I lay in bed one evening in late November 2018. Pitchfork is livestreaming Julien and Boygenius' concert from Brooklyn Steel. My laptop opens in my dark room; I watch Julien perform her song "Sour Breath." As she strings the guitar, she grinds her teeth, the guitar intermixing with a violin as her voice grows louder and louder. As she releases the words from her mouth, so does my pain release from my body. Her pain is my pain. Her struggle is my struggle. These painful lyrics hold me. The sound fills my body. I cry uncontrollably, but it feels so intimate. So tender. Every sound is an embodiment of my pain. I feel seen and held. There's a beauty to this moment. She got me through the night. When I started gender-affirming treatment in January 2020, I began to trust my voice more, to find joy in my body, and to build friendships with people who saw me more fully for who I wasand who I saw myself, finally, to be. But in these years since transitioning, I also noticed that the relationship that I had towards my feelings changed. I didn't exactly feel numb, but I didn't feel things nearly as strongly as I used to, either. It's a form of transition I haven't heard many trans men talk aboutmoving from such an intense and visceral awareness of my dysphoria to a more level experience of feeling. As I transitioned, I became attracted to men for the first time in my life. Because of my dysphoria, sex had often been difficult. But as I grew more confident in my gender, I decided to take a chance and allow myself the freedom to explore my sexuality. In the past, I often blamed myself for being too guarded about my desire. But I didn't need to be so guarded in this new, renewed period. I could trust my body. I could offer myself permission to live.But things didn't go as planned. I didn't know many of these men wouldn't see me as human. I didn't think they would take from me what they could, regardless of my needs and desires.When the body is constrained and does not feel safe, it finds a way to survive. But in surviving, sometimes something is lost. Sometimes, it's our voice. Sometimes, it's feeling safe enough to feel and come undone.When he put himself inside of me, I knew I was no longer safe. Moments earlier, I felt that I was. I asked him to put a condom on, and he readily agreed. But then he couldn't get the condom on, he said, and he was going limp. He looked dejected. I comforted him. I didn't want him to feel bad about his body. But moments later, it would be me feeling bad about my body. Entering me without my consent, I felt a panic arise in me. But I felt the need to control my panic. I didn't want him to sense that I was afraid. I tried to leave, but he kept getting me to stay. I knew what he wanted. I knew the only thing that he wanted.My vagina.This part of me that I did not like and didn't feel safe harbored much emotional and physical pain. Although I managed to leave that night, I felt changed afterward. I lost a piece of my voice that night. And I lost a bit of my body. I struggled to articulate just how devastating this experience was to me. How could I no longer feel desire for men without feeling the immediate fear of what would happen if I decided to be with them?While I remained compassionate with others, I hardened to myself, creating barriers between my interior life and the world I was a part of.I blamed myself for liking men. I blamed myself for my desires. I blamed myself for my trans body. I turned on myself. The pain wasn't my fault, but I couldn't be vulnerable enough to come undone. So, I lodged the pain against myself. A few months after my assault, I turned on Julien's album Little Oblivions in my Chicago apartment. The lights dimmed, my cat Peony lay in her bed, and I let the music fill the room. On a Saturday night, I thought maybe I should go out. Perhaps I should drink. Possibly go to the bathhouse. My body knew that was not what I needed. I needed to come undone, and I needed to do so safely. And through the album's waves, I allow my body to feel the fullness of my experience.I let this silent pain that I had bottled up spill out. I hold my body as I dance to her music, placing my hand firmly on my heart. I feel an intimacy with life for the first time since my assault. It's painful but a loving release. During this night, I experienced Julien's music as if it were a meditation. Every single note she feels. Every single rise or quiet of the voice conveys and embodies a feeling. Her music connects me to my body and these parts of myself that are too often afraid to exist. I come home to my body through her music. And it's a home fraught with the pain, beauty, and grief of living.Listening to Julien's music is like having these healing hands on me. All these things I've gone through. All the dysphoria, trauma, and pain. There is someone here to hold it, scream through it with me, gently whisper the truth, and release it again and again so that I can live. There is a gift in coming undone, but being present as we do so allows us to feel the intimacy of life. Julien helps me to touch these deepest feelings and to understand them. I may still be at war with myself, tearing at myself occasionally. But I'm trying to hold my body and heart with these healing hands.I thank Julien for helping me feel, for her honesty, and for helping me access this honest and raw part of myself, even when it isn't easy. Thank you for helping me to be more tender with these hurting parts of myself. Thank you for helping me remember the person I am and all that I have survived.Thank you for helping me to live. Thank you.Ray Buckner is a PhD Candidate in Religious Studies at Northwestern University.Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ and Allied community. Visit pride.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 PRIDE.com or our parent company, equalpride.

Gabby Windey may have started her career as an ER nurse and NFL cheerleader, but now shes well on her way to becoming a superstar and lesbian icon.Fans may recognizer her from reality TV shes well known by Bachelor Nation but now shes making waves on TikTok, where she has over 750,000 followers who love her deadpan delivery and jokes about lesbians taking over the world and men, why men shouldnt be front-facing, and how the Y chromosome is on its way out.They say I need rescuing, she quips in one TikTok. Why? Because Im gaaaAAYY? Well, no buoy, no life alert is going to save me. No, I want to stay stranded on the island of Lesbos. Nobody can save me from this rug-munching tree.Its videos like this and her disarming cool-girl persona that make her a lesbian icon and our favorite star of the new season of The Traitors. She flew under the radar early on, but now shes one of a few players left standing who are vying for the $250,000 prize.And this season has been packed with reality stars you love (Bob the Drag Queen) and ones you love to hate-watch (were looking at you, Tom Sandoval), but Windey is the queer girlie weve had our eye on since day one.But who is this LGBTQ+ veteran of some of the straightest reality shows around, and why are we loving her on The Traitors? We'll explain.Why you should be obsessed with Gabby Windey's TikTok@gabbywindeyIts real research swearShe knows how to cut men down to size in the most biting and scientific way ever!Her jokes about The Traitors will have you giggling@gabbywindeyNew ep tonight!! Like rn heheWindey has been dominating The Traitors using her TikTok platform to make cute and funny videos advertising the show. You can't help but fall in love with her charm and wit!Why her fans call her "Gaggy"@gabbywindeyGaggy to uDie-hard Windey fans may call her "Gaggy," but the origin of this silly nickname is less NSFW than you'd expect, and instead has to do with an unexpected visitor and a misspelling. She is genuinely hilarious.@gabbywindeyWelcome!!Honestly, she can talk about nothing at all and we're rapt and cackling. @gabbywindeyJk i dont wanna pet nothinWe love her love.@gabbywindeyNothing to sayHer relationship with Robby Hoffman is the cutest. Yep, this is exactly the kind of Sapphic content that gives us queer joy. But how did we get here?How did Gabby Windey get her start on reality TV? (@) Windy started her television career starring on the heteronormative, straighter-than-straight reality show The Bachelor. She made a name for herself on season 26 of the dating show when she got to the top three, and then rejected the titular bachelors rose, and then slammed him during their breakup after he convinced her to stay.Did Gabby Windey get engaged on The Bachelorette? (@) She co-starred on season 19 of The Bachelorette where she ended up engaged to Erich Schwer. The engagement was short-lived, though, and the couple broke up just two months after their engagement episode aired on TV.Next, Windey competed in Dancing With the Stars, finishing in second place.When did Gabby Windey come out?Windey came out as queer by announcing that she was in a relationship with a woman during an appearance on The View in August 2023.Ive been keeping it kind of private because it is a bigger story and a bigger conversation because Im dating a girl, Windey said when asked if she had any relationship updates.Windey admitted that being attracted to women was always a whisper in me that got louder and louder, but she still felt shame about it.I didnt really know to pay attention to it, she added. I think when this happens, theres some shame surrounding it. So I had to navigate through the shame. Like, what is it? Wheres it coming from? But ultimately, like I said, I always just want to kind of like, do me do what I want figure it out later.When host Joy Behar asked if shes only into girls now, Windey gave the sweetest answer, I think so. I think its just my girl, shes the best.Who is Gabby Windey dating?See on InstagramThe high femme Windey is dating masc, queer comedy writer Robby Hoffman and the two couldnt be cuter together. They went Instagram official in August 2023, but Windey celebrated their first anniversary with an Instagram post in May 2024. The two moved in together in September 2024 and they still frequently post sweet messages about each other on Instagram.Who is Gabby Windey's girlfriend, Robbie Hoffman?See on InstagramHoffman grew up in a Hasidic Jewish family with nine siblings but now considers herself to be ex-Hasidic. The 35-year-old comedian is a stand-up comic and comedy writer who was named Comic to Watch in 2020 by the New York Comedy Festival. She has written for shows like Workin Moms, The Chris Gethard Show, Baroness Von Sketch Show, and Odd Squad, which she scored a Daytime Emmy for. Hoffman is currently working on writing a comedy for Showtime and A24 thats loosely based on her own life called Rivkah, Cosmo reports.How is Gabby Windey doing on The Traitors? (@) Windey has made it all the way to episode nine of The Traitors fingers crossed she makes it to the very end! While on the show, she formed an alliance with fellow queer reality TV star Chrishell Stause and wrestler Nikki Garcia who dubbed themselves The Bambis, Page Six reports.But now the former cheerleader turned lesbian podcaster and reality TV star is the only Bambi left standing. Windey, ever the straight shooter, has repeatedly put men in their place while on the show, and when asked what reality TV show she came from and how that ended, her answer was perfect. Im a lesbian now. What an icon!

Public opinion pollster Gallup has just released its most recent data about LGBTQ+ Americans. Gallups latest poll shows the LGBTQ+ community is growing, now at9.3%up nearly two points from 2023. That number has doubled since 2020 and is six points higher than in 2012 when Gallup first began tracking this data. These results reflect the telephone responses of 14,000 participants. Gallups data shows generational differences in LGBTQ+ identification:23% of Gen Zrespondents identify as LGBTQ+, followed by14% of Millennials,5% of Gen X,3% of Boomers and1.8% of the Silent Generation.Among LGBTQ+ respondents,56% identified as bisexual,21% as gay,14.6% as lesbian, and13.9% as transgender. Less than1% identified as queer, whilepansexual and asexual individuals each made up around 1%. Source: GallupOther key differentiators included gender, with 10% of women respondents versus 6% of men identifying as LGBTQ+. Location also shows a difference in data, with those living in cities (11%) more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ than those living in more rural areas (7%). For a full breakdown of the polling, visit gallup.com.The post Gallup: 9.3% of Americans now identify as LGBTQ+ appeared first on News Is Out.

Brittney Griner has withdrawn from a cannabis convention in Maryland after finding an ominous note in her hotel room.The WNBA star cancelled her speech at the Women Grow Leadership Summit on Monday after finding a piece of duct tape left in the entrance to her hotel room at the Gaylord National containing the words Gay Baby Jail." The Prince Georges County Police Department told The Advocate that it "was made aware by Gaylord National Resort staff of a piece of tape with writing on it located in a guests room," and that it does not currently believe that the note was a targeted threat."Detectives have learned the phrase 'gay baby jail' is commonly used as a video game reference. At the time the tape was located, a large convention was taking place at the Gaylord which attracts thousands of people, many with an interest in anime as well as video game enthusiasts. At this time, detectives have uncovered no link to or threat against the guest who located the tape. The department said that "detectives are working to determine who placed the piece of tape, when it was done and the intention behind it" and encouraged anyone with information to contact them. Griner was arrested in Russia in February 2022, for having a trace amount of cannabis oil in a vape cartridge on her when she traveled to Moscow to play with a local team during the WNBA's off-season. She was tried on drug charges, convicted, and sentenced to nine years in prison. Griner was freed from a labor camp on December 8, 2022, after intense negotiations by the Biden administration. Women Grow CEO Chanda Macias told Marijuana Moment she "wholeheartedly" supports Griner withdrawing from the conference to prioritize her safety. "We are actively working with the venue and authorities to investigate how this happened and hold those responsible accountable," Macias said. "The safety of every woman at this conference remains our top priority. Women Grow was founded on the belief that women should be able to lead without fear or intimidation. Our commitment to empowering women in cannabis is stronger than ever. We will not be silenced. We will continue on.Griner, who has said she wont play overseas again unless its in the Olympics, was part of the U.S. women's basketball team that won the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She recently signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Dream after 11 years with the Phoenix Mercury.The Advocate has reached out to the Gaylord National, Women Grow Leadership Summit, and a representative of Griner for additional comment.

WNBA star Brittney Griner has withdrawn from her scheduled appearance at the Women Grow Leadership Summit in Maryland after discovering a troubling note in her hotel room. Griner, who was set to speak at the event on Monday, canceled her speech after finding a piece of duct tape in the entrance to her hotel room at the Gaylord National Resort. The tape bore the words Gay Baby JailSource

Actor Matt Bomer has announced that production on the first season of his new sitcom, Mid-Century Modern, has wrapped. The series, described as a gay-themed comedy in the spirit of The Golden Girls, is set to make its debut on Hulu next month. Bomer, known for his role in Fellow Travelers, took to Instagram to share the news with fans, posting, Thats a wrap on season one of Mid-Century Modern.Source

Today, authors and illustrators of books in the Supreme Court case Mahmoud v. Taylor released a statement in support of inclusive books, and in support of the school district including their books in curriculum. The case was brought by a group of parents who sued the Montgomery County, Maryland, school district for the right to [...]The post Fighting Attacks on Inclusive Books at the Supreme Court first appeared on GLAAD.

In a first look at an exclusive clip from Bravos Southern Hospitality,cast member Lake Rucker talks about struggling to come out to her family specifically to her father. We have a very close relationship and I dont want to lose that relationship, she said. My family is very successful in a lot of different [...]The post WATCH: Lake Rucker Talks Coming Out In Exclusive Southern Hospitality Clip: Why Cant We Just Love Who We Love? first appeared on GLAAD.

Joe Rogan has been dominating the world of podcasts for years, but now a left-leaning news podcast has finally dethroned him.The MeidasTouch Podcast, a show that is frequently critical of President Donald Trump, knocked The Joe Rogan Experience from its number one spot, according to Newsweek. The number of people downloading Rogans podcast decreased by 32 percent from the previous month, with the show being played 48.6 million times. Conservative podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience and The Ben Shapiro Show have claimed a huge listener base, but now The MeidasTouch Podcast has taken that top spot, gardening 56 million downloads and plays, which represents a 101 percent increase in February.What is the MeidasTouch Podcast about? (@) The MeidasTouch Podcast is a left-leaning political news show that combines brotherly love, comedy, news coverage, and deep discussions about supporting our democracy and is the go-to destination for top political leaders who view the podcast as a pivotal stop for their interviews, according to their website. The show covers major political news stories and is openly critical of Trump and his administration, with recent episodes covering Trumps deteriorating mental status, Fox news spiraling as Trump gets weaker and more pathetic each day, and Trump threatening Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The hosts also conduct in-depth interviews with Democratic politicians, including Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who was on their latest episode.Who are the hosts?MeidasTouch was founded by brothers Ben, Brett and Jordy Meiselas and is part of the MeidasTouch media network that started as a liberal political action committee in 2020 before their social media accounts gained popularity.Ben is a lawyer who represented former NFL player Colin Kaepernick after the quarterback took a knee in support of unarmed Black and brown people who were killed by police. It was this experience that helped inspire the creation of the MeidasTouch Network.Brett is a two-time Emmy winning video editor who once worked as the web editor for The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and Jordy is an award-winning advertising executive.Why it mattersConservatives have a large online ecosystem of podcasts, YouTube channels, and social media accounts to support and publicize candidates and policies. During the presidential election, Trump went on a handful of popular right-wing podcasts that UFC CEO and longtime friend of the presidents Dana White thanked for contributing to Trump getting elected."I want to thank the NELK Boys, Adin Ross, Theo Von, Bussin With The Boys, and last but not least, the mighty and powerful Joe Rogan, he sad, Newsweek reports. But now that a left-leaning podcast has knocked Joe Rogan from the top podcast spot, Democrats may have a similar venue to reach millions of potential voters.What did MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle say about the podcast?When MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle found out that the MeidasTouch Podcast had beaten out The Joe Rogan Experience to be the number one podcast in the U.S., she and co-host Joel Payne talked about this being a political shift and that the podcast hosts are anti-Trump guys who crank it out all day, every day, Mediaite reports.Ruhle continued, People often say that Democrats dont know how to hit. These guys are hitters!Can you watch it on YouTubeYou can listen to the podcast on YouTube when new episodes are released every Tuesday and Friday morning at 5 a.m. ET/2 a.m. PT. They also release bite-sized YouTube videos hosted by the networks other contributors and YouTube shorts where hosts provide quick updates and news reports. Where can you subscribe to the podcast?You can subscribe to the podcast on all the major podcast websites and apps, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Audible, and Amazon Music.If you want access to the episodes early as well as perks like voting on future show topics and access to their Discord, you can join the MeidasTouch Podcast Patreon.

Great news for the gays Melanie Lynskey is reuniting with Natasha Lyonne for season two of Poker Face!The Peacock series, which premiered in 2023, stars Lyonne as Charlie Cale, a casino waitress with an uncanny ability to tell when somebody is lying. After this leads to her figuring out too much about unsavory dealings at her job, she flees the state and gets entangled in a different murder mystery in each episode.The case-of-the-week format allowed for a revolving door of impressive guest stars in season one, including Tim Meadows, Ellen Barkin, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Stephanie Hsu, Rhea Perlman, and frequent Lyonne collaborators Clea DuVall and Chlo Sevigny.The parade of familiar faces linking up with Charlie Cale for season two is just as exciting, although the announcement of Lynskey stepping up to the plate is of particular interest to sapphic fans.The two first shared the screen in the 1999 conversion camp rom com, But Im a Cheerleader. Lyonne played the titular cheerleader who falls for DuValls unapologetic edgy bad girl character, while Lynskey took on the role of the goody two shoes none of them could trust.This wont be the first time Lyonne and Lynskey have reunited since that iconic entry into queer cinema. They also starred alongside DuVall in her pre-Happiest Season directorial debut, The Intervention.Details about what role the Yellowjackets star will be tackling in Poker Face are still under wraps. But shes certainly in good company. Her husband, Jason Ritter, was also announced as an upcoming guest star, along with Alia Shawkat, Carol Kane, and David Krumholtz.The list of season two guest stars who had previously been announced include Cynthia Erivo, Margo Martindale, Gaby Hoffman, Sherry Cola, Patti Harrison, Katie Holmes, Giancarlo Esposito, Kumail Nanjiani, Kevin Corrigan, Ben Marshall, Kathrine Narducci, BJ Novak, John Mulaney, Ego Nwodim, Sam Richardson, Awkwafina, Corey Hawkins, Simon Rex, Method Man, GaTa, Haley Joel Osment, John Cho, and Justin Theroux.Unfortunately, were also still waiting on word of a premiere date, but when it arrives, we will obviously be seated!

Each February, following the romantic whirlwind of Valentines Day, Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week (ASAW) takes center stage. This week is dedicated to raising awareness and fostering acceptance of aromantic-spectrum identities while celebrating the diversity of experiences within the aro community. While mainstream culture often equates love with romance, ASAW is a powerful reminder that intimacy, connection, and fulfillment can take many different forms. "The aromantic spectrum is an umbrella term for different identities where you feel little to no romantic attraction to other people," Sofie Roos, a licensed sexologist and relationship therapist, and author at Passionerad tells PRIDE. Let's talk about why this week is so vital, especially in a time when queer visibility is in so much danger.What is aromanticism?Aromanticism is a romantic orientation in which a person experiences little to no romantic attraction. While some aromantic individuals may engage in relationships, they do not experience the desire for romance in the way that society typically defines it. Others may feel neutral or even repulsed by romantic interactions."Its common that people being on the aromantic spectrum engage extra much in other types of relationships rather than romantic ones, for example by investing a lot in platonic relationships, or queer platonic relationships.relationships," says Roos.The aromantic spectrum (arospec) includes a variety of identities, such as:Greyromantic: Occasionally or rarely experiencing romantic attraction.Demiromantic: Only experiencing romantic attraction after forming a deep emotional bond.Lithromantic: Feeling romantic attraction but not wanting it reciprocated.Quoiromantic: Having difficulty distinguishing between romantic and non-romantic attraction.Aromanticism exists independently of sexual orientation explains Roos. "A common misunderstanding is that being on the aromantic spectrum is about sexual attraction, but its about romantic attraction, so many people being on the spectrum does still have interest in being sexual, and can get turned on, even though theres combinations of being on the aromantic spectrum and being asexual as well," she says. While some aromantic individuals are also asexual (experiencing little to no sexual attraction), others identify as gay, bisexual, heterosexual, or any other sexual orientation. The diversity within the aromantic community highlights the need for broader discussions about different ways people experience attraction and relationships.Why Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week mattersSociety often romanticizes the idea that a persons life is incomplete without romantic love. This can leave aromantic individuals feeling misunderstood, invalidated, or pressured to pursue relationships that dont align with their identity. ASAW aims to break these assumptions and highlight the legitimacy of aromantic experiences.For many aromantic individuals, growing up means navigating a world that constantly tells them they will "find the right person someday" or "just need to open their heart." These misconceptions can lead to feelings of alienation, self-doubt, or the pressure to force themselves into romantic relationships that dont feel authentic. By increasing awareness and challenging misconceptions, ASAW fosters greater inclusion and understanding, ensuring that aromantic people feel seen and valued.Am *I* aromantic?If you're reading this, there is a good chance you're looking to discover or understand something about yourself. If you suspect that you lie somewhere on this spectrum, Roos says there are some tell tale signs. Romantic relationships in media are unrelatable. "One of the most obvious signs is that youre having a hard time identifying yourself with romantic relationships when you see them in movies, hear about relationships in music, read about them and hear your friends and family talk about what its like to be in love and together with someone romantically," explains Roos. "For you, this feels strange, far away, not appealing or even makes you feel uncomfortable or disgusted. What seems to be the best you can have for others, a relationship with someone you love, just doesn't click for you, and youre not into the idea of it."Differentiating between friendship and love is challenging. "Youre having a hard time telling the difference between platonic love and romantic love, and this often leads to a feeling of confusion where you ask yourself questions such as 'Are we more than friends?' or 'Do I like this person so much I would like to get romantic with them?' and it just feels unclear what romantic love really is," she explains.You've never felt romantic love. "You havent been in love, dont know if you have been in love or have no idea what it feels like, or should feel like. For you, love is a distant feeling that you cant imagine or identify yourself with, something thats a classic sign youre on the aromantic spectrum," she explains.Common myths about aromanticismMany misconceptions about aromanticism still persist, including:"Aromantic and asexual are the same thing." While they often overlap, they are distinct orientations. A person can be aromantic and still experience sexual attraction."Aromantics are just afraid of commitment." Aromantic individuals can and do form deep, meaningful connectionswhether through friendships, queerplatonic relationships (QPRs), or other forms of intimacy."Aromantic people are lonely or missing out." Aromantics can lead deeply fulfilling lives, forming strong social bonds and prioritizing relationships that bring them joy in ways that dont revolve around romance.Challenging these myths is essential in creating a world where people of all orientations feel understood and respected.How to support the aromantic communityWhether youre aromantic yourself, questioning your romantic orientation, or an ally looking to help, there are many ways to support the aromantic community during ASAW and beyond.Educate yourself and others. Understanding aromanticism is a crucial step in fostering inclusivity. Resources like Aromantic-Official, AUREA (Aromantic Spectrum Union for Recognition, Education, and Advocacy), and Aro Worlds provide valuable insights into aro identities and experiences.Challenge amatonormativity, or the societal assumption that everyone desires romantic love and that romantic relationships are superior to all other forms of connection. Recognizing and challenging this mindset can help create a world where friendships, familial bonds, and other forms of relationships are equally celebrated.Respect boundaries and identities. If someone in your life identifies as aromantic, support them by validating their experiences rather than insisting they will "find love someday." Respect their boundaries, whether that means avoiding matchmaking attempts or acknowledging their disinterest in romantic narratives.Support aro representation in media. Aromantic representation in media remains scarce. Seeking out and promoting books, TV shows, and movies that feature aro characters can help normalize these identities. Claudine Arseneaults Aromantic Book Recommendations is a great place to start.Engage with the aromantic community. Many online spaces provide opportunities to connect with the aromantic community, share experiences, and find support. Arocalypse, Aromantic Talk on Facebook, and r/aromantic on Reddit are some great places for aro-spec individuals and allies to engage in discussion.Looking ahead: The future of aro visibilityThe growing recognition of aromanticism is a sign of progress, but there is still work to be done. Greater representation in media, increased advocacy, and widespread education will continue to push for acceptance and understanding. Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week is more than just a celebrationits a call to action to ensure that all identities are recognized and respected.No one should feel pressured to conform to societal expectations of romance. ASAW serves as a reminder that love, in all its forms, is validand that includes the love found in friendships, passions, and self-acceptance.For more resources and ways to get involved, visit AUREA, Aro Worlds, and Carnival of Aros.

During the Trump era, which theoretically started in 2015 when Donald Trump descended down the escalator of Trump Tower, weve undergone what can be best described as rapid societal and morality change. During that time, the media has played a critical role in shaping public perception and reality. And perhaps the person with the best vantage point during this shift is Angelo Carusone, chairman and president of Media Matters.Carusones watchdog role has given him extraordinary insight in covering and deciphering Trump. It is a 24/7 job since the media spigot never turns off. And his work and analysis poke the hornets nest at times.Hes been sued by both Trump and Elon Musk, and a litany of other mostly right-wing parties, because he calls out the lies and misinformation that spews 24/7 from conservative and fringe media. Carusones front-row seat to the perception Donald Trump tries to perpetuate on the public allows him to see things that others don't, including Trump trying to shed his MAGA base.A fascinating example of this disconnect is Trumps evolving aesthetic, Carusone noted during a recent lengthy video call. Historically, his ill-fitting, non-shiny suits projected a working-class appeal, despite their high cost. Recently, however, his suits have become tailored, form-fitted, and made from more luxurious fabrics.To Carusone, this is an indication that Trump now seeks validation from actual elites rather than his working-class base. The shift is an example of Trump severing his connection with his audience, a subtle but significant change that could create an opening for effective counter-messaging.The asymmetry in media consumption, particularly with right-leaning content dominating, is a stark reality. Carusone underscored that right-wing media outlets, bolstered by an extensive infrastructure, are better positioned to harness public frustration and turn it into political capital. With nearly 450 million aggregate subscribers compared to the lefts 68 million on a good day, the imbalance is staggering, he pointed out. The rights ability to immediately craft narratives around policy failures and blame malicious implementation by the so-called deep state allows them to reframe events to their advantage, even when those very failures are the direct result of conservative policies.For example, when farmers lose government support or hospitals lay off workers due to policy changes, the right steps in to promise restoration and deflect blame onto Democrats, regardless of the policys actual origins. This strategic inoculation against legitimate criticism enables them to weaponize public discontent, advocating for more power under the guise of rectifying perceived injustices, Carusone warned. Meanwhile, Democrats often fail to connect these dots for the public, allowing frustration to fester without a clear explanation of causality.Carusone emphasized that the media must take responsibility in connecting these policy effects to their actual causes. When public anger is left unguided, it is easily exploited by authoritarian movements, leading to a reinforcing cycle of misinformation and reactionary politics, he cautioned. The right-wings sophisticated media apparatus ensures that when harm occurs, it is immediately framed in a way that amplifies their own power rather than holding them accountable.Another key issue recently is the Democrats failure to show up, literally and figuratively. Media visibility is paramount in shaping narratives, and Republicans have mastered this aspect, Carusone stated. When a major event unfolds, such as an aviation disaster or an economic downturn in a key industry, right-wing figures are quick to seize the moment, crafting compelling narratives while Democrats lag behind. Carusone pointed to the recent plane and helicopter collision and crash into the Potomac River as an example: Rather than proactively addressing concerns and asserting leadership, Democrats waited for Trump to blame DEI before responding, allowing the narrative to be dictated by the right, Carusone noted. Someone from the party should have been down on the banks of the Potomac, talking about the crash, rather than reacting to how Trump wrongly reacted to it.This failure to engage extends beyond crisis response to a broader issue of economic messaging. Democrats struggle to authentically address economic inequality without alienating their donor base, Carusone said. Unlike Republican donors, who tolerate anti-elite rhetoric as long as it remains abstract, Democratic donors bristle at critiques of wealth, fearing that populist sentiments may target them directly.This hesitancy stifles Democrats ability to speak to the real frustrations of working-class Americans, leaving a vacuum that Trumps brand of populism fills, Carusone explained.Ultimately, Carusone warns against the Democratic tendency to seek a singular hero or investigation to defeat Trump. They must develop a sustained strategy that drives wedges between Trump and his base, highlighting the contradictions in his messaging and policy decisions, he said. This requires a fundamental shift in how Democrats and their media allies engage with the public: They need to prioritize local stories, show up in critical moments, and reframe economic grievances in a way that acknowledges reality without alienating necessary allies.The medias role is not just to report but to contextualize, Carusone concluded. Without this crucial function, public frustration will continue to be misdirected, allowing reactionary forces to consolidate power. If Democrats wish to counteract this trend, they must rethink their engagement strategies, recognizing that in the battle for narrative control, showing up is half the fight.

The fight against HIV has undoubtedly come a long way in recent decades. While challenges remain, especially when it comes to overcoming stigma, calling out antiquated HIV criminalization laws and HIV funding at home and abroad, the latest breakthrough in HIV prevention could transform how individuals manage their risk. Last week, the U.S. Food and [...]The post A New Era in HIV Prevention: Twice-Yearly Injectable PrEP Could Transform Lives first appeared on GLAAD.

Filou Fitt is the name on everyone's tongue.Since signing with Men.com as an exclusive model last year, the star has created too many sexy videos to count and he has no signs of slowing down.While attending the 2025 GayVN Awards, Fitt revealed his favorite type of content to create and even manifested the next scene he's love to star in next."I like orgies. I like group scenes. I think I would love to do a bisexual orgy with a lot of guys and a lot of girls. It would be something different," Fitt tells PRIDE. See on Instagram Fitt has certainly become one of the most recognizable faces in the adult entertainment space in a short amount of time, but the model is only gaining momentum."I live in the moment and I want to continue my career. I'm very happy with my life and my lifestyle. I love this industry. I love the community. I love my fans and I want to continue for sure."Fans can keep up with Filou Fitt by following him on Instagram here. To see the full interview from the red carpet at the 2025 GayVN Awards, check out the video at the top of the page.

Actor Dan Stevens is set to star in an upcoming movie about the dating app Bumble and just admitted to looking at Grindr with a friend in the past!In a new interview with Variety, the 42-year-old Downton Abbey star joked about finding out he was surrounded by horny gay men.It was his role as Bumble investor Andrey Andreev in Swiped the working title for a film that will be released by Hulu later this year that got Stevens talking about dating apps. Stevens admitted to interviewer Marc Malkin that dating apps came along after my time, so hes never actually swiped right on anyone himself.Its a brave new world out there, he said. I know some people who are very actively into it, shall we say. That in itself is a very interesting sort of phenomenon. A friend of mine calls it Candy Crush for Humans.While hes never partaken himself, he did check out a friends Grindr account once and was surprised by what he saw.Ive had friends whove shown me apps. I remember a friend who showed me the early days of Grindr, Stevens explained. We were on Broadway and just to show me what sort of the radar was we were in the basement of a Broadway theater he showed me, and he was like, Well, this guy is 750 feet away. I was like, What are you talking about?The Cuckoo star then joked about how many horny men are on the gay hookup app.And it was just like all these little dots of all these horny gay men sort of circling us. So I was like, Oh my God, this is terrifying, he teased.Theyre not horny gay men. Were just looking for love, Dan. Its just love, Malkin quipped in response. They might be horny. We dont know, Stevens laughed. Too bad his upcoming film is about Bumble and not Grindr because we would be extra seated!

A photo of a popular gay tattoo with a very NSFW meaning is currently going viral on social media, and the straights are melting down because theyre out of the loop.Yesterday, someone on social media reposted a photo of a black double armband tattoo that was captioned the gayest tattoo ever, and its been going viral ever since.The photo, which has more than 63 million views and climbing, was reposted on X (formerly Twitter) by @slmxny, who wrote, [T]he day I found out what this shit meant like oh yall get downnnn. (@) Gay men in the comments posted pics of their own armband tattoos, but it was clear that the straight community has no idea what the tattoo actually means because they are begging for someone to explain it to them in the comments. (@) (@) For those not in the know, the tattoo, which looks like a simple black band wrapped around the arm, is a signifier to other gay men that you like fisting and just how far you can go. According to queer fetish magazine Mister B Wings, a gay man (whether they be the fist-er or the fist-ee) would get a tattoo of how far up his asshole he could give or take an arm and a fist. (@) There is some argument online about whether this is just a myth and gay men are actually getting the tattoo for purely aesthetic reasons, with some people saying that gay men get this tattoo to represent the equal sign for LGBTQ+ equality. People in the comments also pointed out that people sometimes get them to signify the loss of a loved one as well. But considering how many people posted photos of their own tattoos or commented that they knew the meaning, it does seem to be the reason some people get the discreet but very NSFW tattoo. (@) Luckily for all of the confused straight people loitering in the comment section, someone finally took pity on them and laid it out, for yall who dont know it is how far you fisted someone.Keep scrolling to see the funniest reactions to this very gay viral tattoo! (@) "so do you mark it with a sharpie and go to the tattoo parlor immediately or just mental note where it was at like post event and go a few days later?" (@) "Pro Max version" (@) "okay but like why would the fister get all the credit when the fistee is the one doing the work?" (@) "Lmao imagine being a gent who just likes things and you get this tatttoo not knowing what its about. Then you find out later" (@) "Ay chill my aunt got this same tat on her shoulder. wtf it means?" (@) "for those who dont know its showing how far you can reach down for the last pringle" (@) "I didn't want to know. Why I I go through the comments? WHYYYYYY?" (@) "Every time I see someone with this tattoo I think 'I know what you are but do you?'" (@) "this isnt a type of tribal tattoo ?? my gay work bestie has these and hes Filipino YALL THIS AINT CULTURAL?! Omg" (@) "Some knowledge is a blessing, some is just shocking" (@) "This is why you gotta research before getting inked" (@) "For real? ..and I'm thinking it's the best simple tatt to get" (@) "It's only worth tattooing your record if you make it to elbow deep or more" (@) "95% of the guys who get this tattoo don even know what it means, they just think its sigma and goes hard even though they arent unique at all and most gym bro chad type guys get this tattoo" (@) "Nah yall gotta be joking right?" (@) "Didnt expect to learn something new today, but here we are" (@) "okay real ones will know this from teen wolf even the Gay community they know whats up" (@) "who knew a tattoo could say so much without words" (@) "Oh I was thinking of getting just a band like that, now I have to research it first and cancel the idea"

During the Trump era, which theoretically started in 2015 when Donald Trump descended down the escalator of Trump Tower, weve undergone what can be best described as rapid societal and morality change. During that time, the media has played a critical role in shaping public perception and reality. And perhaps the person with the best vantage point during this shift is Angelo Carusone, chairman and president of Media Matters.Carusones watchdog role has given him extraordinary insight in covering and deciphering Trump. It is a 24/7 job since the media spigot never turns off. And his work and analysis poke the hornets nest at times.Hes been sued by both Trump and Elon Musk, and a litany of other mostly right-wing parties, because he calls out the lies and misinformation that spews 24/7 from conservative and fringe media. Carusones front-row seat to the perception Donald Trump tries to perpetuate on the public allows him to see things that others don't, including Trump trying to shed his MAGA base.A fascinating example of this disconnect is Trumps evolving aesthetic, Carusone noted during a recent lengthy video call. Historically, his ill-fitting, non-shiny suits projected a working-class appeal, despite their high cost. Recently, however, his suits have become tailored, form-fitted, and made from more luxurious fabrics.To Carusone, this is an indication that Trump now seeks validation from actual elites rather than his working-class base. The shift is an example of Trump severing his connection with his audience, a subtle but significant change that could create an opening for effective counter-messaging.The asymmetry in media consumption, particularly with right-leaning content dominating, is a stark reality. Carusone underscored that right-wing media outlets, bolstered by an extensive infrastructure, are better positioned to harness public frustration and turn it into political capital. With nearly 450 million aggregate subscribers compared to the lefts 68 million on a good day, the imbalance is staggering, he pointed out. The rights ability to immediately craft narratives around policy failures and blame malicious implementation by the so-called deep state allows them to reframe events to their advantage, even when those very failures are the direct result of conservative policies.For example, when farmers lose government support or hospitals lay off workers due to policy changes, the right steps in to promise restoration and deflect blame onto Democrats, regardless of the policys actual origins. This strategic inoculation against legitimate criticism enables them to weaponize public discontent, advocating for more power under the guise of rectifying perceived injustices, Carusone warned. Meanwhile, Democrats often fail to connect these dots for the public, allowing frustration to fester without a clear explanation of causality.Carusone emphasized that the media must take responsibility in connecting these policy effects to their actual causes. When public anger is left unguided, it is easily exploited by authoritarian movements, leading to a reinforcing cycle of misinformation and reactionary politics, he cautioned. The right-wings sophisticated media apparatus ensures that when harm occurs, it is immediately framed in a way that amplifies their own power rather than holding them accountable.Another key issue recently is the Democrats failure to show up, literally and figuratively. Media visibility is paramount in shaping narratives, and Republicans have mastered this aspect, Carusone stated. When a major event unfolds, such as an aviation disaster or an economic downturn in a key industry, right-wing figures are quick to seize the moment, crafting compelling narratives while Democrats lag behind. Carusone pointed to the recent plane and helicopter collision and crash into the Potomac River as an example: Rather than proactively addressing concerns and asserting leadership, Democrats waited for Trump to blame DEI before responding, allowing the narrative to be dictated by the right, Carusone noted. Someone from the party should have been down on the banks of the Potomac, talking about the crash, rather than reacting to how Trump wrongly reacted to it.This failure to engage extends beyond crisis response to a broader issue of economic messaging. Democrats struggle to authentically address economic inequality without alienating their donor base, Carusone said. Unlike Republican donors, who tolerate anti-elite rhetoric as long as it remains abstract, Democratic donors bristle at critiques of wealth, fearing that populist sentiments may target them directly.This hesitancy stifles Democrats ability to speak to the real frustrations of working-class Americans, leaving a vacuum that Trumps brand of populism fills, Carusone explained.Ultimately, Carusone warns against the Democratic tendency to seek a singular hero or investigation to defeat Trump. They must develop a sustained strategy that drives wedges between Trump and his base, highlighting the contradictions in his messaging and policy decisions, he said. This requires a fundamental shift in how Democrats and their media allies engage with the public: They need to prioritize local stories, show up in critical moments, and reframe economic grievances in a way that acknowledges reality without alienating necessary allies.The medias role is not just to report but to contextualize, Carusone concluded. Without this crucial function, public frustration will continue to be misdirected, allowing reactionary forces to consolidate power. If Democrats wish to counteract this trend, they must rethink their engagement strategies, recognizing that in the battle for narrative control, showing up is half the fight.

A photo of a popular gay tattoo with a very NSFW meaning is currently going viral on social media, and the straights are melting down because theyre out of the loop.Yesterday, someone on social media reposted a photo of a black double armband tattoo that was captioned the gayest tattoo ever, and its been going viral ever since.The photo, which has more than 63 million views and climbing, was reposted on X (formerly Twitter) by @slmxny, who wrote, [T]he day I found out what this shit meant like oh yall get downnnn. (@) Gay men in the comments posted pics of their own armband tattoos, but it was clear that the straight community has no idea what the tattoo actually means because they are begging for someone to explain it to them in the comments. (@) (@) For those not in the know, the tattoo, which looks like a simple black band wrapped around the arm, is a signifier to other gay men that you like fisting and just how far you can go. According to queer fetish magazine Mister B Wings, a gay man (whether they be the fist-er or the fist-ee) would get a tattoo of how far up his asshole he could give or take an arm and a fist. (@) There is some argument online about whether this is just a myth and gay men are actually getting the tattoo for purely aesthetic reasons, with some people saying that gay men get this tattoo to represent the equal sign for LGBTQ+ equality. People in the comments also pointed out that people sometimes get them to signify the loss of a loved one as well. But considering how many people posted photos of their own tattoos or commented that they knew the meaning, it does seem to be the reason some people get the discreet but very NSFW tattoo. (@) Luckily for all of the confused straight people loitering in the comment section, someone finally took pity on them and laid it out, for yall who dont know it is how far you fisted someone.Keep scrolling to see the funniest reactions to this very gay viral tattoo! (@) "so do you mark it with a sharpie and go to the tattoo parlor immediately or just mental note where it was at like post event and go a few days later?" (@) "Pro Max version" (@) "okay but like why would the fister get all the credit when the fistee is the one doing the work?" (@) "Lmao imagine being a gent who just likes things and you get this tatttoo not knowing what its about. Then you find out later" (@) "Ay chill my aunt got this same tat on her shoulder. wtf it means?" (@) "for those who dont know its showing how far you can reach down for the last pringle" (@) "I didn't want to know. Why I I go through the comments? WHYYYYYY?" (@) "Every time I see someone with this tattoo I think 'I know what you are but do you?'" (@) "this isnt a type of tribal tattoo ?? my gay work bestie has these and hes Filipino YALL THIS AINT CULTURAL?! Omg" (@) "Some knowledge is a blessing, some is just shocking" (@) "This is why you gotta research before getting inked" (@) "For real? ..and I'm thinking it's the best simple tatt to get" (@) "It's only worth tattooing your record if you make it to elbow deep or more" (@) "95% of the guys who get this tattoo don even know what it means, they just think its sigma and goes hard even though they arent unique at all and most gym bro chad type guys get this tattoo" (@) "Nah yall gotta be joking right?" (@) "Didnt expect to learn something new today, but here we are" (@) "okay real ones will know this from teen wolf even the Gay community they know whats up" (@) "who knew a tattoo could say so much without words" (@) "Oh I was thinking of getting just a band like that, now I have to research it first and cancel the idea"

After two decades of changing lives on-screen, the stars of Queer Eye are taking their message of love, acceptance, and transformation on the road with their first-ever live tour, The Fab Five Live! The tour kicked off at the Miller Theater in Philadelphia, where Jonathan Van Ness, Tan France, Karamo Brown, Antoni Porowski, and newest member Jeremiah Brent received a warmSource

A new report from Gallup reveals that 9.3% of U.S. adults now identify as LGBTQ+, marking a significant increase, particularly among younger generations and bisexual women. The Gallup survey, conducted via telephone with 14,000 participants in 2024, shows a rise in the number of people identifying as LGBTQ+ across the United States. The report highlights key demographic shiftsSource

After her standout role in Joker: Folie Deux and a successful soundtrack album Harlequin, Lady Gaga is ready to take fans on a new musical journey with her highly anticipated album Mayhem. The pop icon has officially revealed the 14-track list for the album, which promises to showcase her signature style of boundary-pushing artistry. This week, Lady Gaga shared the full tracklist for MayhemSource

Gabby Windeys rise from an ER nurse and NFL cheerleader to a reality TV star and LGBTQ+ icon has been nothing short of remarkable. With her deadpan humor and candid personality, she has captured the attention of audiences everywhere, particularly on TikTok, where she has amassed more than 750,000 followers. Her content often includes biting jokes about men, the Y chromosome, and her thoughts onSource

The Kennedy Center has canceled a highly anticipated Pride concert that was set to feature the Gay Mens Chorus of Washington, D.C., and the National Symphony Orchestra. The concert, slated for May 21, was intended to be a highlight of WorldPride 2025, with the two groups collaborating on a performance titled A Peacock Among Pigeons. No official reason for the cancellation has been provided.Source

While the rash of executive orders targeting LGBTQ people signed by President Trump in his first month in office is unprecedented, and reprehensible, the fact remains: the orders are not law. And thanks to the skill and fast work of LGBTQ and ally legal groups, multiple orders have already been blocked in federal court and [...]The post Order in the Courts: LGBTQ Legal Groups Move Against Discriminatory Executive Actions first appeared on GLAAD.

Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBTQ-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend. 1.) Out actresses Kristen Stewart and Alia Shawkat have been cast in Neons The Wrong Girls, a new film from queer screenwriter Dylan Meyer (Stewarts fiancee). The film [...]The post The GLAAD Wrap: New movies with Kristen Stewart, Alia Shawkat, and Janelle Monae, The Last of Us Season 2 premiere date, Cynthia Erivo to host the Tonys, and more! first appeared on GLAAD.

Margaret Cho will always be her unapologetic self.The bisexual comedian has had audiences laughing for decades with her witty sense of humor and jaw dropping one-liners.Back in December, Cho made headlines by saying she's 'holding space' for Luigi Mangione the suspected assasin of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare."We're holding space for those eyebrows, that body, the abs," Cho said. See on Instagram While her comments matched her signature sense of comedy, many people didn't find her statement to be funny and English broadcaster Piers Morgan even called her comments 'sickening.' However, Cho is totally unbothered by Morgan's dig and even finds his insult to be complimentary."I live and die to be called sickening! That's a high compliment. Piers is always getting pissed off for no reason. I've so had it with Ms. Morgan. Piers, you are not sickening. Who cares about her?"Cho's resilience is very much needed during these trying times as continued attacks are being made against the LGBTQ+ community across the United States."Every day, there's something to be more angry about. The way that we can make sense of it is to come together and be grateful that we have each other. In a sense, we have overcome much worse, so people don't need to lose hope." See on Instagram The actress is bringing the laughs on her Live & Livid Tour this spring at cities that can really use queer visibility. As the title suggests, Cho is addressing all of the chaos happening around the world by making quite a few jokes about it."Why is Elon Musk president? Who eected her? Not cool. Also, you can't spell felon without Elon. I'm talking about them a lot. Also, our man Luigi... he puts the rizz in terrorist! He's so fine."As if comedy weren't enough, Cho also just dropped her first album in eight years, Lucky Gift, which she considers to be the best music she's ever put out in her career."I made a record that's very gay pop. It's summer bangers. It's romantic and it's music for the gays. We need our gay divas to solve the world. All of the gay divas are coming together and we're just going to take over."Fans can keep up with Margaret Cho by following her on Instagram. To see the full interview, check out the video at the top of the page.

Your Lovable Trans Auntie is our go-to advice column for lifes biggest (and messiest) questionslove, work, identity, and everything in between. With a signature blend of warmth, wit, and just the right amount of sass, Auntie offers readers a uniquely trans perspective thats as affirming as it is entertaining. Whether dishing out heartfelt wisdom, practical advice, or a little tough love, Auntie is here to remind everyone that theyre never alone on this journey.Got a crush but dont know how to tell them youre trans? Wondering how to deal with that coworker who still forgets your pronouns? Trying to navigate family drama, dating dilemmas, or just figuring out who you are? Aunties got you. Submit your questions to voices@equalpride.com.Why does it feel like some of our own lock us out of the house?The recent murder of Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old trans man, has been a weight on my heart. The Minnesotan traveled to Canandaigua in Upstate New York, a town mere 34 minutes from me, hoping to connect with someone. For many, the age of the internet and social media has allowed marginalized individuals to find friendship or romance. But instead of seeing the connection he desired, Sam faced a horror beyond words: tortured and murdered.ABC News covered an official police statement indicating there's no current proof this was a hate crime. Moreover, their statement read, "Sam and his assailants were known to each other, identified as LGBTQ+, and at least one of the defendants lived with Sam in the time period leading up to the instant offense."But by disclosing this, we must address an issue many try to avoid: Trans individuals face transphobia within the community we helped shape.What is transphobia?Sometimes, it's nice to believe our community is warm and welcoming, from queer venues to pride parades. But the truth? There's a trap door, and too many trans folks have fallen through it. The internalized transphobia sneaks in, and it's coming through the cracks of our fractured society.Merriam-Webster defines transphobia as a "discrimination against, aversion to, or fear of transgender people." It doesn't take long to find a content creator proudly "informing" us that trans adults are an abomination or a television personality arguing how trans youths don't fully understand themselves and, thus, are not deserving of care. The re-election of Trump has only fueled the fractures, with some queer individuals celebrating his victory despite the dangers trans folks face. And let's not forget those within the community who see the administration's attempts at erasing trans existence yet say or do nothing.Are you choosing to be silent or being silenced?Being queer doesn't automatically make someone a safe space. I've been in rooms where "LGBTQ+" felt more like a hierarchy than a collective experience: The 'L' and 'G' show up in full force, with usually the 'G' taking precedence before all, at times belittling or ignoring the 'T' like an unread text.But this isn't new. Pride started because of trans women like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera throwing bricks against oppression, despite some suggestions. But once the movement started getting camera time, trans folksespecially Black and Brown trans folksgot edited out of the frame. In the '70s, some groups slammed the door on them, ignoring and demeaning our existence or flatly turning their heads because a trans person wasn't "palatable" to their taste. TERF energy has been brewing like bad coffee long before J.K. Rowling shot out tweets.And now? That same exclusion dances into bars, community centers, social circles, and dating apps, where transphobia wears a rainbow-like camouflage.What does transphobia look like in the LGBTQ+ community?Transphobia in our community often masquerades as sass or silence. It comes in the form of a gay guy who only respects you if you're "passable," the bar that's inclusive until you're in the bathroom, and the side-eye when a trans person dares to be visible, loud, and proud. And then there's the old classic misgendering. It's the verbal equivalent of scuffing a new pair of shoes.You know better.Transphobia isn't just about being shady at brunch or happy hour. It's about the violence that blooms from seeds planted inside our community. Trans people face higher rates of homelessness, violence, and murderoften at the hands of those we know as family, as lovers, or those who share our own queer identity. Black and Brown trans bodies are the most vulnerable within an already vulnerable group. The Human Rights Campaign recorded at least 32 murders of trans and gender-expansive individuals in 2024. 78% of them were victims of color, and 56% were Black trans women. Too often, these stories don't make headlines.They barely make hashtags.But Sam Nordquist's story did. It hit hard because it wasn't just a headline but a mirror held up to our collective community. And the reflection? It's not so pretty. So, my loves, how do we heal? How do we fix this? How do we protect our trans siblings from a world that feels like a background, especially when the dirt is under our own feet?We have to start by cleaning the damn house.Clock yourself before you wreck yourself: Bias isn't cute. Unpack it.Call it out, even if it's awkward: When your friends make a "joke" about us that's a little sus, then, sis, say something. Silence isn't neutral; it's an RSVP to the problem.Pass the mic, not just the vibes: Hire trans people. Book trans performers. Buy from trans-owned businesses. And don't treat us like a last-minute thought to join the party: make sure we're on the list, too.Pronouns are free. Use them: Nothing says "I care" like using someone's correct pronouns without making a scene. And if you don't want to slip up, please don't hesitate to ask. Some may careothers may notbut it shows you're an affirming (read: accepting) person to be around.Know your history: Trump and his gang may spend their time scrubbing trans folks from websites, but never forget the role trans icons have played in our ongoing quest for liberation. Pick up a book, visit your neighborhood LGBTQ+ organization, and learn more about the strength and resilience of your trans forebears.A final love note from AuntieWhen I heard about Sam, I thought about his family. His mother described him to The Minnesota Star Tribune as the kind of person who'd "give you the shirt of his back." If Sam could be that generous, why can't we learn to be generous with our love, empathy, and protection? Because family isn't about matching identities; it's about matching energy. And the energy we need right now is full-hearted and loud in defense of our trans siblings.If Pride started with a riot, I wonder what it takes to start a community reunion. Not just for Sam. Not just for those we've lost. But for every trans person who deserves more than survival but love.And isn't that what family's for?Rest in peace, Sam and all our trans siblings who have been victims of hate. The world did not grant them peace, but we must ensure a better one for those who come after us.xx,Your Lovable Trans Auntie

Euphoria actress and Hollywood star Hunter Schafer shared her "harsh reality check" after her new passport changed her gender marker to "M." The transgender actor shared an 8-and-a-half-minute video talking about the experience to social media on Friday."On the first day of Trump's presidency, he signed an executive order to declare only two genders recognized by the state, male and female, assigned at birth," Schafer says. "As a result of this, the Bureau of Consular Affairs has frozen passport applications requesting gender marking changes or renewals" that defer from the applicant's gender assigned at birth.While she initially thought, "I'll believe it when I see it," Schafer had a rude awakening when she picked up her new passport and was shocked to see "M" instead of "F" for her gender, the first time that's happened since her teenage years. "I'm not making this post to fear-monger, or to create drama, or receive consolation, I don't need it," she said. "But I do think it's worth posting to sort of note the reality of the situation and that it's happening. I was shocked. I just didn't think it was actually going to happen."She goes on to share that the bag with her old passport was stolen in Barcelona recently, so she was forced to order a new one. And despite having her gender markers changed on her various identifications for about a decade, Schafer never updated her gender on her birth certificate, cueing the marker's reversion. "It's not just talk," she said. "This is real. And it's happening. No one, no matter their circumstance, no matter how wealthy or white or pretty or whatever, is excluded. This is real."But resistance is always an option. "I don't give a f*ck that they put an 'M' on my passport," Schafer added. "It doesn't change really anything about me or my transness. However, it does make life a little harder. I'm pretty sure it's gonna come along with having to out myself to border patrol agents and that whole gig much more often than I would like to or is really necessary."Schafer concluded her video with an uplifting message for the transgender community. "Trans people are beautiful. We are never going to stop existing. We are never going to stop being trans. A letter on a passport can't change that and f*ck this administration." (@) Schafer uploaded the video to her TikTok story, but it was quickly removed. Links to the video read, "Page not available." It's unclear if Schafer removed it herself, or if it was taken down by TikTok.As of this writing, links to Schafer's TikTok page have led to various error messages until her page re-appears with only three uploaded videos.

Is it getting in here, or is it just us?A recent Reddit thread on r/ActualLesbians asked what sex acts lesbians have on their bucket lists, and the responses are so spicy we may spontaneously combust!Today, someone on Reddit asked, No judgment zone: Whats on your sex bucket list? Perhaps because of the anonymity of the platform, lesbians have come out of the woodwork to reveal their steamiest fantasy that they are just dying to act out, but not before the original poster let their own fantasy slip. Do you have any specific fantasies or scenarios that live in your head? Ill go first - I wanna go down on her while shes laying on top of a grand piano, OP wrote. And if youre thinking all the fantasies are vanilla or basic, youd be dead wrong. With answers that include being drowned by a muscle mommy, vampire sex, spit roasting, and ejaculating dildos, youll be weak in the knees and flooding your basement.So get comfy and turn a fan on trust us, youll want one because these responses from spicy Sapphics are too hot to handle!Responses have been edited for length and clarity.The view from the top is oh so good!"So so many. But my GF and I are both tops and would love to have a threesome with someone and exclusively focus all our attention on them. And for me being in a 24/7 D/s Dynamic with someone (other than my GF) as a sub sounds really fun. And an orgy sounds really fun too. Now that I think of it generally fucking other people, but my GF and I want to open our relationship anyway so hey." TheWitchesAssistance"I want to finger a sub in a drive-in theatre just edging her the entire movie, then take her home and ruin her. And then on the other side of the things I want to be railed into my bed with one of those fake ejaculation strapons to satisfy my breeding kink." Apart-Dare18 "Power play/light humiliation/edging with a very sexy bottom. Shed be on all fours with her panties down, somehow propped at the perfect height for me to easily reach her privates. Id be watching TV or eating my dinner, but she has to be a good girl and stay that way, not participate in my activities. Id be absentmindedly playing with her p---y while doing these things, enough to keep her constantly on edge and wanting more, but definitely not enough to get her offTill I finally get bored of whatever Im doing and go all in and tear her soul apart with the best orgasm ever. Then we cuddle and I kiss her and give her all the love the next day, she wants to be my fidget toy again." ParadoxicallySweetBeing a bottom is pretty great, too"Getting railed by multiple tops for hours on end. Idk if that is bucket list material, bc it'll likely never happen." vonGustrow "I like to be dom and be in control. But what a desire to be with a butch, ideally a muscle mommy, who dominates me by treating me like her toy and drowning me in her w-t p---y." chileanSapphic "Mine is to be spit roasted by at least two dommes (or 'batteried:' penetrated from behind while giving someone else. In one end and out the other, like a battery." Zarohk "2 (maybe 1) person who would just want to pleasure me. I am in the middle one with a strap from behind. The other one could have one as well or not, but they play rough with me. They glide their hands over my body and sink their teeth into me while I can only moan." Lichttod"I have a fantasy of being fully bound on top of a table, arms behind my back, legs frog-tied and splayed open, completely exposing everything for my Domme to play with as much as she wants, however she wants, unable to stop anything." ShamrockHeartThere can never be too many women in the room"I wanna be surrounded by women, full orgy, toys, restraints, lube, the works." Express_Second8800"Spectators watch as I go down on a pretty Puzzleheaded-Ad-8684"I would love to be tied up in a table, blindfolded, with people watching while a pretty and sexy girl does what she wants to me while I obey her every command and she calls me a good girl for doing so." TRU35TR1K3R "To be tied up and be free use for a lot of women. I just want a woman to tie me up in her basement for the weekend and share me with her friends. Is that too much to ask for? This is what happens when you read f/f marvel fics on ao3." FamiliarAir5925 "I ummm... Never got to have sleepovers as a kid, being trans and all. And then I see cute stuff of sleepovers with a bunch of girls that get kinda raunchy and I'm like... I need it. I mean it's basically an orgy with extra steps but y'know. The pretense is cute." FaeChangelingStrap ons for the win"Being strapped by a friend/penetrated with one of those sex machines while my partner sits on my face and constantly teases me and edges me until I'm begging for release." SweatyFLMan1130"Attending a sapphics-only play party (specifically the scene from Virginie Despentes' 'Apocalypse Baby'). Strapping a woman from behind while she is bent over a dining table/kitchen sink/balcony ufff. Fingering a lover in public, under a table/ clothes. Having stand-up sex in a literal closet." sapphickink"Getting strapped by Queen Latifah." olskoolsisExperimenting with kinks"I wanna be sandwiched between two people. It just seems too hot, all the skin to skin contact. That, and fursuits. The idea of being 'anonymous" like that is very appealing."' auxiliary1 "Basically long term chastity / keyholder dynamic. Independently of the role.... I'd love to have 2 subs to compete for a chance of a release... I'd love to tease/edge a girl until she cries then cuddle her to sleep with no hope of a release. That and much more things that I'm only starting to discover.... God I'm a freak.... And I have been discovering my (kink) self for less than a year now.... Kinda scared of what I will find down the road." Cailloux_Dujardin"Chastity, but like warm and friendly teasing chastity. not some of the cruel stuff I see on here (though I support you girls that are into that!!). Collar maybe???? I'd love to learn how to pole dance with her at some point when I'm more fit. Some sort of gambling scenario (strip poker? gambling bedroom privileges? idk)." Throwaway551344"Kink warning. Sharing a steamy shower where my upper half is bound up in rope. Arms behind my back and rope on skin. She has control and puts me on my knees, standing over me. Pulls my face in and I try to make her fall by eating her out." thumbkeiListen, we warned you this was hot. Also, you're welcome.

The world needs some good Juju right now!Jujubee has been cracking up fans of RuPaul's Drag Race since her debut all the way back on season two.Since then, the hilarious queen has competed on nearly every franchise in the Drag Race universe including All Stars 1, All Stars 5, UK vs. the World, Queen of the Universe, and starred on Drag U.Now, the star is back on TV screens as a contestant on the brand new OUTtv show Drag House Rules. Jujubee is joined by other famous Drag Race alum including Manila Luzon, Tammie Brown, Silky Nutmeg Ganache, Laganja Estranja, and more."If you think you've seen crazy in any other drag reality competition show, you have not. When you put this many queens together in one house, there's going to be chaos. It goes off rails. I find myself wanting to go home from the first moment I step into the house," Jujubee tells PRIDE. See on Instagram Although the cast is comprised of many big personalities, Jujubee says fans should gear up for more shenanigans from the one and only Tammie Brown."I'm really excited for the entire world to see Tammie Brown. Tammie is such a star and I've always known this about her. She says the most poignant things that mean so much, yet also mean nothing at all. Did she just drop some knowledge or did she just read me?"Brown is just the cherry on top when it comes to juicy content in store on Drag House Rules. Every possible manic situation that could happen on this show is basically guaranteed."People get poisoned. People hook up. People get violent. People break the rules. It's basically a total circus and everyone's a clown but me. I'm just the bearded lady. I only shave once."It wouldn't be a surprise if Jujubee makes it to the end on Drag House Rules. Her track record on Drag Race is very impressive as she's come in third place four separate times. However, she's making the argument that she technically came in second place on All Stars 5."Miz Cracker and I argue about this a lot. Maybe I got second place on All Stars 5. I just wish Ru was like, 'Jujubee, you get second place and Miz Cracker, you're third.' She knocked us off at the same time! Maybe we can go alphabetically."Drag House Rules is streaming now on OUTtv. To see the full interview with Jujubee, check out the video at the top of the page.

Welcome to our weekly roundup of political issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community. A week after references to transgender and queer people were removed from the National Park Services Stonewall Monument page, now a groundbreaking 2016 LGBTQ+ study has also been removed. San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the San Francisco Community Health Centerjoin six other nonprofits in filing a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration. A new bill in Ohio could make pro-LGBTQ+ demonstrating much more challenging. Ferndale Pride in Michigan has cut ties with a healthcare sponsor over its halting of gender-affirming care for LGBTQ+ youth. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a webpage called Protecting Women and Children, which includes sections titled Keeping Men Out of Womens Sports and Sex-Based Definitions. If there is a political story you think we should highlight, email us at newsisout@localmedia.org. The post The OutLook: LGBTQ+ politics & policy: February 21, 2025 appeared first on News Is Out.

GLAAD is headed to Austin for South by Southwest (SXSW)! The Austin-based conference and festival of tech, culture, music and film & TV is set to for March 7-15 and GLAAD has set a couple of panels in their programming. Alex Schmider, Senior Director of Entertainment & Transgender Inclusion will moderate the panel titled The [...]The post SXSW 2025: GLAAD Sets Critics Panel and Pipeline Problem Conversation; Transgender Film Center To Be Honored first appeared on GLAAD.

If Stranger by the Lake haunted you in the best way, then prepare yourself for director Alain Guiraudies latest exploration of queer desire in Misericordia.In this film, Guiraudie trades cruising in the beachside woods for exploring dangerous desires in a small town in rural France. It follows Jrmie (Flix Kysyl) who returns to his small town in the wake of the death of his former boss and mentor. Rather than leave, the out-of-worker baker extends his stay for far too long, insinuating himself in his former bosss family. Soon he becomes the object of desire, of, well, kind of everyone, and according to the synopsis, becomes tangled into a web of violent criminal behavior and erotic physical desire. He lives with his boss's widow, becomes the object of her sons jealousy, and strikes up a friendship with the local priest. It's a complicated story and once that is personal to the director. At the age of 60 well, Im not quite 60, but nearly Id like to say that this film was sort of made on the strength of what I would call teenage fantasies, Guiraudie told IndieWire via translator. Well, the idea of falling in love with the mother of ones best friend or the father of ones best friend. You have this whole image of desire and eroticism as it is linked to religion based from childhood or teenagehood.The film opens in select theaters from Sideshow and Janus Films on March 21, but in the meantime, you can watch the trailer below.

Former congressman Matt Gaetzs response to actor Alan Ritchsons scathing takedown of him has MAGA melting down and the rest of the internet congratulating the Reacher star. In a recent interview with GQ, Ritchson slammed the right-wing politician who he went to school with and who has been accused of paying a 17-year-old girl for sex, among other crimes.That motherfer. We are adversaries, Ritchson said. It's shocking to me that the panhandle of Florida continues to vote for somebodyknowing everything we know about him and the promises that he's made behind closed doors about pardoning certain criminalshe's just not a good dude! (@) Ritchson, who GQ described as if your sweetest childhood friend got jacked and made it big in Hollywood, said that Gaetz almost makes him want to run for office himself.There's part of me that wants to get into politics to outdo somebody like him for good, and there's part of me that's like, I'm not duplicitous enough to succeed in politics, he said. There are certain people that do a good job of staying true to who they are, but they're ineffective. I think Bernie Sanders is a hero. But it's like, what has he accomplished?After Ritchsons quotes about the Florida politician went viral online, Gaetz took to X (formerly Twitter) to hit back. While MAGA supporters predictably cheered on Gaetz the rest of the internet seemed to be rooting for Ritchson.In a series of posts, Gaetz wrote that he was a year ahead of Ritchson at the Florida high school they both attended and that the two men werent adversaries but claimed that Hollywood apparently changes people!In a follow-up post, Gaetz continued his insults, Spoiler alert: We were not adversaries. Hes just trying to get Hollywood attention (but not just with the steroids). In both posts, Gaetz brought up Ritchsons family, writing that he knew his older brother and mother and went to his fathers retirement party. I remember the time his mom (who is wonderful) wouldnt let me read the Ken Starr Report in 1998 in the NHS computer lab because.(you know), he posted. (@) This isnt the first time Ritchson has spoken candidly about his dislike of Republican politicians. Back in April 2024, he opened up about his faith and why he thinks Donald Trumps brand of politics is antithetical to what Jesus was calling us to be and do in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter."Trump is a rapist and a con man, and yet the entire Christian church seems to be treat him like he's their poster child and it's unreal. I don't understand it, he said.While MAGA has been calling Ritchson delusional and an unhinged Hollywierd cultist" for his remarks, the rest of the internet was busy talking about how much they would pay to watch Ritchson snap pedo Gaetz in half and that Matt Gaetz getting called a pedophile and a loser on the debate stage by Walking Refrigerator Alan Ritchson would make it worth it to have an actor run for office. Keep scrolling to see the funniest reactions to Ritchsons scathing takedown of Gaetz! (@) "Alan 'reacher' ritchson could snap Matt 'pedo' Gaetz in half & I would pay to see that." (@) "Tell us how you really feel." (@) "I would vote for Alan Ritchson. Always wanted to have a president who is fully yoked, hates Nazis and pedophiles, and calls Matt Gaetz a motherfucker. 10/10 political candidate. No notes." (@) "look. look. i know okay. i know we don't like actors doing politics because that's how we got in this mess in the first place. BUT. matt gaetz getting called a pedophile and a loser on the debate stage by Walking Refrigerator Alan Ritchson may be worth it" (@) "Alan Ritchson vs Matt Gaetz" (@) "A jacked up Alan Ritchson running for president and talking shit about Matt Gaetz would clear 400 electoral votes" (@) "Jack Reacher calling pedo Matt Gaetz a motherfucker gives me all the feels." (@) "lol, the mothers and daughters probably agree" (@) "I would actually pay money to watch Alan Ritchson to beat up Matt Gaetz." (@) "Ive been a huge Alan Ritchson fan since his portrayal of Thad Castle. My fandom has only grown as he gets more prominent roles and continues publicly eviscerating people like Matt Gaetz. Play on, playa." (@) "Alan Ritchson and Dave Bautista are like the opposite of toxic masculinity." (@) "Many MAGA guys hate Alan Ritchson because he is all of their masculine fantasies, is a devout christian who runs his own faith based youtube channel, is married with children and successful, and basically stone cold proof you can do all those things and still be broadly liked lol" (@) "MAGA minds are melting over Reacher actor Alan Ritchsons scathing comments about Trump in an interview in The Hollywood Reporter: 'Trump is a rap*s.t and a con man, and yet the entire Christian church seems to treat him like hes their poster child and its unreal. I dont understand it.' (@) "Alan Ritchson's the kind of guy you're leery about possibly having right-wing beliefs, but he keeps surprising you in the best ways."alan

Pedro Pascal has once again left the internet flustered after a lil joke with a NSFW edge.The Mandalorian star was among the many famous faces present for SNL 50: The Anniversary Special last weekend, where he appeared in several skits alongside past and present cast members. He had also previously hosted an episode of the show back in 2023, which came up during his on-camera red carpet interview with Leslie Jones."I feel like the intense structure of it helps with the panic, the pressure, because theres such a ritual and ceremony to everything," he said. "You dont have time to think about anything else, and theyre literally pulling you from every single direction. Like, literally, physically grabbing you."Jones agreed, noting that her assignment during her tenure at the long-running sketch comedy show was "to tell the host: 'Submit. Submit. Just submit. Because itll be much easier."She kept going, only to stop abruptly when she realized Pascal had quietly chimed in with a response of his own."Im into submission," he quipped.And in that moment, Jones served as a stand-in for the squadron of chronically online Pascal fansflustered and needing a moment to compose herself."But I am," he added, laughing. (@) The interaction was initially reported in print via E! News, but once the clip finally social media... the internet did its thing. (@) "Not Pedro being the Babygirl instead of the father figure" (@) "leslie jones is so real her brain just short circuited" (@) 'im into submission' PEDRO PASCAL WHEN I FIND YOU" (@) "they on tiktok trying to convince themselves that pedro saying hes into submission means that hes the dom like ladies did we watch the same clip" (@) 'im into submission' he says with confidence and then gets all shy, giggly and starts blushing as if he didnt just cause a mass explosion of chemical reactions in my body. my poor fangirl heart cant take it anymore"SNL 50: The Anniversary Special is currently streaming on Peacock... or you can simply keep this clip on repeat for two and a half hours. The choice is yours.

Hunter Schafer just took to the internet to let everyone know the harsh reality that she is facing after changing her passport. The Euphoria actress shared an 8-and-a-half-minute video talking about how she now has an M placed on her passport and how discouraging the situation is. On the first day of Trumps presidency, he signed an executive order to declare only two genders recognizedSource

Agatha All Along fans who have continued clinging to hope that a season two still may be in the cards might have been onto something after all.Morale was low after Patti LuPone, who starred in the first season of the wickedly queer Marvel/Disney+ show, revealed last month that she didnt think there would be a return to the Witches Road."[Jac Schaeffer] said, 'I dont do second seasons,'" LuPone recalled the creator saying during production. "She said, 'They wanted me to do a second season of WandaVision and I didnt.' She said, 'Theres too much to write,' so she does one-offs."The Broadway legends words alone werent enough to hammer nails into Agatha Harknesss coffin just yet. But the number of canonical MCU shows that currently have more than a single season on Disney+ stands at just one Loki leaving fans already concerned theyre in for an uphill battle.But now, a new hope has arisen.Head of streaming, television, and animation at Marvel, Brad Winterbaum, recently told Entertainment Weekly that the possibility of more Agatha All Along is absolutely still on the table."I think its 'linear series potential,'" he said. "A show like Agatha, to me, is concept based. Yes, a second season for sure is something that we would want to do, but lets not rush it. Lets get the right idea and then make it." (@) Potentially waiting years between seasons is not, historically, what has made television flourish. But it is certainly turning into something to which modern streaming audiences are being forced to acclimate. And anything MCU admittedly has a leg up on other series that follow this frustrating path, since they continuously release various movies and series that have occasional overlap in characters, keeping the memories of them fresh in fans minds assuming said fans subscribe to the MCU as a whole, anyway.At any rate, there was already a fair amount of confidence that Kathryn Hahn would reprise her role as Agatha somewhere within the MCU. However, AAA fans more often appear to be itching for the vibe and focus of her particular series rather than just the character itself. And they definitely want more of Agathas love/hate relationship with Rio (Aubrey Plaza), something that seems less likely to be satisfactorily explored elsewhere in the MCU, considering how often queer romance is left on the cutting room floor in Marvel movies. (@) So well keep waiting for the glorious return of Agatha Harkness in her titular series and at least now we have renewed confirmation that the wait may not be in vain.

Orville Peck has been busy promoting his latest album Stampede and preparing for his Broadway debut in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. But in a recent Instagram Q&A, the enigmatic country singer opened up about his journey in music, his upcoming stage role, and shared some personal insights that fans were curious about. The questions ranged from his marketing strategies for his debut album PonySource

A recent study from the Williams Institute sheds light on the challenges faced by transgender individuals when using restrooms that align with their gender identity. The study found that transgender people are more likely to face harassment or be denied access when using facilities that correspond to their gender assigned at birth rather than their gender identity. The research, part of the 2022 U.Source

Lady Gaga is bringing Mayhem to Rio de Janeiro this May with a highly anticipated free concert on the iconic Copacabana Beach. Set for May 3, 2025, the concert will be open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis and promises to be a monumental event in the singers career. The concert will also be broadcast live on Multishow and TV Globo starting at 9 p.m. BRT. Fans who cant attend inSource

JENNIE is ramping up the excitement for the release of her highly anticipated debut solo album Ruby with the release of a new single, ExtraL, featuring Grammy winner Doechii. The track, which dropped on Friday, February 21, showcases the BLACKPINK stars versatility and confidence, blending bold lyrics with an empowering beat. The catchy chorus of ExtraL sees the two artists declaringSource

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman has publicly opposed granting the Menendez Brothers a new trial, a position that has drawn criticism from actor Cooper Koch, who portrayed Erik Menendez in the Netflix series Monsters. The case revolves around Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were convicted in 1996 of murdering their parents, Jos and Mary Menendez. The brothers have long maintained thatSource

Subscribe nowOver the last year, Walmart, Meta, Target and many other companies have run away from their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts.Robert Netzly, CEO and Founder of Inspire Investing, is thrilled.He told Uncloseted Media that his company, which specializes in biblically responsible investing, is growing like a weed. Netzlys company guides Christian investors on how to select companies that are in line with his version of the Christian way. Companies are dinged if they support things like pornography, abortion, or what they refer to as LGBT Activism. If your company celebrates Pride Month, hangs a rainbow flag in its lobby, or scores well on the Human Rights Campaigns Corporate Equality Index, youre gonna get a wrist slap on Inspires Impact scorecard, which has given Apple (AAPL) and Microsoft (MSFT) the lowest score possible of -100 and Starbucks (SBUX) and Bank of America (BAC) poor scores of -72.Netzly says his companythe worlds largest faith-based ETF providerhas been influential in pushing Meta, Walmart and others to leave DEI behind to have them stay out of what he calls social issues.Ahead of an upcoming Uncloseted Media investigation into the world of biblically responsible investing, heres our interview with Netzly.Support LGBTQ-focused accountability journalism.Watch the full interview above or read the transcript here:Spencer Macnaughton: Hello everyone. Today I'm here with Robert Netzly, the founder and CEO of Inspire Investing. It's a lead organization in the world of biblically responsible investing. Robert, thanks so much for chatting with me and Uncloseted Media today.Robert Netzly: It's my pleasure.SM: For me, I had never even heard the concept of biblically responsible investing. For those who are watching this and have no clue what it is, can you explain it?RN: Sure. Yeah, so investing in a biblically responsible way, right? So we're essentially trying to put capital with companies that align with traditional biblical values, faith, family, freedom, pro-life issues, things of that nature. So that includes screening companies out of a portfolio. So if a company is selling pornography or making abortion drugs, we don't want to invest in those companies. So instead of a company that has human trafficking in the supply chain, we're looking for one that is a blessing to the people that interact with that business. So we make low-cost ETFs primarily and people can buy those on the New York Stock Exchange all over the world.SM: Describe your primary clientele.RN: As you would imagine, Christian investors from all over the world. Although we do have a large number of non-Christian people who just share certain conservative, biblical values.SM: And tell me a little bit more about Inspire Investing.RN: We're the world's largest provider of faith-based ETFs. It's been an amazing journey. We really see God at work. We believe strongly that God is on the move with his people, opening their eyes to this huge opportunity to align his money with his values for his glory and our joy. And so our vision is really to see every Christian investing for the glory of God. We're at 3.2 billion dollars under management now, it's astounding to me. We've been named in the top three fastest-growing investment firms in the nation several times. And it's all very humbling because of this massive movement going [on] where people are able to align their money and their faith in a very meaningful way.SM: Talk to me a little bit more about that. Is it a movement? Is it really growing as a whole, this industry, biblically responsible investing?RN: Yeah. So I'm here. I'm at a conference right now. Hopefully you don't hear too much background noise, but there are 2,700 Christian financial advisors at this conference in Orlando. It's been growing by several hundred each year, represented by many of the major firms that you see in Wall Street. The momentum is certainly just white-hot. And again, our success is a testament not to our genius or anything like that but really to the grace of God and what he is doing. He really is opening people's eyes and minds to this huge problem that right now they're making money on things and supporting things that are deeply antithetical to their values.SM: You say it's God's plan, right? And I'm thinking if I were religious, it would be kind of bang for your buck because if you get into financial advising, you're able to have kind of the ideology of God or Christianity penetrate all institutions because you can focus on tech companies or healthcare. Is that something that you think about a lot?RN: There's not one dollar in this world where Jesus doesn't say That's mine, not one soul that Jesus doesn't say That's mine, not one bit of ground that Jesus doesn't say That's mine. I'm a blood-bought believer by Jesus Christ, and he's my Lord and Savior. All that I do is to then glorify him. And so trying to work that out in my day-to-day profession is certainly a passion and something that, again, is a growing awareness in the investment world.SM: Obviously, we're an LGBTQ-focused publication, right? So if I go to Inspireinsight.org and I look up companies, for example, I looked up Apple. I noticed that they have, I think, the worst score. They have a negative 100, which is the worst, I think.RN: Yes, the worst. Yes.SM: And the reasons that are listed there are abortion activism, exploitation, pornography, and then LGBT activism. So explain what that means. Why are they getting wrist slapped?RN: Apple's not getting dinged because Tim Cook is openly gay, right? Where we find a problem is when a company takes sides in a social issue, so Apple and others have taken great pains to advance the LGBT message over and against the message of people with traditional faith-based values. So anecdotally, we've heard from Christian employees at Apple and other companies where they don't feel safe bringing their whole self to work because they know the company has taken a stance on defining definitions of gender or marriage and family. But what about this Christian person who believes that marriage between a man and a woman, their faith teaches them that there are two genders? And that's problematic. So we don't want companies to discriminate against LGBT people. We don't want companies to discriminate against faith-based people. And too many companies have crossed the line between just providing a safe and tolerant workplace to really picking sides in what should be a social issue. So that's where we see that category, LGBT activism. It's that pushing of an agenda that we find unfair and unethical.Photo courtesy: Inspire InvestingSM: And some of the reasons I looked at the reason why Apple was dinged for LGBT activism and a big factor I believe was that they had an above-average employer rating on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. And that gave them scores that they just gave benefits to LGBTQ employees. They did things like celebrate Pride Month. They might have donated to an LGBTQ-focused charity. Why does that get people dinged in the eyes of God?RN: Right. Well, things you just described there, with the exception of the Gay Pride parade, are not a problem. We want companies, yes, to provide health benefits to their LGBT employees. That's obvious. There's many things in the Corporate Equality Index from the HRC score that are just, frankly, required legal mandates. You have to do certain things. And they're good things like health benefits, retirement benefits, like non-discrimination in hiring practices. Now, you mentioned Gay Pride parade. Has Apple sponsored a Focus on the Family Parade? I don't think they would do that, right? So that's an example of taking sides in an issue.SM: Just to be clear, though, Focus on the Family is an organization that supported conversion therapy before, which some folks would equate to a human rights abuse, right?RN: And the HRC is an organization that has encouraged hate-filled messages towards people of faith. So this is my point. This is not a workplace discussion. And the HRC is an activist group, and they are free to do what they want to do. If I'm Apple, and I'm going to support a Gay Pride parade. Okay. Well, then our position is, are you also going to support the Promise Keepers rally,1 or the traditional marriage, or the other side? It's not fair to say, We're going to support this parade over here to celebrate these relationships and this view of really what's a social opinion regarding sexuality and relationships and gender. And we're decidedly not going to do that over here. And that's why you find people who, again, don't feel safe coming to work. I worked at Wells Fargo, I experienced that myself when I walked into a Wells Fargo branch, and they had a Christmas poster that was explicitly LGBT-themed, they can do that. But they've got to understand what the impact that has [on] me, the birth of my Savior. And they're combining that with an ideology and practices that my faith teaches directly against.SM: Take me inside your mind, how does that impact you emotionally? Like, is it really tough when you walk in and see that Pride Christmas tree? Like, take me inside your mind when you walk into Wells Fargo and see that Pride Christmas tree.RN: That is my God. Jesus Christ is my Lord and my Savior, taking a Christmas celebration and mixing a message in that is antithetical to the scriptural message. It is incredibly disrespectful, at the very least, to those who hold a Christian faith. And it would be the same thing if you walked into a business and you saw a big poster that said God Hates Gays, or something ridiculous like that. So where companies have just lost the plot, with saying, Look, we want to support our employees, but then they got hyper-focused on this particular group. And they start doing things that are alienating all these other employees. So now you're seeing companies like Walmart and all these others rolling back their DEI programs and realizing, look, weve just got to get back to common sense.SM: A lot of people would say you're a smart, articulate man in a suit here, right? That it's not a both sides issue. It's a matter of human rights and gay and trans people having rights and being able to live their life equally, just like everyone else is. And a lot of people would take major issue with you dinging people for LGBT activism, for places that are trying to make the world more equitable for folks who have had a history of oppression and discrimination in this country, particularly. What would you say to those people who are heavily critical of you from that perspective?RN: I respect that viewpoint and it's easy to see the perspective. I would also say that as a Christian, there's been no group of people persecuted more than us. Whether Apple gives to a Pride parade or not, or puts their finger on the scale to tip the balance towards one way or another. That's not causing anybody's rights to be infringed. Except, in this case, as I mentioned earlier, it is infringing upon the rights of those who have traditional viewpoints and faith-based viewpoints. When you're talking about a company that is comprised of thousands of people with various viewpoints, we can't take sides in a social issue. Particularly in something so deeply important and impactful as marriage, sexuality, relationships, gender. These are sensitive issues that companies should not be involved in.Subscribe nowSM: I think people would say thats human rights, though, that people just deserve the same rights that you would have to marry your wife, I should have to marry my boyfriend, if I so choose. No?RN: And Apple shouldn't be a part of that. And I just go back to my previous argument of if Apple really wanted to support a Gay Pride parade, well then I would say, you also need to support the other viewpoint there. Right? Where's the Focus on the Family? Where's the Million Man March? Where is the Promise Keeper's rally? Where are these other things?SM: Because that group supports conversion therapy, and the other one supports LGBTQ rights.RN: Yeah, and I would say the LGBTQ rights group supports child grooming.I mean, if you're going to take extreme examples. What you just said, the conversion therapy example, is an extreme example; you can't deny that there are those in the LGBT group that are taking very direct aim at indoctrinating children to embrace a sexual identity. If I'm Apple, I have no place taking sides in those social issues. And if I do choose to take a side in that social issue, I need to be willing to suffer the consequences as they may be. Such as $22.4 trillion of faith-based capital not investing in your stock. Such as legal risk and lawsuits, like you saw with Bud Light and Target, right? So those are the things that we're just saying, look, I think the wisest thing for a corporation is to stay neutral and to stay out of it. If you choose to take sides, then you're going to have investors like me, like others, speak up and there's going to be consequences.SM: I think the grooming narrative and LGBTQ, if you look at the data, there is a disproportionate number of pastors and folks in the church committing things like pedophilia and incest significantly higher than the LGBTQ community.RN: And they should be locked up. Exactly. It's immoral.SM: I'll just be honest, person to person [with] you, it really frustrates me when people create this grooming narrative around the LGBTQ community. When you look at the data, let's look at the pastors, let's look at the priests, let's look at the people where the numbers are significantly higher in the evangelical space.RN: And we should, there are people in the LGBTQ community who do bad things, not because they're LGBT, but there are peopleSM: But you're comparing a Pride Month to conversion therapy, not an LGBTQ person to conversion therapy.RN: Im just saying Apple shouldn't sponsor Pride parades. And if they do, then they should sponsor the Focus on the Family parade. If they're not willing to support both sides of the viewpoint, my point is they should stay out of it. So I'm not advocating for [them] to give to Focus on the Family, I'm saying they should stay out of it. And that's the logic, that's the common sense.SM: Obviously DEI is all over the news right now, right?RN: Right.SM: And with biblically responsible investing, this feels like the opposite of DEI in a way. Is that a fair way to frame it?RN: There's certainly large swaths of contradiction between those two things. In theory, DEI shouldn't necessarily be all that contentious. But when they've been hardened to represent one side of the equation, so in this case, a very kind of extreme leftist viewpoint on diversity, equity, and inclusion, that's when it becomes a problem. You look at extreme cases where Christians have been fired for just saying they didn't want to celebrate gay Pride Month2. So DEI has become synonymous with taking sides and particularly a leftist side and alienating and even oppressing those who have different viewpoints. Some people call it reverse discrimination; call it what you will, but that's what [it has become] in practice. And so I applaud these companies who are rolling back their DEI initiatives. So we need to just kind of rethink that and just get back to common sense business and keep the politics and the ideology in the appropriate sphere, not in the workplace. And I think we'll all be better off for that.SM: And you guys have kind of been influential in some of these recent rollbacks of DEI. In a recent blog post, after Meta announced that they were pulling away from DEI, you wrote that Meta's decision to end its censorship and divisive DEI policies represents a watershed moment for free expression, corporate responsibility, and faith-based investing. You went on to write that you are both honored and humbled to share how Inspire Investing shareholder engagement efforts were instrumental in speaking biblical truth to corporate power and contributed to steering Meta toward a more inclusive, free, and God-glorifying society. That sounds huge for your company based on your mission. How did you impact this decision that was, you know, globally known?RN: We had been engaged with Meta for about eight months, possibly a little more, with a shareholder resolution centered on censorship. They had famously, infamously, deplatformed many pro-life groups. And so we wanted to push back on that so we filed a shareholder resolution, as investors we can do that. Filed this resolution, engaged with them over a number of meetings. Meta did not want this resolution to go to the vote with their annual meeting with their shareholders. But that's where it was. The SEC allowed it to go forward. And so we had this ongoing thing, right? So this resolution was going to be coming to Meta shareholders. Along that timeframe, you know, some things had changed. Obviously, Trump had something to do with that. I don't know if it was Trump or really just the tide change that ended up with Trump in the White House, right? Chicken before the egg, not exactly sure. But they can see the writing on the wall. You had Bud Light's disastrous blow-up, Target's disastrous blow-up. Disney's had big troubles. And so companies are starting to take notice. We had some initial resistance from Meta. And then over time [it] seemed like they realized, the people on the phone we were talking to, their senior legal executives and diversity DEI executives, whatever their personal viewpoints may or may not have been, I think they realized the corporation can't fight the tide on these things. They scheduled a meeting with us again, one of these follow up meetings. But that ended up being the day after Zuckerberg made his video announcement of all the changes that they're doing with censorship. And so the day after, we end up having this meeting that had been scheduled for weeks with Meta's executives, or an executive team, talking about how they had [made] these different changes, Can we remove this resolution? So yeah, I applaud them for listening. I applaud them for engaging with us and I applaud them for making a good decision. And yeah, I'm honored and humbled that we had some small part to play in that and hopefully others as we go along.SM:And one of the headlines that came out, LGBTQ-themed headlines, was that you can nowsay that LGBTQ people are mentally ill. Was that something you were happy with?RN: That's the first time I've heard of it. I mean, that certainly wasn't part of our resolution, that we somehow wanted to call LGBT people mentally ill. That was not part of our thought processSM: You didnt see that? That was like national news right after. That was all over the place.RN: I don't know, man. I'm running a business. SM: Yeah, yeah. RN: But you know, the thing about censorship and the thing about free speech, if you want to put it that way, is that people have the freedom to say things that we disagree with. Right. And it might be harmful, you know, it might hurt. Certainly there are limits. You don't want to incite violence. Do we really want to live in a society where we have moral police all over our social media?SM: How has the Trump effect impacted Inspire Investing and the biblically responsible investing movement?RN: Trump is a very extreme character. I'll grant you that. How that's affected us is that people are, I think, paying attention. So if somebody was sort of going about their life, not really caring about what they're invested in, or the values that are being supported, or what companies were doing, now everybody knows about ESG and DEI and corporate initiatives. These previously very benign, esoteric financial conversations have become front and center of Main Street. And when people look under the hood of their portfolios, just like me, when I popped the hood of my portfolio and s[aw] abortion drug manufacturers in there, that affects me. You want to align your investments with values that you support. And we're seeing people of faith and many others do the same thing. They want to see their personal values reflected in their shareholder rights. 22.4 trillion dollars in this country in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs that are owned by church members. That's about half or so of the retirement assets in this country, just to kind of give you an idea, that's a lot of capital. So when that pool of capital wakes up and says, Hey, I want to align my investments with my values, that starts making a big, big change. And I think we're just seeing the very, very beginning of that.SM: You think it's going to explode?RN: We're growing like a weed. And not just us, but many others. So it really is just the beginning innings I think of the faith-based investment movement.SM: Are there other big companies that you think you might have been influential with, in terms of them pulling away from DEI?RN: Walmart would be up there. We had the same similar story there with Walmart. We've been in conversations with a number of [companies], you know? Tractor Supply, John Deere, kind of on down the list. Robbie Starbuck is a part of our coalition that we work as a group of partners. I think they are wise to consider that there are people with very different viewpoints on things like DEI, the role of sponsoring gay Prides in a workplace, things like that. There are very different opinions and so that company has a fiduciary responsibility to their shareholders to do whats in their best interest from a financial perspective, that's a legal obligation. In an environment where Bud Light loses immense brand value and suffers irreparable harm for their shareholders because they chose to do a particular marketing initiative. They need to take that into consideration, whether you're pro-LGBT or pro-traditional marriage. Corporations need to hear from both sides. They need to hear those contingencies and make wise decisions that are in the best interest of their shareholders.SM: Tell me more about what you see over the next few years. What do you imagine will happen with Inspire Investing? What are you hoping to see happen with your company?RN: We're seeking to be faithful to steward really the influence and the momentum that God has given us in our business. There are a lot of Christians out there who still have yet to really learn the details of what's in their portfolio and how they can invest [in] different ways. So I think more and more of that will happen and companies are realizing that there's more than just one side to this debate. I think they'd lost the plot and thought that, just the extreme left side of the issue of DEI was all investors cared about. But now that the grassroots are getting involved, they're saying, well actually, maybe more of a balanced approach would be wiser for us to take.Uncloseted Media is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our investigative journalism, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.SM: And I guess where I disagree with you is those different viewpoints, if they infringe on human and civil rights, as they would in those rooms with gay and LGBTQ issues, that's, I think, where it's tricky for me, if I'm being completely honest.RN: Sure. Yeah. And the definition of a human right. We're going to disagree on that. And that's where we need viewpoint diversity. And we need to have substantive debates. And these are big, important questions. Frankly, that are probably better served by religion, spiritual accountability, those things, rather than businesses.SM: Why did you come on an LGBTQ journalistic organization, just out of curiosity? Why did you say yes?RN: Well, I'm honest when I say I love my neighbors in the LGBTQ community. Obviously we have differences of opinions. I've spoken with many people in the community where they've never actually interacted or had a conversation with a devout Christian. That's where I appreciate you having me on this show. This is an example of what should be happening. These things we discuss should be happening inside companies, instead of everybody just having guests on to agree with 100% of what you say. That's not really exciting, it's not really interesting, probably not super beneficial moving the ball forward. So the same thing happens in a boardroom.SM: Robert, CEO and founder of Inspire [Investing]. Thank you so much for coming on and speaking with Uncloseted. I'm really grateful for your time.RN: Thank you, Spencer. Thank you for having me on. Appreciate it.If objective, nonpartisan, rigorous, LGBTQ-focused journalism is important to you, please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our fiscal sponsor, Resource Impact, by clicking this button:Donate to Uncloseted Media1The Promise Keepers are a Christian organization with the goal of Christian Dominionism. Their founder has said multiple times that homosexuality is an abomination of God. When referring to transgender people, their chairman has said that Christian men are sick and tired of the evil.2There have been several instances of employees suing their employers for religious discrimination after being fired, allegedly for disagreeing with the companies policies around Pride Month and LGBTQ sensitivity training. However, multiple of these suits have not been successful.

Photos by Canva. Design by Sam Donndelinger.Subscribe nowOn a summer afternoon in August 2021, Athena Schaffner scrolled the Chipotle menu as she rode the New York City C train.When the train dipped into a tunnel, a man with baggy sweatpants and a disposable facemask stood up from the orange plastic seats and peered at the subway signs above Schaffner, a lesbian college student who was 20 at the time. As he loomed over Schaffners short, spiky hair, she got nervous and looked up. Before she could blink, the man punched her squarely in the forehead. What? he screamed. You don't want to sleep with me?After the subway creaked to a stop, the doors opened and the man ran off. Schaffner sat frozen, her head pulsing.She looked at the other passengers for help. A woman stood with her earbuds in and her eyes focused on her phone. A man shifted his weight, holding on to the subway pole. No one made eye contact. No one said a word.I felt alone, Schaffner told Uncloseted Media.The New York City subway can feel like the belly of the beast when it comes to violence. In the last few months, a man nearly died after being pushed on the tracks in Chelsea, and a woman was killed after being lit on fire on a train in Brooklyn.While the New York City Police Department (NYPD) says overall transit crime has decreased by 36.4% since last year, assaults, harassment and murder have increased since 2021.Polls show that fear of crime is still the main reason people are hesitant to ride the subway. Only half of those who ride feel safe.For LGBTQ and queer-presenting people, the subway is even more dangerous. In recent years, attacks against the LGBTQ community have surged, according to the FBIs annual crime report. More than one-in-five hate crimes are motivated by anti-LGBTQ bias, an increase of 53% from last year. In the subway, trans women have been harassed, lost their legs after being pushed in front of the tracks, been sexually assaulted and been called slurs.This fear is prompting scholars, activists and victims to ask: What role should bystanders play in intervening in this public violence?Photo by Emperor of NYC.The Bystander Dilemma: Should You Step In?While the MTA declined to comment for this article, they directed Uncloseted Media to their hate crimes guidelines, where they instruct bystanders to report subway incidents and to only intervene if you think that it is safe. They also add, Dont try to handle it on your own. The situation could escalate.Given some stops span up to 3.5 miles where doors are shut for over five minutes, situations can escalate quickly. When victims have no escape, waiting for authorities may be unrealistic. And research shows that with the right tools, intervention may be more effective at keeping people safe than staying silent.When bystanders intervene, 79% of victims of sexual harassment in public spaces say the situation improved, according to a 2019 survey. Another study, led by the United Kingdom's Center for Research on Violence Against Women, found a greater than 50% reduction in sexual violence at schools that received bystander training.Still, people in the U.S. only intervene 15% of the time.It all goes back to some basic psychological principles of the bystander effect, says Annelise Mennicke, the associate director of research at the University of North Carolina Violence Prevention Center. If there's a group of people, there's a diffusion of responsibility, and people feel unsure. Everybody looks at each other and says, It's not my job to do it. Well, whose job is it?Mennicke says lack of intervention creates a domino effect and makes standing by feel normal.Although we all imagine ourselves heroes, the fact is that many people refrain from helping in real life, especially when we are aware that other people are present at the scene, according to social neuroscientist Ruud Hortensius research findings from a 2018 report in Current Directions in Psychological Science.Subscribe for accountability journalism.Uncloseted Media interviewed six New Yorkers outside the citys F train. When asked about their own likelihood to intervene, one of the top reasons they provided for not stepping in is that they didnt want to risk their own safety.You dont know the scenario, says Matt Birnholtz, a 26-year-old computer coder in Brooklyn. You dont want to put yourself in harms way. If youre the only one who intervenes, youre putting yourself in a situation you dont understand and thats scary.There are reasons to be more afraid to intervene in America, a country with the most firearms per capita in the world: 120.5 guns among 100 residents.Theres a lot of barriers to intervention related to fear of being wrong, fear of harming yourself or putting yourself in danger, fear of somebody getting mad at you. Bystander intervention training can help with all of those, says Mennicke.Amelia Prochaska, a bystander intervention facilitator, says that Western culture teaches us not to intervene. We're socialized to ignore things or to stay in our lane, she says. Were taught to be more independent and less involved in our communities, which [conditions] us to be less reliant on each other.She says that if a stranger is being harassed and you dont view them as part of your community, its hard to step in. Were not thinking about what's at stake for that person, she says.Savannah Lynn, an assistant director for Diversity Inclusion at New York University School of Law, agrees. Intervening is just not done, she says. Everybody ignores the situation. And that's understandable. But there are situations where intervention is necessary, and it changes the trajectory.These incidents often start with verbal harassment or catcallingwhich disproportionately affect queer people and women.Photo by Canva. How Harassment Turns into ViolenceIn August 2023, a 22-year-old trans woman was waiting for the J train in Brooklyn when a man approached her, catcalled her, and made a sexually suggestive gesture. According to Brooklyn prosecutors, he then grabbed her butt and, when she confronted him verbally, he threatened her and called her a faggot.After they entered the train, he hit her repeatedly, threw her to the floor and beat her until bystanders pulled him off. She ended up with a broken nose, and the man was charged with a hate crime.Prochaska says its critical that bystanders intervene sooner when they see the beginnings of harassment. Kissy noises, grunts, and unwelcome conversations contribute to the culture of disrespect, she says. If we don't intervene here, then it can escalate to identity-based harassment. This is where we usually see slurs, hate, and physical violence.Subscribe for LGBTQ-focused journalism.Mennicke says that perpetrators are often testing the waters by starting with verbal harassment. In the case of the woman and the man on the platform, she believes the witnesses on the platform had already committed to not intervening.By moving off the subway platform and onto the train, new people were involved and saw the severity of the situation without the slow escalation, she says. I wouldn't be surprised if [it was] the new people who intervened because they suddenly saw a brand-new situation and couldnt rationalize it to themselves.Who Gets Help? The Role of Identity in Bystander InterventionWe tend to help people we perceive as less socially distant from ourselves or have more in common with us, says Brenden Lance, director of the Hate Crime Research and Policy Institute at Florida State University.Lance says political animus toward the LGBTQ community is creating a climate that makes the public less willing to help. People perceive themselves as different from [trans and queer people]. Legislation is just making that more concrete.Something as superficial as a t-shirt can influence whether a bystander will step in. A 2013 study found that football fans were more likely to verbally or physically intervene in an escalating incident of harassment when the victim was wearing the same jersey as the team they supported.Any level of connection can increase your likelihood of helping, Proschaska says.Alisa Nudar, a 17-year-old queer student, says she was so relieved when someone her age stepped in to help when she was being harassed.Nudar remembers waiting for the train in Queens when she noticed a man getting closer to her.Hey Sweetheart, he whispered. How you doing?She shifted her weight, unsure whether to leave or respond and afraid the situation might become violent. My first thought was, Will he follow me home? Nudar told Uncloseted Media.Suddenly, a woman her age approached and gently asked about her day. Nudar pretended to know her, and they boarded the train.I felt like I wasn't alone, Nudar says. [A stranger] saying something, even something small, broke the situation and made me feel like I wasn't crazy because someone else noticed it.This method of intervention is called Distract, according to Proschaska.Photo by Emperor of NYC.What Can You Do? Safe Ways to InterveneProschaska recommends methods of intervention that focus on supporting the person who's experiencing the harassment rather than engaging with the perpetrator. In addition to Distract, techniques include Delegate, Document, Delay and Direct.The 5-Ds, according to Right to Be, a bystander intervention training group, focus on de-escalation. Only one of them involves engagement with the perpetrator.Say you're on the train, and someone's getting yelled at. You can go and stand between them with headphones on, says Proschaska, referring to Distract. You're creating physical distance [and] starting to diffuse the tension. You dont even have to say anything.If that doesnt feel safe, Prochaska says you can reach out to the person next to you and ask for their assistance. Delegate really asks you to consider your positionality in terms of power, privilege, vulnerability, and safety, she says. We're often waiting for someone else to say something without directly asking them to.If theres no way to delegate or distract, taking video can help provide evidence if the situation does get out of hand.Keith Lynch, who worked for the NYPD for eight years, says people should report harassment on the subway. Not everyone is in a position to physically intervene, he says. But you can always report it.While there are emergency alert buttons on trains, phones in stations, and security cameras in trains, the NYPD does not have clear guidelines on what people should do if they see an incident on the subway. Uncloseted Media requested interviews with the NYPD multiple times and sent them a list of questions for comment. They declined an interview and did not respond to our questions.Without a clear message from the police when it comes to bystander intervention, Proschaska says citizens on the subway have a duty to step in to help their fellow New Yorkers.When we start intervening, it helps us all, she says. Part of the power of giving people tools and plans for what to do if they see disrespect is acknowledging that it's happening. The idea that it's just the way it is is something to directly oppose. I believe that we deserve better than harassment, and we deserve peoples help.If objective, nonpartisan, rigorous, LGBTQ-focused journalism is important to you, please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our fiscal sponsor, Resource Impact, by clicking this button:Donate to Uncloseted Media