The Department of Defense announced that the records of 800 members of the military who were kicked out under Dont Ask, Dont Tell (DADT) have been upgraded to receive honorable discharges.Just over a year ago, Iannouncedthat the Department would, for the first time, begin to proactively review the military records of former service members discharged during Dont Ask, Dont Tell because of their sexual orientation who might have been eligible forupgrades to the characterization of their discharge or changes to their reason for separation but had not yet applied, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said earlier today. After a year of exceptional work, the Military Department Review Boards directed relief in 96.8% of the 851 cases that they proactively reviewed. Related Joe Biden will pardon thousands of veterans convicted of having gay sex Biden said hes righting a historic wrong. DADT was the 1990s policy that banned gay and bisexual people from serving openly in the military. Under the policy, servicemembers couldnt say that they werent straight, but the military was not supposed to investigate, harass, or discriminate against non-straight servicemembers. Stay connected to your community Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today An estimated 14,000 service members were separated under DADT under less-than-honorable conditions before the policy was repealed in 2011. Service members with less than honorable discharges receive fewer benefits from Veterans Affairs, which include help with home loans, tuition, and health care.Last year, a group of veterans filed a civil rights lawsuit against the Department of Defense to overturn their less-than-honorable discharges.Thousands of veterans discharged for their actual or perceived sexual orientation often received a less than Honorable discharge or had their discharge flagged with separation codes publicly associated with homosexuality, denying them benefits they rightfully earned based on their service, the lawsuit stated.Veterans are also often asked to produce their discharge papers (called DD-214 forms) when applying for jobs, apartments, and loans.Every time they have to show that document they are essentially outed involuntarily, Jocelyn Larkin, one of the lawyers on the case,said at the time.This case is not about damages [and in fact it is not seeking any money for the plaintiffs]. This case is about simply changing that piece of paper because the effect of changing that piece of paper is so incredibly consequential for our clients. This past January, out Reps. Robert Garcia (D-CA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), and Chris Pappas (D-NH) sent a letter asking Secretary Austin to expedite the process for LGBTQ+ servicemembers to upgrade their less-than-honorable discharges.Since DADT repeal [in 2010], many veterans who sought to upgrade their less than honorable discharges reported a prolonged and burdensome process, often requiring the use of a lawyer, to seek the respect and benefits they rightfully earned, the letter stated. And far too many veterans discharged under DADT had no idea they could seek an upgrade or where to start the process.Austin said today that 96% of the service members who were separated under DADT now have an honorable discharge.We will continue to strive to do right by every American patriot who has honorably served their country, he said.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Yesterday night, former President Donald Trump abruptly ended a town hall event in Oaks, Pennsylvania after just one hour and four questions. He then spent the next 39 minutes mostly swaying onstage while music played. His behavior somewhat bewildered media pundits it also seemed to confuse his Q&A moderator, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) who mostly just walked around stage, applauded near the end of each song, and occasionally danced alongside Trump. Related You wont believe these 10 LGBTQ+ figures who have endorsed Donald Trump Donald Trump has received public endorsements from various LGBTQ+ figures who support him for different reasons. Tonight, Donald Trump: Told his supporters to go out and vote on January 5th, Rambled about Hannibal Lecter, a cannibal serial killer who is not real, Acted confused when asked if they should end the event and play a walk-off song, [and] Stood frozen and silent on stage as music played for 30+ minutes and the crowd poured out of the venue, the campaign for Democratic presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, wrote on its Kamala HQ X account. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today In a follow-up tweet with video footage of the incident, the Harris campaign wrote, Trump appears lost, confused, and frozen on stage as multiple songs play for 30+ minutes and the crowd pours out of the venue early.Harris herself reposted the campaigns message, adding, Hope hes okay. In recent days, she has repeatedly called the 78-year-old Republican presidential candidate unstable and questioned his mental acuity. Tonight, Donald Trump:Told his supporters to go out and vote on January 5thRambled about Hannibal Lecter, a cannibal serial killer who is not realActed confused when asked if they should end the event and play a walk off songStood frozen and silent on stage as music pic.twitter.com/qQcBewr1Iu Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) October 15, 2024Hope he's okay. https://t.co/WGhGteFpjm Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 15, 2024Former Trump communications director Alyssa Farah Griffin told The View on Tuesday morning, I saw this [footage of the event] last night. I thought it was a deepfake. She added, I could joke about it all day, but this is serious.This is not even the man I worked for, who had all sorts of problems. Theres a decline, and I worry the history books might say everyone was quick to call out Joe Bidens age and issues, but we missed that someone else is just flying under the radar, clearly in decline.The Atlantics article about the incident stated, Trump Breaks Down Onstage adding, At a campaign event last night, Trump got boredand weirdness ensued.Trumps rally last night would force any reasonable person to conclude that he is not up to the grueling task of leading the worlds greatest nation, handling economic crises or dealing with foreign adversaries, Atlantic staff write David A. Grahamreported. Which isnt to say that some people didnt try to reason through it. Reporters still seem unsure of how to deal with Trumps stranger behaviors. Journalists are trained to take information and make sense of it, even amid chaos. The problem is that doing so conjures logic where none exists.The Washington Posts headline of the event described it as bizarre and noted that two attendees fainted and required medical attention before Trump quickly ended the Q&A portion of the event. After jokingly asking whether anybody else would like to faint, Trump said, Lets not do any more questions. Lets just listen to music. Lets make it into a music. Who the hell wants to hear questions, right?Trumps curated playlist of rally songs also included two gay songs: The Village Peoples YMCA and Rufus Wainwrights cover of Hallelujah Wainwright has called Trump playing the song The height of blasphemy.In a public Facebook message, Wainwright wrote, [Leonard Cohens song Hallelujah has] become an anthem dedicated to peace, love and acceptance of the truth. Ive been supremely honored over the years to be connected with this ode to tolerance. Witnessing Trump and his supporters commune with this music last night was the height of blasphemy. Of course, I in no way condone this and was mortified, Wainwright continued, but the good in me hopes that perhaps in inhabiting and really listening to the lyrics of Cohens masterpiece, Donald Trump just might experience a hint of remorse over what hes caused. Im not holding my breath.He then said that he is all in for Harris to win the presidency.Journalist Matthew Remski offered an alternate take on Trumps behavior, writing in a thread on X, Trump surrendering tonights Q&A to 30 minutes of his fave songs while standing on stage, awkwardly conducting at times, echoes MANY instances of cultic leaders who, exhausted, ill, and at the end of their cognitive rope, outsource their emotional dominance subroutines to canned music they personally find exquisitely sentimental.As traumatized narcissists, they are seeking comfort and avoiding work, but also assume that their core memories of pleasure will make their power and soul transparent and accessible to their followers, Remski continued. There are people in the crowd who are uncomfortable, or who can recognize the signs, or who get bored and leave early. But for those really caught up, that 30 minutes of music and reverie might feel like the most direct and intimate contact theyve ever had with him.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Whatever Happened To Our Fave 2000s Hunks?Were checking up on some our favorite teen heartthrobs of the early 2000s to see what theyve been up to since their roles on some of the most iconically nostalgic rom-com classics of our generation!Some have gone on to live in the spotlight while others have taken up ventures off-screen. Either way, these guys have aged like a hefty hunk of Parmigiano Reggiano, and were here to tell you all about it!Erik von Detten (Then)Where you know him: The Princess Diaries, BrinkErik von Detten was a Disney star through and through, with notable works being Anne Hathaways love interest The Princess Diaries, main character Andy in the made-for-TV movie Brink, as well as Clu Bell in So Weird. Since stepping away from our screens, von Detton settled down, had kids, and does amateur theatre in Santa Monica, California.Erik von Detten (Now)See on InstagramTom Welling (Then)Where you know him: SmallvilleSmallville was one of the most popular shows to come out of The WB/The CW, and its star, Tom Welling, was everything we needed from our Superman. While hes never landed another role quite like it, hes still acting, including credits on Lucifer and The Winchesters. Tom Welling (Now)See on InstagramMilo Ventimiglia (Then)Where you know him: Gilmore Girls, HeroesMilo Ventimiglia played arguably the best-possible boyfriend for Rory Gilmore on Gilmore Girls, then took on the role of Peter Petrelli in NBCs hit series, Heroes. This heartthrob has managed to stay on our screens, and one of his most notable and acclaimed roles is Jack Pearson on This is Us.Milo Ventimiglia(Now)See on InstagramJonathan Bennett (Then)Where you know him: Mean GirlsJonathan Bennett was so dreamy in his role as the iconic Aaron Samuels that Ariana Grande had to have him in the epic music video for her #1 single "thank u, next." Bennett recently co-hosted the aftershow for Mean Girls co-star Lindsay Lohans new reality TV series, and he even wrote his own parody cook book of the shows infamous "burn book." Most importantly, our gay prayers were answered when he came out in 2017.Jonathan Bennett (Now)See on InstagramTaylor Lautner (Then)Where you know him: The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, the Twilight sagaWith a bit of a shaky acting career since his role as the the scruffy and sexy Jacob Black in Twilight, Lautner has gone on to star in movies with limited success. Despite the setbacks, his Twilight prestige lives on with the franchises 15th anniversary last year putting him back on everyones radar. More importantly, Lautner is still grade-A eye candy! Taylor Lautner (Now)See on InstagramChad Michael Murray (Then)Where you know him: A Cinderella Story, One Tree HillChad Michael Murray won us over as heartthrob Austin Ames in A Cinderella Story, and since then hes enjoyed a pretty steady acting career. As we know from his most recent role as Xander on FOX's Star, his jawline is still rigidly intact and hes been sporting a golden brown beard He's come a long way from the baby-faced (but still chiseled) mug we all fell for in the early '00s!Chad Michael Murray (Now)See on InstagramSean Faris (Then)Where you know him: SleepoverAside from still being fine as hell, Sean Faris (who played the dreamy Steve Phillips in 2004's Sleepover) has spent his recent years doing all sorts of stuff. The stud recently got married to his wife Cherie, starred in a Hallmark Christmas movie, and went to Burning Man. Hes super into meditation now, and on Instagram, the heartthrob shares his newfound spiritual journey with his followers. Not too shabby for one of our most underrated crushes!Sean Faris (Now)See on InstagramCorbin Bleu (Then)Where you know him: Jump In!, High School MusicalCorbin Bleu as Chad Danforth in High School Musical had all of us swooning all throughout our drama club days. Ironically, the "I Dont Dance" singer has gone on to enjoy quite a successful career on Broadway. Although hes a theater nerd now, well always remember him as the jock of our dreams.Corbin Bleu (Now)See on InstagramZac Efron (Then)Where you know him: 17 Again, Hairspray, High School MusicalWe couldnt choose between Corbin and Zac, so we didnt! Weve had the pleasure of seeing Efron star in many popular movies since his breakout role as Troy Bolton, and like most things, hes gotten better with time. He went from twink, to twunk, to full-blown daddy over the years, and were psyched about it!Zac Efron (Now)See on InstagramOliver James Hutson (Then)Where you know him: What a Girl Wants, Raise Your VoiceOne of the more iconic heartthrobs of the early '00s was undoubtedly What a Girl Wants star Oliver James Hutson! Unfortunately, fans of his might be disappointed to hear that Hutson has stepped out of the spotlight for what seems to be the foreseeable future. (But he's on Twitter, though!) After a few movie roles, he pursued a music career and has gone on to study psychotherapy. Spotlight or no spotlight, he can serenade me whenever he wants.Oliver James Hutson (Now) (@)

(@) Donald Trump's performances at events have been getting stranger and stranger lately, but his behavior at Monday night's town hall in Pennsylvania was truly unhinged.He referred to undocumented immigrants who he disgustingly blames for all of society's ills as the fictional Silence of the Lambs serial killer Hannibal Lecter, explaining, "Whenever I go, 'Hannibal Lecter,' you know what I'm talking about." He told people to go vote on January 5, mixing up the General Election with the date of his failed coup. And he joked about people needing to lose weight after medics were called in because people reportedly kept passing out from the heat. What a charmer.But the strangest part of the whole night was when Trump decided to stop the event and awkwardly stood on stage while asking to have music playedfor more than 30 minutes. Instead of answering more questions from the audience ostensibly the entire reason for the event Trump had his staff play his favorite campaign music and then stood, swayed, and did an embarrassing dance to the Village People's "Y.M.C.A." He also played Guns N' Roses, Sinead O'Connor, and Rufus Wainwright's version of "Hallelujah" further proof that Republicans don't listen to lyrics. "Let's not do any more questions. Let's just listen to music," Trump said, according to the New York Times. "Let's make it into a music . Who the hell wants to hear questions, right?" Not even his own MAGA-obsessed crowd was interested in his impromptu DJ set. Even as South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who had helped host the event, tried to mimic Trump's wooden dance, attendees started to filter out. It would be embarrassing for Trump, except that his ego is so big he didn't even seem to notice. But the internet did! People immediately ran to social media to make fun of Trump for seemingly losing his marbles, looking like he was stoned, and playing "Y.M.C.A." when everyone knows that's OUR song. Keep scrolling to see the funniest reactions to Trump malfunctioning on stage and forcing everyone to listen to his music like a bad first date! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

These boys have the best peaches in the biz!Weve all been guilty of checking out a celeb's butt now and then, but who has the perfect cheeks? A study from Plastic and Reconstructive Surgerythe official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeonshas answered that fundamental question.Slightly over 2,000 people participated in the study, which showed participants digitally altered photos of mens backsides and then asked them to indicate which they found most attractive. The study found that both gay men and Black participants preferred bigger booties (or, as the study calls it, a larger thighto-buttock ratio). In contrast, White participants seemed to like a slightly smaller butt, according to Queerty.While previous studies have evaluated the features of attractive female buttocks, no one has really studied the aesthetic of the ideal male buttocks, said lead study author Dr. Ashit Patel of Duke University, Durham, NC, in a press statement. Our results demonstrate that there is a preferred male gluteal aesthetic. The findings suggest that a moderately enhanced, well-proportioned appearance is most desirable. Sexy bubble butts win the day!So, is this just an excuse to ogle our favorite celebrity cakes? Maybe. But is it also for the love of science? Sure, why not? Either way, keep scrolling for research purposes!Monet X Change (@) Matt BomerFranek Skywalker View this post on Instagram A post shared by Franek Walker (@franekskywalker) Justin Bieber (@) Harris Dickinson, Jeremy Allen White, and Zac Efron in 'Iron Claw'Lil Nas XSee on InstagramColton UnderwoodChris HemsworthEthanSee on InstagramAaron JohnsonSee on InstagramHarry Jowsey View this post on Instagram A post shared by Harry (@harryjowsey) Jordan Firstman View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jordan Firstman (@jtfirstman) Hugh JackmanSee on InstagramJohn Duff View this post on Instagram A post shared by John Duff (@iamjohnduff) Luke Evans View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke Evans (@thereallukeevans) Justin Moore View this post on Instagram A post shared by Justin Moore (@jusroymoore) Henry CavillSee on InstagramJason MomoaSee on InstagramLee PaceSee on InstagramGlen Powell (@)

Out actor Cooper Koch is the breakout star of Ryan Murphy's controversial new series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, and his latest revelation has us loving him even more!Koch, who plays Erik Menndez in the show, was a guest on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen recently, and he revealed several juicy tidbits! (@) In one scene in the show, Erik is seen in the shower, and Koch spilled some pretty huge tea. The show was counting down iconic nude scenes, when Mark Wahlberg's famous scene in Boogie Nights was brought up."Just to say, mine was not a prosthetic," Koch said, smiling and pointing into the camera."Well, that was going to be my next question," Cohen replied. "Congratulations to you, Cooper! You're very blessed, aren't you?""Well hung," Koch smiled.Koch was also asked if he has a boyfriend, to which he replied with a smile, "I do have a boyfriend, so sorry!"He was also asked if it was true that he had an acting teacher who said he wasn't booking roles "because he has a gay voice.""Um, yeah, that's true," Koch said, "Yes, it is true, yeah.""That's so mean and homophobic!" fellow guest Finneas added in.@bravowwhlThe time an acting coach told Cooper Koch his voice was too gay to book roles"Yeah, I don't talk to them anymore. I was so stunned by it at the time," Koch revealed. "It was before the class even started, and then I had to go through the class! Actually I'll add more to the story: she then proceeded to tell the entire class the conversation that we had and then all the students were looking at me like, 'oh my god,' 'awww.' Crazy, yeah.""But then I can flip it on and off," while lowering his voice, "like, 'what's good bro, how are you,'""You'd never know," Finneas joked.While Koch has been a pleasant breakout from the show, Monsters has also attracted a lot of controversy, particularly around the way it portrays the two Menndez brothers' relationship.The show insinuates that the brothers had a relationship that was incestuous and sexual, but there is no evidence that was the case at all.In actuality, the brothers were the victims of incestuous abuse from their father, who mentally, physically, and sexually abused them throughout their lives before they killed him and their mother.Erik Menndez has spoken out condemning the show, as did trial expert Robert Rand, who said "I don't believe that Erik and Lyle Menndez were ever lovers. I think thats a fantasy that was in the mind of Dominick Dunne [a reporter played by Nathan Lane in the show]."

Gavin Grimm, the now-25-year-old trans man who made headlines for suing his Virginia school district over its transphobic bathroom policies, is struggling with mental health challenges, poverty and looming homelessness, according to The GuardianGrimm sued the district after the Gloucester County School Board voted to ban him as a 15-year-old from using the boys bathrooms, even though he had already been doing so for months without incident. After years of litigation, he eventually won a landmark federal decision asserting the constitutional right to protection against educational discrimination. Related 18 GOP-led states sue for the right to mistreat transgender employees at work A federal court has already ruled against similar opposition in another trans-related case. But even though the school district ended up settling Grimms case for $1.3 million in legal fees and other legal costs, the settlement didnt provide him with stable housing or financial security. He only received $1 as a symbolic share of the settlement. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today To settle for personal damages, Grimm would have had to have given the school districts lawyers access to medical records showing the impacts of the schools discrimination on his health. After years of court battles, he didnt like enduring another fight.As his court victories mounted, Grimm gained notoriety: Trans actress Laverne Cox told people to Google him at the Grammys, Whoopi Goldberg interviewed him on The View, and in 2017, he served as the grand marshal for New York Citys Pride parade. But he hasnt been invited to any paid appearances as the LGBTQ+ communitys focus has largely moved on to others.Im someone who has had worldwide visibility. I represent an outer crust of privilege most people will never see, and I cannot make ends meet no matter how hard I try, he told The Guardian. He is one of the 8% of trans adults who have gone unsheltered over the last year Grimm now suffers from complex post-traumatic stress disorder and stress-induced seizures in addition to having autism which affects his sensory processing. In May 2021, he spent four days in a coma after a grand mal seizure which seriously impaired his ability to work or drive. Combined, these have prevented him from keeping a job or finishing higher education, even though a generous benefactor helped fund it.The PTSD at its core is about not being safe or understood, being rejected, and the adults in my life not acting responsibly, he said. In high school, I was picked over and hyper-analyzed. I was tortured, harassed and bullied.While he receives some financial support from disability payments, his mother, and an ongoing GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign, he recently moved out of his apartment in Newport News, Virginia. His mother has begun caring for his 19-year-old cat Rascal, but Grimm has begun couch-surfing with friends, occasionally staying with his mother, and spending some nights at a local dog park. He avoids houseless shelters, fearful of discrimination.He volunteers some days with a climate justice group and spends time hanging in the garage of Evan Hamilton, a 66-year-old fellow trans man and autistic stoner who he met through a local queer group. Grimm wishes to eventually return to college to become a teacher.Grimm said hes voting Democrat in the upcoming election as a form of harm reduction, but he has been discouraged at the wav of anti-trans legislation that has swept the nation in the years since his case made headlines. Virginias Department of Education under Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin has tried to force districts to enforce policies forcing students to use bathrooms, pronouns, and names that align with their sex assigned at birth. Some state districts have refused but the policies and the hostile atmosphere they create still threaten the estimated 4,000 transgender students in Virginia.Grimm said hes disillusioned with mainstream liberal politicians who have so far not taken bold action against the Republican Partys onslaught of transphobic culture warring.This system is built specifically to ensure the status quo continues, that people like me are disenfranchised, underrepresented and never have full equality under the law, Grimm says. But I know that what I did was important. Even though the system is not going to serve our ultimate liberation, it is what we have in place right now.If I maintain housing while my cat is still alive, thats all I can really hope for, he added. Im prepared to face homelessness, but I just dont want her to face it.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

With election day now less than a month away, The Advocate editors officially express our support of Kamala Harris for president of the United States. Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter.Harris, the Democratic nominee, is exponentially better on every issue than her Republican opponent, Donald Trump issues including reproductive freedom, the economy, and climate change. But our endorsement focuses on her LGBTQ+ rights record, which is stellar, and what she promises to do in that realm as president. Her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, is a strong LGBTQ+ ally too, something that certainly cannot be said of Trumps vice-presidential pick, U.S. Sen. JD Vance.Harris, originally a prosecuting attorney, first held public office as district attorney for San Francisco City and County, to which she was elected in 2003. The following year, when San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom declared same-sex marriage legal in the city, Harris conducted marriages for same-sex couples (the marriages were later nullified, however). One of the most joyful [moments of my career] was performing the marriages in 2004. Truly joyful, Harris told The Advocate in 2023. She also established a hate crimes unit in the DAs office.In 2010, she was elected California attorney general, and in that post she helped restore marriage equality in the Golden State. One of the signature issues in her campaign was her opposition to Proposition 8, the voter-approved ballot initiative that revoked marriage equality in California in 2008, undoing the state Supreme Court decision that allowed same-sex couples to marry. She said she would not defend Prop. 8 in court. When the proposition was finally struck down, Harris officiated the first post-Prop. 8 same-sex marriage in California, between Kris Perry and Sandy Stier, who had been part of the court case. As AG, Harris additionally led efforts to abolish gay and transgender panic defenses in criminal trials. Kamala Harris and husband Doug Emhoff (waving in black T-shirt) at the 2019 San Francisco Pride Parade.Sundry Photography/ShutterstockShe was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016. She received perfect 100 scores on the Human Rights Campaign Congressional Scorecard, which measures support for LGBTQ+ equality, before leaving the Senate to become vice president. As a senator, she introduced a bill to mandate insurance coverage of pre-exposure prophylaxis, an HIV prevention method, and she notably stumped Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh with a question on marriage equality during his confirmation hearings.During her vice presidency, Harris has spoken out against the rash of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in conservative states around the country, such as dont say gay laws affecting education and bans on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. I hate bullies, she told The Advocate in the 2023 interview.Related: How pro-LGBTQ+ is Kamala Harris?As VP, she has hosted Pride Month receptions and visited New York Citys Stonewall Inn, where an uprising against police harassment of gay bars in 1969 jump-started the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. She met with WNBA star Brittney Griner and her wife, Cherelle Griner, before Brittneys first game after her release from captivity in Russia. She also welcomed current and former cast members and creators of Queer Eye to a White House reception in June. President Biden honored her work on marriage equality by gifting her with the pen he used to sign the Respect for Marriage Act in December 2022. The act wrote marriage equality into federal law, protecting it against future negative Supreme Court action.If she does become president, she has vowed to fight to pass the Equality Act, which would outlaw anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination nationwide. She also strongly opposes Project 2025, a plan meant to guide the next conservative president, as it would roll back many federal government protections for LGBTQ+ people and others. While Trump has tried to distance himself from Project 2025, he undoubtedly would try to implement many of its provisions.The fight for equal rights is patriotic, Harris said at a 2023 Pride reception, strongly reiterating why she has our support. We believe in the foundational principles of our country; we believe in the promise of freedom and equality and justice. And so the fight for equal rights is an expression of our love of our country.

Stunts, shenanigans, and a big prize is on the line.Everybody loves a good competition and professional roller skaters now have a chance to show the world just how intense the sport can be.Jordin Sparks serves as the host of the brand new show Roller Jam and she's thrilled that she gets to evolve from a reality TV contestant and winner to now presenter."I was so excited. I love this show. I love the contestants on it. This is the first time roller rink skating is being shown on a national level. I was on a competition show [and] I know how they felt. I know that feeling," Sparks tells PRIDE. See on Instagram Roller Jam features plenty of LGBTQ+ representation and openly gay Olympic ice skater Johnny Weir is thrilled to showcase so much love and queer energy on the show."Roller skating has touched everyone, but it's a celebration of the talents within this community. It's a competition show with love and with care and attention. So many of our skaters on this show do that," Weir says.Terrell Ferguson joins Johnny Weir to round out the judges panel and hopes all of the contestant's special stories resonate with audiences."There's a lot of love and a lot of heart. That heart is shown through everyone's individuality," Ferguson adds.Roller Jam is streaming now on MAX. To see the full interview with Jordin Sparks, Johnny Weir, and Terrell Ferguson, check out the video at the top of the page.

Janne Puhakka, a 29-year-old who made history as Finlands first out gay professional ice hockey player, was shot to death in the home he had shared with his Norwegian veterinarian partner, 66-year-old Rolf Nordmo. Nordmo reportedly confessed to the murder the two broke up a few weeks ago, ending their decade-long relationship.Puhakka, who publicly came out upon retiring from hockey in 2018, reportedly moved out of their shared apartment several weeks ago. Last Sunday night, Puhakka returned to the residence located in the city of Espoo, outside of Helsinki to discuss practical matters with Nordmo. Nordmo then used a hunting shotgun to kill Puhakka. Related Man convicted for the twisted murder & cover up of his alleged gay lover The internet searches and lengths he went through to hide his crimes are shocking. A friend of Puhakka arrived at the scene after being unable to contact him. Upon discovering the murder, he called the police, the Finnish news outlet YLE reported. Police arrived and arrested Nordmo, who later confessed to the killing. Global perspectives delivered right to your inbox Our newsletter bridges borders to bring you LGBTQ+ news from around the world. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Police initially charged Puhakka with manslaughter but upgraded the charge to murder because the act is suspected to have been committed with premeditation and in a particularly brutal and cruel manner, a police statement said.Based on an interview with the suspect, the motive for the crime was the end of the relationship between the victim and the suspect, Detective Inspector Matti Hgman added.Puhakka began playing hockey at age six and played on the Finnish national youth team at 16, around the same time that he became aware of his homosexuality. He began playing in the Finnish pro league at age 20 and played for Canadas Chicoutimi Saguenens, Finlands Espoo Blues, TUTO Hockey, Espoo United, and Frances Rapaces de Gap teams. Though Puhakka came out to his team captain and a few teammates while playing professionally, he later admitted that he laughed off anti-gay jokes from his teammates and felt bothered by the fact that his peers could openly mention their wives and girlfriends in public. He worried he wasnt a good enough player to be kept on the team if he came out, Outsports reported.Nevertheless, Puhakka publicly came out in 2018, saying that he hoped that his openness might help other players come out. Despite this, he said he knew no other gay pro hockey players in Finland and was previously scared of the way I would be perceived in the ultra-masculine sporting world.Puhakka met Nordmo online in June 2014 and quickly fell in love, The Daily Mail reported. Nordmo had previously been married to a woman for 17 years with whom he had three kids. In public, Puhakka often passed Nordmo off as his older uncle to avoid outing himself. The couple marched together in Helsinki Pride, and Puhakka posted many images of the two on Instagram.In 2022, Puhakka helped promote LGBTQ+ inclusionin ice hockey and athletics. He retired around the age of 23, studied international business, and worked in an Amer Sports store. He published a memoir, Ulos Kopista (Out of the Booth), in 2022. More recently, he appeared in Petolliset, a Finnish version of the reality TV mystery game show The Traitors. The show continues to air but will not air its most recent episode (which features Puhakka) out of respect for his passing. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Janne Puhakka (@jannepuhakka)In a statement mourning Puhakkas death, the ice hockey team Rapaces de Gap wrote, Janne showed the staff and his teammates his kindness and team spirit. We send our sincere condolences to his family, his relatives, and all his former teammates.Writer Risto Pakarinen, who helped Puhakka with his autobiography, told the Finnish news outlet Iltalehti, With his book, Janne wanted to give hope to other representatives of minorities in hockey and other sports, and to offer them an example and someone to talk to. Im sad and I share in the bottomless grief of the family members and Jannes other loved ones.Former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin mentioned Puhakkas death on Instagram, simply sharing a black-and-white image of him alongside a broken heart emoji. Mourners have been leaving candles outside of Puhakkas home.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Sir Ian McKellen, star of Lord of the Rings and X-Men, enjoys a night on the town just like the rest of us!The iconic 85-year-old actor was seen at a "men only" nightclub event on Saturday, October 12 in North London. X (formerly Twitter) user @zacidk posted about the sighting, writing, "WHY IS IAN MCKELLEN AT ROAST????" He later posted a photo with McKellen and captioned it "BITCH." (@) McKellen donned a floral button-up and a black undershirt while many of the patrons around him were shirtless. The photo has over 59,000 likes on the social media platform at the time of writing, and is making international headlines. Daily Mail reports McKellen was seen busting a move on the dancefloor and "soaking up the party atmosphere. He looked like he didn't have a care in the world."Roast is marketed as "London's Beefiest Club Night" and boasts five floors, 10 DJs, and a darkroom.McKellen came out as gay in 1988 at 48 years old. In 2023, he told Variety that after he shared his identity, "almost overnight everything in my life changed for the better.People who are not gay just simply dont know how it damages you to be lying about what you are and ashamed of yourself, McKellen explained. "I was brought up at a time when it was illegal for me to have sex with a man. And that was not that long ago."Clearly, he's living his best life now!

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) tried to stand up for a womens volleyball team on social media when they refused to play against another team that allegedly has a transgender player, but the team caved shortly after.Quoting a post from anti-trans activist and fifth-place swimmer Riley Gaines about the University of Nevada Renos womens volleyball teams attempt to forfeit a game against San Jose State University, Boebert wrote yesterday: This is how we stand up against these radicals! Related Lauren Boebert tries & completely fails to raise money for a supposed victim of trans rights The victim refused to accept money Boebert raised for her, and Boebert was forced to return it to donors. The University of Nevada Reno then issued a statement saying that the team would not be forfeiting the match. Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today This is how we stand up against these radicals! https://t.co/zVhFPfEzro Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) October 15, 2024Four universities in the Mountain West Southern Utah University, Boise State University, the University of Wyoming, and Utah State University have forfeited matches against San Jose State University because many on the right believe that the schools womens volleyball team has a transgender player (the university has not confirmed this). The University of Nevada Renos womens volleyball team voted on Monday to forfeit a game against San Jose State, saying that their right to safety and fair competition on the court was at risk if they played against San Jose State. Gaines posted this statement online yesterday, saying she is incredibly proud of these girls. Gaines tied for fifth place at a swim meet with trans University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas over two years ago, and since then, she has made anti-trans activism her career.Boebert saw Gaines tweet and shared it, saying, This is how we stand up against these radicals! But it turned out that that is not, in fact, how one stands up against trans equality because almost immediately afterward, the university distanced itself from the players decision and said that the team would not be forfeiting the match, citing the states constitution, which bans discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression.The University intends to move forward with the match as scheduled, and the players may choose not to participate in the match on the day of the contest, the Univerity of Nevadas statement said. No players will be subject to any team disciplinary action for their decision not to participate in the match.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump has shown an inability to answer direct questions over the course of his 2024 campaign, often jumping from one subject to another and to another and another and another without finishing a complete sentence on any of them. When he was called out for this rambling during his appearance at the Economic Club of Chicago yesterday, he explained that its a move he calls The Weave, and the audience started laughing at him. Related Former Trump admin officials warn his alarming cognitive decline has accelerated The New York Times analyzed his recent speeches and noted their evidence of his aging mind. Donald Trump hasnt faced much criticism for his inability to talk coherently this year, with many larger media organizations often paraphrasing his rants to make it appear like he had a point in a process that has been called sanewashing. But live audiences are noticing it. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today He sat down yesterday with Bloomberg News Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait to discuss topics like immigration, tariffs, and corporate policy. Micklethwait repeatedly tried to get Donald Trump to directly answer his questions instead of rambling about the random thoughts in his head, pressing him again and again to bring him back to the topic at hand. In one notable interaction, Micklethwait tried to ask Donald Trump about the U.S. dollars status as the international reserve currency, and Donald Trump started rambling. Micklethwait interrupted him and tried to get him to talk about the dollar.You gotta be able to finish a thought because its very important, Donald Trump said. You know, this is big stuff were talking about, you cant go that quick-Youve gone from the dollar to [French President Emmanuel] Macron, Micklethwait responded, exasperated.So let me just tell ya, I said, no, Im just tellin ya basic, uh. Its called The Weave,' Donald Trump said. Its all these different things happening.People in the audience could be heard laughing at him. So let me just say, I said to Mnuchin he said as he continued to ramble. Trump: You gotta be able to finish a thought because its very important. This is big stuff.Micklethwait: Youve gone from the dollar to MacronTrump: Its called the weave pic.twitter.com/j2UYp9jkQu Acyn (@Acyn) October 15, 2024Last month, Trumps out lesbian niece, Mary Trump, wrote about her uncles incoherent rants and how some media organizations try to hide them from their audiences after Donald Trump appeared at the Economic Club of New York and rambled about his daughter, tariffs, and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) when asked about how he would make childcare affordable in a clip that went viral.Mary Trump wrote that the corporate media believe they must translate Donalds nonsensical ramblings into a version of the English language we can all understand.She noted that, while reporting on the event, the Associated Press wrote that Donald Trump had suggest[ed] tariffs can help solve rising child care costs;Politicowrote that he had laid out a sweeping economic vision of lower taxes, higher tariffs, and light-touch regulation; andThe New York Timeswrote that Donald Trump had praised tariffs.Several other publications made similar reports,transgender journalist Parker Molloy noted. She and journalist Aaron Rupar called this a sane-washing of Donald Trumps comments. Weighing in, Mary Trump wrote, Thats a huge problem because, on the one hand, theyre not really translating his words theyre imbuing them with a meaning that is not there; on the other hand, theyre doing this without telling us theyre doing it.Surely a political press corps that spent months arguing that President Bidens age renderedhimmentally unfit, wouldnt look the other way when the Republican candidate, the oldest person to run for president in American history, is not only old but decompensating before our very eyes, she continued. The difference of course is that Biden is aging while Donald isdementing.Donald really does seem to have worn down the corporate medias willingness to cover him properly. Its too badtheyre missing a story most people would be interested in, she added. American democracy depends upon a thriving fourth estate to function optimally. Thats not what we have right now. Not even close. LGBTQ Nation transcribes Donald Trumps rants fully for readers when appropriate, like in this July article about an interview Donald Trump did with Foxs Laura Ingraham that discussed gender issues. Ingraham asked Donald Trump about his claim that, if he gets elected, people wont have to vote again in 2028 and even tried to lead him to a coherent answer, but she was unable to stop The Weave.I started off by saying, just so you understand, you never vote, he said. Christians do not vote. Well, they vote in very small percentages. Why? I dont know. Maybe theyre disappointed in things that are happening, but for a long time, I say, you dont vote. Im saying, go out, you must vote, November 5th is gonna be the most important election in the history of our country. Whether you vote early or not, we should have, by the way, one-day voting, we should have voter ID, we should have proof of citizenship, and we should have paper ballots, OK? Thats what we should- but we dont have that! But I said to the Christians in the room, thousands of them, I said, typically, Christians do not vote. Why it is, I dont know, youre rebellious, somethings going on, dont worry about the future, vote or- You have to vote on November 5th. After that, you dont have to worry about voting anymore, I dont care, because were going to fix- The country will be fixed and we wont even need your vote anymore because frankly, we will have such love if you dont want to vote anymore thats OK.And I think everybody understood it.Ingraham asks Trump about his comments telling Christian backers they won't have to vote again in 4 years. Trump responds by saying Jews should have their heads examined if they vote for Dems. Ingraham presses him & Trump doesn't exactly quell concerns he wants to end elections. pic.twitter.com/khGeauqp9S Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 29, 2024Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

In a state like Georgia that has a Republican trifecta a Republican governor and a party majority in both chambers of the state legislature queer community leaders and political strategists are working diligently to prove Atlanta isnt the states only allegedly progressive community.Georgia has roughly 8 million registered (active and inactive) voters. Georgias Secretary of State online data hub indicates there have been 121,898 more active voters since the December 2022 runoff election, and each one will count in a battleground state that could determine the nations future.In September, the Georgia State Election Board voted to have all cast ballots counted by hand. Many consider this rule change an ongoing effort to undermine or at least delay election results. Democrats, who were once pushing Gov. Brian Kemp (R) to hold an ethics hearing, filed a lawsuit to have a judge push Kemp to remove some of the members of the elections board believed to be former President Donald Trump loyalists. While one judgedismissed the casein early October, a Fulton County Superior Court Judge issued aninjunction blocking the hand count ruleon the first day of early voting in the state. The judge felt the new rule was approved too close to Election Day and would create administrative chaos. Related The election could push LGBTQ+ mental health to the edge. Queer activists are fighting for a lifeline. Pro-LGBTQ+ legislation, at its core, is mental health legislation. Voters are acutely aware of the potential fallout of a Trump reelection. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Georgias narrative as a battleground state has been a major talking point in recent years. According to some reports, Stacey Abrams 2018 gubernatorial campaign was a test case to prove if the Democratic party mounted a sustained voter outreach campaign, the state could flip from red to blue. In Georgia, Joe Biden narrowly beat Trump by 11,779 votes during the 2020 election, garnering him the Electoral College votes needed to become the 46th president of the United States and strengthening the argument that Georgia could be a viable player on the national stage. Two years later, Sen. Raphael Warnocks runoff win over Republican challenger Herschel Walker solidified the states status as a bonafide swing state.How has this happened? An increasing number of LGBTQ+ community leaders and political strategists have worked tirelessly to galvanize voters of all ages, backgrounds, and identities to build a coalition beyond the states capital, Atlanta. They have also proven, to some extent, that they carry political power in the state and have built effective grassroots efforts in their local communities. Georgians are fighting for people over politics View this post on Instagram A post shared by FTR Political Strategies (@ftrpolitical)FTR Political Strategies co-founder Mo Pippin.At 28, Mo Pippin (they/them) is one Georgian hoping to turn the state from purple to blue. In 2023, they co-founded FTR Political Strategies out of a need for greater engagement in local elections and voter education.Here in Roswell which is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Athens were doing the work to boil down these large, sometimes scary federal issues to local and state issues that are digestible, recognizable, and salient to people; and trying to connect them with better representatives, Pippin told LGBTQ Nation. Ibelieve fully that young people have been primed to have conversations with people who are different from us. One of the primary things that we do to engage voters is we canvas; we knock on doors. Pippin said voters have warned them to be careful in their neighborhood whenever they canvass in traditionally conservative areas of Roswell. They believe the warning is rooted in an assumption that other residents in the region will not be welcoming and potentially combative.If Im looking at our state government and I dont see people who look like me or who act like me or who share the same values as I do, its an easy assumption that, because of what were told about democracy, these people who got into office through the means of popular vote naturally represent our entire population, they said. But thats not the case. Our voter turnout in the state is incredibly low. The system is made that way. There are all of these structural reasons getting their children to school, getting to work themselves, making sure their families are fed, and their health needs are met why people are not able to engage in the [political process] in our state. People are too tired and too busy to vote. Share your opinion View the article on LGBTQ Nation to participate in our reader poll. Organizations like Georgia Equality, the states largest and oldest LGBTQ+-centered advocacy organization, are actively working to engage, educate, and advocate. This past year, it played an integral role in helping defeat the nearly 20 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in the state legislature by appearing regularly at the state Capitol for hearings, votes, and meetings alongside other pro-LGBTQ+ groups. The organization also leveraged the community, organizing more than 5,000 people to make calls to their representatives during the session.Our priority is not to leave any LGBTQ+ Georgian behind, Nol Heatherland (they/them), statewide organizing manager for Georgia Equality, told LGBTQ Nation. And making sure that everyone, especially those who do not live inside the bubble of the city of Atlanta, is remembered and included throughout the year, especially during a time where our civic engagement and letting our voices be heard is so important.The queer experience in the states southern region comes with its own set of issues and specific concerns, said Heatherland, a native of Albany, Georgia. While recent reports suggest that most LGBTQ+ voters are motivated to support the Democratic party and concerned about issues like restricting womens rights and banning medical care for transgender youth, Heatherland said queer Georgians are also concerned with a lot of the same issues that impact people across various communities and demographics.Omarion Smart agrees. A senior at Georgia State University, Smart is a native of Bainbridge, Georgia, in the southwest region. Hes also policy director for Voters of Tomorrow, a social welfare organization for Gez Z, by Gen Z. Housing, food security, and the cost of living are key issues queer voters are taking to the ballot box this November, he said. Healtherland adds queer voters in the state are also concerned about quality education for their children and the safety of their children in schools. According to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, the LGBTQ+ population makes up about 4.7% of the population in the state of Georgia, with 27% of them having children. @voterstomorrow hopeful #hopecore #plottwist #kamalaharris #election2024 #capcut #edit #hopeful #happy #aesthetic #trending #politics original sound lilPeony The majority of Georgians agree on these things, Smart said. We agree that housing should be affordable. We agree that we should have health care and that Medicare and Medicaid should be expanded. The economy. Housing. As well as the rise of transgender hate ideology and reproductive rights. They are all important issues to voters in Georgia. No one issue has priority over the other. Yet we have those in the legislature that do not reflect the population of our state, and its time that we change that.Smarts concerns manifested this August when Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones (R) launched the Georgia Senate Special Committee on the Protection of Womens Sports to ensure that female athletes across Georgia have the right to compete on a fair and level playing field. Smart believes the committee and its purpose are disgusting.Its not even intended to learn about these issues, Smart said. Thats just how the politics in our state are. Their goal is to spew their blatant hate and not be called out on their hatred.We have those in the legislature that do not reflect the population of our state, and its time that we change that.Omarian Smart, policy director, Voters of TomorrowAs far as Shawn Harris is concerned, the energy behind anti-LGBTQ+ and transgender legislation by the conservative party is a smokescreen. Harris is challenging Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) for Georgias 14th congressional district, which includes Rome, Calhoun, and Dalton in the northwest. He said that Greene has created a narrative about the region that makes it seem problematic. Harris, however, says local voters are more focused on quality of life, including jobs and affordable housing.People get up every day from our area and drive either to Atlanta to go to work or they drive to Chattanooga, Tennessee. They get up every morning at 4 a.m. to beat the traffic, Harris told LGBTQ Nation. Theyre not home when its time for their kids to get off from school. Theyre not home for their kids soccer games or whatever. They do this for a good-paying job with insurance. And they need affordable housing.As election day gets closer, queer voters in Georgia have an impressive slate of candidates to consider: Gen Z Democrat Ashwin Ramaswamy is running for state Senate District 48, challenging Trump loyalist Shawn Still, who was indicted in the Fulton County election interference case last year; RaShaun Kemp won the Democratic primary to fill state Senate seat District 38 and is reportedly the first openly gay man elected to the state Senate; and Laura Judge is running for the County School Board, Post 5.Rashaun Kemp. Photo via rashaunforgeorgia.com. The Cobb County school system has been implementing a ton of book bans against a variety of different books and also enacting discriminatorypolicies, said strategist Pippin. If she wins, control of the Cobb Board of Education would flip and stop the madness happening there. Her district is extremely competitive,and Im cheering for her big time.One candidate with personal stakes is JD Jordan, running against John Albers for Georgia Senate District 56.He is running to protect his children from harmful state policies. The incumbent is a co-sponsor of anti-trans legislation that threatens healthcare access for JDs children, said Pippin. He has five kids between the ages of 14 and 19, and two of them identify as transgender. Georgia Equalitys Heatherland said Albers is not cordial to LGBTQ+ people or allies and is not willing to listen to them when they are at the Capitol to discuss issues even if they are his constituents. The district is now trending as one of the states most flippable districts.Its one thing to speak up on behalf of LGBTQ+ children, and specifically transgender people, when youre running for something in Atlanta and like 85% of the people youre talking to agree with you, added Pippin. Its another to do that in a district that is red like SD56, and JD is out here fighting that fight and helping dispel all the misinformation that is spewed about the queer community. He is the dad many of us in the community wish we had growing up. Related Red state residents worry about a nightmare Trump presidency Red state residents say the stakes could not be higher, with ramifications including trans health care, gender markers, and LGBTQ+ school safety. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Donald Trump inexplicably called himself the father of IVF while speaking at an all-womens town hall event hosted by Fox News. No one has been able to discern what Trump could have possibly meant by the claim. IVF has not only been around for decades, but Trumps successful crusade to overturn Roe v. Wade has also directly threatened the availability of IVF in the United States. Related Donald Trump slammed as psychotic maniac for spreading insane lie about trans kids The claims are so blatantly absurd that it almost feels unnecessary to explain why theyre wrong. What is he talking about? Kamala Harris wrote on X in response. His abortion bans have already jeopardized access to it in states across the countryand his own platform could end IVF altogether. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Donald Trump called himself the father of IVF. What is he talking about?His abortion bans have already jeopardized access to it in states across the countryand his own platform could end IVF altogether. Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 16, 2024Trump told moderator and Fox anchor Harris Faulkner that Republicans really are the party for IVF, before rambling, We want fertilization, and its all the way, and the Democrats tried to attack us on it, and were out there on IVF, even more than them. So, were totally in favor.Its not just creepy, its flat out wrong. Donald Trump is why IVF access is at risk. Period, wrote Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who has been leading the charge to protect IVF at the federal level. If they wanted to protect IVF access, Republicans couldve voted for my bill last month. Or in June. But they didnt. Its not just creepy, its flat out wrong. Donald Trump is why IVF access is at risk. Period. If they wanted to protect IVF access Republicans couldve voted for my bill last month. Or in June. But they didnt. pic.twitter.com/u5lfIyaRrD Tammy Duckworth (@TammyDuckworth) October 16, 2024Former Obama advisor David Plouffe called the comment unhinged. The father of IVF? He is the godfather of eliminating Roe V Wade, his proudest accomplishment. Has led to Trump abortion bans in 20 states. And his Project 2025 would give him unchecked power to enact nationwide bans on abortion. Trump is unhinged. The father of IVF?He is the godfather of eliminating Roe V Wade, his proudest accomplishment. Has led to Trump abortion bans in 20 states. And his Project 2025 would give him unchecked power to enact nationwide bans on abortion. David Plouffe (@davidplouffe) October 16, 2024The battle to protect IVF a treatment often utilized by LGBTQ+ people to have children began when the Alabama Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that embryos have the same rights as children, opening the door for doctors to be charged with murder if they mishandle or mistakenly destroy an embryo. The court acknowledged that its ruling effectively ended IVF treatment in Alabama, and many continue to fear that without the protections of Roe v. Wade in place, other states will follow suit.Due to widespread public support for IVF from all political parties, Republicans have tried desperately to claim they are not against it. Yet in September, Senate Republicans blocked a bill that would have created a right to access IVF and required insurance companies to cover it. Share your opinion View the article on LGBTQ Nation to participate in our reader poll. Trump has also claimed he supports universal access to IVF and that, as president, he would order the government or insurance companies to cover the cost of IVF for all Americans a claim Democrats have been quick to call out as a lie. Donald Trumps own platform listed publicly on his website could effectively ban IVF. As President, heappointed an anti-IVF extremist to the federal bench, proposed a rule to allow health care workers to deny IVF to LGBTQ couples, and hosted theAlabama judge who banned IVFat the White House, said out senior campaign spokesperson for Harris-Walz Kevin Munoz.Trump lies as much if not more than he breathes, but voters arent stupid, Munoz added. There is only one candidate in this race who will protect Americans freedoms to make our own health care decisions: Vice President Kamala Harris. Trumps all-womens town hall has also been called out for only inviting women who already support him, creating what the Independent called a safe space for the former president. The comment is one example of what appears to be Trumps continued mental decline. He has shown an inability to answer direct questions over the course of his 2024 campaign, often jumping from one subject to another and to another and another and another without finishing a complete sentence on any of them.Another recent town hall in Oaks, Pennsylvania, took a truly bizarre turn when Trump ended the Q&A after just four questions and spent more than thirty minutes mostly swaying onstage while music played. Former Trump communications director Alyssa Farah GriffintoldThe Viewon Tuesday morning, I saw this [footage of the event] last night. I thought it was a deepfake. She added, I could joke about it all day, but this is serious.This is not even the man I worked for, who had all sorts of problems. Theres a decline, and I worry the history books might say everyone was quick to call out Joe Bidens age and issues, but we missed that someone else is just flying under the radar, clearly in decline.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The evolution of a companys policies and branding and reputation is a lifelong work-in-progress, said Bob Witek, a pioneering LGBTQ+ business leader and communications strategist.Concepts like DEI are mainstream today, and advertising to LGBTQ+ customers is commonplace but neither were the norm thirty years ago. Witek is one of the trailblazers who supported some of the first major companies in the early 90s to openly welcome and affirm LGBTQ+ people both as customers and as integral members of the workforce. Related LGBTQ+ rights have long been at the mercy of public opinion. This November will be no different. For decades, LGBTQ+ rights have been put on the line to drive out conservative votes. We want the companies to want to do it because they know its aligned with who they are its aligned with what they try to do in the world, he said. Because they want to make people feel good, but also because they want to make people empowered. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The PR disaster that changed historyBob Witek Witek noted that vice-driven businesses like tobacco and alcohol and some apparel companies marketed in LGBTQ+ bars and publications long before business leaders in other industries were ready to take that risk.Witek said they kept a distance due to the usual anxieties fearing backlash. They worried that advertising to LGBTQ+ customers or supporting LGBTQ+ causes might alienate existing cis-het customer bases. But in 1993, a PR disaster forced one company American Airlines to reckon with their values, and the way Witek helped the airline handle those blunders shaped modern history well beyond the marketplace.First, an employee cited a group of onboard gay men as a reason to change all linens for the next flight. The memo describing the request was leaked to the news, prompting a swift apology. Witek said company leaders recognized that they might have LGBTQ+ employees and customers to protect and amended the airlines nondiscrimination policy to include sexual orientation as a protected class as a result. They also became the first Fortune 100 company to develop an LGBTQ+-specific marketing team.But just a few months later, a visibly frail passenger living with a late-stage illness related to HIV was forcibly removed from an American Airlines flight after he attempted to self-administer IV medication. Threats of protests and boycotts loomed. Witek and his team worked with the airline to transform the companys culture from the inside out and encouraged leaders to respond to the public with authenticity. He and his team of LGBTQ+ colleagues developed a plan to help American Airlines embrace DEI tenants not just as a marketing gimmick but as a core value.The company took a multi-pronged approach to next steps communicating with transparency, implementing new policies, training and educating employees, and supporting HIV/AIDS advocacy efforts and broader LGBTQ+ activism.They got it, Witek said about the airlines commitment to heavier lifting and the more substantive work of cultivating new cultural norms in contrast with simply checking boxes, which might save face but fail to address the true needs and expectations of LGBTQ+ people. That same year, Witek worked with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) to develop a prototype that would evolve into the modern Corporate Equality Index (CEI) a benchmarking tool that rates businesses based on social responsibility, internal policies and employee benefits with a specific focus on LGBTQ+ inclusion.Our purpose here is not to sell more cars to gay people or more toothpaste or more diapers, he said. But to make sure gay people are fully engaged and leading in every sense.The CEI incentivizes companies to think beyond marketing and token gestures to implement more meaningful changes to corporate structures. Its also a tangible way for LGBTQ+ people to measure how committed specific companies are to queer rights. Its not just Pride Month or Gay History Month, doing sponsorships but having real relationships with nonprofits, taking on some of the causes that matter to us, making moves on trans healthcare and marriage and job discrimination, Witek explained.American Airlines became one of the first major corporations to sponsor the Human Rights Campaign helping to set a new standard in corporate America for the role businesses could play in advancing LGBTQ+ rights.Although he helped American Airlines and other companies develop benefits packages that supported LGBTQ+ employees more equitably, Witek also encouraged leaders to launch employee resource groups. These groups helped to shape and continue to influence company policies as participants identify needs and advocate for resources. He said this not only helped people with similar values and lived experiences build camaraderie but also connected people from differing backgrounds in a way that taught them to communicate better. This helped normalize LGBTQ+ identity during a time when the queer community was far less visible.Another early client of his firm was National Coming Out Day, which he explained wasnt just a feel-good campaign in 1993 the year Dont Ask, Dont Tell was implemented.It was intended to mobilize people to be out and visible, he said. Embracing the power of the queer dollarBob Witeck and business partner, Wes Combs, pictured in 2003 standing in front ofthe Out 100 issue they were featured in.Witek and other early LGBTQ+ communications strategists have worked on other ways to make the community more visible too by communicating data about LGBTQ+ buying power and economic trends to major companies. He specifically underlined that LGBTQ+ people, while cynical and cautious, were loyal to genuine allies including brands.Although that was more of an intuitive hunch at the time, todays research proves that LGBTQ+ people and allies are more loyal to brands that support LGBTQ+ causes, include LGBTQ+ workplace protections, and include depictions of LGBTQ+ stories and people in their advertising.Early adopters of LGBTQ+ inclusive approaches sometimes faced backlash but as data emerged about the benefits of openly supporting the queer community, Witek said companies grew more confident in their ability to survive those transitional times. Theyd see firsthand the visible contributions and economic opportunities that LGBT people bring, then theyd want to harness that, he said. Theyd want to hire, retain and address them.As more brands became willing to woo LGBTQ+ customers, inclusive ads like IKEAs, which was the first to include an openly gay couple in a TV spot influenced public perception and acceptance. This aided the communitys efforts to shift social and political landscapes over the following decades.Companies can play a great storytelling role in normalizing [LGBTQ+ experiences], said Witek. In no small part, theyve changed the way Americans think. A 2020 study conducted by GLAAD and Procter & Gamble showed that cis-het Americans who saw LGBTQ+ representation in advertising and media were significantly more likely to interact with LGBTQ+ people, feel more comfortable around them and support LGBTQ+ rights.As public acceptance grew, some companies took their commitments to LGBTQ+ people more seriously, prioritizing DEI efforts. Analyzing metrics like the information provided by the CEI is now essential for companies hoping to maintain a positive reputation with LGBTQ+ consumers and prospective employees. As policies or practices fall short, business leaders are challenged to keep up with their competitors who might be outperforming them in this way.The authenticity gapShutterstock Dylan Mulvaney | Shutterstock Not every company has been trustworthy. Some have engaged LGBTQ+ people with a more transactional approach in an attempt to earn interest without ever truly becoming allies.Companies may create more LGBTQ+ affirming policies because they need to keep up with competition but I want them to do it authentically, Witek underlined.And the companies that view LGBTQ+ people transactionally arent necessarily reaping the benefits of engaging LGBTQ+ people anymore. Spikes in transphobia, for example, have caused some brands to walk back their visible support. But this kind of wishy-washy behavior signals to consumers that some brands dont know who they are, dont know who they want to reach, and dont know what they want to stand for. Bud Light, for example, was punished by conservatives with a boycott after partnering with Dylan Mulvaney, a trans influencer, in 2023. Before sales even began to tank, two Bud Light marketing executives took a leave of absence and the company announced it would shift its advertising approach to focus on sports and music instead.For a company to hire a trans person and then not publicly stand by them is worse, in my opinion, than not hiring a trans person at all, Mulvaney later told the New York Times.This kind of pandering resulted in the company losing money from both conservatives and progressives. Major deficits followed. Integrity mattersShutterstock | ShutterstockMore people are coming out than ever before, but the American political and social landscape is moving backwards in some ways as conservatives gain ground with their own messaging about LGBTQ+ people, especially trans youth. This is making it less safe to be visible again.The HRC reports 84% of LGBTQ+ people are out to at least one person at work, but many people still choose to be closeted or careful in their workplaces. This includes a quarter of LGBTQ+ young adults who arent out at work despite being out in other aspects of their lives. Data collected by LinkedIn shows that only 35% of LGBTQ+ professionals feel they can be authentic at work, and 75% have engaged in code-switching at work.Trans people are more likely to be unemployed and underemployed, and LGBTQ+ people often earn less than their peers. Openly LGBTQ+ business leaders, especially trans people, are still notably absent from the boards of most major companies. The HRCs Kelley Robinson called out companies who are scaling down DEI efforts amidst conservative backlash in a recent LinkedIn post, where she also celebrated that a record-breaking 1400+ companies are participating in the 2025 Corporate Equality Index.It shows a palpable divide at a time when LGBTQ+ people are developing stronger expectations about what it means for brands to become allies. In the future, engaging with LGBTQ+ people as customers and employees will only more strongly echo what Witek has attempted to instill from the start that leaders who want LGBTQ+ business and talent need to pursue those relationships with integrity.Gay people should not be the victims of economics. We should be the drivers, underlined Witek. Thats our whole purpose [as a firm] to influence positive outcomes, not to settle for second-class status.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Let's be real Wednesdays are the worst. The possibilities you saw at the beginning of the week have turned out to be lies you told yourself, and the weekend also feels like it's eons away.That's why you need a mid-week pick-me-up to get you through the dreaded hump day, and we have just the thing: hot celebrity men wearing very little clothing. From Cheyenne Jackson joining TikTok without a shirt to Paul Mescal in the tiniest kilt imaginable to Ross and Rocky Lynch showing off their abs on the cover of GQ magazine, there is a sexy man for every taste.Keep scrolling to see the hot hump day hunks that will make your Wednesday bearable!Cheyenne Jackson@mrcheyennejacksonBonjour TikTokOut actor Cheyenne Jackson posted his first TikTok and we're IMMEDIATELY so glad he joined the app!Ross Lynch and Rocky Lynch (@) These two hot brothers who make up the musical duo The Driver Era are making us wish we were the meat in a Ross and Rocky sandwich.More Ross Lynch (@) These behind-the-scenes pics are getting us all hot and bothered. We couldn't be more thankful that Ross Lynch seems to hate wearing shirts!Paul Mescal (@) We already knew actor Paul Mescal looks hot in a pair of short shorts, but seeing him in a short kilt it a revelation!More Paul Mescal (@) See, we told you he looks amazing in tiny shorts!BJ Pascual (@) If you're not already tuning in for every season of Drag Race Philippines, you need to start for judge BJ Pascual alone.Skeet Ulrich (@) '90s era Skeet Ulrich won our hearts when he starred in Scream, but current-day daddy Skeet Ulrich is our new fave thing!Sam CushingSee on InstagramWe normally scroll past sponsored posts, but not when gay fitness influencer Sam Cushing appears without a shirt!Jacob Elordi (@) We could stare at Jacob Elordi all day long, especially when he's sans pants. Mike Del MoroSee on InstagramGay fitness influencer Mike Del Moro sure knows how to get us motivated to workout!Shawn Mendes (@) Shawn Mendes is all grown up and we're loving the view!Jonathan Bailey (@) We were also SWOONING when we saw him in the new season of Heartstopper.Davey WaveySee on InstagramMirror selfies have never looked as good as when adult film mogul Davey Wavey takes one.Bruno AlcantaraSee on InstagramBrazilian model and Pit Crew member Bruno Alcantara is getting back to his roots, modeling super sexy (and skimpy!) Carnival fashion. Andrew Garfield (@) How is it possible that the hunky actor gets hotter every year?

These two handsome boyfriends will warm your heart!Best known for starring in Beauty and the Beast, Dracula Untold, Nine Perfect Strangers, and a few Fast & Furious movies, Luke Evans is one of the most famous LGBTQ+ actors currently working in Hollywood. Most recently, Evans appeared on the Apple TV+ series Echo 3 and starred in the gay drama Our Son alongside Billy Porter.In 2022, Evans started making headlines for appearing with a new boyfriend on social media. His new man, Fran Tomas, is based in Madrid, Spain and works in construction design and project management. Evans and Tomas have been spotted together on each others social media pages throughout 2022 and also in 2023 and 2024, so this couple is thankfully still going strong!Given the very chilly days that many people are enduring during this winter season, its time to let some cute photos of Evans and Tomas warm our hearts and remind us of warmer days.Scroll through to see pictures of boyfriends Luke Evans and Fran Tomas and make sure to follow them on Instagram at @thereallukeevans and @frantomasr.See on InstagramPhoto: @thereallukeevans/Instagram View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke Evans (@thereallukeevans) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke Evans (@thereallukeevans) View this post on Instagram A post shared by FRAN TOMAS (@frantomasr) View this post on Instagram A post shared by FRAN TOMAS (@frantomasr) View this post on Instagram A post shared by BDXY (@bdxystudio)See on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramPhoto: @frantomasr/InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on Instagram

Yawn.That was the collective verdict online following news that Josh Seiter, the grifting former Bachelorette contestant, had duped the public and a far-right outrage machine hungry for anti-woke content into believing he had transitioned. Related A trans woman came out to her great-grandma & her response is melting hearts around the world Whoever is in there, I love. Hes trolling hard , posted one keen observer on Reddit months before Seiter confessed to the hoax. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Seiter made the admission on the right-wing BlazeTV podcast Prime Time with Alex Stein, revealing his four-month journey into womanhood was a social experiment to expose how gullible and delusional the left is.Seiter came out as trans in May, announcing to his Insta followers, I have struggled with my gender identity and resulting feelings of guilt and shame for as long as I can remember.I spent the last three decades trying to keep this side of me private. I felt I had no choice, given my upbringing in a strictly religious, conservative family.Seiter said at the time he wasnt undergoing hormone replacement therapy and wouldnt elect to have gender-affirming surgery.Instead, Seiter spent four months playing dress-up on Insta, reveling not in trans joy but in the rush of provoking online outrage and fooling the public.His widely covered transition granted Seiter an audience hes struggled to maintain with other desperate attempts at self-promotion: coming out as bisexual during Pride Month in 2023 in a play for gay fans; announcing he was dating a fellow male stripper while secretly keeping a girlfriend; teasing thirsty fans with the promise of adult films that never came to pass; claiming he fathered a son that doesnt exist; and faking his own death on Insta with an announcement of his passing a charge hes denied followed by an apology for all the pain the cruel joke hatched by haters caused his fans.The cruel joke, though, was Seiters own as he coopted the stories of real trans people and the tropes surrounding them in service of his elaborate fraud.Seiter came to so-called fame with his appearance as a contestant on ABCs The Bachelorette, where he infamously stripped on his first date with the shows namesake. He parlayed that reality show celebrity into influencer status and an OnlyFans account, mining the depths of the TV dating genre for hook-ups with other self-promoting contestants from shows like 90 Day Fianc and Love After Lockup.I hope that this could help some people understand that just because you put on dresses and makeup as a man doesnt magically make you a woman, Seiter told Stein at his big reveal. It was the one true thing he said in the interview.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) has become the second Democratic candidate this week to release an ad responding to the GOPs transphobic attacks an ominous turn for trans advocates who worry Democrats may be starting to throw trans rights under the bus. Browns ad is a response to a smear campaign from the Ohio Republican PAC Senate Leadership Fund, which has spent millions of dollars on ads attacking trans people. One ad says Brown voted multiple times to allow transgender biological males in womens sports and supported allowing minor children to receive sex change surgeries. Related Black trans activists say voting for Harris is crucial even if shes imperfect on trans issues I would rather have a fighting chance with her than have no chance at all with Trump. Browns response ad plays clips from the attacks and calls them a complete lie. But instead of proceeding to express support for trans rights, he reminds voters that Ohios state lawmakers had already banned trans girls from sports. He then expressed agreement with the states anti-trans Gov. Mike DeWine (R) that the issue of trans women in sports should be left to individual sports leagues and associations rather than the government. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The ad ends with a clip from Ohio news station WKYC verifying that Brown did not vote to let transgender biological men participate in womens sports. Trans activist and journalist Erin Reed said the language Brown perpetuates in the ad reinforces the narrative that transgender women are biological men and that his assertion about the Ohio state law suggests a degree of distancing from transgender athletes. She said that the statement regarding sports leagues has been better received and reflects the approach taken by most states in recent years.Earlier this week, Senate candidate and U.S. Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX) became the first federal-level Democratic candidate ever to release a TV ad responding to Republican transphobic attacks. I dont want boys playing girls sports, Allred said in the ad, responding to several aired on behalf of his Republican opponent for the Senate, anti-LGBTQ+ Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX). Trans advocates have insinuated that Allreds ad is transphobic and needless, seeing as most American voters arent concerned about transgender athletes.Now that Brown has also released an ad, advocates are worried that the strength of the GOPs anti-trans campaign is causing Democrats to bend.I truly believe Sherrod Brown is a staunch ally to our community, one Ohio advocate who wished to remain anonymous told Reed. The fact that hes even slightly rolling on this should be a wake-up call for everyone concerned about the strength of attacks on trans people. Im also really, really scared about how the effectivenessor perceived effectivenessof this will impact down-ballot and future races. It may also be more beneficial for Democrats to simply go on ignoring the attacks. New polling indicates that most voters arent worried about gender-affirming care and are less likely to support transphobic political candidates.Recent Human Rights Campaign pollingshows that only 5% of voters say theyre concerned about gender-affirming care comparatively, 52% are more concerned about inflation raising the cost of living. Additionally, 61% said they wont support candidates who support banning gender-affirming care including 41% of Republicans.The polling also found that 70% of voters feel anti-LGBTQ+ bills have gone too far and that politicians have targeted trans people to divide Americans and maintain their political power. Nevertheless, the ads from Brown and Allred indicate the anti-trans attacks from the GOP may be starting to fracture the Democratic partys attitude toward trans rights. The future of transgender protections may rest on a Democratic Senates ability to confirm judicial appointments under a Harris administration, Reed noted, But perhaps the greatest threat is the potential for fracture within the Democratic Party itself. If Democrats begin to compromise on transgender rights the damage could be irreversible, she warned. The only way to protect transgender rights for the long term is through unwavering Democratic solidaritybecause once the line is crossed, there may be no turning back.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Acting is more than just delivering linesit often requires vulnerability, dedication, and creativity to portray characters authentically. When it comes to scenes involving nudity, many actors prefer to use prosthetics to maintain privacy while still fulfilling the demands of the role.Let's look at 10 of the most iconic uses of prosthetics in cinema from our favorite gay actors, allies and, um, Mark Wahlberg. Mark Wahlberg - Boogie NightsMark Wahlberg's role as Dirk Diggler in Boogie Nights is perhaps the most iconic example of using a prosthetic penis in cinema. The character's physical endowment is central to the film's plot, and Wahlberg used an impressively large prosthetic for the final scene. Though the experience was awkward, Wahlberg has said it added a level of authenticity to the character that audiences would remember. Well he wasn't wrong there. Jonathan Bailey - Fellow TravelersJonathan Bailey, an openly gay actor, took on the role of Tim Laughlin in Fellow Travelers. The series explores a romantic relationship between two men in 1950s America, a time when being openly gay was dangerous. Bailey used a prosthetic penis for some of the more intimate scenes in the series. Bailey has been vocal about the importance of authentic representation in LGBTQ+ narratives, and his performance in Fellow Travelers helped shed light on the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals during a repressive era.Taylor Zakhar Perez - MinxTaylor Zakhar Perez plays Shane in Minx, a comedy series set in the 1970s that centers around the creation of an erotic magazine for women. In one of the show's memorable scenes, Perez used a prosthetic penis to depict the carefree and sexually liberated atmosphere of the era. Perez, who has portrayed several LGBTQ+ characters and is vocal about supporting LGBTQ+ representation, brings authenticity and humor to the role, helping normalize different forms of masculinity and queer experiences on screen.Matt Bomer - The Normal HeartMatt Bomer, an openly gay actor, portrayed Felix Turner in The Normal Heart, a film adaptation of Larry Kramer's play that focuses on the early days of the AIDS crisis. Bomer used a prosthetic penis for certain intimate scenes between Felix and his partner, Ned Weeks, played by Mark Ruffalo. Bomers heartfelt portrayal of Felix highlighted the struggles and love stories of gay men during the AIDS epidemic, and he has often emphasized the importance of telling these stories from a place of truth and empathy.Charles Melton - May DecemberCharles Melton played Joe in May December, a film that explores the complexities of an unconventional relationship between an older woman and a younger man. The film delves into themes of identity, attraction, and societal norms. Melton used a prosthetic penis in intimate scenes to help portray the emotional depth and vulnerability of his character without compromising his personal boundaries. Melton has spoken about the importance of representing nuanced and honest LGBTQ+ stories, and his role in May December contributes to an ongoing dialogue about queer relationships and acceptance.James Franco - MilkJames Franco portrayed Scott Smith, the romantic partner of Harvey Milk, in Gus Van Sant's Milk, a biographical film about the first openly gay elected official in California. To maintain a sense of privacy while portraying intimate scenes with Sean Penn's character, Franco used a prosthetic penis. Franco has often spoken about how working on Milk brought him closer to the LGBTQ+ community, deepening his understanding of queer history and inspiring him to become a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights.Theo James - The White LotusTheo James played Cameron Sullivan in the second season of The White Lotus, a satirical series that delves into the lives of wealthy guests at a luxurious resort. In one of the show's most talked-about scenes, James used a prosthetic penis to portray an awkwardly intimate moment, adding to the show's exploration of power dynamics, relationships, and vulnerability. James has discussed how using a prosthetic allowed him to authentically portray the scene without feeling overly exposed, maintaining a balance between narrative impact and personal comfort.Jacob Elordi - EuphoriaJacob Elordi portrayed Nate Jacobs in HBO's Euphoria, a show that explores the lives of teenagers grappling with identity, sexuality, and addiction. In some of the more explicit scenes, Elordi used a prosthetic penis. Euphoria has been lauded for its candid portrayal of queer characters and LGBTQ+ themes, and Elordi has spoken about the importance of representing the fluidity of sexuality in modern storytelling.Finn Wittrock - RatchedFinn Wittrock played Edmund Tolleson in Ratched, a psychological thriller series that serves as a prequel to One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. In the series, Wittrock's character has several intimate scenes that required the use of a prosthetic penis. Wittrock, who has often portrayed LGBTQ+ characters in his career, brought depth to the role by capturing the complexities of his character's emotions and motivations. His involvement in Ratched highlights his dedication to roles that explore the darker, more complicated aspects of human nature, contributing to authentic queer representation on screen.Daniel Radcliffe - Swiss Army ManIn Swiss Army Man, Daniel Radcliffe played Manny, a flatulent corpse with some bizarre abilities. The film included a scene featuring a prosthetic penis. Radcliffe, famous for his role as Harry Potter, has consistently shown his support for LGBTQ+ rights, working closely with organizations like The Trevor Project to support LGBTQ+ youth. His portrayal of Manny was both quirky and heartfelt, showcasing his versatility as an actor and willingness to take on unconventional roles.

I hope someone shoots your wife dead, f**k you d*s, I hope you both die, the email said.It was sent to Marta Xargay Casademont, wife of Breanna Stewart, a two-time MVP on the Womens National Basketball Associations (WNBA) New York Liberty team. The couple are just one of many league-related individuals to receive an increasing number of hateful messages this season. Related Federal court overturns transgender sports ban calling it the essence of discrimination Trans kids can participate in school sports in Arizona because of the ruling. The same-sex couple reported the email to the New York City Police Department (NYPD), concerned about their safety and that of their two children, aged 3 and 11 months. WNBA security said the email was sent from an internet address associated with other racist, hateful messages, some containing death and bomb threats, The New York Post reported. The NYPDs hate crimes task force is now investigating. Stay connected to your community Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Casademont a three-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time national champion at the University of Connecticut became aware of the email after Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, a series where her team is opposing the Minnesota Lynx. The league championship has left millions of eyes on her and her teammates, increasing pressure both on and off the court. In Game 1, Stewart missed a late-game free throw and misfired on a layup that led to her teams loss, though they won Game 2. The next game happens on Wednesday evening.Myself and my family, were definitely doing OK. Were taking the proper precautions, Stewart told reporters Tuesday. It is terrifying. And to know that people can have such direct access. Theres another level of invasion happening there. [I want to] make sure everyone knows that its unacceptable to bring [those comments] to our sport and really into this entire world. WNBA players have experienced an increase in racist, misogynistic, anti-gay hate messages as their sport has become more popular, ESPN reported. Players Angel Reese and DiJonai Carrington also received threatening messages this season.My girlfriend has been getting death threats, followed, called all type of sh*t, Carringtons girlfriend, Indiana player NaLyssa Smith, wrote on X. The abuse also arrives via numerous social media commenters.Stewart rhetorically asked reporters, Why is this happening? Because we are the most inclusive league in all of professional sports and I can say that with confidence. But theres no place for hate. A WNBA spokesperson denounced the email and said its working with security teams and law enforcement on appropriate security measures. The league has kept players off commercial airline flights, hired extra security staff for traveling players, and increased security for arenas.WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the league is meeting with the players union, players and teams during the offseason to strategize how to counter the increase in hateful messages against players. The league is also considering offering additional technical and mental health support to keep players safe and healthy.Were taking the proper precautions, Stewart said. I think that threats continued to build after Game 1, which we love that people are engaged in our sport, but not to the point where theres threats or harassment or homophobic comments being made. So were just continuing to let the league know [and] theyre handling it.Casademont and Stewart got engaged in 2020 and married in July 2021. Casademont won a silver medal with the Spanish national team at the 2016 Summer Olympics.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Every third Wednesday of October marks International Pronouns Daya day dedicated to raising awareness of the significance of correct pronoun usage, especially for transgender and nonbinary individuals. Pronouns might seem like a small detail, but they have a profound impact on the mental health and well-being of young people, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community. Regardless of a person's political beliefs, everyone should be on board with supporting and protecting the mental health and well-being of young people, Keygam Miller (they/them), Director of Public Training at The Trevor Project, tells PRIDE. When it comes to transgender and nonbinary young people in particular, we know that respecting their pronouns can make a world of difference for their mental health.Lets break down what pronouns are, why they matter, how to understand neo-pronouns, and talk about some of the best resources available.What are pronouns?Pronouns are words used in place of nouns to refer to someone without repeating their name. They help us avoid redundancy, but they also serve as a key aspect of affirming an individuals gender identity. Common pronouns include he/him, she/her, and they/them. The use of they/them is common among people who identify as more nonbinary, or outside of the restrictions of the gender roles of male or female.It is crucial not to assume someones pronouns. A persons pronouns do not necessarily align with their appearance or the gender assigned to them at birth. By asking for pronouns and introducing yourself with your own, you demonstrate respect for diverse gender identities and contribute to creating an inclusive space.Why are pronouns important?Respecting someones pronouns is an essential part of affirming their identity. It goes beyond mere politeness it directly impacts the mental health and well-being of individuals who may be marginalized or misunderstood.Using correct pronouns is not about enforcing an ideology; rather, it is a way to show empathy and respect. It is about fostering a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels seen and valued. Introducing yourself with your pronouns also signals that you are committed to inclusive language and respect for diverse identities.How do neopronouns fit into the mix?In addition to the pronouns he, she, and they, there are neopronouns, which are an alternative for those whose gender identities do not align with traditional categories.Examples of commonly used neopronouns include:Ze/Zim/Zer: Ze went to the store. I spoke to zim. That book is zer.Xe/Xem/Xyr: Xe is a talented artist. I support xem. That artwork is xyr.Ey/Em/Eir: Ey is joining us for lunch. I called em earlier. That is eir jacket.Fae/Faer/Faers: Fae loves reading. I spent time with faer. Those are faers' books.Neopronouns may initially feel unfamiliar, but theyre part of a growing expansion within the use of pronouns, and using them is an important part of creating a more inclusive community. The use of neopronouns allows the individual to better reflect their identity. By using them correctly, you validate the individuals' gender identities and help foster a supportive and inclusive environment.The Trevor Project's roleThe Trevor Project is a leading organization focused on supporting the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. They provide crisis intervention services, including phone, text, and chat support, as well as resources and public training initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and inclusivity.In honor of this years International Pronouns Day, their latest resource, Understanding Gender Identities and Pronouns, provides an in-depth examination of the complexities of gender identity and the importance of using correct pronouns.The guide offers valuable insights into creating affirming spaces for transgender and nonbinary individuals. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding assumptions and taking the time to learn and respect each persons identity. It's an excellent starting point for individuals and organizations aiming to be proactive allies by promoting inclusive language practices.See on InstagramRecent research from The Trevor Project also found that transgender and nonbinary youth attempted suicide less when they reported feeling that their pronouns were respected.As Miller puts it, On this year's International Pronouns Day, let's do our best to drown out the misinformation and anti-transgender rhetoric, and commit to spreading awareness of the fact that using the pronouns young people ask us to use can be a life-saving act.How to be a pronoun allyUsing correct pronouns may seem like a small gesture, but it has a profound impact on others. Here are some ways you can actively support International Pronouns Day and foster inclusivity:Introduce yourself with your pronouns: By introducing yourself with your name and pronouns, you signal that you respect others' pronouns and create an atmosphere that encourages others to do the same.Respect pronoun preferences: Make an effort to use the pronouns people share with you. If you make a mistake, apologize briefly, correct it, and continue without drawing attention to yourself.Educate yourself: Take the time to learn about different pronouns, including neopronouns, and practice using them. Resources like The Trevor Project's guide are invaluable for building your understanding. The more familiar you become with these concepts, the easier it will be to respect others identities.Counteract misinformation: Unfortunately, misconceptions about gender identity and pronouns still persist. Challenge anti-trans rhetoric when you encounter it and work to amplify accurate and inclusive information. By correcting misinformation, you help create an environment where all individuals feel safe to express their authentic selves.It always comes back to respectInternational Pronouns Day is about more than just pronouns it is about respecting and affirming people's identities in a society where many individuals face significant challenges simply for being themselves. This is a day and age marred by fear and warmongering, and its a scary place to try and figure out who you are.The simple use of learning about pronouns, including the growing popularity of neopronouns, is a way to show commitment and respect toward further inclusion, even within the queer community. By honoring each other, we can contribute to the well-being of those in our communities who need support the most.

Science is a marvelous thing. From mapping the human genome to inventing HIV treatments to taking us to space, scientists uncover the truths of the universe every day, and recently, that wealth of knowledge was used to discover who the most handsome celebrity men are, according to scientific research.Using the Golden Ratio, an ancient Greek mathematical equation that is said to measure beauty in nature, cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Julian De Silva was able to scientifically determine who is the most handsome man on Earth.These brand new computer mapping techniques allow us to solve some of the mysteries of what it is that makes someone physically beautiful and the technology is useful when planning patients surgery, De Silva told the New York Post.This means the closer someones facial structure comes to the Golden Ration 1.618 () : 1 the more beautiful people find them. Artist Salvador Dali even used the Golden Ratio in his paintings because he believed it would make them more aesthetically pleasing. According to the research conducted by De Silva, actor Aaron Taylor Johnson is the most handsome man in the world, but we dont think he checked all of the stunning gay celebrities that may not be on his radar but definitely are on ours!So we took things one step further and used AI software from Vidnox AI to analyze the attractiveness of our fave gay celebs, and the results were sexy, to say the least. So for science and only for science we looked at celebrities smoke shows like Joel Kim Booster, Jeremy Pope, Lee Pace, and Rafael Silva to see how these men stacked up.Now, AI tools are imperfect at best and sometimes riddled with prejudices, but all of this diverse group of queer men did very well in our testing. Plus, science can say whatever it wants, these guys are all 10s across the board!Keep scrolling to see the hottest gay male celebrities, according to science!Lee PaceSee on InstagramMatt BomerSee on InstagramJeremy PopeSee on InstagramCheyenne JacksonSee on InstagramRicky MartinSee on InstagramRafael de la FeunteSee on InstagramLaith AshleySee on InstagramLuke MacFarlaneSee on InstagramKeiynan LonsdaleSee on InstagramDevin WaySee on InstagramShinjiro AtaeSee on InstagramJonathan BaileySee on InstagramJoel Kim BoosterSee on InstagramZane PhillipsSee on InstagramChris RenfroSee on InstagramTroye SivanSee on InstagramSachin BhattSee on InstagramRafael SilvaSee on InstagramJohnny SibillySee on Instagram

Troye Sivan and Charli xcx are a match made in music heaven.The two pop singers have been tight friends for years and even collaborated on a couple of bangers including "1999" and the "Talk talk" remix for Charli's BRAT album.Both artists have had a diehard LGBTQ+ fanbase since their humble beginnings, but the past couple of years have seen the performers break into the mainstream with very popular albums and catchy singles made for the club.It only seemed right that Sivan and Charli would team up for a steamy tour and Sweat was born. Kicking off this past September, the talented musicians brought their sickening and sexy energy to fans in big cities across North America. See on Instagram The Sweat Tour has had plenty of viral moments this year, but the crowd in Phoenix, Arizona nearly blew the roof off Footprint Center with deafening screams and infectious energy felt from the pit to the nosebleeds.It is no easy task to have an entire arena stand on their feet during the entire show, but these two entertainers pulled it off flawlessly. Sivan kicked off the show with his pop hits "Got Me Started" and "My My My," which perfectly set the tone for what was in store the rest of the night.However, before Sivan could break out more of his sexy dance moves, a giant curtain with the now-iconic BRAT logo dropped from the ceiling and the whole room lit up with anticipation... Charli was COMING!By performing her electric singles "360" and "Von Dutch," brat summer was fully back in effect and Charli's Angels were throwing their hands in the air, shaking their hips, and pumping their fists to all of the hits that've now made Sivan and Charli household names. See on Instagram When most people think of a co-headline tour, they likely imagine that one artist will perform their set of songs before the other artist closes out the show, but Sweat flips that concept on its head.The singers go back and forth and perform a couple songs each before swapping out with their counterpart. The formula worked perfectly as fans would switch between Sivan's pop hits and Charli's club anthems throughout the concert.On top of their incredible transitions, both entertainers had their own style of performing. Sivan brought the props, gorgeous dancers, choreography, and even drag to all of his successful songs like "One of Your Girls," "Bloom," "Rush," and so many more. He even gave one of his dancers a lap dance and flashed his impressive abs multiple times to the camera.Charli, on the other hand, didn't need anything extra to bring her sets to life. She just held a microphone, strutted around the stage, and brought her iconic energy to every single song that had her fans dancing harder than ever before.As if both of these superstars hadn't blown everyone's minds, they ended the show perfectly by coming together to sing their catchy collaborations and biggest hits. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before. My ears are still ringing from the fans chanting Charli's "I Love It" and cheering for both artists as they took their final bows.Although Sivan and Charli got the crowd on their feet, the fans are what makes this tour so special. From all of the creative BRAT outfits to everyone dancing the viral "Apple" dance, these singers have built a passionate fanbase that'll follow them for many more years to come.Don't miss the Sweat Tour as it concludes this month. There's only a handful of shows left, so get tickets by visiting the official website here.

In Italy on Wednesday, the Italian Senate pushed forward the Wests most restrictive ban on international surrogacy, making it a crime punishable by prison time for Italians to use surrogates in another country. The move closes the door on same-sex couples last, best option to start a family in the country.The far-right government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had already banned both surrogacy and domestic or international adoption by same-sex couples in Italy. Related Italy orders cities to stop recognizing children of same-sex couples People were protesting in the streets. The legislation amending existing Italian law would classify surrogacy as a universal crime transcending borders and impose a two-year prison sentence and a million-euro fine for defying it. The law also criminalizes work by Italian doctors, nurses and technicians in foreign fertility clinics that provide surrogacy services. Global perspectives delivered right to your inbox Our newsletter bridges borders to bring you LGBTQ+ news from around the world. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Last year, Melonis government barred Italian cities and towns from accepting birth certificates that list same-sex parents, denying their children access to citizenship, public schooling and healthcare. That edict is tied up in court.The Senates passage of the anti-surrogacy law, 84 to 58, follows approval by the governments lower house last year, virtually assuring its enactment.Meloni has made traditional values a cornerstone of her tenure leading the Brothers of Italy party, despite being a single mother who never married. The far-right populist league was founded on the ruins of Benito Mussolinis Republican Fascist Party in the aftermath of World War II.Its like a truck hitting us in the face, Pierre Molena, a gay man pursuing surrogacy abroad with his partner, told The New York Times.We are worried about our future and that of our children, he said.It is nature that decides this, not us, Sen. Susanna Campione, who voted in favor of the law, told the The Washington Post.This is a civilized law that safeguards the child but also the woman, since we believe that surrogacy essentially reduces a woman to a reproductive machine.While most U.S. states and Canada allow the practice, surrogacy has become a flashpoint in Europe. Germany and France ban domestic surrogacy, while its legal in the United Kingdom and Greece under certain circumstances. Pope Francis has labeled the practice womb renting, and called for a global ban.About 250 couples a year in Italy pursue international surrogacy, according to legal experts. Ten percent of those couples are same-sex.This law is disgusting, Salvatore Scarpa told the The Post. The gay dad and his partner had a daughter with a surrogate based in California last year and plan to have a second child with the same woman. They have an implantation planned for this month. They cannot stop our family. How dare they judge us, he said.Alessandra Maiorino, a member of Italys anti-establishment Five Star Movement, said the new law stigmatizes children already born to gay couples as well, telling lawmakers who voted for it: It looks like you dont realize these people already exist. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

On Tuesday, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX) faced off in a debate for the Texas Senate race the only one of its kind. Viewers had mixed feelings on the debate, but the general consensus emerged that Allred demolished Cruz.The two clashed over issues ranging from immigration and abortion to transgender rights. Cruz continued to parrot far-right talking points, while Allred played a more centrist position for issues like LGBTQ+ rights, alienating some LGBTQ+ viewers who pointed out parallels between his statements and a recent campaign ad where he railed against boys in girls sports. Related Dem releases ill-advised dog whistle ad against trans student athletes Texas U.S. Rep. Colin Allred said, I dont want boys playing girls sports. But polls show most voters dont care about the issue. During the debate, Cruz accused Allred of supporting allowing boys to play in girls sports, a crude and misgendered reference to trans girls participation on girls sports teams. Stay connected to your community Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Allred responded, You dont have to be a former NFL linebacker to recognize a Hail Mary when you see one this is a desperate last-second attempt by Senator Cruz to distract you because he cant defend his own record.Listen, Im a dad. Im a Christian. Of course, I dont support these ridiculous things that hes talking about, but what he wants you thinking about is kids in bathrooms, so youre not thinking about women in hospitals, because its indefensible, Allred added, referencing his earlier comment that Cruzs support of abortion restrictions have caused doctors to refuse life-saving care to pregnant women.Trans journalist Erin Reed wrote of Allreds response on X, Allreds response to the trans question just now in the debate was not great. Clearly spell out how you feel about the transgender sports issue. I dont support boys playing girls sports, but look, Allred's response to the trans question just now in the debate was not great."Clearly spell out how you feel about the transgender sports issue""I don't support boys playing girls sports, but look" pic.twitter.com/fKuF04fsRH Erin Reed (@ErinInTheMorn) October 16, 2024It was some back and forth, Cruz flopped a bit too by citing Imane Khelif as a man in boxing but Allred was pressured and flustered. He tried to deflect but his earlier ad made it harder, Reed added.It was some back and forth, Cruz flopped a bit too by citing Imane Khelif as a "man in boxing," but Allred was pressured and flustered. He tried to deflect but his earlier ad made it harder. Erin Reed (@ErinInTheMorn) October 16, 2024 Allred attempted to avoid trans issues as much as possible. When prompted about trans inclusion in teen sports, he said, When Ted Cruz starts talking about teen sports, you gotta watch out because the only position he ever played was left out. Im not trying to be mean, senator, but sit this one out please.Allred: When Cruz starts talking about teen sports, you gotta watch out because the only position he ever played was left out. Im not trying to be mean but sit this one out pic.twitter.com/EGVQ6ZTlrm Acyn (@Acyn) October 16, 2024As a whole, Allred was dismissive about trans rights throughout the debate. After responding to Cruzs accusation about trans athletes, Allred quickly transitioned into a discussion about abortion.All of a sudden, the Protector of Women and Girls, is gonna be Senator Cruz Ted Cruz, who thinks its personally reasonable if a girl is raped by a relative of hers, is a victim of incest, has to give birth to it, Allred said before going on to criticize Cruzs voting record. Allred on Cruz: "He wants you thinking about kids in bathrooms so you're not thinking about women in hospitals." pic.twitter.com/IyFcySQju4 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 16, 2024Nevertheless, the consensus on trans issues is that Cruz is much worse than Allred, although Reed feels that Allreds rhetoric could create a dangerous pipeline for other Democratic candidates.As expected, too, Cruz cited his vote on the Save Womens Sports Bill and the Equality Act. Ugly. Gross. Dehumanizing for trans people in the state. And the defense was not great from Allred, and Cruz just was flatly transphobic, continued Reed. As expected, too, Cruz cited his vote on the "Save Women's Sports bill" and the Equality Act.Ugly. Gross. Dehumanizing for trans people in the state. And the defense was not great from Allred, and Cruz just was flatly transphobic. Erin Reed (@ErinInTheMorn) October 16, 2024Cruz cited Allreds voting record, incredulously talking about the Equality Act, federal legislation that would enshrine anti-discrimination protections for trans people. Cruz argued that it would have allowed for men playing in womens sports, even though the law merely adds gender identity to pre-existing civil rights laws that prohibit sex-based discrimination in public accommodations.Cruz stated that the Equality Act would allow boys to be able to go in girls bathrooms, but the legislation would allow no such thing. Instead, it would allow trans women to enter womens bathrooms because they are women.Cruz also criticized Allred for voting against anti-trans bills that would have eliminated trans women from womens sports. He further attacked Allred for supporting House Resolution 269, or the Transgender Bill of Rights, which makes only brief mention of sports and instead focuses on protecting trans people from discrimination. Cruz concluded by attacking Allred for opposing bans on gender-affirming care for minors and drag shows for those in the military. Allred defended these decisions by stating that he merely opposes discrimination. He then went back to attacking Cruzs attempt to use the votes as a distraction.This back and forth is mirrored for other issues. Allred attacked Cruzs record on in-vitro fertilization (IVF), a method of child conception used by many LGBTQ+ individuals. IVF didnt need protecting until he got his way of going after it, Allred said. No one was thinking that we need to protect IVF, until he was singularly responsible for pursuing and putting in judges at the district court level and the circuit court level and the Supreme Court level at those who put at risk this technology I will always protect IVF, Allred said, while talking about Cruzs support for the Personhood Amendment, which heavily restricts IVF.Allred: IVF didnt need protecting until he got his way.. When he ran for President in 2016, he supported the personhood amendment, that would make IVF illegal but would also ban certain forms of birth control pic.twitter.com/e5ceYkSiOZ Acyn (@Acyn) October 16, 2024Cruz denied supporting this amendment. In 2016, the anti-abortion organization Georgia Right to Life endorsed Cruz after he pledged to support a personhood amendment to the Constitution that would define fertilized eggs as humans who deserve legal protections against murder, The Dallas Morning News reported.Allred hammered in on Cruzs opposition to abortion rights too. Senator Cruz just called himself pro-life. Youre not. Its not pro-life to deny women care so long that they cant have children anymore To every Texas woman at home.. when he says hes pro-life, he doesnt mean yours, Allred said. Allred: Senator Cruz just called himself pro-life. Youre not. Its not pro-life to deny women care so long that they cant have children anymore To every Texas woman at home.. when he says hes pro-life, he doesnt mean yours pic.twitter.com/gDQsCeIJFr Acyn (@Acyn) October 16, 2024Cruz, throughout the debate, also dodged the question of whether he supports abortions in instances of rape and incest. Im curious, why do you keep asking me that? Cruz said to a debate moderator when prompted about abortion.Numerous commenters on X said they felt Allred won the debate.Never seen a linebacker punt a senator before, said George Conway, a conservative lawyer who has been involved with TheLincoln Project, a political action coalition of former Republicans who oppose former President Donald Trump. Never seen a linebacker punt a senator before https://t.co/iWiZhAJmUX George Conway (@gtconway3d) October 16, 2024wow, @ColinAllredTX just destroyed @tedcruz in the debate tonight. showed cruz has zero integrity, is not a principled conservative, and only looks out for himself. Look forward to voting for Allred during early voting, wrote Matthew Dowd, a former strategist for President George W. Bush.wow, @ColinAllredTX just destroyed @tedcruz in the debate tonight. showed cruz has zero integrity, is not a principled conservative, and only looks out for himself. Look forward to voting for Allred during early voting. Matthew Dowd (@matthewjdowd) October 16, 2024 Democratic pollster and strategist Matt McDermott wrote, Colin Allred is having a remarkably effective debate against Ted Cruz. Just eviscerating his all hat and no cattle views on immigration.Colin Allred is having a remarkably effective debate against Ted Cruz. Just eviscerating his all hat and no cattle views on immigration. pic.twitter.com/WH3xs7ijgP Matt McDermott (@mattmfm) October 16, 2024Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Even in places that are more queer-centric than average, homophobia is still, unfortunately, alive and well.Hollywood might have a thriving queer culture, and there are more out actors and industry professionals at all levels of film and TV production, but there are still those who carry backward and hateful opinions about LGBTQ+ people. Actor DJ Qualls, best known for his portrayal of Garth on Supernatural, spoke out about his decision to be open about his sexuality was influenced by the kind of homophobia still prevalent today.While on the podcast Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum, Qualls was asked about his coming out journey. ""Ive been out since 19 or 18," Qualls told Rosenbaum, adding about Hollywood, "But not here, because it wasn't cool when I got here." Qualls recounted the time at his very first press junket when a "very famous director-producer" said that he almost didn't cast actor Seann William Scott because "he thought he was a f*ggot. That's the way it was."See on Instagram"I wasnt out at work until I think 2015. I just didnt want to deal with it." But after years of putting up with casual homophobia, Qualls decided enough was enough. "But then one day I realized, why should I have to be at craft service and hear a bunch of homophobic shit wrecking my day?" said Qualls. From there, he decided to start speaking up for himself, "Then I was like, 'Hey, I don't want to hear that' And I get it, it's guy talk, and they don't think about the context of it, but I don't want to hear it. I wouldnt correct you in front of a group of people, but I definitely will pull you aside and say, 'Hey, I'm gay.'"Qualls said that this came from him being "cognizant of owning my space at work," as he should. He said, "I'm there to do a job. I'm hired because I do that job well, and I deserve respect because I give it."See on InstagramQualls also clarified that he wasn't trying to be the "thought police" by any means, but "If I'm hearing 'f*ggot' nine times from you when I'm trying to butter a bagel, I don't want to hear that."It wasn't until 2020, at age 41, that Qualls came out officially. He posted to X (formerly Twitter) after an appearance on The Jim Jeffries Show where he came out on stage. While this was news to many, Qualls did clarify that he's been "gay the whole time." (@) In May of this year, Qualls announced that he was in a relationship with and now engaged to fellow Supernatural actor Ty Olsson. This was great news for Supernatural fans, who had been shipping the actors' characters together long before Qualls was even out. Qualls's full episode of Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum is available wherever you get your podcasts.See on Instagram

When did you first know you were queer?Sometimes, that's a complicated question. Maybe there's no one singular moment, but rather a long, meandering path that led you to the life you lead as an LGBTQ+ person today. Maybe it's nebulous, ineffable, and couldn't be pinned down if you tried.Or maybe you saw Paul Dano in Little Miss Sunshine during your formative years and your type's been emo twinks ever since.Like many of life's great questions, one X (formerly Twitter) user @nocontextgayy took to the platform to see if others could relate to his moment of "knowing". They asked people to share the moment they "knew", and included a picture of David Henrie as Justin Russo in the Disney Channel show Wizards of Waverly Place. Queer men by the dozens then chimed in, sharing the actors, musicians, and athletes who revealed their previously dormant attraction to men.Brought to you by those who can pinpoint a singular moment when they knew, here are 30 of the celebrities spanning across the decades that unlocked something deep inside some of us and not just because their performances were memorable.David Henrie in "Wizards of Waverly Place" (2007-2012) (@) Walter Emanuel Jones on "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" (1993-1996) (@) John Schneider in "The Dukes of Hazard" (1979-1985) (@) Brian Tochi in "Space Academy" (1977-1979) (@) Kurt Russell in "Overboard" (1987) (@) Val Kilmer in "Batman Forever" (1995) (@) Hugh Jackman in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" (2009) (@) Russell Wong in "The Joy Luck Club" (1993) (@) Burt Reynolds in the iconic Cosmopolitan photo shoot (1972) (@) Gil Gerard in "Buck Rogers" (1979-1981) (@) Singer Ricky Martin (circa early '00s) (@) Harrison Ford in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" (1984) (@) Paul Weller and Mick Talbot, better known as musical duo "The Style Council" (1982-1989) (@) Hayden Christensen in the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy (1999-2005) (@) Jackie Chan in "Rush Hour" (1998)"Jackie Chan in Rush hour, he looked so handsome in it akskakak"Josh Brolin in "The Goonies" (1985) (@) Chris Evans in "The Fantastic Four" (2005) and Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger in "Brokeback Mountain" (2005) (@) Chad Everett in "Medical Center" (1969-1976) (@) Terry Crews in "White Chicks" (2004)"Terry Crews in White Chicks"Rob Lowe in "St. Elmo's Fire" (1985) (@) AND Rob Lowe in "Youngblood" (1986) (@) Ravishing Rick Rude of the World Wrestling Federation (1987-1990) (@) Rami Malek in "Night at the Museum" (2006)"Rami Malek, specifically from Night of the Museum.""Lou Ferrigno in "The Incredible Hulk" (1977-1982) (@) Tom Selleck in "Magnum P.I." (1980-1988) (@) Brendan Fraser in "George of the Jungle" (1997) (@) Taylor Lautner in the "Twilight" saga (2008-2012) (@) Jonathan Crombie in "Anne of Green Gables" (1985) (@) Bruce Willis in "Die Hard" (1988) (@)

For years, lesbian TV screenwriter Elisabeth Finch told her wife, friends, and co-workers that she had chondrosarcoma, a rare cancer. The cancer, she said, required chemotherapy which forced her to have an abortion, and later resulted in her developing a spinal tumor and losing a kidney. Her employers at the TV medical drama Greys Anatomy granted her deadline extensions and medical leaves. She wrote about her experience for publications like Elle and The Hollywood Reporter. She also asked loved ones for gifts and favors from her favorite celebrities to help her feel better Finch has since admitted was lying about the entire thing. Related The GOP doesnt even try to hide how outlandish its lies are any more Trump has made himself into the sole source of truth to his followers, creating an alternate and dangerous reality. On Tuesday, she issued a public apology to coincide with the release of a three-part Peacock docuseries, Anatomy Of Lies, which is based on a Vanity Fair article outlining her deceptions and its effect on her family, friends, colleagues, and now ex-wife. Some have disowned her and others have pledged never to forgive her. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today To aid her deceptions, Finch taped a fake catheter to her arm and shaved her hair to make it seem like she was undergoing chemotherapy.After the October 2018 shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylania, Finch said she had to secure FBI permission to collect her friends remains so they could be buried within 24 hours, in accordance with Jewish tradition that too was a lie. In spring 2019, she said post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the shootings aftermath compelled her to check into an Arizona mental health clinic. There, she met a nurse named Jennifer Beyer, who had five kids, had recently left an abusive marriage to a man and was recovering from PTSD.They married in February 2020, but Beyer began suspecting that Finch had lied about her past after she refused to answer questions. Beyer filed for divorce onNovember 9, 2021, and then contacted Finchs employer to whistleblow about her deceptions.By March 2022, her employers began investigating her claims and placed her on a leave of absence. She refused to give medical documentation or allow an independent medical evaluation and resigned from the job that same month. By December 2022, Finch admitted to The Ankler, Ive never had any form of cancer, adding, What I did was wrong. Not okay. F***ed up. All the words. I told a lie when I was 34 years old and it was the biggest mistake of my life. It just got bigger and bigger and bigger and got buried deeper and deeper inside me.I told a lie when I was 34 years old and it was the biggest mistake of my life. It just got bigger and bigger and bigger and got buried deeper and deeper inside me.Elisabeth FinchHer lies began when she injured her knee during a hike amid the 2007 Writers Strike, requiring knee replacement surgery. She received lots of support during the recovery period, but once she recovered, she craved more support and attention, so she began lying for it, she said. I know its absolutely wrong what I did. I lied and theres no excuse for it, she told The Ankler. The best way I can explain it is when you experience a level of trauma a lot of people adopt a maladaptive coping mechanism. Some people drink to hide or forget things. Drug addicts try to alter their reality. Some people cut. I lied. That was my coping and my way to feel safe and seen and heard.On Tuesday, she released a public apology via Instagram, which began, Ive given no one any reason to believe a word I say. I lied about so much; things so many people have been devastated by in real life. Im sorry feels like the smallest words compared to what Ive done, yet they are the truest.She said she has tried to make amends to those who closest to her, including her ex-wife, but added, The truth is, there is no excuse, no justification, nothing will ever make my lies to anyone okay. Nothing erases the trauma I caused the fear, the pain, the anger, the tears, the time. And nothing matters more to me than holding myself accountable in every way. I will continue to repair whatever damage I can and ensure I am not the worst things Ive done. I recognize all of this will take time for people to believe. I will work and wait as long as it takes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Elisabeth Finch (@erfinchie)On the same day she issued her public apology, Peacock released its three-part docuseries on her deceptions entitled, Anatomy of Lies. It is based on a three-part investigative article published in Vanity Fair and written by Evgenia Peretz.The series talks with Beyer and Finchs friends and coworkers about the effects of her deceptions on their lives. One of Finchs former professional colleagues, Carina Adly MacKenzie, said she has lost all empathy for Finch.[We] were not stupid, Finch wrote on X, responding to commenters who mocked Finchs associates for believing her lies. We saw a visibly ill person. Her skin was green. Her teeth were deteriorating. She walked with a cane and was bald when I met her elderly parentswhy would I, a normal person, think she was lying to her PARENTS?? MacKenzie, who worked on a spin-off to the supernatural drama series The Vampire Diaries where Finch served as a writer, said that Finch refused to play the pitiable victim and made her friends beg for information and ways to help, Literally TRAINING us all to wrap her in empathy and sympathy and PRIDE.We were so proud of her strength, we all felt so weak in comparison, MacKenzie added. So this idea that she told one oopsie lie and it just snowballed got out of her control, she couldnt stop it, shes so sorry, she wants to atoneNO. She was diabolical from the jump, and we were primed for empathy because EMPATHY IS REQUIRED in a writers room. The doc [series trailer] says she was brilliant. No. We were not stupidbut she was NOT brilliant. She was a specific predator & we were a specific prey. A lion isnt a genius for catching a zebra. She was a lion let into the f**king zebra pen. Because her feet were already. in. the door, MacKenzie wrote. She added, [Finch] sat on panels at TV festivals about disability representation in TV writing while actively stealing a job from someone that could actually speak to that lived experience.She then posted a screenshot of an email that Finch sent her, asking for a chance to make amends. My empathy reserve has run dry, Im fresh out, go f**k yourself, MacKenzie wrote in response on X.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

These queens are using their platforms for good!Yvette Nicole Brown and Marsai Martin are known for many of their lovable and iconic acting roles on the big and small screens.On this season of The Masked Singer, both ladies sadly went home early in the competition, but that didn't stop them from reminding all of their fans to get out and vote in the 2024 election."One of my biggest causes [is]voting rights. It's so important for all of us to use our voice. Your voice is your power. I don't know want to be in a dystopian Handmaid's Tale future. I am literally fighting tooth and nail for Kamala and Tim to get in. We need them to be the leaders of this country," Brown tells PRIDE. See on Instagram Martin shared similar concerns to Brown and focused her energy on Gen-Z voters, as the 20-year-old actress wants all of her young peers to take this election seriously."It is one of the most crucial things we can do for our lives. We are the future. We are the people that will be here when everybody else is gone. I'm manifesting that this election goes the way it needs to go," Martin says.Register to vote at the official website here. The Masked Singer airs Wednesday nights on FOX.

Ryan Murphy's 'Monster' is coming back for a third season!After the success and subsequent controversy surrounding Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, which dropped on Netflix last month, Ryan Murphy is already busy getting ready for a third season of his hit series, this time focusing on serial killer Ed Gein.Today, it was announced that Laurie Metcalf, out actor Tom Hollander, and Olivia Williams have been added to the cast alongside Charlie Hunnam (Queer as Folk), who had already scored the role as this seasons star, Variety reports. While the plot of the third season isnt known yet, both famed director Alfred Hitchcock and his wife have been cast, which likely means that at least part of the series will surround the making of Psycho, which based the character Norman Bates loosely on Geins life and crimes.Far from the first time his crimes have been adapted, Gein is notorious for grave robbing, murder, and creating a woman suit out of skin so he could become his mother. His crimes inspired not only Psycho but also Silence of the Lambs, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and even Murphys American Horror Story: Asylum. Scroll through to find out more about Ed Geins crimes and check out the actors and real-life people they are playing.Ed GeinSons of Anarchy star Charlie Hannam is set to play the notorious serial killer and grave robber Ed Gein. After Gein's brother, father, and the mother he was obsessed with died, he was left alone and became increasingly deranged. He left his mother's room untouched while the rest of his home fell into squalor, but he was able to support himself as a handyman and babysitter. He began robbing graves and making things out of the dead remains, and a little more than a decade later, he was caught by police who found the dead body of a woman he killed in a shed on his property. What crimes did Gein commit?Gein admitted to police that he killed two women, Mary Hogan, who ran a local tavern that he frequented, and Bernice Worden, who owned a hardware store. Gein is often called a serial killer because he is suspected of killing many more people who went missing in Wisconsin, but it has never been definitively proven.When police searched Geins property what they found has been fodder for horror movie writers and directors ever since. Not only did they find Wardens dead body, but inside, they discovered chairs covered in human skin, skulls on his bedposts, make made from womens heads, a belt made out of human nipples, a lampshade made from the skin of a human face, as well as leggings and a corset made from womens skin.Was Gein convicted of his crimes?He was charged with first-degree murder but pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and sent to a maximum-security psychiatric hospital. In 1968, doctors determined Gein was fit to stand trial. He was later found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed back to the same hospital where he lived out the rest of his life. Laurie Metcalf as Augusta GeinRoseanne star Laurie Metcalf plays Gein's mother Augusta, who the killer was obsessed with. Gein idolized and was obsessed with his mother, who was a religious woman who preached to her sons about how women were naturally promiscuous and the work of the devil. Many books and movies based on this true crime case blame Augusta for her son's murders and desire to create a woman suit to look like her.Tom Hollander as Alfred HitchcockTom Hollander, who starred in Ryan Murphys other series, Feud: Capote vs. The Swans as Truman Capote, is playing iconic horror and thriller director Alfred Hitchcock. Hitchcock cemented his place in the annals of horror history by directing an adaption of Robert novel Blochs Psycho, which was based on Geins life.Olivia Williams as Alma RevilleThe Sixth Sense star Olivia Williams will play Alfred Hitchcocks wife, Alma Reville. Like many women throughout history, Revilles role in making her husbands films has been largely erased, but her inclusion in the cast of character means that maybe shell finally get the credit shes due for being Hitchcocks closest confidant and working as his story consultant, script editor, continuity person and sounding board.Production is just heating up on this new season and we can't wait to see how it turns out!

Former One Direction singer Liam Payne has reportedly passed away at the age of 31.According to CNN, Payne died after falling from the third floor of a Buenos Aires hotel.Argentinian police said in a statement that Payne's death occurred in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires on Costa Rica Street. His body was found in the courtyard of the Casa Sur hotel.Reuters reports that local newspapers La Nacion and Clarin "reported that police were called to the hotel" in response to an emergency call that cited "an aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol."One Direction, which also featured members Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan was a popular boy band founded on the British reality competition show The X Factor.In its five years as a band, One Direction had four number one albums, six top ten hits, and 29 songs on the Billboard Hot 100.They were one of the most popular bands in the world at their peak.One Direction had a huge global fanbase, and has always been wildly popular with gay fans. He also had a popular solo career. This story is still developing.

Former Fox host Tucker Carlson said that its so obvious that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) is gay that it actually proves that its Democrats who are the real homophobes because Walz doesnt feel comfortable coming out.Carlson was on Megyn Kellys SiriusXM show, where she played a clip of Walz gesticulating energetically at the end of a rally. Walz has gotten media attention for his animated presence at campaign events. Related When Gus Walz cried at the DNC, his tears helped free us all from toxic gender roles Some right-wingers tried to mock the 17-year-old for crying in public. They missed the larger point by a mile. Im just gonna say, I dont know any man who behaves like that, Kelly said. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Come on, I mean, come on, Carlson responded, apparently frustrated at something. I dont want to be mean and also I dont want to say things I cant prove, but like, lets- lets be real. Let me just say, not connected necessarily to Tim Walz, Im never going to take another lecture about gay rights from these people, like, Oh, you hate gays and you keep them all in the closet or whatever,' Carlson ranted as Kelly giggled.Any party Stop with the, with the lectures about that stuff. Do you know what I mean? If youre so for, in general, if youre so for gay rights then that would mean that any member of your party whos gay would feel free to say so in public and would not be pretending not to be gay. Im just saying.Carlson then said that he doesnt dislike Walz for being gay, but hes mad at the falseness of his pretending to be straight. Walz is married and has two kids with his wife. He has never said that he identifies as anything under the LGBTQ+ umbrella. I dont want to be mean, Carlson said, even though it seemed like he was just trying to make a gay joke while speculating about someone elses private life, and I really think that peoples private lives can be private if they want them to be private, I dont think you should have to announce everything youre into in public, I believe in privacy, I really do.Lets just stop talking about other peopels private lives, other peopels sexual orientations, lets all agree to shut up about that, OK? I would be happy with that arrangement, Carlson said. Even though he brought up Walzs sexual orientation on the basis of nothing other than Walz waving at a crowd at a rally, Carlson insisted that its liberals who are to blame for his rant because they just push so hard, theyre the ones that get into other peoples private lives, lecturing your kids about sex and stuff that should be private. This is far from the first time that right-wing media has called Walz gay or feminine in an attempt to insult him. Fox host Jesse Watters said in August that Walz isnt masculine because of the way he waves to crowds. Heres twitchy Tim on stage, waving profusely in a very unsettling matter, very unsettling. Men should not move this way. Its not the way we move, Watters said.Watters then said that Walz isnt attracted to his own wife because he didnt hug her correctly on stage at a rally: Whats going on here? And the hug is not the way you hug your wife. You hug your wife from the body. You dont hug like this.Earlier this month, Trump advisor Jason Miller called Walz a wildly gesticulating effeminate caricature. Pundits have noted that masculinity has become a subtextthis election, with the Republican ticket positioning itself as strong candidates who will protect women by upholding conservative gender roles. Harris has painted Republicanss anti-abortion policies as a threat to womens bodily autonomy and the right of all Americans to make personal medical decisions.Walz is a father, a hunter, a former military servicemember, and a former football coach who hassteadfastly supported LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive, and workers rights, but many on the right define masculinity now as the opposition to womens equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and gun control measures. Walz, on the other hand, is now best known for his supporting role in Harris candidacy as well as his past advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, including helping his school establish a gay-straight alliance in the 1990s and making Minnesota a sanctuary state for trans youth.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Ugandas brutal Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) reportedly cost the country as much as $1.6 billion in the year since it became law.The law, signed by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in May 2023, makes what it describes as aggravated homosexuality including same-sex acts that transmit HIV punishable by the death penalty, imposes a life sentence for recruitment, promotion and funding of same-sex activities, and even bans identifying as LGBTQ+ in Uganda. It has been roundly condemned by human rights organizations, members of the U.S. House of Representatives, President Joe Biden, and even Pope Francis. Related A U.S. activist allegedly accepted $300K from Russia to push anti-gay laws in Africa Family Watch International of Arizona was complicit in the funding. Last week, Open for Business, a coalition of global companies dedicated to LGBTQ+ inclusion, released a report on the laws impact on the East African nations economy. It is estimated that in the twelve months following the AHAs passage, Uganda has made an economic loss of between $470 million and $1.6 billion, according to the report, a sum that comprises between 0.93.2% of the countrys gross domestic product (GDP). Global perspectives delivered right to your inbox Our newsletter bridges borders to bring you LGBTQ+ news from around the world. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The anti-LGBTQ+ law marks a critical juncture for Uganda which may alter the trajectory of the countrys economy for years to come, the report continues. Combined losses over a five-year period are estimated to be between $2.3 and $8.3 billion [US dollars].Open for Business identified eight key areas in which the AHA has impacted Ugandas economy, including international aid, foreign direct investment, tourism and national reputation, public health, national productivity, policing and legal costs, human capital and talent flight, and trade relations.In January, the U.S. removed Uganda from the list of nations eligible to benefit from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows eligible sub-Saharan African nations to export over 1,800 products to the U.S. duty-free. Last August, the World Bank Group suspended new loans to the East African nation, saying that the law contradicts the groups values. According to the report, the suspension of Ugandas eligibility for preferential trade under the AGOA could cost the country $0.5 million in future tariff payments, and the suspension of foreign aid could result in a loss of $276 to $1,024 million annually. As one Ugandan healthcare worker detailed for The Guardian earlier this year, the AHA is already having a devastating impact on the countrys public health, making it nearly impossible for clinics that specialize in LGBTQ+ healthcare issues to function while also discouraging LGBTQ+ people from seeking care. According to the Open for Business report, this is leading to higher rates of untreated HIV and depression, which is likely to be an estimated $70 to $312 million economic burden on the country.Uganda is also looking at an estimated $9 to $99 million loss in tourism annually resulting from the countrys tarnished reputation on the world stage and an annual productivity loss of $23 to $58 million resulting from LGBTQ+ workers mental health issues, absenteeism, and diminished productivity. The report also estimated that 5,000 to 15,000 LGBTQ+ individuals will flee the country, a talent flight that will cost Uganda $3 to $24 million in lost productivity.The evidence is now clear, the report states, The Anti-Homosexuality Act makes it harder for Uganda to foster a dynamic and diversified modern economy that is attractive to investors, tourists and skilled workers. In April, nearly a year after it went into effect, Ugandas Constitutional Court ruled against parts of the AHA including a provision that made it a crime to fail to report homosexual acts to authorities but upheld its draconian punishments for LGBTQ+ people. In July, Ugandan LGBTQ+ activists appealed the courts ruling to the countrys Supreme Court.Late last month, Ugandas state-funded Human Rights Commission asked the government to decriminalize homosexuality. Responding to the Open for Business report this week, John Grace, coordinator at Uganda Minority Shelters Consortium, told the Washington Blade that the Ugandan government should take immediate action to repeal the AHA in its entirety.The economic cost of this discriminatory law is too high and the human rights violations it perpetuates are unacceptable, Grace said.Theanxiety within the investment and general business community as aresult of the AHA cannot be underestimated, Alex Musiime of Lets Walk Uganda Legal told the Blade. The ridiculous law should be dropped. Musiime added that the countrys Supreme Court ought to do theright thing and annul this apartheid law.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Out Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg slammed GOP vice presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) for saying that he does not think Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential election despite numerous courts finding no evidence of widespread voter fraud.Buttigieg called it literally disqualifying for a candidate for high office to not accept the results of an election in a democracy. Related Pete Buttigieg blasts JD Vances VP candidacy in one brutal joke Buttigieg pointed out that Vance was vehemently opposed to Trump just a few years ago. Vance was speaking at an appearancein Williamsport, Pennsylvania, yesterday when a reporter asked him about how he had been avoiding, up until then, the question of whether he believes that Trump lost the election in 2020. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Ive answered this question a million times, Vance said, even though he has famously dodged it, like during the vice presidential debate with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D). No, I think there are serious problems in 2020. So, did Donald Trump lose the election? Not by the words that I would use.Later that day, CNN asked Buttigieg about Vances response. First of all, its wrong, Donald Trump lost, and I think he knows that, I think hes lying, Buttigieg said.He said that he believes its a political mistake for Vance to deny the results of the 2020 election because voters have a dim view of election deniers.J.D. Vance is officially on the record as an election denier, he continued. Something that is shameful but also something that if, certainly if we look at 2022 and how pretty much anybody who was an election denier who was on the ballot in so many swing states, statewide races, lost, you know, I think thats something thats a setback.Buttigieg speculated that Vance likely has no choice because the top of his ticket is demanding that he deny the results of the 2020 election. One of the most profoundly important things in a democratic process is that when you lose an election, you say so.Joe Biden won. Donald Trump lost. And anybody who cannot bring themselves to say that out loud that is literally disqualifying for the vice presidency or the presidency. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pete Buttigieg (@pete.buttigieg) Buttigieg: Joe Biden won. Donald Trump lost. If you cant say that, that is literally disqualifying for the vice presidency or the presidency pic.twitter.com/ISw2V9SlIs Acyn (@Acyn) October 17, 2024During his debate with Walz earlier this month, Vance said that Trump peacefully handed over power when he left office on January 20, 2021, ignoring the riots that occurred at the Capitol on January 6 of that year, when Trump supporters attempted to prevent Congress from certifying the election results after Trump spent months claiming the election was stolen. Walz then directly asked Vance, Did he lose the 2020 election?Vance replied, Tim, Im focused on the future. Did Kamala Harris censor Americans from speaking their mind in the wake of the 2020 COVID situation?Walz grimaced and said, That is damning. That is a damning non-answer.New York Times columnist Ezra Klein has also speculated that since its not helpful to Vances career to deny the results of the 2020 election, nor is it likely that the Yale-educated lawyer doesnt understand the verdicts against the Trump campaign, that Vances hesitation in saying that Trump lost in 2020 and now his direct election denial is likely motivated by his loyalty to Trump.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

During her highly anticipated interview with Fox News, Kamala Harris refused to let host Bret Baier rattle her during a question on gender-affirming care, where she pointed out that the Trump administration supported the same policy that she does. Harris, in fact, remained cool, calm, and collected throughout her entire appearance on Fox News, during which Baier constantly interrupted her as she tried to answer his questions. Related Fact Check: Does Kamala Harris support taxpayer-funded sex changes for prisoners & immigrants? This MAGA ad accuses Kamala Harris of supporting gender-affirming care for detainees of all sorts. Is that true? About halfway through the conversation, Baier played an attack ad from the Trump campaign that declares Harris supports taxpayer funded sex changes for prisoners. The ad which The New Republic called hateful and despicable ends by declaring that Harris is for they/them while Donald Trump is for you. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Baier asked Harris if she is still in support of using taxpayer dollars to help prison inmates or detained illegal aliens transition to another gender. Harris responded, I will follow the law, and its a law that Donald Trump actually followed Under Donald Trumps administration these surgeries were available to on a medical necessity basis to people in the federal prison system, and I think frankly that ad from the Trump campaign is a little bit of throwing stones when youre living in a glass house. Federal Prison System budget documents from 2018 when Trump was president indeed indicate that transgender offenders were entitled to medical care that may include pharmaceutical interventions (e.g., cross-gender hormone therapy), hair removal and surgery (if individualized assessment indicates surgical intervention is applicable).A report fromThe New York Timesexplained that the guidelines originated in the Obama administration and that Trumps team merely added the word necessary to the policy, which the report emphasized, created a higher but not insurmountable barrier to federally funded surgeries. Trump, of course, significantly rolled back trans rights during his presidency, but medical care for trans inmates was not a place in which he focused. Baier responded that Trump aides have argued the former president never advocated for the prison policy and that no gender-affirming surgeries actually happened during his presidency. Harris said he has to take responsibility for the policies of his administration and reaffirmed that as president, she will follow the law which protects the rights of trans inmates to receive medically necessary health care. The Trump ad frames Harris position as if its a very unusual and extreme stance. But her policy was not only shared by the Trump administration, it is actually required by the Constitution. The Eighth Amendment of the Constitution restricts cruel and unusual punishment from being applied to prisoners or detainees in any context this extends to healthcare as well. Because of this amendment, its unlawful to deny essential healthcare to anyone detained by the U.S. government. Gender-affirming care is medically necessary, according to leading medical associations, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Offices for Civil Rights details how denial of coverage for gender-affirming careviolates the Americans with Disabilities Act.Earlier this year,federal courts ruled that such care is medically necessary and needs to be included in state-funded health insurance plans.In the Fox News interview, Harris also blasted the Trump campaign for spending $20 million on anti-trans ads, saying Trump was trying to create a sense of fear in the voters because he actually has no plan in this election that is about focusing on the needs of the American people. Twenty million dollars on that ad, on an issue that, as it relates to the biggest issues that affect the American people, is really quite remote. Harris was likely referring to the fact that gender-affirming procedures, particularly surgeries, are not commonly conducted on federal inmates or detainees. According to a statement from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons toFactCheck.org, only two federal prisoners out of over 2,000 transgender federal prisoners have received any form of gender-affirming surgery.Recent pollingalso indicatesthat most voters arent worried about gender-affirming care and are less likely to support transphobic political candidates.Whilea 2023 Gallup pollshowed that only 26% of Americans think trans athletes should be allowed to play on sports teams that fit their gender identity, polls in five battleground states conducted byThe New York Timesand Siena College show that majorities of Americans think society should accept transgender peoples gender identities. Recent HRC pollingshows that only 5% of voters say theyre concerned about gender-affirming care comparatively, 52% are more concerned about economic inflation raising the cost of living. Additionally, 61% said they wont support candidates who support banning gender-affirming care including 41% of Republicans.This is why Harris emphasized in her response that what is more significant to her campaign are her plans to strengthen small businesses, expand affordable housing, support parents, and strengthen the economy. Looks like that NY Times article came out just in time for Kamala Harris.Bret Baier: Do you still support using taxpayer dollars for illegal aliens or prison inmates to transgender?Harris: That's a law that Donald Trump actually followed. pic.twitter.com/qg7p7vCkqB Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) October 16, 2024Nevertheless, Republicans have spent over $65 million on transphobic political ads since August in a bid to win suburban female voters over fears of trans women in sports and taxpayer-funded transitional medical care for prisoners,an analysis byThe New York Timesrevealed.Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), said transphobic ads failed to secure Republican victories in 2022 and 2023. She predicts theyll fail again this year.It shows that Republicans are desperate right now, Robinson said. Instead of articulating how theyre going to make the economy better or our schools safer, theyre focused on sowing fear and chaos.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

In the early hours of August 10th, the police responded to a shooting incident in Malvern, Johannesburg, where they found the lifeless body of a 22-year-old trans woman with multiple gunshot wounds. She was shot nine times while walking home after a night out with friends.The victim, Clement Hadebe, had recently started transitioning and had just moved from her hometown of Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal to Malvern, where she was living with her boyfriend before her death. Related A U.S. activist allegedly accepted $300K from Russia to push anti-gay laws in Africa Family Watch International of Arizona was complicit in the funding. After Hadebes murder, she became a target of bigotry and victim-blaming on social media. The local media had run false stories on the circumstances surrounding her death. Multiple articles reported that she was killed after trying to hook up with a man without disclosing her true gender to him. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today One Facebook user wrote, The killer did the right thing You cant make a fool of me and think Ill just accept it. Local blogs fueled the hate even more with tabloids like Gay man killed for deceiving a man who thought he was a woman and Killed for not being a woman.Sibonelo Ncanana, the civil society engagement officer for OUT LGBT Well-being, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, expressed deep concern over the tragedy and the subsequent transphobic victim-blaming.Victim-blaming is never acceptable, Ncanana said in a statement. The notion that LGBTIQ+ people are hiding who they are when they are simply being themselves is deeply concerning. Our identity is not something that requires disclosure. In Clements case, much of what has been reported is speculative. But even if the suspect was initially unaware that Clement was LGBTIQ+, there can never be any justification for violence. Clement did nothing wrong by being her authentic self.The global rise in right-wing ideologies, along with Africas surge in anti-LGBTQ+ laws, poses a continuous threat to the safety and dignity of queer people in South Africa and across the continent.Several African countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Ghana have recently enacted or proposed draconian anti-LGBTQ+ laws that not only criminalize same-sex relationships but also clamp down on LGBTQ+ advocacy and support. The legislation has placed South Africa a country often praised for its progressive constitution and legal protections for LGBTQ+ rights, including being the only country in Africa with marriage equality in a precarious position.The country finds itself increasingly isolated on the continent, making it difficult to uphold its progressive stance. Unsurprisingly, the nation is grappling with a concerning increase in brutal violence and hate crimes.A hate epidemic Within a month of Hadebes murder, five more LGBTQ+ South Africans were killed in suspected hate crimes.Xolani Xaka, a 32-year-old gay man from Gqeberha was repeatedly stabbed to death on August 18. He had gone to investigate a noise he heard outside the home he shared with his uncle when he was attacked by three men.On the 27th of August, lesbian couple Nombulelo Thandathina Bhixa and Minenhle Ngcobo who friends described as very much in love were shot dead while boarding a taxi in Edendale, Pietermaritzburg. Local news reports indicate that the suspect is Ngcobos ex-boyfriend with whom she shares a child. He was reportedly unhappy with her being in a relationship with a woman. Further investigations revealed evidence of violence towards Ngcobo, leading to a protection order being filed against the suspect for constant harassment towards the couple. And Lazarus Ikaneng Thomas, a 50-year-old gay man from Galeshewe, was reportedly strangled to death and had acid poured all over him. Authorities discovered Thomass decomposing body on September 7th after neighbors complained of an unpleasant smell emanating from his home.And back in February, 21-year-old Diego Jacobs was fatally stabbed in the neck while walking home with friends. The killer was a former neighbor who had harassed and attacked him multiple times for being gay.Laws cant change cultureDespite significant global progress toward acceptance and equality, most South African societies still hold conservative values that stigmatize and marginalize queer individuals. In May, South Africas President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill to promote equality. However, its practicality and effectiveness are being questioned due to the surge in attacks against LGBTQ+ individuals.The rise in violence can be attributed to a combination of societal biases and a growing resurgence of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment across the continent. The reintroduction of draconian anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Uganda triggered a domino effect, leading other countries to adopt similar policies, intensifying existing homophobic sentiments, and creating factors contributing to the increase in violence far beyond their borders.Ugandas 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act imposes the death penalty for aggravated homosexuality, contributing to a regional environment where homophobia is widely accepted. This undermines South Africas progressive legal system while encouraging individuals with anti-LGBTQ+ views to harm queer people and feel justified by the broader trend of repression across the continent.African politicians also use anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments to divert attention from economic or governing failures. They present themselves as defenders of African values against perceived Western influence, drumming up support from conservative constituencies while scapegoating the LGBTQ+ community. In South Africa, some political leaders have made statements that encourage violence against the LGBTQ+ community.In February 2024, for example, former President Jacob Zuma expressed strong opposition to the legal recognition of same-sex relationships, describing it as a disgrace. He vowed that if his party were elected, he would work to overturn these rights in favor of what he referred to as African law over Dutch laws. Prior to assuming the presidency in 2006, he made a highly controversial statement at a Heritage Day event that sparked outrage and worsened the already hostile environment toward queer individuals.When I was growing up, an ungqingili [a derogatory term for gay men] would not have stood in front of me. I would knock him out, Zuma stated.While the African National Congress (ANC), the ruling party in the nation, generally supports LGBTQ+ rights, there are factions within the party in addition to those in opposition parties that use homophobia for political gain. Many activists also believe religious and cultural beliefs are contributing to the continued attacks on LGBTQ+ South Africans.Religion remains a powerful force shaping attitudes toward LGBTQ people in South Africa and across Africa, activist Bandile Mokoena told LGBTQ Nation. The alignment of religious beliefs with traditional values creates challenges for LGBTQ acceptance, which impact the safety and well-being of queer individuals in the country.Christian Evangelical movements, often backed by conservative organizations from abroad, have gained considerable influence in South Africa. They have been spreading anti-LGBTQ ideologies, framing LGBTQ identities as moral failures and threats to family values. This has contributed to the entrenchment of homophobia within religious and cultural discourse in the country. he added. While the South African government has acknowledged the rise in LGBTQ+-targeted crimes, efforts to combat them remain inadequate. Law enforcement frequently does not prioritize these hate crimes, which has led to multiple reports of harassment and indifference toward LGBTQ+ victims.The media also has a significant influence on shaping perceptions of LGBTQ+ Africans. Local media often sensationalizes and shows bias, depicting LGBTQ+ people as deviant, predatory, or foreign agitators corrupting African culture. These depictions incite moral panic and embolden individuals and groups to take action against those they see as threats. Although there has been some improvement in the representation of LGBTQ+ people in South African mainstream media, negative stereotypes and harmful narratives continue to persist.South African patriarchal societies also enforce rigid gender norms that discriminate against queer individuals who do not conform to traditional heterosexual expectations. Men who subscribe to these patriarchal values see lesbian women as an affront to their masculinity and heterosexual entitlement, while transgender women and gay men are often attacked for violating these rigid male expectations.Addressing the rising violence against LGBTQ+ individuals in South Africa requires more than just legal reform. Efforts should also focus on changing public attitudes, improving institutional responses, and protecting vulnerable communities.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Theres nothing holding him back!None (@) During his ascension as one of the biggest popstars of our time, Shawn Mendes has become a bonafide Hollywood heartthrob and thirst trap king on social media. Since breaking up with Camila Cabello in late 2021, Mendes somehow managed to improve his thirst trap game even further.Having released four studio albums 2015s Handwritten, 2016s Illuminate, 2018s Shawn Mendes, and 2020s Wonder Mendes is best known for hit songs like Stitches, Treat You Better, Theres Nothing Holdin Me Back, If I Cant Have You, Seorita, and Monster. The singer also has over 71 million followers on Instagram, which solidifies his incredible popularity among music fans.In 2022, Mendes had to interrupt (and ultimately cancel) his remaining dates on Wonder: The World Tour due to mental health issues. Since then, though, the popstar has been bouncing back with a lot more optimism, confidence, and self-assurance shown on social media.Fans are obviously very happy that the Itll Be Okay singer is doing better, and its also always a treat when Mendes takes his shirt off to pose for a few pictures that end up online. Recently, a shirtless Mendes showed off his farmers tan in new photos... breaking the internet once again.Scroll through to see sexy pictures and thirst traps of Shawn Mendes and dont forget to follow him at @shawnmendes on Instagram.See on Instagram View this post on Instagram A post shared by Interview Magazine (@interviewmag) (@) See on Instagram (@) (@) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shawn Mendes (@shawnmendes) (@) See on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on Instagram (@) See on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramNone (@) See on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on InstagramSee on Instagram (@)

Court proceedings in a lawsuit filed by a Honolulu gay bar against the citys liquor commission ended abruptly on Tuesday following emotional testimony by one of the co-owners, who described a pattern of homophobic abuse perpetrated by inspectors, including physical violence, stalking, and a death threat.The sudden settlement awarded $670,000 to the owners of the bar, Scarlet Honolulu, and the local Gay Island Guide. Related Queer bar destroyed by hurricane raises $193,000 to rebuild & pay employees Donations from around the world are resurrecting DayTrip, an LGBTQ+ hangout started by a married same-sex couple in Asheville, North Carolina. Gay bar wins $670K settlement with feds after owners testimony moved courtroom to tears The citys liquor commission was accused of anti-gay discrimination. They settled shortly after the owners testimony. The award followed years of harassment by inspectors with the Honolulu Liquor Commission inflicted on the owners, who filed the federal discrimination lawsuitin 2021. Stay connected to your community Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Its just becoming very apparent that this organization is completely rotten from the top to the bottom, Robbie Baldwin, the bars founder, told Hawaii News Now not long after the suit was filed.Baldwins assessment was born out in testimony by Scarlet Honolulus co-owner, Joseph Luna, in seven hours of emotional testimony on the stand in the non-jury trial. Luna recounted his own story growing up being forced into the closet and years of anti-LGBTQ+ bigotry at the hands of the HLC, including being shoved by one homophobic inspector at the height of COVID restrictions.The entire courtroom was in tears and the judge was clearly paying attention to his story, said plaintiff Walter Enriquez, the owner of Gay Island Guide.Fake and shallow testimony from two Honolulu Liquor Commission administrators basically confirms that this was a completely broken organization, said Baldwin after the settlement.The corruption ran deep, plaintiffs said. Baldwins longtime partner, Robert Sobieralski, who filed numerous public records requests related to the case, was issued a death threat with the words Rob is dead scrawled on a wall near the records repository, according to Civil Beat. Scarlet co-owner Luna walked by the spot and saw the graffiti.Stricken with panic, I immediately reached out to Robert Baldwin, Rob Sobieralski, and the Honolulu Police Department for assistance, he wrote in a declaration included in the motion.A whistleblower in the case recounted investigators on patrol would slow down their cars in front of Sobieralski and Baldwins home.The repeated nature of these incidents and the context in which they were made led me to feel unsettled, he wrote in a declaration submitted with the case.Another bar owner, Steve Haumschild, founder of Lanikai Brewing Company, who wasnt a party to the lawsuit, said the liquor commission led with an iron fist. After getting vocal about the commissions questionable behavior, he was inspected nine times over three months.You can only be left to think that theres some sort of underlying corruption or gross incompetence, Haumschild said. The federal complaint called the commission a vastly corrupt entity.What I want people to know is to not stop fighting for whats right, said Scarlets co-owner Baldwin after the settlement. Its hard, its stressful, but if you keep at it, you can really make change.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Ah, hookup culture.Hooking up is becoming an ever-more common experience among modern culture, for better or worse.Traditional people cringe at the thought as though secret rendez-vous havent been a thing since the dawn of time. Regardless of its timelessness, hooking up can also cause massive drama, exhaustion and some straight-up emotional breakdowns. Nothing kills easy, casual sex like spending the entire length of your short relationship freaking out about it the whole time.So wheres the line? How can you communicate better with both yourself and those you hook up with? From feelings (yuck) to awkwardness and how to not stress out, weve got you covered.Here are 15 things you should make sure you do before hooking up with someone.Be confident in yourselfSometimes, hooking up can cause anxiety. Maybe you're just nervous around the person you're hooking up with, maybe you're just nervous about hooking up in general. Head into it with a confident and assertive mind to make sure you have a more pleasurable experience.Be straightforward about your intentionsThe most important part of a good, healthy hookup is being honest about exactly what youre looking for. Do you want someone to take you on a date? Or do you literally just want to mess around? In terms of messing around, what are you in search of? Have the conversation about what it all means before clothes come off (or at least during) so you can spend less time panicking when morning comes.If feelings get involved, admit itWhen feelings get involved, shit can really hit the fan. Whether its your first kiss or your hundredth, sometimes its the one that brings the feelings bubbling up and makes it impossible to shut them down. If this happens, youve got to tell your hookup. Why? Because if they figure it out on their own, it could leave you seeming like youre scheming to get them to go from hookup to relationship, which can seem manipulative and just sort of messed up.Figure out how secretive you want to be about your relationshipWith hookups, things get blurry when it comes to who should be in the loop about the relationship and who shouldnt. To avoid broken hearts and hurt feelings, have the talk about if you want to be the sort of pair who looks at each other slyly from across a room, or who claims each other publically at parties.Talk about if you want to be "exclusive"or notThe monogamy versus polyamory debate is alive and well, and depends on the person. When it comes to hookups, some hotties just want to be your one and only. Its up to you two (or more!) to figure out exactly what role exclusivity plays in your relationship, if anything, and how it functions on a day-to-day basis.Release your expectationsWhen it comes to hooking up, it can be easy to get lost in a fantasy of what could be. Sexual attraction is hot, but sometimes the moment the hormones are over, so is the attraction. Regardless of how much you click right away, dont have any expectations one way or the other and just have a good time.Come up with the rules of your hookupWe all value flexibility in a hookup, but if youre someone who has strict rules you like to follow when youre sleeping with someone, make them known. No need for them to find out when youre pissed that they didnt text you back or bailed on a movie night.Not into things anymore? Tell them ASAPIf you find yourself losing feelings, tell them as soon as you can. Its really embarrassing to find out someone has been faking being into you, and can totally ruin someones confidence. If you need to bail, let them know so they can keep on rollin.Put any awkwardness out into the openDid something totally, beyond awk happen? Just talk about it. Whether it was someone farting in bed or you walking in on them hooking up with someone else within the guidelines of your hookup just laugh about it and move on. No reason to freak out about it in private and then pretend the awkwardness isnt palpable when youre together.Be kind to yourselfThere are people out there who just arent into the idea of hook ups, and sometimes they can be a little judgey if youre prone to enjoying more than a few. Who cares! We only live once, and if you want to get out there and hook up, just make the safest decisions as possible along the way and live your best life.If theyre really into something that icks you out, let them knowMaybe they just really get off on something that you cant get into. Dont play along like youre into it; just say they should maybe find someone else for that. If youre in an open hookup situation, theres nothing wrong with them getting what they need from more than one person.Decide how often you want to hook upDo you want to hook up every weekend? Every weekday? If you find yourself being a regular hookup, have that convo so that no one ends up feeling like they got ditched if you miss your Wednesday bathroom bang.Respect each others privacyWhen youre having sex, shit gets real. Sometimes people fart. Sometimes people cry. Sometimes people get spontaneous periods and cry. Even if it isnt a relationship relationship, youre still unofficially agreeing to respect the privacy of the person youre sleeping with. Dont be that person running off and telling everyone what happened with your hookup last night and Snapping all your besties the hottie in your bed. Its uncool, and embarrassing for all involved.Set your boundaries and stick to themLike coming up with rules of the hookup or telling someone if youre just not into something they want to do, its important to set up boundaries in all senses of the manner. Not a cuddler? Let them know. Dont want to be kissed there? Let them know. Its your body, your rules, and theres never any need to do anything youre uncomfortable with.Dont make it a bigger deal than it isSo youre hooking up with someone. It may feel like a huge deal, but in reality its something lots of people do. Dont waste your time obsessing over what every little thing means, and if itll last. Overanalyzing is the fastest way to kill the sexy, casual vibes of a hookup.

A man who shot a witness in the face in retaliation for speaking to police after he was caught on video attempting to rob a gay-owned food truck has been sentenced to 35 years in prison.Ryan Lewis Little, 40, pleaded guilty to robbery, firearms possession, and intimidation charges related to the attempted murder of the witness. Related Two gay men murdered, their bodies shoved in suitcases & left on bridge Police found the bodies on Wednesday night after receiving reports of a man acting suspiciously on a suspension bridge. In April 2022, Little was caught on camera as he attempted to rob the Big Gay Food Truck parked outside a nightclub in Greensboro, North Carolina. Stay connected to your community Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Austin Allen, the food trucks co-owner, was inside when Little walked up the steps pretending to be a customer with a question about food. Once inside, Little shoved Allen aside and pulled out a silver handgun, asking, Where is the money? My adrenaline spiked for sure, the owner told Fox News 8. And my thought process was, What can I do to get him out of here quickly as possible?Allen said once Little realized there was no money in the truck, he fled.Four days later, police said, Little tracked down a witness who spoke with police about the attempted robbery and shot him in the face.Littles crime spree continued in New York, where police were called to the scene of a robbery at a restaurant a week later.An employee told investigators Little entered the establishment and pulled out a silver firearm concealed in a newspaper, taking $1,500 from the register. The staff member followed Little to a nearby park, where police found the assailant hiding in the bushes.Little attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended by cops. A canvass of the area turned up Littles loaded silver pistol. After he was taken into custody, another witness reported Little attempted to carjack him.In multiple court appearances earlier this year, Little pleaded guilty to charges of interference with commerce by robbery and retaliating against a witness by attempted murder related to the food truck robbery. Later he pleaded guilty to a separate charge of interference with commerce by robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime for his actions in New York.On Wednesday, he was sentenced in a Greensboro courtroom to 35 years in prison for the interstate crime spree.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

(@) The Tesla Cybertruck was advertised as being able to withstand the apocalypse, including being shot at, but today, a video of a man testing out that theory is going viral on social media because the guy is clearly shocked and dismayed that shooting a gun at his own vehicle turned out to be a bad idea, and we havent stopped laughing since.The $100,000 truck has been making headlines ever since it was released because while it is supposed to be a rugged, off-roading vehicle, there are countless videos of people getting stuck on tiny hills and in small amounts of mud, holding parts of their new trucks together with duck tape, and in Seattle, a broken down Cybertruck has become a photo op because people love laughing at Elon Musks failures. Same.But one intrepid Cybertruck owner was so confident in the cars ability to withstand a bullet that he recorded himself shooting it with a gun and then freaking out when the bullet pierced the bumper. Turns out other people have tested this too, and while the sides of the vehicle are bulletproof against certain handguns, the giant glass windshield isnt, and neither are other parts of the car. So, if youre in the middle of an apocalypse, just be sure to ask the roving gangs of thieves to only shoot your Cybertruck in very particular spots and with a small caliber gun. Were sure theyll listen.After watching the video, first posted by the aptly named Fck Around N Find Out account on X (formerly Twitter), people ran to the comment section to dunk on the guy, saying that the bullet hole should buff right out and that he clearly bought his Cybertruck from Temu, while other people pointed out that not only did the man in the video risk his car if the bulletproof claim turned out to be false, but if it was actual bulletproof, the bullet would have ricocheted and could have hit him. Clearly, only geniuses buy these hideous faux trucks. Keep scrolling to see the funniest reactions to the worlds dumbest Cybertruck owner! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

The re-election campaign for former President Donald Trump has spent over $19 million on two transphobic TV ads airing in swing states during NFL and college football games. The ads have already aired 55,000 times since October 1. The leading super PAC supporting Trump, Make America Great Again Inc., has also spent over $1.1 million airing a similar ad more than 6,000 times over the same time period, CBS News reported.While the ads attack Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris support of providing lifesaving care to trans inmates (something required by federal law), Harris pointed out in a recent Fox News interview that the Trump administration supported the same policy during his presidency. Related Supreme Court dismisses case against baker who refused to make trans womans cake The baker who infamously discriminated against a gay couple in 2012 just got away with discriminating again, judges wrote. Also, new polling suggests the massive spending and ad blitz may not play out in Trumps favor because most voters arent worried about gender-affirming care and are less likely to support transphobic political candidates. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Trumps transphobic ad shows pictures of Harris next to a drag queen, a trans woman, and a nonbinary person. It then accuses Harris of supporting taxpayer-funded sex-changes for prisoners and illegal aliens a crude restatement of her 2019 ACLU questionnaire answer that all federal prisoners, including trans immigrants detained by border agents, deserve medically necessary care, which includes gender-affirming care and surgeries. Kamala is for they/them, the 30-second ad says. President Trump is for you. The super PACs ad similarly attacks Harris over her position on this issue.The Constitution requires U.S. prisons and detainment facilities to provide medically necessary care, and courts have upheld this requirement, though some facilities still deny it to inmates.During Harrishighly anticipated interviewwith Fox News,host Bret Baier played her the ad and asked if she is still in support of using taxpayer dollars to help prison inmates or detained illegal aliens transition to another gender. Harris responded, I will follow the law, and its a law that Donald Trump actually followed Under Donald Trumps administration, these surgeries were available to on a medical necessity basis to people in the federal prison system, and I think frankly that ad from the Trump campaign is a little bit of throwing stones when youre living in a glass house.A recent LGBTQ Nation fact check found that Federal Prison System budget documents from 2018 during Trumps presidency indeed indicatedthat trans detainees were entitled to medical care that may include pharmaceutical interventions (e.g., cross-gender hormone therapy), hair removal and surgery (if individualized assessment indicates surgical intervention is applicable).Gender-affirming care is medically necessary, according to leading medical associations. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Offices for Civil Rights says denial of coverage for gender-affirming careviolates the Americans with Disabilities Act.Earlier this year,federal courts ruled that gender-affirming care is medically necessary and must be included in state-funded health insurance plans. Responding to the ads, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) spokesperson Brandon Wolf said, Anti-trans attacks dont work. Time and time again this kind of fear-mongering has been a political loser, and the American people will see through it again in November.Polling suggests Wolf may be right. A recent Gallup poll found that only 38% of likely voters consider trans rights as extremely or very important to their vote. Polls in five battleground states conducted byThe New York Timesand Siena College show that the majority of Americans think society should accept transgender peoples gender identities.Recent HRC pollingshows that only 5% of voters say theyre concerned about gender-affirming care comparatively, 52% are more concerned about economic inflation raising the cost of living. Additionally, 61% said they wont support candidates who support banning gender-affirming care including 41% of Republicans. The HRCs polling also found that 70% of voters feel anti-LGBTQ+ bills have gone too far and that politicians have targeted trans people to divide Americans and maintain their political power.HRC president Kelley Robinson said transphobic ads didnt help Republicans win important races in 2022 and 2023, and such ads wont help the GOP this year either.It shows that Republicans are desperate right now, Robinson said. Instead of articulating how theyre going to make the economy better or our schools safer, theyre focused on sowing fear and chaos.Nevertheless, Trumps co-campaign manager Chris LaCivitatoldNBC News that the ads successfully hold Harris accountable for her position. Its the last thing on Earth they want to talk about, he said. So well talk about it for them. Transphobia is a major plank in the GOPs 2024 presidential campaignThe transphobic attack ad isnt surprising. Both Trump and his running mate Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH)have liedabout Harris running mate, Minnesota Gov.Tim Walz(D),allowing his states government to kidnap children from unsupportive parents to change their gender. The claim is untrue, as Walz has never signed any such law or order, nor are state officials legally authorized to take trans kids away from unsupportive parents.Trump has also claimed that schools are conducting surgeries on trans youth without parental consent.This is also a lie.No schools are providing such surgeries, doctors typically refuse to provide such surgeries to minors, and doctors never provide gender-affirming surgery to minors without parental consent.Furthermore,the Republican National Platform pledgesto keep men out of womens sports and cut federal funding for any schools pushing radical gender ideology or inappropriate sexual or political content on our children.Chapter 9, Section 5 of the platform promises to end Left-wing gender insanity, stating, We will keep men out of womens sports, ban Taxpayer funding for sex change surgeries, and stop Taxpayer-funded Schools from promoting gender transition, reverse Bidens radical rewrite of Title IX Education Regulations, and restore protections for women and girls.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Add these to your cart!Popular pornstar Cody Seiya is known for creating spicy content for his fans all around the world, but the model also takes some time to show off his sexy briefs on social media.Seiya recently partnered with The Pride Store to flaunt some of the spiciest products on the LGBTQ+ shopping site, including the amazing small business ManBuns, owned by Israel Cruz III."I was so gagged! To this day, I'm just so grateful that anyone would even be willing to try my product out," Cruz tells PRIDE. See on Instagram Although some very popular adult stars are rocking ManBuns, Cruz is manifesting even more celebrities to try out these super comfy briefs for themselves."The one that I would absolutely die over is if I saw Troye Sivan wearing one. The red and yellow thunderbolts... if I just so happened to see him in that, I would just fall over."Fans can browse the ManBuns collection on The Pride Store by visiting the official website here. To see the full clip with Israel Cruz III, check out the video at the top of the page.

Broadway star Jonathan Groff is finally tackling a hotly debated question: Can Lea Michele read?Groff was asked to weigh in on the rumor that refuses to die on a recent episode of the Tactful Pettiness podcast, hosted by Cody Rigsby and Andrew Chappelle."Have you seen her read?" Chappelle asked as the Mindhunter star burst out laughing. "And what was she reading?""And what date and time was it?" Rigsby chimed in."I have seen her read," said Groff. "Wait, do you really think she can't read?"The rumor about Michele not being able to read first began with a 40 minute Facebook Live presentation from One More Thing podcasters Jaye Hunt and Robert Ackerman. They largely based their conspiracy theory on a claim that Michele refused to improvise on the Glee set, further suggesting perhaps she was illiterate because she spent her childhood on Broadway rather than going to school.It's bounced around the internet in the years that followed, but picked up renewed traction over the last couple years. Michele has both refuted the rumors and played into them in the past. Emma Roberts was even confronted about her Scream Queens' costar's literacy by Andy Cohen in 2023, and only replied, "I mean, we've not been in a book club together."But now Groff is helping to set the record straight. He told Chappelle and Rigsby that he's seen Michele read off a music stand in rehearsals, swearing that she didn't come in with everything already memorized."Let it be known," he said. "We're dispelling [the rumor]."Not that it's going to do much good some rumors never die. (@)

In an appearance at a Fox town hall event hosted by Fox News host Harris Faulkner on Wednesday, former President Donald Trump falsely claimed he could ban transgender women from playing womens sports in the U.S., an authority he wouldnt have as president.You just ban it. The president bans it. You just dont let it happen, Trump said in response to an audience members question about trans athletes in womens sports. Not a big deal. Related A volleyball team balked at playing against trans woman. The university wasnt having it. The players voted to forfeit because theres allegedly a trans woman on San Jose States team The exchange included another false claim when Trump railed against a member of the San Jose State Spartans volleyball team. The team member appeared in a video of the teams match last Thursday. The video has since been widely circulated in far-right media. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Last month, a Spartan team member was outed as transgender by the teams co-captain, Brooke Slusser, who joined former athletes in a Georgia lawsuit seeking to overturn NCAA guidelines allowing trans female athletes to participate in womens college sports. Slusser named her teammate in the suit.The video shows the player that Slusser outed spiking a ball. The ball hits an opposing player from San Diego State University in the shoulder, briefly knocking her down. Trump ran with it.I saw the slam, it was a slam. I never saw a ball hit so hard, hit the girl in the head, Trump lied. But other people, even in volleyball, theyve been permanently, I mean, theyve been really hurt badly. Women playing men. FAULKER: How do you stop men from playing in women's sports? Do you go to the sports leagues?TRUMP: You just ban it. Not a big deal. pic.twitter.com/vwC6FS7FQZ Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 16, 2024Trump claimed again he would ban trans women in sports by an authoritative order.But you dont have to do the volleyball. We stop it. We stop it. We absolutely stop it. You cant have it, he said.San Diego State disputed Trumps fabrication of their players action in a statement later that day.This did not happen, SDSU director of athletic communications Jamie McConeghy said in a statement reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. The ball hit her in the shoulder. She was uninjured and did not miss a play.McConeghy added that San Diego State has called for multiple corrections from media outlets.Trump didnt elaborate on the authority he thinks hed have to change the rules in sports, which are governed by numerous local, national, and international bodies.He would have absolutely no authority or power to ban transgender women in college sports. That is not a legal possibility, Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, told the Chronicle.The player Trump lied about hasnt commented publicly. Her school condemned the former president for using her as a political pawn. At San Jose State, we condemn any targeted campaign against any of our students, and we will continue to live the values outlined in the California State University Non-Discrimination Policy, the school said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. Our athletes all comply with NCAA and Mountain West Conference policies and they are eligible to play under the rules of those organizations.Trump has stoked fear and loathing of the transgender community in his bid to reclaim the White House. His campaign, political action committees, and other MAGA Republican candidates and groups have spent tens of millions of dollars on television ads targeting trans people in an effort to get their far-right base to the polls. Banning trans women in sports has been a particular focus.Since Slusser was publicly outed her teammate, four womens volleyball teams have forfeited matches against San Jose State, including Southern Utah, Boise State, Wyoming, and Utah State. On Monday, players with the University of Nevadas womens volleyball team unilaterally announced they wouldnt face San Jose State in an upcoming match.We, the University of Nevada Reno womens volleyball team, forfeit against San Jose State University, they said in a statement shared with the awkwardly-named conservative sports site Outkick.The university said that despite the protest, the match would be played as scheduled, while individual players would be granted the opportunity to sit out.San Jose States coach Todd Kress said the fallout over his co-captains actions has been hard on the team.Concentrating on what we can do on the court has, quite frankly, been very tough lately, Kress said. There have been outside forces who have sought to divide our team, our university, our conference and our sport.He added, I just have faith that well eventually be able to put the outside noise aside and be able to play for each other and find love for one another again.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

After nearly 25 years of silence, iconic fashion designer Giorgio Armani is finally breaking his silence about the sexual experiences he's had with men throughout his long life.The fashion mogul now 90 years old hasn't opened up about his sex life publicly since 2000 when he told Vanity Fair that he has "had women in my life. And sometimes men." Now, in a brand new interview with Corriere della Sera, the designer worth an estimated $13 billion is opening up about losing his virginity, realizing he is attracted to men for the first time, and the powerful relationship he had with his business partner. Armani admitted that he lost his virginity to a girl in his class before describing his first gay crush while he was away at summer camp."I've never talked about this," he revealed, according to The Pink News. "It happened under a shed on the beach at Misano, at five in the afternoon, when all the boys from the summer camp were supposed to have a bit of a quiet time."See on InstagramThe guy Armani was crushing on was his camp counselor, and while he didn't elaborate on what actually went down on that beach, it was a moment that changed the trajectory of his life."I was in a group of boys, and there was a supervisor, a young man, who I felt immediately attracted to. I didn't fully understand it at the time, and I didn't pursue it," he said. "But from that moment on, my life took a different turn."This early gay awakening was confusing for Armani, who still didn't fully understand his own feelings. "I didn't understand what it was. I didn't distinguish between men and women at the time. It was just an attraction I felt, something beautiful: I couldn't wait to be near him, to be touched I felt a huge connection," he said before admitting that this is the first time he has ever told this story. "I've never told anyone about this. It's still a very emotional memory for me."Things changed when he met his business partner and lover, Sergio Galeotti, who he dated for more than a decade. "We met near the Capannina night club, in Versilia, where I was on holiday for a couple of days," Armani explained. "I saw Sergio in his car and I immediately fell for his Tuscan smile."The two men were in a relationship throughout the '70s and '80s but sadly ended with Armani divested when Galeotti passed away from an AIDS-related illness in 1985. "When Sergio died, a part of me died with him. I'm still amazed that I found within myself the resilience to withstand such an immense pain," he said, before recounting how difficult it was to watch Galeotti get sick."I had to tap into my willpower to deal with all the pain and anguish. A whole year spent next to Sergio in his hospital bed. And it all happened as our career was taking off, when we were becoming known, setting up our company, reaching worldwide fame. It was the moment I was gaining confidence in myself, then this blow hit me."See on InstagramNow, Armani is in a relationship with Leo Dell'Orco, who is head of the men's style office for his fashion brand. While the two aren't married and Armani won't say he's in love with his partner, he wears a "wonderful ring with a diamond" that he once had to save from a fire."I think it over and realize there's no point in being in love and giving it so little space, because I just don't have that much space," he explained. "But I have deep affection for Leo, who has lived with me for years and is the person closest to me."

The Boys fifth and final season just got a little more interesting!Actor Mason Dye, best known for playing a bully basketball star in season 4 of Stranger Things and as a guest star on Teen Wolf, has been cast as Bombsight in the final season of The Boys, Entertainment Weekly reports. Dye will be playing an original character, but little is known about Bombsight.In June, showrunner Eric Kripke revealed that the comic book-adapted series will end after season 5, which is likely to drop on Prime Video sometime in 2026. Hamilton star Daveed Diggs is also expected to join the show alongside returning cast members Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Erin Moriarty, Anthony Starr, Las Alfonso, Tomer Capone, Karen Fukuhara, Chace Crawford, and Jessie T Usher.The final season may also give fans another Supernatural reunion. Jensen Ackles joined the cast of The Boys in season 3 as Soldier Boy and then made a surprise appearance at the end of season 4 with Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who played a CIA agent. Now, Kripke who was a showrunner on Supernatural has teased that he is in talks with Jared Padalecki about him taking on a role in the fifth season.Keep scrolling to get all of your burning questions about the new character Bombsight answered! (@) Who is Bombsight?While the details of the character are being kept under wraps, Bombsight was mentioned in The Boys season 4. He is the third oldest supe in history and was active during the 1950s, but nothing is known about his powers at this point. During season 4, Bombsight was also mentioned as the star of the Vought movie, the Curse of Fu Manchu.Was Bombsight in The Boys comic books? (@) Bombsight is an original character created for The Boys television series and never appeared in the comic books.What can we expect from Bombsight in season 5 of 'The Boys'?His role in the next season of The Boys hasnt been made public, but fans are guessing that as one of the oldest supes hell interact with Soldier Boy, who has been confirmed to return for the fifth season. Mason Dye is coming onto the show as a guest star as opposed to a series regular so we dont know how big his role will be or how many episodes he will be in.Will Bombsight be in the spinoff show Vought Rising? (@) EW reports that a source close to the series confirmed that Bombsight will become a series regular on The Boy's prequel spinoff show Vought Rising, which will premiere sometime in 2025 and will take viewers back in time to the '50s, focusing on Soldier Boy and Stormfront/Liberty (Aya Cash). Since Bombsight is one of the oldest supes, it would make sense for him to interact with Soldier Boy and Stormfront back then.