Sexy memes of sapphic desire began proliferating in late July when creator Rebecca Cutters The Hunting Wives dropped on Netflix. Photos of Malin kermans Texan temptress Margo licking salt off Brittany Snows buttoned-up Sophie appeared alongside thirsty captions. Queer women and beyond shared in the comments about what theyd want either of those characters to do to them. The story of a fish-out-of-water New England elite entranced by a libidinous Texan in a so-called conservative community elicited communal desire, and it made jaws drop over its wild plot.I loved the horniness of the book. I love howeveryone was just doing everything, didn't have a real moral hangup about anything, Cutter tells Out about May Cobbs 2021 novel. I thought Sophie's kind of in love with Margo, but also she thinks she's framing her, and I love anything thats like, both things are happening at once.Word of mouth propelled the series to the top of the streaming charts, where it remained at number 1, according to Luminate, which tracks the total minutes shows are streamed. For all its guns, booze, Xanax, queer sex, wigs, dildos, and murder, the series became a welcome, zeitgeisty distraction from the daily news, even as it tackled hot-button topics like immigration, abortion, and female sexual agency.By August, Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers dedicated a segment to the show on their Las Culturistas podcast, and iconoclast Gabbey Windey addressed her love for the series on her podcast, Long Winded. Horny and porny, she called it, adding that shed received a DM from someone who said that porn was banned in their state. They were using The Hunting Wives in its place. Featuring otherwise conservative women in open and queer relationships and pegging their husbands, the series afforded viewers escape and pleasure.I'm so grateful to see such a grateful response from the queer community, a curious and excited response from, what I feel like, is straight women on TikTok. I love that we don't have to define it, Cutter says. Ive been married to an amazing man for a long time. Ive also had relationships with women in the past. Let's just all be curious.Lets let the women who are watching the show be curious about themselves, see what they see in the show, and what a lovely thing to have happened this summer, she adds. Among so many terrible things, if for a few seconds you get to be distracted and turned on by sexy women, great. Malin kerman as Margo and Brittany Snow as Sophie in The Hunting Wives Kent Smith Now renewed for a second season, The Hunting Wives is Cutters second series with prominent queer characters. Her crime drama Hightown ran on Starz (where The Hunting Wives was originally set to run). Set in Provincetown and starring Monica Raymund as a lesbian fisheries agent who stumbles across a dead body on the beach, drugs, corruption, and plenty of queer sex ensued on the series for three seasons. With Hunting Wives a bona fide smash, new audiences are discovering Hightown, also available on Netflix. And Cutter says its been one of the most exciting pieces of the new shows success.[Hightown] was my first show. I was a first-time showrunner. It was very, very personal to me. It was not from IP. It was an original idea. So that was my little baby, Cutter says. They [her shows] obviously share some DNA.Some of that shared DNA is hot, believable sex between women. Sophie and Margos chemistry is palpable from the jump. Their first scene together occurs in the bathroom of Margos home, where the Texan and her big-shot husband, Jed (Dermot Mulroney), are throwing a party. Outside with guests, he cheerfully touts guns and villainizes immigrants, while Sophie happens upon Margo, all confidence and sex appeal in an emerald-hued dress."Malin was the first person we cast. To me, that was the thing that if you didn't have your Margo, the story kind of falls apart, because you have to be able to believe that this is a woman who is so self-assured and so charismatic and so sexy that anyone can fall in love with her," Cutter says of casting her leads. "Brittany was also our first choice because she brings the vulnerability, but the sort of everywoman that you can see through," she adds. "But also, I knew that she could go on that journey as Sophie, where she starts out really small and gets to really blossom in a kind of crazy way throughout the season."Though the women dont consummate their desire until episode 4 (what feels like an eternity for thirsty viewers), Cutter was initially concerned about the pacing of their attraction.When I was writing it, I was worried that it was happening too fast and that people wouldn't believe it. But I think the whole show just ends up being so fast that it's not reality. You go along for the ride, Cutter says. I certainly believe that people can have instant attraction and act on it pretty quickly. I mean, that happens. That was my 20s.Margo enters Sophies life at a strange inflection point. The northerner has committed a crime and endured trauma that would later come to light. In a series rife with booze, drugs, crime, and beyond-missionary heterosexual sex, Sophies overprotective husband, Graham (Evan Jonigkeit), who bars her from drinking and/or driving, is easily that world's biggest buzzkill. The wild Texan, no stranger to her own traumatic past, offers Sophie relief from her stifling life. The Hunting Wives Kent Smith [Malin] shes just very comfortable in her body and her sexuality, and Sophie has those wide eyes, that thing where she's just absorbing everything that Malins putting out. And it's exactly what she needs in her life at that exact moment, Cutter says. She's found herself in this strange place in a marriage that's not safe or comfortable or happy, and she's made her life very small and no drinking, no driving, and she has the shame about what she's done in the past. And so she's just ripe for the picking.All eight episodes of The Hunting Wives are directed by women, with four directors helming two episodes each. Among them are queer legends Cheryl Dunye (The Watermelon Woman, Stranger Inside) and Melanie Mayron, who starred in Thirtysomething, but went on to direct everything from the 1995 film The Baby-Sitters Club to several episodes of the original Pretty Little Liars. Mayron directed the pivotal first sex scene between Margo and Sophie, where, when finished, a sated Margo says, It seems like youve done that before.A decision that we made when we were rehearsing their first big sex scene was that I was like, It's so expected that Margo is the one that pulls [Sophie] into it. But to me it was like, Margot kisses her first, but that's all the permission, and now she is going to be on top and get into it and run the scene, Cutter shares. They both loved that idea that we're not going to do the sort of expected. Margo has led her every step of the way, but then once she has that permission, Sophie's all in, and she has her own agency.With a season 2 on the way, discussion about Margo and Sophie as endgame is inevitable. I love that idea. I am open to that idea, but obviously, it's never good TV. We move in together and get a cat, and then everything's fine, Cutter says. Obviously, there's going to be many twists and turns moving forward.A compulsive comment reader, Cutter says feedback shes received about the show ranges from subversive, which she calls a great 25-cent word, to soap and trash. Not one to take it all too seriously, Cutter welcomes an array of responses. Everyone's going to have their own experience of it. But I like being called smart and subversive. I like being called dumb and lucky, whatever, I'll take it, Cutter says.

Actor and writer Christian Weissmann is reprising his role as the villainous Remy Pryce in this brand-new season of The Bold and the Beautiful except, this time, Remy is getting a love interest, Deke, played by actor Harrison Cone.Remy and Deke are set to make history as the first-ever gay male couple on B&B. Together, the characters will also be featured in the first-ever gay male kiss in the long-running CBS soap opera, as first reported by Deadline.During an exclusive first interview with Out, Weissmann and Cone discuss how they found chemistry with each other, tease what fans can expect from these two characters, and reflect on the overall significance of making gay history on a platform as wide-reaching as The Bold and the Beautiful."Remy has been a bit of a bad boy in the past few storylines he's done some not-so-great things," Weissman tells Out. "I was like, 'How do I approach this with humanity? How do I show that he really is this kid who has a lot of trauma, and a lot of issues, and is lashing out because of his lack of healing?'""None of that justifies the actions and the things he did in the past," Weissmann notes. "But, as an actor, it gives me a baseline. I tried to inject as much humanity and vulnerability as I could."Weissmann hopes that this new gay love story becomes "Remy's redemption arc" on The Bold and the Beautiful, adding: "Remy can now show what it's like to be a person who's done some not-so-great things and is like, 'Okay, I'm asking for a second chance. I'm trying to show that I've changed. I want to take accountability.'""I hope the other characters can see that Remy is still open to growing," the actor says.Most details about Deke even the character's first name! were kept under wraps prior to Cone's official debut on The Bold and the Beautiful this Tuesday."I'm trying to figure out what I can say," Cone tells Out when asked to describe Deke. "He's very loving, and caring, and kind of a 'daddy,' in a way. He kind of fathers people, and he means well. He means the best for everyone."Weissmann chimes in, "Deke gets shit done. He takes care of the people in his life that he cares about. He knows right from wrong, for sure, maybe a little bit more than Remy does.""Deke is wiser than his years," Cone says. "I feel like he could definitely be an anchor, and a figurehead, for Remy's morals."Weissmann, otherwise known for starring on TV shows like Saved by the Bell (2020 reboot), Dear White People, and Grey's Anatomy, recalls meeting Cone during a chemistry read for The Bold and the Beautiful."I was pretty certain that Harrison was the guy that [casting producers] were going to pick," Weissmann says. "Our chemistry was very comfortable, and I just felt a kinship with him pretty quickly. He was also a really incredible actor, and we were all very impressed by that. Doing any sort of intimate scenes with another actor is so much easier if you have those building blocks."Cone agrees, "I feel like we had good chemistry right from the start. It was really easy to stay present with each other. I'm very thankful to have him as my on-screen boyfriend because he's super sweet and made it easy to get to know.""There was a lot of off- and on-screen time," Cone says. "Being able to connect with him, and talk, made it easier when we were going in for our first scenes." Beyond their experiences embodying these characters, Cone points out: "I also just really ship them. I think Deke is going to help Remy kind of realize his wrongs and be able to grow from it."See on InstagramBest known for his roles on The Summer I Turned Pretty, Ick, American Horror Stories, and Hacks, this is Cone's first time doing a soap opera."Nothing's like a soap. It's crazy!" Cone says. "You go in, and it's like 20 pages in 40 minutes. I had never done that before. I had done regular film and TV, [but] not in this format."Weissmann, on the other hand, argues that Cone made a great first impression. "From the first day, he kind of just jumped right in and was a soap pro," Weissman recalls. "He handled it with such professionalism. It's not easy to adjust to that level of material every day, but he did it effortlessly. I was very impressed, and was very happy to have someone as genuine and caring as him to get to play my boyfriend."See on InstagramWhen asked how much thought went into this first gay kiss between two male characters on The Bold and the Beautiful, Weissmann admits that he felt a bit of self-imposed pressure. "I was like, 'It better be hot. It better be cool. It better be sweet.'""I was excited that we get to be the first queer male characters on the show; that's not a title that we take lightly. It's a lot of responsibility," the actor reflects. "We want to handle those characters with a lot of care and a lot of grace. I know there are lots of fans who have been watching for a long time and wanting something like this to come along. The response has been so kind."Weissmann is focused on making these dedicated B&B fans proud, and hopes that they understand that a queer relationship is "still a flawed relationship like any relationship between two characters is on a soap opera."This degree of care and commitment led Weissmann to be nominated for a 2025 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series for his first year playing Remy in The Bold and the Beautiful.See on InstagramThe biggest challenge or biggest opportunity, depending on one's perspective of a soap opera is that the volume of episodes forces characters to be more fleshed out than the average 10-episode season of a TV show in the streaming era.To that point, Weissmann notes that "there's a lot of care between Remy and Deke that's not just a one-dimensional queer relationship. There's a lot of layers into their connection, and I'm excited for everybody to see it."Just a few months ago, Cone played Mariah Carey's first love interest identified as Mr. Player in the music video for "Type Dangerous," the lead single off Carey's upcoming studio album Here for It All. Now, the actor has shifted gears to play an up-and-coming designer working at Forrester Creations on The Bold and the Beautiful And Remy's love interest."I was super excited to just be part of the show," Cone chimes in. "To find out that we'd be able to have that representation on the show for people to see and feel connected to it I also just want to make the fans proud of it. I want it to be special for them."Remy's introduction to the B&B fandom wasn't exactly warm and sweet, Weissmann admits, while taking on the challenge of showing a different side of the character."Coming on as a bit of a villain in the beginning, you notice that fans are protective of the legacy characters; they're protective of the good characters. I was really impressed with that sort of love and care for a show," Weissmann says. "And we had a fan event, I believe it was last month, in L.A., and that was the first time I got to meet any of the Bold fans in person.""It was so awesome," the actor adds, "because this show isn't just on once a weekit's on every day. So these people have lunch with you, they have coffee with you. You're a part of their lives, and they're a part of our lives. So I think that is a really special relationship that I had yet to experience before being on Bold."Cone, who is a newcomer, argues that this is the perfect starting point for a new audience to discover The Bold and the Beautiful as well."It's a landmark, pivotal moment in the history of the show," Cone says, "which is a super exciting period to be a part of the show. And it's also an exciting point to tune in, even if you've never watched it, because you're tuning in on a point that has a new dynamic and relationship."The Bold & the Beautiful airs new episodes weekdays on CBS, and is also available for streaming on Paramount+.

Family challenges often come with emotional stress and financial strain. When legal issues arise, many people worry about how they will afford professional guidance while still protecting their best interests. Fortunately, affordable family law services in Melbourne make it possible to access quality legal support without overwhelming expenses. Whether its divorce, custody arrangements, property division, or support agreements, cost-effective legal services can provide clarity and peace of mind during some of lifes most difficult transitions.Understanding Family Law in MelbourneFamily law in Victoria covers a wide range of matters, from separation and divorce to parenting disputes and financial settlements. The Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia oversee most family law issues. Because each case is unique, legal representation plays a crucial role in helping clients understand their rights, responsibilities, and possible outcomes.Affordable family law services aim to bridge the gap between high-quality advice and manageable costs. By offering flexible options, transparent pricing, and practical solutions, these services empower families to move forward with confidence.Why Access to Affordable Family Law MattersFamily disputes can escalate quickly when left unresolved. Without proper legal guidance, misunderstandings can lead to longer court battles, higher costs, and increased emotional stress. Affordable family law services are essential because they:Provide access to justice for individuals and families regardless of income.Reduce the risk of costly mistakes when filing legal documents or negotiating agreements.Offer tailored advice to resolve disputes efficiently.Help families maintain stability and focus on long-term well-being.By making professional legal help more accessible, families are better equipped to make informed decisions that protect children, property, and future financial security.Common Areas Covered by Affordable Family Law ServicesDivorce and SeparationEnding a marriage or de facto relationship can be overwhelming. Affordable family lawyers in Melbourne assist clients with preparing and filing divorce applications, ensuring timelines and requirements are met, and explaining the legal implications of separation.Child Custody and Parenting ArrangementsParenting disputes often cause the most tension in family law matters. Affordable family law services provide guidance on creating parenting plans, applying for parenting orders, and prioritizing the best interests of the child. By focusing on cooperation and mediation, families can often avoid lengthy court proceedings.Property Settlements and Asset DivisionFinancial matters after separation can be complex. Affordable family lawyers help clients assess marital assets, negotiate fair settlements, and protect financial futures. Clear advice ensures both parties understand what is legally fair under the Family Law Act.Spousal and Child SupportDetermining the right level of financial support can be challenging. Affordable legal services guide parents and former partners through the calculation of child support, spousal maintenance, and compliance with legal obligations.Mediation and Alternative Dispute ResolutionLitigation is not always necessary. Many affordable family law services encourage mediation to resolve conflicts quickly and cost-effectively. Mediation promotes open communication and often results in more positive long-term arrangements.How Affordable Family Law Services Save You MoneyOne of the biggest concerns people have when seeking a lawyer is cost. Affordable family law firms in Melbourne often offer:Fixed-fee services for predictable costs.Payment plans to spread expenses over time.Initial consultations at reduced or no cost.Tailored strategies that minimize unnecessary court appearances.By focusing on efficiency and practicality, these services help families reduce both financial and emotional stress.If youre based in Queensland and looking for guidance, the best family lawyers in Brisbane provide the same balance of affordability and quality. These legal professionals are known for combining expertise with compassion, ensuring that you receive strong representation without unnecessary financial strain. From divorce and parenting arrangements to property settlements and mediation, the best family lawyers in Brisbane are committed to helping you achieve positive outcomes while keeping costs manageable.The Role of Mediation in Family DisputesMediation has become one of the most effective ways to manage family disputes in Australia. Affordable family law services often recommend mediation before pursuing litigation. A neutral mediator helps both parties reach agreements about parenting, property, or finances. Mediation is less adversarial, faster, and significantly cheaper than a court trial.If agreements are reached, they can be formalized into consent orders, giving them legal enforceability. This approach reduces tension and allows families to maintain more control over outcomes.Support for Blended FamiliesMelbourne is home to many blended families where step-parents, half-siblings, and extended relatives play important roles. Affordable family law services recognize that blended families often face unique challenges, especially around custody and parenting arrangements. Lawyers can assist in drafting agreements that respect the bonds between children and their wider family networks while prioritizing the childs best interests.Choosing the Right Affordable Family Lawyer in MelbourneWhen selecting a family lawyer, cost is important, but so are trust and expertise. Here are a few qualities to look for:Experience in family law and knowledge of local courts.Transparent pricing with clear breakdowns of fees.Strong communication skills to explain complex legal matters simply.Commitment to practical solutions that avoid unnecessary conflict.Compassion and understanding, as family law often involves sensitive issues.The right lawyer combines affordability with professionalism, ensuring clients feel supported throughout the process.Government and Community Support OptionsIn addition to private affordable family law services, Melbourne residents may also qualify for assistance through:Victoria Legal Aid, which provides help for those who meet financial eligibility criteria.Community legal centres, which offer free or low-cost advice on specific family law issues.Family Relationship Centres, which provide information, mediation, and referral services.These options can complement the services of affordable family lawyers, ensuring families have access to the resources they need.Benefits of Affordable Family Law ServicesChoosing affordable family law services in Melbourne brings several benefits:Reduced financial pressure during already stressful times.Greater access to professional guidance, regardless of income level.Faster resolution of disputes, saving time and money.Improved family relationships through mediation and cooperation.Peace of mind knowing that legal matters are being handled correctly.Moving Forward with ConfidenceLegal challenges dont have to come with overwhelming costs. Affordable family law services in Melbourne make it possible to protect your rights, safeguard your childrens future, and resolve disputes fairly. By working with professionals who prioritize both affordability and quality, families can move forward with clarity and confidence.The post Affordable Family Law Services in Melbourne appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

Many accident victims delay hiring attorneys, hoping to handle insurance claims themselves while avoiding legal fees and maintaining control over their cases. This DIY approach seems logical when injuries appear minor and insurance adjusters sound helpful during initial conversations about settlements and medical coverage.But early legal representation changes case outcomes in ways that most people dont realize until its too late to recover from self-inflicted damage. The first few days and weeks after accidents are critical for evidence preservation, strategic positioning, and avoiding mistakes that permanently weaken cases.Understanding these hidden advantages helps accident victims recognize why immediate legal consultation protects their interests even when cases seem straightforward. The benefits extend far beyond just having a lawyer to include specific strategic advantages that can only be achieved through prompt professional intervention.Preserving Evidence Before It DisappearsPhysical evidence from accident scenes deteriorates rapidly through weather, traffic, and cleanup efforts that eliminate crucial proof within hours or days of incidents. Skid marks fade, debris gets swept away, and property damage gets repaired before attorneys can document evidence that might prove liability or damages.Witness memories deteriorate quickly, especially for traumatic events that people naturally want to forget or minimize. Early legal representation means professional investigators can interview witnesses while their recollections are fresh and accurate rather than waiting weeks when details become unclear or conflicting.Security camera footage gets overwritten or deleted on regular schedules that dont wait for legal action to begin. Attorneys know which businesses, traffic systems, and surveillance networks might have captured accident footage and can request preservation before routine deletion cycles eliminate crucial evidence.Medical documentation becomes more accurate and comprehensive when attorneys help coordinate treatment and ensure that healthcare providers properly document accident-related injuries. This guidance helps establish clear connections between accidents and medical treatment that insurance companies cant dispute later.Controlling Communication With InsurersInsurance adjuster tactics become less effective when attorneys handle all communications and prevent accident victims from making statements that can be twisted to minimize settlements. Adjusters are trained to elicit admissions of fault or minimizations of injury that theyll use against claimants later.Recorded statements required by insurance companies often contain traps and leading questions designed to create problems for claims rather than gather factual information. Attorneys can prepare clients for these statements or handle them entirely to prevent damaging admissions.Settlement pressure from insurance companies intensifies when they deal directly with unrepresented accident victims who dont understand claim values or negotiation tactics. Early legal representation eliminates this pressure and ensures that settlement discussions happen at appropriate times with proper valuations.Documentation requirements become clearer when attorneys guide the claims process from the beginning, ensuring that medical bills, lost wage statements, and other damage evidence gets collected and presented effectively rather than hoping insurance companies will be fair.Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Statements or DocumentsSocial media monitoring becomes crucial because insurance companies routinely investigate claimants online activities looking for evidence that contradicts injury claims. Attorneys can advise clients about social media risks and help them avoid posting content that undermines their cases.Medical treatment decisions benefit from legal guidance about which providers to see, what treatments to pursue, and how to document ongoing problems that affect settlement values. Gaps in treatment or wrong provider choices can seriously damage claims.Settlement releases and legal documents require careful review because insurance companies often include language that waives rights beyond the immediate claim. Unrepresented victims might sign agreements that prevent future claims or limit their legal options unnecessarily.Return-to-work timing affects disability claims and settlement valuations in ways that accident victims dont understand without legal guidance. Returning to work too early or in the wrong capacity can undermine claims for lost wages and ongoing limitations.Setting the Tone for Stronger NegotiationsProfessional representation signals to insurance companies that claims will be handled competently and aggressively rather than hoping for quick, easy settlements from uninformed victims. This perception immediately changes how adjusters approach cases and calculate settlement offers.Investigation quality improves when attorneys begin building cases from day one rather than reacting to insurance company positions weeks or months later. Proactive case development usually produces better evidence and stronger negotiation positions than reactive approaches.Legal expertise about claim valuations helps establish appropriate settlement ranges from the beginning rather than accepting whatever insurance companies initially offer. Most unrepresented victims have no idea what their cases are actually worth and accept inadequate compensation.Trial preparedness even in cases likely to settle gives attorneys leverage during negotiations because insurance companies know that competent representation means credible trial threats. This leverage often produces significantly better settlement offers than claims handled by unrepresented victims.ConclusionEarly legal representation provides strategic advantages that extend far beyond basic legal advice to include evidence preservation, communication control, and mistake prevention that protect case values from day one. These benefits often justify legal fees through improved settlement outcomes.The first few weeks after accidents are critical for establishing strong legal positions that determine final case outcomes months or years later. Victims who delay legal consultation often discover that crucial evidence has disappeared and strategic opportunities have been lost forever.Smart accident victims understand that early legal help isnt just convenientit protects case value and prevents mistakes that are impossible to fix later. The investment in immediate professional guidance typically pays for itself through better outcomes and avoided problems that would otherwise reduce compensation significantly.The post The Hidden Benefits of Early Legal Representation After an Accident appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

The basic physics behind jackknifing involves momentum, friction, and the articulated design of tractor-trailers that creates unique stability challenges not found in regular passenger vehicles. When these forces get out of balance, trucks can fold at their connection point like a closing pocket knife.Jackknife truck crashes often sound confusing to people who dont understand the physics involved, but simple mechanical principles explain why these dangerous accidents happen and how they can be prevented. Understanding these forces helps both truck drivers and car drivers recognize dangerous situations before they become catastrophic.Knowledge of jackknife mechanics aids both accident prevention and legal accountability by helping people understand when driver error versus unavoidable circumstances cause these crashes. Smart drivers learn to recognize conditions that increase jackknife risks and adjust their behavior accordingly.What Jackknifing Means in TruckingJackknifing occurs when a trucks trailer swings sideways relative to the tractor, creating an angle between the two sections that resembles a folding pocket knife in the open position. This articulation happens when the trailers momentum overcomes the tractors ability to maintain directional control during braking or turning.The fifth wheel connection between tractor and trailer allows necessary pivoting for normal turning but becomes a vulnerability point when forces exceed the systems stability limits. This design trades maneuverability for potential instability that must be managed through proper driving techniques and mechanical systems.Trailer swing typically starts with small deviations that amplify rapidly once the process begins, making jackknife prevention much easier than jackknife recovery. Drivers have only seconds to recognize and correct developing jackknife situations before they become uncontrollable.The folding motion continues until either the tractor and trailer reach a perpendicular position or external forces stop the rotation through impact with barriers, other vehicles, or when the truck comes to rest. These accidents often span multiple traffic lanes and create massive hazards for surrounding vehicles.The Role of Momentum and BrakingHeavy trailers carry enormous momentum that resists changes in direction or speed, creating forces that can overwhelm tractor control during emergency braking situations. This momentum difference between loaded and empty trailers significantly affects jackknife risk and requires different driving approaches.Brake timing becomes critical because applying trailer brakes too aggressively relative to tractor brakes can push the trailer sideways when wheels lock up. Modern anti-lock braking systems help prevent this scenario, but older trucks or maintenance problems can create dangerous brake imbalances.Weight distribution affects how momentum transfers between tractor and trailer during braking, with improperly loaded or shifting cargo creating unpredictable dynamics that increase jackknife risks. Front-heavy or rear-heavy loads change the physics in ways that drivers might not anticipate.Emergency braking scenarios test the limits of tractor-trailer stability, particularly when drivers panic and apply maximum braking force without considering the complex dynamics of articulated vehicles. Gradual, controlled braking usually prevents jackknifing better than sudden maximum effort.Road Conditions That Amplify RiskSlippery surfaces from rain, ice, or oil spills dramatically reduce tire friction that trucks depend on for directional stability during braking and turning maneuvers. These conditions can turn routine driving situations into jackknife emergencies with little warning for unprepared drivers.Downhill grades increase trailer momentum while reducing braking effectiveness, creating perfect conditions for jackknife accidents when drivers dont adjust their speed and braking techniques for the terrain. Steep descents require special driving techniques that many drivers havent mastered.Uneven road surfaces or potholes can upset truck stability by affecting individual wheel traction in ways that create sudden directional changes. Construction zones with lane shifts and irregular surfaces present particular challenges for maintaining tractor-trailer alignment.Crosswinds can push trailers sideways and initiate jackknife motion, especially with empty or lightly loaded trailers that are more susceptible to wind forces. High-profile trailers act like sails that catch wind and create side forces that drivers must constantly counter.Why Speed and Load Weight Matter MostExcessive speed multiplies all other risk factors by increasing momentum, reducing reaction time, and amplifying the forces involved in jackknife scenarios. Speed limits for trucks often reflect these physics limitations rather than just traffic management concerns.Empty trailers paradoxically increase jackknife risks because reduced weight means less tire contact pressure and friction for maintaining directional control. Many drivers incorrectly assume that lighter loads are always safer when the opposite is often true for jackknife prevention.Cargo weight distribution creates different center of gravity locations that affect how trucks respond to steering and braking inputs. Improperly distributed loads can make trucks unstable in ways that arent obvious until emergency maneuvers reveal the problems.Load securement failures can cause sudden weight shifts that initiate jackknife motion without any driver error or external road hazards. Properly secured cargo maintains predictable truck dynamics while loose cargo creates dangerous instability that can surprise experienced drivers.ConclusionJackknife accidents result from predictable physics principles that drivers can learn to recognize and manage through proper training and technique. Understanding these forces helps prevent accidents while providing insight into why some crashes occur despite careful driving.The key to prevention lies in respecting the physics limitations of tractor-trailer combinations rather than fighting against them through aggressive driving or inadequate preparation for challenging conditions. Professional drivers learn to work with these forces rather than against them.When jackknife physics are understood and respected through appropriate driving techniques, load management, and equipment maintenance, these dangerous accidents become largely preventable rather than random occurrences. Education and awareness transform complex physics into practical safety knowledge that saves lives.The post The Physics Behind Jackknife Truck Accidents Explained Simply appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

Improving a living space can be a great way to inject it with new life and personality. Maybe you want a more comfortable vibe at home, or perhaps youre updating a rental. In any upgrade situation, youll make positive improvements that help your property value and state of mind. At the same time, however, you dont want to overlook the importance of safety and planning when youre doing any sort of physical upgrade to a room or home.Read on to learn the best tips to ensure a safe living space upgrade.Plan Your Changes FirstIts always wise to outline your intended changes before heading to the hardware store or reaching out to a contractor. Specify the upgrades you want in a written document called a project brief. Maybe youve always wanted better treatments in your living room. Or maybe its time to introduce new, updated flooring in a bedroom. Whatever your goals are, having them clearly written can help guide decisions about materials and even your budget.Select the Right ContractorsYou may not be able to tackle your upgrade as a DIY project. If youre working with a handyperson or hiring a contractor, be sure to do your research first. They should respect your wishes for upgrades, be affirming, and work with you to choose materials that meet your needs and budget. Also, make sure to choose someone who communicates well. You dont want to be unclear about a projects progress because the contractor in charge neglects to tell you.Gather QuotesWhen you need to hire a contractor, dont go with the first person you meet or see online. Its better to get a few quotes from reputable contractors to compare. Understand what is included and assess the materials for the job. And ask if there is a warranty or guarantee for the quality of the work. Consider how a potential contractor handles payments. If they use a contractor invoicing app, that can make it easier to know what your charges are and track payments. Youll end up with a digital record of costs connected to your project.Plan Ahead to Avoid DisruptionsRenovation projects come with dust, debris, and noise. Thats why its so important to make arrangements to accommodate the messes ahead of time. Whether that means relocating your jewelry collection or creating a makeshift cook space somewhere else in your home, thats what is necessary. You may need to invest in noise-canceling headphones or find a new place to do a remote job. Just know that the headache is temporary, and the result will be worthwhile.Make Your Space BetterUpgrading a space in your home can be rewarding. Best of all, you dont need to make sweeping changes to see an improvement in the place you call home. From painting walls to retiling a backsplash, youll bring new life to your space with even modest changes. Set a budget, choose the right contractors, and plan for temporary disruptions. When the dust settles, youll be able to enjoy your new space!The post How to Plan a Safe Living Space Upgrade appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

Today, former American Idol season 7 star David Hernandez releases his most personal single to date, feel it all. The raw and soulful anthem dives deep into recovery, sobriety, and redemption, stories close to Hernandezs heart and to so many in the LGBTQ community. To be honest, it was never my intention to share it, [...]The post Healing Through Music: David Hernandez Releases feel it all first appeared on GLAAD.

The Okras Projects new initiative offers three months of free therapy to support Black transgender individuals nationwide The Okra Project, a nonprofit dedicated to nourishing and sustaining Black transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive communities, is deepening its impact. In partnership with BetterHelp, the organization will now provide up to three months of free or low-cost therapy [...]The post The Okra Project Expands Nationwide with BetterHelp to Deliver Free Mental Health Care for Black Trans Communities first appeared on GLAAD.

Independent rapper, songwriter, and Year 2 GLAAD EMEI cohort member, Suni MF, is redefining what it means to take up space in hip-hop. The openly Black lesbian artist recently made waves after winning a BMI Award by Broadcast Music Inc.for her contributions to Drakes chart-topping track Rich Baby Daddy. This recognition is proof that queer [...]The post Suni MF on Breaking Barriers in Hip-Hop and Winning Big at the BMI Awards first appeared on GLAAD.

GLAAD announced inaugural partnership with the Trans Film Mentorship (TFM) in tandem with the groups Trans Filmmaker Summit (TFS), which returns for its fourth consecutive year at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. Founded by Luis De Filippis and Gabrielle Zilkha, TFMs mission is to increase the presence of trans and nonbinary professionals, filmmakers, creatives [...]The post Trans Filmmaker Summit returns to TIFF, Honoring Zackary Drucker with CMF Barrier Breaker Award first appeared on GLAAD.

At a court hearing on Monday, it was revealed that Lil Nas X is currently in an undisclosed inpatient rehabilitation facility outside of California, following his arrest last month. According to Rolling Stone, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Shellie Samuels said that the rapper, born Montero Hill, was allowed to remain out of state as long as he is receiving inpatient care, with discussions about what happens next to take place upon his release. However, the details of his treatment are still under wraps.After the hearing, the rapper's lawyer, Drew Findling, addressed the press and gave a statement. "You heard the 'treatment' word. We're doing what is best for Montero from a personal standpoint and a professional standpoint, but most importantly, for his well-being," Findling said. "He is surrounded by an amazing family, an amazing team of people that care about him and love him. And we're just addressing those issues. It's really as simple as that. He's had a great life, and he'll continue to have a great life. This is a bump that he's going to get over." (@) On August 21, the "Call Me By Your Name" rapper was arrested after he was found walking on Ventura Boulevard around 5:40 a.m. in his underwear. He was charged with three felony counts of battery with injury on a police officer and one felony count of resisting an executive officer, which he later pleaded not guilty to. After spending three days in jail, the 26-year-old was released on a $75,000 bail and addressed his fans on social media. "Your girl is gonna be OK, y'all. OK? She's going to be all right," he said in a video posted to his Instagram stories. "That was a terrifying last four days. But your girl is gonna be all right."In the days following Lil Nas X's release from custody, his father, Robert Stafford, spoke publicly about the pressures that the rapper has been under due to his rising fame and accompanying financial and family obligations. "For a 26-year-old to have to deal with what he's dealing with to be a breadwinner for a lot of people, the inability to change his mother's situation, and the pressure he puts on himselfThat can weigh heavily on your heart," Stafford told The Times.

Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis recently made an appearance on Marc Maron's WTF podcast and got emotional when speaking about Charlie Kirk, the conservative political commentator who was assassinated last week during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University. The podcast episode, which aired on Monday, was filmed two days after the September 10 shooting. And, in it, Curtis, who's no stranger to controversy, mentioned that she wanted to discuss the incident because it was "top of mind." (@) When Curtis begins talking about Kirk, she mistakenly calls him "Charlie Crist," and goes on to explain that the slipup was likely due to his "deep, deep belief" in God seeming to draw a comparison between the divisive founder of Turning Point USA and Jesus Christ. As she keeps speaking about Kirk's legacy, she grows increasingly emotional, sounding as if she's choking back tears."I disagreed with him on almost every point I ever heard him say, but I believe he was a man of faith, and I hope in that moment when he died that he felt connected with his faith," Curtis says. "Even though...his ideas were abhorrent to me, I still believe he's a father and a husband and a man of faith, and I hope whatever connection to God means that he felt it."Noting that the day before was 9/11, the actress continues, "I know there is video of his assassination. I know people who've seen it. Yesterday, we watched again these images of those buildings coming down [on 9/11]. We as a society are bombarded with imagery, so we don't know what the longitudinal effects of seeing those towers come down over and over and over and over again, or watching his execution over and over and over again, [are]."After saying that she never wants to see the footage of Kirk being shot, Curtis ends her thoughts on the conservative activist by suggesting that, maybe, the long-term effect of seeing a constant stream of violent images is that society has grown numb to them. "Is that the reason why we're all feeling this lack of humanity, because we're just saturated with these images?" she asks. (@) On social media, people quickly took issue with Curtis' comments about Kirk, who used religious rhetoric to further far-right ideologies, diminish those who disagreed with his views, and even incite violence against racial minorities and the LGBTQ+ community. In response to a post sharing the podcast interview, one X user responded with "I actually wanna hear where they were in agreement" and called for Curtis, Selma Blair, and Kristin Chenoweth to "say publicly where they aligned with Charlie Kirk."After the shooting, Blair received backlash for replying to one of Kirk's recent Instagram posts by calling him an "incredible man." And Chenoweth caught flack last week after she left a comment on his final post on the platform, describing how she was "so upset" by the news. As part of her message, the Wicked star also said that her heart breaks for his young family and that she "didn't always agree but appreciated some perspectives" and knows that he is in heaven.

President Donald Trump said Monday in the Oval Office that he would have no problem with removing LGBTQ+ Progress Pride flags from Washington, D.C. streets, telling reporters that the banners could even be treated as symbols of domestic terrorism.Related: New York Post targets trans people with harmful reporting on Charlie Kirk murder, critics sayThe remarks came during an exchange with Brian Glenn, a correspondent for the far-right Real Americas Voice network and the boyfriend of Georgia U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. In front of a small group of reporters comprising the press pool, Glenn showed Trump an image of the Progress Pride flag hanging in front of a business and claimed it was a trans flag displayed on 14th Street, a main thoroughfare in the capital, which is long associated with LGBTQ+ nightlife and businesses. He asked whether the president would consider requiring the removal of the flag.Related: JD Vance declares war on left-leaning organizations while hosting Charlie Kirk podcast"A lot of people are very threatened by this flag. It means a lot of different negative things to people, violence," Glenn claimed. (@) Well, I wouldnt be, Trump said. Then theyll sue, and theyll get freedom of speech stuff. So thatll happen. But I would have no problem with it. He then compared the issue to burning the American flag, which he called an incitement to violence. Trump recently attempted to make it a crime to burn an American flag through an executive order.For LGBTQ+ people, the Progress Pride flag represents visibility and belonging. The Progress Pride flag was introduced in 2018 by nonbinary designer Daniel Quasar, who reimagined Gilbert Bakers rainbow flag to include a chevron of light blue, pink, and white for the transgender community, and black and brown stripes to highlight LGBTQ+ people of color and those lost to HIV and AIDS. It has become one of the most widely recognized LGBTQ+ symbols worldwide, flown on government buildings, city streets, and at Pride events as a statement of inclusivity and visibility.Related: Wall Street Journal quietly walks back false claim Charlie Kirk shooter had pro-trans messages on his bulletsGlenn pressed further, telling the president, Well, theres also, we call it transtifa, so perhaps if you can label them a domestic terrorist group, in all reality, you could take that flag down. It would represent the transtifa. Trump replied, I think you probably could. Again, youll be sued, and its okay. Ive been sued before a couple of times.Glenns reference echoed recent right-wing narratives about what he called trans shooters. After conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed in Utah last week, the New York Post and Wall Street Journal ran a series of stories tying the crime to the trans community, despite conflicting accounts from investigators. In August in Minnesota, officials condemned efforts to scapegoat the trans community after a transgender person was charged in a school shooting that left two children dead.Related: Minneapolis mayor warns against villainizing trans community after shooting leaves 2 children deadThe U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that symbolic displays, including flags, are protected expression.

Robert Redford, one of Hollywood's greatest stars and a lifelong environmental and human rights advocate, died in his house in Utah on Tuesday morning, at 89. His death was announced in a statement by publicity executive Cindi Berger, of Rogers & Cowan PMK, who said that the actor died in his sleep but did not name a cause. After beginning his acting career in New York in the late 1950s, Redford dominated as a leading man during the '60s, '70s, and '80s, playing some of the most charming and evocative male protagonists on the big screen in political thrillers like All the President's Men and Three Days of the Condor and romances like The Way We Were and The Great Gatsby.He shared the screen with the greatest actors of his day, starring opposite Paul Newman in The Sting and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Meryl Streep in Out of Africa, Glenn Close in The Natural, and Jane Fonda in Barefoot in the Park and The Chase. And in some cases, like the moving and mysterious Jeremiah Johnson, Sydney Pollack's 1972 film about a war veteran who heads into the wilderness to live in isolation, he carried films firmly on his back.While he only received one Oscar nomination for acting throughout his storied career for 1973's The Sting he notably won a Golden Globe for his turn as Wade Lewis in 1965's Inside Daisy Clover, his first major role on the big screen. The film, which also stars Natalie Wood, has been described by some sources as one of the first Hollywood titles in which a gay character, a closeted actor played by Redford, is not ashamed of his sexuality. Actors Robert Redford and Natalie Wood in the 1965 film 'Inside Daisy Clover'Silver Screen Collection/Getty ImagesIn the middle and later decades of his career, Redford increasingly moved behind the camera, winning an Academy Award for his 1980 directorial debut, Ordinary People, starring Mary Tyler Moore in an affecting performance as a grieving mother. In the '90s, the former cinematic heartthrob picked up nomination after nomination for directing films like A River Runs Through It, starring Brad Pitt, and Quiz Show, starring John Turturro and Ralph Fiennes. And he delivered his final starring performance in 2018's The Old Man & the Gun, after which he stepped away from the industry due to his declining health.But Redford's greatest contribution to the world of cinema was as the founder of the Sundance Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing filmmaking through the discovery of unique voices. Under the guidance of Redford and the institute, which was founded in 1981, a once-struggling film festival was transformed into a premiere destination for new directors and films from around the world a legacy it continues to this day. The legendary film star's activism extended beyond the world of the movies, fighting for environmental causes beginning in the '70s. In addition to opposing the construction of damaging structures like a highway and coal-fired power plant in Utah, Redford was a long-running trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council and the founder of The Redford Center, a nonprofit designed to advance environmental solutions through storytelling. In 2013, Redford joined the fight for marriage equality, appearing at Equality Utah's Annual Allies Dinner, where he addressed the room."I'm here for the same reason you are equal rights for all. Like you, I believe there's no place in our world for discrimination. None. I think it is un-American," he said two years before the Supreme Court ruled on Obergefell v. Hodges, according to an Out report following the dinner. "If we change discriminatory laws in Utah, it sets a benchmark for people in other states; it allows people to see what can be done."Redford will be remembered as a true one of a kind, someone who made his name with classic good looks, capitalized on his fame to found organizations that would better the world, and left behind a body of powerful, politically minded art that will keep audiences entertained for generations to come.

I'm gay, and recently I've started to feel very resentful or hateful towards other guys, the better-looking ones. I'm a bear in the community, probably not very attractive. They seem to have such an easy time getting dates or sex. My choices are slim unless I go to the city (I live in a small town). Even then, I don't get much notice. I see these good-looking guys with boyfriends getting the most out of being gay. I see these videos and photos on YouTube and Facebook, and it just makes me hate them all so much. What should I do?Hate is a big word a worrying, dark word that is particularly loaded for men like us.Hate makes people dangerous, and fueled violence is a daily concern for countless gay and queer men across the world. And sometimes probably more often than we like to think this violence comes from our own, from guys who feel as you feel. Are you someone the rest of us should be afraid of?Thats a sincere question. Are you someone who, despite your feelings, will still be kind? If a gay man encounters you on the train or in a bar and offers some kindness, some care, a helping hand, will you respond with kindness in turn a smile, a thank you? Or has this resentment and jealousy turned you against us, severing all hope of connection and friendship?You need to ask yourself these questions because hate is quite serious. The rest of my answer will teeter into the philosophical, but thats OK. Thats where we must go.My friend, I cannot change the harsh, punishing arena of gay life. Yes, it can be awful. I wont pretend it isnt a defeating and cruel place sometimes. Its hard to feel validated or wanted in a community that seems so superficial, so obsessed with certain bodies and particular looks a playfield rife with body dysmorphia, self-hatred, and self-harm. I wish I could spare all my friends from it. I wish I could spare everyone who, like you, writes in with frustrations about it. But I cant.I wish I could do something to make it better, and to some extent, I can I can practice kindness and compassion in my own small circle, the little sphere of community influence I have, my personal friend group.And I try to do this. I hang in groups that celebrate diverse bodies and champion our trans brothers and sisters, people who stand with all the cool gender-fuckers and anarcho-queers in our incredible, badass community. My social orbit is not a neutral thing; I actively shape it.Heres an example of that. Last year, I learned that a good friend was not a safe person for my other friends. When he drank booze, he overstepped boundaries and touched multiple people I cared about without their consent. Though he never did this to me, I had to break up with him as a friend and cease contact, because his behavior was unforgivable. I told him in clear terms why we were no longer friends and have not spoken to him since. It was so disappointing, but decisions like these matter. Though my sphere of influence is small, the people I bring together and the spaces I curate are things I have some control over, and I want everyone who meets me to feel safe and validated in my little pocket of gay life, my personal version of what it can be like.I dont want a monolithic crowd of traditionally fit, white gays with me: I like the bull dykes and punks and chubby bears and people who expand my perspective and challenge my thoughts. My life is better with them. Curating ones social sphere is something everyone can do, and even though it seems like a small thing, it has a ripple effect. People notice.But this work is limited. Its hyper-local. My cultivation of a nice, friendly scene wont make much of a difference to you, wherever you are. It wont make any difference to gay men living in places where they can be arrested for sodomy, or worse. Where you live might indeed be isolated and lonely, and when you go to the city, you probably do encounter unfriendly, judgmental gays suffering from their own body dysmorphia and insecurities and projecting them onto others in a vicious feedback loop of shame. I believe what you write. I believe its hard.It does not justify hating us.Babe, the guys you see online and in person are people. Theyre flawed. You have to start seeing these men (even the ones who dont notice you, even the ones who seem to have it all, and even the impossibly hot guys on Instagram who always appear in exotic places and appear to have no limits on their credit cards) as members of your community, because they are.The hotties and regular guys alike all had the same painful experience of growing up gay in a straight world; all of them realized, at some point, they were not what their parents, schoolteachers, classmates, or society expected or even wanted. Most were teased, shamed, and ridiculed when their true natures began to show. Kids, especially straight boys, have a nose for this stuff, an uncanny ability to detect desire and softness, often before we do and kids can be cruel. Nearly all gay men share the trauma of living in the closet, and most of us have trauma from coming out of it. These are near-universal gay experiences, and yes, sometimes they result in mean, judgmental, deeply wounded adult gay men.And sometimes not. Either way, few of us are exempt from this trauma. We are all lost boys.There is a saying in 12-step that I think is ever relevant: Hurt people hurt people. My dear, we are all hurt people. You are a hurt person. How you live with that hurt, and what you choose to do with it, defines the kind of person you are and since youre feeling hate, you need to sit and decide who you want to be. What will you do?Whether you realize it or not, you are a participant in the gay scene you describe. You are one of these men by virtue of being gay like them and you likely share some version of this painful, universal queer experience with them. Its a shame that shared experience is not enough to get a date or land a hookup or even get noticed in a bar but its not. But it is enough to love them. Im not meaning to make myself sound like a shining saint of goodwill towards all; I get jealous and competitive as much as everyone else. But I do not feel jealousy and competition quite as strongly as I did before I started training in compassion as you must do.Its as simple as this: You have to choose to love gay men regardless of whether or not they fuck you, irrespective of what they do or dont do. You must agree to love them even when theyre hard to love. You must decide to view the mean, petty things they do as the side effect of the same traumas you have, the after-effect of being a hurt little boy just like you.Cultivating that love is not easy. You must direct it first at yourself, and this is the most challenging part. This is radical self-compassion, radical self-love a difficult thing for most people. But you must try. Be curious about yourself explore the peculiarities of your own mind and your own body. Observe where feelings of anger and jealousy live in the body. Try to love yourself even on days when its hard to love yourself some days will be more successful than others and, even when that fails, imagine radiating love outward to everyone around you.I do this seated, with my eyes closed, as a daily meditation, but you can do it just walking down the street, or on a bus or train. Imagine something that symbolizes self-love most people picture a warm light and let it slowly fill your body, then imagine it spreading outward to everyone on the street, bus, or train. Then push it further, to all gay men nearby, then ones further away men you may never meet, men just going about their lives. Try to make your love so big that it covers all of them. Send them all a little light, a little love, then refocus, come back to the present, and continue with your day. With practice, I promise the heavy things you feel resentment, jealousy, anger will get a little lighter.Some years ago, I realized someone had to love gay men unconditionally, so why not me? After all, so few people do: Gay men are still the butt of so many jokes. We are so easy to mock, so easy to put down, so easy to summarize and deride and judgeusually by our own. So let me state for the record, now and always: I love gay men.I love them when theyre messy and mean, when theyre rude, and when they make ignorant and judgmental comments about my HIV status, my kinks, or my body. I love their culture, their camp, their music, their art, their problems, their parties, and their pain. I love them because theyre family. Everyone has a messy family member; guys like us have many messy family members. Thats OK. I still love them. I have to.Yes, this sounds lofty and woo-woo and a little New Age. But its necessary for you, because you feel hatred, and people notice that. Humans have an extra sense, a wariness, around those who hate and if youre feeling it, others feel it around you, and it will destroy all possibility of connection, for sex or more.Luckily, the opposite is also true: If you feel love, you invite love. If you feel compassion, you bring it out. Humans have an extra sense for this, too. People struggle to describe this special sense, so we resort to simple language: Hes kind, Shes lovely, or just They have great energy. In the U.S., my friends would say good people as a singular adjective, as in: I love Karl, hes good people. It was confusing at first, but in time, I realized there was no higher compliment, no better thing a gay man could say about another. I wish every gay man would aspire to be good people.What these phrases grasp at is an inner thing, and its no mystery what it is. Its compassion. Its love. Cultivating these things requires an agreement to love others even when they disappoint, even when you have to stop talking to someone, even when you must let someone go. Its not an agreement made with anyone in particular: Its made in yourself, with yourself, for yourself.Buddy, you have to do this. Because youre in danger and if you keep hating, so are the rest of us.Only one thing is strong enough to beat hate. And heres where Ill get cringey and write the sappiest, most bumper-sticker thing Ive written, because its true. The hippies knew it, and the rest of us are slowly catching up: Love is the answer. Love saves the day.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.

The following Q&A is part of Outs Dating PrEP Season 4, where prominent LGBTQ+ figures share dating tips and insights for finding self-love and romance. Watch the full series on Out.com/DatingPrEP.Its not every day that a makeup brush becomes a microphone for activism, but for Matt Bernstein, the personal is always political and the eyeliner is always sharp. The Out100 honoree, content creator, activist has transformed vibrant beauty art and biting commentary into a platform that celebrates queer joy. In this candid Q&A, Bernstein spills about dating in the digital age, the power of PrEP, and why hell never trade his bright nails for anyones approval. Because maybe, love is the ultimate form of self-expression, but for Bernstein, so are red nails.OUT: How do you identify?Matt Bernstein: Cis male. Just queer, generally speaking. Gay.Real quick, describe your dating life using a movie.I feel like generally the gay dating life is that scene in Bridesmaids, where Kristen Wiig is absolutely blasted and comes out into the first-class area of the plane and shes like, Theres a colonial woman on the wing, while churning butter thats what it feels like to date!How do you navigate keeping your dating life private with an online presence?Personally, as my job really became my job (because for a long time I was just running my mouth on the internet for the love of posting, which I still do), I decided dating is something that Im going to keep really private. Were not posting about it, were not making content about it.How can you tell someones interested online?This is a tried-and-true method that came intuitively to me in 2015 when I first did it: liking someones content when you dont know them. My first fling with a guy was someone I went to high school with. We werent in the same grade and we didnt know each other. I went on Facebook and I liked his ALS Ice Bucket Challenge video. Then he messaged me like, Do I know you? And I was like, I dont think so. Just go out on a limb, like the photo where you think they look good, see what happens. Maybe nothing happens, but maybe something does.How do you typically meet people you date now?Through friends. So many people have app exhaustion youve matched with the same person on all the apps, had similar conversations, and it just gets tiring. I found so much app fatigue that I needed to get back to basics. Go to a bar, talk to people. Thats been more successful and more fulfilling for me.Worst date story?My most unfortunate dating experience wasnt even a date it was a series of communications on Grindr. I was 19, in college in New York, talking to a guy who lived near my dorm. I was walking to his place when he messaged, Whats with the nails? I said, Theyre red. He replied, I like boys who know theyre boys, not boys who think theyre girls. Telling that story now, I wish I had ridden off into the sunset with my confidence, but at the time, it was formative. It taught me I could feel good about myself, but Id have to hide it to be liked. It was such an awful experience at such a formative age. I hope hes doing well now.How do you feel confident before a date?Im a femme-presenting gay man. The makeup can come off, but the nails dont. Nail art is the artistic love of my life. It runs deeper than acrylic or enamel; its a fundamental part of how I express myself. Many queer people have their own version of that. Its easy to feel like you have to perform masculinity to be desired. Ive never been able to do that, and when I was younger, it made me feel shame. Even if you try to be someone else and it works, youre still left with an untrue version of yourself. I learned that anyone Im talking to, dating or even having a one-night stand with, has to be into me for me not despite me.What advice would you give to someone afraid of rejection?Rejection happens to everybody. The person you think is out of your league gets rejected. It never feels good, but its part of it. Having friends to laugh about it with a date gone wrong, a one-night stand gone awry is a great way to cope. Youre not the first to be rejected, and you wont be the last.What would you say to queer folks who feel love is harder to find today?I think it feels true for everyone. Even my parents say that if they had to date today, theyd be screwed. Dating is complicated. Im not a relationship expert; Im figuring it out too. Its easy to think others have it all figured out, especially online those TikTok couples fight too. They just know how to produce a good image. Were all going through it together. There is love out there, and connection can be found in the least likely places. Why is it important for queer people to consider PrEP?I think everybody should take PrEP if they feel its right. I went on it when it was pretty new. I had to explain it to my pediatrician to get a prescription. Id like to think awareness has come a long way, but I know thats not the case everywhere. Queer sexual health isnt widely taught; many of us learn it online. Its frustrating we havent come further in educating people on their options and what safe sex looks like. PrEP drastically reduces your chances of contracting HIV through sex. Its a miracle drug if it were widely marketed for straight people, it would be more broadly regarded as the miracle it is.This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.

Theres a palpable sense of anxiety and paranoia throughout writer-director Carmen Emmis debut feature film, Plainclothes. Its the kind of tension that could cause a viewer to hold their breath while gripping the arm of their seat. When the movie reaches its conclusion, the relief is cathartic.The 1990s Syracuse, New York-set Plainclothes stars Tom Blyth (The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes) as Lucas, a handsome, young, and closeted police officer tasked with going undercover at local cruising spots to arrest men who attempt to have sex with him. When he meets an older, more experienced man named Andrew (Russell Tovey), he finds himself developing feelings for someone he was assigned to target.For filmmaker Emmi, Plainclothes is personal. Growing up with a brother who was a police officer, Emmi experienced the anxiety of feeling trapped while struggling with being queer. He drew from someone in his life for the character of Andrew. Emmi says he first thought of out actor Tovey for the character in 2020 when he saw the streaming version of Angels in America, in which the actor plays gay lawyer Joe Pitt. Emmi was always subconsciously writing the role for Russell without really knowing it, he says. When Blyth joined the cast and suggested Tovey for the role, Emmi knew it was one of those universe moments when everything fell into place.Id had a massive talent crush on Russell for years, and that was part of why, when Carmen said, Who do you imagine playing Andrew? And I was like, Russell Tovey, Blyth recalls. I met Russell, [and] I just converted it into an on-screen real crush, I think. In 'Plainclothes,' a closeted cop wrestles with his feelings for an attractive older man.Courtesy Magnolia PicturesRegarding his relationship to Toveys work, Emmi says, Hes an amazing actor, legendary in the queer community especially.Tovey, who has been out to his family since age 18, has portrayed gay characters in shows like The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, Years and Years, American Horror Story: NYC, and most notably, in the groundbreaking Jonathan Groff-starring HBO show Looking, which followed a group of gay men living in modern-day San Francisco.Looking is a show that meant a lot to me when I was coming out, Emmi says. That was my first time experiencing, seeing what my life could be like as an out man. And so those characters in that show mean a lot to me. And I think I was just nervous about asking Russell because I didnt want him to say no; then I would never be able to watch Looking again.Thankfully, Tovey was happy to embrace the role, which allowed him to lean into whats become his Daddy image. Andrew is a father, a pastor, and old enough to be Lucass dad. That last part is especially significant in their relationship, as Lucass father recently died. Yeah, I embrace Daddy, Tovey says. I mean, Pedro Pascal says, Daddy is a state of mind, but also I think realistically, Im a dad age, so state of mind and state of play.Ive been doing this [acting] for years. I think we sort of transition into all these other roles, and now Ive got children on-screen children, not off-screen, [that] I know of, he laughs.Even as intensity rises in the plot, Blyth and Tovey felt an ease with each other on set. They credit Emmi with creating a zen-like atmosphere. We felt safe, everybody felt safe, and everybody wanted this to be something beautiful, Tovey says. And you could feel that as soon as you walked on, that everybody was sort of singing from the same hymn sheet.Blyth adds that while he thinks Tovey can have chemistry with a brick wall, feeling like the set was a safe space allowed them to click.You really can allow yourself to go into that full empathy space with your character when you dont feel in danger [in] any way, in the set or in the process, he says. And credit to Carmen and all our producing team. They were amazing. They just made it feel like you can really be brave with it and lean in and go there.While Plainclothes is a personal and intimate look at coming out, another of its darker themes has sadly become universal again. In the United States and the United Kingdom, public life for LGBTQ+ people is becoming increasingly scrutinized and criminalized, with attacks on queer and trans folks in particular. Blyth and Tovey in 'Plainclothes.'Emmi says he wrote the film as a period piece, based on his memories of the culture at the time, and is devastated to see parallels today, especially for the trans community. Plainclothes takes place not only before same-sex marriage was legal in the U.S., but while gay sex was still illegal in many states. The Supreme Court had recently decided there were no constitutional protections for acts of sodomy (which included anal and oral sex, among other practices) in the 1986 case Bowers v. Hardwick. It wasnt until 2003s Lawrence v. Texas that the decision was overruled and laws banning sodomy were found unconstitutional.Blyth agrees and hopes that the film can be used a bridge-building tool for people who may not have empathy for the queer community.This is such a humanizing script of an experience that maybe not everyone understands, but everyone should understand more than ever, he says. You always aim to make a story where, if one audience member leaves the theater looking at their neighbor or looking at their friend or looking at someone in the street and just empathizing with them a little bit more, youve kind of done your job, I think.The actors and filmmaker have received dozens, if not hundreds of messages from people who have already seen the film at festivals and said it made them feel extremely seen and loved by the filmmakers, Blyth says. The DMs have been incredibly rewarding, and talking to people after the screenings and having people open up is not something I expected would happen, but its been incredibly meaningful, Emmi adds. I just think back on eight years ago when I started this process, if I could see and feel how this experience has been, it wouldve certainly made some of the tougher writing days a lot easier or [more] motivating.For Tovey, the film couldnt come at a more vital time. Its more important than ever to keep making queer content and keep being visible and incredibly vocal and amplify stories and prove that queer people exist wherever we settle in the community, he says.Plainclothes opens in theaters on September 19. Watch the official trailer below: This article is part of Out's Sept-Oct issue, now on newsstands. Support queer media and subscribe or download the issue through Apple News, Zinio, Nook, or PressReader.

The WNBA playoffs have never been gayer!Not only does the WNBA have more queer players than ever before, but there are a total of 29 LGBTQ+ players competing in this years playoffs, with all eight teams in the tournament having at least two.This means it doesnt matter which team youre rooting for, there will be sapphic athletes for you to cheer on!Mens sports may be very slowly inching their way closer to inclusivity, but womens sports like rugby, soccer, and basketball are full of queer athletes living out loud and proud.This year, the number has gotten even bigger, and now there are couples competing on the same team and players dating a member of a rival team theyll have to go head-to-head against in this years playoffs. Talk about tension!The playoffs, which started on September 14 and run through mid-October, feature a queer person on every team, so no matter who wins the championship, an LGBTQ+ athlete is taking home the trophy. And that's worth celebrating!DeWanna Bonner (Phoenix Mercury)See on InstagramAmerican-Macedonian WNBA star DeWanna Bonner is engaged to teammate Alyssa Thomas, making the pair two of the gayest players in the WNBA. The love birds used to play against each other on opposing teams, but when Bonner was traded from the Connecticut Sun back to the Phoenix Mercury earlier this season, they were reunited on the court.Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix Mercury)See on InstagramAlyssa Thomas started her WNBA career playing for the Connecticut Sun, but shell be competing in the playoffs alongside her fiance, DeWanna Bonner, for the Mercury. Kahleah Copper (Phoenix Mercury)See on InstagramKahleah Copper used to play for the Washington Mystics before becoming a Finals MVP for the Chicago Sky. Now, ten years into her career, shell be taking to the playoff court for the Mercury.Natasha Mack (Phoenix Mercury)See on InstagramForward Natasha Mack joined the Mercury for the 2024 season, so this will mark her second playoff attempt since joining the team.Sami Whitcomb (Phoenix Mercury)See on InstagramAmerican Australian guard Sami Whitcomb is an international athlete who has played for the Seattle Storm, New York Liberty, and now the Phoenix Mercury. She may have only joined the Mercury in February 2025, but she already lit the court on fire on July 7, 2025, when she scored a career-high 36 points including 29 points in just the first half in a win over the Dallas Wings.Natasha Cloud (New York Liberty)See on InstagramWNBA star Natasha Cloud has been dating teammate Isabelle Harrison for four years, long before the pair both landed positions on the New York Liberty. Harrison and Cloud both signed with the Liberty this year and are now going to be competing side-by-side in he playoffs.Isabelle Harrison (New York Liberty)See on InstagramFormer Dallas Wings and Chicago Sky player Isabelle Harrison will be battling it out in the playoffs for the New York Liberty right alongside girlfriend Natasha Cloud.Marine Johanns (New York Liberty)See on InstagramNew York Liberty baller Marine Johanns, nicknamed The Wizard for her skills on the court, is currently dating Seattle Storm player Gabby Williams, whom she will be competing against in the playoffs.Jonquel Jones (New York Liberty)See on InstagramLiberty forward Jonquel Jones is a Bahamian pro basketball player who got engaged to her girlfriend, Nesha, in 2023. She was a star on the Connecticut Sun before becoming a standout player for New York as the team heads into the playoffs.Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty)See on InstagramNew York Liberty star Breanna Stewart is a two-time WNBA Champion winning the title twice while playing for he Seattle Storm hoping to bring home another trophy at this years playoff games. She met her wife, former WNBA player Marta Xargay, while the pair were playing professional basketball together in Russia.Natisha Hiedeman (Minnesota Lynx)See on InstagramOne half of the now-infamous StudBudz, Natisha Hiedeman, is not only making a name for herself in the public eye but on the court as well, where shes hoping to take home a championship title for the Minnesota Lynx. Hiedeman proposed to former teammate Jasmine Thomas in 2012, and the two plan to get married in October 2025.Courtney Williams (Minnesota Lynx)See on InstagramCourtney Williams, the 58 guard for the Lynx, who has played for the Phoenix Mercury, Connecticut Sun, Atlanta Dream, and Chicago Sky in the past, is now part of the Lynxs dynamic duo, the StudBudz.DiJonai Carrington (Minnesota Lynx)See on InstagramWNBA star DiJonai Carrington almost got the chance to play a full season on the Dallas Wings with her girlfriend NaLyssa Smith before she got traded to the Las Vegas Aces and Carrington got traded to the Lynx just last month. Now the two are competing against each other in the playoffs.Kayla McBride (Minnesota Lynx)See on InstagramKayla McBride played for both the San Antonio Stars and Las Vegas Aces before joining the Minnesota Lynx in 2021. Last year, McBride became the first Lynx player in franchise history to have 100+ 3-point shots in a single season. Now the fierce competitor is aiming to take home her first playoff championship win.Jaylyn Sherrod (Minnesota Lynx)See on InstagramAfter being waived by the New York Liberty earlier this season, Jaylyn Sherrod was snapped up by the Minnesota Lynx. The point guard will now fight the championship title against her former Liberty teammates.Kierstan Bell (Las Vegas Aces)See on InstagramTattooed Las Vegas Aces forward Kierstan Bell has been with the team since 2022, when she was drafted 11th overall. NaLyssa Smith (Las Vegas Aces)See on InstagramAces star player NaLyssa Smith almost got to experience playing a full season side by side with girlfriend DiJonai Carrington, but then both players were traded to opposing teams, and now shes going to be going head to head against Carrington in the playoffs.Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas Aces)See on InstagramWNBA Finals MVP and two-time Olympian Chelsea Gray nicknamed Point Gawd started her professional basketball career playing for the Connecticut Sun before moving onto the Los Angeles Sparks and finally, becoming a star player on the Las Vegas Aces. Gray is married to former Long Beach State and American Samoan basketball player Tipsea Moorer, and the two welcomed their first child together in 2024.Jewell Loyd (Las Vegas Aces)See on InstagramJewell Loyd, who selected first overall by the Seattle Storm when she was drafted in 2015, played with the Pacific Northwest team for ten years, until she was traded to the Las Vegas Aces in February. The two-time Olympic gold medal winner hard launched her new relationship with former Miami Hurricanes player Natalija Marshall with a cute Instagram post in July.Tiffany Hayes (Golden State Valkyries)See on InstagramTiffany Hayes has had a long and successful career. The Atlanta Dream drafted her as a rookie, she was named to the WNBA All-Rookie team, and in her second season with the Dream, she helped them make it to the WNBA Finals. But in 2023, Hayes announced her retirement from the WNBA. Luckily for fans, her retirement was short-lived, and she was signed to the Las Vegas Aces in 2024, and then in 2025, she signed a one-year contract with the brand-new team, the Golden State Valkyries.Kate Martin (Golden State Valkyries)See on InstagramKate Martin was drafted by the Las Vegas Aces in 2024, taking home a championship with the team before being selected by the Valkyries in the 2025 WNBA Expansion draft. Now, in her sophomore season playing professional hoops, Martin is headed to the playoffs with the Bay Area-based team.Cecilia Zandalasini (Golden State Valkyries)See on InstagramItalian basketball star Cecilia Zandalasini was signed to the Minnesota Lynx when she joined the league in 2017, helping the team capture a championship during her rookie year. She then left to play ball in Europe before returning to the U.S., where she was picked by the Valkyries in the WNBAs expansion draft.Erica Wheeler (Seattle Storm)See on InstagramErica Wheeler had a rough start in the WNBA, but after not being selected in the 2015 draft, she made history as the first undrafted player in the WNBA to be named All-Star Game MVP. Since that initial hiccup, she has played for the Atlanta Dream, New York Liberty, Indiana Fever, Los Angeles Sparks, and is now competing in the playoffs for the Seattle Storm.Gabby Williams (Seattle Storm)See on InstagramTwo-time Olympian Gabby Williams was a star playing when she was in college at UConn before getting drafted by the Chicago Sky. Now, shes playing for the Seattle Storm at the playoffs after getting picked up by the team in 2022. Rumor has it that William is currently dating New York Liberty star Marine Johanns, who she will be competing against at the playoffs.Brittney Sykes (Seattle Storm)See on InstagramSeattle Storm guard Brittney Sykes played with Atlanta Dream, Los Angeles Sparks, and Washington Mystics before being traded to the Storm earlier this year, where shell be suiting up for the playoffs.Brittney Griner (Atlanta Dream)See on InstagramAtlanta Dream GOAT Brittney Griner is a three -time Olympic gold medalist and eight-time WNBA All-Star who made headlines after being detained in Russia for supposedly having cannabis vape cartridges at the airport. After spending her entire professional career competing with the Phoenix Mercury, she ended up signing with the Dream and will be competing with them at this years playoffs. Griner had her first child, a son named Bash, with her wife Cherelle in July 2024.Jordin Canada (Atlanta Dream)See on InstagramJordin Canada won her first WNBA championship while playing for the Storm during her rookie year in the league. She signed an endorsement deal with Air Jordan after winning her second WNBA championship in 2020. She went on to play for the Sparks and is now going back to the WNBA playoffs, but this time with the Atlanta Dream.Natasha Howard (Indiana Fever)See on InstagramThree-time WNBA champ Natasha Howard started her career with the Indiana Fever back in 2014 before moving on to play for the Lynx, Storm, Liberty, and Wings. Earlier this year, the star player was traded back to the Fever, and now is back in the playoffs competing with the team where it all started. Howard is married to reality TV star JacEil Duckworth Howard, and their wedding was shown during the 11th season of Basketball Wives. Sydney Colson (Indiana Fever)See on InstagramSydney Colson, who won back-to-back WNBA championships with the Aces, has also suited up for the Liberty, San Antonio Stars, the Lynx, and the Sky. After several stints with the Aces, Colson signed a one-year deal with the Indiana Fever in February. Off the court, Colson launched the sports podcast Unsupervised with Syd & TP in July, alongside her co-host, former teammate Theresa Plaisance.

As usual, the red carpet at last night's Emmy Awards was a star-studded affair, full of exciting looks thanks to a set of glamorous queer actors and gay icons gracing the crimson walkway.Below, we celebrate some of the best looks from the 77th edition of the Primetime Emmy Awards, which came courtesy of stars such as Cate Blanchett, Pedro Pascal, Jenna Ortega, Gwendoline Christie, Hannah Schafer, and many more.This visual collection was curated by Equalpride's digital photo editor, Nikki Aye.Jenna Ortega in GivenchyDressed in a revealing, jewel-themed halter paired with a minimal, high-slit skirt courtesy of Givenchy, Wednesday star Jenna Ortega delivered easily one of the most interesting and appropriately provocative looks of the night.Colman Domingo in ValentinoIn recent years, Colman Domingo has become the man to watch on the red carpet, and for good reason. Last night, he once again shunned the idea of boring men's attire, instead opting for a light-blue, bedazzled, and checkered jacket paired with a matching polka-dot collared shirt and scarf, luxurious brown slacks, and pointed loafers from Valentino.Hunter Schafer in McQueenEuphoria breakout Hunter Schafer always oozes ease, even when she's in a very serious, monochromatic magenta, floor-length gown designed by McQueen.Sam Nivola in DiorRefusing to be dismissed as a nepo baby, Sam Nivola certainly made a splash with his breakout role in season 3 of The White Lotus. And although the show shockingly failed to pick up a single Emmy at this year's ceremony, Nivola showed up ready to walk away with a statue in a floral vest and intricately cut suit from Dior.Sarah Paulson in PradaSarah Paulson doesn't even have to have a project in the works to make headlines, as she proved on last night's red carpet by appearing in head-to-toe feathers by the always-exciting Italian fashion house of Prada. Lisa in Lever CoutureAfter making her acting debut on The White Lotus, Blackpink megastar Lisa has confirmed to the world that she really can do it all. And what better way to celebrate that than a sculpted pink gown that shows plenty of leg like the one by Lever Couture that she sported last night along with matching jewels?Paul W. Downs in Wales BonnerMegan Stalter's Kayla isn't the only one pining over Hacks creator Paul W. Downs, thanks to his ensembles like last night's modern take on a tuxedo by Wales Bonner which seem to be getting more stylish with every hit season.Gwendoline Christie in Tom Ford by Haider AckermannWearing a shimmering powder-pink suit by Tom Ford by Haider Ackermann, complimented by a classic beauty look, Gwendoline Christine once again proved on last night's red carpet that can gender-bend with the best of them.Chlo Sevigny in Saint LaurentOf late, Chlo Sevigny has been demonstrating just how an "it" girl dresses all grown up, and last night's classic black ensemble from Saint Laurent, set off by gold and diamond jewelry from Tiffany & Co., was another shining example. Michelle Monaghan in RabanneMichelle Monaghan may have played an untrustworthy gossip in the latest season of The White Lotus, but in real life, she's got a heart of gold and apparently, as her Emmys look by Rabanne revealed, is a stunner in silver.Pedro Pascal in CelinePedro Pascal, the most likable heartthrob in Hollywood, is a master of understated elegance something he once again proved last night in an cream suit from Celine, accented by pops of white.Ruth Negga in PradaAnother eye-catching Prada ensemble came courtesy of Ruth Negga, who we could always stand to see much, much more of.Dewayne Perkins in Harbison StudioIt's taken way too long for Dewayne Perkins to get his big break. But after The Studio swept last night's Emmys, the actor whose awards look from Harbison Studio, which was set off by a diamond and ruby brooch, had a regal flare will surely be on more people's radar.Cate Blanchett in Armani PrivLet's be honest: Cate Blanchett simply never misses a chance to turn a look. And last night, the veteran actor did just that in a tailored black number from Armani Priv that accentuated her physique with sculpted shoulders, a low neckline, and a variety of sheer accents.Britt Lower in Calvin KleinBritt Lower, who plays double duty on Severance as Helena and Helly R., also celebrated her first Emmy win last night. The ivory-skinned, redheaded stunner who's beloved by sapphics everywhere showed up to the ceremony in a chic shift dress in burnt orange, courtesy of Calvin Klein.

Kori King sure knows how to make an entrance!The RuPaul's Drag Race star had one of the most viral Emmys looks of the year as she wore black slacks, a black fedora, and a red dress shirt to emulate one of late singer Michael Jackson's signature looks.See on Instagram"I wanted to be comfortable and chic," King told Entertainment Weekly, adding, "the response is that 'you're crazy.'"See on InstagramKing walked the carpet as part of the season 17 cast of RuPaul's Drag Race, which received 10 Emmy nominations. And she wasn't the only queen to stun on the carpet, as Joella dressed as a Labubu, and Hormona Lisa went as Miss Piggy.See on InstagramIn an interview, King was in character as Jackson, before she said she ran into someone who knew Michael Jackson and got some makeup tips for the look."I got some tips. I put a little blush on the apples of the cheeks," she said.This is far from King's first time dressing as the iconic singer. She also does Cameo appearances as Jackson."I havent heard anything from the Michael Jackson society," Kori said in a previous interview. "Its just funny; its comedy. When Im getting in drag, I want to laugh. I was in that drag for literally 12 hours, and I was exhausted."King also commented on her relationship with fellow Drag Race star Lydia B. Kollins. The two kissed each other during King's elimination lip-sync."Lydia made the first move on set, down," King said. "She loves to act like she's so shy. She's lying! Now we're officially together. I didn't know it was moving that fast until I was watching the season. We were already in it on episode 1."

Fans of Dreamgirls can start preparations to revisit The Crystal Room, as it was just announced the show is coming back to Broadway in the fall of 2026. Five-time Tony nominee Camille A. Brown is taking the reins of the revived Broadway musical, serving as its director and the choreographer. The prolific creative's most recent credits include the Alicia Keys' semi-autobiographical musical Hell's Kitchen and the Audra McDonald-led revival of Gypsy, both of which she nabbed Tony noms for.The cast of the new Dreamgirls has yet to be announced, as the producers shared with The New York Times that they plan to hold auditions for "talented women of all shapes and sizes" to fill the lead roles. The worldwide star search will take place in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, Miami, London, Toronto, Mexico City, Amsterdam, Rome, and Paris. See on Instagram Dreamgirls premiered on Broadway back in 1981 with the now-iconic actresses Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine, and Jennifer Holliday in the lead. Holliday took home one of the show's six Tony Awards in the Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical category for her performance of the bombastic number "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going." The show ran for almost four years, closing after over 1,200 performances.The musical was later adapted into a 2006 Oscar-winning movie starring Beyonc, Anika Noni Rose, and Jennifer Hudson, who received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Cooper Koch has officially reached the point in fame where even a cigarette by the pool becomes a discourse.Over the weekend, photos of the Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story star lounging shirtless poolside hit social media and fans instantly flooded the replies with thirst. (@) Wrapped in a striped towel in one shot and bright yellow trunks in another, Koch didnt need anything more than abs and sunlight to set timelines ablaze. (@) i wanna make waves with him so bad, one fan confessed. Another was already hooked: ill never get tired of seeing cooper koch pics. (@) One commenter even skipped subtlety altogether: Id squirt goofy juice all over that d*ck. (@) But not everyone was feeling it. The accessory in Kochs hand a cigarette quickly divided the crowd. (@) Gross and I thought he was hot looking, one disappointed fan wrote. (@) Another added, The cigarette is so gross. A third said the discovery made him far less attractive, even while conceding Koch was still handsome and hot. (@) If the poolside candids revealed Koch as Hollywoods new object of desire (and debate), his Sunday night turn at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards sealed the deal. (@) Stepping onto the carpet in a sleek Calvin Klein tux, the Monsters actor drew nothing but praise. (@) Some names arrive quietly, but leave loudly. Cooper stepping onto the Emmys carpet shows a rising star ready to claim his spotlight, one fan wrote. Another kept it simple: 100% pure class. Our First Lady. (@) Koch, 29, is still riding the high of his breakout as Erik Menendez in Ryan Murphys Netflix anthology Monsters. His chilling turn, especially in the one-take episode The Hurt Man, earned him his first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series. (@) On the carpet, he shared that Lyle Menendez had messaged him ahead of the ceremony: Its not about the accolades. All that matters is the awareness.Whether its poolside thirst traps or tuxedoed elegance, Koch is in the phase of stardom where everything he does from smoking to smiling sets off a reaction. And if this weekend proved anything, its that Cooper Koch isnt just an Emmy nominee. Hes a name people cant stop talking (and drooling) about.

Hello Out readers!Did you watch the Emmys this weekend? The 2025 Emmys took place last night in Los Angeles, and several of our favorite LGBTQ+ stars joined the ranks of Emmy winners!Severance star Tramell Tillman won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, becoming the first Black man to ever win the award.In his speech, he thanked his mother, whom he brought as a date. "Mama, you were there for me when no one was and no one else would show up. Your loving kindness stays with me, and this is for you," he said.Other queer winners included Alan Cumming for The Traitors, Jeff Hiller for Somebody, Somewhere, and Erin Doherty for Adolescence.Hacks star Hannah Einbinder also picked up her first Emmy win for playing Ava Daniels on the show, and used her time on stage to get political. After Einbinder's costar Meg Stalter made a statement on the red carpet with her Cease Fire purse, Einbinder wore a red pin calling for the same thing. On stage, she finished her acceptance speech by saying, "Go Birds, fuck ICE, and free Palestine!"Einbinder also announced that Hacks will be ending with its fifth season."We're going to start [filming] next week, and knowing it's the last season is really bittersweet," she said. "But I think it's right. It's nice to do something as many times as it should be done," Einbinder said. "Not overstay your welcome. Rip it and do it and laugh and cry."What was your favorite Emmys moment this year?Keep reading to find out our Man Crush Monday and all the best pop culture news!- Mey Rude'Hacks' star Hannah Einbinder announces series ending with season 5The 10+ Emmys Club: LGBTQ+ stars with the most nominationsEmmys 2025: Why Tramell Tillman's win was a victory as a Black gay actorHannah Einbinder's Emmys 2025 speech: 'Go Birds, f*ck ICE, and free Palestine!'Meg Stalter calls for Gaza ceasefire on Emmys red carpetWest Hollywood defends half-staff Pride and trans flags for Charlie KirkPete Buttigieg wants to win back young American menbut at what cost?New Music Friday: Demi Lovato, Orville Peck, Kesha, & Kim PetrasStraight Nonsense: Quit Charlie Kirk doomscrolling and log off for your own sanityMan Crush MondayOur Man Crush Monday is Tramell Tillman! Did you know that when he came out, Tillman's mother was worried he'd get blacklisted in Hollywood? Now, he's an Emmy winner!Get Out / The Advocate in your physical mailbox too!Get print issues of Out Magazine / The Advocate in the mail for just $9.95 a year!

After nabbing his fourth statue at the Emmy Awards last night, the host of The Traitors, Alan Cumming, spoke to reporters backstage in the press room about potential candidates for a fifth season naming one unexpected personality who's caught his eye."I'm sure our president would be very good on the showhaving a lot of chaos and sort of turmoil and treachery, so maybe he'd like to come on and be paid for that, probably better than he gets as president," the beloved actor said in reference to Donald Trump, according to The Hollywood Reporter. But that wasn't Cumming's only political moment of the night. Earlier in the evening, while accepting the award for Outstanding Reality Competition Program in a rare upset for RuPaul's Drag Race, the producer and series host nodded to the state of American politics right now, saying, "It's a difficult time we live in, but it's so great that our show brings a little bit of joy into this life."Trump may not join The Traitors cast anytime soon, but he does have experience in the reality show realm. As viewers of a certain age will surely remember, the current president served as the host and producer on The Apprentice from 2004 to 2015, right before he started his bid for the presidency. While he gave up the job to Arnold Schwarzenegger to pursue politics, he did reference his time as a TV star repeatedly during his campaign, which seems to have paid off among a certain set of viewers. So it's anyone's guess whether or not a return to the medium could be in the cards, at least once his time as commander in chief comes to a close.For now, season 5 of the show that pits conniving celebrities against one another is just a pipe dream, since the release date for season 4 still has yet to be announced. But fans of the show are excited to watch contestants like Love Island's Maura Higgins, RuPauls Drag Race alum Mont X Change, NFL mom Donna Kelce, and Real Housewives star Lisa Rinna battle it out in the picturesque Scottish highlands once the new season does land on Peacock.

On the Emmys red carpet last night, Hacks star Hannah Einbinder revealed that the show's fifth season will be its last. The newly minted Emmy winner shared the news with E! News right before the ceremony started. "We're going to start [filming] next week, and knowing it's the last season is really bittersweet. But I think it's right. It's nice to do something as many times as it should be done," Einbinder said. "Not overstay your welcome. Rip it and do it and laugh and cry."This always seemed to be the plan, given the HBO Max series' creators Jen Statsky, Lucia Aniello, and Paul W. Downs have said in multiple interviews that they always envisioned Hacks as a five season show. The group of creatives told Variety in an interview after last season's finale that they had an end in mind from the start and were working out what the path was to get there. "We are now breaking up Season 5, and we have to see how many episodes it will take us to get to where we know we're going to go," Downs told the entertainment publication. "The final scene of the final episode has been in our minds since 2015, and we're excited to get there. But that may take more episodes than we can fit in the season. So the truth is that we don't know."At last night's ceremony, the series' two leading ladies took home statues. Jean Smart clinched her seventh Emmy win and second consecutive win in the Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category. And Einbinder nabbed her first Emmy Award, beating out last year's winner Liza Coln-Zayas along with Jessica Williams, Janelle James, Kathryn Hahn, Catherine O'Hara, and Sheryl Lee Ralph in the Supporting Actress category. The new Emmy winner ended her acceptance speech on a prescient note that earned her several headlines as the evening's events came to a close: "Go Birds, fuck ICE, and free Palestine."

The envelope, please!It's been a historic Emmys season, with Tramell Tillman at the 2025 Emmys becoming the first out gay Black man to win Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama, joining the names of queer Emmys trailblazers.Tillman is a rising star, earning his first nomination this year for playing Mr. Milchick in Severance. Soon, he may be joining the ranks of LGBTQ+ legends with 10 or more nominations. These actors, hosts, writers, directors, and producers have been making Emmys history for decades, winning awards from the 1970s to the present. And they're not done yet.Check out these 11 LGBTQ+ stars who have at least 10 Emmy nominations.Ryan Murphy - 39 nominations, 6 winsSee on InstagramMurphy's first Emmy nomination came for directing Nip/Tuck in 2004, and his first win came in 2010 for directing the pilot of Glee. His other nominated and Emmy-winning projects include American Horror Story, The Normal Heart, American Crime Story, Feud, Pose, Halston, The Andy Warhol Diaries, and Monster.RuPaul Charles - 28 nominations, 14 winsSee on InstagramRuPaul was nominated for, and won, his first Emmy in 2016 for hosting RuPaul's Drag Race, and has been nominated in the category every year since. He won the award for eight consecutive years before his streak was beaten by The Traitors host Alan Cumming.His 10 nominations for hosting are an Emmy record. He has also won several Emmys as an executive producer of the show.Lily Tomlin - 25 nominations, 6 winsSee on InstagramLily Tomlin received her first Emmy nomination for Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In in 1971, and earned her 25th in 2018 for Grace and Frankie. Her most recent win was the Emmy for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance for narrating the HBO documentary An Apology to Elephants in 2012. Three of her specials, Lily, Lily Tomlin, and Lily: Sold Out, won Emmys.Andy Cohen - 18 nominations, 1 winSee on InstagramCohen is most known for Watch What Happens Live and the Real Housewives franchise, but most of his Emmy nominations come from producing Top Chef, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, and Project Runway. His one win is for Outstanding Reality - Competition Program in 2010 for Top Chef.Wanda Sykes - 17 nominations, 1 winSee on InstagramSykes was nominated for four Emmys and won one for writing on The Chris Rock Show, and has been nominated for several of her comedy specials. She also has two nominations for voice-over work and three nominations for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.Ellen DeGeneres - 16 nominations, 1 winSee on InstagramDeGeneres's first round of Emmy nominations and wins came from her ABC sitcom Ellen, for which she won an Outstanding Writing Emmy in 1997. She's also been nominated as a producer, Oscars host, and host of Ellen's Game of Games.Jane Lynch - 14 nominations, 5 winsSee on InstagramLynch's first Emmy nomination was also her first win, when she won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy for playing Sue Sylvester in Glee. Later, she won two Emmys and was nominated for two more for hosting Hollywood Game Night. She's also won Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for Dropping The Soap, and won Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy for playing Sophie Lennon in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Her most recent nomination came in 2024 for hosting The Weakest Link.Paula Pell - 13 nominations, 2 winsSee on InstagramPell is a legendary comedy writer who wrote for Saturday Night Live from 1995 to 2013, and has earned most of her nominations there. She won for writing in 2002, and then again in 2025 as a writer for the SNL50 anniversary special.Neil Patrick Harris - 12 nominations, 5 winsSee on InstagramHarris earned his first Emmy nomination in 2007 for playing Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother, and later won Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series as Bryan Ryan in Glee. He also won four Emmys as a producer and host of the Tonys.David Hyde Pierce - 11 nominations, 4 winsSee on InstagramFrom 1994 to 2004, Pierce was nominated for 11 consecutive Emmys the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy for the role of Niles Crane in Frasier. He won in 1995, 1998, 1999, and 2004.Kate McKinnon - 10 nominations, 2 winsAll 10 of McKinnon's come from her years on Saturday Night Live. She earned her first in 2014 and has been nominated for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series nine times. She won two consecutive years in 2016 and 2017.

Tramell Tillman has written his name in the Emmys' history books!Severance star Tramell Tillman won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, becoming the first Black man ever to win the award.Tillman brought his mother to the ceremony. In his speech, he said his first acting coach was tough, adding that "all good mothers are.""Mama, you were there for me when no one was and no one else would show up. Your loving kindness stays with me, and this is for you," he said. "Thank you to the Academy. I am full, I am humbled, I am honored, and as my mama would say, 'Wooh! Look at God!'"Earlier this year, Tillman told Variety that his mother was initially concerned for his acting career when he came out to her."I don't want this to ruin your career," Tillman's mother reportedly told him at the time. "I don't want you to be blackballed. I don't want you to be pigeonholed."He emphasized that her reaction came from fear, not judgment, and that she told him, "Anyone you bring home, I will embrace him as my son."Tillman had already made history this year when he became the first out gay Black man to be nominated in the supporting actor drama category.

Hannah Einbinder was unafraid to get political at the 2025 Emmy Awards."Go Birds, fuck ICE, and free Palestine!" the Hacks actress declared at the conclusion of her awards speech on TV's biggest night.The performer won in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for the role of Ava Daniels on Hacks. This is her fourth nomination and first win. Both Einbinder and her character are bisexual, making the honor also a win for LGBTQ+ visibility."Go Birds, F*** ICE and Free Palestine" - #Hacks star Hannah Einbinder after her #Emmys win pic.twitter.com/OIIZD31rLf The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 15, 2025 Einbinder's queer castmate, Meg Stalter, also referenced the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards. On the red carpet, Stalter wore a plain white t-shirt and blue jeans with a black belt and a large purse, which said the words "CEASE FIRE!" Einbinder herself wore a red pin from the group Artists4Ceasefire to the Emmys, which was likewise sported by celebs like Javier Bardem and Aimee Lou Wood as a sartorial call to end the conflict.Einbinder went over time on her awards speech, which, according to the rules set by host comedian Nate Bargatze, subtracted funds from a donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Los Angeles. Making her statement was clearly worth it to the former Out cover star she said she would pay the difference.This is not Einbinder's first time addressing Palestine. At a Human Rights Campaign event in March, the actress said in a speech: As a queer person, as a Jewish person and as an American, I am horrified by the Israeli governments massacre of well over 65,000 Palestinians in Gaza. I am ashamed and infuriated that this mass murder is funded by our American tax dollars. It should not be controversial to say that we should all be against murdering civilians.In recent months, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, at the direction of the Trump administration, has been conducting controversial immigration raids in Los Angeles, Einbinder's home town. She is also a big fan of the Philadelphia Eagles.On Sunday, Jean Smart also won an Emmy (her seventh) in the category of Best Comedy Actress for her Hacks role of Deborah Vance. Lets be good to each other, she said in her own speech.Hacks was nominated in 14 categories at this year's Emmy Awards. Last weekend, Julianne Nicholson also took home the Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy trophy for her Hacks turn as Dance Mom.

Hacks star Meg Stalter has made a simple statement for a ceasefire in Gaza on the 77th Emmys red carpet.Stalter walked the red carpet wearing a plain white t-shirt and blue jeans with a black belt. The simple outfit drew attention to her large purse, which says the words "CEASE FIRE!"Stalter also shared a graphic from the group Artists4Ceasefire on her Instagram Story that read, "Speak up now, Gaza is being starved.""We come together as artists and advocates, but most importantly as human beings witnessing the devastating loss of lives and unfolding horrors in Israel and Palestine," the Artists4Ceasefire website reads.The website also included a presidential call to action. "We ask that, as President of the United States, you and the US Congress call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel before another life is lost. More than 63,000 people have been killed over the last 22 months, and over 159,000 injured* numbers that any person of conscience knows are catastrophic. We believe all life is sacred, no matter faith or ethnicity, and we condemn the killing of Palestinian and Israeli civilians."Other 2025 Emmy nominees who signed on to the open letter include Aimee Lou Wood (The White Lotus), Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri (The Bear), and Hannah Einbinder (Hacks).Stalter has been a fan-favorite to earn an Emmy nomination for her role as Kayla Schaefer, the co-manager of LuSaque & Schaefer management with Jimmy LuSaque Jr., played by series cocreator Paul W. Downs.Hacks is up for 14 Emmys this year, and Julianne Nicholson, who played the character Dance Mom, already won Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.

West Hollywood has responded to criticism for flying the Progress Pride flag and transgender flag at half-staff in response to the killing of Charlie Kirk.The California city, known for its sizable LGBTQ+ population, released a statement Sunday saying that lowering its flags was not an endorsement of the late anti-LGBTQ+ activist, who was assassinated Wednesday at a Utah university, but rather an act of policy that follows the directives of presidential proclamations."The Citys action should not be interpreted as an expression of alignment with, or endorsement of, Mr. Kirks political views or actions. Rather, the action was undertaken in accordance with the Citys Policy for Recognitions and Memorials, which acknowledges that the City follows the direction of the President in determining when flags in the City are flown at half-staff," read the statement, according to WeHo Times, a local outlet. In its statement, the city added that it would revisit this flag policy "in the coming weeks" in order "to ensure that it appropriately reflects the values of the West Hollywood community."Kirk had a long history of using his platform as a right-wing influencer to attack the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender people. And the city's move to lower Pride flags in its Matthew Shepard Square sparked sizable backlash when the WeHo Times posted a video of the flags to its Instagram account Saturday. "This is wild!! Im all for empathy but this is just ridiculous," wrote transgender performer Laganja Estranja. "He hated us, raise our flags back up!!" Added Willam, "Why are we as a people in WeHo listening to Trump?" The RuPaul's Drag Race alumni made headlines last weekend advocating for transgender people at the VMAs in a performance by Sabrina Carpenter.A sign left near the flags Sunday read, "Shame on West Hollywood for lowering our flags in honor of a racist, transphobic, homophobic, Nazi-loving monster." View this post on Instagram A post shared by WeHoTimes (@weho_times)President Trump issued a proclamation Wednesday that ordered flag-lowering on "all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its territories and possessions until sunset, September 14, 2025."Notably, the states of New York and New Jersey did not follow the flag directive, drawing the ire of conservative critics.The act of publicly mourning the late Trump confidant and founder of Turning Point USA, a key group for conservative youth outreach, has emerged as a political litmus test. Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth drew much queer criticism for commenting on Instagram that she "didnt always agree but appreciated some perspectives" of Kirk and that he must now be in "heaven." And Stephen King was pressured to apologize for noting on X that Kirk advocated for stoning gay people even though Kirk indeed stated that stoning gays was "'God's perfect law."

Pete Buttigieg's steady evolution from a forward-thinking young lawmaker albeit one touting a military background and Christian values to a politician perhaps overly eager to reach across the aisle continues.In an interview published in GQ this week, as part of a series entitled "State of the American Male in 2025," the former secretary of Transportation spoke about what he thinks it means to be a man today and what the path forward for American men should be. In the discussion which highlighted the fact that he was making conservative media appearances well before Democratic politicians were courting Joe Rogan as well as his enthusiasm for moderation Buttigieg focused on younger sections of the population whom he believes feel deeply alienated in the current political climate.There's clearly been a turning just in the last few years and it was brought out in the election, but it's not just about the election where I think you have a lot of younger men who viewed the things that have changed as going so far that they no longer see where they would fit in a more progressive story, Buttigieg told GQ.To me, that's a tragedy because I think in many ways young men have a lot to lose, maybe the most to lose from some of the mistakes that are happening right now in our politics and in our government, he added.The gay former Indiana mayor, who ran for president in 2020, explained that the reason he personally feels the need to reach out to younger men is that the left has increasingly adopted a culture of "scolding and finger-wagging" that's contributed to their alienation. After citing Andrew Schulz, a comedian and podcaster known for his anti-woke rhetoric, Buttigieg went on to say that efforts to address gender-based discrimination and, presumably, the #MeToo era have had negative consequences for men that should be addressed."I think some very real and very worthy work that was happening around gender especially making sure that more attention was paid to sexism in the workplace and things like sexual harassment and sexual assaults brought with it a side effect," he said. "I think for a lot of people, they would only expect the left to use the word 'masculinity' after the word 'toxic.' And so the bottom fell out of any kind of alternative account of what masculinity is or ought to be, which of course is something I think my side very much has a responsibility to put forward, instead of just always seeming to be against them."Buttigieg and GQ's Jack Crosbie also discussed whether there's a middle ground between the prescriptive view of masculinity that the right is currently espousing think, masculinity boot camps and a view that demonizes hobbies like watching UFC and going to the gym. And ever the politician, Buttigieg said "nobody wants to feel like they've got to look over their shoulder all the time" in regards to the urge to police the presentation of manhood.Taking a similarly diplomatic stance on topics like what it means to be a man, he named qualities like strength, honesty, decency, and the ability to lead, delving into parenting his boy-girl twins and how gender plays a factor. And he spoke about how society should be teaching men to be rooted in faith, family, and community, and focusing on socializing youth rather than subjecting them to censorship or judgment about their core beliefs.Respectability politicsWhile Buttigieg's approach to the young American men of today and how society should be governed in general has its fans, it's also something that's invited criticism in the past few months, as the former Transportation secretary has seemed to increasingly move away from liberalism and toward moderate politics at all costs.Many of the critiques point to the fact that, in the name of respectability politics, Buttigieg has legitimized dangerous ideologies like transphobia and the types of views about LGBTQ+ people, women, and minorities that are espoused by conservative commentators and the "manosphere." And as a result, some commentators have called into question his fitness as a party leader going forward, particularly in light of the fact that he's being seen as a possible contender for a 2028 presidential run.On that latter point, Buttigieg hasn't exactly helped himself, often qualifying his statements with allusions to the Democratic Party's failings at a time when many people are looking for firmer opposition to the Trump administration and a strong stance on ideological issues. But the former lawmaker doesn't seem to be overly concerned with rocking the boat if it will turn the tide against young men who already feel unwelcome by his party of choice.Toward the end of his interview with GQ, when asked about messaging through "backlash" to Black Lives Matter and the #MeToo Movement, Buttigieg struck what's become a characteristically reassuring tone when addressing issues that might evoke discomfort for young male voters."If you are a good, strong, honest man, you have absolutely nothing to lose from living in a society where women have equal fair treatment at work and are protected from being abused. Obviously, nothing that should matter to you as a man is at risk because of that. I think where things have gone wrong is that, on both sides, it does start to get framed as zero-sum," Buttigieg said, using marriage equality as an example of when progress is achieved in the right way, it's clear that it's "not at anybody's expense."When prompted for further explanation on why his "side bears some of the blame" for some people feeling like change comes as a cost, Buttigieg said, "Because, again, if we can't separate the word 'masculinity' from the word 'toxic,' or if we make it seem like anybody who's got any discomfort around changes in society, gender roles, you name it, must be some kind of dinosaur or retrograde asshole if that's the message we're putting out, then of course people are going to feel like it's hostile to them versus feel like they're being recruited into that new future."Elaina Patton is a New York-based writer and editor.Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit out.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on any of our stories. Email us at voices@equalpride.com. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists, and editors, and do not directly represent the views of Out or our parent company, equalpride.

Happy New Music Friday!The horrors persist, but so does New Music Friday! Our favorite LGBTQ+ (and adjacent) musicians have released a slew of new music just itching to earn a spot on your playlists. We've got some killer collabs this week! Kesha and Orville Peck have joined forces in "Tennessee," breakout artist of the summer Ravyn Lenae is featured on Kali Uchis' latest, and Kim Petras teams up with Frost Children for their club-ready banger "RADIO."King Princess is also back with a breezy new track, Rose Gray is ready to dance, Maude Latour gets a little dark, and Rochelle Jordan wants to feel that "Sweet Sensation" on her glamorous new single. Scroll through to listen to this week's best new bops, and follow this writer's New Music Friday playlist on Spotify."RADIO" - Frost Children, Kim PetrasKim Petras and Frost Children want you to "spin that shit out" on their new recession pop banger. "Jamie" - King PrincessKing Princess is back with some old-school vibes on "Jamie." "Here All Night" - Demi LovatoDemi Lovato is "Here All Night" in her 80s-inspired new music video. "Cry About It" - Kali Uchis, Ravyn LenaeRavyn Lenae, one of the breakout stars of 2025, appears on Kali Uchis's latest."Tennessee" - Kesha, Orville PeckKesha and Orville Peck's new collab takes us back to "Tennessee.""April" - Rose GrayRose Gray shows us what she lives for on her new dance track "April.""Is Anybody Out There" - Allie XAllie X is back and more eccentric than ever on "Is Anybody Out There.""Unconditional" - JADETHAT'S SHOWBIZ BABY! Jade's long-anticipated pop debut has finally arrived, and is stacked with lush new songs."Blush" - Tommi AuraTommi Aura might just be the next pop sensation, and her new single "Blush" proves why."Rainbow Gal" - CavetownCavetown dabbles in electronic music on his latest single, "Rainbow Gal.""Sweet Sensation" - Rochelle JordanRochelle Jordan is delivering the glossy dancefloor vibes the world needs right now on "Sweet Sensation.""Communicate It" - GIMIGIMI just wants you to "Communicate It" on his dark new single about a hook up. "CANNIBALISM!" - SlayyyterMove over Armie Hammer, Slayyyter is the latest cannibal in her new guitar-driven track."TickTickBoom" - Maude LatourMaude Latour is counting down to the end of a relationship on "TickTickBoom." "blue chanel" - OK NIKO, Destiny RogersDestiny Rogers and OK NIKO are looking for their "blue chanel" on their new collab."Kinda Girl" - Kyra MachidaGet into Kyra Machida, one of the most interesting pop girls of the year.Here's the playlist:Taylor Henderson is a music contributor to Out magazine. Be sure to follow 'the alphabet mafia' playlist on Spotify!

In the column Straight Nonsense, columnist Moises Mendez II takes a queer eye to the insanity of straight culture. I don't want to be writing about Charlie Kirk, but that's the name on everyone's lips since his assassination earlier this week. The second the videos of the right-wing political commentator getting shot while speaking at a Utah university began flooding my timeline, I felt like there was a magnetic pull to my phone I couldn't look away. I couldn't stop refreshing my feed. After he was pronounced dead just a few short hours later, the dread of the even darker political moment that we just entered settled in.Not too soon after, social media users began celebrating Kirk's death, while others criticized those who did. Then conversations around morality came into play, and it felt like every Instagram Story was one post after another about how even though someone may not agree with his politics, we shouldn't be celebrating his death. Then there's the politics of it all, the president and governing bodies are calling for moments of silence and lowering flags at half mast to honor Kirk. But I'm not here to discuss any of that. This week's topic of discussion for Straight Nonsense is about taking time away from the internet when there's just too much harmful content to consume.Believe me when I say, I'm not sitting on my moral high horse to share my thoughts on how one person should react to the death of someone who was racist, homophobic, transphobic, and frankly, fact-phobic. I can't take time away from social media, because as an internet culture/entertainment reporter, it quite literally is my job to stay up to date. But no matter what, it's tough to not let the effects of it make your brain feel like mush.Every second, there is a new piece of news about Kirk's death, like how Representative Nancy Mace used transphobic slurs when she assumed the shooter was trans and suggested that the culprit should receive the death penalty only to walk those sentiments back after it was revealed that the alleged shooter in custody was a cisgender white male. (@) Stupidity is everywhere, and it's consuming all of social media especially from the Straights, so don't be afraid to take time away from social media or just your phone in general. You don't need me to give you suggestions for what to do, but if you do, here are a few: Read a book, play video games, bake a cake, go on a date, clean your room, buy some candles, organize your pantry, have sex (if that's something you like to do), go shopping, watch a television show or a movie. There's an endless amount of options for taking the time away from social media.I encourage this time away from social media because as someone who reports on the internet for a living, I've seen how it's rotted people's brains from the inside out. One of the most recent examples is the subject of my inaugural column, Netflix's Unknown Number: The High School Catfish. Even just this week, we saw makeup influencer Jeffree Star finally fall into the right-wing deep end after going on a rant against the nonbinary and trans community in a recent TikTok Live. "If you believe in they/thems, you're a part of the problem." He's made comments like these in the past. But the more social media companies take away the guardrails for protections against hate speech, it's easier for it to proliferate online and for people to push anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.Take time for yourself this week. You don't need to be online every single second. And if you can't pull away from the piling atrocities of the world, watch content that feels like a brain massage or something that allows you to turn off your brain. I've been getting into watching coloring TikToks, and the stress dissipates from my body the second I watch the markers brush the page. @kaylamamilcar hello?!? this page turned out so cute?! probably my new fav HAHAHA! @bobbiegoods #colorwithme #coloring #color #colortok #bobbiegoods #bobbiegoodsart #bobbiegoodscoloring #bobbiegoodscoloringbook #bobbiegoodscoloringpage Moises Mendez II is a staff writer at Out magazine. Follow him on Instagram @moisesfenty.Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit out.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on any of our stories. Email us at voices@equalpride.com. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists, and editors, and do not directly represent the views of Out or our parent company, equalpride.

Jeffree Star is known for his abrasive personality online. And that is usually on display when he is feuding with other creators. But the controversial YouTuber-turned-TikToker may have pushed away even more fans with his most recent comments about the LGBTQ+ community. In a recent TikTok Live, the beauty guru took time to speak about the killing of right-wing political commentator Charlie Kirk, who was shot while speaking at a university in Utah. Clips of the Live made their way around X earlier this week. And in the video, Star made disparaging remarks about nonbinary people and defended Kirk's historically hateful rhetoric against the transgender community. (@) The video starts out with Star saying that Kirk "encouraged everyone to speak about their beliefs, whether he believed them or not." When a viewer asked if he identified as a Republican, he responded, "No, I'm a person. Because I'm standing up for someone who passed away, I'm now being called names in the chat." This seemed to incense Star, who addressed a follower who said they were unfollowing. "Thank god, if you believe in they/thems, you're a part of the problem," he said during the livestream. "If you're stupid enough to go against science, please unfollow me. Be whoever you want to be, but there's science and there's facts. You can pretend in your head you're a cat... you're still only A or B."He continued, "Yes, I am a grown-ass man that wears makeup, I will always be a male, my name is Jeffree... All of these grown men going into women's bathroom wearing wigs, you should all be in prison forever." The makeup influencer continued his rant, defending Kirk and saying that he was "just a man who was going around the country debating people" and said that he can't "play with makeup right now" because he's too distraught about what happened to the commentator. His annoyance continues to grow throughout the livestream. "Charlie Kirk fought for the truth, he debated everybody, and you guys cannot argue that," Star said during the Live. "You are delusional and mentally ill if you go against what I just said. I didn't share my opinion, I shared facts."Star was met with support for his comments about Kirk in the comments section of his most recent video. "You gained a follower for what you said during your live about Charlie, respect," one person commented. Someone else said, "You are iconic. You have always been my favorite and thank you for your stance on Charlie Kirk!!" (@) Historically, the makeup influencer has been conscious of not sharing too many of his political beliefs, but Kirk's death seemed to ignite a new fire within him. This also isn't Star's first time making disparaging comments about nonbinary people. Two years ago, Star was on Tennessee Titans player Taylor Lewan's podcast, Bussin' With The Boys, where he said that people who use they/them pronouns are "stupid" and shared that "conservatives like me because I'm just real."

Wicked star Marissa Bode doesn't plan to back down to people who call her "hateful" for not mourning the death of far-right agitator Charlie Kirk.Following the Turning Point USA founder being shot and killed during a speech at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, many have shared their thoughts. Now, Marissa Bode, who plays Elphaba's sister, Nessarose, in the Wicked films, has added her two cents.Bode said in a TikTok posted this week that she will not apologize for not mourning the death of a man whom she views as a "nazi.""Being called hateful because I don't feel an ounce of sympathy for a man whose whole career was built on being a bigot? Wild work. Mental gymnastics," Bode says at the start of the video."Hey, did you know he said that dying by gun is a price we would all have to pay to keep the Second Amendment? Hey, did you know he cheered on Palestinian deaths, of course, which includes literal children? Saying the Civil Rights Act, which protects my people and gave my people freedom, was a mistake? Baby, that's a nazi," she continues. "And if I'm hateful for not giving a fuck, really think about what you're saying, babes."Bode then called out people for sanitizing Kirk's hateful and violent rhetoric by saying he was killed "for his political beliefs," but not expanding on what those beliefs were."That is racism, babes. That is xenophobia. That is misogyny. To just simply package it and boil it down to 'political beliefs' is actually mind-boggling," she says in the TikTok. "Those are human rights. Those are real people, real people suffering, that he's talking about and actively oppressing and actively spreading hate speech [about] therefore emboldening a whole crowd of people to thus become more and more hateful and violent." Bode also took exception to the argument that, because Kirk was a husband and father, people shouldn't say bad things about him. She pointed out that "a lot of bad people are fathers and husbands" and that having children doesn't "absolve them of being a terrible human being." And while she emphasized that she has sympathy for Kirk's children, she said, "I also have such sympathy for the children in Gaza who are consistently still being bombed that again, he cheered on."She closed out the statement by saying that if Hitler were shot today, she believes a lot of the people saying Kirk shouldn't be criticized would say the same thing about the former leader of Nazi Germany.Bode's comments are strikingly opposed to those of another Wicked star, Kristin Chenoweth, who wrote on Kirk's final Instagram post: "I'm. So. Upset. Didn't always agree but appreciated some perspectives. What a heartbreak. His young family. I know where he is now. Heaven. But still."Watch Bode's entire TikTok below.Idgaf and yall can't make me @marissa_edobIdgaf and yall cant make me Idgaf and yall can't make me

Elska Rome, the 54th book in the Elska series, a project about getting to know diverse LGBTQ+ communities around the world, is out now. This latest issue showcases a selection of ordinary local men from the Italian capital through a blend of intimate photography and personal storytelling.Alan G., Aura Eternal VisageEver since the Elska project began, people have been asking us to make an issue in Italy, and finally after 10 years, weve done it, says Elska editor, writer, and chief photographer, Liam Campbell. However, it turned out to be a surprisingly difficult issue to make. More than almost anywhere else weve visited, which as of now includes 54 different cities, it was a huge challenge to persuade local men to take part. Perhaps its the looming shadow of the Vatican that casts an air of conservatism, or maybe its something else, but the fact that I managed to interview and photograph one person, let alone nine, felt like something of a miracle!"Andrewson M.I was also surprised by how diverse Rome is, continues Liam. Despite being the capital of a large, wealthy, European country, I somehow didnt expect so much multiculturalism. As it turned out, more than half of the men featured in this issue arent full-blooded Italians, even if they were born and raised there. I learned that Rome is an absolutely modern city, and that being Italian isnt such an easy thing to define. Overall, this issue broke stereotypes more than most any other before it.Lorenzo D.The text in Elska Rome was formed from extensive diaries taken during the trip to the city, including conversations shared with each of the men met here. Topics include the role of the Catholic Church in daily life, problems with being queer in a sometimes rigid society, what its like to be a person of color under Giorgia Meloni's far-right government, and discussions of problems with dating Roman men. And theres also frequent mentions of coffee and food, which are inescapable parts of Italian life.Dave P.Elska Rome is available in a collectible print book or in a downloadable e-book. In addition, the companion e-zine Elska Ekstra Rome is available, containing two more men and their stories, plus many hundreds of outtake images of each Roman subject. The publications are available for order online as well as from a select group of shops around the world.Ordering information and details of the subscription service can be found on the Elska website at www.elskamagazine.com. See more images from Elska Rome ahead.Matteo B.Krish P.Lorenzo D.Alan G., Aura Eternal VisageAndrewson M.Jira S.Matteo B.Jira S.Dave P.

Series 3 winner of The Great British Bake Off, John Whaite, announced on Instagram yesterday that he is stepping away from his OnlyFans career to focus on opening up his own bakery. In the heartfelt post, the 36-year-old, who lives in Leeds with his husband, thanked his fans for their support as he begins this transitional period in his life. See on Instagram "I'm leaving OnlyFans," Whaite began the caption. "Life has shifted in a way I couldn't have predicted Ruff Puff Bakehouse and Ruff Puff Brownies have taken up so much of my time, but in the best possible way." Back in April, Whaite opened up the brick-and-mortar store Ruff Puff Bakehouse for his homemade brownies and blondies, which were originally sold through a mail-order business that he launched in 2024. Based on his post, the business has grown so much that he wants to put all of his focus on making it the best it can be."They've reminded me of a talent I'd neglected, and given me a new respect for the craft that first set me on this path all those years ago," Whaite continued. "Working side by side with the team, creating something real and lasting, has shown me that my value isn't in muscles or body image it's in building, baking, and sharing. For the first time since Bake Off 13 years ago, I feel a true sense of purpose again."The former reality competition contestant wrapped up his post by celebrating the start of a new chapter "rooted in passion, creativity, and community" and expressing gratitude for the support he's found on OnlyFans, while also wishing his peers success. Then, referring to his now-retired persona, he added, "I'm not Jonny Boy, I'm just John, and I'm putting one foot in front of the other just like the rest of the world."

Hello Out readers!If you're looking for something to watch this weekend, why not check out the Netflix show The Hunting Wives or the new movie Plainclothes?The Hunting Wives is a spicy and sapphic drama that premiered on Netflix this summer, and we are still obsessed with it! The show stars Brittany Snow and Malin Akerman as two women in a conservative Texas community who spark up a relationship.The show's creator, Rebecca Cutter, spoke with Out about the show."I'm so grateful to see such a grateful response from the queer community, a curious and excited response from, what I feel like, is straight women on TikTok. I love that we don't have to define it," Cutter says. "I've been married to an amazing man for a long time. Ive also had relationships with women in the past. Let's just all be curious."If you're looking for a movie to watch this weekend, check out Carmen Emmi's Plainclothes!Plainclothes debuted at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and stars Tom Blyth and Russell Tovey. In the drama, Blyth plays a young police officer tasked with arresting men who try to have sex with him at cruising spots. When he meets a kind, older man played by Tovey, his world changes, and he falls in love.The role has allowed Tovey to embrace his aging in a new way, he tells Out."Yeah, I embrace Daddy," Tovey says. "I mean, Pedro Pascal says, 'Daddy is a state of mind,' but also I think realistically, I'm a dad age, so state of mind and state of play."Plainclothes comes out in theaters this Friday!Keep reading for all the best pop culture news, plus our Woman Crush Wednesday!- Mey Rude'Great British Bake Off' winner John Whaite is leaving OnlyFans to focus on bakingCiao bello! Meet the sexy signori of Elska Rome'Plainclothes's Russell Tovey embraces 'Daddy' era; Tom Blyth admits 'massive talent crush' on himPietro Boselli turns on the shower in steamy new picsLux Pascal recalls the significance of Pedro Pascal first calling her 'my little sister''The Hunting Wives' creator: Straight women are 'curious and excited' by show's queerness'The Bold and the Beautiful's gay couple: Actors tease kiss, chemistry, and queer romanceLil Nas X enters inpatient rehab after August arrestJamie Lee Curtis stifled tears while discussing the death of Charlie KirkWoman Crush WednesdayOur Woman Crush Wednesday is first-time Emmy winner Hannah Einbinder! Einbinder, who plays Ava Daniels in Hacks, just won her first Emmy and used her speech to send a powerful message.After thanking people, Einbinder ended her speech by saying, "Go Birds, fuck ICE, and free Palestine!"Get Out / The Advocate in your physical mailbox too!Get print issues of Out Magazine / The Advocate in the mail for just $9.95 a year!

Maybe Happy Ending continues to be the subject of casting drama following the musical's original star, Darren Criss, being replaced by Andrew Barth Feldman. When it was announced in July, Feldman's casting as Oliver caused an uproar in the AAPI community, given that the Broadway show takes place in South Korea and originated with a mostly Asian cast. Now, actress Constance Wu has uploaded an Instagram story saying that she spoke with Feldman about the controversy. (@) Earlier this week, the Crazy Rich Asians actress shared a text post to her stories, explaining that she had spoken with Feldman over the phone about Asian American representation and erasure in theater. The call was peaceful, and it was followed up by emails and text messages, which she said made her feel hopeful. However, she said, he recently sent her a voice note that left her feeling "disappointed" and "pretty discouraged.""It's hard to keep speaking up when it feels like no one is listening anymore in this new era," Wu wrote. "It's exhausting and increasingly lonely. Once again, Asian Americans are left unheard, unacknowledged, and invisible. Sadly, we're used to this. A dozen or so folks at [Maybe Happy Ending] have remained silent perhaps in the hopes that this would all fade away and you know what? It has."She acknowledged that Feldman has been put in an unfortunate situation, being saddled with the responsibility to answer for his casting. "But sometimes we don't choose our responsibilities, they choose us," the actress wrote at the end of her post. "So the question that remains is: what are you choosing to do with it? Silence is a choice."Wu also uploaded two more Instagram stories, in which she continued to call on Feldman to speak out and wrote that his silence, which she described as ignoring "an entire population," was "cowardly, disrespectful, and just really sad."Feldman has yet to make a public statement regarding the controversy, but his costar and real-life girlfriend, Helen J. Shen, shared her thoughts in a post on Instagram. In the post, she described "an immensely challenging moment" within her home with Feldman but also called him "perfect" for the role.After the controversy surrounding Feldman's casting reached a larger audience, it was announced last month that Criss wouldn't be leaving the show permanently. Instead, after taking a nine-week break, he'll be returning to the role after Feldman's run ends on November 5.

Buckle up pop rock fans, G FLIP has arrived! On the heels of their hugely successful 12-track Sophomore album Drummer, the acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist wants to take you on a Dream Ride as part of their latest album era, inspired by Bruce Springsteen, late-night drives around Los Angeles, 80s reverb, and maximalist [...]The post WATCH: G FLIP Talks Channeling New 80s Rock Persona Butch Springsteen For New Album Dream Ride first appeared on GLAAD.

14 drag monsters from previous seasons ranging between fan-favorites and finalists return to compete on The Boulet Brothers' Dragula: Titans season 2, which premieres on Tuesday, October 7 on streaming services like Shudder and AMC+.The new season will be co-directed, co-produced, and cohosted by The Boulet Brothers, otherwise known as Dracmorda and Swanthula Boulet, as they judge these competing drag monsters of Titans proportions and award one champion the grand prize of $100,000. That winner will succeed the current reigning Queen of the Underworld, Victoria Elizabeth Black, who won the first season of The Boulet Brothers' Dragula: Titans.Besides Victoria Elizabeth Black herself, season 2 of The Boulet Brothers' Dragula: Titans will also feature celebrity guest judges such as Jennifer Tilly, Peaches Christ, Kate Siegel, Todd McFarlane, Bonnie Aarons, David Dastmalchian, Don Mancini, Akela Cooper, Twin Temple, James A Janisse and Chelsea Rebecca, Steve Orlando, and Ryan Turek.Keep scrolling to meet the drag monsters competing on The Boulet Brothers' Dragula: Titans season 2, which premieres on Tuesday, October 7 on Shudder and AMC+.AbhoraAbhora is the kind of creature one could see if an imaginary friend came to life, and that imaginary friend was designed to commit atrocious acts of horror. Like a walking nightmare, but worse, and with a smile. Abhora has only further perfected their ghoulishly good looks and haunting costumes since their last time on The Boulet Brothers' Dragula. They have figured out the meaning of a Halloween House Party and are ready to show up as an exclamation point this time around, leaving all questions about their place in this season of Titans behind them.Instagram: @abhora_rulesPast seasons: Dragula season 2; Dragula: Titans season 1Hometown: Los Angeles, CAPronouns: They/them/itDrag style: Drag creatureFavorite horror film: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate FactoryFavorite queer icon: George SantosHow would you die in a horror film? I would die in a horror film cheerfully answering the door and being blown away by a Colt 45 (the gun).BlackberriThe Bearded Beauty of Texas returns with her cunning wit and stage prowess to show audiences she means business this Titans season. Blackberri has refined her makeup, costumes, and comedy talents from season 5 to bring larger-than-life ideas to her floorshows this time around, pulling from inspirations across history, cinema, and anime.Instagram: @theblackberriPast seasons: Dragula season 5Hometown: Houston, TXPronouns: She/herDrag style: Drag monster; Drag creatureFavorite horror film: Ginger Snaps and Jennifer's Body (tie)Favorite queer icon: Kelly Rowland in Freddy vs. Jason especially when she calls Freddy a f****tHow would you die in a horror film? I would want to die like Jada Pinkett Smith at the beginning of Scream 2: Very dramatic and in front of a large crowd.Cynthia DollInspired by Angelica's doll from the Rugrats, Cynthia Doll is a little bit ragged, a little bit weird, and a little bit delightfully off-putting. In addition to her drag skills, Cynthia Doll is a songwriter/musician who brings a unique flair to iconic Boulet Brothers' Dragula challenges like "Monsters of Rock." While Cynthia Doll is perhaps most known for her iconic screaming death scene in her original season 5, she hopes her return to Titans season 2 will have her known for her fierce looks, over the top reactions, and most of all, winning this time around.Instagram: @cynthiadollxPast seasons: Dragula season 5Hometown: Kansas City, MOPronouns: She/herDrag style: Drag creatureFavorite horror film: WeaponsFavorite queer icon: The Babadook the mascot of the LGBTQIA+How would you die in a horror film? I'd be the Drew Barrymore of the franchise, Casey Becker down!DisasterinaDisasterina, "LA's Most Disastrous Drag Queen," is back to grace your television screens with her unique brand of bizarre trash-fashion, humor, and storytelling all with that iconic, impossible to place accent. One of Dragula's earliest competitors, Disasterina has held true to her brand while allowing it to evolve with time and resources, creating an elevated, crazier version of the queen fans tagged as a favorite in season 2.Instagram: @disasterinaPast seasons: Dragula season 2Hometown: Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CAPronouns: She/herDrag style: "LA's Most Disastrous Drag Queen"Favorite horror film: From BeyondFavorite queer icon: DivineHow would you die in a horror film? Slipped on a fetus and hit my head.Dollya BlackDollya Black is a devilishly talented ghoul who marries her love for fantasy with her exceptional skills in costume design and armor creation to execute otherworldly drag transformations. A bedazzled, silver-tongued devil, Dollya is ready to take on her fellow competitors and take them down on her way to the crown. A fan-favorite amongst earlier viewers, Dollya is poised for a memorable return to your worst nightmares.Instagram: @dollya.blackPast seasons: Dragula season 3Hometown: Orlando, FLPronouns: She/theyDrag style: Drag queenFavorite horror film: Carrie (1976)Favorite queer icon: Freddie MercuryHow would you die in a horror film? It would be dramatically, ASMR-style.Evah DestructionFrom her impeccable costumes to her superb improv and acting skills, Evah Destruction is back and better than ever. Evah fancies herself a bit of a drag clown and leans hard into her theatrical training this season to go head to head with her fellow competitors. Having reflected on her placements in season three and Titans I, Evah is ready to go to painstaking lengths to ensure she doesn't leave for a third time without a crown.Instagram: @evahdestructionPast seasons: Dragula season 3; Dragula: Titans season 1Hometown: Austin, TXPronouns: They/them; she/herDrag style: Drag queen; Drag clownFavorite horror film: Thirteen Ghosts instantly fell in love with the plot, as crazy as it was; the amount of gore is up to my standards, and the lineup of murderous spiritsFavorite queer icon: Lady Gaga (without a shred of a doubt, she is why I started drag almost 15 years ago; everyone has their diva, and she will always be mine)How would you die in a horror film? I would want to be dramatic (shocker) and be the one that the killer thinks they finished off But then I jump-scare them by snapping back up, and killing them, and then I die.Frankie DoomThe original Boulet Brothers' Dragula "himbo" has escaped from the frozen tundra of Alaska and clawed her way into the cauldron for the first time ever. An OG competitor from the club days, Frankie Doom has participated in both season 1 and Resurrection. These specific seasons mean she's one of the only competitors to never have stepped foot on the current Dragula stage even though she's competed twice. Frankie Doom's drag is a heady mix of masc and femme with a healthy dose of well-placed nudity and rhinestones. If you want a peep show and a glam queen all in one, Frankie will be your go-to girl this Titans season.Instagram: @xxfrankie_doomxxPast seasons: Dragula season 1; Dragula: ResurrectionHometown: Anchorage, AlaskaPronouns: AnyDrag style: Drag queen; Demonic stripperFavorite horror film: The ExorcistFavorite queer icon: Lestat de Lioncourt the epitome of f****try, decadence, and glamour with a touch of savageryHow would you die in a horror film? In true himbo fashion, I'll be getting railed in the woods and the killer will chase me in an epic, nude, slow-motion, d*ck-flopping, chase scene, ending in my getting disemboweled.Jade JolieA self-professed "Blonde Bimbo," Jade Jolie is bubblier, bloodier, and more focused on the crown than ever. Jolie credits her transition with her newfound confidence and is thrilled to return to Dragula to show the world who she really is the final girl to defeat all final girls.Instagram: @missjadejoliePast seasons: Dragula season 4Hometown: Gainesville, FLPronouns: She/herDrag style: Drag queenFavorite horror film: The CraftFavorite queer icon: Taylor SwiftHow would you die in a horror film? Exactly as Helen Shivers in I Know What You Did Last Summer. After a long chase and blonde.JahariaJaharia is here to bring the mess this season of Titans. A schemer through and through, Jaharia leans into her clown persona both on and off the mainstage to cause mischief and keep her fellow competitors in a state of chaos. Staying true to her roots, Jaharia emphasizes the DIY nature of her drag, but has elevated it to the level of a Titan.Instagram: @itsjahariaPast seasons: Dragula season 6Hometown: Kansas City, MOPronouns: She/herDrag style: Y2K alternative clownFavorite horror film: Trick 'r Treat; TerrifierFavorite queer icon: Billy PorterHow would you die in a horror film? If I had to die, it would be on my own volition, running from the killer.Jay KayKnown originally for their photography and makeup skills within Brooklyn nightlife, Jay Kay turned to drag as an additional artistic outlet and realized it was a calling early on in their career. While season five still saw them a little green, Jay Kay returned to Brooklyn after their stint on The Boulet Brothers' Dragula and spent their time refining their craft in costuming and stage performance to match their fierce makeup abilities.Instagram: @jaykay.bkPast seasons: Dragula season 5Hometown: Seattle, WA; Brooklyn, NYPronouns: AnyDrag style: Drag monsterFavorite horror film: Gremlins (don't come for me, those little freaks scared me as a kid and inspired my personality now)Favorite queer icon: Leigh Bowery bright colors, loud fashion, and an unabashed commitment to being themselves; they're the blueprint, but my makeup is betterHow would you die in a horror film? I already had a bloody alien burst out of my ass on camera. I don't think I can really beat that.La ZavaletaLa Zavaleta proves herself as the resident fashionista of The Boulet Brothers' Dragula all over again this Titans season delivering haute couture horror every time she graces the stage. With an eye for design, she has enhanced her costuming skills since season 4, bringing tighter, bigger, and more outlandish looks. As she competes for the crown, she proves she's still the queen of fierce one-liners and quick quips against her fellow competitors.Instagram: @la.zavaletaPast seasons: Dragula season 4Hometown: Mexico City, MexicoPronouns: Any/itDrag style: Drag queen; drag creatureFavorite horror film: El Orfanato by Guillermo del ToroFavorite queer icon: Ivy QueenHow would you die in a horror film? I'll be the killer. But if I have to die, I would die as a masterpiece featuring at the MoMA. Let's make it an event.LorisLoris the Latex queen is a local Los Angeles favorite who has been honing her skills since season 1 with costuming both for herself and other artists. Working almost exclusively within the latex space, Loris' creations bring an air of whimsy to The Boulet Brothers' Dragula stage. With a sharp eye for design and an off-kilter, joyful humor, bringing Loris back to Dragula is sort of like taking a trip through the poppy fields: A little surprising, a little disorienting, and a whole lot of fun.Instagram: @lorislatexPast seasons: Dragula season 1Hometown: Zurich, Switzerland; Los Angeles, CAPronouns: No preferenceDrag style: Latex queenFavorite horror film: Terrifier 2Favorite queer icon: The BabadookHow would you die in a horror film? Death by face sitting. Guess you could call it "ass-phyxiation"?Priscilla ChambersPriscilla Chambers the veritable class clown of any season she's on returns with her usual biting one-liners and well-timed comedic relief. With costumes as sharp and polished as her wit, Chambers is a force to be reckoned with as she blends her love for classic icons like Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe with a distinctly horrific twist.Instagram: @priscillachambersPast seasons: Dragula season 3; Dragula: ResurrectionHometown: Asheville, North CarolinaPronouns: She/herDrag style: Drag queenFavorite horror film: The Evil Dead franchise (all of them)Favorite queer icon: Jennifer Check from Jennifer's Body totally lesbi-gayHow would you die in a horror film? Turned into a Deadite. My trans ass would definitely open the Necronomicon. Mommy's with the f*****s now.Sigourney BeaverKnown for her hyperfeminine style and bombshell silhouettes, Sigourney Beaver returns to The Boulet Brothers' Dragula stage as one of the fiercest femme fatales the series has seen. With a refined approach to her classic aesthetic, Sigourney Beaver is the personification of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Between her strong background in the art of burlesque and a striking hunger to steal the crown from her sister Victoria, Beaver is poised to be a deliciously dangerous competitor on this round of Titans.Instagram: @sigourney.beaverPast seasons: Dragula season 4Hometown: Chicago, ILPronouns: She/herDrag style: Drag queenFavorite horror film: CarrieFavorite queer icon: Elvira Mistress of the DarkHow would you die in a horror film? If I had to die in a horror movie, I'd be ritualistic sacrificed to open a portal to hell.Watch:The Boulet Brothers' Dragula: Titans Season 2 Meet our monsters cast reveal

Mont X Change just got engaged!The Drag Race All Stars winner and co-host of Sibling Rivalry proposed to long-term boyfriend Andy Short and announced the news with a sweet Instagram post on Wednesday. The post featured a carousel of photos from the engagement, captioned, Locked in.A photo of Mont kissing Short on the cheek with her hand on his chest starts off the series of adorable photos that also includes multiple shots of the two men kissing and Mont being lifted into the air by Short as the newly minted fiances are surrounded by sunflowers.See on InstagramMonts Drag Race family were some of the first to congratulate the happy couple on their exciting news.Season 13 queen Denali wrote, omggg congrats monet!!RuPaul's Drag Race judge Michelle Visage commented, OMG CONGRATS!!!!!yaaaasssssss!!!! Congrats, aeason 16 competitor Morphine Love Dion added, while All Stars 10 star Kerri Colby wrote, Yessssss with a heart eyes emoji.Mont and Short first announced they were dating in 2020 and have been photographed together ever since, including at the 36th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in March 2025.Mont is best known for being a Drag Race alum where she competed on Drag Race season 10, took home the crown alongside Trinity the Tuck on All Stars 4, and placed runner-up on the all-winners season of All Stars, but she also cohosts two podcast, Sibling Rivalry with Bob the Drag Queen and the solo podcast Mont Talks.

Ben & Jerry's co-founder Jerry Greenfield has announced that he is resigning, accusing the ice cream brand's parent company of preventing him from speaking out for civil rights. Greenfield, 74, said in a statement posted by his business partner, Ben Cohen, that he would be leaving the company nearly five decades after the pair founded it. "It's with a broken heart that I've decided I can no longer, in good conscience, and after 47 years, remain an employee of Ben & Jerry's," Greenfield wrote. "I am resigning from the company Ben and I started back in 1978. This is one of the hardest and most painful decisions I've ever made." (@) Greenfield said that when packaged goods company Unilever bought Ben & Jerry's for $326 million in 2000, the "unique merger agreement" allowed them the independence to use their brand to speak out "in support of peace, justice, and human rights, not as abstract concepts, but in relation to real events happening in our world." Today, he claimed it's "profoundly disappointing to come to the conclusion that that independence, the very basis of our sale to Unilever, is gone.""And it's happening at a time when our country's current administration is attacking civil rights, voting rights, the rights of immigrants, women, and the LGBTQ community," Greenfield continued. "Standing up for the values of justice, equity, and our shared humanity has never been more important, and yet Ben & Jerry's has been silenced, sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power. It's easy to stand up and speak out when there's nothing at risk. The real test of values is when times are challenging and you have something to lose."Ben & Jerry's was one of the first brands to support marriage equality, renaming its signature Chubby Hubby flavor to "Hubby Hubby" at its Vermont shops after same-sex couples were granted the right to legally marry in 2009. Today, it is one of the major corporations that has stood by its diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, saying on its website that "instead of dismantling the programs designed to create equity across our society we should be dismantling white supremacy."Ben & Jerry's filed a lawsuit Unilever in November, accusing the company of violating its merger agreement by silencing its social media posts about Black Lives Matter and Palestine, firing the then-CEO David Stever for his posts, and blocking company donations to groups such as Jewish Voice for Peace and the Council on American Islamic Relations. "It was always about more than just ice cream; it was a way to spread love and invite others into the fight for equity, justice and a better world. Coming to the conclusion that this is no longer possible at Ben & Jerry's means I can no longer remain part of Ben & Jerry's," Greenfield concluded. "If I can't carry those values forward inside the company today, then I will carry them forward outside, with all the love and conviction I can."

Liniker, the first-ever out trans artist to win a Latin Grammy Award in 2022, is making history once again by receiving seven nominations for the 2025 Latin Grammys including all three "Big Four" categories that she was eligible for.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!Liniker, a Black trans woman born in Araraquara, Brazil, earned her first Latin Grammy nomination in 2019 as the lead singer of Os Caramelows and the group's album Goela Abaixo. As a solo artist, Liniker became the first-ever out trans artist to win a Latin Grammy Award in 2022 for her debut studio album Indigo Borboleta Anil.The nominees for the 26th Annual Grammy Awards were announced today by the Latin Recording Academy. Not only did Liniker receive seven nominations overall, but she was also included in all three of the "Big Four" categories she's eligible for: Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year. (For clarity: The fourth category that Liniker is ineligible for is Best New Artist which she is not.)Liniker's seven nominations at the 2025 Latin Grammys are:Album of the Year: CajuRecord of the Year: "Ao Teu Lado" (feat. Amaro Freitas e Anavitria)Song of the Year: "Veludo Marrom"Best Engineered Album: CajuBest Portuguese Language Contemporary Pop Album: CajuBest Portuguese-Language Urban Performance: CajuBest Portuguese Language Song: "Veludo Marrom"What about Wendy Carlos, Kim Petras, Sam Smith, and other trans or nonbinary artists?Music aficionados might recall that Wendy Carlos received seven Grammy nominations over the course of her career. However, six of all seven nominations received by Carlos and all three of her wins were from 1970 and 1971, and the American composer only came out as a trans woman in 1979, per reports. In 1989, Carlos received her seventh and final Grammy nomination, but didn't win.Another notable distinction is that Carlos was nominated for the English speaking-focused Grammy Awards, not the Latin Grammy Awards. This distinction also applies to other trans and nonbinary winners at the (non-Latin) Grammys, like Sam Smith and Kim Petras, to name a few.What about Arca?Venezuelan trans artist Arca received one nomination at the Grammy Awards (in 2021 for the album Kick I) and two nominations at the Latin Grammy Awards (in 2021 for Kick I; and in 2022 for Kick II).Alas, Arca hasn't won a Grammy (Latin or otherwise) so far.Who is Liniker?Liniker is a 30-year-old singer from Araraquara, Brazil who is best known in the MPB genre ("msica popular brasileira," which translates to "Brazilian popular music.") In 2015, Liniker disclosed in a G1 interview that her gender was fluid. The singer then came out as a trans woman in 2017 during an interview with Glamour.Many fans consider Liniker's live performance video of "Zero" as her breakout moment within mainstream culture in Brazil. Other popular songs and collabs from the artist include "Flutua" (with Johnny Hooker), "Caeu," "Baby95," "Calm," and "Caju" (title track of her sophomore album).As of this writing, Liniker has 2.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify and 1.8 million followers on Instagram.The 26th Latin Grammy Awards air Thursday, November 13, on TelevisaUnivision.

Jimmy Kimmel has been silenced.Not for glorifying violence. Not for mocking tragedy but for telling the truth. ABCs suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! is nothing short of a political execution carried out under the banner of corporate cowardice and wrapped in a sudden gotcha culture that has sinisterly sprung from the murder of Charlie Kirk.This slap at Kimmel is how censorship takes root. Its when a late-night comic delivers a stinging critique. The informant society that is MAGA howls, then Donald Trumps censorship flexes its arm, and a network folds. And networks folding to Trump is now the modus operandi of major media.These signals are unmistakable. Say something sharp about the wrong person, and you will be erased. Or worse than that. You will be destroyed. You will be marked. You will be labeled as someone who extols violence.Kimmel didnt celebrate Charlie Kirks death he, in fact, condemned it last week. The murder was horrific, and it demands sober condemnation. But Kimmels offense was speaking plainly, without any mention of violence. And he gets railed. Punished. Silenced. Censored.Related: Louisiana Republican demands social media companies delete anti-Charlie Kirk posts & ban usersBut what about the falsehoods that exploded in the hours afterward of Kirks shooting? A trans woman enduring hate for being falsely accused of his killing. The grotesque smears that tried to pin the crime on transgender people, who Kirk vehemently attacked. The baseless narrative about trans involvement pushed immediately after the tragedy, for political points. That was cruelty. The New York Post frothed at the mouth with sensational headlines lies, hurtful lies and all of them get to keep on lying.No one is attacking, firing, or punishing anyone who screamed "murderers" at trans people after Kirk died.Kimmels rebuttal was honesty. And yet honesty is what got him yanked off the air. Lies and violent rhetoric fill right-wing media, podcasts, and social media. And nary a word is spoken. And yet, when its from someone who Trump deems dangerous, its an all-out war. This time, at Kimmel, its coming from many fronts.Whats happening here is no accident. The Federal Communications Commission chair signaled his displeasure, Nexstar affiliates lined up behind the outrage, and ABC caved. This isnt accountability. Far, far from it. Its a purge of anyone Trump deems the enemy. When regulators and station groups enforce partisan standards, they become tools of censorship, not guardians of the public interest. The danger isnt subtle. Its systemic, and its going to keep spreading. Just watch whats going on around this country right now with Kirks death.Even the troops have been warned. Reports say service members are being threatened with consequences if they speak out critically about Kirk. Those are the very people who defend our freedoms, and they are now being told to guard their words or risk reprisal. Politico says that the Kirk watch has startled troops, who fear an increasing stranglehold on what theyre allowed to say.If our troops are afraid to practice free speech, God help us.If comedians and soldiers alike are intimidated into silence, then free speech in America is no longer a principle. Its a privilege granted only to those who flatter Donald Trump, who say what he says, believe in what he does, laugh when he laughs, and attack when he says, Stand back and stand by.Weve seen this before, and we were shocked. Stephen Colberts late-night empire was canceled under the flimsy cover of financial restructuring. Right! It was Paramount/CBS that was afraid that the same Trump FCC would nullify its mega-dollar deal. So it put Colberts head on a platter and presented it to King Donald.And ABC already caved to Trump by wrongly setting his suit in December, before he was sworn in, against anchor George Stephanopoulos. It was sickening, and it started the domino effect.Now Kimmel joins him as the next target in a campaign to black out dissent from the airwaves. Each time a network caves, the boundaries of what can be said shrink further, and the cost of speaking out rises higher.The right wing screamed at the left about cancel culture. What a bunch of phonies. This isnt cancel culture, because cancel culture is messy, chaotic, and sometimes cruel, but its organic. Whats happening here is ordered, weaponized, state-endorsed censorship. And the hypocrisy is galling. The same MAGA crowd that screamed about woke mobs now cheers when a critic is silenced. Theyve swapped free speech for enforced speech and are using the guise of civility as a cudgel, and respect for free speech as a bludgeon.This is about more than a late-night show. Its about whether criticism of power remains possible in a country that is rapidly sliding toward authoritarianism.If jokes and monologues are grounds for erasure, then satire dies, dissent dies, and democracy dies. And if America shrugs this off, the last independent voices on our airwaves will soon vanish, leaving only a single, state-approved narrative.And to think this all picked up steam because a right-wing extremist named Charlie Kirk preached free speech. If they truly wanted to honor his memory, then they would immediately stop this madness.Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit Advocate.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists, and editors, and do not directly represent the views of The Advocate or our parent company, equalpride.

There's been a lot of talk lately about what Chicagoans should do in the face of rising political hostility toward our community. Now more than ever, we need a reminder of what still brings us together, what still makes us strong.For me, that reminder came on a crowded dancefloor at Market Days in Chicago, under the lights of CircuitMOM!.I will never forget the first gay club DJ I saw in Indianapolis, Indiana: DJ Deanne. Back then, in the Midwest club scene, she was already a legendsomeone who could fill a floor from the first beat and keep it moving until closing. Fiona Buckland describes mnesis in nightlife as a complex fusion of personal history, music, and movement. That interplay was on full display when I watched her perform at CircuitMOM!.In my late 20s, her music became my coming-out anthems; now, in my 40s, it calls upon me to reflect on my life as unapologetically queer. Even back then, I was different from other gaysmy gothness, my aloof personalityand little has changed in that regard. But what has changed is my ability to see and appreciate beauty in all things: the soft glance of a stranger across the dancefloor, the perfect sync of a fan clack with a bass drop, and the quiet intimacy that exists even in a crowd of thousands.Market Days has a storied place in Chicago's gay history. Established in 1982 by the Northalsted Business Alliance, then a coalition of small business owners in what was, and remains, Chicago's Boystown, the festival began as a modest neighborhood street fair showcasing local shops, bars, and artists. Over the decades, it grew into the largest street festival in the Midwest, stretching along North Halsted from Belmont to Addison and drawing more than 200,000 attendees. It became not only an economic engine for gay-owned businesses but also a cultural anchor point in Chicagoland's gay life and an intersection where music, performance, and politics intermingle in the open air. Market Days Chicago CircuitMOM party 2025SMK Photography for CircuitMOMCircuitMOM! is one of the weekend's marquee events, translating the festival's street-level energy into an immersive nighttime performance staged at venues like the historic Aragon Ballroom. "CircuitMOM! has always been about more than music," founder Matthew Harvat told me. "It's about creating a space where people can live their truth out loud, without apology. If we can give people even one night of feeling fully themselves, then we've done our job."Like any other subculture, circuit-goers create hierarchies rooted in authenticity, translating subcultural capital into both social and economic capital. For the uninitiated, circuit parties are the gay world's answer to rave festivals. While both share roots in underground culture, they've evolved into distinct scenes, serving different audiences with different traditions. At their core, both are about letting go and expressing an unfiltered, authentic self within a large-scale spectacle.One defining difference between raves and circuit parties is the age diversity in the gay circuit. Because gay people rarely have spaces where we can fully express ourselves, these events become both a party and a collective performance of survival and belonging. They are also mirrors, reflecting to us the different selves we have been, and showing us the selves we are still becoming.That sense of recognition carried into the moments between songs. Despite being in a major city, I was reminded how small the gay world can feel. I ran into people I knew from my travels and from my fieldwork: folks from Las Vegas, Indianapolis, Washington D.C., and, of course, my current home of Kansas City. Those brief reunions weren't just social niceties; they were reminders that this network of faces, bodies, and histories is what we have built in the absence of full societal acceptance. It was, after all, partygoersnot the federal governmentwho traced their own contacts to slow the spread of monkeypox, just as Kansas City's community leaders once stepped in to care for people with HIV and AIDS when institutions failed.While there are criticisms of these events as homogeneous spaces, there was real diversity in the room. One of the dancers was a Bear. Women, though not in significant numbers, were present. Ages varied among the revelers. These shifts reflect a broader transition from gay spaces to more inclusive spaces, a change Greggor Mattson has written about as both an economic necessity and a cultural evolution. Market Days Chicago CircuitMOM party 2025SMK Photography for CircuitMOMOf course, not everyone is thrilled about this shift. The loudest resistance often comes from gay men my age or older, many of whom reject the word "queer" outright. At the core of their discomfort is an anxiety that they will no longer be catered to, that they will be forgotten. The Trump administration's quiet removal of "queer" from official spaces like the historic Stonewall National Monument was a reminder of how language signals political alignment. For some, "queer" is a rejection of assimilation into dominant culture. For others, it is a bridge too far. But as I stood in that ballroom, I realized our history has never been about perfect agreementit's been about showing up for each other, even when we disagree, and keeping the music playing.Events like Market Days and CircuitMOM! aren't just parties. They are declarations that say we are still here, we still dance, and we refuse to be small. In a moment when political forces are working hard to erase us, there is power in bodies pressed together on the dancefloor. That is what gay joy looks like. Not a distraction from the struggle, but one of our oldest and fiercest forms of resistance.Christopher T. Conner is the Stephen O. Murray Faculty-in-Residence at Michigan State University.Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit out.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on any of our stories. Email us at voices@equalpride.com. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists, and editors, and do not directly represent the views of Out or our parent company, equalpride.

When Ozempic and similar GLP-1 drugs were approved at higher doses as weight-loss treatments, many saw them as miracle drugs. Hollywood hopped on the trend, and an already slender city managed to slim down even more, and quickly. So, its no surprise that image-conscious queer folks have also jumped on the GLP-1 bandwagon, to the point where its become a bit of an inside joke.While these drugs are no doubt life-saversparticularly for folks using them to control type-2 diabetes or for those who have found their ability to quiet food noisethey arent without side effects. For one thing, rapid weight loss can cause loose skin, sometimes in unexpected places.But it can also have impacts on bottoming. For gay men and other folks across the LGBTQ+ community who enjoy anal sex, its important to be informed about how side effects can change how you prepare for sex and what to watch out for. To learn more about what bottoms need to know about Ozempic, PRIDE spoke with experts Dr. Austin Shuxiao, MD, owner of a mobile IV therapy company in NYC, and Chris Bustamante, DNP, NP-C, owner and CEO of Lushful Aesthetics, for the skinny on what bottoms should be prepared for when using Ozempic and similar drugs, and for their advice how to manage potential side effects.How Ozempic and similar drugs work and what that means for your digestionIn a nutshell, Ozempic and similar drugs promote weight loss by making you less hungry. In more technical terms, it is known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means It mimics the hormone GLP-1, which stimulates insulin release, reduces glucagon, and slows gastric emptying, which means food leaves your stomach more slowly, Dr. Shuxiao tells PRIDE. This means you feel full longer and have a reduced appetite.While your hunger is reduced, it can also lead to a handful of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. But more importantly for bottoms, Dr. Shuxiao says it will adjust the entire rhythm of your digestive tract to be slower, and thus can lead to irregular bowel habits.Even the most seasoned bottom may find that the consistency and frequency of their stool can change while on Ozempic. [It] may become firmer and harder to pass for some, while for others it may lead to softer and more frequent stools, says Dr. Shuxiao. These effects are the most significant when the dose is started or adjusted and will improve over time as the body adjusts.What that means for bottoms.If you thought bottoms had their work cut out for themselves already, Ozempic can add layers of complexity in the bedroom because it can cause unpredictability in digestion.It may be harder to ensure the rectum is empty and comfortable during sex due to the unpredictable nature of bowel movements during this time, Dr. Shuxiao warns, adding, there may also be increased flatulence and bloating that may make both parties feel uncomfortable and can lead to embarrassing accidents or leakage during anal sex, too.While Dr. Shuxiao has not conducted a study on the subject, he cites anecdotal accounts, in which uncontrollable diarrhea and constant feeling of not being 100% clean is common for individuals on Ozempic who engage in anal play.To help combat some of these effects, Bustamante highlights the even greater importance of a high-fiber diet for bottoms. [Its] key in order to make the cleaning out process minimal and simple. But when patients are on Ozempic, they will need to account for even more fiber as digestion is naturally slower, he says.There is also an increased chance of anal fissures, warns Dr. Shuxiao. The skin around the anal area may also be much more tender or irritated compared to normal, due to going to the bathroom more frequently or constipation, which are a common cause of anal fissures and are exacerbated during anal sex. All of which means taking safe-sex precautions, like keeping up with your PrEP and DoxyPEP and condom use, is even more essential for tending to your sexual health and well-being. So how should bottoms using Ozempic be prep for the bedroom?As always, diet is a big factor in being ready to bottommore fiber intake, as Bustamante suggested, but also, Dr. Shuxiao recommends probiotic supplements to help ensure more even stool consistency.Also, douching, says Dr. Shuxiao, can help bottoms feel more confident that they are ready to go when the time comes. They should also perform a brief anal rinse before sex to feel confident and clean. The medication may leave stool softer or stickier than normal, so even if they used a regular enema before, they may need to use an enema more frequently than before to maintain a similar level of cleanliness, he explains.Can fat loss or other effects of these drugs impact anal anatomy?While changes and unpredictability of digestion are the biggest impacts on bottoming while on a GLP-1 drug, Dr. Shuxiao does point out that Ozempic butt exists, "which is a sagging or deflated appearance of the behind due to rapid weight loss. Fortunately, its more of an aesthetic issue, which will not directly harm your anal sphincter or an individual's ability to have anal sex, assures Dr. Shuxiao.One thing to consider, however, is that while on Ozempic and similar drugs, there is also the potential to rapidly lose muscle tissue, which Dr. Shuxiao warns may impact the pelvic floor muscles and gluteal and core muscles, which may alter how tense the body can be during sex. This is why both increased protein intake and weight training are often suggested while on GLP-1 drugs.What other precautionary steps can you take, to help ensure your sex life thrives?OK, thats a lot, and who wants to give up the joys of bottoming? No one! Which is why the experts suggest the following tips:Keep hydrated to keep the gut motile and to prevent stool from being too hard or compacted.Practice pelvic floor exercises or pelvic floor relaxation techniques to optimize the muscles in that region.Use gentle wiping techniques or water rinses like a bidet to ensure anal skin is protected.Communication is key. Be upfront with your partner about your situation. Most people are aware of Ozempics reputation and will likely be understanding if you need extra time to prepare beforehand.Exercise in conjunction with a higher-fiber, high-protein diet to help keep digestion regular. When the body is regularly in motion, it aids digestion by regulating peristalsis, which is the pulsation of the intestines that keeps our bowels moving.High protein intake is critical to prevent muscle wasting, but you may want to avoid whey protein, as its dairy-based and may contribute to excess bloating.If you find yourself struggling with anal tightness or constipation (whether related to Ozempic or not), then consider HoleTox.Ultimately, Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs are relatively new, so we are still learning a lot about how they can be helpful and of their side effects. This is why its essential for bottoms to know the facts and make the choices that best suit them, both in and out of the bedroom.Sources cited: Dr. Austin Shuxiao, MD, owner a mobile IV therapy company in NYC Chris Bustamante DNP, NP-C, owner & CEO of Lushful Aesthetics

Virginia hosts one of two high profile elections this year attracting national attention, alongside the race for governor of New Jersey. Voters in Virginia will decide three powerful statewide leaders Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General. LGBTQ topics and people are once again part of the campaign conversation. LGBTQ people make up nearly 4% [...]The post Election 2025: Virginia Gubernatorial, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General Candidates on the Record on LGBTQ Issues first appeared on GLAAD.

The LGBTQ+ community, allies, pundits, and other celebs are reacting to Jimmy Kimmel being suspended.Below, an overview of the social media posts reacting to ABC pulling Jimmy Kimmel Live!.Wanda SykesSee on InstagramWanda Sykes shared an Instagram Reel and revealed that she was actually scheduled to be on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday.According to the comedian's video, she learned that the show was pulled on the same day.Max Tani (@) Max Tani wrote:"The union representing the musicians from Jimmy Kimmels band releases a statement calling the FCC's pressure on Disney "state censorship.'"Rosie O'DonnellSee on InstagramRosie O'Donnell wrote:"This is unacceptable fuck this fascist administration and corrupt corporate executives bowing to the orange monster America is no more."Billy EichnerBilly Eichner shared the official statement from the Writers' Guild West.Jean SmartSee on InstagramJean Smart wrote:"I am horrified at the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live. What Jimmy said was FREE speech, not hate speech. People seem to only want to protect free speech when it suits THEIR agenda. Though I didnt agree at ALL with Charlie Kirk; his shooting death sickened me; and should have sickened any decent human being. What is happening to our country?"Margaret ChoSee on InstagramMargaret Cho shared an X post referencing the allegations that Trump is on the Epstein list.Ben Stiller (@) Ben Stiller wrote:"This isn't right."Alison BrieAlison Brie wrote:"This is unreal. And very scary"HalseyHalsey wrote:"We're in the 'tell on your friends and neighbors,' 'extreme censorship,' 'indistinguishable propaganda' part of the fascism, in case it wasn't clear."Bowen YangBowen Yang shared Bess Bell Kalb's original post, which reads:"This is what Kimmel said. This is what got him yanked off the air. This is factual information: The MAGA Gang is desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it. In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving."Andy Herren (@) Andy Herren wrote:"This Jimmy Kimmel news should really scare you!!!!!!"Kandy MuseKandy Muse wrote:"I just want you all to know that this is literally going to be the future of television under this administration, unfortunately."Joel Kim BoosterJoel Kim Booster wrote:"If you think they'll stop at job loss, you're fooling yourself. If you're cheering this from the sidelines now, congrats on going fully mask off. You're either evil or stupid or both."Brandon Wolf (@) Brandon Wolf shared a still image of a news show in North Korea.Benito SkinnerBenito Skinner also shared Bess Bell Kalb's original post.Karla MosleyKarla Mosley wrote:"America, we are not ok."Freddy ScottFreddy Scott wrote:"There's a word that describes when the government starts forcibly policing and silencing dissent."Bianca Del RioBianca Del Rio shared an Instagram Reel from Jessica Craven.In the video, Craven questions Donald Trump's comments comparing Jimmy Kimmel to "degenerate art."Marissa BodeMarissa Bode wrote:"Completely spineless employers folding so easily, digging us deeper into fascism.How do you go to bed at night knowing you're nothing more than a 'yes man' puppet? What do you really stand for? Do you even have a clue? And a lot of touuugh talk for the party of 'free speech.'"Isaac Cole PowellIsaac Cole Powell wrote:"REMEMBER WHEN REPUBLICANS WERE ANTI-CANCEL CULTURE?"Natasha RothwellNatasha Rothwell also shared Bess Bell Kalb's original post.Gus KenworthyGus Kenworthy wrote:"Welcome to facism."Matt RogersMatt Rogers shared a post about Brian Kilmeade and Fox News. He wrote:"But not fired?Ruby RoseRuby Rose shared an X post alongside a video of Donald Trump denouncing censorship.Jordan C. BrownJordan C. Brown wrote:"This is a five alarm fire for free speechWays to fight back:- cancel your Hulu and Disney+ subscriptions- don't visit Disney parks or buy Disney products- if you work for Disney or ABC, whether corporate, parks or you're an actor or producer or crew on a production, consider staying home from work tomorrow if you're able- if you live near a Disney HQ, park, or retail store, consider joining a peaceful protest. Make a sign! Shame on Disney!"Sophia Bush wrote:"Why did Kimmel get fired for playing the tape of what Trump said?? Seriously. If this doesn't alarm you, you're not paying attention. Once the rules are suspended for anyone, they're suspended for all of us."Caleb HearonCaleb Hearon wrote:"These networks will really jerk themselves off about 'empowering artists' and then drop your ass the second you say something that isn't Maximally Brand Aligned for Shareholder Comfort or whatever. Spineless, cowardly shit."Jeremy McClainJeremy McClain wrote:"Truly disgusted by the state of America and the world in general. We're slowly being stripped away of our rights at the hand of an egomaniacal clown. Charlie kirk was a stochastic terrorist. Racism isn't an 'opinion.' Transphobia isn't an 'opinion.' Homophobia isn't an 'opinion.' The cognitive dissonance and selective empathy of this regime and its supporters is mind blowing. If that includes you, please unfollow me. Justice for trey reed. Free Palestine. Fuck Trump."Kevin McHaleKevin McHale wrote:"Now we know how a lot of you would have reacted in early 1930s Germany."Jim Acosta (@) Jim Acosta wrote:"Jimmy Kimmel deserves better than this. Hes a class act. Case in point - after my first appearance on his show back in 2018, he very thoughtfully asked whether I was receiving adequate security at that time, as Trump was repeatedly smearing journalists as 'the enemy of the people,' comments that resulted in threats aimed at many of us in the White House Press Corps. Ill never forget that moment of kindness from Jimmy. It spoke volumes. Make no mistake, our right to free speech is under attack in this country. This right must be defended as it is essential to the American way of life."

The assassination of Charlie Kirk is being used for more than grief. It has become political fuel. In the days since, the Trump administration and its allies have leaned on the event not simply to mourn but to consolidate control: to fundraise, to weaponize narrative, and to punish dissent. Educators, journalists, and ordinary workers have lost jobs for comments that diverge from the sanctioned line.Now, the assault on speech has escalated further not only in workplaces and classrooms, but on the airwaves themselves. On September 17, ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air indefinitely after Kimmel criticized political actors for exploiting Kirks killing. Local stations, prodded by Nexstar and Sinclair, led the charge but the pressure echoed from Washington, where the administration and the FCC hinted at regulatory consequences.This is not a media spat. It is a demonstration of how censorship migrates from cultural policing to formal suppression how dissenting voices are muted not by accident, but by design.For queer people and for anyone who is not straight, white, and Christian in this country the implications are terrifyingly familiar. Our histories have always involved erasure, forced silence, punishment for being visible. Todays wave of censorship is not an aberration. It is part of a continuum: bans on queer books, attacks on trans youth, the criminalization of drag performances. It is all the same project the narrowing of who is allowed to speak, who is allowed to exist.I know what that erasure feels like. Growing up queer in a conservative New Mexico town, I was targeted with violence until I had to leave school for my own safety. Music became my lifeline; artists like Tori Amos, Skunk Anansie, Kathleen Hanna, and Courtney Love modeled defiance and survival when few queer elders were left to do so. They showed me that rage could be sacred, that survival could be loud.That is why I still believe in making art that resists silence. But the point isnt just the music. Its the refusal to be quiet, the insistence on being heard at a time when suppression is becoming policy.The Trump administrations response to Kirks death reveals a dangerous trajectory: tragedy becomes justification for silencing critics, narrative becomes property of the state, mourning becomes compulsory. That is not democracy. That is authoritarian conditioning.Those who argue that Kimmels removal was a private, corporate decision miss the deeper pattern: when institutional platforms are weaponized to enforce ideological conformity, that is censorship even if it lacks a formal mandate. And when a late-night host someone meant to provoke, to skewer power is pulled from the air for stepping over an invisible line, that should terrify every believer in free expression.Weve seen this before. In the 1950s, McCarthyism and the Hollywood blacklist created a climate where deviation from the accepted script was treated as disloyalty. Writers and performers were silenced, often on rumor or suspicion alone, and institutions capitulated to fear. The effect was chilling: generations of artists and citizens learned to censor themselves. Todays moment echoes that era. The tactics have shifted, but the aim is the same to shrink the space of public life until only sanctioned voices remain.The responsibility of artists and of all citizens who still believe in pluralism is not to whisper around that fact. It is to say it plainly, and to resist. The point of free expression is not to soothe power but to check it.If silence becomes the default, only the sanctioned survive. And those of us who know what silence feels like, who have lived through it, must roar back.Josh Ackley is a political strategist and the frontman of the queerpunk band The Dead Betties. @momdarkness @thedeadbettiesVoices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit out.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on any of our stories. Email us at voices@equalpride.com. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists, and editors, and do not directly represent the views of Out or our parent company, equalpride.