Directory

The Christopher Street Project, a new political group focused on building support for transgender rights within the Democratic Party, has announced its first slate of congressional endorsements as it moves to equip candidates with political and messaging strategies ahead of the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election.Named after the New York City street where the 1969 Stonewall uprising began and founded in the wake of the 2024 election cycle that saw Republicans spend more than $200 million attacking transgender Americans, Christopher Street Project is endorsing 16 Democratic lawmakers. The slate includes prominent LGBTQ+ members, parents of trans children, relatives of transgender people, and high-profile allies such as Reps. Sarah McBride, Delia Ramirez, Sara Jacobs, Dina Titus, Katherine Clark, Maxwell Frost, Val Hoyle, Mark Takano, Becca Balint, Julie Johnson, Mark Pocan, Pramila Jayapal, Ayanna Pressley, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jamie Raskin, and Melanie Stansbury.Related: Arizona Democrat Ruben Gallego adopts anti-trans, far-right talking pointsOur mission is to build support for the trans community within the Democratic Party and take back the party as one that values people over power, Tyler Hack, the groups 20-year-old founder, told The Advocate in an exclusive interview. We understand that we need to build the playbook for how we win on trans issues over the next decade.Hack, who identifies as trans and nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, said the Christopher Street Project was born from frustration after the 2024 elections, when some Democrats began to distance themselves from trans issues, fearing electoral backlash. Hack noted that since November, they had met with lawmakers who were at a loss for how to counter Republican attacks effectively.For all the thousands of PACs in Washington, there wasnt one dedicated specifically to trans people, Hack said. It was really important for us to build up that playbook in a time when Democratic leaders were doing what they thought was right, but were not always given guidance about how to go about that.Hacks vision is clear: Democrats must learn how to respond to Republican attacks and misinformation without abandoning core values. In 2024, Hack said, the party failed by attempting to deflect or move past attacks rather than confronting them head-on. Republicans, particularly the Trump campaign, bombarded Vice President Kamala Harris for her support of the trans community in several attack ads that claimed Kamala Harris is for they/them, Donald Trump is for you. After the Trump campaign bashed Harris for having expressed support for providing essential gender-affirming care to people in federal custody, Republicans painted her views as extreme. Ads attacked her for supporting taxpayer-funded transgender surgery for prisoners, even as Trump initiated that policy during his first administration. However, Democrats did not fight back and dismissed the line of attack.Related: Democrat Seth Moulton defends comments on trans athletes amid backlash (exclusive)We never, as any political party or candidate, won an argument by simply saying, Lets move on to the next question. Thats just not how the American electorate thinks, Hack said. People dont respond to that because its clear leaders are being evasive.Instead, Hack believes Democrats must call out the realities behind Republican proposals. They pointed to the so-called Protecting Women and Girls in Sports Act, warning it would lead to invasive policies like genital inspections for girls as young as four years old. Hack added, Theres no swing voter who wants genital inspections for girls as young as four.Hack argued that the Republican focus on transgender athletes is both a distraction and a moral failing, designed to exploit a tiny population for political gain. Trans-female athletes in the NCAAwere talking about fewer than 10 people, Hack said. Its really closer to five. These are actual human beings, and they have real consequences when they become political targets.Despite GOP attacks, Hack said Democrats can win if they frame trans rights as part of a broader fight against government overreach and cruelty. Theres no way to discriminate against transgender Americans without a gross government overreach on all people, Hack said. We need to reach people where theyre at, emphasize what these bills actually do.Hack stressed that the Christopher Street Projects goal isnt to demand that every candidate make trans rights their top issue in competitive districts. Most people are concerned about the cost of living, about their health care, Hack said. But when millions of dollars are attacking you, you need to have a response. You cant just immediately pivot because the electorate doesnt respond to that.The lawmakers on Christopher Street Projects initial slate, Hack said, have consistently shown up for the trans community, even when it wasnt politically convenient. These are people who have been standing up for the trans community time and time again, regardless of when its popular or when pundits are telling them to stop speaking about it, Hack said. They show up in their districts and do the work.Hack pointed to Titus of Nevada as an example of a lawmaker who has defended trans rights in a competitive district and successfully countered Republican narratives. She has been unwavering in her support of the transgender community, Hack said. Shes been a longtime supporter of the Trans Bill of Rights and is showing what it looks like to be a Democratic member who stands up for trans people and wins in their tough races.Related: Donald Trump unleashes torrent of transphobic ads in last leg of 2024 electionThe Christopher Street Project has already raised several hundred thousand dollars, Hack said, and has contributed financially to each of its endorsed candidates. The PAC will file its latest financial report soon, they said. Hack added that the group is working with lawmakers on legislative strategy, messaging, and campaign organizing. Were always looking for ways that we can make the biggest impact, they said, noting the groups support for candidates like Adelita Grijalva, daughter of the late Rep. Ral Grijalva, who died in March, in Arizonas upcoming special election to fill her fathers seat.Hack also emphasized the Christopher Street Projects long-term vision of building political power to influence Democratic messaging heading into 2028. Its so important that we build this coalition from the ground up with members from across the country with a variety of experiences, and work to build a party that values transgender people, not just for their votes, but for their voices, they said.Among those endorsed, Frost of Florida told The Advocate he was honored to receive Christopher Street Project's support. Theyre doing the work every day to protect the LGBTQ+ community at a time when theyre under constant attack, Frost said. What were seeing from Trump and MAGA Republicans isnt just politics, its cruelty. Using trans people as political targets is wrong, and I wont stand by and watch it happen. In Congress, Ill keep fighting to protect our rights and build a country where everyone can live with safety, dignity, and pride.Hack said Christopher Street Projects mission remains urgent as Republicans prepare to keep transgender issues at the forefront of the culture wars leading into the next elections. Were determined to make sure Democrats dont leave trans people behind, and that they know how to fight back and win, Hack said.

House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, on Thursday muscled through President Donald Trumps signature domestic policy bill, voting to slash health and nutrition programs that millions of Americans, including large numbers of LGBTQ+ people, rely on, to extend tax cuts for the wealthy. The bill passed on a party-line vote of 218 to 214, with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Thomas Massie of Kentucky joining all Democrats in oppositionThe measure, which Trump demanded be named the One Big Beautiful Bill before Democratic New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, the minority leader, had the name stripped, cleared the House of Representatives after more than eight hours of delaying tactics by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The bill cut funding for Medicaid, SNAP (the food stamp program), and other social safety net programs, and bars federal funds for Planned Parenthood. The vote capped weeks of bitter partisan fighting and set the stage for a political reckoning in the 2026 midterms.Related: How Trumps one big beautiful tax bill could impact women, children and LGBTQ+ AmericansThis disaster of a bill has always been about one thing: funneling more wealth to the ultra rich while hardworking Americans including LGBTQ+ people suffer, Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement after the vote. MAGA members of Congress voted to kick millions of people off their health care, jeopardize access to essential HIV prevention and treatments, and erode the ability of Planned Parenthood to continue to serve all who rely on it.The final bill dropped one of its most controversial provisions: a nationwide ban on federal funding for gender-affirming care under Medicaid and CHIP. That language was cut after Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled that it violated the Byrd Rule, which bars unrelated policy changes in budget bills. Behind-the-scenes lobbying from lesbian U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride of Delaware, the first out transgender member of Congress, helped ensure its removal.LGBTQ+ advocates caution that the bill still threatens queer communities. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects nearly 14 million people will lose Medicaid coverage under the measure, a program that disproportionately serves LGBTQ+ Americans. According to the HRC, Medicaid covers 21 percent of transgender people and 40 percent of individuals living with HIV. It is also the largest single funder of HIV care in the nation.Jeffries, who spoke for eight hours and 45 minutes in an impassioned speech that broke the record for the longest continuous House floor address, condemned the legislation as an extraordinary assault on the health care of the American people. His remarks, delivered in the cadences of a Sunday sermon, framed the bill as both a moral and political crisis, warning that leadership requires courage, conviction, compassion and yet what we have seen from this administration and co-conspirators on the Republican side of the aisle is cruelty, chaos and corruption.The reductions extend to community health centers that serve LGBTQ+ communities, threatening services ranging from mental health care to STI testing and gender-affirming treatment. The legislations tightened rules around SNAP eligibility and benefits, advocates say, will also hit LGBTQ+ people particularly hard, given persistent disparities in poverty and food insecurity. Research cited by the HRC shows that over 27 percent of LGBTQ+ adults have struggled to afford food in the past year, with LGBTQ+ people of color and transgender people especially vulnerable.The bill also funnels $150 billion toward immigration enforcement, and adds $100 asylum fee for those seeking safety, a $550 fee for work permits, and expand ICE detention that would harm queer immigrants and those living with HIV, according to Immigration Equality.This bill is a roadmap to suffering. It turns asylum into a luxury, punishing LGBTQ and HIV-positive people fleeing persecution. LGBTQ people cannot wait out violence and discrimination in their home countriesand now they are being told safety in the U.S. comes with a price tag," said Immigration Equality's director of law and policy Bridget Crawford. "Asylum is a legal right, not a privilege. Rushing this bill through Congress today, before July 4, in the name of so-called patriotism, is a betrayal of this countrys core values. Instead of offering protection, America will be locking the door to asylum seekers behind a paywall.For Republicans, the legislation is a pillar of Trumps domestic agenda and a means to cement tax cuts enacted during his first term. The bill also funnels billions of dollars to fund immigration detention and deportation efforts. For Democrats, it is a potent symbol of what they describe as Republican extremism and a rallying point they hope to wield against vulnerable incumbents in the 2026 midterms.Related: Republicans pass Big Beautiful Bill banning federally funded gender-affirming care for trans peopleThe American people are not without power, Robinson said. In every district across the country, members of Congress need to hear from their constituents and be reminded that we will not forget this betrayal when it comes time to be heard at the ballot box.Trump is expected to sign the bill into law at a White House ceremony on Friday, the Fourth of July.

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.) Sam Felders timely documentary Heightened Scrutiny is coming to New York and Los Angeles theaters July 18, with additional cities to follow. The doc centers on Chase [...]The post The GLAAD Wrap: Heightened Scrutiny Coming to Theaters, Trailers for I Wish You All the Best and The Proud House: Louder and Prouder, New Music by Ethel Cain, Jeangu Macrooy, and More! first appeared on GLAAD.

Nine queens, one Snatch.Editor's note: This article contains spoilers for episode 10, titled "Tournament of All Stars Snatch Game," of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 10.Nine queens from three brackets compete in one Snatch Game, and the result is a whirlwind episode of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 10 where strategies, fandoms, and storylines collide.Inspired by Survivor, fans have been referring to episode 10, titled "Tournament of All Stars Snatch Game," as a "merge" for All Stars 10: The coming together of queens who initially competed within separate groups. That element is alive, indeed, as we watch dizzying day-one dynamics playing out in week 10. Except that this is an All Stars season, so an otherwise pleasant meet-cute is also packed with callbacks and biases.There is also a sobering reminder from the queens' heightened emotions around the Snatch Game that, unlike a Survivor merge, this is not the halfway point of the season. This is not an opportunity to reset, make new alliances, and re-calculate one's position on the chess board. This merge is on the verge of the grand finale, which makes it a disruptive and nerve-racking new format to the overall RuPaul's Drag Race franchise.'All Stars 10' Tournament semi-final rules, explained.The nine semi-finalists literally walk back into this Tournament of All Stars. It's a cute choice to have them re-enter the main stage, like the nations that introduce themselves during an Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games, or teams that walk through the field to warm up before an actual game.Aja, Bosco, Cynthia Lee Fontaine, Daya Betty, Ginger Minj, Irene The Alien, Jorgeous, Lydia B Kollins, and Mistress Isabelle Brooks enter this drag-o-dome with the points system that qualified them to the semi-finals. However, in typical Drag Race twist fashion, the rug is immediately pulled right under them."Starting today, and for the next two weeks, semi-final rules are in full effect," a mustachioed RuPaul announces. "To start, we are wiping the points you've earned in the preliminary round, so everyone starts the semi-finals on a level playing field."RuPaul explains, "Moving forward, I will name one top All Star of the week who will receive a cash tip of $10,000. And the two bottom queens will lip sync for their lives."A lip sync for your life on 'All Stars'?!Well, yes! The All Stars 10 semi-finals have queens shaking in their boots when Ru announces that the bottom 2 queens of each week will be lip syncing for their lives, just like they would in a regular flagship season of Drag Race.In other words, these semi-finalists in the Tournament of All Stars will not lip sync for their lives (as paired-up competitors on All Stars 1), or for your legacy (as introduced on All Stars 2), or for a Ru-demption (as utilized over the years). Their fates will not be decided by a teammate, by other queens voting in a Ru-mocracy system, nor by the top 2 queens of the week.For context, the official "lip sync for your life" term was only used once on All Stars 2 for the "Shut Up and Drive" lip sync between Alyssa Edwards and Tatianna. It made sense, as those queens had been eliminated from the season and were lip syncing for a chance to return to the competition. That term was then used similarly in the "LaLaPaRuZa" episode of All Stars 4, which was also about the potential return of eliminated queens. As eliminated queens were paired up with current competitors, RuPaul declared that they had to "lip sync for your life" to keep that spot in the game.There really aren't any other instances of that term being used on All Stars. Even the iconic lip sync smackdown that nearly brought back Silky Nutmeg Ganache onto All Stars 6 was worded as a "lip sync for your Ru-demption." Nonetheless, that is the rule moving forward in the All Stars 10 semi-finals a refreshing twist that raises the stakes of this season yet again.This Snatch Game was not good. (@) No, this wasn't the worst Snatch Game of all time. We've seen worse, several times. Unless it's for recency bias, this Snatch Game probably doesn't enter a rock-bottom list. But this intense reaction comes from a fandom that is for once openly loving this season. It's also wild to consider that literally all nine of these queens have made us laugh many times over the years And then there's this.The Tournament of All Stars Snatch Game included the following impersonations: Aja as Samantha "Cookie Tookie" James, Bosco as Kenny Kerr, Cynthia Lee Fontaine as Dracula, Daya Betty as Jane Lynch, Ginger Minj as Reba McEntire, Irene The Alien as Zsa Zsa Gabor, Jorgeous as Pitbull, Lydia B Kollins as Pete Burns, and Mistress Isabelle Brooks as Natalie Nunn.A crown for Raven?In case you haven't paid attention, RuPaul ends every Snatch Game with an unserious announcement about the "winner" of the challenge. These unserious "winners" have been "the Amish, because they don't have televisions," Victoria Porkchop Parker, "Who cares?!", Charo, and "All of the celebrities who weren't impersonated tonight."But it seems like thousands of likes, comments, and re-posts are taking this unserious winner a little more seriously. "Now, the moment you've all been waiting for. Today's winner is" RuPaul says at the end of this Snatch Game. "Raven!"The camera cuts to Raven's face. "You're a winner, baby. Condragulations, Raven. Finally!" RuPaul teases. "Is there anything you'd like to say?"Raven, with a literal crown on her head, responds: "With a tanning booth and a dream, anything is possible."Ginger Minj becomes the first queen in 'Drag Race' herstory to win the Snatch Game three times.All jokes aside, actual Drag Race herstory is made during this episode.Ginger Minj (as Reba McEntire) wins the Tournament of All Stars Snatch Game and becomes the first queen of all time to win the Snatch Game three times.Ginger (as Adele) first won the Snatch Game on Drag Race season 7 in a tie with Kennedy Davenport (as Little Richard). The second time came with Ginger (as Phyllis Diller) also winning this challenge on All Stars 6.Cynthia Lee Fontaine becomes the second queen in herstory to be eliminated twice in the Snatch Game.Gia Gunn was the first queen and, until this episode, the only queen to be eliminated twice as a result of underperforming in the Snatch Game. The first time as Kim Kardashian on Drag Race season 6, then a second time as Jenny Bui on All Stars 4.Cynthia Lee Fontaine's first Snatch Game, as Sofa Vergara, resulted in her elimination from Drag Race season 9. The Cucu queen unfortunately has the same outcome after impersonating Dracula in this All Stars 10 edition of the Snatch Game.A legendary lip sync of Aretha Franklin's 'Who's Zoomin' Who' by Mistress Isabelle Brooks.Facts are facts, America! Mistress Isabelle Brooks delivers a truly legendary lip sync performance to the a cappella version of "Who's Zoomin' Who" by Aretha Franklin. And speaking of facts: Franklin's 30th album, Who's Zoomin' Who? (which has an actual question mark not included in the title track), is celebrating its 40th anniversary this Wednesday, July 9.Beyond what anyone thinks about MIB's reality TV shenanigans and/or social media antics, the diva is entirely clocked-in for this lip sync and had old-school drag fans passionately snapping at their TVs for the entire duration of this number. Mistress had a powerful command of the stage while serving a wildly entertaining face journey and being in perfect synchrony with the rhythm of the lyrics An absolute knockout of a performance that stands out for all the right reasons.It was hard to believe that Drag Race, in 2025, took such a big swing with an a cappella lip sync for this Tournament of All Stars. But it did, and it was incredible. Thank gawd.Wait, even more queens for the lottery system twist? (@) Do we love to hear that Cynthia Lee Fontaine is suddenly eligible to enter this lottery system being teased all season long? Yes!Are we confused about how this lottery twist actually works and feel like it was heavily implied in the preliminary brackets that this was another chance for the queens who didn't qualify to the semi-finals to have a chance in the next round of the competition despite not making it there with enough points? Absolutely.Multiple things can be true at once, and that's beautiful.RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 10 drops new episodes every Friday on Paramount+.

Must win four or more challenges to get on this ride.RuPaul's Drag Race has proven over the years that winning is pretty great, but it isn't everything. Some of the most successful queens in the entire franchise haven't been crowned America's Next Drag Superstar, nor did they enter the Drag Race Hall of Fame. The series has even officially embraced "losing is the new winning!" as an official motto.Nonetheless, it's always exciting to find out just how talented a Drag Race competitor is to the point of succeeding in several challenges within the same season. This list celebrates the queens who made herstory by winning four maxi challenges in a single season of the flagship U.S. season, as well as two "honorable mentions" for going above and beyond and winning an astonishing total of five maxi challenges.Discover which queens won four maxi challenges (or more!) within a single U.S. season of the franchise. RuPaul's Drag Race and RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars are both available for streaming on Paramount+.Sharon Needles won 4 maxi challenges on 'Drag Race' season 4.Sharon Needles was the first queen in Drag Race herstory to win four maxi challenges. Throughout season 4, Sharon won the design challenge (episode 1), the commercials challenge (episode 3), the improv challenge (episode 9), and the ball challenge (episode 11).Sharon Needles won Drag Race season 4.Shea Coulewon 4 maxi challenges on 'Drag Race' season 9.She didn't come to play she came to slay!The one and only Shea Coule won four challenges on Drag Race season 9: the improv challenge (episode 4), the Rusical (episode 5), the commercials challenge (episode 9), and the ball (episode 11).Shea Coule finished Drag Race season 9 as a top 3 finalist.RELATED: A guide to Ironheart, the MCU series starring Shea CouleGigi Goode won 4 maxi challenges on 'Drag Race' season 12.Gigi Goode was a fierce competitor throughout season 12 of Drag Race. She reached the grand finale alongside Jaida Essence Hall and Crystal Methyd with four maxi wins under her belt: the ball challenge (episode 4), the Snatch Game (episode 6), the Rusical (episode 7), and the Las Vegas-themed Rumix challenge (episode 12).Gigi Goode finished Drag Race season 12 as a top 3 finalist.Symonewon 4 maxi challenges on 'Drag Race' season 13.Drag superstar and Out100 honoree Symone also won four challenges during her journey on Drag Race season 13: the first Rumix challenge (episode 2) an acting challenge (episode 4), the makeover challenge (episode 10), and the commercials challenge (episode 11).Symone won Drag Race season 13.Sasha Colbywon 4 maxi challenges on 'Drag Race' season 15.Sasha Colby was crowned America's Next Drag Superstar after one of the most spectacular runs in Drag Race season 15. The G.O.D.D.E.S.S. of drag won the commercials challenge (episode 3), the ball (episode 9), the improv challenge (episode 10), and the Rumix challenge (episode 14).Sasha Colby won Drag Race season 15.RELATED: Sasha Colby is the ultimate mother, calls Chappell Roan her daughter at the VMAsSapphira Cristlwon 4 maxi challenges on 'Drag Race' season 16.During season 16, Sapphira Cristl became the first queen in herstory to win three consecutive maxi challenges in a flagship season of Drag Race. Overall, Sapphira won the talent show (episode 1), the Rumix challenge (episode 10), the comedy/presentation challenge (episode 11), and the interior design challenge (episode 12).Sapphira Cristl finished Drag Race season 16 as the runner-up.Plane Jane won 4 maxi challenges on 'Drag Race' season 16.Plane Jane, who competed against Sapphira Cristl, also won four challenges in season 16. This marked the first-ever flagship season of Drag Race to feature two queens with four maxi challenge wins. The Boston queen won the talent show (episode 2), the Snatch Game (episode 8), the interior design challenge (episode 12), and the makeover challenge (episode 13).Plane Jane finished Drag Race season 16 as a top 3 finalist.Onya Nurve won 4 maxi challenges on 'Drag Race' season 17.Onya Nurve is the latest addition to the "four maxi challenge wins" club while competing on Drag Race season 17. The Cleveland-based queen won a singing challenge (episode 4), the Snatch Game (episode 7), an acting challenge (episode 11), and the stand-up comedy challenge (episode 12). It do take Nurve!Onya Nurve won Drag Race season 17.RELATED: Drag Race winner Onya Nurve has the crown and the visionAlaska won 4 maxi challenges on 'All Stars 2.'After finishing as runner-up in season 5, Alaska came back to All Stars 2 feeling ready to secure her place in the Drag Race Hall of Fame. In the lead-up to the grand finale, Alaska won four maxi challenges: the Snatch Game (episode 2), an acting challenge (episode 4), the stand-up comedy challenge (episode 5), the commercials challenge (episode 6).Alaska won Drag Race All Stars season 2.BenDeLaCremewon 5 maxi challenges on 'All Stars 3.'BenDeLaCreme steamrolled the competition on All Stars 3 breaking a new record of five maxi challenge wins over the course of the season. Unfortunately, sending that many girls home eventually prompted DeLa to quit the show, but her journey over the course of the season was still sickening!On All Stars 3 alone, DeLa won the variety show (episode 1), the Rusical (episode 2), the improv challenge (episode 3), the Snatch Game (episode 4), and the girl-groups challenge (episode 6).BenDeLaCreme placed 6th (after eliminating herself from the season) on Drag Race All Stars season 3.RELATED: BenDeLaCreme on the politics and perspectives of The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday ShowThe Jinkx & DeLa Holiday ShowTrinity The Tuck won 4 maxi challenges on 'All Stars 4.'Besides rebranding her original name (Trinity Taylor) to Trinity The Tuck, this queen had an excellent track record on All Stars 4. She won the variety show (episode 1), the Snatch Game (episode 3), the design challenge (episode 7), and the acting challenge (episode 9).In the end, Trinity won the season in a tie with Mont X Change. Even though this outcome was confusing at first, each of those two queens secured her spot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame.Trinity The Tuck won Drag Race All Stars season 4.Trinity The Tuck won 4 maxi challenges on 'All Stars 7.'The Tuck came back for the first-ever all-winners edition of Drag Race and competed with other legendary legends like herself. On All Stars 7, Trinity also delivered in maxi victories winning the Snatch Game (episode 2), the ball (episode 3), the design challenge (episode 7), and the comedy roast challenge (episode 10).Trinity The Tuck finished Drag Race All Stars season 7 as a top 4 finalist.Jinkx Monsoon won 5 maxi challenges on 'All Stars 7.'Nearly a decade after winning Drag Race season 5, Jinkx Monsoon also competed on All Stars 7 and, similarly to her Seattle drag sister BenDeLaCreme, won a whopping five maxi challenges.The "water off a duck's back" legendary legend won the Snatch Game (episode 2), the improv challenge (episode 4), the stand-up comedy challenge (episode 5), the commercials challenge (episode 9), and the comedy roast challenge (episode 10).Jinkx Monsoon won Drag Race All Stars season 7.RELATED: We were always right about Jinkx Monsoon and the world is catching upJimbo won 4 maxi challenges on 'All Stars 8.'Following her fan-favorite status on Canada's Drag Race season 1 going home way too early on RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs the World, Jimbo became the first-ever queen from an international franchise to compete in the overall U.S. series.Jimbo literally dominated All Stars 8 by winning an acting challenge (episode 2), the commercials challenge (episode 4), the Snatch Game (episode 5), and the comedy roast challenge (episode 9).Jimbo won Drag Race All Stars season 8.Angeria Paris VanMicheals won 4 maxi challenges on 'All Stars 9.'The winner of All Stars 9, Angeria Paris VanMicheals, entered the Hall of Fame after dominating the season and winning four maxi challenges. Overall, Angie won the Rumix (episode 1), the comedy roast (episode 6), an acting challenge (episode 7), and the final talent show finale challenge (episodes 11-12).Angeria Paris VanMicheals won Drag Race All Stars season 9.Plastique Tiara won 4 maxi challenges on 'All Stars 9.'All Stars 9 was a fabulous Ru-demption journey for many queens, such as season 11 star Plastique Tiara, who not only showcased her insane runway presentations but also her natural talents as an entertainer.Plastique won four challenges during this season: the ball challenge (episode 2), the commercials challenge (episode 5), the comedy roast challenge (episode 6), and the design challenge (episode 8).Plastique Tiara placed 4th-8th on Drag Race All Stars season 9 as one of five queens who weren't in the top 3.RELATED: Plastique Tiara surpasses Trixie Mattel, becomes most-followed Drag Race starRoxxxy Andrews won 4 maxi challenges on 'All Stars 9.'Roxxxy Andrews was another stellar competitor on All Stars 9 who gave Angie, the eventual winner, a run for her money. Roxxxy's track record included wins in the makeover/girl-groups challenge (episode 4), the commercials challenge (episode 5), the design challenge (episode 8), and the lip sync challenge (episode 10).Roxxxy Andrews finished Drag Race All Stars season 9 as a top 3 finalist.Ginger Minj won 4 maxi challenges on 'All Stars 10.'Ginger Minj won four consecutive challenges on All Stars 10, otherwise known as the first-ever Tournament of All Stars. Overall, Ginger's wins included a design challenge (episode 7), a girl-groups challenge (episode 8), an improv challenge (episode 9), and the Snatch Game episode (episode 10).

Introduction: Ignoring ADHD Doesnt Make It Go AwayUnmanaged ADHD is like compound interest on a high-rate loanthe longer you put off paying attention to it, the more costly it becomes. A CDC on Long-Term ADHD Impact fact sheet estimates that adults with untreated ADHD spend two to three times more on lifetime healthcare than neurotypical peers. Yet stigma, misdiagnosis, and self-doubt keep many peopleespecially womenon the sidelines. This article answers what happens if ADHD goes untreated, revealing hidden costs to physical health, mental wellbeing, careers, and relationships while showing paths to evidence-based help.Untreated symptoms rarely stay static; they snowball. In this article well explore what happens if ADHD goes untreated, outline the medical and emotional costs, and show why proactive care matters. Well also highlight concrete next steps, including online evaluation and lowcost coping tools.The Cumulative Toll of Untreated SymptomsOver time, attention lapses, impulsive spending, and chronic lateness pile up like overdue bills. Left unchecked, untreated ADHD drives:Financial stress: late fees, overdraft charges, and missed promotionsSleep disruption: racing thoughts delay bedtime, fueling next-day fatigueElevated cortisol: chronic stress burdens the immune system and raises blood pressureRisky behaviors: speeding tickets, substance misuse, and distracted accidentsA decade-long NIH cohort study found participants with untreated ADHD were 60 percent more likely to develop hypertension and obesity. These findings underscore the start-small-then-snowball nature of long-term effects of ADHD when no intervention is in place.How ADHD Affects Mental Health Over TimeDHD rarely travels alone; anxiety, depression, and substance misuse often hitch a ride.Rejectionsensitivity loop: Frequent criticism erodes selfesteem, priming the brain for social anxiety.Rumination spiral: Unfinished tasks haunt downtime, spiking cortisol and fueling insomnia.Mood dysregulation: Executivefunction overload leaves fewer cognitive resources for emotion control.The openaccess paper NIH: Risks of Untreated Adult ADHD links prolonged inattention to a fourfold rise in majordepressive episodes. Recognizing the connection between ADHD and depression helps clinicians design integrated treatment plans.SubstanceMisuse PathwayResearchers note a clear progression: unmanaged impulsivity reliance on caffeine/nicotine escalation to alcohol or stimulants. Early intervention can break this chain.Risks to Career, Relationships, and Physical HealthProfessional life can feel like a house of cards when deadlines slip and details disappear. Common career problems with ADHD include:Missed promotions from inconsistent performance labelsJob hopping every 1218 months due to burnoutUnder-earning versus similarly qualified peersBeyond work, impulsive spending and forgotten plans strain partnerships, while emotional dysregulation sparks conflict with friends and family. Physical health also suffers: higher accident rates, digestive issues from chaotic meals, and weight gain from hurtling between hyper-focus and exhaustion. All these dominoes show what happens if ADHD goes untreatedmultiple life arenas decline in parallel.Signs You Need TreatmentNot sure whether to seek help? Watch for these red flags:Frequent job changes or stalled career growthCognitive decline ADHD worries: losing train of thought mid-sentenceRelationship blow-ups over small misstepsSubstance relianceexcess caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine for focusPersistent overwhelm even after lifestyle tweaksIf this sounds familiar, start with a convenient ADHD diagnosis online visit. Licensed tele-clinics use validated rating scales and live video interviews. Pair medical care with emotional-regulation aidsan emotional support animal for adhd can lower baseline stressand use secure Telehealth follow-ups to stay on track without long commutes.Over years, chronic stress + sleep loss mimic early cognitive decline. MRI studies reveal reduced prefrontal activation in untreated adults, explaining cognitive decline ADHD concerns. The brain adapts inefficient workarounds that waste mental energy.Women face unique hormonedriven symptom spikes. Estrogen dips premenses aggravate executivefunction gaps, leading to cyclespecific performance slumps. Invisible labor overload intensifies this effect, further delaying diagnosis.Career plateau: maternity leave + untreated ADHD = lost leadership opportunities.Health gap: late diagnosis increases postpartum depression risk.There are several longterm solutions beyond medication:CBT for planning + emotional regulation.ADHD coaching to build habit loops.Exercise movement snacksfiveminute bursts every hour.Mindfulnessbased stress reduction proven to lower rumination.Pharmaceutical support remains foundational, but behavioral scaffolding prevents relapse when life stress spikes.Conclusion: Proactive Care Pays OffIgnoring ADHD is a high-interest gamble; costs balloon while quality of life shrinks. Early, comprehensive care reduces medical bills, safeguards careers, and preserves relationships. Evidence-based medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and supportive tools can halt the downward spiral of untreated ADHD. Whether symptoms first surfaced in childhood or adulthood, the best time to act is now. Seek a thorough evaluation, explore treatment plans, and build coping systemsbecause the long-term effects of ADHD dont have to define your future.The post Does ADHD Get Worse Without Treatment? The Surprising Truth appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

Introduction: Ignoring ADHD Doesnt Make It Go AwayUnmanaged ADHD is like compound interest on a high-rate loanthe longer you put off paying attention to it, the more costly it becomes. A CDC on Long-Term ADHD Impact fact sheet estimates that adults with untreated ADHD spend two to three times more on lifetime healthcare than neurotypical peers. Yet stigma, misdiagnosis, and self-doubt keep many peopleespecially womenon the sidelines. This article answers what happens if ADHD goes untreated, revealing hidden costs to physical health, mental wellbeing, careers, and relationships while showing paths to evidence-based help.Untreated symptoms rarely stay static; they snowball. In this article well explore what happens if ADHD goes untreated, outline the medical and emotional costs, and show why proactive care matters. Well also highlight concrete next steps, including online evaluation and lowcost coping tools.The Cumulative Toll of Untreated SymptomsOver time, attention lapses, impulsive spending, and chronic lateness pile up like overdue bills. Left unchecked, untreated ADHD drives:Financial stress: late fees, overdraft charges, and missed promotionsSleep disruption: racing thoughts delay bedtime, fueling next-day fatigueElevated cortisol: chronic stress burdens the immune system and raises blood pressureRisky behaviors: speeding tickets, substance misuse, and distracted accidentsA decade-long NIH cohort study found participants with untreated ADHD were 60 percent more likely to develop hypertension and obesity. These findings underscore the start-small-then-snowball nature of long-term effects of ADHD when no intervention is in place.How ADHD Affects Mental Health Over TimeDHD rarely travels alone; anxiety, depression, and substance misuse often hitch a ride.Rejectionsensitivity loop: Frequent criticism erodes selfesteem, priming the brain for social anxiety.Rumination spiral: Unfinished tasks haunt downtime, spiking cortisol and fueling insomnia.Mood dysregulation: Executivefunction overload leaves fewer cognitive resources for emotion control.The openaccess paper NIH: Risks of Untreated Adult ADHD links prolonged inattention to a fourfold rise in majordepressive episodes. Recognizing the connection between ADHD and depression helps clinicians design integrated treatment plans.SubstanceMisuse PathwayResearchers note a clear progression: unmanaged impulsivity reliance on caffeine/nicotine escalation to alcohol or stimulants. Early intervention can break this chain.Risks to Career, Relationships, and Physical HealthProfessional life can feel like a house of cards when deadlines slip and details disappear. Common career problems with ADHD include:Missed promotions from inconsistent performance labelsJob hopping every 1218 months due to burnoutUnder-earning versus similarly qualified peersBeyond work, impulsive spending and forgotten plans strain partnerships, while emotional dysregulation sparks conflict with friends and family. Physical health also suffers: higher accident rates, digestive issues from chaotic meals, and weight gain from hurtling between hyper-focus and exhaustion. All these dominoes show what happens if ADHD goes untreatedmultiple life arenas decline in parallel.Signs You Need TreatmentNot sure whether to seek help? Watch for these red flags:Frequent job changes or stalled career growthCognitive decline ADHD worries: losing train of thought mid-sentenceRelationship blow-ups over small misstepsSubstance relianceexcess caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine for focusPersistent overwhelm even after lifestyle tweaksIf this sounds familiar, start with a convenient ADHD diagnosis online visit. Licensed tele-clinics use validated rating scales and live video interviews. Pair medical care with emotional-regulation aidsan emotional support animal for adhd can lower baseline stressand use secure Telehealth follow-ups to stay on track without long commutes.Over years, chronic stress + sleep loss mimic early cognitive decline. MRI studies reveal reduced prefrontal activation in untreated adults, explaining cognitive decline ADHD concerns. The brain adapts inefficient workarounds that waste mental energy.Women face unique hormonedriven symptom spikes. Estrogen dips premenses aggravate executivefunction gaps, leading to cyclespecific performance slumps. Invisible labor overload intensifies this effect, further delaying diagnosis.Career plateau: maternity leave + untreated ADHD = lost leadership opportunities.Health gap: late diagnosis increases postpartum depression risk.There are several longterm solutions beyond medication:CBT for planning + emotional regulation.ADHD coaching to build habit loops.Exercise movement snacksfiveminute bursts every hour.Mindfulnessbased stress reduction proven to lower rumination.Pharmaceutical support remains foundational, but behavioral scaffolding prevents relapse when life stress spikes.Conclusion: Proactive Care Pays OffIgnoring ADHD is a high-interest gamble; costs balloon while quality of life shrinks. Early, comprehensive care reduces medical bills, safeguards careers, and preserves relationships. Evidence-based medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and supportive tools can halt the downward spiral of untreated ADHD. Whether symptoms first surfaced in childhood or adulthood, the best time to act is now. Seek a thorough evaluation, explore treatment plans, and build coping systemsbecause the long-term effects of ADHD dont have to define your future.The post Does ADHD Get Worse Without Treatment? The Surprising Truth appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

The 50th Invasion of the PinesEach Fourth of July, Fire Island holds the Invasion of the Pines, an annual tradition that began in 1976 when a visitor in drag, Terry Warren, was refused entry to a restaurant on the New York island.This year marked the 50th Invasion, where hundreds of drag-clad revelers some waving rainbow flags and anti-Trump signs stormed the Waterfront of the storied queer enclave. Panzi, the drag performer who helped lead the first Invasion, announced the arrivals as multiple ferries disembarked at the harbor in celebration of a history of queer joy and resistance.To toast the Invasion, Tristan Schukraft the CEO of MISTR and Tryst Hotels (and an Out100 honoree), who acquired the majority of the Fire Island Pines commercial district last year hosted a day-long series of events at the Pavilion, the Blue Whale, the Canteen, and the Tryst Pool Deck. In a memorable capstone, drag ambassadors from across the Tryst Hospitality empire Mayhem Miller (The Abbey in West Hollywood), Misty Violet (The Chapel at The Abbey), Alyssa Hunter (The Tryst San Juan), Amalara Sofia (The Tryst San Juan), Pelayo (The Tryst Puerto Vallarta), and Pixie Aventura (The Pavilion and The Blue Whale) lip-synched to "I'm Every Woman" and brought Schukraft to the harbor stage, which had been wrapped in pink Tryst carpet.The party continued with a pool party DJed by Violet Chachki, Low Tea, High Tea, and later that evening, a performance by DJ Lina Bradford at the Pavilion. Drag Race's Willam Belli was also on the scene to capture memorable moments on social media @thepinesfireisland.See photos from the 50th Invasion of the Pines ahead.

Think about the last time you had a health issue that needed to be dealt with. Did you have to wait for weeks just to get an appointment? And then, when you finally got one, did you sit in a crowded waiting room? Rearrange your entire day just to get a check-up?But thats just how it goes. Or so you thought.Healthcare is changing and now, you no longer have to go to a clinic to see a therapist. You can if you want to, but its not necessary. You dont always need to drive across town just to get your blood drawn. Instead, there are services that come to your home, on your schedule, with more privacy and far less hassle.It saves time, but thats not the main perk. There are many people who have had bad experiences with the healthcare system, especially LGBTQ+ individuals, those with chronic illness, or those in rural areas.For them, this can be a difference between getting care and avoiding it altogether; and obviously, you want to get the needed care instead of avoiding it.Virtual Therapy and the Rise of Remote Mental Health CareVirtual therapy has gained a lot of popularity in the last few years, especially after 2020. Before, it was just a backup option, but now its close to being the main way people talk to therapists. And for many, it actually turned out to be better because it has many benefits.LGBTQ+ communities, in particular, appreciate remote mental health care. Its amazing to be able to connect with a therapist in the privacy of your own home, plus its especially valuable in places where being out isnt safe or accepted. It also makes it easier to find someone who truly understands your identity and experiences instead of settling for whoever is nearby.The same goes for people who are dealing with chronic illness, disability, or trauma. Teletherapy removes that physical and emotional barrier that can make in-person sessions exhausting or even triggering.On top of that, there are also AI chatbots and mental health apps that offer 24/7 support and can help people at literally any time. Of course, this isnt perfect. Not everyone has fast internet or knows how to safely use these tools. There are still concerns though about privacy and who gets access.But generally speaking, therapy is becoming more normalized, more flexible, and more available wherever you are.How At-Home Diagnostics Are Redefining Preventive CareGetting tested no longer means having to spend half your day at the clinic.Heres how at-home diagnostics are giving people more control over their health.Hormone MonitoringFor people going through gender-affirming hormone therapy or managing reproductive health, hormone monitoring is a must. The good news is, its now more accessible than ever. Instead of going to a clinic for every blood draw or level check, a lot of people can now do it from home using kits or remote lab services.This is a great help with anxiety, especially for trans and non-binary people who might be judged or misunderstood in medical settings.STI and HIV TestingDiscreet, at-home STI and HIV tests are changing how people approach sexual health, especially in communities that face stigma or fear around getting tested. People can test on their own terms, without uncomfortable conversations or even being seen at the clinic. The process is private, usually faster, and helps reduce barriers to early detection and treatment.This is one of the biggest wins for at-home diagnostics because it makes sexual health more accessible and shame-free.Metabolic and Nutritional PanelsYou cant always tell when your body is running low on something essential, which is why home panels for things like vitamin D, B12, iron, and cholesterol are so convenient. They help people keep an eye on their energy levels, immune health, and long-term risks without waiting for symptoms or trying to guess whats wrong.These tests are useful for anyone, but especially those who have dietary restrictions, chronic fatigue, or limited access to routine screenings. And for bloodwork that cant be self-collected, mobile phlebotomy services are a great alternative that helps patients complete diagnostic tests without visiting a clinic.Chronic Condition TrackingLiving with a chronic condition often means constant monitoring. Blood sugar, thyroid levels Basically, regular testing becomes a normal part of life. If you can do all this at home, thats a lot less stress, and it helps you stay on top of your health with fewer interruptions.For example, if someone is managing diabetes, its a lot easier to send a sample or review trends with a remote care team than it is to go to the clinic every month. It also means better consistency, which leads to better results.ConclusionNobody likes waiting rooms and nobody can relax under fluorescent lights. This old-school way of doing healthcare has always worked better for some than others, but now, healthcare can be at your doorstep or in your inbox.For LGBTQ+ folks, people with disabilities, anyone whos juggling three jobs or if you just hate the smell of antiseptic, this can be a super positive change. Its healthcare that respects time and privacy.Its not quite perfect, but its a big step toward something better.The post What If Healthcare Came to You Instead? appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

Losing is the new winning!No matter how many non-elimination episodes a new flagship season of RuPaul's Drag Race starts with, there's no way around it: At some point, the queens have to start sashaying away for the competition to move forward And someone needs to go first!Ever since Victoria "Porkchop" Parker became the first-ever eliminated queen in episode 1 of Drag Race season 1, RuPaul has spent years referencing her, calling out her name, and making sure that fans don't forget about the OG queen. 17 seasons later, the U.S. series itself adopted this practice of highlighting each first-eliminated queen of the series.Many first-eliminated queens understood the assignment when it came to embracing their Porkchop Queen status and not allowing that to become their entire legacy on Drag Race. Throughout herstory, various first-eliminated queens became extremely popular and came back to compete on All Stars.Season 13 had a full premiere format, the Porkchop Loading Dock, dedicated to these first-outs. Season 14 featured three first-eliminated queens Tempest DuJour (season 7), Jaymes Mansfield (season 9), and Kahmora Hall (season 13) as the main characters of a commercials challenge titled "Save a Queen."Before going down the list, it's worth noting that some of these first eliminations were "fake-outs" planned by producers to create tension in the competition right away. In those cases, the eliminated queens were quickly brought back to compete, which meant that someone else ended up being the official first-out of their season. There have also been seasons with split premieres, meaning that each queen eliminated in each premiere landed in this category.Victoria Porkchop Parker (Season 1)Victoria "Porkchop" Parker walked into Drag Race season 1 as a 39-year-old queen from Raleigh, NC. Unfortunately, Porkchop fell in the bottom and went up against Akashia in the first-ever lip sync for your life to the tune of RuPaul's breakout song "Supermodel (You Better Work)" of the overall franchise.Porkchop was ultimately asked to sashay away, becoming the very first queen to be eliminated from the series.Shangela (Season 2)Shangela showed a lot of charisma and potential on Drag Race season 2. She was 28 years old, came from Paris, TX, and didn't hide the fact she was still a "baby drag queen."By the end of that season 2 premiere, however, Shangela lip synced against the late Sahara Davenport to En Vogue's "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" and ended up losing the battle becoming the first-eliminated queen of the season.Venus D-Lite (Season 3)After competing in season 2 and going home first, Shangela came back to the third season of Drag Race but landed in the bottom 2 once again at the premiere.Shangela went up against Venus D-Lite, a 26-year-old queen from Los Angeles, CA, in a lip sync to "The Right Stuff" by Vanessa Williams. This time, Shangela won the lip sync and sent Venus packing.Alisa Summers (Season 4)Expectations were high for Alisa Summers as she entered the werk room of Drag Race season 4 as a 23-year-old queen from Tampa, FL. Alas, this beauty queen didn't live up to those expectations.Upon landing in the bottom 2 with Jiggly Caliente in the first episode, the queens lip synced to "Toxic" by Britney Spears, and Alisa was asked to sashay away.Penny Tration (Season 5)Season 5 had a pre-season system where Drag Race fans could vote for a queen to be cast on the show and compete for the crown. Penny Tration, a 39-year-old queen from Cincinnati, OH, received the most votes and entered the werk room as a "fan-favorite."Despite having a large pre-season fanbase, Penny didn't do well in the first episode, landed in the bottom 2 against Serena ChaCha, and had a pretty messy lip sync to Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA" that resulted in the fan-favorite's elimination.Kelly Mantle (Season 6, Episode 1)The first-ever split premiere of Drag Race took place in season 6 and resulted in Kelly Mantle's elimination in the first part of this special "Big Opening" premiere.Kelly, a 37-year-old performer from Los Angeles who was best known for her acting gigs over the years, lip synced for her life to Madonna's "Express Yourself" against Vivacious. Unfortunately, she went on to become the first-eliminated queen of the season.Magnolia Crawford (Season 6, Episode 2)Magnolia Crawford was asked to sashay away in the second part of season 6's "Big Opening" premiere. From Seattle, WA, Magnolia was 28 at the time and was shown as having a pretty negative attitude toward the competition itself.Episode 2 ended with Magnolia lip syncing against Darienne Lake to "Turn the Beat Around" by Vicki Sue Robinson, and Magnolia got the chop.Tempest DuJour (Season 7)At 47, Tempest DuJour was bizarrely underestimated by other queens due to being an older queen. In the grand scheme of the flagship Drag Race series, season 7 felt like a particularly young-skewing season, which didn't help Tempest.After not doing well in the first maxi challenge of the competition, Tempest fell in the bottom 2 with Kandy Ho and lip synced to "Geronimo" by RuPaul. Kandy was deemed the winner of that lip sync, which meant that Tempest was sent back home to Tucson, AZ.Naysha Lopez (Season 8, Episode 1*)Naysha Lopez was the first queen in Drag Race herstory to be eliminated in episode 1 and then get brought back within the same season. After not doing well in the first maxi challenge of season 8, Naysha also lost a lip sync to Lady Gaga's "Applause" against Laila McQueen.Yet, a series of unfortunate events followed Naysha's elimination and resulted in her return to the competition. Naysha, who was 31 at the time and lived in Chicago, IL, finished the season in 9th place overall.Dax ExclamationPoint (Season 8, Episode 2)Dax ExclamationPoint seemed to be in her head from the very beginning of season 8, which became even more apparent in the notorious "Bitch Perfect" a cappella lip sync performance of episode 2. From Savannah, GA, Dax was 31 at the time, and clearly wasn't able to lock in her focus for this competition.RuPaul and the other Drag Race judges were so upset by some of the performances in episode 2 that they called upon the ultimate drag lip sync song of all time, "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor, for the bottom 2 queens of the week: Dax and Laila McQueen.Laila McQueen (Season 8, Episode 2)As mentioned in the previous entry, Laila McQueen fell in the bottom 2 with Dax ExclamationPoint after also underperforming in the "Bitch Perfect" challenge. Over time, Laila has become an Emmy Award-winning makeup artist for her work on HBO's We're Here. At the time, though, she was only 22 and lived in Gloucester, MA.To the shock of many queens, judges, and fans alike, both Dax and Laila did poorly in the "I Will Survive" lip sync, and Mama Ru decided to send both of them home. The gag was real.Jaymes Mansfield (Season 9)Jaymes Mansfield was one of the most exciting queens going into season 9, but her sense of humor and in-drag character just didn't translate well onto TV at the time. From Milwaukee, WI, Jaymes was 26 during her Drag Race debut.After not doing great at the premiere (a non-elimination episode) and in the second episode, Jaymes landed in the bottom 2 with Kimora Blac, lip synced to "Love Shack" by The B-52's, and was sent home first.Vanessa Vanjie Mateo (Season 10)The one elimination that arguably impacted all other early eliminations in Drag Race herstory happened in season 10, as Vanessa Vanjie Mateo was asked to sashay away at the premiere.Vanessa a 25-year-old queen from Tampa, FL at the time, and the daughter of Drag Race legend Alexis Mateo lip synced against Kalorie Karbdashian Williams to "Ain't No Other Man" by Christina Aguilera. It's fair to say that Kalorie did a slightly better job than Vanjie in that lip sync, and thank gawd for it that loss led this queen to deliver her iconic "Miss Vanjie" exit line that went viral immediately and entered the Drag Race herstory books.Soju (Season 11)Soju didn't do well in the first maxi challenge of Drag Race season 11, which justified her placement in the bottom 2. After lip syncing to Hannah Montana's "Best of Both Worlds" against Kahanna Montrese, it was pretty clear that Kahanna out-performed her costar prompting Soju to be this season's first-eliminated queen.Dahlia Sin (Season 12)Season 12 brought back the concept of a split premiere to Drag Race, which hadn't happened since season 6. This time, though, no one was actually eliminated in either one of those premieres.By episode three, 28-year-old Dahlia Sin was still struggling to find her footing in the competition, which landed her in the bottom 2 with Nicky Doll. The two contestants lip synced to "Problem" by Ariana Grande, and the judges determined that Nicky did a better job than Dahlia.Elliott With 2 Ts (Season 13, Episode 2*)Producers created a fantasy at the premiere of season 13 that made it seem like half of the cast was eliminated right after losing a surprise lip sync that they all had to go through in episode 1. As those seven queens lost their respective performances in the Lip Sync Smackdown and were sent to the Porkchop Loading Dock, they were asked to cast a vote for one of them to go home (but actually go home, this time, it seemed).Elliott With 2 Ts, a Las Vegas, NV queen who was only 26 while competing, received the most votes against her and was promptly "eliminated" from the season. However, that elimination didn't really anything. Elliott was immediately brought back to the season in episode 2 and wasn't actually eliminated until episode 9.Kahmora Hall (Season 13, Episode 4)As Elliott With 2 Ts was revealed as still competing in the season, queens and fans eventually learned that the first legitimate sashay away of the season happened to Kahmora Hall after losing a mind-blowing lip sync against Denali to "100% Pure Love" by the Crystal Waters.Kahmora, the self-proclaimed "Chicago's Mackie Doll," was 28 years old at the time and lived in Chicago, IL.Orion Story (Season 14, Episode 1*)Orion Story, from Grand Rapids, MI, was 25 years old when she competed on Drag Race. With season 14 having a split premiere and Orion being in a group full of very large personalities, this queen got lost in the shuffle.Even though Orion was eliminated in episode 1, this was a clearly "fake" sashay away, as revealed when she returned to the competition in episode 3. In the end, Orion was only actually eliminated in episode 5 after underperforming in the "Save a Queen" commercials challenge.Daya Betty (Season 14, Episode 2*)"You betty be ready!" Except, for Daya Betty, that wasn't really the case. The 25-year-old queen from Chicago competed in the second split premiere of the season and was shockingly eliminated by the end of that episode.Just like Orion Story, however, Daya Betty also returned to the actual competition right away, in episode 3. It is also pretty remarkable that Daya got to the grand finale despite having been eliminated (fake-out or otherwise) very early in the game. A fierce Drag Race Ru-demption, indeed.June Jambalaya (Season 14)As previously noted, Orion Story and Daya Betty were both brought back to season 14 after being eliminated in their respective split premieres. With their return, this cast of queens finally learned more about the infamous chocolate bar twist of the season.The competition moved forward, and June Jambalaya a 29-year-old queen from Los Angeles had to lip sync for her life against Maddy Morphosis to Kylie Minogue's "I Love It." The episode ended with Mama Ru asking June to sashay away, and the iconic "It's chocolate" meme was born as June unwrapped her chocolate bar and didn't find a golden ticket inside.Irene The Alien, F.K.A. Irene Dubois (Season 15)Irene The Alien who went by the stage name Irene Dubois at the time was the first-eliminated queen from Drag Race season 15.Irene's Variety Show number about pouring water and ice into a cup ended up sending her straight to the bottom 2. The 29-year-old queen from Seattle, WA lip synced to Ariana Grande's "7 Rings" against Amethyst, and Mama Ru asked Irene to sashay away.Hershii LiqCour-Jet (Season 16)Based in Los Angeles, Hershii LiqCour-Jet was a 31-year-old queen when she competed in season 16. Between her endearing backstory about becoming a parent with her partner and her self-proclaimed "auntie drag," Hershii was a delightful queen to follow in those first few episodes of Drag Race season 16.Alas, Hershii did not survive episode 3, "The Mother of All Balls," as someone who wasn't proficient in sewing. The episode came to a close with Hershii lip syncing to "Maybe You're The Problem" by Ava Max against Geneva Karr, and Hershii was asked to sashay away by RuPaul.Lucky Starzzz (Season 17)Lucky Starzzz had the fans feeling extremely excited about her drag aesthetic going into Drag Race season 17. The 26-year-old queen wasn't just an interesting performer to represent South Florida (in comparison to season 16 stars Morphine Love Dion and Mhi'ya Iman Le'Paige), but she also brought a creative perspective of drag that the fans had been wanting for a few years.In any case, season 17 episode 3 ended with Lucky falling in the bottom 2 and lip syncing against Joella, which resulted in the South Florida queen's elimination.

Once again, Sniffies is making cruising more accessible for everyone.After implementing safer features at the top of the year, the popular hookup website is now giving users the option to explore cruising spots in different areas around the world.Sniffies is offering their "Cruise This Area" feature to all users, including free and paid customers, where cruisers get scope out hookup opportunities in plenty of destinations ahead of a Pride or summer getaway.The new perk unlocks the ability to preview who else is looking for some steamy action online and even engage with local groups in real time. Plus, the app includes built-in safety protections for high-risk regions, including enhanced anonymity for travelers.Say goodbye to location-based limitations as Sniffies is hoping more curious and horny tourists can engage in some adult and erotic wherever it may be possible.As always, it's important to pay attention to any and all surroundings, especially when visiting new territories. Check out PRIDE's cruising safety guide ahead of your next steamy Sniffies hookup.

No more whiteout!One of the most iconic moments to ever come out of RuPaul's Drag Race is BenDeLaCreme's shocking self-elimination on All Stars 3.After dominating the competition every single week, the talented queen decided to quit and give the other contestants a stronger shot at the crown. It's still one of the most gag-worthy things to ever happen on the main stage!Seven years have passed since that infamous event, but like the rest of the Drag Race fans, BenDeLaCreme is watching the current season of All Stars and rooting for some of the OG queens that returned to the werkroom."There's so many on this season that I have so much respect for! Aja is one of those people who is so incredibly talented. It's also so great to see Nicole Paige Brooks back on our TVs! She is such a gem," BenDeLaCreme tells our sister brand, PRIDE. See on Instagram Although DeLa's sudden departure from the contest is a pinnacle moment from the series, the successful queen isn't opposed to potentially competing one more time on a future season of the hit show."I honestly can't even imagine the circumstance under which that invitation would be extended. I don't know that that's the kind of relationship we have anymore! I don't feel like that is on my list of things to do, but I didn't feel like that before All Stars 3 either. Never say never!"One of the reasons why DeLa likely won't be popping up on Drag Race in the near future is simply because she's extremely busy! At the moment, the star is serving as a special guest performer in Teatro ZinZanni through July 19 in Chicago."It's such a cool show! I get to do all of these incredible comedy bits, but it's also integrative and I get to work with acrobats, trapeze artists, and amazing vocalists from all over the world. It is a stellar cast!" Fans can get tickets to Teatro ZinZanni on the official website here. To see the full interview with BenDeLaCreme, check out the video at the top of the page.

OK, so my best friend wants to peg me. Now, at first, it was all a joke, but now Im actually down for her being my dom. I just want to know how to get ready for it mentally and physically.Thanks,Nervous Straight GuyHey NSG, Many of your fellow straight dudes will never experience the fun youre about to have. Ive been pegged (by men and women) and assure you, its worth the work. I dont know if one can fully mentally prepare for receptive anal play, especially if its your first time. You will feel nervous, vulnerable, and awkward. Receptive ass play, bottoming whatever you want to call it is hard. The right playmate makes all the difference: If you trust her and can be vulnerable with her; if you believe shell slow down when you ask her to slow down and stop if you say stop, youre gold. You got it.You will need to tell her if something hurts or feels great. Go slow! She must be attentive to your body and breathing, be patient with you, and let you adjust to the feeling; she will not be able to fully take control and dominate your sexy butt the first time you try this. As for physical preparation: Read my post in The Advocate about happy, healthy bottoming and its follow-up post in Out. Together, these amount to a good bottoming guide for all bottoms, including straight pegging subs. Unless youre vegan or vegetarian and have those miracle poops that leave your butt spotless after a bowel movement, you might want to try some gentle douching, which is explained in the posts mentioned above. Douching is not required for enjoyable butt play, but it often makes bottoms feel more comfortable. When I top, I dont care about a hole that isnt perfectly douched most tops dont. Exploring my top side has made me realize bottoms are the only ones who care so much about being super clean its for their own comfort. That comfort is important, but to ease your mind a bit: Your friend knows shes pegging a straight boys butthole and is not expecting the pristine, irrigated rectum of a pro fisting bottom. But a little poop might make you feel uncomfortable during an awkward first-time experience, so to make it easier, I recommend some light, gentle douching beforehand with a small, handheld bulb. (Read those bottoming posts for more details.) Bottoming is a mental journey, not a physical one. I cant bottom well until I surrender, relax my body, and slow my breathing. To help me do this, I mentally picture my butthole opening and draw the focus of my body to it. If it were a meditation exercise (secret: it is), when Im on all fours, I imagine a sense of warmth and gentle focus flowing from the tips of my body my head, hands, feet to my hole and picture it getting bigger. That may sound silly, but it gives me something to focus on when my mind would otherwise spin; it takes me out of my head into my sensations. Since, like you, Im also a sub, that focus Im talking about is not active. Im not moving my hips, riding it (unless told to), pushing out (clenching), or pushing back. Im focusing on letting it be soft, open, and stretched. I mentally decide: Okay, Im going to experience whatever they do to this part of my body, and my only job is to feel it. If something feels good, make sounds. Be loud. Tops need reinforcement that they are pleasing you, and the noises you make pleasure moans or those pressure grunts (when something doesnt hurt but doesnt feel great) tell tops which movements feel better. Remember: she wants to make you feel good. Let your sounds and body guide her. Anal play whether it involves pegging, a penis, or using toys and prostate stimulators is something no one does well on their first try. Keep trying. Dont quit after the first time. I dont mean to boast, but Im a very skilled bottom. I earned my butt from years of lackluster sex, communication errors, impatient tops, and getting poop on someones sheets. The mishaps and failures are part of the process. Its a journey of a lifetime. Why do it? Because there is no orgasm like an anal orgasm from getting pegged with a huge strap-on dildo. Welcome to Valhalla. Hey there! Im Alexander Cheves. Im a sex writer and former sex workerI worked in the business for over 12 years. You can read my sex-and-culture column Last Call in Out and my book My Love Is a Beast: Confessions, from Unbound Edition Press. But be warned: Kirkus Reviews says the book is "not for squeamish readers.In the past, I directed (ahem) adult videos and sold adult products. I have spoken about subjects like cruising, sexual health, and HIV at the International AIDS Conference, SXSW, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and elsewhere, and appeared on dozens of podcasts.Here, Im offering sex and relationship advice to Outs readers. Send your question to askbeastly@gmail.com it may get answered in a future post.

Hello Out readers!Out's 2025 list of Most Eligible Bachelorexes is here!If you're not familiar, a Bachelorex is similar to a Bachelor or Bachelorette, but is nonbinary or uses they/them pronouns. These are some of the most inspiring and amazing nonbinary and gender nonconforming celebs out there, and we love them!Our list of Most Eligible Bachelors this year includes individuals like Jonathan Groff, Jeremy Pope, and Tonatiuh, star of Kiss of the Spider Woman. After that, we released our list of Most Eligible Bachelorettes, including Keke Palmer, Maren Morris, and the very demure Jools Lebron.Now, we're celebrating some of our favorite nonbinary celebs! Our list for. 2025 includes Ponyboi star River Gallo, the hilarious comedian and actor Holmes, and Gaydar host Anania!"You brought so much chaotic energy to the college world of Overcompensating as Hailee, Carmen's unhinged roommate," we wrote in our love letter to Holmes. "Hailee's always ready to pump up her girlfriends, she's always down to party, and she's willing to drop everything if Carmen needs her. All of her lines are iconic, and each line read is legendary. She's exactly the kind of college bff we could all use! And Holmes, you're exactly the kind of comedian and actor that makes us fans."Click here to read the rest!Keep reading to find out our Man Crush Monday and all the best pop culture news!The 50th Invasion of the Pines: See pics of queer joy & dragThese 'Drag Race' queens won 4 maxi challenges (or more!)'Drag Race All Stars 10' Snatch Game: Questions, reactions, & resultsWhy LGBTQ+ advocates hope Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' costs the Republicans in the midtermsMeet Out's Most Eligible Bachelorexes of 2025Michael Cimino is proudly embracing his 'twunk' status & dishing on his love for the LGBTQ+ communityA man in Provincetown was called a homophobic slur and assaulted. Police need informationGigi Gorgeous and Nats Getty file for divorcehope to 'remain friends'12 queer storylines edited out or scrapped in major moviesMan Crush MondayIn case you love Foundation star Lee Pace as much as we do, here are 41 pics of him to celebrate!

Think about the last time you had a health issue that needed to be dealt with. Did you have to wait for weeks just to get an appointment? And then, when you finally got one, did you sit in a crowded waiting room? Rearrange your entire day just to get a check-up?But thats just how it goes. Or so you thought.Healthcare is changing and now, you no longer have to go to a clinic to see a therapist. You can if you want to, but its not necessary. You dont always need to drive across town just to get your blood drawn. Instead, there are services that come to your home, on your schedule, with more privacy and far less hassle.It saves time, but thats not the main perk. There are many people who have had bad experiences with the healthcare system, especially LGBTQ+ individuals, those with chronic illness, or those in rural areas.For them, this can be a difference between getting care and avoiding it altogether; and obviously, you want to get the needed care instead of avoiding it.Virtual Therapy and the Rise of Remote Mental Health CareVirtual therapy has gained a lot of popularity in the last few years, especially after 2020. Before, it was just a backup option, but now its close to being the main way people talk to therapists. And for many, it actually turned out to be better because it has many benefits.LGBTQ+ communities, in particular, appreciate remote mental health care. Its amazing to be able to connect with a therapist in the privacy of your own home, plus its especially valuable in places where being out isnt safe or accepted. It also makes it easier to find someone who truly understands your identity and experiences instead of settling for whoever is nearby.The same goes for people who are dealing with chronic illness, disability, or trauma. Teletherapy removes that physical and emotional barrier that can make in-person sessions exhausting or even triggering.On top of that, there are also AI chatbots and mental health apps that offer 24/7 support and can help people at literally any time. Of course, this isnt perfect. Not everyone has fast internet or knows how to safely use these tools. There are still concerns though about privacy and who gets access.But generally speaking, therapy is becoming more normalized, more flexible, and more available wherever you are.How At-Home Diagnostics Are Redefining Preventive CareGetting tested no longer means having to spend half your day at the clinic.Heres how at-home diagnostics are giving people more control over their health.Hormone MonitoringFor people going through gender-affirming hormone therapy or managing reproductive health, hormone monitoring is a must. The good news is, its now more accessible than ever. Instead of going to a clinic for every blood draw or level check, a lot of people can now do it from home using kits or remote lab services.This is a great help with anxiety, especially for trans and non-binary people who might be judged or misunderstood in medical settings.STI and HIV TestingDiscreet, at-home STI and HIV tests are changing how people approach sexual health, especially in communities that face stigma or fear around getting tested. People can test on their own terms, without uncomfortable conversations or even being seen at the clinic. The process is private, usually faster, and helps reduce barriers to early detection and treatment.This is one of the biggest wins for at-home diagnostics because it makes sexual health more accessible and shame-free.Metabolic and Nutritional PanelsYou cant always tell when your body is running low on something essential, which is why home panels for things like vitamin D, B12, iron, and cholesterol are so convenient. They help people keep an eye on their energy levels, immune health, and long-term risks without waiting for symptoms or trying to guess whats wrong.These tests are useful for anyone, but especially those who have dietary restrictions, chronic fatigue, or limited access to routine screenings. And for bloodwork that cant be self-collected, mobile phlebotomy services are a great alternative that helps patients complete diagnostic tests without visiting a clinic.Chronic Condition TrackingLiving with a chronic condition often means constant monitoring. Blood sugar, thyroid levels Basically, regular testing becomes a normal part of life. If you can do all this at home, thats a lot less stress, and it helps you stay on top of your health with fewer interruptions.For example, if someone is managing diabetes, its a lot easier to send a sample or review trends with a remote care team than it is to go to the clinic every month. It also means better consistency, which leads to better results.ConclusionNobody likes waiting rooms and nobody can relax under fluorescent lights. This old-school way of doing healthcare has always worked better for some than others, but now, healthcare can be at your doorstep or in your inbox.For LGBTQ+ folks, people with disabilities, anyone whos juggling three jobs or if you just hate the smell of antiseptic, this can be a super positive change. Its healthcare that respects time and privacy.Its not quite perfect, but its a big step toward something better.The post What If Healthcare Came to You Instead? appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

As political forces including the country's president take aim at transgender Americans, two Black trans leaders in Chicago say they are not only resisting they are building.Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis, who made history in 2024 as the first Black openly transgender woman elected to public office in Cook County, and Channyn Lynne Parker, CEO of Brave Space Alliance, are confronting a national moment marked by cruelty, disinformation, and legislative assault. In candid interviews, both described their work not as survival but as leadership grounded in service, community, and defiance of erasure.I feel that Republicans, the President of the United States, were elected on the backs of $250 million worth of lies, Brady-Davis said, referring to the documented ad spending by Trump-aligned campaigns that saturated network television with anti-trans content in 2024. That ad campaign wasnt just about winning votes it was about trying to erase us. Commissioner Precious Brady-Daviscourtesy picturedBrady-Davis was first appointed to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago in 2023 by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and then elected the following year with more than 1.28 million votes, or 69.3 percent of the total. Her office serves over 5 million residents and manages the infrastructure that protects Chicagos water supply.Related: Chicago Teachers Union ratifies groundbreaking contract cementing LGBTQ+ protectionsI was elected by a million people, she said. Im a wife. Im a mother. I serve openly and with purpose.She added, I feel like in this moment that I am a shining beacon, that you cant keep a good trans girl down, and that there are qualified trans people who deserve to serve in public office and should.While Brady-Davis operates in government, Parker leads one of the most visible community-based organizations in the Midwest. Brave Space Alliance, which Parker has led since 2022, is the first Black- and trans-led LGBTQ+ center on Chicagos South Side.I think the main thing that has changed is that folks are now emboldened to dehumanize trans folks, Parker said. This administration has given bigoted people a cathartic release to say, Finally, I can say and do all the things Ive wanted to do to you all for the longest. Channyn Parkercourtesy picturedParker said she has not personally encountered such hostility, but she sees it in her work every day. I have layers of protection that the average trans person does not, she said. Where I do see it show up in real-time is with my participants.That includes trans people being denied affirming health insurance, detained at the border over gender marker discrepancies, or grappling with mental health crises driven by fear and instability. Some are all but having mental and emotional collapses based off of the complete uncertainty of what the next months let alone the next years bring, she said.Brave Space Alliance has not relied on federal funding by design. Early on in my being the CEO, I had this gut feeling not to accept federal money because I just wasnt sure how this election was going to turn out, Parker said. I figured if it went the way that it did, the federal government would not be friendly towards organizations like Brave Space. Under the second administration of President Donald Trump, grants for initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (particularly those focused on gender identity) have been halted.Related: Here is how the Human Rights Campaign will be queering the Democratic National ConventionStill, some funding loss has come indirectly. We did, however, lose some of our HIV funding because, though it is city funding, it comes from the CDC, which is federal, she said.Both women reject the idea that transgender people are liabilities to the political coalition that once claimed to defend them. Brady-Davis, while praising Pritzkers support, said the national Democratic response to the anti-trans attacks was inadequate.We let $250 million of anti-trans ads blanket the airwaves. Not a word said back, she said. The advisors were wrong. Frankly, they were wrong.She also emphasized that being trans is just one part of who she is and that she leads with a broader vision of service. It has not just been the LGBTQ community, she said. It has been service to the environment, it has been clean water for all, it has been advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion for all kinds of people.Parker, too, is focused on connecting those dots showing how anti-trans policies are part of a broader effort to erode rights and protections for everyone. My gender-affirming care is linked to your bodily autonomy, she said. Birth control. Reproductive rights. So on and so forth.She said the most potent tool remains reminding people they are not alone and not the problem. This administration continues to try to gaslight people into believing, if you were not this way, this wouldnt be happening to you, Parker said. But youre not the problem.Looking ahead, both leaders are focused on building not just visibility but capacity. Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis, Channyn Parker courtesy picturedBrady-Davis said her victory proved that people across ideological lines can recognize character. There are people whove known me since I was a teenager and vote Republican but love me dearly, she said. They listen to my experience. I listen to their concerns. And I think you change hearts and minds by tapping into peoples humanity.For Parker, the goal is to deepen Brave Space Alliances roots not just expand it. My hope in the coming years is that were not just responding to crisis, but we continue to build capacity, she said. I want Dignity to be the baseline and not the exception.In this moment of national retreat, both women remain steadfast. This is my lifes work, Brady-Davis said. And I will continue to advocate for the rights of all people, even those who try to take my humanity from me.

Early 2000s lesbians and sapphics rejoice!Julia Volkova of the popular Russian band t.A.T.u. has issued an apology to the LGBTQ+ community a decade after saying she wouldn't support a gay son and that "a man has no right to be a f*g."In the apology, Volkova also calls out Russian President Vladimir Putin and apologizes to her bandmate, Lena Katina. (@) "Julia Volkova sincerely apologizes to the LGBT community for the homophobic statements she made ten years ago. She acknowledges her personal growth since then and affirms that, of course, she would accept her child if they were gay," a new statement from the band's official X account reads. "Julia also makes it clear that she stands fully against the government of Vladimir Putin and wishes to be an ally to the LGBT community with the return of t.A.T.u."t.A.T.u., consisting of Julia Volkova and Lena Katina, is best known for their song "All the Things She Said," which became a lesbian anthem in the early 2000s.The song became a global viral sensation in 2002 and 2003, fueled by a music video where the two women played schoolgirls who kissed in the rain. While neither member of the band are queer, the music video and song quickly became favorites among queer women.The duo also performed "All the Things She Said" and "Not Gonna Get Us" at the 2003 MTV Movie Awards, accompanied by dozens of dancers dressed as schoolgirls.In a 2014 interview, however, Volkova said that while she was okay with lesbians, she didn't accept gay men.Refinery29 reported that when asked if she would condemn her son if he came out as gay, Volkova said, "Yes, I would condemn him, because I believe that a real man must be a real man. God created man for procreation; it is in the nature. The man for me is the support, the strength, male voice, male look. Definitely no, I won't support a gay son."She continued, saying, "A man has no right to be a f*g. Two girls together not the same thing as the two men together. It seems to me that lesbians look aesthetically much nicer than two men holding their hands or kissing," per Billboard.Volkova also apologizes to her bandmate, Katina, in the statement, "for putting her through this situation." The statement says that Katina "has always been an ally and will continue to support the gay community wholeheartedly.""Julia recognizes that her previous homophobic remarks have harmed both Lenas image and that of t.A.T.u. She assures that such behavior will never happen again, and that t.A.T.u. will move forward as a symbol of love among all people," the statement reads.The statement ends by saying, "The group has always been about love never about hate."

There is no better person to interview anotherSurvivor alum than anotherSurvivoralum. Survivor alum Zeke Smith, who serves on GLAADs Board of Directors, sat down with Survivor winner andTraitors fan favoritePavarti Shallow to discuss all things about the legacy reality series and her new book, Nice Girls Dont Win. In her new book, which hits shelves [...]The post WATCH: Zeke Smith and Pavarti Shallow Talk All Things Survivor; Her New Book Nice Girls Dont Win; The Traitors, and Being a Queer Icon first appeared on GLAAD.

The Old Guard movies teem with astounding action sequences from hand-to-hand combat to a daring helicopter rescue. But a pair of centuries-long same-sex love stories, platonic or otherwise, adds emotional heft and heightened stakes to these tales of a band of immortals fighting for humanity.Based on the graphic novels from writer Greg Rucka, The Old Guard (2020) delivered a love story for the ages between Marwan Kenzaris Joe and Luca Marinellis Nicky while hinting at a deep connection between Charlize Therons Andromache of Scythia (Andy) and Veronica Ngs Quynh, whos been trapped in an iron maiden in the ocean for centuries. Henry Golding, Luca Marinelli, Marwan Kenzari, Charlize Theron, Kiki Layne in 'The Old Guard 2.'Courtesy of Netflix Spoilers ahead.In director Victoria Mahoneys The Old Guard 2, Uma Thurman, who recently played the president in the queer favorite Red, White & Royal Blue, stars as Discord (the earliest immortal) unshackles Quynh to reach the newest Old Guard member, Nile (KiKi Layne) through her relationship with Andy. With Quynh, who pervaded Andys memories in the first film, free from her watery prison, a reunion between them, 500 years in the making, becomes a centerpiece of the sequel.It's truly been one of my top favorite relationships that I've ever been a part of in the development period because we get to explore it as a thought, really, in the first one. And it really served one purpose, and that was to just say that Andy is haunted by something, right? Theron tells Out.I knew that she was going to be a big part of it just because of how much we emotionally leaned on her for Andy's emotional story. And therefore, it was never kind of like this linear exploration. It's been this kind of searching and grabbing, she adds. We've had to discover it in a way as we're going along. And to me, that is almost exactly who they are to each other. They had to do that same thing with each other. And since they haven't seen each other in 500 years, they're grabbing onto memories the way I can't even remember things when I was five years old. We make history, we remember it the way we want to.A quick internet search turns up fan sites devoted to Andy and Quynh and their truly epic story. Andy wields a long double-sided axe, a labrys, an ancient Greek symbol of power adopted by lesbians in the 1970s (who can forget Corkys labrys tattoo in Bound?). Still the mystery of their relationship is a draw for Theron, whos starred in overtly queer roles in Monster and Atomic Blonde.I love that the two of them are coming together with all of that and that we don't get into the specifics. They just are. We're not underlining them. We're not saying who they are to each other, they're just living those circumstances, Theron says. And I love those kind of relationships. Uma Thurman as Discord in 'The Old Guard 2.'Courtesy of Netflix The first Old Guard film from Gina Prince-Bythewood released at the height of the pandemic in 2020, introduced the immortal love story between Nicky and Joe that included swoon-worthy speeches about their love. "He's not my boyfriend. This man is more to me than you can dream, Joe says at the start of a romantic speech.Theyre back in The Old Guard 2, forever at each others side, hundreds of years into their relationship.For me, it's a very rich connection. And whether the audience picks up the fact that they're lovers or soulmates or brothers or in my mind, it can have any of those qualities and doesn't necessarily have to be specifically one of those forms of sharing love, Kenzari says. Luca Marinelli as Nicky and Marwan Kenzari as Joe in 'The Old Guard 2.Courtesy of Netflix Friendship among women and a mentorship between Andy and Nile deepens in The Old Guard 2 as well. Layne touches on the films chosen family onscreen and off.[Mentorship] its something that the first film really started to set up, just kind of this beautiful journey that [Nile and Andy] go on of literally first starting off fighting each other and then Nile, I mean, sacrificing her life. She's immortal, but saving Andy and coming back for the team and really choosing the Old Guard as her family, Layne says. We see that continuing in the second film, and seeing what she's learning. Nile is learning from Andy, and I get to learn from Char and learn from Uma this time around too.Though Discord is The Old Guard 2's villain, she's imbued with a sense of ethics gone awry. Thurman says her character has a deep respect for what Andy has created for herselfwhich is the ability to continue to connect and to have closeness with others and give her life meaning. Existential questions of humanity are the themes of the film, Thurman says, but Andy and Discord face them from differing perspectives.They're just coming at the sort of pondering good and evil and losing faith and losing hope. I think Discord isis a little bit shadier or at a different point in her own struggle with giving up, losing hope, losing faith, and letting darkness consume, she says. I think people go through that in their own lives.The Old Guard 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

In a new podcast episode, Superman star Nicholas Hoult has revealed that he understands why people like to be held by someone bigger than him, and it's thanks to his newest costar.Sign up for the Out Newsletter to keep up with what's new in LGBTQ+ culture and entertainment delivered three times a week straight (well) to your inbox!On the Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepard, Hoult discussed starring in the upcoming Superman film as the villain Lex Luthor, opposite David Corenswet as Superman.After calling Corenswet's physique "brilliant, gorgeous," he revealed that he had one moment with the actor who emphasized that physique. (@) I was chatting to my wife one night, and she was like It's so nice to be held by someone bigger than you.' And she was like, 'You don't really get that, do you?' And I was like, 'no, I guess I don't.'"His wife then noted that few people are big enough to hold the six feet, two and a half inches tall Hoult, then thought of a brilliant idea. "David could hold you," she told her husband.Hoult already towers over most of his costars, but can still look up to Corenswet, who stands at six feet and four inches.Corenswet also revealed that he bulked up to 238 lbs at his maximum weight while playing the super-strong character.Hoult continued, saying he had asked Corenswet to hold him and that it felt "warm and safe to be held."Hoult and Corenswet are starring in one of the summer's most hyped movies, James Gunn's Superman. The film also stars Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl.The film serves as the first film in the new DCU, which Gunn is helming.Superman opens July 11, 2025 in theaters.

When it comes to making RuPaul laugh, these queens understand the assignment.For several years, RuPaul's Drag Race queens have described the Snatch Game as the challenge that separates frontrunners from "filler queens."That long-standing perception has been falling flat over the years. In season 11, for instance, the top 2 queens of the entire season were the two worst performers in the Snatch Game and even had to lip sync for their lives that week which led to a double shantay. There was also the disastrous Snatch Game of season 14, in which seven of the eight remaining queens bombed and prompted the next episode to be a Lip Sync Smackdown that could settle which of them would actually be eliminated.Yet, most Drag Race fans do remember how each queen did in the Snatch Game, and can often hold onto that perception of them based on how well or how poorly they did in the challenge. Generally speaking, losing the Snatch Game isn't a good look, while winning that challenge does propel a queen to be considered a real contender in the season.With the exception of Drag Race season 1 and All Stars 1, every single season of the original U.S. series has featured a Snatch Game. So, without further ado, let's take a trip down memory lane for an overview of Snatch Game winners on Drag Race and the celebrities they've impersonated.Tatianna as Britney Spears (Season 2)Season 2 had the first-ever Snatch Game of the entire franchise, which meant that no one had any idea, or example, or blueprint for how to do well in the challenge. In a surprising turn of events, Tatianna's impersonation of Britney Spears was funny and believable, which gave her the edge to win the first Snatch Game of all time.Stacy Layne Matthews as Mo'Nique (Season 3)Many queens didn't see Stacy Layne Matthews as a real contender throughout season 3, but her Snatch Game as Mo'Nique (in the style of Precious) was brilliant and really resonated with the judges.Chad Michaels as Cher (Season 4)Chad Michaels walked into Drag Race season 4 as an absolute legend for being the best Cher impersonator in the world. The stakes were absurdly high for Chad to do well in the Snatch Game But no need to fear! The queen still delivered a pitch-perfect Cher and rightfully won the challenge.Jinkx Monsoon as Little Edie (Season 5)The blueprint for how to play the Snatch Game on Drag Race was set by Jinkx Monsoon in season 5 with her impersonation of Little Edie (of Grey Gardens fame). Not only did Jinkx win, but she also re-invented the Snatch Game and showed queens how to do well in that challenge for several seasons to come.BenDeLaCreme as Maggie Smith (Season 6)The Snatch Game of season 6 featured a fierce fight between BenDeLaCreme's Maggie Smith (in the style of Downton Abbey) and Bianca Del Rio's Judge Judy, but DeLa came out victorious in the end by surprising the judges with an unusual choice that turned out to be hilarious.Kennedy Davenport as Little Richard (Season 7 a tie)The first and only Snatch Game tie in a flagship season of Drag Race took place in season 7. Kennedy Davenport was one of the winners of that challenge after delivering an incredible impersonation of flamboyant musician Little Richard. It's also worth noting that this was the first-ever male character in the Snatch Game, which meant that the odds were stacked against Kennedy from the start. In any case, she went for it, and we couldn't stop laughing.Ginger Minj as Adele (Season 7 a tie)Ginger Minj, as Adele, was the other Snatch Game winner of season 7. Just like Kennedy Davenport's Little Richard, Ginger was incredibly funny and consistent throughout the entire challenge. This was a well-deserved tie and not a cop-out from the judges when taken into consideration how well both queens did in the episode.Bob the Drag Queen as Uzo Aduba and Carol Channing (Season 8)Bob the Drag Queen had not one, but two Snatch Game impersonations in season 8 And they were both incredible. Bob first did Uzo Aduba (in the style of her character from Orange Is the New Black), and then changed clothes to impersonate Carol Channing. To the surprise of literally no one, Bob won this Snatch Game, and it wasn't even close.Alexis Michelle as Liza Minnelli (Season 9)RuPaul had been waiting for someone to do Liza Minnelli in the Snatch Game for many, many years. Thankfully, Alexis Michelle finally gave Ru the full Liza With a "Z" experience in season 9.Though she faced some tough competition from other queens, Alexis still won the Snatch Game with her performance of the iconic Liza Minnelli.Aquaria as Melania Trump (Season 10)As a lewk queen who struggled with public speaking sometimes, Aquaria wasn't the kind of contestant that viewers were watching out for in the Snatch Game. So imagine everyone's surprise when Aquaria's impersonation of Melania Trump in season 10 was literally hilarious and absolutely earned her the win.Silky Nutmeg Ganache as Ts Madison (Season 11)Some people claim that Silky Nutmeg Ganache's Snatch Game performance as Ts Madison was just "Silky being Silky," but let's be honest: A lot of queens fumbled this challenge, and Silky was able to consistently make Ru and viewers laugh while staying in character. All things considered, Silky did win this Snatch Game fair and square.Gigi Goode as Maria the Robot (Season 12)It had already been groundbreaking when queens started to play male celebrities in the Snatch Game. Notably, Kennedy Davenport's Little Richard impersonation was the first-ever male character to win the challenge.The idea that Gigi Goode was going to impersonate a literal robot on the Snatch Game (not even just another human being from another gender) seemed way too far-fetched. And yet, Gigi murdered the Snatch Game of season 12 and won the challenge while playing a hilarious version of Maria the Robot.Gottmik as Paris Hilton (Season 13)Gottmik is another example of a fashion queen that viewers initially had low expectations about At least when it came to doing well in the Snatch Game. Against all odds, Gottmik's impersonation of Paris Hilton was extremely funny and consistent, which earned her the win.DeJa Skye as Lil Jon (Season 14)All but one queen did poorly in the Snatch Game of season 14. DeJa Skye's impersonation of Lil Jon gave her the win, whereas all seven of her costars landed in the bottom and had to lip sync for their lives in a special smackdown. As the Snatch Game winner of the season, DeJa got to watch all of the lip syncs from the comfort of a couch in the werk room.Loosey LaDuca as Joan Rivers (Season 15)The queens were split into two groups to compete in season 15's super-sized Snatch Game. Loosey LaDuca, who was part of the second group, turned it out with her hilarious rendition of the late, great comedy legend Joan Rivers.Plane Jane as Jelena Karleusa (Season 16)Plane Jane doesn't pretend to be an angel who hates stirring the pot, but her haters were never able to say that she isn't talented in the art form of drag. From the looks to the mug to the accent to the overall performance, Plane Jane was an iconic Snatch Game winner with her impersonation of Jelena Karleua in the season 16 Snatch Game.Onya Nurve as Eddie Murphy (Season 17)It do take Nurve to play actor Eddie Murphy on the Snatch Game, but Onya Nurve pulled that off and had us all laughing with this moment on Drag Race season 17. While it's safe to say that not that many queens saw it coming, Onya dominated that Snatch Game and was a shoo-in for the victory.Alaska as Mae West (All Stars 2)Alaska's impersonation of Mae West on All Stars 2 is widely considered one of the best performances in Drag Race herstory. Though there was never any doubt that Alaska was a talented and hilarious queen, this performance has gone down as one of the best Snatch Game moments of all time.Katya as Bjrk (All Stars 2)Who in their right mind would think about doing Bjrk as a funny celebrity character for the Snatch Game? Katya did, and it turned out to be one of the funniest and most epic impersonations in the herstory of the series. Along with Alaska, Katya was the other winner of this challenge on All Stars 2.BenDeLaCreme as Paul Lynde (All Stars 3)BenDeLaCreme is also a member of the two-time Snatch Game winner club. After blowing everyone away with her impersonation of Maggie Smith in season 6, DeLa did it again by bringing Paul Lynde to life on All Stars 3.Shangela as Jenifer Lewis (All Stars 3)One N and one F. Shangela impersonated Jenifer Lewis in the All Stars 3 Snatch Game. For context, Shangela had been a big fan of Lewis for many years before they became friends. By the time Shangela competed on All Stars 3, she had all of Lewis' mannerisms and catchphrases on lock.Trinity The Tuck as Caitlyn Jenner (All Stars 4)Playing Caitlyn Jenner in the Snatch Game of Love could've been very tricky, but Trinity The Tuck turned it out and was one of two winners of that challenge on All Stars 4. Not only did she nail Caitlyn's mannerisms and voice, but she also turned this (otherwise not very funny) woman into a hilarious Snatch Game character that we couldn't get enough of.Manila Luzon as Barbra Streisand (All Stars 4)Manila Luzon is one of the supreme queens of camp in the Drag Race pantheon, so her choice to impersonate Barbra Streisand and how well she did in the challenge wasn't exactly a huge surprise to the fans. In any case, Manila hadn't ever won Snatch Game before, so this great performance on All Stars 4 still felt interesting and new to the fandom.Shea Coule as Flavor Flav (All Stars 5)Shea Coule playing a male character in the Snatch Game?!This drag powerhouse didn't come to All Stars 5 to play She came to slay! And that included this phenomenal Snatch Game impersonation of Flavor Flav that's gone down in Drag Race herstory.Ginger Minj as Phyllis Diller (All Stars 6)Ginger Minj won her second Snatch Game with an impersonation of Phyllis Diller for the Snatch Game of Love on All Stars 6. No one was all that surprised that Ginger did so well in the challenge, even though she did compete on All Stars 2 and didn't live up to the best performances of the week during that season.Nonetheless, this iconic comedian was re-introduced to younger Drag Race audiences, and you gotta love Ginger for that.Jinkx Monsoon as Judy Garland (All Stars 7)All Stars 7, the all-winners season of Drag Race, challenged each of the queens to impersonate two celebrities instead of just one. Jinkx Monsoon brought Natasha Lyonne to life in the first round of this Snatch Game, and then blew everyone away with her god-tier performance as Judy Garland in round 2.Jinkx's Snatch Game performance and win on All Stars 7 has certainly topped her own herstory-making stint as Little Edie in season 5, and is considered by many fans to be the greatest Snatch Game character of all time.Trinity The Tuck as Leslie Jordan (All Stars 7)Trinity The Tuck's two performances in the all-winners edition of Snatch Game included Lucifer (for round 1) and Leslie Jordan (for round 2). Though there were so many iconic moments of Trinity as Lucifer, she truly had us laughing out loud while embodying the beloved Leslie Jordan, who is unfortunately no longer with us.This was Trinity's second Snatch Game win in the Drag Race franchise, following her victory as Caitlyn Jenner on All Stars 4.Jimbo as Shirley Temple (All Stars 8)Between her clown training and drag career, Jimbo knows a thing or two about being funny and "letting go" as a performer. She is also an expert on pushing the envelope and giving people a different perspective on characters presenting them in an unusual way that always ends up being entertaining, unexpected, and original.As an overgrown Shirley Temple in the Snatch Game of All Stars 8, Jimbo steamrolled the competition and earned high praise from the judging panel.Gottmik as Pal (All Stars 9)Gottmik impressed the judges and the fans with her hilarious performances in acting challenges, comedy challenges, and the Snatch Game of season 13, too. Things weren't different on All Stars 9, even though Gottmik chose to impersonate a literal dog for the Snatch Game of Love.Just like she did with Paris Hilton for the season 13 Snatch Game, Gottmik created an intricate and interesting character for Pal that felt like a person we had all known all along. Fully-realized realness!Nina West as Liberace (All Stars 9)Many fans felt like Nina West's performance during her first Snatch Game, in season 11, deserved much more praise than it received. Thankfully, this powerhouse queen returned to All Stars 9 with a vengeance and won this Snatch Game of Love with her performance as Liberace.Ginger Minj as Reba McEntire (All Stars 10)As a competitor on All Stars 10 otherwise known as the first Tournament of All Stars in the Drag Race franchise Ginger Minj won the Snatch Game yet again with her impersonation of Reba McEntire.With this challenge win, Ginger became the first queen in Drag Race herstory to win the Snatch Game three times.

California officials say they will not comply with Donald Trumps order to keep transgender athletes out of K-12 school sports.Secretary of Education Linda McMahon gave the state 10 days, beginning June 27, to sign on to an agreement to rescind any trans-inclusionary guidelines and send cisgender female athletes who lost to a trans opponent personalized apologies, The Sacramento Bee reports. The U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights had determined that California had violated federal nondiscrimination law by letting trans girls and women compete against cis females. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 bans sex discrimination in educational programs that receive federal funds. Democratic administrations have interpreted it as preventing anti-trans discrimination, while Trump's administration is using it to enable anti-trans discrimination.But California will not go along. The [California Department of Education] respectfully disagrees with OCRs analysis, and it will not sign the proposed Resolution Agreement, CDE General Counsel Len Garfinkle wrote Monday to OCR Regional Director Bradley Burke, according to the Bee.Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsoms staff termed the proposed agreement a political document and said it had no legal validity. It would also make the state violate its own trans-inclusive nondiscrimination laws, Newsoms aides said. California passed a law in 2013 allowing students to play on sports teams consistent with their gender identity.The Trump administration has threatened loss of federal funds to K-12 schools, colleges, and universities with trans-inclusive sports policies, and some have agreed to ban trans athletes, such as, recently, the University of Pennsylvania.Related: What does the science say about transgender women in sports?Newsom, usually a strong LGBTQ+ ally, received criticism this year for questioning the fairness of letting trans girls compete with cis girls. Now, with his state standing up for trans girls, hes catching fire from McMahon.California has just REJECTED our resolution agreement to follow federal law and keep men out of womens sports, she wrote on X. Turns out Gov. Newsoms acknowledgment that its an issue of fairness was empty political grandstanding. She said he would hear from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.California is already suing the federal government over the demand to change the states trans-inclusive policy. Changing that would violate state antidiscrimination law and the U.S. Constitution, according to California Attorney General Rob Bonta.And just two weeks ago, a spokesman for Newsom downplayed McMahons threat of withholding federal funds. It wouldnt be a day ending in Y without the Trump administration threatening to defund California, Newsoms director of communications, Izzy Gardon, told The Advocate at the time. Now Secretary McMahon is confusing government with her WrestleMania days dramatic, fake, and completely divorced from reality. This wont stick.California has made one concession. In May, the California Interscholastic Federation quietly changed the rules for competing in the girls state track championships, with a pilot program allowing cis girls who narrowly missed qualifying allegedly due to the inclusion of a trans competitor a chance to compete. But a trans girl targeted by Trump, Jurupa Valley High School junior AB Hernandez, was still allowed to participate as well. Hernandez won two gold medals and one silver at the state finals, and her fellow athletes offered no objections.Maine has already stood up to Trumps attacks on trans athletes. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills said the state would not change its trans-inclusive policies and that she would see Trump in court. After a federal court intervened in the administrations attempt to withhold school meal funding from Maine, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would restore the funds.Shannon Minter, legal director at the National Center for LGBTQ Rights, praised Californias latest action. This administration is targeting California in an attempt to intimidate it into backing away from its strong anti-discrimination laws, he told the Bee. Im encouraged to see the California Department of Education is standing up to that.

An overview of queer erasure in modern-day Hollywood.We love it when mainstream movies include queer storylines. What we don't love as much is when movies do include queer storylines in the original script or filming, but then those storylines hit the cutting room floor instead of making the final cut.Some blows hurt more than others. Some choices make some semblance of "sense" according to the filmmakers, but that doesn't always ease the pain when good queer-inclusive storylines get straightwashed.Here are 12 major films that had a gay storyline at some point in production, but ultimately didn't make it into the final release...'Love Actually'One of the more popular films during the holidays is Love Actually, a 2003 British rom-com that chronicles nine different love stories, though none of them are LGBTQ+. 20 years later, however, we found out that wasn't totally true. In fact, filmmaker Richard Curtis admitted that he was "really sad" about the scenes from the film that showed the headmistress coming home to her terminally ill partner. It was one of two scenes cut from the film that not only would have developed Anne Reid's character, but given some much-needed representation for the time.'Thor: Ragnarok' & 'The Marvels'Okay, this one isn't specifically for just Thor: Ragnarok, but rather for the character Valkyrie (played by out actress Tessa Thompson). Marvel has left out a few queer scenes, including an alleged romance between Valkyrie and Captain Marvel in 2023's The Marvels. Prior to, Ragnarok director Taika Waititi admitted they should have left in a scene filmed with a woman leaving Valkyrie's apartment and kissing her to cement the canon of Valkyrie's bisexuality.'Joy Ride'Another film that almost but didn't quite have a sapphic love scene was Joy Ride. Two of the film's stars, Sabrina Wu and Stephanie Hsu, shed some light on a scene involving Kat (Hsu) and Lolo (Sherry Cola), who were meant to embark on a budding romance following a game of rock, paper, scissors. Unfortunately, the romance ultimately hit the cutting room floor, leaving us all heartbroken at what could have been. 'Star Trek Beyond'It was big news when it was announced that Lt. Hikaru Sulu (John Cho) would be confirmed as gay in Star Trek Beyond, especially because out gay actor George Takei originated the role. However, Cho told Vulture that a scene featuring their daughter at the airport, in which the two husbands kissed, was ultimately left out of the final cut. 'James White'Rapper Kid Cudi took on his second-ever film in James White, where there was a bit of a double whammy when it came to his sexuality. One hit came by cutting out the scene where his character, Nick, comes out. The other involves his kissing scenes, of which he noted he knew nothing about the scenes being removed until the film's premiere and wasn't exactly happy when he found out his character's sexuality had all but been muted.'Scooby-Doo'Off the bat, before we get too into this, there was some redemption involved with Scooby-Doo by allowing Velma to be a lesbian in the HBO Max show about the character. However, Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played Daphne in the live-action films, shocked us all when she said there was a kiss between the two women that ultimately hit the cutting room floor. She also insinuated that Fred, played by her real-life hubby Freddie Prinze Jr., may also be bisexual, but the scenes examining that all got cut, as well.'Descendants 2'Disney's Descendants franchise has expanded to five films, with a sixth installment set to arrive next year. Back in 2017, when the second film came out, fans were disappointed to learn that a gay kiss between two male characters was cut from the movie. Two actors, Thomas Doherty (who plays Harry Hook, the son of Captain Hook) and Dylan Playfair (who plays Gil, the son of Gaston), shared an image on Instagram of a deleted scene from the film where their characters kiss. Fans were left upset that the scene, which appears in the book version, was cut from the film's final version.'Borderlands'Borderlands wasn't exactly a successful or beloved movie. Still, it may have been better received if it had included a filmed scene of characters Sir Alistair Hammerlock (Charles Babalola) and Wainwright Jakobs (Cheyenne Jackson) getting married. Director Eli Roth said that he shot an entire wedding scene (adapted from a DLC for the video game called Guns, Love and Tentacles: The Marriage of Wainwright & Hammerlock). Still, it ended up on the cutting room floor."It was one of those things that we all loved," Roth said to Entertainment Weekly. "We loved the actors. The scene itself turned out great, but in the overall mission of the film, it felt like a detour that stopped the mood and then went back."'Gladiator II'Denzel Washington was nominated for a Golden Globe and Critics' Choice award for his portrayal of Macrinus, a corrupt and ambitious former slave who trains gladiators. In the film, his character stated that he sometimes prefers men to women, but a scene further exploring this was apparently cut.In an interview with Gayety, Washington said he had a same-sex kiss that was cut."I kissed the man in the film, but they took it out, they cut it, I think they got chicken," Washington revealed. "Yeah, I kissed the guy full on the lips, and I guess they weren't ready for that yet. I killed him about five minutes later. It's Gladiator. The Kiss of Death."'A Quiet Place: Day One'Fans and critics loved this 2024 horror prequel, but some were disappointed by the lack of depth in one character. In the movie, Joseph Quinn plays Eric, a new character who develops a friendship with the main character, Sam (Lupita Nyong'o).In an interview, writer/director Michael Sarnoski revealed that Eric was gay, and some of his scenes explaining that were cut."It's not really addressed in the movie, but in some of the behind-the-scenes stuff, he was initially intended to be a gay man," he said. "And that was like, sort of a quiet aspect of his character that is sort of informing some of that. This is a platonic relationship between two people who find platonic love."'Inside Out 2'In 2024, it was reported that multiple sources inside Pixar said that Disney leadership put pressure on the filmmakers working on Inside Out 2 to make the main character Riley "come across as 'less gay.'"They reportedly received "continuous notes" and were asked to put "special care" into "making the relationship between Riley and Val, a supporting character introduced in Inside Out 2, seem as platonic as possible."Notes included edits to lighting and tone, and "just doing a lot of extra work to make sure that no one would potentially see them as not straight."'Elio'After Inside Out 2, Disney and Pixar faced more criticism when they cut a transgender storyline from the Disney+ series Win or Lose. Still, the company didn't learn its lesson. Reports now say that the original cut of 2025's Elio was much queerer was much queerer.Elio was originally directed by out director, Adrian Molina, and his version of the film reportedly included scenes where Elio makes trash from the beach into a pink tank top, and a scene in his bedroom with pictures that suggested he had a male crush.After he left the project, queer subtext was erased from the film, and Elio became "more masculine" per feedback from leadership."It was pretty clear through the production of the first version of the film that [studio leaders] were constantly sanding down these moments in the film that alluded to Elios sexuality of being queer," one anonymous Pixar artist said in the report. "A lot of people like to blame Disney, but the call is coming from inside the house. A lot of it is obeying-in-advance behavior, coming from the higher execs at Pixar."

Transgender and nonbinary people have won the right to change their gender marker on their U.S. passports but only for now. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in January that his department would no longer process passport applications that sought the X gender marker and would not allow those renewing passports to change their gender marker, in keeping with Donald Trumps executive order denying the existence of trans people. Several trans and nonbinary people filed a lawsuit against the policy, known as Orr v. Trump, with the assistance of the American Civil Liberties Union. U.S. District Court Judge Julia Kobick issued a preliminary injunction blocking the rule in April, saying it can't be enforced against the plaintiffs while their lawsuit proceeds. She then expanded the injunction in June by granting class certification to almost all trans and nonbinary Americans, allowing them to update their passports. This decision is a critical victory against discrimination and for equal justice under the law, Li Nowlin-Sohl, Senior Staff Attorney for the ACLUs LGBTQ & HIV Project, said in a statement. But its also a historic win in the fight against this administrations efforts to drive transgender people out of public life. The State Departments policy is a baseless barrier for transgender, nonbinary, and intersex Americans and denies them the dignity we all deserve. We encourage all class members impacted by this policy to take advantage of this injunctive relief and we will do everything we can to block this policy permanently.Here's everything you need to know if you're trying to change the gender marker on your passport or other federal documents. Can trans people renew their passports?Trans people are able to update their passports with the sex marker that aligns with their gender identity as of June 17 after a judge blocked the Trump Administration's policy prohibiting it. The State Department requires that those requesting a gender change complete an attestation form and submit it with their application to prove they are part of the class impacted by the ruling. Applicants do not need to formally join the class, and are protected under the decision if they are seeking an X designation, or seeking a male or female designator that differs from their sex assigned at birth and have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.The ruling covers those who have applied or would have applied if not for the policy if they do not have a currently valid passport, need to renew their passport because it expires within one year, need to update their sex designation or legal name, or those whose passport was lost, stolen, or damaged. Additional instructions can be found here.When should trans people update their passports?Those seeking to update the gender marker on their passport should submit their application immediately. Passports take approximately four to six weeks on average to process, per the State Department, and while the Trump Administration's policy is currently blocked by a court order, legal organizations stress that the ruling could be reversed on appeal as the case proceeds.Lambda Legal warns, "Be aware: the government may appeal, and if a higher court pauses this ruling, the restrictive policy could return immediately. Even pending applications could be affected."Should trans people update their birth certificates?Trans people legally changing their name must update their birth certificate so that it matches other documents. However, the gender on someone's birth certificate does not have to match other documents such as passports, per the ACLU, meaning federal identification that does not align with one's sex assigned at birth is still valid even in states that have banned gender marker changes.Those who are able to should still update their gender on their birth certificate so that it contains the most accurate information. The process for updating birth certificates varies by state, and must be done through the state you were born in not the state you currently live in. What states allow gender changes on birth certificates?Eight states currently do not allow gender markers on birth certificates to be changed: Florida, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas Montana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. An additional eight require both a court order and proof of surgery, making a legal gender change hard to obtain.Birth certificates can be updated in every other state, though the process varies. 16 states and Washington, D.C. allow residents to mark M, F, or X on their birth certificates: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington, according to the Movement Advancement Project. Can trans people update their sex with Social Security?The Social Security Administration issued guidance in January prohibiting people from making changes to their sex designation. However, Social Security cards only list name and number not sex. The SSA does keep records on the date of birth and sex of each person who has a Social Security card, but trans people can still update other forms of identification even if their gender marker doesn't match the SSA's, as Advocates for Trans Equality outlines.

Its crucial to listen to transgender athletes instead of trying to tell them how to feel or what they should do, says tennis legend Billie Jean King.King, a cisgender lesbian whos one of the most prominent women athletes of her time, gave a wide-ranging interview to U.K. newspaper The Telegraph last month, just ahead of the championship tournament at Wimbledon, which runs through Sunday.I dont think people have any idea of how hard it is for trans people, King said. Just listen to their stories. Listen not tell them. Everyone is unique. Make them feel included because you really dont know. With every person I meet, I try to start with a blank. Ask questions. If I werent doing this interview with you, Id be bugging you with a lot of questions.Her remarks come at a time when trans athletes, especially trans women, are being attacked by Donald Trumps administration and many Republican state officials.Related: What does the science say about transgender women in sports?King has been a lifelong campaigner for social justice and equality, The Telegraph notes. She was instrumental in pushing for equal prize money for men and women at the US Open in 1973 the same year her Battle of the Sexes victory over Bobby Riggs would irreversibly shift public perceptions of womens athleticism. She won her first Wimbledon title in 1961 in doubles when she was 17. She has won a total of 20 Wimbledon titles, including singles and doubles, as well as many other championships.King emphasized the importance of engagement even with those who have a different point of view. For instance, Saudi Arabia, which is oppressive of women and LGBTQ+ people, hosted the Womens Tennis Association finals last year. But I know things dont change without engagement, King told The Telegraph, adding, I have a feeling its going to help long term. In the short term, it probably doesnt feel like it. Its the girls who watched it [the WTA Finals]. They had some mothers and girls there of color and they started getting excited about it. You never know how one person is going to impact another persons life. Muhammad Ali and I used to talk about this a lot. If you dont engage, things will stay the same.Related: Billie Jean King becomes first woman to receive Walk of Fame star for sports entertainmentAlso, the WTA is returning to China after initially boycotting the country over the disappearance of Peng Shuai, a tennis player who had accused a government official of sexual assault. The fact were taking tennis back to China is important, King said. Im very big on engagement and building bridges.And as always, she emphasized the importance of fair pay for women athletes but said they should have business savvy too. Women athletes sometimes say: We deserve more. We deserve this, she said in the interview. Im like, Did they make money this year? If they havent, why do you think you deserve more? I want athletes to know the business side of it.

These agents always bring the drama.For eight seasons, Selling Sunset has captivated audiences around the world for the luxurious real estate in Los Angeles and shocking feuds that take place at The Oppenheim Group.Chrishell Stause is the undeniable breakout star from the hit show as she's showcased all of aspects of her life, including her incredible queer relationship with nonbinary musician G Flip.After coming out in 2022, the actress faced intense scrutiny from homophobes online and even in some of her inner social circles."It was crazy in the beginning. I didn't realize how big of a ruckus that would have made. I wasn't prepared for the crazy backlash. It offended me that people would be so gross. If you have a problem with somebody, however they celebrate love, that's a personal problem," Stause tells our sister brand, PRIDE. See on Instagram Although Stause had to fiercely defend her loving relationship on and off camera, the star is grateful that her platform has also inspired other people to feel more comfortable in their skin."I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I'm just so in love! If you think that's a bad thing, that's absolutely not my problem... it's yours. I've never felt so loved and so supported. I always want to be that same lifeline to somebody that had the same path as me. Follow those feelings, and love is love!"There's certainly no shortage of messiness when it comes to a new season Selling Sunset and fans won't have to wait much longer to see where the ladies stand today."There's always so much drama with this show! We haven't fully wrapped up a certain storyline. I don't think the viewers want to watch people being fake. I'm passionate about the LGBTQ+ community and I don't like... I should cut myself off there."Selling Sunset returns this fall on Netflix. To see the full interview with Chrishell Stause, check out the video at the top of the page.

A San Francisco drag performer and community member who performs under the stage name Hilary Rivers was detained by ICE agents following his asylum hearing in an immigration court last month.Rivers (whose legal name is being withheld to protect his confidentiality) is a gay immigrant from Central America who has a pending asylum application based on the "traumatic and severe" persecution he experienced in his home country. He attended a scheduled asylum hearing on June 26, where the government attorney moved for his case to be dismissed, but the judge denied that motion. As he left the court, he was arrested.It is now believed that Rivers is being held in Golden State Annex, an ICE detention center outside of Bakersfield.See on InstagramRivers was detained the day after competing in the 30th annual Miss & Mr. Safe Latino 2025 Pageant, which promotes health and wellness in the LGBTQ+ Latine community.Rivers was legally admitted to the U.S. through CBP One, a Biden-era program that allowed around 900,000 migrants to cross the U.S.-Mexico border legally. Trump has since canceled the program and revoked parole status for all immigrants who entered the country through the program."Theres not a more textbook case of what asylum was created for than a case like his," Milli Atkinson, legal director at the San Francisco Immigrant Legal Defense Collaborative, said to the San Francisco Chronicle. "To have them take him away from his community during Pride Week, when hes fleeing persecution for his queer identity, and when he had just participated in that pageant is just horrific to me, is just a disgrace, and people should really be outraged and ashamed by what our government is doing."As part of President Trump's increased crackdown on immigration, ICE agents have begun detaining people when they appear in immigration courts in the Bay Area, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Beginning in May, federal immigration authorities have started to have government attorneys in immigration hearings file a motion for a judge to dismiss the case, then arrest the immigrant and detain them once they lose asylum claim protections.See on InstagramSan Francisco Pride released a statement standing in solidarity with Rivers and encouraging community members to write letters to him."San Francisco Pride vehemently rejects the continued attacks on immigrant communities by the federal administration, SCOTUS rulings, and the splintering of our communities by ICE on the basis of violations to due process and our citys sanctuary policy," the statement reads. "San Francisco is the vibrant city we know of today because of the contributions of immigrants especially queer immigrants."

The internet has given us an embarrassment of riches when it comes to on-demand, easily accessible adult content. Gone are the days of skulking behind the curtain at video rental stores or flipping through mail-order catalogs now, a whole world of adult videos is (quite literally) at your fingertips. But despite all of this readily available porn that caters to every niche kink, it can still feel like a daunting task to find content that is ethically made by queer people for queer people.Watching porn is a healthy part of an adult sex life, but it can be hard to enjoy when you're worried about what went on behind the scenes so that you can watch it on your laptop. Was anyone taken advantage of? Were the performers paid fairly? Did everyone consent to everything that's happening on screen? Was the performer's sexual health taken into consideration? These are all important questions if you want to be an ethical porn consumer.What is "ethical porn?"The term "ethical porn" can feel a little buzzwordy, but there are ethical standards and best practices that make sure everyone on set is taken care of from ensuring that everyone receives a fair wage to giving performers agency to make decisions about what types of scenes they feel comfortable filming to frequent STI testing and having condoms available if the stars want them."I think the misconception around ethical porn as a consumer people who consume porn view ethical porn as porn that is beautifully shot, beautifully made, beautifully lit, the women are doing nonviolent, nonaggressive things," explains Sam, a director and co-owner of the indie queer porn studio altSHIFT Films. "Actually, ethical porn has nothing to do with what you see on the screen. Ethical porn is about what happens behind the camera, what happens offscreenThey could be on a filthy mattress in the middle of a room doing a consensual non-consent scene if everyone has had the discussion beforehand and everyone is being paid well.How are performers treated by ethical porn studiosSome indie queer porn studios, like Pink and White Productions creator of CrashPadSeries.com and PinkLabel.TV as well as AORTA Films and altSHIFT Films, go one step further by allowing performers to script sex scenes alongside the director and crew, collaborating with the performer on what words they feel comfortable using to refer to their body (and which words should be avoided), and letting performers know they can stop a scene at any time if they feel uncomfortable. The gay male-centric porn studio Himeros.TV even goes so far as to provide free counseling sessions for all performers and always has a sex coach on set to support the porn stars. Founder Davey Wavey says its vital to ensure everyone on set is physically and emotionally safe and that dynamic consent is respected. Related: Adult entertainers spill on why they joined the industry (and how they plan to stay)Gay men havent really had a MeToo moment, he says. Weve really given gay guys a free pass when it comes to not respecting boundaries. If it's two guys it somehow feels or is perceived as different, right? Like if someone pinches your ass in a bar and it's another guy, and youre a guy, it's like, oh, it's just guys being guys, of course they do that. So I think in some ways we're still further behind. We haven't had that moment of awareness that I think a lot of the rest of society has. While it may be hard to picture how adult films that can be filled with BDSM scenes or degradation could be made ethically, it all boils down to a labor issue much like any other industry. "When we talk about it being ethical porn, what we're really talking about is the means of production, right? And that ethical porn is a statement of labor," says Mahx Capacity, the nonbinary creative director and co-founder of AORTA Films, as well as a porn performer and director, who describes indie queer porn as being "DIY," "grassroots," and anti-capitalistic" because of the industrys desire to work cooperatively and profit-share.Capacity may call indie queer porn anti-capitalistic, but independent and alternative adult film director Noel Alejandro cautions that money often plays a role in decision making, regardless of the best efforts of the people making the films to meet or exceed ethical standards. I am skeptical of a production company or business that endorses the title of ethical or feminist, not only because companies seek to make money, which means making decisions that do not always align with ethical examples, he says. I believe that entrepreneurs or producers must strike a balance between what is ethically acceptable and the survival of our business.How are queer performers impacted by the porn industry?Despite a growing number of indie and mainstream studios working hard to make their films inline with the ethical standards set forth by the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee, some performers still say more reforms are needed. Nonbinary adult content creator Jaq Quicksilver says they mostly do independent solo work and only film with studios a few times a year because it can still be challenging to find ethical queer studios to partner with. They even describe having a "personal blacklist" of studios and directors they refuse to work with."It's quite limited," Quicksilver says of how many ethical studios are out there. "I would say I could count on one, maybe two hands the number of companies I can think of." Related: Adult entertainers reveal the secret truths behind the grind in the industryNot only are there studios that don't follow ethical guidelines, but Quicksilver reveals that there are even more significant abuses that go unchecked in less-scrupulous companies. "I know that there are companies that have like high-level directors or production people that have histories of abuse or they continue to hire people who are known to abuse people," they say. Adding that there is a porn star in the industry who sexually assaults trans women performers, but keeps getting hired because of his popularity.Vanniall, a Black trans adult content creator, says that while her work in queer porn has been largely positive, she has had some negative experiences too. At one point, she worked with a trans porn studio that didn't pay her fairly, and then when the actual film came out, it wasn't placed on the studio's main website but on an offshoot that used an offensive "play on a race name" in the title of the website. "I remember feeling a bit used in that moment, and none of that was discussednone of those attributes were discussed before the actual scene [was filmed]," she says. Is ethically made queer porn more diverse?It's issues like these that make it that much more important to do the work to seek out ethically made queer porn. But beyond following ethical guidelines around safety and equitable pay that a lot of mainstream, big-budget studios also adhere to, many queer porn studios and independent content creators feel that diversity behind and in front of the camera is also hugely important. From different body types to the full spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities to racial diversity, and disability representation, the people making queer indie porn want to present sex that affirms the lived sexual experiences of the queer community and not just produce slick, overly-formulaic adult films that lack any diversity or authenticity.Courtney Trouble, a Bay Area-based genderqueer porn star and director, who describes themself as a "fat femme," has found throughout their two decades in the adult film industry that mainstream studios are far less inclusive than their indie counterparts. "I've been told many times in my career I look too dyke-y, or that, like, lesbian porn doesn't sell as well," they say. "So there's just been so many different opportunities that I could have had in the mainstream porn, adult entertainment world that because of my size and my sexual orientation, I think I've just been gatekept out of. So in that sense, my take on ethical porn, is to be creating opportunities for the types of people, who like myself, are visibly othered, either by their size or sexual or gender presentation." Is ethical porn a political statement?For Mahx Capacity, making adult films for people who feel "misrepresented or underrepresented" in the porn industry is part of why they helped found the indie studio AORTA Films in the first place, "I think one of the guiding reasons for us getting into this was wanting to make porn for people who had been told that they were somehow wrong. Whether that's your size, your identity or your gender, your sexuality or your race or, the type of play you wanna engage in or the partnerships you wanna have."This is a sentiment echoed by other people making indie porn, including directors Ed and Sam, who founded their own indie queer porn studio, altSHIFT Films, because of the lack of freedom they had when working with mainstream studios. "We felt a little bit trapped in what we could depict because the commercial viability in that sort of world is still about boring ideas of beauty, boring ideas of what women might be into," explains Ed. "So although it's not abusing women the way some porn does, we got a little bit frustrated that we couldn't show that women can also be filthy and have rich and varied sex lives just like men."In many ways creating indie porn made by queer people for an LGBTQ+ audience is inherently an act of political activism. Not only are queer bodies constantly politicized, but putting diverse performers on screen, showing a more realistic and affirming version of queer sex than mainstream studios, and fighting for fair labor practices and sex worker rights are forms of activism that the indie directors, studio heads and performers take seriously.Related: Drag star Pattie Gonia stomps her way to Capitol Hill to voice environmental concerns"It's actually really essential that we are able to continue investing in [queer porn] because it is inherently deeply, deeply political and so tied to autonomy the right to be in the partnerships we want, to love whoever we want, the right to identify our gender and bodies however we want. So it does feel deeply political to me," Capacity explains.Vanniall, who is an HIV-positive porn performer, also says that "sex can be a powerful tool" and that creating adult content while being open about her status serves as both a form of activism and an example to people who feel like their sex life ended when they were diagnosed. "Showing people that someone that is HIV positive and undetectable and cannot transmit, showing people that they too can have sex and have fun in the way that they could before this diagnosis became important to me," she says. "It became the primary thing in which I care about. It seems like a lot of people feel like they had to hide, and not just performers but performers as well.So, how DO you find ethical queer porn?Clearly, making queer porn ethically is a worker's rights issue, an act of activism, and an affirming experience, but how do you find it? We have some helpful tips:Start by exploring a website like PornBetter which has already done the research for you and has cataloged porn studios that follow ethical standards.Once youve found ethical queer porn studios on PornBetter, you get a subscription or purchase videos directly from the studios directly from the studios they recommend so you know that your money is going to the studios making ethical porn.If you find a performer you like, consider finding them on social media and search for their website or OnlyFans account so you can support them directly.Attend queer porn film festivals to discover new studios, directors, and performers to research once youre home.Check out the studio or performers website. If they are making ethical queer porn their ethical standards and practices are usually listed there.Talk to your friends! Ask which queer porn stars they love and what websites they frequent and then do a little digging to see if they follow ethical guidelines.Check out PRIDEs ethically made queer porn guide below!Why is it important to pay for the porn you watch?While it is important for the people behind and in front of the camera to work to create porn ethically, some of the responsibility rests on the shoulders of the consumer as well. Not only is it vital that you seek out ethically made porn, but that you are always paying for the spicy films you watch. If you're seeking out porn on free sites like RedTube, you're going to be scrolling for a long time looking for well-made queer porn with LGBTQ+ stars and the porn you do find is likely stolen, which means that the people that created it aren't getting paid."Stealing uncredited work doesn't support the workers, and it might feel harmless if you think you're just one person who is not paying, but when it's a full website of leaked content, it starts to cut into margins that are already narrow," explains popular queer porn star Jiz Lee, who is also the marketing director for CrashPadSeries.com and PinkLabel.TV both of which make diverse, inclusive, and ethically made queer porn.Lee says that if you frequent free sites the best way to support the artists is to trace the film back to its origin and purchase a copy or subscription there. "If you find a free video, know that there exists somewhere a paid version of it," Lee says. "Follow the source. If it's not clear who the creators are, consider that it is likely uploaded without consent.The sheer overwhelming amount of porn on the internet means that it can be tricky to find ethically made queer films to get you off, but no matter your kink or preference, you can probably find an ethical version of it; you just have to dig a little.Ethically Made Queer Porn GuideQueer porn studios:CrashPadSeries.com (An ongoing series of ethically made queer porn films set in a Crash Pad in a secret San Francisco apartment)PinkLabel.TV (A streaming platform that hosts ethically made indie queer porn that features diverse performers)AORTA Films (Diverse, indie queer porn with an expansive view of what sex can look like)Himeros.TV (Gay porn that focuses on authenticity and real connections)altSHIFT Films (Ethically made alternative queer porn)Cin Sinclaire (Body positive, feminist, inclusive porn)QueerPorn.TV (Owned and operated by queer porn star and director Courtney Trouble, this site hosts content made by Trouble and other directors)Trouble Films (Another platform owned by Courtney Trouble that hosts indie porn films made by queer artists through a feminist lens)Noel Alejandro (Ethical gay porn director who focuses on making beautifully shot, cinematic pornography)Queer porn performers:Courtney TroubleVanniallJiz LeeJaq QuicksilverJamal PhoenixKayden GreyRamses RodsteinChelsea PoeCarnegie VelvetCristianoJonah WheelerNow go have some ethically freaky fun! Youre welcome!

Category is: Dorian TV Award winners.GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics has announced the winners of the 17th Dorian TV Awards!The big winners include Hacks, which won Best TV Comedy for the third time. Hacks took home a total of five awards, including Best TV Performance for Jean Smart and Best Supporting TV Performance for Hannah Einbinder.HBO Max's new drama The Pitt also won two awards, Best TV Drama and Best TV Performance - Drama for Noah Wyle.Other programs winning multiple awards include Severance, which won Best Supporting TV Performance - Drama for Tramell Tillman, and Visually Striking Show, as well as Pee-wee as Himself, which took home the trophies for Best TV Documentary and Best LGBTQ TV Documentary.Special accolades went to Emmy-winner Cole Escola (Oh, Mary!), who earned the Wilde Wit Award, and Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa, who was named LGBTQIA+ TV Trailblazer.Hacks star Jean Smart was awarded the GALECA TV Icon award.Keep reading to find out all of this year's winners.'Hacks'Hacks won the following categories at the 2025 Dorian TV Awards:Best TV ComedyBest LGBTQ TV ShowBest Written TV ShowBest TV Performance - Comedy (Jean Smart)Best Supporting TV Performance (Hannah Einbinder)GALECA TV Icon Award (Jean Smart)'The Pitt'The Pitt won the following categories at the 2025 Dorian TV Awards:Best TV DramaBest TV Performance - Drama (Noah Wyle)'Severance'Severance won the following categories at the 2025 Dorian TV Awards:Best Supporting TV Performance - Drama (Tramell Tillman)Most Visually Striking Show'Pee-wee as Himself'Pee-wee as Himself won the following categories at the 2025 Dorian TV Awards:Best TV Documentary or Documentary SeriesBest LGBTQ TV Documentary or Documentary Series'Adolescence'Adolescence won the following categories at the 2025 Dorian TV Awards:Best TV Movie or Miniseries'Overcompensating'Overcompensating won the following categories at the 2025 Dorian TV Awards:Best Unsung TV Show'Squid Game'Squid Game won the following categories at the 2025 Dorian TV Awards:Best Non-English Language TV Show'The Traitors'The Traitors (U.S.) won the following categories at the 2025 Dorian TV Awards:Best Reality ShowCampiest TV Show'lite'lite won the following categories at the 2025 Dorian TV Awards:Best LGBTQ Non-English Language TV Show'Andor'Andor won the following categories at the 2025 Dorian TV Awards:Best Genre TV Show'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver won the following categories at the 2025 Dorian TV Awards:Best Current Affairs Show'Harley Quinn'Harley Quinn won the following categories at the 2025 Dorian TV Awards:Best Animated ShowCynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, 'Oz Medly' at the 97th Academy AwardsThe Academy Awards performance between Wicked costars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande won the following categories at the 2025 Dorian TV Awards:Best TV Musical PerformanceCole EscolaSee on InstagramCole Escola, creator and star of Oh, Mary!, won the following category at the 2025 Dorian TV Awards:Wilde Wit AwardNcuti GatwaSee on InstagramNcuti Gatwa, who became the first out actor to play The Doctor on Doctor Who, won the following category at the 2025 Dorian TV Awards:GALECA LGBTQIA+ TV Trailblazer Award

Managing financial documents isnt just about organizing informationits about ensuring that everything is accurate, secure, and ready when needed most. In the financial world, handling PDFs for tax filings, transaction records, and client statements can quickly become overwhelming, especially as the volume of documents increases.This is where PDF merging tools come in. By automating the process of combining multiple documents into one organized file, financial institutions can speed up their workflows, reduce errors, and stay compliant with industry regulations.Challenges in Financial Audits and ComplianceThe financial sector is highly regulated, requiring constant vigilance to maintain compliance. Financial institutions must ensure that documents are accurate, accessible, and adhere to industry standards.Key challenges in this area include:Document Volume: The financial industry generates massive amounts of paperwork, from contracts to transaction logs. Organizing and merging documents manually is time-consuming and prone to errors.Regulatory Compliance: With regulations like GDPR, SOX, and Dodd-Frank, financial institutions must ensure documents are complete, accurate, and securely storeda task that requires significant resources and time.Audit Readiness: Having quick access to organized and compliant documents is critical during audits. Without automated systems, managing documents can result in delays and missed deadlines.How PDF Merging Supports Audits and CompliancePDF merging tools are vital for simplifying the process of organizing and consolidating financial documents. By merging PDFs online, financial institutions can ensure that records are stored in a way that is both secure and easy to access.Heres how PDF merging supports audits and compliance:Consolidation of Documents: During audits, auditors need to review numerous documents that may be spread across various files. Merging PDF files into one document helps ensure that all relevant records are available in a single, cohesive format, reducing the risk of missing data or inconsistencies.Accuracy: Merge PDF tools can automatically organize and arrange documents in the correct order. This removes the need for manual intervention, reducing the chances of errors in the merged document.Audit-Ready Records: By consolidating documents, businesses can create complete, tamper-proof records that auditors can easily review. PDF merging tools also allow businesses to add timestamps, providing clear documentation of when files were merged or edited.Benefits of PDF Merging for Financial InstitutionsPDF merging offers several benefits to financial institutions, especially in the context of audits and compliance:Time Efficiency: Automating the merging of documents reduces the time spent on manual work. Merge PDFs online tools enable financial teams to quickly create merged documents, allowing them to focus on more strategic tasks.Cost Savings: By reducing the need for manual document processing, financial institutions can save on labor costs. Additionally, automation helps streamline workflows, increasing overall productivity.Improved Accuracy: Automated PDF merge tools ensure that documents are merged correctly without the risk of human error. With the ability to automatically format and organize files, accuracy is guaranteed, which is essential for compliance and audits.Simplified Document Retrieval: With merged PDFs, finding and reviewing documents becomes much easier. When documents are consolidated, accessing specific pages or sections for review becomes faster, which is crucial during audits.Key Features for Compliance-Ready PDF MergingWhen selecting a PDF combiner online tool, financial institutions should look for certain features to ensure that the tool is fully compliant with industry standards and regulations. Keep an eye out for the following features:Encryption and Secure Authentication: Security is paramount in the financial industry. The tool should provide end-to-end encryption to ensure that merged PDFs are securely processed and stored. Authentication protocols, like multi-factor authentication (MFA), should also be included to prevent unauthorized access.Audit Trails: A strong PDF merging tool should generate a detailed audit trail, documenting when and by whom files were merged. This feature helps maintain accountability and ensures transparency during audits.Customization: The ability to customize settings, such as the order of documents and file formats, is crucial for ensuring that the merged documents meet the specific needs of the business.Document Versioning: Financial institutions must keep track of document versions for compliance purposes. A PDF combiner online tool that offers version control ensures that the most recent version of a document is merged and stored, helping to avoid confusion during audits.Integrating PDF Merging into Financial SystemsIntegrating PDF merging tools with existing financial systems, such as ERP systems and document management platforms, is crucial for maximizing efficiency. These tools should easily integrate with the software and workflows already in place within the financial institution.Lumins AI-powered PDF merging solution can be seamlessly integrated into these systems, allowing businesses to automate document workflows without disrupting their existing operations. By integrating directly into the document management system (DMS), financial institutions can merge files without needing to export or reformat them manually, saving time and reducing errors.Security and Privacy in Financial Document MergingGiven the sensitive nature of financial data, security is critical when merging documents. Financial institutions must ensure that all data is securely handled to prevent unauthorized access or breaches.Lumins PDF merging solution offers advanced encryption to protect documents both during transmission and storage. With role-based access controls and secure authentication, businesses can ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive documents.Additionally, features like audit trails and data masking provide additional layers of protection, ensuring that merged documents remain secure and compliant with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and SOX.Cost and ROI for IndustriesThe cost-benefit analysis of PDF merging solutions in the financial sector is clear. Automating the document merging process reduces the time and labor required to manually combine files. This leads to significant savings in administrative costs and an increase in productivity.By investing in smart PDF merge tools, financial institutions not only save time and money but also ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The ability to merge documents into one PDF quickly and securely contributes to a more efficient operation overall.Future Trends in PDF Merging for Financial AuditsAs the financial sector continues to evolve, so will the need for more advanced PDF merging solutions. Future trends in PDF merging will likely include even more seamless integration with cloud-based systems, allowing financial institutions to work with merged PDFs from anywhere, at any time.Additionally, advancements in AI and machine learning will likely enhance the way documents are categorized and merged, offering smarter ways to organize large volumes of financial data.In summary, by adopting AI-powered PDF merging solutions like Lumin, financial institutions can automate the merging process, reduce errors, and improve collaboration. With the ability to integrate with existing systems, ensure security, and streamline workflows, Lumin is the smart choice for businesses looking to simplify their document management processes.The post PDF Merging for Audits and Compliance in the Financial Sector appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

After sparking rumors about whether or not they are actually dating, Heartstopper star Joe Locke and TikTok influencer Dylan Mulvaney were seen looking awfully cozy at a Sabrina Carpenter concert.Last week, fans were divided over whether a cheeky Instagram post of the pair posing together with the caption, First couples shoot thank you for having us at camp koko, and Locke commenting, Hard launch was in fact the besties hard launching their relationship. While some people were skeptical and assumed it was a joke among friends, on July 5, Locke and Mulvaney got fans gossiping again when they were caught on camera cuddling up close, dancing together, and holding hands at Carpenters concert in London, England at BST Hyde Park, Just Jared reports. (@) This PDA heavy outing adds more fuel to the fire that there may be something more than just friendship going on between the two LGBTQ+ stars.Not only did they playfully hard launch their relationship on Instagram, but they were also spotted together at Glastonbury, where they danced and sang along to Brandi Carlile and RAYE.The pair has been friends for a while now. In February, they were photographed together at the Human Rights Campaign Greater New York Dinner and again at the 2025 Vanities Party, Locke appeared on Mulvaneys The Dylan Hour podcast in March, and last year Mulvaney supported him at the Agatha All Along premiere.Whether theyre dating or just friends, we love seeing two queer stars supporting each other!

Managing financial documents isnt just about organizing informationits about ensuring that everything is accurate, secure, and ready when needed most. In the financial world, handling PDFs for tax filings, transaction records, and client statements can quickly become overwhelming, especially as the volume of documents increases.This is where PDF merging tools come in. By automating the process of combining multiple documents into one organized file, financial institutions can speed up their workflows, reduce errors, and stay compliant with industry regulations.Challenges in Financial Audits and ComplianceThe financial sector is highly regulated, requiring constant vigilance to maintain compliance. Financial institutions must ensure that documents are accurate, accessible, and adhere to industry standards.Key challenges in this area include:Document Volume: The financial industry generates massive amounts of paperwork, from contracts to transaction logs. Organizing and merging documents manually is time-consuming and prone to errors.Regulatory Compliance: With regulations like GDPR, SOX, and Dodd-Frank, financial institutions must ensure documents are complete, accurate, and securely storeda task that requires significant resources and time.Audit Readiness: Having quick access to organized and compliant documents is critical during audits. Without automated systems, managing documents can result in delays and missed deadlines.How PDF Merging Supports Audits and CompliancePDF merging tools are vital for simplifying the process of organizing and consolidating financial documents. By merging PDFs online, financial institutions can ensure that records are stored in a way that is both secure and easy to access.Heres how PDF merging supports audits and compliance:Consolidation of Documents: During audits, auditors need to review numerous documents that may be spread across various files. Merging PDF files into one document helps ensure that all relevant records are available in a single, cohesive format, reducing the risk of missing data or inconsistencies.Accuracy: Merge PDF tools can automatically organize and arrange documents in the correct order. This removes the need for manual intervention, reducing the chances of errors in the merged document.Audit-Ready Records: By consolidating documents, businesses can create complete, tamper-proof records that auditors can easily review. PDF merging tools also allow businesses to add timestamps, providing clear documentation of when files were merged or edited.Benefits of PDF Merging for Financial InstitutionsPDF merging offers several benefits to financial institutions, especially in the context of audits and compliance:Time Efficiency: Automating the merging of documents reduces the time spent on manual work. Merge PDFs online tools enable financial teams to quickly create merged documents, allowing them to focus on more strategic tasks.Cost Savings: By reducing the need for manual document processing, financial institutions can save on labor costs. Additionally, automation helps streamline workflows, increasing overall productivity.Improved Accuracy: Automated PDF merge tools ensure that documents are merged correctly without the risk of human error. With the ability to automatically format and organize files, accuracy is guaranteed, which is essential for compliance and audits.Simplified Document Retrieval: With merged PDFs, finding and reviewing documents becomes much easier. When documents are consolidated, accessing specific pages or sections for review becomes faster, which is crucial during audits.Key Features for Compliance-Ready PDF MergingWhen selecting a PDF combiner online tool, financial institutions should look for certain features to ensure that the tool is fully compliant with industry standards and regulations. Keep an eye out for the following features:Encryption and Secure Authentication: Security is paramount in the financial industry. The tool should provide end-to-end encryption to ensure that merged PDFs are securely processed and stored. Authentication protocols, like multi-factor authentication (MFA), should also be included to prevent unauthorized access.Audit Trails: A strong PDF merging tool should generate a detailed audit trail, documenting when and by whom files were merged. This feature helps maintain accountability and ensures transparency during audits.Customization: The ability to customize settings, such as the order of documents and file formats, is crucial for ensuring that the merged documents meet the specific needs of the business.Document Versioning: Financial institutions must keep track of document versions for compliance purposes. A PDF combiner online tool that offers version control ensures that the most recent version of a document is merged and stored, helping to avoid confusion during audits.Integrating PDF Merging into Financial SystemsIntegrating PDF merging tools with existing financial systems, such as ERP systems and document management platforms, is crucial for maximizing efficiency. These tools should easily integrate with the software and workflows already in place within the financial institution.Lumins AI-powered PDF merging solution can be seamlessly integrated into these systems, allowing businesses to automate document workflows without disrupting their existing operations. By integrating directly into the document management system (DMS), financial institutions can merge files without needing to export or reformat them manually, saving time and reducing errors.Security and Privacy in Financial Document MergingGiven the sensitive nature of financial data, security is critical when merging documents. Financial institutions must ensure that all data is securely handled to prevent unauthorized access or breaches.Lumins PDF merging solution offers advanced encryption to protect documents both during transmission and storage. With role-based access controls and secure authentication, businesses can ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive documents.Additionally, features like audit trails and data masking provide additional layers of protection, ensuring that merged documents remain secure and compliant with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and SOX.Cost and ROI for IndustriesThe cost-benefit analysis of PDF merging solutions in the financial sector is clear. Automating the document merging process reduces the time and labor required to manually combine files. This leads to significant savings in administrative costs and an increase in productivity.By investing in smart PDF merge tools, financial institutions not only save time and money but also ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The ability to merge documents into one PDF quickly and securely contributes to a more efficient operation overall.Future Trends in PDF Merging for Financial AuditsAs the financial sector continues to evolve, so will the need for more advanced PDF merging solutions. Future trends in PDF merging will likely include even more seamless integration with cloud-based systems, allowing financial institutions to work with merged PDFs from anywhere, at any time.Additionally, advancements in AI and machine learning will likely enhance the way documents are categorized and merged, offering smarter ways to organize large volumes of financial data.In summary, by adopting AI-powered PDF merging solutions like Lumin, financial institutions can automate the merging process, reduce errors, and improve collaboration. With the ability to integrate with existing systems, ensure security, and streamline workflows, Lumin is the smart choice for businesses looking to simplify their document management processes.The post PDF Merging for Audits and Compliance in the Financial Sector appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

Get ready, fans of Ryan Murphy and true crime!A new season of Murphy's hit Netflix anthology series Monster is reportedly coming and will focus on Lizzie Borden, according to Variety.This season 4 news comes before season 3 has aired. Season 3 will star Charlie Hunnam as serial killer and grave robber Ed Gein. It will also feature Tom Hollander as Alfred Hitchcock; Olivia Williams as Alma Reville, Hitchcock's wife; and Laurie Metcalf as Augusta Gein. Season 4 is expected to debut in 2025 though the announcement has not been officially made (Variety learned of it through sources).Who was Lizzie Borden, and what crime was she accused of? Keep reading to find out everything you should know about the upcoming fourth season of Monster.What will 'Monster' season 4 be about?Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan's true crime anthology series Monster debuted on Netflix in 2022, with its first season starring Evan Peters as Jeffrey Dahmer and Niecy Nash as Glenda Cleveland. Peters won a Golden Globe for his role, and Nash won an Emmy.The second season debuted in September 2024, focusing on the Menendez brothers. Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez starred as Erik and Lyle Menendez.An upcoming third season will focus on Ed Gein.Variety now reports that, although a season 4 renewal has not been officially announced, a fourth season focusing on the Lizzie Borden case is "currently prepping for a potential fall shoot."Who was Lizzie Borden?In 1892, Lizzie Borden was the 32-year-old second daughter of an upper-class Massachusetts family. She was unmarried, living at home, and was a respected Sunday school teacher at a Congregational church in Fall River, Massachusetts. She lived with her 69-year-old father, Andrew Borden, and her stepmother, Abby Borden, aged 64.What crime was Lizzie Borden accused of?On the morning of August 4, 1892, the Borden family maid, Bridget Sullivan, was woken up by Lizzie calling out to her, "Come down quick! Father's dead; somebody came in and killed him!" reports Smithsonian.Andrew Borden was found on his sitting room sofa with 10 or 11 hatchet wounds to the face. Abby Borden was later found in her bedroom, where she had been murdered with 19 hatchet wounds.Lizzie was arrested for the murders on August 11.Was Lizzie Borden found guilty?Borden was found not guilty by a jury of men (women weren't allowed to serve on juries at the time). The decision was made in under an hour.After her acquittal, Borden moved with her sister Emma to a large Victorian house on the Hill, a wealthy neighborhood of Fall River. The two sisters had a falling out in 1905, and then both passed away in 1927. Lizzie Borden was 66.Was Lizzie Borden a lesbian?There is no direct evidence that Borden was a lesbian, but due to her being unmarried, some have theorized that she was. There is also no evidence she was having an affair with her maid. However, as Lizzie and the maid were the only two home at the time the bodies were found, some speculate they worked together on the crime or to cover it up. Are there other movies and TV shows about Lizzie Borden?The Borden trial is one of the most infamous in American history, and the case has been the subject of several TV shows and movies, including a 1975 ABC television film.In 2014, Christina Ricci starred in the Lifetime production Lizzie Borden Took an Ax as Borden. She returned for The Lizzie Borden Chronicles, a limited series that serves as a sequel to the film.In 2018, Chlo Sevigny starred in the feature film Lizzie, where Borden was portrayed as being in a lesbian relationship with her maid, Bridget Sullivan, played by Kristen Stewart.

Late last month, Puerto Ricos Senate voted to advance a bill that would ban health care for trans youth under the age of 21 on the island and punish parents or doctors who help youth receive this care with fines, jail time, and/or the revocation of their medical license. Prior to the bills passage, parents [...]The post Anti-Transgender Bill Advances in Puerto Rico, Seeking to Ban Lifesaving Care for Youth and Punish Parents and Doctors first appeared on GLAAD.

Ever feel like legal problems belong in some distant world of high-priced attorneys and intimidating courtrooms?What if you could handle many everyday legal issues on your own, without draining your wallet or feeling completely lost?Legal matters pop up more often than people expect, whether its sorting out a disagreement with a landlord, figuring out a basic contract, or trying to understand your rights in a family situation.The internet is brimming with free legal resources ready to help you take charge of your own affairs. From learning the basics of the law to finding ways to download free legal document templates or access free legal forms online, theres plenty of help out there for anyone willing to look.Start with Legal Aid and Nonprofit OrganizationsDo you not know where to turn first if you have a legal issue?Many nonprofits (both national and local), have stepped in to fill the gap for people who immediately cannot afford to hire a lawyer.They have developed fairly simple and free instructions and online tools that take legal issues and simple language (so you can fully comprehend your legal issue).These resources could not only be helpful for landlord-tenant issues, family law focus (marital or parental issues), dealing with debt, and reviewing consumer rights. Even if youre feeling scared about trying to do this legal stuff alone, these organizations can make sure you are feeling much less overwhelmed.Check Government and Court WebsitesDo you ever think to yourself, I hope this document I found online is actually legit?Government and court websites are some of the best sources of solid, free legal information.State and federal sites usually publish guides and downloadable forms for everything from small claims court to name changes, divorce documents, and more.Since these sources are directly from the government, there is no question of whether the information (and document) is still relevant and acceptable in your jurisdiction.Whether you are dealing with small claims court, a name change, divorce documents, or other personal matters, these sites will help you figure out what to do next, without breaking the bank at the same time.Download Free Legal Document Templates for Everyday NeedsWhat if you could do some everyday legal paperwork for free, instead of paying high fees?A large number of reputable websites provide free downloadable legal document templates for common situations.For example, LawHelp.org and many other local court websites will provide templates for rental agreements, simple contracts, affidavits, power of attorney forms, due to the number of templates available online it is comforting that you wouldnt have to invent the document from scratch.You just have to remember which laws apply (remember that things are different state to state) and double check that your needs will be met with your downloaded document.Just a little caution upfront can save you a ton of stress later on.Use Online Legal Libraries for ResearchEver feel lost when legal terms start flying around?Online legal libraries can help make sense of it all.The Legal Information Institute at Cornell, for instance, breaks down complex laws into explanations anyone can understand.Public law libraries often have free online sections packed with guides and resources that help you figure out what certain terms mean or how particular laws might apply to your situation.Even if you eventually decide to talk to a lawyer, doing some research ahead of time helps you ask better questions and feel more prepared for any legal conversation.Know the Limits of Free Online Legal ResourcesEver feel lost when all of a sudden all these legal terms are flying around?Online legal libraries can help make sense of everything.The Legal Information Institute at Cornell is an example of an online legal library that breaks down complex laws into explanations that a human brain can understand.Public law libraries typically have free online sections that are full of guides and other resources to help you navigate how to unpack certain terms or how certain laws may relate to your situation.Even if you do talk to a lawyer later, doing some research beforehand helps you ask better questions and make you feel more prepared for a conversation about your legal issue.Take Charge of Your Legal NeedsLegal challenges dont have to leave you feeling helpless or worried about costs spiraling out of control.With the right resources, you can find reliable, free help to handle many common issues yourself.Whether youre aiming to download free legal document templates or access free legal forms online, theres plenty out there to guide you.And when situations become more serious, youll be ready to seek professional help with confidence, knowing youve already laid a strong foundation on your own.Ask ChatGPTThe post Accessing Free Legal Resources Online A Guide for Everyday People appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

Ever feel like legal problems belong in some distant world of high-priced attorneys and intimidating courtrooms?What if you could handle many everyday legal issues on your own, without draining your wallet or feeling completely lost?Legal matters pop up more often than people expect, whether its sorting out a disagreement with a landlord, figuring out a basic contract, or trying to understand your rights in a family situation.The internet is brimming with free legal resources ready to help you take charge of your own affairs. From learning the basics of the law to finding ways to download free legal document templates or access free legal forms online, theres plenty of help out there for anyone willing to look.Start with Legal Aid and Nonprofit OrganizationsDo you not know where to turn first if you have a legal issue?Many nonprofits (both national and local), have stepped in to fill the gap for people who immediately cannot afford to hire a lawyer.They have developed fairly simple and free instructions and online tools that take legal issues and simple language (so you can fully comprehend your legal issue).These resources could not only be helpful for landlord-tenant issues, family law focus (marital or parental issues), dealing with debt, and reviewing consumer rights. Even if youre feeling scared about trying to do this legal stuff alone, these organizations can make sure you are feeling much less overwhelmed.Check Government and Court WebsitesDo you ever think to yourself, I hope this document I found online is actually legit?Government and court websites are some of the best sources of solid, free legal information.State and federal sites usually publish guides and downloadable forms for everything from small claims court to name changes, divorce documents, and more.Since these sources are directly from the government, there is no question of whether the information (and document) is still relevant and acceptable in your jurisdiction.Whether you are dealing with small claims court, a name change, divorce documents, or other personal matters, these sites will help you figure out what to do next, without breaking the bank at the same time.Download Free Legal Document Templates for Everyday NeedsWhat if you could do some everyday legal paperwork for free, instead of paying high fees?A large number of reputable websites provide free downloadable legal document templates for common situations.For example, LawHelp.org and many other local court websites will provide templates for rental agreements, simple contracts, affidavits, power of attorney forms, due to the number of templates available online it is comforting that you wouldnt have to invent the document from scratch.You just have to remember which laws apply (remember that things are different state to state) and double check that your needs will be met with your downloaded document.Just a little caution upfront can save you a ton of stress later on.Use Online Legal Libraries for ResearchEver feel lost when legal terms start flying around?Online legal libraries can help make sense of it all.The Legal Information Institute at Cornell, for instance, breaks down complex laws into explanations anyone can understand.Public law libraries often have free online sections packed with guides and resources that help you figure out what certain terms mean or how particular laws might apply to your situation.Even if you eventually decide to talk to a lawyer, doing some research ahead of time helps you ask better questions and feel more prepared for any legal conversation.Know the Limits of Free Online Legal ResourcesEver feel lost when all of a sudden all these legal terms are flying around?Online legal libraries can help make sense of everything.The Legal Information Institute at Cornell is an example of an online legal library that breaks down complex laws into explanations that a human brain can understand.Public law libraries typically have free online sections that are full of guides and other resources to help you navigate how to unpack certain terms or how certain laws may relate to your situation.Even if you do talk to a lawyer later, doing some research beforehand helps you ask better questions and make you feel more prepared for a conversation about your legal issue.Take Charge of Your Legal NeedsLegal challenges dont have to leave you feeling helpless or worried about costs spiraling out of control.With the right resources, you can find reliable, free help to handle many common issues yourself.Whether youre aiming to download free legal document templates or access free legal forms online, theres plenty out there to guide you.And when situations become more serious, youll be ready to seek professional help with confidence, knowing youve already laid a strong foundation on your own.Ask ChatGPTThe post Accessing Free Legal Resources Online A Guide for Everyday People appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

At a time when theyre under attack from their state and federal governments, LGBTQ+ and especially transgender Texans have found solace in Drag University.Houston-based Drag University is a free program that taught Black and Latino Texans not only how to lip sync and put together an outfit, but how to navigate life in a state that has long led the way in curtailing LGBTQ+ rights, reports The Washington Post, which recently profiled Drag U and its participants. The eight students in this summers session were working-class queer people in their 20s and 30s who were trying to find meaning and power through drag, the Post notes.They varied in other ways, however. SycaRu, an androgynous person, identifies as a drag thing. Berry Kay, a cisgender woman, sought to channel the divine feminine. Chloe Montgomery is a trans woman who had started estrogen treatment a year ago and found it enhanced her life greatly, but she wanted to find a community, which she found in Drag U.In addition to instruction from local organizers, they received some training from well-known drag performers, such as AKeria Chanel Davenport from RuPauls Drag Race and pageant queen Jazell Barbie Royale. They also got legal advice on name changes from a Harris County judge, Lillian Alexander.Ian L. Haddock, founder and executive director of the Normal Anomaly Initiative, which organized Drag U, acknowledged its a hard time for LGBTQ+ organizations, what with Donald Trumps defunding of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and opposition to drag and trans identities. Plus Texas legislators have introduced dozens of anti-LGBTQ+ bills this year, including one that would make transitioning a crime, which did not pass. But he wanted to make the programs graduation weekend all about celebration.For graduation, each student got $250 to spend on an outfit. Montgomery had already bought a $25 floral dress that she could barely afford on her $16.50 an hour wages, but she knew that was what she wanted to perform in for graduation.She lip-synched to Beyoncs Dance for You. Afterward, recording a video about why drag is important to her, she said, I am trying to find who I am. And in finding myself, I am able to become the most powerful version of myself, a version who is free, who is unapologetic. And that makes me feel great because the little version of myself was too afraid to be seen.She also adopted the name Yamore. Chloe Yamore means Chloe, I love you, she said in her recording. I love you enough to go for it even though Im afraid.Emboldened by Drag U, she decided to come out as a woman at work and to her family and friends. She also wore her dress outside of Drag U for the first time.

From vampire facials to salmon sperm facials, people are willing to slather their skin in just about anything if it helps to turn back the clock and make them look their best. But do your nether regions also need the 5-star treatment?While that may sound like an odd question, people across the country are turning to spas and dermatologists for vagacials basically facials for your muff to treat skin issues and make your vulva looks its best, either for yourself, to make a good first impression with a hot date, or to impress your significant other. So if you have the requisite parts and are looking to get busy in a sapphic way, should you be giving your vulva a spa day?To find out more about what to expect when you get a vagacial to how long you have to wait to have sex after a treatment, our sister brand PRIDE spoke to Kiara DeWitt, a registered nurse and founder and CEO of Injectco, one of Texas top medical aesthetic clinics; Dr. David Johnson, a dermatologist and co-founder of RedlikteX.com; and New York-based dermatologist Dr. Victoria Kazlouskaya, who founded Dermatology Circle PLLC.What is a vagacial?Vagacials a portmanteau of vagina and facial is a misleading name because its a spa facial, but for the outside of your vulva, not your vagina. But, you know, a vulvacial just isnt as catchy.A vagacial is a skincare treatment for the pubic area that typically includes a gentle cleanse, exfoliation, ingrown hair extraction, application of serums, and a mask, followed by a light moisturizer or a cooling gel. It may also address pigmentation and texture issues. Think of it as a reset button for sensitive skin after waxing, shaving or just living life, DeWitt tells PRIDE. You can get one any time of year, but most people book in the summer or right before big events.What should you expect when you get a vagacial?Depending on where you go, the whole process might be more clinical than frilly or might be more about pampering your biking area. But either way, you can expect the provider to wear gloves and use single-use tools to keep everything hygienic and prevent infections. If they dont, run, dont walk, in the opposite direction. The genital area is delicate, and many skincare products can be irritating, Dr. Kazlouskaya says. Also, this is an intimate serviceso the person performing it should be discreet, sensitive, and respectful.When you arrive for your appointment, youll be asked to undress from the waist down and be given a sheet to drape over your lap. The esthetician or dermatologist will have you lie down like you would to get waxed, and then they will steam the skin to help remove ingrown hairs, use a gentle scrub or lactic acid for exfoliation, before hydrating the skin with serums or moisturizers. The whole thing should only take between 30 and 50 minutes. Dr. Johnson explains that at RedlineX, they also offer red light therapy for the area to calm down redness and to get the skin to heal in less time.Are they getting more popular?From Gwyneth Paltrow steaming her vagina to Khlo Kardashians eight-part lady bits skincare regimen, vagacials are all the rage and the experts say theyre just getting more popular every year.Social media has helped to normalize treatments like these and make them increasingly trendy. Right now, these treatments are popping up on more spa menus each year, DeWitt says. I have noticed that even five years ago, hardly anyone offered this outside major cities. Now, you see them advertised at medspas and beauty bars all over the country! Social media, word of mouth, and TikTok do the marketing without anyone having to whisper about it.What should you expect to pay for a vagacial?Like many skin care and beauty treatments, vagacials can be a little pricey if you are on a tight budget. They tend to run anywhere from $50 to $200, not including a tip or add-ons like red light therapy or custom masks.The cost can also go down if you buy a package and some spas or clinics combine the treatment with hair removal. Packages for three or more can drop the price by 15 percent or so. Some clinics roll it into maintenance bundles, pairing with waxing or sugaring, DeWitt says.Why should you get a vagacial?Some people get vagacials for purely aesthetic reasons like dealing with dark spots or bumps on their bikini area, or the desire to be smooth as a dolphin, but there are other benefits too. Not only can it help address conditions like folliculitis, but it can also just make you feel better about getting undressed in front of other people. Sometimes it is just about comfort or boosting confidence before intimacy. To be fair, it is skincare with a side of peace of mind, DeWitt explains.Should lesbians get vagacials?Ok, so now you know what a vagacial is, what to expect at an appointment, and what kind of damage itll do to your bank account. But if youre a lesbian or queer person with a vagina, should you get one?Sure, if it feels good, if it is wanted, and if it fits your routine, DeWitt says. No orientation or gender label required. Healthy skin is for everyone, and anyone can want smooth, comfortable skin. Sometimes it is just nice to take care of yourself in a new way.How quickly can you get busy after a vagacial?Luckily, there is very little downtime needed after getting a vagacial. You can have sex right away, but some providers suggest waiting a few hours, or up to 24 hours, before getting biblical because your skin may be slightly tender right after treatment, and you may want to avoid irritation or redness. If you want to play it safe, give yourself 24 hours if your skin runs sensitive. Any redness usually clears within the first hour. You can go right back to normal life after, but if you feel discomfort, loose cotton underwear and no scented products help, DeWitt cautions.Are there side effects?If you go to a reputable spa or provider, the risk is fairly low and likely will only include temporary redness, slight swelling, or an ingrown hair, but the potential side effects increase if you see someone who isnt qualified.You could end up having infections, further ingrown hairs, or yeast infections, Dr. Johnson explains. Do be sure to see a qualified practitioner. Ive had to see these issues in my office when patients try to do it themselves in the home or see places that are unlicensed.Dr. Kazlouskaya also notes that you may experience an allergic reaction or overexfoliate sensitive skin.The skin in the genital area is more sensitive than other parts of the body, so irritation or allergic reactions can occur, she explains. Over-exfoliation may lead to dryness or discomfort. If products come into contact with the vaginal mucosa, they could cause itching or burning. And if hygiene isnt maintained properly during the procedure, theres a risk of folliculitis or even yeast infections.Experts cited:Kiara DeWitt, a registered nurse and founder and CEO of Injectco, one of Texas top medical aesthetic clinics.Dr. David Johnson, a dermatologist and co-founder of RedlikteX.com.New York-based dermatologist Dr. Victoria Kazlouskaya, founder of Dermatology Circle PLLC.

A gay content creator with tens of thousands of followers shared on Threads that a far-right account is using his pictures in their right-wing memes.On Monday, Anthony Gordon, an L.A.-based makeup artist and content creator, uploaded a post to the social networking platform that called out the account. Under his account @surfbearla, he shared the meme using his picture with text on the photo that reads, "Remember boys, they keep calling us 'far-right,' when in reality we have been right-so-far." View on ThreadsGordon warned his followers about the situation. "Some of you will remember the idiotic far right stole an image of me to make a meme for them," he continued. "What they dont know is Im a far left gay liberal man lol. Bozos! Follow me please."His followers commented showing their support. I lolled when I first saw this because I knew, one person commented. Another person said, "Theyre not the brightest bulbs." This point was further proven by other commenters who said this isnt the first time photos of muscular gay men were used in this way."They did the same thing to Kristofer Weston, the gay leatherman from @wattsthesafeword, one commenter replied to Gordons post. Everytime they find an image of what they think they represent, its another gay progressive hot daddy. Its starting to feel a little Freudian in here." View on ThreadsOut reached out to Gordon for comment but did not immediately hear back.

Hello Out readers. We have some troubling news to report, as a San Francisco drag queen who performs under the name Hilary Rivers was detained by ICE as he left the courthouse following an asylum hearing.Rivers is a gay immigrant from Central America who attended a scheduled asylum hearing on June 26.As a part of President Trump's increased crackdown on immigration, ICE agents have begun detaining people as they leave immigration courts in the Bay Area, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Rivers was detained just one day after competing in the Miss & Mr. Safe Latino 2025 Pageant, and is reportedly being held in an ICE detention center near Bakersfield.Now, local groups like San Francisco Pride and Galera de la Raza are calling for the community to rally behind Rivers and write letters of support to him while he is being detained."Theres not a more textbook case of what asylum was created for than a case like his," Milli Atkinson, legal director at the San Francisco Immigrant Legal Defense Collaborative, said to the San Francisco Chronicle. "To have them take him away from his community during Pride Week, when hes fleeing persecution for his queer identity, and when he had just participated in that pageant is just horrific to me, is just a disgrace, and people should really be outraged and ashamed by what our government is doing."Find out how you can help here.Plus, keep reading to find out our Woman Crush Wednesday and all the best pop culture news. Mey RudeWho was Lizzie Borden? Meet the 'Monster' season 4 subjectJoe Locke & Dylan Mulvaney spark more dating rumors by getting cozy at a Sabrina Carpenter showGALECA announces 2025 Dorian TV Award winnershere's the full listSan Francisco queen Hilary Rivers detained by ICE after asylum hearingYes, good and ethical queer porn exists heres how to know it when you see itChrishell Stause dishes on 'Selling Sunset' season 9 & facing backlash after coming outBillie Jean King: Listen to transgender athletesWhat trans and nonbinary people need to know about updating their passports and birth certificatesCalifornia defies Trump, won't ban trans athletes from school sportsWoman Crush WednesdayThe Old Guard star Charlize Theron is our Woman Crush Wednesday! Read and watch our interview with her and the other stars of the movie!

Netflix plans to end reality television show Queer Eye after Season 10, the streaming platform announced Wednesday. The show, which premiered in 2018, is the streamer's longest-running unscripted series to date. It's unclear exactly why the show is endingthe reason has not yet been announced.The original Fab Five, consisting of Karamo Brown, Tan France, Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness, and Bobby Berk, have all become public figures in their own right since the show premiered seven years ago. After season 8, Berk left the show and was replaced by Jeremiah Brent. (@) Viewers watched as the group traveled around the world to help people transform various aspects of their lives. Since the beginning of the series, audiences have seen them travel to Kansas, Missouri, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and even Tokyo, Japan. But the last stop for the Fab Five will be Washington, D.C., and this season couldn't be any more timely.France posted to Instagram, commemorating the final season of the show. "First day of the FINAL season of Queer Eye. It's been a long, beautiful journey we've been on, and I truly appreciate all the love and support for our little show, which changed my life in ways I never thought possible," he wrote. "As we begin our farewell season here [in] D.C. I simply want to say thank you! Thank you!!!!!" See on Instagram Van Ness shared a post of themselves with a simple caption, "Season 10, the final season." See on Instagram The show has been nominated for 37 Emmy Awards and won six years in a row for Outstanding Structured Reality Program, the year they premiered in 2023. Queer Eye lost out to Shark Tank last year.

The complaints were coming from inside the house!Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson is considered a TV trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community. As Mitchell Pritchett on ABC's mega-hit sitcom, he was one of the few out gay actors playing a major gay character on a mainstream show at the time. When the show ended, he was one of the most beloved gay TV dads of all time. He says that wasn't always the case.On Ferguson's Dinner's On Me podcast, he opened up to guest Russell Tovey about the criticisms he faced while filming the show, and how they often came from his own community."One of the pressures Ive always felt, specifically after being on a show like Modern Family, where Im portraying a gay man on a television show on (a) network that is as popular as it is, is that you receive criticism, as you do with anything you do, he said, according to CNN.Ferguson then noted that "the criticism that I think I heard at the loudest was always from the gay community."He said some fans felt "as if maybe I didn't represent their idea of what a gay relationship was or a gay man was, which I always took with such a grain of salt because I'm representing one person, I'm in charge of this one character."Modern Family was nominated for 85 Emmys and won 22 in its 11-season run from 2009 to 2020. Ferguson was nominated for five consecutive Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.The queer impact of Modern Family is still being felt today, as one of the show's actors, Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, recently used a famous line from the show to come out as bisexual to her TikTok followers.In the video, Anderson-Emmons lip syncs over the audio from a scene where her character Lily Tucker-Pritchett insists she's gay because her two adoptive fathers are, writing, "people keep joking so much abt me being gay when I literally am (I'm bi)."

Sarah Paulson has a four-word relationship hack: We dont live together. When the American Horror Story star told the SmartLess podcast in May 2024 that she and longtime partner Holland Taylor spend plenty of time together, but we dont live in the same house, queer Twitter hailed it as the ultimate blueprint for keeping the spark alive without sharing a bathroom.That setup has a name living-apart-together (LAT) and, far from being a celebrity quirk, its a relationship style with deep roots in LGBTQ+ culture, where autonomy and safety have always been prized alongside intimacy. The arrangement has outgrown its origins in sociology seminars. A 2023 U.S. census micro-tabulation counted almost four million American couples who live apart by choice, and a 2024 U.K. study finds LAT is a common cohabitation among daters over 60. For LGBTQ+ folks, the draw is clear: autonomy without sacrificing intimacy, space that feels safe, and a flexible structure.PRIDE, our sister brand, asked Ruth L. Schwartz., PhD, a queer relationship coach and Director of Conscious Girlfriend Academy, and Dr. Angela Downey, a lesbian family physician from The Codependent Doctor, to break down how LAT works, the perks and pitfalls they see in practice, and the concrete steps to try it.What does living apart together actually mean?The term LAT relationships (and the idea of living apart, together) originated, to my knowledge, with a Dutch writer in the 1970s, but its gotten popularized recently because honestly, for a great many people both straight and LGBTQ+, it has a lot of appeal, Dr. Schwartz tells PRIDE. Dr. Downey puts it in plain sociological terms. LAT stands for Living Apart Together, and refers to couples who are in a committed relationship but choose to live separately, she says. It emerged in sociological research from Europe in the early 2000s as a way to describe changing partnership structures that defy traditional living arrangements.In other words, you can be fully partnered rings, group-chats, pet-insurance, the whole nine but keep two sets of keys.Why LGBTQ+ partners embrace LATQueer folks have never fit neatly inside Hallmarks domestic script. LGBTQ people have been forced to and have also claimed the right to define our relationships for ourselves, Dr. Schwartz notes. For many of the lesbians she coaches, especially women 50-plus whove already created their own homes or lifestyles the way they like them, merging closets again feels like giving up autonomy.Dr. Downey echoes that cultural remix impulse. LAT relationships are more common in LGBTQ+ communities, where traditional relationship models may feel too restrictive, she says. Choosing not to cohabitate can protect hard-won independence, reduce gender-role baggage, and soften the crush of U-Haul on date two expectations.How common is LAT right now?These days, LAT relationships are no longer fringe.In the United States, roughly 3.89 million Americans about 2.95% of married couples live apart by choice.In all relationships and all ages in the U.K., the 2024 UCL analysis found about one in ten couples maintain separate addresses, with LAT the preferred structure when over-60s start dating. Over-60s specifically: The same study pegs LAT at around 4% of older adults, making it as common as cohabitation in that cohort. Global echoes: Sexologist Pepper Schwartz cites over 4 million married couples in America opting for LAT or long-distance set-ups, a figure repeated in Allures March 2025 trend dive. The takeaway: LAT moved from quirky outlier to measurable slice of relationship data in under a decade.The perks: autonomy, novelty, less roommate dramaDr. Schwartz let us know all about the upside to these types of relationships. When were not having to navigate all the domestic and financial details of a household together, there are fewer points of conflict, she says. Each time we see each other can be special, and more focused on us and on emotional or physical connection.Although she notes it can be pleasurable to be invited to someone elses home or vice versa, she also says lesbian couples often struggle maintaining sufficient autonomy getting to have our own home spaces can give us more of the kind of autonomy which then also makes room for more intimacy. Often, one partners living space offers some goodies that the other partners does not.Dr. Downey adds a clinical spin, noting the uptick in independence but also protecting against enmeshment, which she says can decrease conflict that can come about from living together. LAT can be especially healing for people who are recovering from codependency, caretaking burnout, or past relationship trauma, she says.Read the fine print before you sign the lease(s)While some people love the idea of freedom, others dont have the same feelings.Some people really crave the intimacy of sharing space so not sharing those things could feel like a loss, says Dr. Schwartz. Some people have adopted mainstream society notions that its only a real or committed relationship if youre living together.At the same time, Dr. Downey flags the emotional logistics. There may be more miscommunications and a difference in expectations about time together, future planning, or emotional needs, she says.If kids, caregiving, or fur-babies are in the mix, the Google Calendar juggling intensifies fast.So you want to try LAT?If youre curious about LAT, start with a brutally honest convo. Have an open conversation about why youre interested in LAT and what each of you hopes to gain, Dr. Downey advises. Clarify your values, needs, and boundaries. Its not about avoiding intimacy, its about redefining it intentionally.Dr. Schwartz models the arc with her own story of how she and her partner moved from cohabitation to separate homes. We definitely had more emotional and physical intimacy when we lived separately, she says. It's important to be really clear about what appeals to each person and/or frightens each person about the idea of living separately while in a committed partnership. Obviously, having these conversations from the beginning would be ideal, as there might be more sense of loss involved if people were living together and then one partner wanted to change that.Best practices for thriving together, apartA LAT relationship isnt automatically long-distance. You could live in adjacent apartments, across town, or on another continent. Either way, intentionality rules:Theres a need to carve out time together, because you wont necessarily be waking up in the same bed So, being conscious and intentional about when it works best for you to spend time together will be key, says Schwartz.She recommends rituals from a nightly 30-minute FaceTime to alternating sleepovers tailored to distance and bandwidth.Dr. Downeys prescription is just as explicit. Prioritize your partner through consistent communication, she says. Schedule regular quality time, share rituals that create connection, and check in about how the arrangement is working for both of you.Think of it as relationship cross-training: fewer defaults, more reps of active listening.Redefining intimacy, not dodging itLAT isnt a half-measure; its a design choice. It lets queer couples keep the spark (and the spare room), sidestep heteronormative scripts, and prove, yet again, that intimacy has never required a white-picket mortgage.As Schwartz sums up, Whether a couple lives together or separately, keeping the lines of communication open, and staying out of story, assumption and projection, is key to making the relationship work. For LGBTQ+ folx weighing the move, the question may be less why live apart than why not, if it safeguards both your autonomy and your heart.

In a growingly-divided nation, the American Flag has evolved from a symbol of unity, freedom, and patriotism to one of fear and tension for many. This shifting attitude against a once-beloved emblem is what inspired iconic designer Alexis Bittar and the award-winning producer Bruce Cohen to investigate how people, especially LGBTQ people, can Reclaim the [...]The post WATCH: Reclaim The Flag Trailer LGBTQ Legends Sound Off on American History, Values, and Futures in New Doc Trailer from Renowned Designer Alexis Bittar and Academy Award Winner Bruce Cohen first appeared on GLAAD.

Jewel Thais-Williams, owner of the legendary Los Angeles Black queer disco Jewels Catch One and an activist for HIV treatment and other causes, has died at age 86.Several social media posters said Thais-Williams died Monday night, and her death has now been confirmed by TV station KTLA.Thais-Williams, a lesbian, opened Jewels Catch One in the early 1970s because she saw that Black LGBTQ+ people in L.A. needed a space of their own. She had previously run a mixed club, where gay and straight Blacks and whites partied together. It was kind of a miracle, really, she once said.It was clear, though, that queer people of color needed a specific haven of their own, Chanelle Tyson wrote in The Advocate in 2018, when Thais-Williams was the Legacy Honoree for the publications Champions of Pride. Gay clubs often discriminated against Blacks and women at the time.Related: 41 Images from The Advocate's Champions of Pride Party That Put You Right ThereUnlike her first club, Catch Ones intention was gay from the start, Tyson wrote. It became so much more. In its prime, Catch Ones attendance swelled to 1,300 a night and attracted celebrities like Madonna, Sharon Stone, and Janet Jackson. As the climate of the world shifted, Catch One changed too, but over the staggering 42 years it was open, it always remained a safe and inclusive place for the black LGBT community. Eventually, it hosted the kind of integrated crowd that would have never been seen in a disco club before, she added.Thais-Williams was quick to respond to the AIDS crisis. She and her wife, Rue, established Rues House, which provided housing and services to women and children living with HIV or AIDS, in 1989. Thais-Williams had cofounded the Minority AIDS Project in 1987, and in 2001, she set up the Village Health Foundation, offering alternative treatments for HIV.She closed Catch One in 2015, when she was 76. The club had survived much, including an arson attack in 1985 that nearly destroyed it.The joy experienced at Jewels Catch One club was more than a weekend choice for fun; it was an act of defiance by black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the face of clubs in West Hollywood where they felt unwanted because of their race, the Los Angeles Times reported upon the closing.Thais-Williams remained active, though, volunteering part-time at the Village Health Foundation. The 2016 documentary Jewels Catch One by filmmaker C. Fitz chronicled her life and that of the nightclub. In 2019, the intersection of Pico Boulevard and Norton Avenue in L.A., the location of the club, was dedicated by the Los Angeles City Council as Jewel Thais-Williams Square.Related: 7 must-see docs celebrating iconic Black LGBTQ+ historical figuresShe and her club are being remembered fondly. Jewels Catch One was a sanctuary. It was a major part of the throughline of my own coming-out journey, and it was one of the few places where men and women got together, actor-writer-producer Dalila Ali Rajah told The Advocate. She also had the healing practice that was on the same property that allowed people of all kinds to get inexpensive, accessible, natural, homeopathic and Chinese medicine, health care, acupuncture, all of those things that were often out of the reach of the Black community. And during the AIDS crisis, its immeasurable the amount of impact she had on everything. And during the time where we are losing so much, to have someone cross over feels so heavy. But it also means we have an ancestor working for us on the other side. Its just a hard thing to hold.I was 30 years old when I first walked into Jewels Catch One and found my life, activist Keith Boykin wrote on Instagram. That was the fall of 1995. While the club was frequented by celebrities, I never went to see a celebrity, he continued. I was there because Jewel created a safe space for the Black LGBTQ community at a time when AIDS, homophobia, and many of our own churches made us feel unwelcome. See on Instagram Jewel was the mother of a whole community of Black queer folks in L.A., writer Jasmyne Cannick posted on Instagram. Whether you knew her personally or not, you felt her. She made space for us long before it was trendy or safe. She saw us. She held us. See on Instagram Today the world celebrates the incredible life and legacy of Jewel Thais Williams, Holistic Healer, Community Activist, Philanthropist and Business Mogul. In The Meantime Mens Group, Inc. joins with the world community in remembering her contributions to all people, Jeffrey King, the groups founder, wrote on Facebook. We will call her name for eternity and beyond. Jewel Thais Williams! Close friends and community leaders are in the planning process of a community wide commemoration. More information forthcoming.Survivors include Thais-Williamss wife, Rue.In 2020, Thais-Williams shared this advice for struggling queer people in an interview with the LGBTQ History Project: "I would probably start with learning to love yourselves. Look in the mirror every day, and say I love you just as you are. There's a universal plan for everybody's presence here on this planet. ... I just think that everything goes according to plan. The important part is you just being willing to carry out whatever you wish in the end."Additional reporting by Tracy E. Gilchrist.

Singer Ethel Cain posted an Instagram Story Wednesday apologizing for resurfaced racist social media posts she made at age 19. The singer, whose real name is Hayden Anhednia, had been confronted by Reddit users who unearthed and reposted these controversial posts from Tumblr and other platforms.Among them were screenshots from a Q&A platform called Curious Cat, where Cain admits to using the n-word and states build that wall" in response to a post mocking Latinx people. There were also screenshots of Cain wearing a t-shirt that said legalize incest, along with instances of the singer making fat-shaming and rape jokes. The performer also said that people who use they pronouns are attention seekers.These screenshots of her old posts were shared to an X account called @herweirdsilas, which seems to be dedicated to exposing the 27-year-old singer, just as she is gearing up to release her sophomore album, Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You, which comes out in August. Cain's debut album, Preacher's Daughter, was released in 2022 to critical acclaim, and she has since broken Billboard records as a transgender singer.In her July 9 statement, Cain said she made these remarks during a point in her life that she looks back on shamefully. I was 19 and I was entirely aware of what I was saying and that was why I said it, the statement reads. All I can say is that I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart, to anyone who read it then and to anyone reading it now. Any way you feel about me moving forward is valid."To everyone partaking in this expecting me to address my racist statements in the past, you are completely valid. This statement cannot be everything, but I hope it is a start," she added.Cain also provided some context for her frame of mind at the time. "I spent my later high-school years being extremely progressive and 'SJW' as they called it at the time, as a way to reject the indoctrination of my environment and rebel against the prejudice, hatred, and ignorance of the culture I grew up in," she wrote. She added that she "fell into a subculture online that prioritized garnering attention at all costs."The 27-year-old went to say that she feels the resurfacing of these posts are part of a malicious attack. All of these things resurfacing are not the actions of a well-meaning individual concerned by something they discovered easily and casually on the internet, she wrote. These are screenshots obtained through extensive digging, hacking, and cooperative effort amongst a group of individuals who do not care who else is hurt by witnessing this media as long as I am ultimately hurt the worst in the end.Cain went on to address each allegation, among them that she was promoting "child pornography" from artwork she made at age 19, which she says she created as a response to sexual assault."At the time of that drawing, I had just been raped by a man twice my age weeks before. The way I processed this was the opposite way I thought rape victims were supposed to behave, as I leaned into sadomasochism and became fixated on the event and thought that somehow sexualizing it in a way I could control or desire would make it more bearable, as though I wanted it," she wrote.The "Crush" singer ends the statement saying, I will not allow this smear campaign to silence me in the same way I have not allowed any of their previous attempts to silence me. Again, in this day and age, just as I must be diligent with my voice and my actions, you share the same responsibility.Read the full response below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ethel Cain Updates (@ethelsource)

If lesbian reality TV shows are going to do one thing, it's entertain. The chaos, the drama, the romance and, let's be honest, the spiciness of sapphic content just cannot be surpassed.It's why shows like The Ultimatum: Queer Love and (back in the day) A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila (even if that one aged like milk) had such a pop culture impact. And yet, there aren't enough of them, if you ask us.But there are a few, and they are all worth a binge. Some of these may be a rewatch, while others, particularly those from across the globe, may have slid under your radar. But if youre craving some more lesbian and sapphic reality dating competition, weve got you covered. Here are 11 must-see shows and where you can watch them right now. I Kissed a GirlI Kissed a Girl is the UKs first-ever dating reality show that focuses solely on WLW, and what a way to kick things off. The show, which is hosted by Dannii Minogue, was a spin-off of the popular gay version, I Kissed a Boy. The way it worked is that a group of lesbians and women all stay in an Italian country home together where theyre introduced with a kiss and expected to form romantic connections. Naturally, lesbian chaos ensues.Where to watch: HuluLove Trip: ParisIf Love Trip: Paris flew under your radar, we don't blame you; it was marketed like the straightest thing ever, and yet, the queerness was everywhere. The show focuses on four women heading to the City of Love to find, well, love with the residents there. But heres the tea: only one of them is straight, and theres even trans representation. Mon Dieu!Where to watch: Prime Video12 Dates of Christmas (season 2)We love lesbian drama as much as the next gal, but sometimes you want something a little sweeter, and that's where 12 Days of Christmas comes in, specifically its second season. Set in the winter with the holiday spirit all around, three singles, one gay, one straight, and one sapphic enter the house in search of their perfect partner. Its all very Hallmark holiday movie coded, not that were complaining. Where to watch: Apple TVThe Bi LifeRuPauls Drag Race favorite and finalist Courtney Act got into the hosting gig with this series that focuses on a group of bisexual singles living together and dating one another. This one differs in that the emphasis is more about dating and building camaraderie rather than avoiding elimination. But its a unique and rare depiction of bisexuality that were always happy to have more of on our screensWhere to watch: Hayu Are You The One? (season 8)Are You The Ones queer season is absolutely legendary and with good reason. Its chaotic and funny and romantic and oh-so-steamy. When they went back to the straight formula the following season, it was for one reason only: they couldn't handle us! The show, for the uninitiated, sees a group of singles entering a house having already been secretly matched by matchmakers. Their job is to date around and try to figure out who their person is, and if everyone successfully solves the puzzle, they all win a cash prize. This series has all the upheaval, heartache, and makeouts of the other shows, with the added bonus of puzzle solving. Where to watch: HuluThe Ultimatum: Queer LoveChances are youve heard your friends talking about this series, which sees sapphic couples where one partner wants to be married, and the other is not ready embarking on an experiment that sees them splitting up and repartnering with other castmates for a trial marriage before recoupling and deciding if they want to get engaged or split up for good. As you can imagine, this creates opportunities for both major breakthroughs and a major breakup. It's truly compelling TV.Where to watch: Netflix Love ALLwaysLove ALLways is in the same vein as the A Shot at Love series, in that it centers around pansexual TikToker Lexi Paloma looking for love with the help of two relationship gurus, Spicy Mari and Anthony Recenello, and a house full of suitors of various genders. Meanwhile, the contestants also, ahem, mix and mingle.Where to watch: Prime VideoTo Get HerAnother groundbreaking show, To Get Her is South Koreas first-ever lesbian dating reality series. In it, seven single queer women move in together in order to get to know one another, date, and form romantic connections. There has been some controversy surrounding the show, including the eviction of the cast, but it's still a chapter in global sapphic representation worth checking out. Where to watch: Daily MotionComing Out for LoveFilmmaker Nicole Conn (Claire of the Moon, A Perfect Ending) created this series thats hosted by out actress and model Jessica Clark and sees 16 women moving into a house in Palm Springs to vie for the heart of Amber Whittington (aka Ambers Closet). A classic set up and a ton of fun. Where to watch: Comingoutforlove.comPrincess CharmingPrincess Charming is another global entry on the list, this time from Germany. This series focuses on one queer woman, aka the princess, who is looking for love and the cast who are vying for her affection. It's your standard Bachelorette-style show, but sapphic. Tonally, this leans less into the chaos and more into offering audiences an authentic look at WLW. Where to Watch: RTL+Love on the Spectrum U.S.Not only is this show the most wholesome and sweet series on this list, but it might be the most wholesome and sweet show to have existed, period. Unlike the others weve chosen, it isnt a competition, but rather a docu series which follows adults on the autism spectrum dating and seeking out love, some for the first time ever. Among them are some queer folks navigating romance and identity. This series will absolutely capture your heart and have you cheering for these brave and generous souls who opened up their lives and journeys to allow us to witness them and cheer them on. We can have nice things sometimes!Where to watch: Netflix

Cierra Ortega was removed from Love Island USA season 7 over the weekend after being exposed for sharing social media posts that reportedly contained racist language toward Asian people.On Wednesday, July 9, the Love Island alum has broken her silence by sharing a video in which she apologizes for using a racial slur, agrees with the decision from Peacock producers to remove her from the show, and discloses some context surrounding that particular post containing racist language. Cierra says in the new video:"I know a lot of people have been waiting for me to speak up about the news that's come to light recently. Now that I've been back in the U.S. for about 48 hours, and I've had the chance to process, I now feel like I'm at a space where I can speak about this without being highly emotional Because I am not the victim in this situation.While I was in the villa, there were some posts that resurfaced from my past where I was very naively using an incredibly offensive and derogatory term. And before I get into the details, I want to first start by addressing not just anyone that I have hurt or deeply offended, but most importantly, the entire Asian community.I am deeply, truly, honestly, so sorry. I had no idea that the word held as much pain, as much harm, and came with the history that it did Or I never would have used it. I had no ill intention when I was using it. That's absolutely no excuse because intent doesn't excuse ignorance. It just doesn't. And I just need you to know that I am so sorry. But this is not an apology video; this is an accountability video.I do want to hold my hands up and say that I take accountability for using the word, but I do want it to be known that I genuinely had no idea that it was a slur. I had no idea of its meaning. It wasn't until I made a public story post in 2024 when a follower of mine reached out to correct me and let me know that what I was saying was incredibly hurtful. It was a derogatory term. It was a slur. And in that moment, I was embarrassed.I, of course, immediately deleted the post. I was apologetic, and I educated not only myself on the true meaning and the history of the word, but also anyone around me who was accidentally holding space for this slur. When this person did message me, which I'm so grateful that she did, I had a good conversation with her about it. I made the correction immediately. The word was immediately removed from my vocabulary."See on InstagramCierra also uses the video to bring up certain screenshots being shared on social media that depict the Love Island USA alum "doubling down" on using the racial slur even after she was called out. Cierra denies that those screenshots are real, and also claims that the backlash against her has become a huge safety concern for her family members and loved ones."I think, right now, there are tons of things floating around different screenshots with different time stamps, and fueling this narrative that I sort of doubled down once people tried to correct me. And was like, 'Oh, I don't know, I'm still going to use it.' But that was not the case. The truth is that, in that moment, the lesson was learned, the word was removed, and it was a true learning moment for me.Since that moment, I've done so much growing as an individual, and I've tried my best to educate others who might be accidentally holding space for these types of words that could be offensive in their vocabulary. I completely agree with the network's decision to remove me from the villa. I think that this is something that deserved punishment, and the punishment has absolutely been received, for sure.I think the backlash has obviously been very hard to deal with, but I understand that people are kind of confused on why I would have even said it, or why I would have been doubling down and continuing to use it. So I understand where the hate is coming from. And, you know, I can do my best to drown out the noise and pay attention to the truth But what's been extremely, extremely difficult is the way people are approaching my family and my loved ones. You know, they've had ICE [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] called on them. My family doesn't feel safe in their own home. I'm receiving death threats.There's no need to fight hate with hate. I don't think that that's justice. And if you want to know that you're heard, and that I'm sorry, and that I will move differently, I promise you that's what will happen. I know that no apology could ever be enough for the harm that I've caused and the offense that's taken place. I know that moving forward my actions and how I how I decide to live my life from here on out is going to speak louder than any apology ever could. But I do need it to be known that I am sorry, and I did mean no harm. Hopefully, there are people out there that can use my mistake as a learning moment, and to just be better, because that's what I'm going to do.I'm going to take today and tomorrow, and I'm going to take strides to be better. All I can ask for is, even if you won't give me forgiveness, [is] if you can just allow me to grow with grace. And, hopefully, instead of sitting here and trying to convince you that I am this amazing person who spreads light in the world and celebrates cultures and dynamics and backgrounds, that one day you can see that from me. I'm deeply sorry again, and I thank anyone who's listening."Cierra apologized again via Instagram stories.Cierra also shared a text-based Instagram story in which she again apologizes and reaffirms her commitment to doing better as she moves forward. The post reads:"I do not, and have never, condoned racism or the repression of any cultural group in any form. I would never intentionally use any word, especially a slur, to tear down anyone's culture or community.When I used that word, I didn't fully understand what it meant or how much pain it carries. I learned how deeply wrong it was when I was called out for it in 2024, and as you can see in the screenshot I shared in my video, I was genuinely ashamed and wanted to do whatever I could in that moment to make sure I never made that careless mistake again. I know an apology means nothing without real accountability and change, and that's what I've done my best to live up to since then and what I will continue to do.While I had no ill intention, I fully understand that impact matters more than intent. I don't expect forgiveness overnight. I just hope that in time I can show that l'm more than a mistake, a label, or a character on a highly edited reality show. I'm someone trying to spread love and light, even when I get it wrong, and I hope my actions from here speak louder than this mistake ever did."Cierra ends the post writing:"My experience in the villa was nothing short of magical. The memories I made and the people I met are ones I'll cherish forever. While I'm heartbroken my journey had to be cut short, I understand that mistakes, especially ones like this, deserve consequences.Once again, to the Asian community, I am deeply sorry for my thoughtless mistake and the harm it caused.With love & humility, C."Cierra had a queer showmance with Chelley, and the Love Island USA fans were obsessed.Several viral moments from this season of Love Island USA centered on the fan-favorite queer showmance between Cierra and Chelley (a.k.a. Michelle Bissainthe). For context, Chelley who is still a clear frontrunner to win the show came out as bisexual to all of her fellow islanders during their very first week in season 7. And even though Cierra didn't label her sexuality, Love Island viewers celebrated every little moment that symbolized the two of them getting even closer to each other.On June 10, as Cierra and Chelley actually kissed in the villa, videos of that moment went absolutely viral across social networks. Fans lost their minds watching this queer showmance on Love Island reaching a new climax, and a single X post sharing a clip of their kiss (below) accumulated more than 8 million views. (@) Over time, Cierra coupled-up with Nic (a.k.a. Nicolas Vansteenberghe) and Chelley coupled-up with Ace (a.k.a. Allen Greene). However, fans passionately expressed that they were much more interested in Cierra and Chelley as a queer couple than seeing the two women being paired-up with their male love interests.This intense buzz may seem strange to reality TV viewers who are familiar with the contentious relationship between the original Love Island series in the U.K. and the LGBTQ+ community. While it's fair to say that the U.S. series which aired on CBS for three seasons and has been on Peacock for four seasons so far has also made questionable decisions when navigating queer storylines (like eliminating a contestant, Noah Purvis, for reportedly starring in gay adult films in the past), Love Island USA is still a more welcoming platform to queer cast members than the original U.K. version.Does Love Island USA have gay contestants?Well, yes! Comparatively, Love Island USA has embraced more queer islanders and storylines than the original U.K. series. While the bar for LGBTQ+ inclusivity isn't very high for the overall franchise, the U.S. version particularly as it moved to a streaming service like Peacock has done a better job at spotlighting queer people even though it has fewer seasons than the OG series.From Love Island USA season 1 stars like Kyra Green and Emily Salch (who even dated each other after the show), to the fan-favorite bombshell Courtney Boerner in season 4, to the superstar Chelley Bissainthe as the frontrunner to win season 7, it is clear that the U.S. show makes room for islanders to discuss their sexualities even if the overall format still largely focuses on straight contestants.Out's sister publication, PRIDE, spoke with Courtney in 2022 right after her elimination from Love Island USA season 4 in an interview in which she openly discussed her coming-out journey to family and friends, and also explained how she navigated the villa after coming out as bi to her costars. In 2023, Out exclusively premiered a clip from Peacock's Love Island Games spinoff in which out islander Kyra openly flirted with her costar Megan Barton Hanson.The U.S. dating show is also hosted Ariana Madix and featured Megan Thee Stallion as a guest host in season 7.The queer representation on Love Island USA is also not limited to the contestants. For years now, out bisexual reality TV star Ariana Madix has been the main host of the U.S. series after making various special cameos in past seasons.When asked about more LGBTQ+ representation on dating shows like Love Island USA perhaps even an all-queer edition of the show Madix didn't hold back, either."I think there needs to be way more," Madix told Out in a red carpet interview. "I think there needs to be way more. And by more, I mean two or three or four or five or 10 queer dating shows."Season 7 of Love Island USA also featured out queer rapper Megan Thee Stallion making a splash and having a great time with the islanders while appearing as a special guest. Thee Stallion, who was visibly very excited to be in the villa, talked about being a superfan of the show and teased the boys and the girls alike.It's unfortunate that such a promising queer showmance on Love Island USA ended abruptly with the removal of a person accused of sharing racist social media posts. On the other hand, the U.S. series is showing fans that it is committed to removing islanders even popular ones! who have made mistakes that the audience is calling out.Meanwhile, recent U.K. seasons of Love Island have faced controversies for casting men who had homophobic posts on their social media pages (e.g. George Fensom), and those islanders still competed on the show anyway. There was also Mitchel Taylor, a standout contestant from season 10 of Love Island who was accused of making homophobic remarks at a public event. Taylor eventually owned up to the situation and attempted to apologize as the accusations went viral, and then appeared in the first-ever U.K. edition of Love Island: All Stars, which aired in 2024, as if nothing ever happened.Love Island USA season 7 releases nightly new episodes on Peacock.

NBC announced that Wicked fans will be treated to a television special on November 6 featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo singing live. The details of precisely what the two will be singing live are still under wraps, but fans can expect a lot of fun in this special celebration of Wicked: For Good.Sign up for the Out Newsletter to keep up with what's new in LGBTQ+ culture and entertainment delivered three times a week straight (well) to your inbox!Erivo and Grande, who play Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, in both movies, will be singing songs from the first movie along with special guests. In a press release, NBC outlined that fans of the movie can look forward to "maybe, just maybe, a little bit from the upcoming film."While the world speculates on what would be taking place during this two-hour special, we can't help but wish that the original Broadway cast would come back and sing a few songs with their movie counterparts. Instead of doing just a duet of "Defying Gravity," there should be a four-person collaboration between Erivo and Grande with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth and Jonathan Bailey needs to come out to do "Dancing Through Life" Norbert Leo Butz.The movie also stars Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, and Peter Dinklage, who are all set to make their return for the second movie, due out November 21, just two weeks after the special airs.Wicked quickly became a runaway success after it was released at the end of last year and went on to become the most successful Broadway musical adaptation in history, grossing over $750 million and winning two Academy Awards (one for production design and the other for costume design).

Category is: Drag Race Hall of Fame queens!RuPaul's Drag Race has come a long way since airing its first-ever All Stars season featuring queens competing in teams of two. As international Drag Race shows adopted their own version of an All Stars competing, the global Drag Race Hall of Fame is close to reaching as many as 20 queens.So, without further ado, meet the RuPaul's Drag Race champions who have won All Stars seasons.1. Chad Michaels ('RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Season 1)Crowned: November 26, 2012Maxi Challenge Wins: 3Bottom/Eligible for Elimination: 22. Alaska ('RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Season 2)Crowned: October 27, 2016Maxi Challenge Wins: 4Bottom/Eligible for Elimination: 13. Trixie Mattel ('RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Season 3)Crowned: March 15, 2018Maxi Challenge Wins: 2Bottom/Eligible for Elimination: 24-5. Mont X Change ('RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Season 4)Crowned: February 15, 2019Maxi Challenge Wins: 3Bottom/Eligible for Elimination: 24-5. Trinity The Tuck ('RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Season 4)Crowned: February 15, 2019Maxi Challenge Wins: 4Bottom/Eligible for Elimination: 16. Shea Coule ('RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Season 5)Crowned: July 24, 2020Maxi Challenge Wins: 2Bottom/Eligible for Elimination: 37. Kylie Sonique Love ('RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Season 6)Crowned: September 2, 2021Maxi Challenge Wins: 1Bottom/Eligible for Elimination: 38. Blu Hydrangea ('RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs the World' Season 1)Crowned: March 8, 2022Maxi Challenge Wins: 1Bottom/Eligible for Elimination: 19. Jinkx Monsoon ('RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Season 7)Crowned: July 29, 2022Maxi Challenge Wins: 5Bottom/Eligible for Elimination: N/A10. Ra'Jah O'Hara ('Canada's Drag Race: Canada vs the World' Season 1)Crowned: December 23, 2022Maxi Challenge Wins: 1Bottom/Eligible for Elimination: 111. Jimbo ('RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Season 8)Crowned: July 21, 2023Maxi Challenge Wins: 4Bottom/Eligible for Elimination: 112. Drag Sethlas ('Drag Race Espaa All Stars' Season 1)Crowned: March 17, 2024Maxi Challenge Wins: 4Bottom/Eligible for Elimination: 013. Tia Kofi ('RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs the World' Season 2)Crowned: March 8, 2022Maxi Challenge Wins: 1Bottom/Eligible for Elimination: 114. Angeria Paris VanMicheals ('RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Season 9)Crowned: July 26, 2024Maxi Challenge Wins: 4Bottom/Eligible for Elimination: N/A15. Lemon ('Canada's Drag Race: Canada vs the World' Season 2)Crowned: August 23, 2024Maxi Challenge Wins: 2Bottom/Eligible for Elimination: 016. Alyssa Edwards ('RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars' Season 1)Crowned: October 25, 2024Maxi Challenge Wins: 2Bottom/Eligible for Elimination: 017. 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Season 10 T.B.D.The first-ever Tournament of All Stars has been a thrilling season, and one of these 18 queens competing on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 10 is about to enter the Drag Race Hall of Fame.RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 10 is streaming on Paramount+.18. 'Drag Race France All Stars' T.B.D.After three very successful seasons, Drag Race France is getting its own dedicated All Stars season. Hosted by Nicky Doll, it's pretty remarkable that the French edition of RuPaul's Drag Race has been so successful that it is getting its own Drag Race France All Stars unlike most other international shows that followed the Versus the World format.Drag Race France All Stars is streaming on WOW Presents Plus.19. 'Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale' T.B.D.Ever since its announcement, Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale was praised as a new and exciting series within the overall Drag Race All Stars multiverse. During this competition series, Drag Race Philippines alumni will compete with Asian contestants from other Drag Race shows.Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale is scheduled to premiere in late 2025.