We love it when a new Sapphic joins our ranks: more hot kisses, more sweet family moments, and more drama. While 2024 has proven to be a ROUGH one in some ways when it comes to Sapphic stars coming out and living their truth, baby, 2024 is killing it. Welcome Sapphics, we cant wait to see you at the potluck! Chloe Grace MoretzAfter plenty of speculation and living pretty openly queer, Chloe Grace Moretz, finally said outright that she is a "gay woman" during her endorsement of Kamala Harris, in the run-up to this year's election. "I believe in the need for legal protections that protects the LGBTQ+ community as a gay woman. We need protections in this country and to have access to the care we need and deserve," she wrote in the caption.We feel like we speak for Sapphics everywhere when we say, *clears throat*: "Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas! Welcome to the out and proud fam queen!"See on InstagramSasheer ZamataIn an interview on September 9 with Them, the Saturday Night Live alum came as a late-in-life lesbian.Im out in my life and I do keep my personal life kind of private, but I also dont necessarily want my identity to be private, she explained. Ahead of her role as Jennifer Kale in Agatha All Along, Zamata also admitted shed been asked to play lesbian characters quite often since leaving SNL.I kept getting cast as queer women, she said, which included her characters on Home Economics, Woke, Tuca & Bertie, and Last O.G. This is before I myself was figuring out my identity. I was like, Whoa, what are these casting directors seeing that Im not seeing?After a joke from interviewer Amos Mac about how Hollywood made her gay, Zamata said, Thats what conservatives joke about all the time. Theyre like, Oh my God, theyre turning everyone gay. And it happened.Beyond that Zamata is planning to keep her private life just that, private. I feel very fortunate so far. I have fans who are good about respecting my privacy, and I hope that continues.Stacy SnyderSee on InstagramOn August 28, Love is Blind season 5 contestant Stacy Snyder came out as queer through an adorable reel posted to her Instagram. In the video, Snyder sits at a bar with a glass of white wine, looking around for someone. Charli xcx's "Guess" is playing- the remix with Billie Eilish of course. Captions start popping up around Snyder reading, "She's got a boyfriend," "She's single again," and, "She's irrelevant."The final caption reading, "SHE'S HAPPY" appears as our mystery guest arrives, a woman with long hair in a taupe suit, who enters the frame and promptly gives Snyder a kiss.Snyder had previously been engaged while on Love is Blind to Izzy Zapata, only for Snyder to call it quits, leaving Zapata at the alter. Nothing more is known about the mystery woman or the pair's relationship, but the most important part is that Snyder is happy.Ilana GlazerComedian and actor Ilana Glazer officially came out as a "nonbinary woman" during an interview with The Independent in August.The realization that they're nonbinary comes in the middle of a long journey of more deeply finding her own sense of self. "It has taken me years to parse these parts of myself out, Glazer said, crediting much of the progress on this journey to years-long standing appointments for psychoanalysis three times a week. Ive found a real dedicated practice to understanding myself. I really used to believe those people [who thought I was Ilana the character] had seen these personal parts of me, but thats not true. I now understand better who I am."That better understanding of self goes deep, with Glazer now understanding herself to be a "nonbinary woman." It was their pregnancy to their now 3-year-old daughter that brought these feelings to the surface, even though, "Being pregnant on paper was the most female thing I could ever do," she says, "but it actually highlighted both the masculine and feminine inside of me."Julia FoxOn July 8 Julia Fox took to TikTok to let the world know, she's that lesbian!The actor shared a TikTok video that began with a clip of @emgwaciedawgie's viral video, where the TikTok user says "I love when I see a lesbian with their boyfriend. It's like 'Aww, you hate that man,' and then it cuts back to Fox.Fox is walking down the street and responds by saying "Hey, that was me. I was that lesbian. So sorry boys. Won't happen again."Ayesha MadonSee on InstagramHeartbreak High Ayesha Madon gave us another reason to feel proud this year when she came out as bisexual in an interview with Gay Times. I only kind of properly admitted, out loud, that I was bisexual two or three years ago. It feels recent. Its pretty interesting watching myself be attracted to [girls]. My first kiss was with a girl. Ive actually never spoken about my sexuality before in anything, so this is pretty new, she shared in the interview.She went on to tell the story of that first kiss, and it's honestly so cute. My first kiss was with a girl called Louise and I had the biggest crush on her. She was in my acting class when I was like 11. I remember she was chewing gum and in order to kiss her I had to like to pretend that I wanted to like try the gum! she recalled. We kissed and it was amazing. Since then, I had the inkling, but being surrounded by so many creatives and how much more normalized its becoming. It has given me the courage to feel comfortable in that as well. Sometimes I feel like Im a fake queer person because Im not massive on queer culture, sometimes, I feel that liking girls is not enough?Amber RuffinSee on InstagramAmber Ruffin waited until the very last day of Pride Month this year to make a big announcement and we could not be more thrilled. The comedian, writer, Tony Award nominee, and talk show host was ready to let the world know her truth: shes queer!Ruffin shared the news with her fans on Instagram, sharing a photo of her in a purple Queer tank top, along with pictures of her hanging with gay icons Murray Hill and Grimace and a video from a Pride parade.For anyone requiring further clarification the caption read: In what will come as a shock to exactly zero people, Im using the last day of PRIDE to come out! Be proud of who you are, little babies! I know I am! And I cant wait to be discriminated against for a new reason!!We could not be more delighted to have her as a member of our queer fam.Louisa JacobsonLouisa Jacobson, the daughter of Streep and Don Gummer is celebrated Pride in one of our very favorite ways, by sharing that she is a part of our family. The actress best known for her role as Marian Brook in The Gilded Age took to Instagram on June 22 to share a carousel of photos which included one of her and producer Anna Blundell getting cozy. After this image was a screenshot of an article from The New York Times entitled Were Entering a Joyful New Era of Lesbian Fashion. And the caption the reads Blessed to be entering the Joyful New Era bb Maren MorrisCountry singer Maren Morris has NEVER minced words when it comes to standing up for the LGBTQ+ community, a community it turns out, of which she is a part! Morris opened up about her identity on June 9 in an Instagram post. "happy to be the B in LGBTQ+, " she wrote in the caption, adding, "happy pride."Jessica GunningOn June 3, Jessica Gunning is not only the breakout star of this years Baby Reindeer, but shes also officially an out and proud member of our rainbow family. Gunning opened up publicly about her sexuality for the first time on the Reign with Josh Smith podcast. Gunning explained her gay awakening was more of a process, 'I came out in November 2022. And that was a mega, mega thing for me because I for so long...I am surrounded by gays like all my friends are gay, so it wasn't that I was repressing anything, it was just that I didn't think that I could be, recalled Gunning. 'I still can't articulate it in the best way.'But I realized I was a big, old gay. I was like, That's what it's been, that's what it is. And that was like a massive moment where everything kind of clicked and I made sense of myself then, she shared.But now that shes out to herself and the world shes truly feeling great. It's been amazing, and very freeing and very grounding. I feel like really peaceful actually.Sophia BushSee on InstagramSophia Bush has been the subject of endless speculation ever since it was revealed last fall that she and soccer star Ashlyn Harris were dating. However, in an essay for Glamour, the One Tree Hill alum clarified that those accusations were unfounded. According to Bush, it's just a tale of two friends who supported one another through a mutually difficult time. She didn't even realize there might be more to it until other people they knew pointed it out."I don't know how else to say it other than: I didn't see it until I saw it. And I think it's very easy not to see something that's been in front of your face for a long time when you'd never looked at it as an option and you had never been looked at as an option," she said.Although Bush noted that she hates the idea of "having to come out in 2024," she did confirm that she's come to the conclusion she currently identifies as queer. And we officially welcome her with open arms to the alphabet mob!F1NN5TERPopular Twitch streamer F1NN5TER took a big step when he shared with fans that hes been taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and now identifies as genderfluid.In a YouTube video titled Coming Out, F1NN5TER shared that it felt a bit like Id uncovered a part of myself that Id been purposely shutting down for as long as I could remember, and never questioned why.I spent so many months scared and stressed out, trying to pick a label. Im still not done yet. I still havent figured absolutely everything out, but Im feeling comfortable enough to talk about it now, he said.For now, he decided that the label of genderfluid is what suits him best, and that he still prefers he/him pronouns. However, he acknowledges that might change, said that hes ultimately fine with any pronouns, and that what he tells people in real life about his gender identity is, I just dont care.He also shared that he identifies as bi. I like dudes! he said. Thats weird to say. Everything I say feels like a bit now. Goddammit.Jasmine PinedaSee on Instagram90 Day Fianc star Jasmine Pineda opened up about her sexuality during the first episode of the Tell All reunion special for this season when she revealed that the costar she'd like to have children with is her trans costar, Nikki Exotika.She went on to explain that she has dated women in the past. have had girlfriends in the past so I get attracted to women as well as men. I dont know, Ive always had a crush on Nikki.Rene RappSinger and Mean Girls reboot star Rene Rapp joined the fam back in 2022 when she came out as bisexual in a Vogue interview, but this year, she announced shes a lesbian! She hinted at this new sexual identity on social media before stating it more directly on a recent episode of Andy Cohens SiriusXM radio show.Parvati ShallowSee on InstagramReality tv star Parvati Shallow hit it big when she won $1 million on Survivor: Micronesia Fans vs. Favorites, but it wasn't until this year that she was able to live as her true authentic self.The 41-year-old celeb came out and hard launched her new relationship all at the same time. She took to Instagram to post a strip of Photo Booth pics with her new girlfriend comedian Mae Martin, 36. "Were here. Were queer. Happy new year," she wrote in the caption.Parvati technically came out on December 30, but since she wished everyone a Happy New Year in her coming out post on social media, we're counting it for 2024!Erika CasupanaSee on InstagramSurvivor alum Erika Casupana stole fans hearts when she took home the big bucks on season 41 of the iconic reality tv competition. She also made history as the first Canadian to win and the first woman to win in seven seasons, according to The Pink News.Now the reality star has come out as LGBTQ+ and we couldn't be happier about it. She made the announcement in a cheeky video posted to Instagram on December 31, 2023 we're counting her as coming out in 2024 because who was still conscious enough on New Year's Eve to have been paying attention?In the funny video, Casupana joked that she tried the tradition of eating grapes under the table on New Year's Eve in hopes of getting a boyfriend, but since she was out of grapes she "chugged wine" instead and "realized I'm a lesbian."

Families come in all shapes, colors, sizes, and configurations. People become parents in all sorts of ways, expected and unexpected. It's nearly 2025, you'd think people would understand that queer couples can and do have children together, but one TikToker is addressing that no, some straight people still don't get it. Like at all.TikTok user Sam (@samalamadingdong) who is routinely very funny, and worth following if you don't already shared what it's like when she mentions that her sister-in-law and her partner have a child together."Every now and then I'll tell someone that my sister and her wife have a baby, and they'll be like, 'WHOA. How'd that even happen they're both girls?'" said Sam.Sam continued, "Oh my god, you didn't hear about this, the gays actually figured it out." For those interested in the lesbian birds and the bees, this is how it's done.Put on "The Bald and the Beautiful" or "So True with Caleb Hearon""So first, you're gonna wanna either have Caleb Hearon's podcast or The Bald and the Beautiful playing the entire time in the background no matter what." Sounds simple enough. If you've never seen the clip belwo, please watch it because it does put me in tears every single time without fail. @pybThats gang, thats fam@Drew Afualo @caleb hearon @Brittany #comedians #drewafualo #brittanybroski #calebhearon #pajamas #cologne #funnystory #storytime #broskinationBut that's just step one...The lyrics to "Born This Way" and hold hands"Then, you will hold hands really tight, look into each other's eyes and recite every single word from 'Born This Way'."One commenter asked, "What happens if you recite the words to 'all the things she said' instead?" but I've heard you're not supposed to change up a recipe the first time you try it.If you don't have time to make your own Lady Gaga "Born This Way", store bought Orville Peck "Born This Way" will work just fine!Debate about RuPaul's Drag RaceSee on Instagram"Then you have to rewatch [RuPaul's Drag Race] All Stars All Winners and viciously argue about which queen is the best, but you're both wrong it's Raja."My partner and I do this at least twice a year and I did not know that this could get anyone pregnant. The more you know!Light a Sapphic candle and wait for Tegan and Sara to appearSee on Instagram"Lastly, you light a candle that has Sappho's face on it, and if you're visited by the ghosts of Tegan and Sara who are very much still alive you'll get pregnant." If you're worried the Sappho candle above won't count, this votive candle of Sappho should definitely do the trick.Well, there you have it! If you were wondering how we'd ended up in a bit of a sapphic baby boom recently, now you know how the sausage gets made. If you're worried about any of the steps, you can always consult the original video below.@sfmcguireHow do the gays have babies? this is how!!!! Duh!!!!! (Dont even try, raja is hands down my fav) #queer #lgbtq #lgbtqia #iui #baby #babies #twomoms #moms #lesbian #lesbiansoftiktok #queer #queerappalachia #fyp #bornthisway #teganandsara

We're not gonna lie, this week has been ROUGH. It really does feel like were on the cusp of societal collapse. But if there is one thing that always settles our nerves it's hot boys being, well hot. Thankfully no matter what is going on in the world we can count on the hunky men of Hollywood and the internet to make us thirsty and then quench us. Does that sound like what you need today? Good news... Keep scrolling to see our fave hump day hunks this week, and let the stress melt away!John Krasinski (@) Sexiest man of the year?! .... actually... wait.. sorry.. what was I sayin? Pedro Pascal (@) Stop teasing us Daddy! On second thought, never stop! April Carrion (@) Ok if she doesn't come back for All Stars we;re going to need this queen back for the Pit Crew! Cheyenne Jackson@mrcheyennejacksonIn honor of my new peosucrion of La Cage at @PasadenaPlayhouse I got into drag for the first time. Baby, i was living. PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz @mikeruizone PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon @718blonde Interview by Richard Prez-Feria @richardperezferia Fashion Stylist: Raytell Bridges @raytell_bridges Hair: Carolyn Cina @carolynrosecina Makeup: Sterling Tull @sterlingtullnyc Tearsheets by Daniel Lpez, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine @by_danalarcon Studio: Love Studios NYC @lovestudiosnycFind you a man who can do both! Jonathan Bailey (@) We love him IN pants...Jonathan Bailey again (@) And especially OUT of them. Darragh Hand (@) Sorry Kit, there is a new hunk on Heartstopper! Michael Cimino (@) Michael Cimino turned 25 this week and he is looking very, ahem, grown.Shawn Mendes (@) Shawn knows EXACTLY what he's doing here. Troye Sivan (@) Those baby blues and, well, all of it. Tom DaleySee on InstagramWe are all always up for tubby time with Tom!Coach Paul (@) This fitness influencer truly is his best advertisement. Glen Powell (@) Glen Powell said "free the nipple" and we agree! Diplo (@) Diplo remains allergic to shirts, and we remain grateful. Idris Elba (@) Just a little throwback to the UK's ultimate hunk.

In the aftermath of the presidential election, where an overwhelming number of people decided to vote for a convicted felon who has been found liable in court for sexual abuse and bragged he would "protect" women "whether the women like it or not," women have started looking for alternatives to supporting the patriarchy even in their own personal lives. If you spent any time on social media in the past week, you've likely noticed an influx of women talking about South Korea's 4B movement and may have even heard the term "political lesbianism" bandied about. But what is political lesbianism, and why are some women finding it an attractive alternative to dating, marrying, or having sex with men?What is political lesbianism?Political lesbianism started in the late 1960s as part of second-wave feminism in response to overwhelming levels of sexism and compulsory heterosexuality. It is a form of radical feminism where women make a political choice to stop dating, marrying, and sleeping with men. Asking women to kick men out of "your beds and your heads" and abandon heterosexuality doesn't mean that political lesbians are required to have sex with women. According to the Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group, "all feminists can and should be lesbians. Our definition of a political lesbian is a woman-identified woman who does not fuck men. It does not mean compulsory sexual activity with women." Why is political lesbianism gaining traction now? (@) Since Trump was elected, political lesbianism and the 4B movement have been trending on social media because of his blatant disregard for womens rights. He has loudly taken credit for stacking the Supreme Court so that it would have enough conservative justices to reverse Roe v. Wade, which has resulted in women losing bodily autonomy and many women suffering or dying because of a lack of access to healthcare. Misogynists have also been emboldened by Trump being in power again. Neo-Nazi Nick Fuentes went viral last week for corrupting the feminist rallying cry My body, my choice to Your body, my choice, and alpha male influencer and accused sex trafficker Andrew Tate told women, You no longer have rights. Women on social media are also reporting an influx of violently misogynistic speech and abuse online and on dating apps. Is political lesbianism connected to the 4B movement? (@) The two movements arent connected but share similar origin stories and DNA. The 4B movement reportedly started in South Korea in 2019 as a bold way for women to fight against a rise in gender-based violence as well as unfair expectations around dating, marriage, and having children. It is called 4B because it is a rejection of sex with men (bisekseu), giving birth (bichulsan), dating men (biyeonae), and marrying men (bihon). Since Trump was elected, women on social media in the United States have announced they are joining the 4B movement, while others, especially in France, have been curious about political lesbianism as the country grapples with systemic gender inequality and its paltry response to the #MeToo movement, The Guardian reports.What is the controversy surrounding political lesbianism? (@) The controversy that has plagued the movement since its inception revolves around the idea that sexuality is a choice. While some react negatively to lesbianism being seen as a political choice or tactic and think the movement is appropriating the term lesbian" in a dismissive and potentially dangerous way, proponents say that it is a rejection of compulsory heterosexuality and the patriarchal political structure. They see it as more of a sexual labor strike than an attempt to claim sexuality is a choice.

In need of some actual good and gothy news? Lady Gaga is reportedly joining the cast of Wednesday for season two of the massively popular Netflix series.Considering what a huge viral success the dance number set to her song 'Bloody Mary' was in the first season, it honestly makes a ton of sense. Will Gaga be a professor at Nevermore Academy (we're thinking music department or drama teacher for sure)? Or perhaps the monster bursting out of Wednesday's closet (hopefully right alongside her)? While the details are slim, heres the tea, according to a report from Entertainment Weekly.According to the publication, all details of her role are as of yet unknown, however she is currently filming in the second season in Europe. Ok, like we said, details are slim. However it's worth recalling this casting news is one that star Jenna Ortega has been dreaming of. As the actress told Variety at the Golden Globes in January 2023, "I'm sure Netflix would love that," adding that she had some ideas for what that role could be. "I think Mrs. Thornhill and Wednesday had this weird mentor relationship or kind of understood each other in a certain way, so, if Lady Gaga were to be a part, I think it would have to be two monsters that understand each other."Honestly, that sounds pretty amazing, we would love to see it along with another dance number. Perhaps to Gagas latest bop, Disease?As if we werent already hyped for Wednesday season two, knowing that Mother Monster will be there, well thats just the bloody cherry on top. While Netflix has not given a release date for season two of Wednesday it is estimated to return to the streaming platform in fall 2025.

Since the election, I havent been sleeping much, and I know Im not alone.When it became clear that Donald Trumpconvicted felon, opponent of LGBTQ+ rights, and found liable of sexual abusehad won the election, many queer people feared the worst. The Trevor Project reported a 700% increase in use of their crisis services by November 6, and a staggering 90% of LGBTQ+ youth said that the election was having a negative impact on their well-being.Considering that Trump and Vance spent much of the election cycle targeting the queer community, this reaction isnt surprising. After all, the infamous Project 2025 has been making the rounds for months, and with a Republican-run Senate as well as a conservative Supreme Court, its no wonder that people are worried.Its easy to feel powerless in a country that seems to care more about their pocketbook than protecting those from marginalized communities. Its easy to feel hopeless when it seems like things are just getting worse. But giving up is exactly what they want.Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize-winning author Elie Wiesel once said that, Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere.Now is not the time to be silent.Now is the time to act.Its once again time to ACT UPThere is perhaps nothing more American than engaging in civil disobedience. From the Boston Tea Party to the Greensboro Four Sit-In, the United States has been founded and shaped by those who exercised their rights to make their voice heard.While theres no correct way to go about protesting injustice, looking back at successful campaigns for social change such as those led by the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) is a great place to start. ACT UP describes themselves as united in anger and committed to direct action to end the AIDS crisis. Though the group remains active today, it is perhaps best known for its protests in the 1980s and 1990s during the AIDS Epidemic.The group became famous for its Silence=Death posters, which depict an upward-facing pink triangle. The impactful image took its inspiration from the Holocaust, where upside down pink triangles were used to dehumanize gay prisoners of concentration camps. The creators hoped to signal the need for those in the LGBTQ+ community to speak up while simultaneously calling for political action and social change from those outside the community. Ultimately, it became such an iconic image that even decades later, this message is still a familiar (and deeply relevant) one today.What We Can Learn From ACT UPFocus your message: Its easy to get bogged down by the weight of all of the different problems in this country, but one thing that made ACT UP in the 80s and 90s so effective was their focus. Every action taken was to end the AIDs crisis, and the most successful protests all had clear focuses that could easily be communicated to the public and officials. Despite there being plenty of other issues that ACT UP members cared deeply about related to the LGBTQ+ community, the organizations commitment to one clear goal made it deeply effective.Give specific, actionable demands: Whenever a protest happened, ACT UP came with a list of clear goals that they hoped to accomplish. For instance, during the 1987 Wall Street Protest, ACT UP disrupted rush hour traffic in order to demand that the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) shorten drug approval time so that those who were already infected with HIV could benefit from newer treatments. Shortly after, the FDA shortened the approval time from nine years to two and by 1990 had created a parallel track for medications treating life-threatening conditions such as HIV.Similarly, in 1989, ACT UP led the New York Stock Exchange Protest, which disrupted the opening bell of the Stock Exchange for the first time in history. At the time, AZT was the only available treatment for AIDS, and the company who owned it, Burroughs Wellcome, took advantage by keeping the price sky-high. Within four days of the protest, the price of AZT had been lowered by 20%.Make it clear who youre demanding change from: Its important to remember that just because someone works for or with a particular entity doesnt mean they actually have the power to influence it. We all need to make a living at the end of the day, and sometimes you have to take the job you can get. Yelling at an entry-level worker isnt going to accomplish much except ruining their (already very long) day. Similarly, demanding change from too large of an entity or too vague, such as the entire U.S. government, makes it easy for everyone to assume its someone elses problem to sort out.The targets for ACT UPs protests were usually the pharmaceutical companies who made drugs to treat HIV/AIDS and the FDA. For instance, in 1988, 1,500 ACT UP protesters seized control of the FDA headquarters and shut down the agency for the day. They held signs like Federal Death Administration and demanded quicker drug approval times for life-saving treatments. By protesting the agency responsible, they ensured that they couldnt be ignored by those with the power to change things for the better.Make sure the media coverage is guaranteed: With endless input from social media, news channels, and the internet at large, it has never been harder to capture the nations attention. However, ACT UPs strategies for getting widespread media coverage are remarkably timeless.Journalist and activist Ann Northrop stated that ACT UPs actions are always, always, always planned to be dramatic enough to capture public attention. They often accomplished this by going where they knew there would already be national focus. For instance, on April 15, 1987, ACT UP descended on the New York City General Post Office. Because so many media outlets were already present to cover last minute tax filers, ACT UP was more or less guaranteed coverage.Another way that ACT UP ensured coverage was by localizing their efforts. For example, during the Seize the FDA protest, ACT UP ensured that they could get local coverage across the nation by positioning protesters with signs that had their cities and a megaphone to communicate their location to journalists.Make your voice heard: If ACT UP can teach us anything, its this: every single voice matters. Some of their most successful protests were nowhere near the largest our country has seen, yet they created specific changes that had life-saving impacts to the queer community.Its easy to get overwhelmed by everything that feels broken. Just remember that its not your job to fix it all. Find the way that you can help your community the most directly, and go from there.You might be amazed to realize what we can accomplish together.To learn more about what ACT UP is doing today, visit actupny.com.The post How the LGBTQ+ community can use the lessons of ACT UP to fight what comes next appeared first on News Is Out.

The Muse is lit up!No surprise here, but Kandy Muse is bringing all of the drama and must-see TV moments on the current season of House of Villains.Besides her ally Teresa Giudice, Muse has had all of her friends in the house eliminated including Camilla Poindexter (Bad Girls Club), Richard Hatch (Survivor), and Larissa Lima (90 Day Fianc).Following Poindexter's banishment, the RuPaul's Drag Race alum is finally letting all of her competitors in the house have it as she tells everyone to be nervous if she becomes the super villain of the week.Watch the intense clip below and don't forget to watch new episodes of House of Villains Thursdays at 10pm ET/PT and stream from the beginning on Peacock. - YouTube youtu.be

The Manchester Township School District in New Jersey is facing three separate lawsuits alleging anti-LGBTQ+ bias after the school board fired the districts gay superintendent and another administrator, while a third was forced to resign after confronting similar open hostility and biasfrom board members.The school district serves about 2,900 students in Ocean County, just west of the Jersey Shore. Related Multiple New Jersey school districts approve measures to out trans & nonbinary students to parents You will have blood on your hands should a trans student takes their life because of this, a civil rights lawyer told one of the school boards. The districts former superintendent, John Berenato, was fired in November after he says board members buckled under local political pressure to prevent those with different sexual orientations from working in the school system. 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 In a lawsuit filed in May, Berenato claimed board members expressed religious beliefs in opposition to homosexuality and openly discussed fears the gay superintendent was pushing a gay agenda.Berenatos replacement, current superintendent Diane Pedroza, is alleged to have said she didnt want the districts curriculum to become too gay under Berenatos leadership.In a second lawsuit, filed in September, a straight colleague of Berenatos said she was with the superintendent when he received disgusting derogatory texts regarding sexual acts from district board members.Bridget Antonucci, the districts former director of special services, said her allyship with Berenato led to her being labeled a member of the rainbow community and subsequently subjected to a hostile work environment and ultimately terminated. The boards conduct left Antonucci shocked, wondering how elected officials could act so despicably, she said in her suit.Yet a third complaint against the district was lodged in October, following the resignation of out lesbian Lori Burns, the districts former director of early childhood education.Burns alleges that her sexual orientation was a motivating factor for harsh, hostile and exclusionary treatment by the school district and part of a campaign against LGBTQ+ administrators seen in both her and Berenatos treatment at the hands of the board. Burns cited an incident in October 2023, a month before Berenato was terminated, when transgender student policy was discussed at a board meeting that both out administrators attended. The complaint details derogatory and homophobic comments made at the meeting where transgender people were characterized as dangerous and predatory.Over the following months, the district rendered her employment with the District so intolerable that she was forced to resign in May, Burns complaint states.All three former district employees accuse the board and named individuals of violating New Jerseys anti-discrimination laws. Each seeks damages for emotional distress, lost wages, and punitive measures against the district and staff named in their suits.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Last week, after viciously campaigning against LGBTQ+ rights, Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election, shocking the world after millions expected a landslide victory for Vice President Kamala Harris. The LGBTQ+ community is terrified, and every queer person I know has been searching for ways to cope with Trumps victory. Some people have taken to escapism. Theyve been finding solace in video games, TV shows, movies basically anything to take their mind off whats to come. Many people I know have also started engaging more in fandom spaces where they can interact with other queer people. Others have set their sights on activism and are trying to find ways to get out there and make the world at least slightly better before Trump takes office. And many others especially in the South are focused on how they can protect themselves and their loved ones. Related What the most anti-LGBTQ election in decades means for trans people After a flood of transphobic legislation, the stakes are even higher than you think. All of these coping mechanisms are understandable and valid. After all, Trump has promised to ban gender-affirming care, prevent trans integration into sports teams, and completely strip us of any legal recognition. But despite all of this, we have one saving grace, one clear path toward a better future: each other. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today We need to focus on building community. It might be hard to imagine that doing so could protect us when these attacks on our fundamental rights go so deep into the legislative core of America. But community has saved me from dark times before. When I was homeless and living in a shady motel, other queer people took me in and gave me a home to recuperate and rebuild my life. When I was at some of my lowest points, isolated from the world with no one else to turn to, queer people helped me find the joy in the minutiae of life. When I needed a source of income, queer people took a chance on me and gave me opportunities I never could have dreamed of.Ive seen this so many times with other people, too. Ive met queer people who fled states like Texas for safer places with the help of community members who were able to guide them to resources and housing. Ive seen queer receptionists and retail workers give a helping hand to others that needed help navigating the hellish world of corporate bureaucracy. Ive seen lawyers offer pro bono services to their queer siblings who seek justice for all the wrongs thrown at them. Let the Stonewall Uprising, the Deweys Sit-Ins, and the Coopers Donuts Riots serve as reminders for the lengths queer people will go to protect each other from persecution. Queer people protected each other during the height of the AIDS epidemic, too. Weve grieved for our dead across generations and gone to great lengths to prevent any additional anguish.These efforts were not in vain, either. Black trans women led the way to some of the few rights were able to enjoy today. Lesbians have long fought for liberation alongside trans people and gay men. We still see similar battles today, such as with the gargantuan number of queer people arguing for marriage equality for our disabled siblings.If theres one thing those opposed to our liberation want, its for us to be isolated, divided, and attacking each other instead of focusing on our many similarities and how they can unify us against common threats. It is important for every trans person, and for that matter every queer person, to remember that none of us is alone. You have millions of siblings ready to stand beside you and fight for your rights alongside everyone elses. No matter where you are, there are other queer people all you need to do is find them.There are so many places to search. You could start with Tumblr or BlueSky, where there are numerous queer circles. There are video games like Webfishing or even Minecraft that offer dedicated servers meant to provide connection to other queer people. You can join queer Facebook groups, find community events in your nearest city, join a Discord server or a support forum, reach out to friends you went to school with or even join a club or social gathering if youre still in school or are in a company that offers an employee resource group. There are endless ways to find community. The most important thing to do is to keep trying. Reach out to more people, find new ways to connect with others and build relationships. That way, when things get bad, we can save each other.And to every queer person out there, especially every trans person reading this: No matter what, you need to stay alive and keep going. Its going to be really hard for a while, and it may seem like every deck of cards is stacked against us. But we can make it through this. If we lose our lives, we lose that chance entirely and will never get another one. We cant sacrifice what makes life enjoyable and let those who hate us win.We need you to stay alive, no matter what it takes. We need you in our community.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

In recent days, President-elect Donald Trump has been announcing his choices for U.S. Cabinet positions. Heres a look at their track records on LGBTQ+ rights.Director Of National Intelligence: Tulsi GabbardGabbard served as U.S. representative for Hawaiis 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021 as a Democrat and was vice chair of the Democratic National Committee. She ran for president in 2020 and in 2022 announced she was leaving the Democratic Party. Early in her career, she worked with her father, Hawaii state Sen. Mike Gabbard, to oppose same-sex marriage, but later expressed support for the LGBTQ+ community. However, in 2020, she introduced the Protect Womens Sports Act, which would bar transgender women from participating in athletics, and in 2022 she supported Floridas Parental Rights in Education Act, known as the Dont Say Gay bill.Secretary Of State: Marco RubioRubio has served as a senator from Florida since 2011 and, prior to that, was a member of the Florida House of Representatives. He ran for president in 2016 but ultimately endorsed Trump. Rubio is anti-abortion, supporting a ban even in cases of rape and incest. He has supported anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, referred to the Respect for Marriage Act as a stupid waste of time, and earned a zero on the Human Rights Campaign Congressional Scorecard. Rubio also used a drag queen in an attack ad without permission, opposed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and supported Floridas Dont Say Gay law.Attorney General: Matt GaetzGaetz earned a zero from the HRC for his time in the U.S. House of Representatives for Florida. He has clashed with fellow Republican leaders, including filing a resolution to remove then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Gaetz has voted against the Equality Act and Respect for Marriage Act, and during his Republican National Convention speech, he said that while Trump was in office, we prospered, we were richer, inflation was low, and there were two genders. Gaetz was under investigation for sex trafficking and statutory rape starting in 2020, though he denied all accusations, and the initial investigation was concluded in 2023. However, the House Ethics Committee reopened the investigation. Gaetz resigned from the House days before the investigations supposed report was due to come out.Homeland Security Adviser And Deputy Chief Of Staff For Policy: Stephen MillerLongtime Trump adviser Miller runs the America First Legal organization, which opposes the radical lefts anti-jobs, anti-freedom, anti-faith, anti-borders, anti-police, and anti-American crusade. Several America First Legal staff were involved in writing the Heritage Foundations Project 2025. Miller was also involved in anti-trans campaign ads run across the country during Trumps recent campaign.Department Of Government Efficiency: Elon Musk And Vivek RamaswamyBillionaire Tesla and X owner Musk and former presidential candidate Ramaswamy will share the role of head of the new Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.Since Musks takeover of X (formerly Twitter) in 2022, previously banned accounts, such as those of Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Andrew Tate, were reinstated. LGBTQ+ X users expressed concerns about the platforms shift in tone and reduced protections, as Musk deemed the term cis a slur. Musk, the father of an estranged transgender daughter, often voices concerns about gender-affirming care and diversity initiatives. He also founded America PAC, which donated over $100 million to support Trump in the latter part of his campaign.Ramaswamy, a businessman, has supported candidates from various parties. In 2024, he ran for president, finishing fourth in the primaries before endorsing Trump. He has likened being transgender to a mental health disorder and signaled support for banning transgender health care for minors.Secretary Of Defense: Pete HegsethU.S. Army veteran and Fox News host and pundit, Hegseth opposes women in combat, calling it a complication that means casualties are worse. He also opposes trans service members claiming the military is pushing boundaries and lots of different levels that are different than that because men and women are different, because being transgendered in the military causes complications and differences.National Security Adviser: Mike WaltzWalz currently serves in the U.S. House of Representative for Floridas 6th district, taking over Ron DeSantis in 2019. In 2022, Walz broke ranks along with 46 other Republicans and voted in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act, codifying the right to same-sex marriage in federal law.Homeland Security Secretary: Kristi NoemNoem has been active in politics since 2007, serving as a representative in South Dakotas legislature, the U.S. House of Representatives and is currently the governor of South Dakota. She opposed same-sex marriage when it became the law of the land in 2015 and signed a religious refusal bill to allow businesses to refuse services to LGBTQ+ people based on religious grounds.UN Ambassador: Elise StefanikStefanik has served in the U.S. House for New Yorks 21st district since 2015. She initially supported the Equality Act in 2019 but changed her vote in 2021. Stefanik also joined fellow Trump appointee Mike Waltz in voting for the Respect for Marriage Act.The post How do Trumps cabinet picks fare on LGBTQ+ issues? appeared first on News Is Out.

A new study has found that LGBTQ+ higher education students are more than three times as likely to have depression than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts.Published in the Journal of American College Health, the study examined data from almost 500,000 respondents to the annual Healthy Minds Study, which tracked mental health in full-time students ages 18 to 35 from 2007 to 2022. Related Queer intersex youth at heightened risk of conversion therapy & suicide attempts, new study finds Forced genital surgeries on intersex youth lead to an increased risk of suicide. Our findings highlight a growing mental health crisis among LGBTQIA+ students that demands immediate attention, says David Pagliaccio of the New York State Psychiatric Institute. Academic institutions need to take urgent and proactive steps to address these alarming rises in depression that are affecting the lives of so many young adults, particularly among those who face unique challenges due to their sexual or gender identity. 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 The findings not only concluded that LGBTQ+ students are more likely to suffer from depression but also that six times the number of respondents identified as LGBTQ+ in 2022 compared to when the study launched 15 years prior.The analysis also found that overall depression rates have increased among students but that LGBTQ+ students account for nearly half of those reporting depression despite making up only one-fifth of the group. LGBTQ+ students were also twice as likely to go to therapy but half as likely to go to family members for help.The results are not surprising considering the hostile anti-LGBTQ+ climate being perpetuated by federal and state lawmakers. The Trevor Projects 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People (which surveys youth ages 13 to 24)found a significant association between poor mental health and anti-LGBTQ+ victimization, including that the mental health of 90% of LGBTQ+ youth has been negatively affected by politics. Additionally, a study published in Septemberrevealedthat anti-transgender laws have a direct, causal relationship with youth suicide attempts and that attempted suicide rates increased by as much as 72% following the passage of such laws.Editors note: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at988lifeline.org. TheTrans Lifeline(1-877-565-8860) is staffed by trans people and will not contact law enforcement. The Trevor Project provides a safe, judgement-free place to talk for youth viachat, text (678-678), or phone (1-866-488-7386). Help is available at all three resources in English and Spanish.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Senate Republicans have elected Sen. John Thune (R-SD) who has long been hostile to LGBTQ+ rights as the next Senate majority leader in what is widely considered the partys first rebuke of MAGA extremists since Donald Trump was elected president.Thune, the current Senate minority whip, beat out Sen. John Cornyn of Texas and Sen. Rick Scott of Florida in the bid to replace longtime GOP leader Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who announced early this year his plans to step down from the Senate after eighteen years of leading the party in the chamber. Related Donald Trump names anti-LGBTQ+ Rep. Matt Gaetz as the next attorney general Gaetz has referred to LGBTQ+ people as degenerates and will be expected to rubber stamp Trumps agenda and vendettas. Scott, the MAGA candidate in the race, didnt even last through the final round of voting, earning just 13 votes in the first round despite being championed by Trumpians like Tucker Carlon, Elon Musk, and Vivek Ramaswamy. Thune who has a score of 0 on the Human Rights Campaigns Congressional Scorecard tracking LGBTQ+ support then beat out Cornyn with a 29 to 24 vote in the second round. Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The 63-year-old South Dakota senator is considered an establishment Republican. His selection may signify that the GOP is not prepared to bend to Trumps every whim (though the use of secret ballots in this particular decision likely played a role in the Senators votes).Thune, in fact, opposed Trumps quest to overturn the results of the 2020 election and originally endorsed Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) as the Republican nominee for president. He called Trumps actions during the January 6th riot inexcusable, though he did vote not guilty in Trumps impeachment trial over the matter. In 2016, he also called for Trump to drop out of the presidential race after the release of the Access Hollywood tape in which Trump bragged about assaulting women came to light.Trump also once called Thune a RINO (Republican in name only) and Mitchs boy and threatened to end his political career. But according to the New York Times, Thune has been repairing his relationship with the president-elect.On social media, Trump who did not personally inject himself in the race, likely because he did not want to embarrass himself in a losing battle congratulated Thune on the victory. Congratulations to Senator John Thune, the Newly Elected Senate Majority Leader, he said. He moves quickly, and will do an outstanding job. Despite opposition to Trump in the past, Thune still emphasized in his acceptance speech that he was fully prepared to carry out Trumps agenda.We will make sure that the president and his team have the tools and support that they need to enforce border security laws and to remove the violent criminals who are wreaking havoc in every one of our states, he said.As Russell Berman of the Atlantic pointed out, a GOP leaders distaste for Trump doesnt always translate to legislative conflict, as evidenced by McConnells public criticism of Trump as unfit for office yet his continued support throughout Trumps first term as well as his vote to acquit Trump during his impeachment. We have a mandate from the American people, a mandate not only to clean up the mess left by the Biden-Harris-Schumer agenda, but also to deliver on President Trumps priorities, Thune told reporters after his victory. And in an op-ed vying for the Senate leadership position, he praised Trump for spurring the broadest coalition of voters the Republic Party has seen in the modern era. He also blasted Democrats, who he said will shun or cancel anyone who challenges liberal orthodoxy and that the Republican Party listens to our voters and celebrates the marketplace of ideas.He did, however, signify during his speech that he would keep certain processes in place that should maintain some semblance of business-as-usual in the Senate, such as the 60-vote threshold for beating a filibuster. Thune is already facing pressure from Trump to shirk protocol and allow him to make recess Cabinet appointments. This means while the Senate is in recess, Trump could appoint people to his administration without Senate confirmation.While the Constitution does allow for this scenario, its a clear attempt to bypass the democratic process and fulfill his promise to be a dictator on day one. Presidents have used this rule in the past when the Senate is in recess, but in this case, Trump is explicitly asking Senators to go into recess in order to grant Donald Trump appointment powers.What Trump is essentially doing is telling the Senate to give up one of its core constitutional roles, Sarah Binder, a constitutional expert at George Washington University, told The Washington Post. The Senates role of advice and consent was to be a check on who the president wants to put in these positions. Thune has not ruled out bending to Trumps will on this, but he said he does want to make sure our committees have confirmation hearings like they typically do. And based on some of Trumps wildly unqualified picks for Cabinet, it may be possible some are not confirmed. At biggest risk is the scandal-ridden Matt Gaetz, who recently resigned from the House of Representatives and is Trumps pick for attorney general. Even many Republicans were shocked at the selection. Some commentators say the pick is Trumps way of challenging Thunes authority right out of the gate.Thune has proven he is no friend to the LGBTQ+ community. He voted against the Respect for Marriage Act, which provides federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages.In 2006,he also co-sponsored a proposed Constitutional amendment to define marriage as between one man and one woman, writing in a statement at the time that the fabric of our society is under attack by anti-family activists with a narrow agenda aimed at dissolving the definition of marriage that has existed since the birth of civilization. Thune once voted against the right of gay couples to adopt children in Washington, D.C., and also voted against the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act more than once. This year, Thune who is against abortion voted no on the Right to Contraception Act.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The Department of Education (DOE) has found that Owasso Public Schools in Oklahoma the school system that trans teen Nex Benedict attended before he died earlier this year following an altercation with bullies in the school bathroom violated Title IX by allowing rampant sexual harassment in school.Earlier this year, 16-year-old Benedicts death made national headlines. The Owasso High School sophomore was targeted by three other students in a school bathroom. He told a school resource officer that the other students beat him until he blacked out, and he told his mother that he had been bullied by three other students because of his gender identity. Related Bullies gave a trans boy a concussion. His school did nothing. He was jumped by a group of students theres even video of the horrific attack. He died several days later, leading to outcry and speculation that his death was related to injuries sustained during the beating. The Oklahoma state medical examiners office ruled his death a suicide. 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 His mother, Sue Benedict, said that Nex had been knocked to the ground and hit his head, and she went to the school to find Nex with bruises on his face and scratches on the back of his head. Sue Benedict said she reported the harassment to school staff and tried to get the school to use security footage to identify the bullies, but she said that the school did nothing and she was never informed of her right to file a Title IX complaint.Other students and graduates also spoke out about the rampant anti-LGBTQ+ culture in the high school, including Marley H., who said in an HRC video that another student repeatedly taunted her with an anti-LGBTQ+ slur, and teachers did nothing.It hurts to know that not only do your teachers personally not support you, if a student bullies you or harasses you or calls you names, they arent going to do anything about it, she said. It promotes a culture where you feel like you shouldnt report issues. Following Benedicts death, the DOEs Office for Civil Rights investigated the school district and found several violations of Title IX, which bans sex-based discrimination in schools. Under the Biden administration, anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination has been treated as a form of sex-based discrimination because its impossible to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity without taking sex into account. The Office for Civil Rights said that it found numerous incidents over the past three years where the district knew about sexual harassment but didnt do enough to stop it. This includes reports that a teacher was grooming female students on social media through sending more than 130 messages to them describing their physical appearance and requesting their photographs; a young elementary school student who faced sexual harassment; a male student who repeatedly hit and made sexual comments to a female student in sixth grade; and other instances where students were targeted with sex-based slurs and physical violence.DOE said that the school districts pattern of inconsistent responses to reports it received of sexual harassment infrequently responding under Title IX or not responding at all rose to the level that the districts response to some families sexual harassment reports was deliberately indifferent to students civil rights, noting that the district only conducted two formal Title IX investigations in this time period and didnt even have full records of them. DOE says they reached an agreement with the school district that will require them to better inform parents of their rights under Title IX, review its Title IX policies, survey students about sexual harassment in the district, review all sexual harassment complaints from the previous three years in the district, provide Title IX training to staff and students on sexual harassment, and develop a better record-keeping system for Title IX complaints. Todays resolution agreement from the U.S. Department of Education leaves no doubt: the Owasso School District failed Nex Benedict and many other vulnerable students under their care, HRC President Kelley Robinson said in a statement.Owasso students and their families did not receive the fair and equitable review process from their school district guaranteed to them under Title IX; at worst, some students experienced discrimination Congress has long guaranteed they shall not endure at school, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon said in a statement. The district has signed a robust agreement to assure that students who attend school in the district will be afforded their rights under Title IX, including the right to file a complaint, learn about and receive supportive services individualized to their needs, and benefit from federal nondiscrimination protection when they experience harassment.Editors note: This article mentions suicide. If you need to talk to someone now, call the Trans Lifeline at1-877-565-8860. Its staffed by trans people, for trans people. The Trevor Project provides a safe, judgement-free place to talk for LGBTQ youth at1-866-488-7386. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at1-800-273-8255.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Rumors about Shawn Mendes' sexuality have been spreading for years, but now gay singer Clay Aiken is gossiping about it, too.While sitting down with Variety to talk about his new album "Christmas Bells Are Ringing," when he brought up Mendes' sexuality out of the blue. The 45-year-old American Idol alum asked the interviewer, "By the way, did Shawn Mendes come out today?" He then asked if the reporter had seen Mendes' Instagram video. "I didn't finish watching it because I looked at the time and I was like, 'Oh God, I gotta get on the computer.' So I don't know if he really did," he said.Although there doesn't seem to be a video matching Aiken's description on Mendes' Instagram account, he may be talking about a clip of the Canadian pop star talking about "figuring out his sexuality" during a concert that went viral on social media in late October."Since I was really young, there's been this thing about my sexuality, and people have been talking about it for so long," he said during a concert performance at Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheater, Out reports. "I think it's kind of silly because I think sexuality is such a beautifully complex thing, and it's so hard to just put into boxes. It always felt like such an intrusion on something very personal to me. Something that I was figuring out in myself, something that I had yet to discover and still have yet to discover."Aiken seemed to realize he might have overstepped, saying, "I shouldn't out him if he didn't."See on InstagramWhen the interviewer asked Aiken how he feels about people speculating about Mendes' sexuality, Aiken talked about his own experience dealing with the media suggesting he was gay. "I feel like no one has speculated about st since 2000 since I went through that crap," he responded. "I joke that after I came out publicly, it stopped being a story. I don't know that anybody has had press in that way, like tabloid stories or questions by Diane Sawyer."Aiken suggested that some of this change can be explained by Don't Ask, Don't Tell ending in 2011 and the country coming "to terms with us gays a little better.""We have insisted our media become more empathetic," he explained. "Press can't invade in the way they used to be able to invade. And that's great."The "Invisible" singer then apologized for getting off track, "I didn't mean to derail this. It just came up on my screen right before I turned on the computer."Aiken's album "Christmas Bells Are Ringing" drops on November 22.

Donald Trump has yet to take office, but hes already making questionable choices that have Democrats and Republicans both scratching their heads while the internet dunks on him in the most hilarious way possible!Its only been a little more than a week since the presidential election, and Trump is already announcing who he plans to choose to fill all of his Cabinet positions, but his bonkers picks leave a lot to be desired. Not only did he choose Pete Hegseth to be secretary of defense who is an army veteran but is mostly known as a Fox News host and self-proclaimed dog murderer Kristi Noem as secretary of homeland security, but he has also handed out the role of attorney general to Rep. Matt Gaetz and picked former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to be his director of national intelligence.The moment these bizarre Cabinet picks were announced, the internet started roasting Trump, and we get it. Gabbard, a kooky conspiracy theorist who was once a Democratic presidential primary contender before switching sides and labeling herself as a Republican, will be overseeing 18 spy agencies and preparing the presidents daily intelligence briefings. This is especially terrifying considering Gabbard is known for repeating Russian propaganda or maybe that doesnt matter considering Trump reportedly doesnt read the briefings anyway. Look at the silver lining: his incompetence may work in our favor this time! If confirmed by the Senate, Gaetz will be heading the most powerful federal law enforcement agency in the country, which includes the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration. Thats right, the same person who was the focus of a years-long investigation by the Justice Department and House Ethics Committee into allegations that Gaetz had sexual relations with an underage girl and used illicit drugs will be running the very department that once investigated him. At this rate, Trump will fill his entire cabinet with weirdos who are unqualified for the job, eliminating all guardrails on his bad behavior and leaving the White House without an adult in the room who may have tempered his worst instincts.Trumps cabinet picks are so deranged that the internet quickly started spitting out hilarious jokes and memes, quipping that Casey Anthony should be the next director of the Department of Child and Family Services, that Glees Sue Sylvester will be heading up the Department of Performing Arts, and that the Menendez Brothers are going to be running the Bureau of Prisons. Even Bravo host Andy Cohen threw his hat in the ring, posting on X (formerly Twitter) for Trump to put me in the cabinet.Keep scrolling to see the funniest reactions to Trumps unhinged Cabinet picks! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

Ok stop doom scrolling, we have some potentially excellent news to share. Gaymers and Sapphics take note, we may have a new Lara Croft (yes, shes queer and we wont be hearing dissent on that subject) in the form of none other than our forever girl crush Sophie Turner. Oh, is that not enough to get your heart in a pitter patter? Well the series is being developed by Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge.Oh, so now we have your attention. Good. According to Deadline Turner is currently in negotiations to star as the treasure hunting hottie. Previoiusly the publication shared that Turner was in the running for the role alongside Lucy Boynton. If Turner ends up taking on the mantle of Lara Croft she would be following in the footsteps of several out stars and queer beloved girlies who have donned the shorts and holster duo (or voiced her in the game version) including Angelina Jolie, Keeley Hawes, Minnie Driver, and Alicia Vikander. According to Amazon MGM Studios Head Jennifer Salke this new series is set to be epic and globe-trotting which if youve played the games or seen any of the adaptations sounds exactly right. Well one thing you can count on is that we will be watching this for developments very closely and respectfully.

Though Wicked has many timeless themes and message, at the core, the highly-anticipated movie-musical is a story of love and friendship between two women, Elphaba (Out100 cover star Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande). See on Instagram While attending the red carpet of the film's Los Angeles premiere this past Saturday, Out got the chance to talk to some of the stars of the film, and they gave their own insights as to what makes this love story so profound and special for audiences. "I loved it because I believe in support and champion diverse love of every single kind, love is love," Jeff Goldblum, who plays the wizard in Wicked, told Out when asked about being a part of a film like this. "We are love. We are made of love. When the Big Bang happened and the cosmos emerged and this glorious planet allowed us to be here from the earth up, we are all connected and made of something that could be called L-O-V-E.""I think we need more love in the world to go around for sure," Out100 honoree Marissa Bode adds. "For people to see that on screen, I think maybe that will be a great time for people to reflect on themselves and their relationships with other people as well."Watch Out's full interviews with the cast in the video above. And catch Wicked when it hits theaters on November 22. Want to see more interviews and stories like this? Sign up for the Out's official newsletter to keep up with what's new in LGBTQ+ culture and entertainment delivered three times a week straight (well...) to your inbox!

Watching Jinkx Monsoon's meteoric rise on Broadway has been glorious to behold. And shes just getting started. After absolutely crushing it in her role of Matron Mama Morton in Chicago then blowing audiences away again as Audrey in the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors, the drag star is set to trod the boards again this time in Gilbert and Sullivans The Pirates of Penzance albeit under the new title Pirates! The Penzance Musical. This time Jinkx will star as a pirate maid named Ruth, who previously was brought to life by Angela Lansbury in the film adaptation of the musical. Ruth is the hearing-impaired apprentice of Frederic to the Pirate King who grew up to be a buccaneer. Jinkx will be playing opposite David Hyde Pierce and Ramin Karimloo. Jinkx made the announcement via her social media. See on InstagramWe can't help but think shell be one step closer to her EGOT! Pirates! Begins its run at the Todd Haimes Theatre on April 4 - June 2

RuPaul's Drag Race season 14 contestant Kerri Colby is under fire right now with the trans community for some misinformed tweets she wrote arguing that children shouldn't be "medically transitioning.""Babyyyyyy y'all gone really hate me when I say I don't believe children should be medically transitioning," Colby, who is notably one of multiple transgender contestants on her season of Drag Race, wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "I think affirming them to outwardly express the gender they identify with until adulthood is plenty. Period." (@) "According to multiple gender affirming websites and mayo clinic the suggested age to start hormone replacement therapy is 18 and 16-17 with adult consent but there is no official limitation legally on when someone can start using hormones such as estradiol, depo-testosterone, progesterone.. Etc," she continued. (@) "All Im saying is I feel that only someone should be making that decision as an adult! I dont think 14 year olds are out here getting bbls,ffs,srs, and breasts. However to treat gender dysphoria in a way that can forever change someones ability to have children and consequently affect their body's functions should they change their mind (which young people do) is something I dont agree with."Almost immediately, fans and followers started jumping into the conversation, including many trans folks who received gender-affirming care when they were minors. (@) Grammy-winner Kim Petras, who made headlines when she was medically transitioning in Germany at the age of 14 and has always maintained that gender-affirming care saved her life, simply responded, "ok umm, wtf?"Many people were quick to point out that gender-affirming care for minors is typically puberty blockers, and later, hormone therapy. While some trans people have access to breast or top surgery in later teen years, it isn't that common, and it is extremely more rare that people under the age of 18 have any kind of access to bottom surgery as well. (@) According to a recent study, only 3 percent of trans youth who started gender-affirming care in their teen years had discontinued care. Satisfaction rates in the study, which looked at 269 youth, showed that 6-10 years after transition began, the average satisfaction rate was 6.5/7. (@) One of the best responses to Colby's X post came from Bosco, another trans queen who competed on Drag Race on season 14."Children are not medically transitioning. Children are not having gender affirming surgeries," she wrote. "These are conservative lies created to drum up transphobia with voters. HRT is only available to teens ages 16-17 after EXTENSIVE amounts of therapy. Puberty blockers are safe." (@) "The boogieman of 'children having transgender surgeries' is a Trojan horse to lay the grounds to take away access to gender affirming care for all trans people," she continued. "The right has already very successfully used this tactic by over-representing the impact of trans women in sports. Whipping up frenzy to gain voter support to legislate against trans people. Democrats are already gearing up to throw the trans community under the bus because this kind of bullshit is turning the median voter against trans people. We have to be able to identify the talking points that are being used against us." (@) Colby starred in the 14th season of Drag Race, where she was one of a handful of trans queens to compete. The season started off with Colby alongside Kornbread "The Snack" Jete, and in the weeks following, Bosco, Jasmine Kennedie, and the season's eventual winner Willow Pill all came out as trans. Many other trans women pointed out that while she might not have had bad intentions, she was spreading misinformation and right-wing talking points with her X posts. (@) Others pointed out that puberty blockers for youth are reversible. (@) Some emphasized that trans children are under attack right now, and this kind of rhetoric only endangers them even more. (@) Thankfully, now, Colby has apologized. (@) "I voted and work to stand with trans youth and their right to forge their own path and protect their freedom," Colby said in a statement. "My trans journey as an adult brought me exquisite clarity and self awareness, yet I've seen my quiet struggles that often remain unspoken.""My intention in sharing my personal experience was not to cause chaos but create conversation since our future is so uncertain. I realize the way I approached the conversation should have been handled differently, and I apologize," she continued. "Thank you to my sisters and brothers who have talked through this with me and reminded me how strong and beautiful our community is, but also how harmful the manner of how I phrased things can be used as talking points that spread misinformation. No matter what the next four years bring us, I believe in our trans youth and deeply desire to see us all grow old together."

On Wednesday, the Ohio state Senate passed Senate Bill 104, a transgender bathroom ban for all students in the state, including those in higher education.The bill, entitled the Protect All Students Act, passed 24-7, with the vote being entirely party-line. Related Ohio Republicans force through anti-trans bathroom ban at last minute The bill heavily restricts the ability of trans people to use bathrooms they identify with A school shall designate each student restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower room that is accessible by multiple students at the same time, whether located in a school building or located in a facility used by the school for a school-sponsored activity, for the exclusive use by students of the male biological sex only or by students of the female biological sex only, says the bill text.The bill will go to Governor Mike DeWines (R) desk to either be signed or vetoed. He is expected to pass it, although according to the Associated Press will conduct a legal review first. 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 The ban does not apply to school faculty, children under 10 needing familial assistance, or people with disabilities.The bill does not rely on a definition of gender but rather of biological sex, which it defines as the biological indication of male and female, including sex chromosomes, naturally occurring sex hormones, gonads, and nonambiguous internal and external genitalia present at birth, without regard to an individuals psychological, chosen, or subjective experience of gender.It does not mention or make exceptions for intersex individuals, who do not fit into biological sex categories neatly.The bill has strong backing from the Ohio Center for Christian Virtue. Today is a huge victory for children and families in Ohio, the groups policy director, David Mahan, said in a statement, where he also called the law common-sense legislation. Jocelyn Rosnick, Policy Director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, said in a statement: We are incredibly disheartened by the Ohio General Assemblys continuous attacks against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals across Ohio. Senate Bill 104 is a cruel invasion of students rights to privacy, which could result in unwarranted governmental disclosures of private, personal information.If allowed to go into effect, SB 104 will create unsafe environments for trans and gender non-confirming individuals of all ages. This bill ignores the material reality that transgender people endure higher rates of sexual violence and assaults, particularly while using public restrooms, than people who are not transgender. All Ohioans deserve to access the facilities they need, in alignment with their gender identity, without fear of harassment or bullying. The ACLU of Ohio remains steadfast in our commitment to standing with trans Ohioans and is closely considering next steps.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Theodore Olson, the iconoclastic appellate lawyer behind George W. Bushs victory before the Supreme Court in 2000, died on Wednesday. He was 84.Olson was widely condemned on the left for his role in stopping the vote count in Florida, which denied Democratic nominee Vice President Al Gore an electoral college victory to accompany his popular vote win. Bare-knuckle legal tactics from Olson plus a Brooks Brothers riot and infamous hanging chads were key to Bushs ultimate success. Related Marriage equality champion Ted Olson spurns Donald Trumps offer to join legal team The attempts to woo the legal veteran suggests Trump is feeling even more pressure over the Mueller investigation. Bush rewarded Olson with a nomination for solicitor general arguing for the United States before the Supreme Court; he was approved over fierce opposition from Senate Democrats who called him too political for the post. Olson appeared more than 60 times before the high court. 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 It came as a surprise, therefore, to liberals, conservatives, and the LGBTQ+ community alike, when Olson took on the effort to strike down Proposition 8, the notorious gay marriage ban passed by California voters the same night that Barack Obama was elected president in 2008. Olson invited David Boies, his former nemesis in the Bush v Gore battle, to help overturn the ballot initiative.It is a conservative value to respect the relationship that people seek to have with one another, a stable, committed relationship that provides a backbone for our community, for our economy, Olson later told the Los Angeles Times. I think conservatives should value that.Olson said he endured the wrath of the conservative establishment as a result; conservative talk-show host Rush Limbaugh denounced him on talk radio and dinner invitations in Washington dried up, despite Olsons status as a fixture in conservative social and political circles. His wife, Barbara Olson, was a firebrand conservative commentator who died in the plane that struck the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Olson was recruited to the Prop 8 case by actor and activist Rob Reiner after Olson told him the initiative was wrong, morally and legally.Others on the left thought Olson might throw the case intentionally. I dont take cases to lose, he said in response.In his opening statement in 2010, Olson argued, What Prop 8 does is label gay and lesbian persons as different, inferior, unequal, and disfavored. It says to gays and lesbians, Your relationship is not the same. It stigmatizes them. It classifies them as outcasts. It causes needless and unrelenting pain and isolation and humiliation.Judge Vaughn R. Walker, who heard the case without a jury, went on to find Prop 8 violated the guarantee of equal protection under the law. The Supreme Court let the ruling stand, finding the plaintiffs lacked standing to bring the case. The decision helped propel the marriage equality movement that culminated in the Supreme Courts 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, granting the right to marriage equality nationally. Donald Trump tried to recruit Olson twice to defend him in criminal investigations and was rebuffed on both occasions. Olson and Boies denounced Trump in an op-ed for The Washington Post over his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. The pair also wrote a memoir together, Redeeming the Dream: Proposition 8 and the Struggle for Marriage Equality, published in 2014. Olson remained an astute political observer and source of counsel in the years following. He is survived by two children from his first marriage and his fourth wife, Lady Booth, a Kentucky tax lawyer and lifelong Democrat he married in 2006. Shes working on me, Olson told the Los Angeles Times of Booths effort to find his inner liberal.Its important to be surrounded by people who think differently than we do, Olson said. We dont learn anything if we surround ourselves by people who think the same way we do.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Our favorite diamonds are back!Erika Jayne is returning for her ninth season on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and she's living in her total fantasy.Following a few rocky years of legal woes as she split from her ex-husband Tom Girardi, Jayne is now stepping into her power and enjoying into a lighter chapter of life."I feel good about where I'm at. I'm happy. I was able to continue to let some things go. Some other things legally have resolved, so I feel very good. I feel at peace inside," Jayne tells PRIDE. See on Instagram While Jayne may be at peace in her personal life, the same can't be said for her friendships with her costars. Fans will see Jayne's relationship with Sutton Stracke continue to evolve as the two butt heads throughout the season."She is okay one minute and then the next minute, it's not. When that happens over and over, it's hard to feel any sort of stability in a friendship. The friendship you end up maintaining is at an arm's length. How can you invest in something built on sand?"Speaking of rocky friendships, former besties Dorit Kemsley and Kyle Richards have finally hit a boiling point in their relationship as Kemsley's marriage comes to an end."Let me tell you something. Dorit Kemsley came to play. She said everything she ever wanted to say and that's a lot of words. Dorit was on it. She had enough and did not hold back. They had quite a bit to say and they ended up saying it to each other."The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills returns Tuesday, November 19 on Bravo. To see the full interview with Erika Jayne, check out the video at the top of the page.

(@) Somehow, Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert managed to get herself reelected despite being incompetent and getting caught groping a man while watching a Beetlejuice play. Now shes back on Capitol Hill talking about her belief in underwater aliens, and the internet is having a field day with the admission.During a hearing for a subcommittee of the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, Boebert questioned a group of experts who believe the Pentagon is hiding information from the public about UFOs, or UAPs (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) as theyre now called, and it went of the rails quickly, the New York Post reports.In a clip currently going viral on X (formerly Twitter), the Colorado congresswoman asks the UAP experts about the existence of secret underwater alien bases. Are there any accounts of UAPs emerging from or submerging into our waters which could indicate a base or presence between the oceans surface? Boebert asked. One of the experts, journalist Michael Shellenberger, said he hadnt heard about it. Its good to know shes focused on the important stuff.While its not included in the clip making the rounds on social media, earlier in the hearing, she also asked about whether or not the government is busy making human-alien hybrids. So apparently, she not only believes that aliens have colonized the ocean floor but also said that there are rumors about a secretive project within the Department of Defense involving the manipulation of human genetics with what is described as non-human material potentially for the enhancement of human capabilities. None of the experts had heard this rumor either. If alien experts think your theories are outlandish it might be time to, I dont know, retire. After getting caught giving a helping hand to her male companion in public, having your old mugshot go viral, and getting so drunk at a work event that Donald Trump wanted nothing to do with you, youd think Boebert would have run out of ways to embarrass herself, but we guess not. Keep scrolling to see the internet joining together to roast Boebert for her hilarious belief in aliens! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

The creators, cast and crew of Wickedhave truly been changed for good since shooting the most highly anticipated movie of the year. And now, the wait is almost over! Premiering in theaters November 22nd, the film adaptation of one of Broadways most iconic shows, Wicked, is sure to enchant audiences all over the world. Wicked [...]The post WATCH: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, and more Talk Wicked: Oz is a very queer place. first appeared on GLAAD.

A three-judge panel on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit is allowing Indianas ban on gender-affirming care for minors to be implemented. The law in question was signed in April 2023 by Gov. Eric Holcomb (R), and it bans doctors from prescribing puberty blockers and hormone therapy to trans minors. Holcomb said that the bill was so vague that it was clear as mud but still signed it into law. It passed the state legislature by a large margin in both chambers, which meant that lawmakers could have overridden his veto if he didnt sign it. Related 7 GOP attorneys general threaten Target over Pride display They sent a legal threat to Target for selling obscene matter because, in part, the store sold a T-shirt with a drag queen on it. The ACLU of Indiana sued on behalf of four families to stop the law from being implemented, and a district court judge issued a preliminary injunction to stop it from going into effect while the case worked its way through the legal system. 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 The state appealed the injunction to the Seventh Circuit court, which lifted it in February and now issued its final ruling against it. In that ruling, the judges said that the district court was wrong that the bill would cause irreparable harm to trans youth who would be forced to detransition, saying that psychotherapy and parasocial support can be used to treat gender dysphoria in the absence of gender-affirming care.It might be different if Indiana barred all treatment for gender dysphoria, but SEA 480 does no such thing, wrote Judge Michael Brennan, who was appointed by Donald Trump.All major medical organizations in the U.S. support gender-affirming care as safe and effective.The majority of the panel also said that the state law doesnt violate trans youths due process or equal protection rights since both trans boys and trans girls are barred from accessing gender-affirming care. So, sex does not indicate on what basis treatment is prohibited, Brennan wrote. The law does not create a class of one sex and a class of another and deny treatment to just one of those classes.The argument depends on not seeing transgender people as a class of people. Cisgender youth are still able to access gender-affirming care under the law, which explicitly states that it only bans certain treatments when used to make someone resemble a sex different from the individuals sex assigned at birth.Judge Candace Jackson-Akiwumi, appointed by President Joe Biden, dissented from Brennans decision, while Ronald Reagan-appointee Judge Kenneth Ripple joined Brennan in the 2-1 decision.We are disappointed and are considering our options, said Kenneth Faulk of the ACLU of Indiana.Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita (R) hailed the decision and cited God in a statement on it. The Seventh District Court of Appeals decision today is a huge win for Hoosiers and will help protect our most precious gift from God our children, he said. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Turns out aligning yourself with fascism is bad for business not that business has been doing particularly great over at X (formerly Twitter) ever since Elon Musk took over the social media platform. I mean, a company losing over 80% of its value in just two short years has to be some kind of record.So much for go woke, go broke am I right? But I digress.Following the presidential election, The Guardian reports that one social media startup is benefitting from Xs loss. Originally launched in February of this year, the Twitter-esque Bluesky has picked up more than 1 million new users since November 4, as people are exiting X and that echo chamber of hate speech and misinformation in search of, well, bluer skies.According to Appfigures, Bluesky is currently sitting at No. 1 in Apples App Store for the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia marking the first time the app has reached the top spot in any of those countries, and meaning we may finally be able to break free from X once and for all.Good riddance.Were not going to lie, the platform is still a work in progress and many of our faves have not made the move yet. But with gays heading there in droves, no doubt its about to get spicy and a whole lot more fun in very short order. And several of our favorite celebs have already made their way over there, too.Here are 20 queer celebs you can follow today, to start building your new, Musk- and largely MAGA-free new social media environment. Katy OBrianNew hat[image or embed] Katy OBrian (@thekatyo.bsky.social) January 16, 2024 at 9:24 PMHamish SteeleDay 3 of MCM and I barely have any stock left but I'd love to still meet you and sign stuff!I'm also on a panel at 2pm called PrideinGraphicNovels! Come along and hear me yap about queer comics![image or embed] Hamish Steele (@hamishsteele.bsky.social) October 27, 2024 at 3:31 AMDon LemonGood Morning Bluesky [image or embed] Don Lemon (@donlemonofficial.bsky.social) November 14, 2024 at 5:03 AMRoxane GayKale is so menacing. Kale this, kale that. Kale Caesar salad. Just... menacing. Roxane Gay (@roxanegay.bsky.social) November 14, 2024 at 7:52 AMGretchen Felker-MartinJust started feeding all my tweets into the digital woodchipper. Finally shuttering the old girl. End of an era. Gretchen Felker-Martin (Scary) (@scumbelievable.bsky.social) November 12, 2024 at 11:40 PMMara Wilson@marawilson.bsky.socialRachel MaddowThe first rule of authoritarian politics is that theres only one source of authority.Congress will be expected to give up its role in governing, particularly anything that restrains Trumps choices and desires. Rachel Maddow (@maddow.bsky.social) November 13, 2024 at 3:33 PMChelsea Manningpaleopronoun users be like thou/thee/thine Chelsea Manning (@xychelsea.tv) February 16, 2024 at 1:54 PMCynthia Nixon@cynthianixon.bsky.socialAngelica RossNot having a personal or executive assistant has wore me out doing every aspect of my business again and has limited me SOMEWHAT. I just cant do as much as fast. BUT it has also been necessary for me to reassess & restructure things to be more balanced & streamlined. Angelica Ross (@angelicaross.com) November 14, 2024 at 6:31 AMLaverne CoxExcited to join the conversation on Bluesky! Lets uplift each other, share our stories, and advocate for love and inclusivity. Cant wait to connect with all of you! Laverne Cox (@lavernecox.bsky.social) October 30, 2024 at 9:49 PMRep. Zooey ZephyrWhen government uses bureaucracy to brutalize a peoplewhen they try to hide oppression behind the normalcy of governmentany representative worth their office must stand in opposition.Thank you, Te Pti Mori.[image or embed] Rep. Zooey Zephyr (@zoandbehold.bsky.social) November 14, 2024 at 12:37 PMElvira Happy #WorldGothDay [image or embed] Elvira (@therealelvira.bsky.social) May 22, 2023 at 10:27 AMPandora BoxxInquiring minds want to know[image or embed] Pandora Boxx (@thepandoraboxx.bsky.social) November 11, 2024 at 10:22 PMDawnDo my late night divas still exist over here and do we like sneaky peaks[image or embed] Dawn (@upuntil-dawn.bsky.social) November 10, 2024 at 11:01 PMAmanda Tori MeatingDamn not me having more followers than Dawn after one day here yall really are lil meaties promotions for all of u !! Amanda Tori Meating (@amandatorimeating.bsky.social) November 12, 2024 at 8:39 AMEvah DestructionLast night [image or embed] Evah Destruction (@evahdestruction.bsky.social) November 14, 2024 at 7:45 AMBiqtch PuddinHey Spirit Halloween, thanks for having me as a regional manager this year. The break room snacks were to die for. My personal fav being the Cheetos. Happy Halloween everyone! [image or embed] Biqtch Puddin (@biqtchpuddin.bsky.social) October 31, 2024 at 3:42 PMGeorge Takei It's me. Hi, I'm the problem, it's me. [image or embed] George Takei (@georgetakei.bsky.social) November 13, 2024 at 11:00 AMMichele VisageOkay. Im here. Michelle Visage (@michellevisage.bsky.social) April 28, 2023 at 12:53 PM

Donald Trump just added another unqualified politician to his Cabinet by picking Robert F Kennedy Jr. to head up the Department of Health and Human Services because who better to be in charge of American's health than an anti-vaxxer?On Thursday, Trump announced his newest pick but forgot to mention that Kennedy's only qualification for the position is that he's a semi-expert on brain worms, having had one for years. Not only doesn't he have the experience necessary to run such a complicated arm of the U.S. government, but he's an outspoken anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist who would look more at home in a tinfoil hat than the jeans he wears to work out in.Kennedy wasn't the only head-scratching addition to Trump's administration this week. He also picked a Fox News host to be his secretary of defense, real-life Cruella de Vil Krisit Noem as secretary of homeland security, alleged sexual abuser Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general, and conspiracy theorist and Russian propaganda spreader Tulsi Gabbard as director of national security.It's like Trump wants to create a supergroup, but instead of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, he picked all of the most incompetent fraudsters ever to grace Capitol Hill. The scary part is there are still positions left that he can fill when even more idiots. Why not collect them all?Keep scrolling to see the funniest reactions to RFK Jr. taking over Health and Human Services! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

Donald Trump announced that Robert Kennedy Jr. is his pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and hes getting support from unusual quarters.Kennedy has no background in medical science and is known for his wacky, anti-scientific approach to health, which includes opposition to vaccines and sunscreen, health interventions that have saved millions of lives. Kennedy himself has a history of poor health, which included a parasitic brain worm that resulted in mental fogginess and memory loss. Related Marjorie Taylor Greene calls for an end to affirmative action for vaccinated people She wants the Supreme Courts ruling ending affirmative action at Harvard to apply to vaccine status. Out country has a health pandemic, or epidemic even, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) told reporters when asked about Trumps intention to nominate Kennedy. Greene is an outspoken opponent of vaccination. I think hes gonna do a great job. Hes gonna fire all the people that are responsible for the most atrocious things that have been, you know, regulated and put into law and forced on Americans. 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 She said that Kennedy will bring the U.S. to the European standard, even though European countries generally had more strict vaccine requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. The American people voted overwhelmingly on November 5th for a mandate to Make America Healthy Again!President @realDonaldTrump and @RobertKennedyJr want to put the United States on the European standard and end the war waged on children by the CDC and Big Pharma.I predict we pic.twitter.com/aGnxdFq2HE Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) November 14, 2024Kennedy also got support from out Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D). Im excited by the news that the President-Elect will appoint [Robert Kennedy Jr.] to [HHS], Polis wrote on X. He helped us defeat vaccine mandates in Colorado in 2019 and will help make America healthy again by shaking up HHS and FDA. I hope he leans into personal choice on vaccines rather than bans (which I think are terrible, just like mandates) but what Im most optimistic about is taking on big pharma and the corporate ag oligopoly to improve our health.Polis cited what he believes is Kennedys support for capping prescription drug prices and reducing the use of pesticides in agriculture in his post. Im excited by the news that the President-Elect will appoint @RobertKennedyJr to @HHSGov. He helped us defeat vaccine mandates in Colorado in 2019 and will help make America healthy again by shaking up HHS and FDA. I hope he leans into personal choice on vaccines rather than pic.twitter.com/cILtTYplcn Jared Polis (@jaredpolis) November 14, 2024Kennedy has gotten attention for his bizarre beliefs on health matters. For example, he has said that COVID was engineered by China to target Caucasians and Black people and spare Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people. He claimed the U.S. is sending money to Ukraine to fund other racial bioweapons. Absolutely disgusting and insane. The @nypost obtained video from a recent RFK Jr. event where he suggested COVID is a Chinese bioweapon ethnically targeted to attack Caucasians and Black people and to spare Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people. He then falsely claimed the pic.twitter.com/reTqaEc1aL MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) July 15, 2023 Kennedy has been a prominent voice in the anti-vaccine movement, which is based on pseudoscience and uses misinformation to spread the belief that vaccines dont prevent disease. He is a member and the chair of Childrens Health Defense, an anti-vaccine organization that claims that autism, ADHD, food allergies, cancer, and autoimmune disease are caused by vaccines. Kennedy and Childrens Health Defense spread misinformation in 2018 in Samoa that led to a decline in the vaccination rate, which was followed by an outbreak of measles in which 57,000 people were infected and 83 people including children died. Kennedy opposes the fluorination of water, which is considered one of the great public health achievements of the 20th century. Fluoridation improves dental health and particularly benefits children who cant regularly access dental care, but it has also long been the subject of conspiracy theories. Kennedy is also an HIV denialist, including over 100 pages of quotes from people who deny the connection between HIV and AIDS in his book The Real Anthony Fauci. Kennedy has disparagingly referred to the orthodoxy that HIV alone causes AIDS and the theology that HIV is the sole cause of AIDS. He has called medications used to treat HIV absolutely fatal. He refers to himself as an AIDS dissident.Kent State University public health professor Tara Smith notes that Kennedy has engaged in germ theory denial, or the idea that microbes dont spread disease. He has disparagingly referred to the scientific consensus that many diseases are caused by microbes as germ their aficionados, who he contrasted with miasmists, or people who believe that a miasma over a certain terrain is the cause of infectious diseases. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The best elfing speakeasy this side of the North Pole returns to NYC this holiday season in Santas Secret, an innovative and immersive experience at The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards (20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY, 10001) from November 25 through December 31.You can learn more at www.SantasSecret.com. In this exciting two-hour spectacle, guests meander through a winter wonderland, exploring six exciting installations, on their way to the North Pole. Guests will encounter snow angels, gingerbread ladies, and rugged lumberjacks along the winding path. They may even catch an ice queen trapped in a life-sized snow globe!You can learn more at www.SantasSecret.com.The journey leads to Santas Secret speakeasy where guests will be treated to mouthwatering holiday-themed cocktails and the sounds of a five-piece band with lead vocals by Inyang Bassey.You can learn more at www.SantasSecret.com.The night concludes with a variety show, hosted by the hilarious ice queen, Shequida. It will feature a mix of ballet, burlesque and unique, jaw-dropping acts; and all of Santas wildest secrets will be revealed!You can learn more at www.SantasSecret.com.There is no place more exciting than New York City for Christmas, says the shows producer, Brandon Voss of Voss Events. Santas Secret combines the splendor of 5th Avenue with the glamour of downtown nightlife. We specifically chose to produce Santas Secret at Hudson Yards because it is the citys most exciting new neighborhood and is quickly becoming the cultural center of Manhattan.You can learn more at www.SantasSecret.com.Santas Secret takes place on Level 5 of The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards (20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY, 10001) and runs Thursdays through Sundays from November 25 until December 31, 2022. Ticket prices begin at $75, with a special preview price of $45 for shows in November. You can find more specific information about the experience and purchase tickets at www.SantasSecret.com. For more information on Santas Secret, please visit www.VossEvents.com. Follow the immersive experience on IG @SantasSecretnyc and on IG, Twitter, and Facebook @VossEvents.

The Queen of Bounce is back and better than ever in Fuse TVs hit seriesBig Freedia Means Business! Back for a second season, which premiered Wednesday, October 2nd, Big Freedia and her all-star team are making big moves in The Big Easy and beyond. Truly in control of her life and brand, her HUSTLE is [...]The post Keep Up with Big Freedia on Fuse TVs Big Freedia Means Business first appeared on GLAAD.

Now that Emilia Prez is streaming on Netflix, more people are able to critique this profoundly retrograde portrayal of a trans woman. While the film garnered rave reviews when it premiered at Cannes earlier this year, none of those reviews were written by trans people. There is an ongoing challenge with high-profile film festivals programming [...]The post Emilia Prez is Not Good Trans Representation first appeared on GLAAD.

The documentary Forgetting the Many: The Royal Pardon of Alan Turing opens at Cinema Village in NYC on Friday, December 6, for a one-week run. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Rosemarie Reed and narrated by acclaimed actor Ben Whishaw, Forgetting the Many examines the posthumous pardon of the World War II codebreaker Alan Turing as well as the stories of other gay men who were convicted under the 1885 British law that criminalized male homosexual acts as gross indecency.Through in-depth interviews, archival footage, and personal stories, Forgetting the Many shows how these men lost their jobs, families, and dignity in their struggle for justice. Although none of men in the film are prominent figures like Turing, their plights are just as powerful and deserve to be on equal footing as Turings story, Rosemarie Reed contends.The documentary explores the political activism and legal efforts that eventually brought about the reforms allowing many of the men to seek pardons. However, Reed points out that full justice still remains elusive for some as they continue the fight to expunge their records after the laws repeal.The Sexual Offenses Act of 1967 was the first to grant a partial decriminalization of homosexual acts between consenting adults in England and Wales, but it wasnt until 2003 that full decriminalization was enacted. Still, those convicted carried the stigma of a criminal record, which often adversely impacted their job prospects. In 2009, then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown issued a formal apology for Alan Turings 1952 conviction for same-sex acts. Then, in 2013, Queen Elizabeth II posthumously pardoned him. This royal pardon extended only to Turing. It left thousands of other men convicted under the same and similar laws without a pardon.In 2017, the Policing and Crime Act, amended by what became known as Turings Law, provided automatic posthumous pardons for deceased men who had been convicted of homosexual behavior that was no longer a crime. It was a long-overdue step toward justice. However, the surviving, still-living men who had been penalized by the law were left in legal limbo, still carrying the adversity of their convictions. They had to first apply to have their convictions disregarded (removed from police records) to receive a pardon. Moreover, this disregard scheme and pardon law did not cover all previous homosexual offenses. It was not until 2022, with the passage of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, that the range of past same-sex offenses eligible for a disregard and pardon was broadened to cover all homosexual acts that are no longer considered crimes. Some men remain ineligible for pardons because their offenses such as consenting adults engaging in sex in a public restroom or a minor engaging in consensual same-sex sexual relations with another minor remain illegal.With films on subjects ranging from the scientific contributions of women like Irne Joliot-Curie to world leaders like Mikhail Gorbachev, Rosemarie Reed has built a career on highlighting overlooked stories. Shes particularly interested in documentaries that delve deep into historical injustices. She was inspired to create Forgetting the Many: The Royal Pardon of Alan Turing when she realized that Turings 2013 posthumous pardon had forgotten thousands of other men convicted under the same and similar homophobic laws. Reed saw this as an ongoing injustice, and her film became a way to ensure that some of their stories were heard.Forgetting the Many: The Royal Pardon of Alan Turing shines a spotlight on the continuing fight for justice, both in the U.K. and around the world, where similar laws and their legacies still impact lives today. While the legal battle for pardons continues, the film calls attention to the need for societal change and greater recognition of the harm done to these men.Forgetting the Many: The Royal Pardon of Alan Turing opens at Cinema Village in NYC on Dec. 6th. For more information including showtimes and to purchase tickets visit www.cinemavillage.com.

In 2020, GLAAD launched its first annual 20 Under 20 list in collaboration with Teen Vogue. Since then, the campaign has put the spotlight on a new batch of 20 young LGBTQ change makers, ages 20 and under, every year. Those who are honored come from a diverse array of backgrounds, identities, and areas of [...]The post GLAADs 20 Under 20 Class of 2022: Where Are They Now? first appeared on GLAAD.

Last Week TonighthostJohn Oliver has a message for those blaming Vice PresidentKamala Harriss loss in the Presidential Election on the partys alliance with transgender rights; youre missing the mark. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Last Week Tonight (@lastweektonight) Focusing this weeks episode of the late night show on the [...]The post WATCH: John Oliver Claps Back at Anti-Trans Politicians on Last Week Tonight first appeared on GLAAD.

This next guest is someone I'm glad to know, see, celebrate, and transform with.It's a crisp Brooklyn afternoon, and Gatekeeper Adrian is ensconced in their favorite interview spot. A mural-covered nook where even the background feels like it has something to say. They lean forward, eyes bright, ready to dive into the tapestry of their work, interwoven with history, resilience, and unapologetically Black trans and queer existence.In every brushstroke and camera angle, Adrian captures the intersectional complexities of identity, a march forward while honoring the past, a message of power in representation and visibility. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gatekeeper Adrian (@gatekeeper90)The Birth of Rochester Black PrideAdrian's history as an "artivist" and organizer was forged in the fires of 2014, during the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of Michael Brown. At the time, Adrian took notice the LGBTQ+ scene in their Rochester, NY community was overwhelminglyand catered toa white audience."There's a history here," Adrian muses. "LGBTQ+ rights wouldn't exist without Black and Brown trans women, but when we look around, our stories are marginalized We're invited to sit at their tables, but why would we settle for that?"This realization birthed Rochester Black Pride, a celebration intentionally crafted to center the voices and experiences of Black, Brown, queer, and trans communities. This resolve and an uncompromising vision for self-representation have influenced successive projects at the intersection of art and activism. For Adrian, there's no time to sit and wait for mainstream platforms to amplify marginalized voices.They're creating spaces where those voices are the main event.A Painter of StoriesFrom the hand-painted murals to the short films that adorn the Gatekeeper's portfolio, art is as much an aesthetic pursuit as it is a mirror, a megaphone, and a lifeline. Art, they say, is a way to document the joy, the struggle, and the rich, vibrant lives of Black, trans, and queer people.Adrian's pride shines through when they discuss their work for the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center. Tasked initially with a time-lapse video of construction, they saw a story demanding to be told, one centered on the often-overlooked contributions of Black and Brown LGBTQ+ activists. "They say we're on the margins," Adrian laughs, "but it's our stories that are the foundation.From Compton's Cafeteria to the Stonewall riots, Black and Brown trans & queer people have been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ liberation. Adrian's role at Stonewall allowed them to lift these narratives and, as they put it, "center the center," making sure that Black and Brown trans people are honored not just as part of the backdrop but as essential to the heartbeat of the ongoing movement. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nomi Mendoza (@mindofmendoza)Reimagining Cultural IconsOne of Gatekeeper's recent projects was reimagining the classic '90s sitcom Living Single, only this time, the main female characters were Black trans women. Brought to life by the brilliant minds at the Black Trans Femmes in the Arts (BTFA) Collective, this project was part of an annual Halloween series where Adrian and BTFA take iconic pop culture moments and give them a Black trans twist."My good girlfriends suggested it, and I was all in," they beam. Recreating the intro was no small feat: they had to hunt down fonts and graphics to evoke the sitcom's essencedetails. Though it sounds like an easy task, Adrian admits these were not easily accessible; for many Black pop cultural media, finding similar fonts and aesthetics is an endeavor compared to the likes of I Love Lucy and Mary Tyler Moore Show.But that's the magic in Adrian's work. They don't just reimaginethey reclaim, rebuild, and rejoice in Black trans representation."You watch these scenes, and you realize how important it is to see four Black trans girlfriends in their 20s and 30s living in New York, dealing with the comedy and chaos of life," Adrian says. They believe a vision of sisterhood and celebration is crucial for visibility.And it's just as crucial for Black trans joy.The Power and Struggle of FundingOf course, creating these groundbreaking projects comes with its own challenges, and one of the biggest hurdles, Gatekeeper plainly says with a rueful smile, is funding. "I'm a Capricorn," they laugh, "so you know I'm going to say money!" They've built a world on passion, community, and a fierce commitment to Black queer excellence and representation, but funding remains an ongoing struggle. Finding resources to elevate these voices can be a near-impossible task in an industry that often overlooks new and transformative narratives."We're not lacking talent," Gatekeeper asserts. "What we lack is access. We can create amazing narratives, but systematic barriers, algorithms, and a lack of funding make it challenging to reach a wider audience." Adrian dreams of a day when projects that center on Black trans and queer experiences are just as well-funded and widely distributed as Hollywood's sequels and reboots.But these barriers don't cause them to sit idle: Gatekeeper Adrian continues to build networks, foster collaborations, and make art that refuses to be ignored.Words of Wisdom for Budding Queer ArtistsAs always, I ask each individual I interview what one piece of advice they'd offer those in their position, personal or otherwise. Ever-so-Adrian, they offer two pieces of advice. "One," they begin thoughtfully, "you're not the first." They emphasize the importance of looking to those who've come before, learning from their battles, and building on their triumphs. And two: "Just do it," they exclaim, "The vision in your head? Make it real. That thing that's haunting you? Get it out. Tell your story, because no one else can do it like you."Paradoxically, the Gatekeeper isn't limiting access. Each project, each mural, and each film they create is a testament to their drive and a love letter to the communities they uplift and celebrate.Gatekeeper Adrian is part of a powerful lineage of Black trans and queer creators carving a path not just for themselves but for a new generation of storytellers who will pick up the camera, the brush, the penor the keyboardand continue to create.Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ and Allied community. Visit pride.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on any of our stories. Email us at voices@equalpride.com. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists and editors, and do not directly represent the views of PRIDE.com or our parent company, equalpride.

Emily Clarks poignant short documentary, Is Gay Marriage Next?, is a masterclass in intertwining the personal and the political. It offers a deeply intimate narrative that reflects the broader cultural shifts surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in America. Inspired by a 2003 Newsweek cover featuring a lesbian couplea groundbreaking revelation at the timeClarks film is a profound [...]The post Is Gay Marriage Next? A Haunting and Heartfelt Short Documentary on Progress, Peril and the Fight for Equality first appeared on GLAAD.

The leader of one of the parties in Uzbekistans government coalition announced that they are working on a law to ban LGBTQ+ propaganda in the Central Asia country. And theyre giving credit to Donald Trump for the move.Alisher Qodirov is the leader of the Milliy Tiklanish (National Revival) party, which, along with the Liberal Democrats, controls the lower chamber of the parliament of Uzbekistan. He posted on the social media network Telegram that his party is working on a draft law to ban discussions of LGBTQ+ people. Related Mary Trump explains why Ivanka Trump is distancing herself from her father Ivanka Trump skipped her fathers 2024 campaign announcement. Donald Trumps lesbian niece explains why. In the post, he referenced a post written by Donald Trumps daughter Ivanka Trump, where she promoted her fathers opposition to inappropriate sexual content and transgender ideology in schools. The idea that schools are teaching children to be transgender or exposing them to gay sexual content is false and has been used to ban all mentions of LGBTQ+ people in schools in certain states and school districts in the U.S. 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 change in the center of the disease is very good, Qodirov wrote. We are working on adopting a law prohibiting any kind of propaganda in this regard.Homosexuality is currently illegal in the Muslim-majority nation, punishable by up to three years in prison. It is one of only two post-Soviet states (along with Turkmenistan) to ban homosexuality. There are no protections against anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination or hate crimes.A 2021 Human Rights Watch report noted that gay and bi men in Uzbekistan face abuse from vigilante mobs as well as the police. Because of the violence and discrimination that LGBT people are subjected to, we had to stop most of [our] projects, news feeds or groups online, one activist told Human Rights Watch. Weve gone completely underground.Five men told the organization that they have had to pay bribes of up to $1000 to keep police from outing them to their families or to the public.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

In a strange and trolling display of false equivalence on Thursday, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) responded to a reporters question about Donald Trumps intention to nominate former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) as his attorney general by sharing a picture of trans Admiral Rachel Levine and nonbinary former Department of Energy official Sam Brinton.Johnson, at the ready, pulled the photo from his suit jacket pocket when the question came up. Related Donald Trump names anti-LGBTQ+ Rep. Matt Gaetz as the next attorney general Gaetz has referred to LGBTQ+ people as degenerates and will be expected to rubber stamp Trumps agenda and vendettas. Heres my answer, Johnson said as he extracted the pic and held it up for reporters. 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 Did you harass Democratic senators on those nominees? he added, not explaining what the issue was with them at the time they were nominated other than their gender identities. Checking in on Senate GOP Gaetz reaction:When asked whether he wants to see the Gaetz ethics report, Ron Johnson unfolds a printout of this picture of Rachel Levine and Sam Brinton and asks reporters whether they harassed Democrats about these nominees pic.twitter.com/D59PSx3KXz Max Cohen (@maxpcohen) November 14, 2024The gesture perpetuated MAGA Republicans reliance in the 2024 campaign on trans and gender-fluid individuals to illustrate a radical Democratic agenda and inspire their base to the polls. Johnsons stunt indicates theyll continue that strategy of demonization in service of Trumps goals as president.The President has been given the opportunity to fill his administration with people that he wants, Johnson said of Gaetz and the president-elects other personnel choices. Hes got an impressive agenda, so he needs people who will try and implement it aggressively.Trump announced his intention to nominate Gaetz who hasbeen under investigation by the House Ethics Committeefor potential lobbying violations, illicit drug use, and connections to sex trafficking on Wednesday. The Florida rep resigned from the House immediately, short-circuiting any further action by the Ethics Committee, including publication of the committees report, which would have happened today if he were still a member of Congress.Johnson elaborated on Gaetzs nomination in an interview with the right-wing Newsmax network, where he again diverted attention from Gaetzs qualifications and ethical shortcomings to Levine and Brinton.Asked about the Ethics Committee report on Gaetz, Johnson responded with another what about trans people evasion. I havent seen those findings. Pretty interesting when you consider some of the nominees that President Trump or President Biden put forward, he said.Sam Brinton, who ended up being convicted of stealing womens suitcases off the baggage carousel. Rachel Levine I mean, I didnt hear, I didnt see reporters approaching Democrat senators in the Capital Hill hallways here, you know, just asking them all kinds of questions about those nominees.If anything, Johnson has been consistent in his talking points. Brinton, a nuclear engineer, has been a right-wing nonbinary poster child for woke culture infecting government bureaucracy since they were caught on camera stealing luggage from an airport carousel in 2022 and fired from the Department of Energy. They were featured prominently in the multi-million-dollar trans attack ad campaign mounted by Republicans in this years election, as was Levine.Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health at the Department of Health and Human Services and an admiral in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, came to her positions after a long career in public health as a professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at the Penn State College of Medicine, as the Pennsylvania physician general and later as secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.Levine was confirmed by the Senate for her current role with two Republican votes.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Harrison Butker, the Chiefs kicker who made headlines for the misogynistic and anti-LGBTQ+ commencement speech he gave over the summer, will miss the next four games due to an injured knee, and the response from women has been scathing!Back in May, Butker gave a speech at the graduation ceremony at Benedictine College where he told the women receiving their diploma that they should be excited about their future roles as wives and mothers, not the careers they had spent years studying for. He also railed against abortion, IVF, surrogacy, and "the tyranny of diversity, equity, and inclusion," called Pride Month a "deadly sin," and warned against "people pushing dangerous gender ideologies onto the youth of America."Today, the 29-year-old NFL star had to undergo surgery to trim his meniscus and has been placed on the injured reserve list, which means he is unlikely to return until the end of the regular season or playoffs, USA Today reports. When women heard the news that Butker had injured his knee and needed surgery, they took to social media to roast the pro football player. The hilarious jokes ranged from quipping that his injury will give him "more time to spend in the kitchen" to hoping that "Harrison Butker gets an all female staff for his surgery" to quipping that his injury is the "sole win for feminism this week."According to Butker's latest post on X (formerly Twitter), his surgery was a success. "Surgery went great! Thank you for the prayers," he wrote. But that hasn't stopped the jokes from pouring in, and we couldn't be happier because we really needed a good laugh this week.So keep scrolling to see the funniest reactions to the world getting karmic retribution on a sexist, homophobic football player! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

Donald Trump just added another unqualified politician to his Cabinet by picking Robert F Kennedy Jr. to head up the Department of Health and Human Services because who better to be in charge of American's health than an anti-vaxxer?On Thursday, Trump announced his newest pick but forgot to mention that Kennedy's only qualification for the position is that he's a semi-expert on brain worms, having had one for years. Not only doesn't he have the experience necessary to run such a complicated arm of the U.S. government, but he's an outspoken anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist who would look more at home in a tinfoil hat than the jeans he wears to work out in.Kennedy wasn't the only head-scratching addition to Trump's administration this week. He also picked a Fox News host to be his secretary of defense, real-life Cruella de Vil Krisit Noem as secretary of homeland security, alleged sexual abuser Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general, and conspiracy theorist and Russian propaganda spreader Tulsi Gabbard as director of national security.It's like Trump wants to create a supergroup, but instead of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, he picked all of the most incompetent fraudsters ever to grace Capitol Hill. The scary part is there are still positions left that he can fill when even more idiots. Why not collect them all?Keep scrolling to see the funniest reactions to RFK Jr. taking over Health and Human Services! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

The United States Postal Service shared good news on Friday with an announcement theyll be honoring two LGBTQ+ icons with stamps in 2025: Keith Haring and Betty White.This early glimpse into our 2025 stamp program demonstrates our commitment to providing a diverse range of subjects and designs for both philatelists and stamp enthusiasts, said Lisa Bobb-Semple, Stamp Services director for USPS, where diversity will no doubt be under fire under the incoming administration. Related Heres how the world honored Betty White on what would have been her 100th birthday The Cincinnati Zoo even named a penguin chick in her honor. Enjoy it while it lasts with a forever stamp. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Keith Haring shot to fame in the 1980s with his iconic, graffiti-inspired drawings that became an instantly recognizable visual language. He devoted much of his work to social activism centered on the HIV/AIDS epidemic; Haring died of AIDS-related complications 1990. He was just 31 years old.The new Love stamp commemorates the artist with his now classic image, Untitled from 1985, depicting two figures holding up a heart. The stamp celebrates the universal experience of love with the instantly recognizable image, according to the Postal Service. | USPS The services art director, Antonio Alcal, called the drawing ideal pick for the Postal Services popular stamp program.The non-specificity of the figures allows a variety of people to see themselves in this stamp, Alcal said. Partners getting married, celebrating an anniversary, siblings sending each other a heartfelt greeting, or even party planners setting a positive tone for their event.Betty White gets the forever treatment, as well shed lived nearly that long at her death just days shy of her 100th birthday in 2021.Another icon, by the Postal Services description, White was a mainstay of television since her debut on local TV in Hollywood in the late 1940s. She was a popular guest on game shows before she revealed her comedy chops for a primetime audience on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, playing Sue Ann Nivens, the acerbic and sex-starved host of a local TV cooking show. She earned her gay bona fides as the lovable and clueless Rose Nyland on The Golden Girls.Whites purple-hued portrait based on a 2010 photograph by Kwaku Alston captures the celebritys sly, in on the joke personality.The actress and animal lover was decidedly non-political over her career, but did weigh in on marriage equality in 2010 with some forever advice for readers.I dont care who anybody sleeps with, White told Parade Magazine. If a couple has been together all that time and there are gay relationships that are more solid than some heterosexual ones I think its fine if they want to get married. I dont know how people can get so anti-something. Mind your own business, take care of your affairs, and dont worry about other people so much.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

LGBTQ Nation readers want Democrats to move to the left in the wake of election losses on multiple fronts last week.Earlier this week, we asked readers what Democrats should be doing most to win back the White House in 2028, out of four options. The most popular choice was to propose and promote a more progressive agenda.But it wasnt that far ahead of two other options, which were to communicate better iwth groups that are moving away from the Democratic party and to attack Republicans economic record incessantly while defending Democrats economic record better.Tacking to the center, though, was not something many LGBTQ Nation readers would recommend.

Just as Marvel and Disney are making strides in LGBTQ+ representation with shows like The Acolyte and Agatha All Along, they just took a giant step backward by refusing to air an episode of an animated show because of a trans plot line.An upcoming episode of the second season of Marvel animated series Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur wont air on the Disney Channel like the rest of the show because of the LGBTQ+-centric plot, according to people who worked on the series.While the episode was pulled from the Disney Channel, artists who worked on Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur took to social media earlier this week to voice their disappointment with the episode being shelved because of which party that won the recent election, in a clear reference to the network likely self-censoring because Donald Trump won the election and the anti-LGBTQ+ Republican Party took control of both the House and Senate. Viewers may never have gotten a chance to see the episode, but today, DisneyToon (@owlphibia) leaked the episode by posting it on X (formerly Twitter) and uploading it to YouTube so that fans can watch it. The episode has since been removed from YouTube by Disney for copyright infringement, though it can still be downloaded from X at the time of publication. (@) The episode, titled Gatekeeper, focuses on a rival womens basketball coach Greer trying to get Brooklyn voiced by trans and nonbinary actress Indya Moore disqualified after she overhears the teen player mention that she used to play on the boys team. When confronted about Brooklyn being trans, he defends her, saying, Brooklyn is a girl, and shes gonna play. Coach Greer then uses a magical key to lock Brooklyn and her teammates in the girls locker room.Then, the teens on the team including a nonbinary player have to work together to escape. Weve been trying to play by the rules, but when the game is rigged, that doesnt work, so, super genius Luella says before Brooklyn finishes her sentence, We make our own rules. Instead of playing the game, we have to break through this whole system. Not only does the episode feature a trans character who wears rainbow flag knee pads and carries a water bottle covered in a Trans is beautiful sticker, but its also clearly calling out the ridiculous bigotry at the heart of the current right-wing rhetoric around trans women playing in womens sports.The episode is not only entertaining, but it also explores themes of anti-trans hate and is a bold statement about trans inclusion. While we dont know the exact reason Marvel and the Disney Channel decided not to air the powerful episode, its looking a whole lot like they took the cowards way out.

Get ready to stuff your naughty stockings because Santas Secret is returning to NYC for its fourth season.New Yorkers are in for an unforgettable immersive holiday experience transforming an all-new, expanded location in West Chelsea.You can learn more at www.SantasSecret.com. Beginning November 29 and running through December 31, 2024, this adults-only holiday extravaganza will transform over 26,000 square feet at 548 West 22nd Street into a festive playground filled with immersive holiday cheer and the North Poles naughtiest secrets.You can learn more at www.SantasSecret.com.Presented by Voss Events, Santas Secret takes guests on a mesmerizing two-hour journey through a winter wonderland of eight unique, interactive installations, each redesigned with elaborate new sets for the experiences fourth year. Along the way, revelers will encounter delightfully cheeky characters, including mischievous living toys, seductive gingerbread ladies, and Santas Secrets famous lumberjack.You can learn more at www.SantasSecret.com.The journey culminates at Santas Secret Speakeasy, where guests can unwind and indulge in the ultimate holiday celebration. Here, live entertainment heats up the night as a five-piece band led by powerhouse vocalist Inyang Bassey delivers festive tunes, setting the stage for a night of holiday joy. Michelin-starred chef Richard Farnabe will tantalize taste buds with holiday-themed bites, while craft cocktails enhance the festive atmosphere. Following the live band, the evening continues with a dazzling variety show, hosted by the hilarious and enchanting ice queen Shequida. Expect ballet, burlesque, aerialists and other jaw-dropping acts, each peeling back the layers to reveal one of Santas best-kept secrets.You can learn more at www.SantasSecret.com.Christmas isnt just for kids, says Brandon Voss, producer of Santas Secret. This immersive holiday experience gives adults a chance to embrace a little holiday mischief and revelry. Were thrilled to be back for a fourth sold-out year, especially at a new expanded location allowing us to triple the size of our unique walk-through experience. Returning guests can expect lots of new surprises this year!You can learn more at www.SantasSecret.com.With all-new sets and never-before-seen performances, Santas Secret promises even more thrills for 2024. Ticket prices begin at $75. They can be purchased at www.SantasSecret.com. For more information about Santas Secret, including how to purchase tickets, please visit www.SantasSecret.com. You can follow the immersive experience on social media @SantasSecret and @ VossEvents on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBTQ-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend. 1.) The intimate documentary Elton John: Never Too Late hits theaters today! Directed by Johns husband David Furnish and R.J. Cutler, the pic follows the titular icon as [...]The post The GLAAD Wrap: Elton John: Never Too Late in Theaters, Trailers for No Good Deed and The Madness, New Music by Jade LeMac, Polly Money and More! first appeared on GLAAD.

Caitlyn Jenner is being sued in California for alleged securities fraud concerning her celebrity meme cryptocurrency, $JENNER memecoin. The plaintiffs in the case allege that they have lost tens of thousands of dollars as a result of her actions with the coin.The plaintiffs in the case, Nazeem Azad of the United Kingdom and Nihai Caluseru of Romania, are suing the Fox News contributor and her manager Sophia Hutchins after they invested a combined $56,000 when it was on the Solana blockchain. Related Charlamagne Tha God misgendered Caitlyn Jenner while slamming her lack of support for trans people He called Jenner a rich white male who voted for her personal interest rather than for her community. It was later relaunched on the Ethereum blockchain, and they allege that they would not have invested were it not for the false and misleading statements and omissions made by Jenner. They allege Jenner fraudulently solicited financially unsophisticated investors throughout the United States and abroad to purchase the unregistered securities, stating that they did not have the technological prowess to understand the situation. 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 Because this type of digital asset is properly classified as a security under federal and California law, before offering $JENNER for sale to the public, Jenner was required to file registration statements with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and to comply with all federal and state securities laws, which she willfully failed to do, says the suit.They further allege that she deliberately failed to register the cryptocurrency with the Securities and Exchange Commission, leading to buyers suffering significant damages due to lacking the information they needed to truly understand what they were investing in. They say that were JENNER registered, they wouldnt have made the same choices.They also allege that Jenner solicited help from crypto scammer Sahil Arora. He was ousted from the project by Jenner openly on social media, stating F**K SAHIL! He scammed us! BIG TIME!The JENNER meme coin was launched on Solana through Pump.fun, and when it was relaunched on Ethereum, it lost almost all of its value, decreasing from $7.5 million to $170,000. The plaintiffs allege that Arora caused a crash due to him selling many of the tokens that he owned. Arora was not named in the suit. The suit claims that Jenner abandoned the meme coin after she had appeared on numerous podcasts and in public appearances promoting it.Jenner, however, made a statement in September, in which she mocks someone who lost their life savings into the meme coin. Why would you put your life savings into a meme coin? Sorry you dont believe in me anymore :( but its all good! We arent going anywhere.Jenner has not yet publicly addressed the lawsuit and has not responded to a request for comment from cryptocurrency news outlet Cointelegraph.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Men.com has secured another popular adult star as an exclusive model!In just about three years, Drake Von has become one of the most well-known pornstars in the world and he just turned 22 years old.With 1.3 million followers on X (formerly Twitter) at the moment, his star is only on the rise and he couldn't be more thrilled to join an elite group of entertainers on Men.com."I'm honestly so honored. It's something I've been working so hard towards. I'm so glad that Men.com has given me the opportunity to shine and prove myself. It's my favorite studio to work with and it's a place I can really show off my skills. I really find myself, honestly, giving my best work when I work with them," Von tells PRIDE. See on Instagram As a newly signed model, Von is gearing up to film all sorts of content that fans have never seen before. In fact, he's even teasing a bottoming and vers debut in the near future."Stay tuned! I can't say much... but we'll see. I've done a lot! There's a lot of boxes that have been checked off. [I'd love] to film a vers scene. I haven't done a vers scene yet."Men.com has signed plenty of notable stars over the years including Dom King, Joey Mills, Jake Preston, and more. Out of all of these models, Von has one that he'd love to collab with next."I'd probably say Jake. Jake's a good one. He's really nice and really friendly. I feel like we have a similar look. There's a lot of hype behind it. He's one of the most requested people to film with, so definitely Jake."Fans can follow Drake Von on Instagram here. To see the full interview, check out the video at the top of the page.

Greys Anatomyhas been bringing meaningful and groundbreaking LGBTQ representation to households around the world since 2009 when they first introduced Callie and Arizona, or #Calzona, to fans. Since then, the ABC medical drama has continued to spotlight complex queer characters throughout its nearly 20 year run. In season 14, fans were introduced to the lovable [...]The post Jake Borelli Talks Greys Anatomy, Coming Out, and Stepping Away From His Iconic LGBTQ Role first appeared on GLAAD.

What a Day podcast host and out journalist Jane Coaston delivered a fierce critique of recent commentary that claimed support for transgender people somehow led to election failure: Come the entire F on. In the November 11th episode, Coaston called out Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moultons baseless fears about trans girls playing sports, as well as [...]The post Scapegoating trans people isnt it. Jane Coastons Blistering Critique of Bogus Election Year Blame Game first appeared on GLAAD.

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