Evan Ross Katz got hot and heavy with Jonathan Groff in a new interview.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!Tony Award winner Jonathan Groff appeared on Katz's podcast, Shut Up Evan, and seemed to be more candid about his personal life than he's been in the past. Among other things, Groff discussed his process to filming sex scenes, how he feels about his body, and even chimed in with his thoughts on leather as a tool for fetish.Groff is currently starring in the Bobby Darin musical Just in Time on Broadway. Given how physical this role can be, Groff detailed his fitness routine, gave himself props for being in the best shape of his life, and revealed that he appears wearing just his underwear during the musical."I just felt like doing it," Groff said, noting that the director and other crew members involved with this stage production of Just In Time made sure that he wanted to do it and didn't feel pressured to say yes.See on Instagram"They were very respectful of me being demure and not wanting to show my body, and now I don't even think about it," Groff added. "I enjoy the flirtation between performer and audience, of stripping down and showing a little skin."Katz and Groff also spoke about the concept of onscreen nudity."Usually, when I'm naked and I'm having sex on camera, I'm not thinking about how my body looks," the actor explained. "It's not like presenting my body to the camera, or presenting the body on stage. It's intimate; the lighting is a huge part of it."Groff continued, "And, you know, the blocking of the fucking," subsequently turning to Katz's mother off-camera. "Hi, mom!"Katz also asked Groff about the leather assless chaps he bought to attend Beyonc's Cowboy Carter Tour. Should all gay men experience chaps?"If they want to," Groff replied. "Honestly, for me, it awakened things in me. I got, like, very excited. It felt amazing."The actor concluded, "Seeing people in harnesses, I was like, 'What is that? Why do they do that?' And then I put it on, and I was like, 'I love this.'"Watch Jonathan Groff's full interview on Shut Up Evan, hosted by Evan Ross Katz, below.

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.Briel Adams-Wheatley is a presence the kind that lingers in a room like extrait de parfum or the last note of a favorite song. Born with Hanhart syndrome a rare congenital disorder marked by a combination of physical differences present at birth she was born in Brazil and then adopted into the sun-drenched stillness of Utah at 9 months old. From the start, it seemed she was destined to be anything but ordinary. A vision in lashes and candor, Adams-Wheatley doesnt just paint her face she paints the internet in strokes of defiance and glamour. With nearly 5 million TikTok admirers watching her blend blush with bravery, shes not merely influencing shes reimagining what beauty can be. Shes danced through White House Pride celebrations, turned heads in the front row at Fashion Week, and now, shes glided onto screens in Season 4 of Dating PrEP.Darling, she isnt a whisper in the wind shes the whole storm in lip gloss. And in the following Q&A, she lets us into her glittering, unfiltered heart sharing iconic date stories, navigating dating apps, handling fetishization, and how one good coffee shop date led to nearly four blissful years of marriage with her husband, Adam.OUT: How did you typically meet people to date?Briel Adams-Wheatley: I was on Grindr, Tinder, Hot or Not, Bumble, Facebook Dating your girl did it all.When you were dating, how did you read online social cues?Honestly, in the early days, I missed a lot of red flags. I wanted love and attention so badly I ignored them. Looking back, Id say: make sure you have a clear head going into dating and know what you want.Any tips on how to start online conversations?For me, having a physical disability, I felt being very open and honest from the beginning was important not just for my protection, but also to make sure the other person was comfortable moving forward.What about tips on building confidence to be ones authentic self when dating?Putting yourself out there takes confidence from the start, so youve got to give yourself props for that. Know what you want and be sure youre going to get it and dont put up with any bull along the way.You once shared that your adoptive mom encouraged you to name things you love about yourself. How did that shape your confidence?She really instilled in me that being different was OK and beautiful. It took time and effort to accept that, especially in junior high. People love and hate whats different, and thats hard. But youve got to put in the work to love yourself. No one else can do that for you.What are your self-care rituals before a date?My go-to is doing my makeup, prepping myself mentally, emotionally, and physically, and telling myself, You got this. If something comes out of it, great. If not, move on to the next.How does makeup influence your confidence and dating life?Makeups been huge for me. I think of all of us as blank canvases, and makeup is how we paint ourselves whether with bold strokes or a soft touch. Youre the one holding the brush. You get to decide how you present yourself to the world.What advice do you have for people who fear rejection?Youve got to be yourself always. And ask yourself: Is this really me? I know when I first started dating during my transition, I looked back and thought, That wasnt me. Who I am now is exactly who I wanted to be back then. It takes time to get there, and you cant worry about being cringe.Speaking of cringe... any memorable, cringe date stories?Oh, my most cringe date was with a guy who thought he was the best singer ever. He picked me up, told me about his music career, and dropped a few bars I dont know if Id ever want to hear him again. Then he wanted to go back to my place and watch The Little Mermaid. He started singing Under the Sea, and I wanted out of that sea real quick.And your most iconic date?Definitely with my husband. I had dated a lot of guys who were into me for the wrong reasons some just wanted attention or had a fetish about someone without arms or legs. Some people have weird fetishes when it comes to bodies that are different. But my husband was different. We met on Tinder I swiped first, even though he claims he did and he suggested a coffee date. At the coffee shop, they had board games, and without me saying a word, he asked for a cup to hold the dice and something to hold the cards. He thought of my needs before I did. That night ended with dinner at my place, The Kardashians, and him staying until 2 a.m. We saw each other every day for two weeks after that. I even tried to take a break because I wasnt used to that kind of affection, but my sister-in-law was like, Are you stupid? Weve been inseparable ever since.What would you say to someone whos stuck in a mindset of Im not good enough for this or I dont deserve this person?Even with my husband, I tried to sabotage things because I wasnt used to healthy love. Sometimes it takes hearing it from someone else someone whos seen what youve been through to remind you what you deserve.What advice would you give queer folks on taking care of their sexual health when dating?Know your status, know your partners status, and know your boundaries. Be OK with saying no if something feels off and respect when someone else says no, too.Any last words for queer folks who feel love is harder to find these days?Love yourself first. RuPaul says it all the time if you cant love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.

The last time the world received music from Robyn was in 2018's Honey, which was released to widespread critical acclaim. However, it seems that the Robyn drought may be coming to an end.Klas hlund, a producer and one of Robyn's longtime collaborators, recently appeared on Nordmark Pod and said:"Just finished a new Robyn album that's coming out. Super exciting! Very proud of it." (@) Robyn is known to take a while between albums. For instance, there was an eight-year gap between the last two.In April, the Swedish singer spoke about it a bit in an interview with PAPER, where she was asked about her tendency to release music and then disappear from the public eye for years. Robyn said that she's been in the studio a lot lately, making new music. "That's what I've been doing for the last two years, but I've also had a baby, so my life has been very domestic and Stockholm-based," she explained and said that having a baby made her excited to make music again because what once felt like work, now feels like a vacation (she said with a laugh).The world hasn't heard much from Robyn in terms of new music in the last few years. She has been a featured artist on several collaborations over the last few years, including the remix of Charli XCX's "360" last year. Robyn also took part in Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary celebration earlier this year, performing her timeless hit "Dancing on My Own" and the Talking Heads' "This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)" with David Byrne.

Elliot Page made his new relationship red carpet official!While attending the premiere of Gucci's new short film, The Tiger, actor and activist Elliot Page made his red carpet debut with girlfriend, Julia Shiplett. Page is one of the actors in the short film from Spike Jonze and Halina Reijn.The Umbrella Academy star, who came out as trans in 2020, is the same age as Shiplett: They're both 38.Shiplett is a comedian and actor who has appeared in shows like High Maintenance and Love Life, as well as the movie Happiness for Beginners. Most recently, she played Mimi, a queer college student with a past connection to Benny's older sister, Grace, in the hit comedy Overcompensating.See on InstagramShiplett shared an Instagram post that reads, "An honor to be a @gucci girl for the night and the tallest woman in Milano."The post includes several photos with Page, including one where he and Shiplett stand with their arms around each other, and another where Page is standing next to a Cadillac Seville.See on InstagramIn June, Page posted a picture of himself with Shiplett on a rainbow-painted road, accompanied by a caption featuring a rainbow emoji and a pink heart emoji. Shiplett commented on the post, saying, "oh hiii xx."Shiplett also posted a video on her Instagram Stories showing Page shirtless ina hot spring with the caption, "Happy prideee," according to People.Page and his ex-wife Emma Portner divorced in 2021 after being married since 2018.

Lukas Gage is slowly sharing more details about the disillusionment of his short-lived marriage to celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton. Specifically, the Euphoria and The White Lotus actor discussed how he wasn't able to recognize himself at certain points in that relationship.Since discussing that a "manic episode" led him to walk down the aisle in a 2024 interview, Gage opted out of sharing too many details about the relationship and obviously its ending, too.Recently, Gage was asked on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast if he wishes he hadn't gotten married in an episode of Hulu's The Kardashians. The actor offered a nuanced response remarking that he has no regrets about getting married on national television, but also doesn't recognize that version of himself who got married in Las Vegas while wearing a fur coat. See on Instagram "There is a very crazy way that sometimes we go about prescribing people medication," Gage added. "I can joke about it and have humility and laugh about it because it's funny and it's like, whatever, it's a good story."Podcast host Amanda Hirsch then asked if Gage feels like the lack of medication was the reason he ended up going through with the marriage. "Look, I'm not gonna put the blame on that," he replied. "There was a part of me that was in love, or felt like he was in love and happy and just going with the flow." The actor then corrected himself, "Or thought he was happy and going with the flow." Gage ended his statement saying, "But there was another part of me that I didn't recognize myself and everyone around me didn't recognize who I was."Gage's ex has spoken up about their divorce and the "private pain" he dealt with during their marriage on an episode of Jay Shetty's podcast. Beyond revealing that he was the one to file for divorce, Appleton explained that the marriage ended because they just weren't "aligned" as two individuals in a relationship.

Written by Cora Cartagena About the Author: Cora Trelles Cartagena, MPH, serves as the Manager for GLOW and NextGen: Emerging Leaders Fellowship at NMAC under the Coalition for Justice & Equality Across Movements, where she directs leadership-building public health programs designed to invest in women and youth. She is a first-generation Peruvian immigrant whose advocacy [...]The post Investing in Latina Women Is the Future of Ending the HIV Epidemic first appeared on GLAAD.

Jillian Michaels' talk show, Her Take, flew off the rails this week when she and her fellow panelists Ana Kasparian, Amy Dangerfield, and Lindy Li spoke about the conspiracy theories surrounding the death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.On Monday's episode, Michaels, grew increasingly frustrated with the roundtable as the four women attempted to discuss unsubstantiated theories about Israel's involvement in Kirk's death. Kasparian, who hosts the online news show The Young Turks, criticized Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, for using the moment for his own political purposes by talking up his relationship with Kirk. - YouTube www.youtube.com Michaels, who rose to fame as the host of The Biggest Loser, took issue with the fact that Kasparian continued to deride Israel and its prime minister, leading her to say, "I don't know how every show ends being about, 'How do we bash Israel?' This is not for me." Michaels then closed her laptop and walked off set, but as she was leaving, Kasparian took one last jab at the fitness influencer, saying, "Lets be good about precious Israel! Let the country commit a genocide." As she exited the set, Michaels could be heard muttering, "I think you guys are great. I fundamentally disagree with you about, every show, doing this. I'm sorry." But once she was gone, the remaining panelists decided to continue their discussion after getting the OK from a producer.The former reality TV host found herself in hot water recently after the release of a Netflix docuseries centered around the toxic environment that was fostered on The Biggest Loser. But, at this point, she's no stranger to bad press. Over the past few years, Michaels has been at the center of multiple controversies, including for sharing that she voted for Donald Trump in 2024, openly supports Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" campaign, and "thinks that it's wrong to medicalize gender transitions for children."

Donald Trump has spent his entire life trying awkwardly and illegally to sleaze his way to the top. Yet every time he climbs, he slides right back down. Failed businesses, casino bankruptcies, disastrous investments, and political chaos all form the same pattern: for Trump, things always go down, and never up. Which is why I couldnt help but laugh when he and Melania (she did not look pleased, probably thinking another dead end with this stinky guy) tried to ride an up escalator at the United Nations on Monday, only for it to grind to a sudden stop. It was a perfect metaphor. Trump is forever stalled in his quest to rise higher. He blames others, threatens lawsuits, and lashes out, but he never truly ascends. He is his own worst enemy. Hes never wrong.Related: How, under Donald Trump, we are increasingly becoming unapologetically unapologeticWeve seen this escalator imagery before. In 2015, Trump descended the escalator at Trump Tower to announce his candidacy for president. That moment wasnt just the start of his political career. It was also the start of Americas descent into a downward spiral.From that ride down, the country was dragged into division, cruelty, and incompetence. He turned people against each other, botched the pandemic response, and unleashed a racist and dictatorial backlash to George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement. He even held a Bible upside down, indicative of a truly rock-bottom moment in American history.Related: Its Easter, and Trump spent Holy Week hawking a BibleHe brought crooks, convicts, and racists into the White House (and some stuck around, like Stephen Miller). And worst of all, he tried to overturn a democratic election, inspiring the violent mob that stormed the Capitol on January 6t, 202. That was a descent of historic proportions, perhaps the lowest moment for American democracy.HIs first presidential down ride was almost catastrophic.Now comes the escalator freeze heard round the world. It stopped Trump dead in his tracks, and I cant stop thinking about how fitting it was. Because in the end, I believe our democracy will stop him in the same way that is abruptly, firmly, and in full view of the world.As an aside, and no irony here, was that Trump, who was likely embarrassed to be stopped, tried to find someone to blame. His press secretary screamed a conspiracy. But turns out, it was the bumbling team Trump behind the stall.Back to the halt. The metaphor is not to say Trump hasnt done damage. He has. His second term has been just as destructive as his first, perhaps more so, and the breadth of that damage is astounding. But the question is whether he can succeed in remaking America into the dictatorship he clearly craves. I dont think so.Why? Because Trump is not a dictator in the mold of Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinping. Those men are calculating, cunning, and disciplined, words you would never use to describe Trump. Kim Jong Un may not be a genius, but he inherited his dynasty; the machinery of tyranny was already built for him. Trump, by contrast, is trying to build authoritarianism in a country whose democratic foundations are too strong, too durable, and too deeply ingrained. He is too small for a democracy this big.Related: Life every decision hes made in his life, Trump deciding to bomb Iran didnt workWhat gives me hope is not my cheery optimism, which has been in short supply lately. It is the unmitigated and unraveling evidence that democracy just might hold.. The courts, aside of course from a Supreme Court that is a rubber stamp for Trumps illegality, are responding almost in lockstep to his attempts to upend the law. Lower courts and presiding judges are starting to push back more aggressively.Most recently, when a federal judge in Florida threw out Trumps ridiculous $15 billion complaint against The New York Times, he said something that struck at the heart of Trumps continued scheme to extort money from litigants. A complaint is not a megaphone for public relations or a podium for a passionate oration at a political rally, he wroteVoters are stirring, too. Just look at the results of recent special elections, where Democrats are winning districts by larger margins than even Kamala Harris did at the top of the ticket in 2024. In Arizona's special election on Tuesday, now-Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva beat her Republican opponent by 40 points in a district Harris won by 22 points. Thats not apathy on the part of voters. To me, thats resistance growing into a movement.And this resistance is not only political but cultural as well. When Trump tried to punish dissenting voices like Jimmy Kimmels, for instance, the message of pushback was made by consumers who canceled trips to Disney theme parks and scrubbed their Disney+ and Hulu streaming accounts, all of which had a negative impact on Disneys stock.The company and the network had no choice but to bring him back, because at the end of the day, it is all about the money. Always. And thats the way its always been for Trump, except hes always lost money, so he gets confused when the word profit is dropped into a sentence.Yes, we are right to be on edge with the horror Trump is instilling. Trumps furious attempts to consolidate power are real and dangerous. He is still trying to bring this country down with him, and at the moment hes doing his damnedest to succeed. But when you pan out, the pattern of his life and his politics comes into focus, Trump always goes down, never up.Trumps escalator rides tell the story better than most could. He came down the golden escalator and dragged the country down with him. And now, caught on an escalator that froze before it could lift him higher, he was exposed once againTrump is a man desperate to climb, but always and forever, he will be stopped short.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.

Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz is usually in the headlines for being ranked the worlds No. 1 in mens singles, but now hes going viral for his pre-match stretching routine instead of for winning on the court.In a new video that quickly went viral on social media, Alcaraz is seen spreading his legs wide and bouncing his hips up and down like hes humping the floor. It leaves little to the imaginations so, of course, the gays went feral in the comments. Tennis isnt for everyone, so youd be forgiven for not knowing who Alcaraz is before now, but the 6 foot tall tennis GOATs stretch routine alone is reason enough to start tuning in to matches. Check out the thirsty responses the video inspired! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) "I wanted to help him with the stretching" (@) "Me preparing for that special outing" (@) "he would be the middle one in the little train" (@) "what a huge ass" (@) "I thought it was something related to the Kama Sutra. Lol" (@) "I do that sometimes and a friend stays behind helping me" (@) "This stretch is good, but if you're not warmed up, my friend... The pain comes on full force kkk" (@) "It was missing a little moan hahaha" (@) "I wanted him to stretch out on top of me" (@) "I have another stretch if he needs it" (@) "I wanted to be under him"

Move over Michael Myers, smoking hot xenomorphs are taking over spooky season!The new Alien prequel series Alien: Earth has been making waves in the horror community, but now the gays are getting on board after seeing what the xenomorph actor looks like under his suit. Cameron Brown is the creature performer inside the xenomorph suit in the first three episodes of Alien: Earth, and while hes unrecognizable on the show, a photo of him with the alien head off has gone viral for showing just how hot he is.Just look at the material... (@) The handsome actor is 6'2 although on the show he stands at 7 feet tall with the addition of stilts and his broad shoulders, small waist, and long arms dont just make him perfect for performing as a xenomorph but are also the reason the gays are going feral for him.So tune into Alien: Earth on Hulu and keep scrolling to see the thirsty reactions to seeing Brown for the first time. (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

That's a wrap on summer 2025!Some of our favorite celebrities really lived it up during the hotter months this year, but Red, White, and Royal Blue actor Taylor Zakhar Perez's latest dump on Instagram really takes the cake.Naturally, fans started swooning over his shirtless photos on the beach, adorable videos with his dogs, and wholesome pics of him enjoying vacation. Check out the highlights below! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

Jimi Urquiaga, better known as Missleidy Rodriguez, is a beloved queen in the Pines waterfront who's become an integral part of the island's cultural fabric running a plant shop by day and dazzling audiences with their signature drag show by night.And yet, this summer felt different. With the Fire Island Pines waterfront now under the leadership of Tristan Schukraft, there was a palpable sense of transformation, like the Pines had just entered a new era.That sense of change and magic in the air attracted to the Pines names like DJ Lina Bradford, DANIRO, DJ Dawson, Carlushi, Alexis Tucci, and Mascari, among others. High Tea at the Pavilion reopened with renewed sparkle, Drag Brunch was revitalized with a powerhouse cast, and The Pool day club welcomed the public with exciting events. A full roster of innovative programming gave visitors a surge of excitement from the moment that they stepped off the ferry.Building on the success of her previous photography books, Pines Summer of '23 and '24, Missleidy set out to capture this new shift through her own lens, shining a spotlight on the bartenders, servers, performers, and behind-the-scenes visionaries who bring Fire Island Pines to life.The result? PINES Summer of '25 The Paradigm Shift, a striking 244-page hardcover photography book chronicling the season across eight dynamic chapters. The book combines stunning photography by Martin Gatti, Carmen Decristo, and Flavia Daniele with alongside raw, disposable-camera snapshots taken by island staff giving fans a fun and unfiltered overview of this summer of change.PINES Summer of 25 The Paradigm Shift is now available.A NEW DAWNA NEW DAWNA NEW DAWNA NEW DAWNFEATURING VINTAGEA NEW DAWNFEATURING VINTAGEA NEW DAWNBLACK TIE AFFAIRFEATURING MISSLEIDY RODRIGUEZ (C), MOSES LEONARDO (L) AND SANDRO SAINTS (R)BLACK TIE AFFAIRBLACK TIE AFFAIRFEATURING JAVIER PEDROZA AND KENNETH HAYNESBLACK TIE AFFAIRFEATURING KENNETH HAYNESBLACK TIE AFFAIRFEATURING MISSLEIDY RODRIGUEZ AND VINTAGEBLACK TIE AFFAIRFEATURING NABIL INVASIONFEATURING MISSLEIDY RODRIGUEZINVASIONFEATURING WILLIAM BELLIINVASIONFEATURING (from left) MISTY VIOLETS; MISSLEIDY RODRIGUEZ; PELAYOINVASIONFEATURING (from left) MAYHEM MILLER; ALYSSA HUNTER; AMALARA SOFIAINVASIONFEATURING BUSTEDINVASIONPINES PARTYPINES PARTYPINES PARTYPINES PARTYUNDER CONSTRUCTIONFEATURING KENNETH HAYNESUNDER CONSTRUCTIONFEATURING KENNETH HAYNESUNDER CONSTRUCTIONFEATURING KENNETH HAYNESTHE CREWFEATURING (from left) ANTONIO ESTRADA; LUIS ZARATE CERVANTES; ALEXIS TUCCI; JAVIER PEDROZATHE CREWFEATURING (from left) ANDRE BENNETT; BERNARD H. BACH; TYLER COVINGTONTHE CREWFEATURING (from left) JESUS ESBELT; JOSE ANDRES PEREZ; MOSES LEONARDO; TRISTAN SCHUKRAFT

I've seen my fair share of shows at Forrest Hills Stadium in Queens, but the energy for Chappell Roan's was electric. It felt as if every single queer person (and a few of their straight friends) descended upon this venue in deep Queens, where the singer played a four-show residency during her Vision of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things Tour. This new set of shows marks her first live performance in New York since her appearance at Governor's Ball last year, which many people will remember as one of the shows that catapulted her to stardom, and where she first sang "The Subway." In addition to her shows in New York, Roan is also set to perform two nights in Los Angeles and Kansas City, Missouri. Roan hasn't been in the States much, mostly putting on shows overseas at festivals like Primavera Sound and the Leeds festival earlier this year. But now, she's made her way back for the first time in a while and it's clear that her fans were clamoring for her returnespecially me, who hasn't seen her since she performed at Brooklyn Steel, a venue that has a max capacity of 1,800 people, whereas Forest Hills holds up to 13,000. The dichotomy between the two venues is staggering, just like the energy in the room.Standing on the general admission floor in the stadium, I thought about the differencenot only in venue size but the people that came to see her perform. Since I saw her last, she's won a Grammy for Best New Artist; performed on Saturday Night Live; made her Met Gala debut; and released three songs: "Good Luck, Babe," "The Giver," and "The Subway." Her meteoric rise is inspirational not only because she's out and is being showered with praise for her explicitly queer music, but because she's been able to weather the storm of utter bullshit that gets thrown her way when it comes to the pitfalls of being a celebrity. Social media users have tried to tear her down for opinions that, while they might have liked the way she phrased it, is not harmful. She's been seen as abrasive for standing up for herself when a photographer accosted her on a red carpet, but many celebrities including JADE, who performed as an opener for a few of Roan's shows in Europe, told Out in a recent interview that she feels more celebrities should stand up for themselves and emulate more of her confidence. "I've spent so many years of paps and photographers shouting so much shit at me and I just wanted to be able to say, 'Fuck off,'" the girl group member turned solo artist said.She continued, "I think sometimes people's critique of Chappell is doused in a little bit of misogyny, because if that was a guy saying those things, I don't think anyone bat an eyelid. I just have a huge amount of respect for her."Roan has always stuck to her guns on her morals and being in the position she isone of the most in-demand pop stars currently workingshe gets to be selective about picking what she does and doesn't want to do so that she can make sure her heart is always in it. If you're able to catch her at one of the four shows in the U.S. that she has left on the docket, do what needs to be done to secure those tickets. Watching her sing her music with thousands of people screaming the lyrics back to her at full volume is worth the cost of admission alone.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.

Eugene Levy is once again being a positive role model for fathers of gay children.Fans have loved the father-son team of Eugene and Dan Levy since they co-created and co-starred in the hit sitcom Schitt's Creek. Now, the elder Levy is starring in the Apple TV+ reality series The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy, where the actor gets out of his comfort zone and travels around the world. In this week's episode, premiering September 26, Levy opens up about the special moment when his son came out to him. The episode is titled "Hitting the Open Road in Louisiana" and features Levy traveling through the state with guide and creator Will Edmond.In this exclusive clip, Levy and Edmond are sitting around a campfire when Levy asks Edmond when he came out to his father. Edmond says he was 21, and was "very nervous" because his dad "is a very Southern man" and "very religious," and he "didn't know how he was going to take it.""When I told him, I think he was shocked, because I'm his only son, and I'm the oldest," Edmond says. He adds that his father wasn't mad or upset, but he could sense that his father wasn't fully on board at first.Edmond says his mom reminded his dad that "this is your only son, no matter what he does, you'll love him," and that made his dad "instantly change." He then asks Levy how his son's coming out went."We were, I think, well aware that he was gay, but we were just waiting, you know, for the right time for him to feel comfortable enough to tell us," Levy says. "I mean, it was out, and it was a huge thing off the plate for him. And it was fine, it was just like, 'OK, there you go.'""It's good that if somebody's watching this, they'll see men like you and my dad or hearing about my dad and maybe they can accept their kid more, or love them more," Edmond says."That's what it's about. That's the only thing that matters. Love and respect," Levy agrees.New episodes of The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy will premiere weekly on Apple TV+ until the finale on October 31.

Emma Watson has opened up about her relationship with J.K. Rowling for the first time in years.Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movies, has long held opposing views to Rowling when it comes to transgender issues. But this week, on the Jay Shetty Podcast, she spoke about her relationship with the woman whose books made her famous. In the episode, Shetty brings up that Watson has publicly supported trans people and said she disagrees with Rowling's views on gender. Then, he asks the actor how it makes her feel that Rowling has said things about her that could be "extremely hurtful" in response."I really dont believe that by having had that experience, and holding the love and support and views that I have, means that I cant and dont treasure Jo," Watson says of Rowling. "I will never believe that one negates the other, and that my experience of that person, I dont get to keep and cherish." She adds, "I just dont think these things are either or. I think its my deepest wish that I hope people who don't agree with my opinion will love me, and I hope I can keep loving people who I dont necessarily share the same opinion with." (@) "I really do believe in having conversations and that those are really important," Watson continues. "I guess where I've landed is: It's not so much what we say or what we believe, but very often how we say it that's really important. And that's really frustrating and not what you want to hear when you're really angry and upset with someone."She adds, "I just see this world right now where we seem to be giving permission for this kind of, like, throwing out of people, or that people are disposable. I will always think that's wrong. I just believe that no one is disposable and everyone, as far as possible, whatever the conversation is, should and can be treated with, at the very least, dignity and respect."Watson says the thing she's "most upset about" is that a "conversation was never made possible" but that she will always be open to starting a dialogue with Rowling.Without naming it, the actor then says she is reluctant to talk about Rowling or "the issue" not because she doesn't care, but because she doesn't "want to say anything that continues to weaponize a really toxic debate and conversation."Watson also says she owes Rowling a great deal from their time working together and appreciates having had the opportunity to play a character like Hermione."There's just no world in which I could ever cancel her out, or cancel that out, for anything," she says. "I don't know what else to do other than hold these two seemingly incompatible things together at the same time and just hope maybe they will one day resolve, or like, cojoin themselves and maybe accept that they never will, but that they can both still be true. I can love her, I can know she loved me. I can be grateful to her. I can know the things she said are true, and there can be this whole other thing. And my job feels like to just hold all of it." (@) When Rowling's tweets started becoming more transphobic in 2020, Watson wrote on X (called Twitter at the time) that she supported trans people."Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they arent who they say they are," she wrote. "I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are."Since then, Rowling has publicly criticized Watson several times.In 2024, Rowling wrote on X that Watson and costar Daniel Radcliffe shouldn't feel "safe in the knowledge" that she will forgive them."Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women's hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces," the author also wrote.Rowling criticized the actors again in 2025. In March, she shared an X post asking, "What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?""Three guesses," Rowling wrote as her response. "Sorry, but that was irresistible."Watch the entire episode of the Jay Shetty Podcast featuring Watson below.

So & So's is an obscure piano bar in Midtown Manhattan that is admittedly a bit tough to find. Once I enter, Dylan Mulvaney is in the middle of multiple things literally and figuratively. Standing on stage, illuminated by five rows of soft-yellow Edison bulbs and flanked by a piano and drum set, she's wearing a pair of light-wash denim jeans and a light-pink crop top that says Retired Twink in cursive letters because, as her fans know, she never misses an opportunity to wear pink. She's soon whisked away for an interview that lasts about 20 minutes, and when she returns to the main dining room, which her team has populated with half-drunk iced coffees and water bottles, she asks, "OK, what's next?" A quick interview for BroadwayWorld's social team, Mulvaney's publicist replies, eliciting an "OK, got it" from the budding stage actor as she takes a sip of water. With her usual ear-to-ear smile and natural charisma, Mulvaney turns on the charm for the interviewer, who asks her about her theater hot takes and then wonders if shes comfortable doing a TikTok set to audio of Cher playing all the parts in West Side Story. @broadwayworld Dylan Mulvaney shares her theatre hot take Watch her discuss her upcoming Off-Broadway show, The Least Problematic Woman in the World, and discuss why theatre has always been her "safe space" at the link in our bio. After that's done, she gets pulled to do a few videos with the marketing team from her upcoming off-Broadway show, The Least Problematic Woman in the World, which is set to begin performances this Saturday, September 27. The show, which is making its stateside debut at New York City's Lucille Lortel Theater, the original home of Oh, Mary!, first played at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe earlier this summer.Mulvaney wraps up her last video, but before she's ready to sit down, she decides to change. This time, she opts for a brown pleather jacket, a white spaghetti-strap tank top that has the show's title emblazoned across the chest, and a simple skirt. We both breathe a sigh of relief as she settles into the semicircular booth we're taking over. Just watching her bounce from one promotional opp to the next and throw on a smile that could be seen from the last row of the mezzanine has been exhausting.Life after Beergate Dylan Mulvaney in the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe run of 'The Least Problematic Woman in the World' Marc Brenner (provided) In the past year, Mulvaney has prioritized happiness not just her own, but also everyone's in her orbit. "After Beergate, I hadn't experienced pure joy," she tells me, slightly softening her bubbly tone. "It was so hard to go through that period of being so heavily criticized in the media, not knowing if I'd ever reach that level of happiness again." Creating The Least Problematic Woman in the World not only made her happy, it also ended up giving her a chance to process an avalanche of emotions. After the first show at the Fringe festival, she started sobbing at curtain call. "I felt it again," she says. "I thought to myself, 'OK, if I can make it through what I went through and get to a stage, I think I can always find that level of joy.'"The idea for the show came after she commemorated 365 days of girlhood which she documented on TikTok in her viral "Days of Girlhood" series with a celebration in New York in support of the Trevor Project. She knew she wanted to be on stage, and her original idea was a nationwide symphony tour of her performing songs from Golden Age musicals in ball gowns. But that idea ended up being scrapped when she realized how unsafe she felt traveling to and performing in places that may not be accepting of transgender people.Mulvaney sat on the idea of being on stage for a second and the thought of a one-woman show called Fag Hag came to her. That's when she started pitching the project to producers, who jumped on board despite the fact that she didn't have a script. ("That was a lot of blind faith from a lot of really important people," Mulvaney says.) She ended up starting the writing process for the show three weeks before rehearsals, but when she sat down to put her thoughts on paper, what came up was a lot more than she had expected.She started writing about growing up in the Catholic Church and experiencing gender dysphoria as a young person, subjects she had thought that she wanted to escape. "I thought the show was going to be a way to run away from [these things], especially my identity because it had been so 'Scarlet Lettered' by the media," Mulvaney explains. But instead of running away, she leaned in, because she knew she had a few things to get off her chest, especially in a story that is centered around her."I knew if people were watching it and they were seeing me have a good time, they would have a good time, and if they saw me get really vulnerable, they might be more willing to get vulnerable," she says, adding that her favorite works of entertainment, like PEN15 and Theater Camp, are "slightly self-indulgent" anyway. Dylan Mulvaney premiering her one-woman show in Edinburgh Marc Brenner (provided) Mulvaney says that one of the biggest themes of The Least Problematic Woman in the World is palatability especially trans palatability and trying to be interpreted as the most acceptable version of a trans person in 2025. When she showed it in Edinburgh, it was a bit less rough around the edges than it is now not in terms of quality, but in terms of messiness and the darkness of the humor. "It's actually a lot more problematic," the TikTok influencer says, explaining that that comes from her caring less about what people think about her. "I've realized that no matter what I do, for some people, it will still never be enough, whether that's my right to womanhood or my talents."Mulvaney describes her show as "the pink, dollar store version" of The Picture of Dorian Gray or Operation Mincemeat. Throughout it, she takes on 26 of the 40 roles while showcasing special video appearances from Heartstopper's Joe Locke, Queer Eye's Jonathan Van Ness, and The Traitors' Alan Cumming, who she's been fast friends with since they met at an event in Paris. "Her warmth and intelligence and humor and resilience completely floored me. I love her so much," Cumming tells Out in an emailed statement, adding that he jumped at the opportunity to take part. "Not long after we met, she was preparing for the Edinburgh run of her show and I was working in London, so she asked me if Id come by the rehearsal room and record the voiceover. I was delighted to," he says, explaining that he had no "compunction about saying yes" and would be involved in anything she does.Mulvaney's natural charm has brought her to millions of screens around the world and helped her collect admirers wherever she goes, especially in show business. It's also the reason she was able to get a few of her famous friends to help write original songs for the show. In the end, she convinced some of the biggest names in music to take part: Mark Sonnenblick, who had a hand in penning the song Golden for the Netflix phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters; the Tony-winning duo Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, cocreators of the Broadway hit Six; Ingrid Michaelson, who wrote the music and lyrics for the musical adaptation of The Notebook; and Abigail Barlow, the Grammy-winning songwriter who cowrote music for Disney's Moana 2.Putting the spotlight on the dollsWhile The Least Problematic Woman in the World shares a lot about the inner workings of her mind, Mulvaney says that she's taking a step back from sharing so much about her personal life and her transition. When you start to overshare online, it becomes an addiction, she says, explaining that she constantly grappled with trying to one-up herself by creating one viral moment after the other.Especially after Beergate when a collaboration with Bud Light led to her becoming a scapegoat for conservatives looking to spread anti-trans hate Mulvaney felt like she had to pull back from putting herself online so much. "I felt like I was forced to, because I knew that if I said something, it could actually hurt the trans community, and I wasn't willing to do that," she says.Her ultimate goal is to help create more space for the trans community in theater, because she knows how flawed the industry is and the work that needs to be done. She even has aspirations to build something like Reese Witherspoon's production company, Hello Sunshine, for the dolls that are excited to create something new. But for now, her focus is on making The Least Problematic Woman in the World the best it can be.When we finish talking about her dreams for the show and for the future, Mulvaney thanks me for the interview and gets whisked off to a day of rehearsals.The Least Problematic Woman in the World is playing at the Lucille Lortel Theater. Tickets are on sale now on the shows website.

Oz has been changed... For good.Academy Award nominees Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are reprising their roles as Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated sequel coming to theaters on Friday, November 21 to the first Wicked movie directed by Jon M. Chu.Before the sequel's official title, Wicked: For Good, was announced, fans spent a while referring to it as Wicked Part Two. Thank goodness, the title did change to something a bit more specific: A well-deserved reference to "For Good," one of the most iconic songs of the Broadway musical that inspired these films.After several years waiting for these live-action movies to even come out, followed by many months of clips, teasers, first-look previews, exclusive shots, soundbites, and cryptic social media posts, the Wicked: For Good promo cycle has entered its endgame era with the release of its final trailer. As we all wait for the sequel to come out in theaters, fans have been sharing theories, Easter eggs, references, possible storylines, potential changes made to the film, quick reactions to updates concerning the project, and beyond.Scroll through to explore our comprehensive guide to the world of Oz and the unlimited possibilities of Wicked: For Good.Editor's note: This article contains spoilers from the first Wicked movie, both acts of the Broadway musical, and the original novel by Gregory Maguire. It also contains theories and references that may or may not impact Wicked: For Good.A tornado takes Dorothy Gale to Oz not a cyclone.Fun fact: L. Frank Baum's original novel incorrectly refers to the gust of wind that takes Dorothy Gale to the Land of Oz as a "cyclone." Scientifically speaking, though, what we see on screen looks and moves like a tornado. This tiny detail is even pointed out by The Oz Museum:"'Cyclone' is the word L. Frank Baum chose to describe the Kansas storm in his story, although he clearly meant 'tornado.' Shortly after The Wizard of Oz book first appeared in 1900, Professor Willis L. Moore, then Chief of the United States Weather Bureau, wrote Baum's publishers to urge them to correct the inaccurate usage. He received a response from Frank K. Reilly of The George M. Hill Company, offering that the change would be made in the next edition. This, however, was never done."Fans are excited to see this scene in Wicked: For Good given how much CGI technology has advanced. But it should still be called a tornado, not a cyclone.Madame Morrible is indeed the person who causes the tornado that brings Dorothy's house to Oz.The Wicked musical on Broadway shows Madame Morrible saying that she created the tornado that brought Dorothy to Oz. However, given that Morrible is a villain and a very unreliable narrator, audiences are left to decide if she's telling the truth or just claiming to have done something to be seen as a powerful witch.Those questions are officially squashed in Wicked: For Good. Trailers have already shown extended footage of Morrible standing right in front of a window while deliberately manipulating the infamous tornado.Elphaba's burning effigy from the first Wicked movie was made with wood from Dorothy's house.The original MGM musical film The Wizard of Oz from 1939 tells the story of how Dorothy Gale a young girl from Kansas played by actress Judy Garland was swept into the Land of Oz along with her house. (Or, to be more specific, Uncle Henry and Aunt Em's house.)It's a pretty wild and savage move to use wood from Dorothy's house which literally killed Elphaba's younger sister to then metaphorically kill Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.Yet, director Jon M. Chu has already confirmed this theory by re-sharing an X post from @wicked_updates on X/Twitter, as you can see below.Does Wicked: For Good include Dorothy?Yes, Dorothy Gale will be featured in Wicked: For Good. However, contrary to earlier reports, it seems like Dorothy will be a "faceless" character in this 2025 sequel. "I think that's such a wonderful thing to do," Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) told Empire when asked about the Kansas farm girl being in this movie. "Because then everyone gets to keep the Dorothy that they know."Upon landing in Oz, Dorothy is greeted by Munchkinlanders and a green witch who remains nameless throughout the entire 1939 classic musical film. Everyone in Oz only seems to know her as the Wicked Witch of the West, so she mostly just functions as an antagonist who wants to challenge and complicate Dorothy's pursuit of finding her way back home.The entire point of the Wicked novel, musical, and movies is to tell the many other sides of this story. Y'know, besides the journey of Dorothy, which was already explored in great detail in the MGM film. On the other hand, fans of the original film are surprised that one of the most beloved characters of all time will be deliberately excluded from the framing of Wicked: For Good so that the story of Elphaba can be told from start to finish, without distractions, on her own terms.And, honestly? We're kind of living for it. If the 1939 film depicted the Wicked Witch of the West as just a nameless background character in Dorothy's journey, then 2025's Wicked: For Good can depict Dorothy Gale as just a faceless background character in Elphaba's journey. Poetic justice.The library is open, and shady Glinda is coming for Dorothy.Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda (ne Galinda) in Wicked: For Good, spilled some tea about her character's relationship to Dorothy in that same Empire cover story."I love the little bit of shadiness that Glinda has towards Dorothy," Grande says, laughing. "There's a lot going on, and [Glinda] doesn't really have time to deal with this."Glinda tells Dorothy to follow the Yellow Brick Road purposely omitting the train that could have gotten her there much faster.Grande also commented on this perceived "plot hole" pointed out by Oz fans after watching the first Wicked movie: Why would Glinda tell Dorothy to follow the Yellow Brick Road in order to meet the Wizard if she could've just taken Dorothy to the train?"I love the little bit of shadiness that Glinda has towards Dorothy," Grande told Empire, laughing. "There's a lot going on, and she doesn't really have time to deal with this. She could have told her to take the Emerald City train! But she didn't."Grande added, "That's a little shady, Glinda! So I leaned all the way into Glinda sort of having an eye roll for Dorothy whenever she has to deal with her."Condragulations, Ariana Grande, you're the winner of this week's reading challenge.Wicked's green train is painted in pink to honor Glinda the Good.Glinda's political career explored in Wicked: For Good is thriving by the time the sequel starts. Glinda is so respected and popular that an entire train to Emerald City is painted in pink for her.You better werk (against these evil people), Glinda.The sky messages of 1939's The Wizard of Oz and 2025's Wicked: For Good.The Wicked movies have embraced a few interesting deep-cut parallels with the original MGM film The Wizard of Oz. At times, those parallels attempt to course-correct something about the original story that isn't great for a movie in 2025. In most instances, though, it's just a fun callback that fans might remember from the 1939 classic.It's very exciting to see that Elphaba will send a message to Ozians and to the Wizard himself in Wicked: For Good. As seen in the final trailer, Elphaba writes "Our Wizard Lies." This is a clear parallel to a message that the Wicked Witch of the West seems to write in The Wizard of Oz, "Surrender Dorothy."The original message is a threatening call to action about Dorothy. The new message has nothing to do with Dorothy; it's an accusation and a warning to Ozians that they shouldn't believe this not-so-wonderful man who happens to be in power.Did you know there is a Red Brick Road?It's pretty common to hear from fans that they do not remember any other road of any other color from 1939's The Wizard of Oz. Given that Dorothy must supposedly take the Yellow Brick Road to meet the Wizard, it makes sense why most viewers only remember that one road with that one color.After seeing a few scenes and clocking certain themes coming up between 2024's Wicked and 2025's Wicked: For Good, we all might benefit from revisiting the ever-changing depictions of these brick roads in Oz.It seems like the Yellow Brick Road will be an important location in Wicked: For Good.The Yellow Brick Road was first introduced in L. Frank Baum's original 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. In the MGM film The Wizard of Oz, audiences got to see it for themselves. By all means, it is assumed that the Yellow Brick Road that Dorothy follows to meet the Wizard of Oz is already entirely built. But that's not the case for the 1995 Wicked book at least not at first.Gregory Maguire's Wicked novel makes it clear that the Yellow Brick Road is still under construction, and that its expansion into other areas aims to "connect" all of Oz, the Wizard says. There are plenty of scenes in the final trailer of Wicked: For Good that lead us to believe that this topic might be explored in the movie, too.But you might be wondering why anyone should care about the construction of a road in Oz. WellThe construction of the Yellow Brick Road causes the "drought" in Oz, the displacement of Animals and animals, and massive deforestation.Living creatures being dehumanized and losing their rights. Unsustainable urban practices that lead to the destruction of natural ecosystems. Environmental degradation in pursuit of overly ambitious (and irresponsible) profits. Gentrification. Do any of those topics sound familiar?The Wicked movies have tracked Elphaba's initial defiance of the Wizard of Oz as being connected to the mistreatment of Animals like Doctor Dillamond who, as a professor at Shiz University, taught Elphaba and her classmates about a "drought" that was causing Animals and animals to die. (P.S. In Wicked lore, capitalized-initial Animals are those with the ability to speak, think, and act similarly to human beings, much like the Cowardly Lion in the classic film; whereas animals are just like the ones we know in the real world.)In the lead-up to Wicked: For Good, several photos and videos have shown the still-ongoing construction of the Yellow Brick Road in Oz, which isn't something that comes up in 1939's The Wizard of Oz, nor in the Broadway musical.However, Gregory Maguire's 1995 Wicked novel does bring up the devastating consequences of building and expanding the Yellow Brick Road a topic that resonates with audiences today and could raise the stakes in Wicked: For Good.Long story short: The Wicked novel features a character named Turtle Heart who tells a young Elphaba and her parents about his birthplace, Quadling Country, having a useless swampy soil adding that the region also sits on top of a giant (and very valuable) deposit or ruby stones.Turtle Heart denounces "workers from the Emerald City" coming to Quadling Country to sample the soil as an excuse to advance their plans of building roads and highways across the entire area. Turtle Heart explains that building these roads in Quadling Country would lead to devastating deforestation, plus the displacement of animals and Animals."Quadlings cannot convince road builders, who want to build up dikes of mud and stone, and to cut Quadling Country in pieces," Turtle Heart says in the novel. "Rubies under the water. Red as pigeon blood. Engineers to say: Red corundum in bands of crystalline limestone under swamp. Quadlings to say: The blood of Oz."In other words, Maguire's book shows Turtle Heart flat-out accusing the Wizard of lying about his real motives behind building and expanding the Yellow Brick Road.The Wizard is being dishonest about why the Yellow Brick Road is an important project.In the first film, the Wizard tells Elphaba and Glinda that the Yellow Brick Road is all about progress and connecting all of Oz together. He even asks for their input on the color, though it's clear that he's already landed on yellow.With that in mind, the Wicked novel suggests that the continued expansion of the Yellow Brick Road is mostly about the exploitation of Quadling Country soil no matter how catastrophic that is to the ecosystem of the region for the very profitable mining of ruby stones.The road construction also plays a big role in the destruction and limiting of areas where animals have access to drinking water. This component is, obviously, very much in line with the Wizard and Madame Morrible's plan to dehumanize Animals, and put animals in cages, given that these creatures lose access to drinking water and must move away from their natural habitats that are overtaken by these brick roads.Most pieces of work set in Oz do not explore this particular storyline, which leads to an overall denial that the Yellow Brick Road could represent a golden (money) strip of pavements built across green (nature) areas of Oz without considering how much it will damage the existing wildlife in those regions. Yet, Maguire's novel does include clear discussions about the topic, and it's been a very pleasant surprise to see the movies also going down that path.Fun fact: The scene of Turtle Heart discussing these matters features baby Elphaba saying the first word she's ever said: "Horrors." She repeats it, "horrors," several times as the adults continue to speak.The Elphaba vs. Glinda duel in Wicked: For Good looks very serious, unlike the musical using it as comic relief.There's a famous dueling scene between Glinda and Elphaba in the Wicked musical that absolutely comes off as comic relief on the Broadway stage. Here we are, in the middle of chaos, and suddenly there's a duel of swords between Elphie and Glinda Except that Elphie is using her broom, and Glinda is using her non-magical scepter.The Broadway version of this scene also feels like this conflict boils down to who will get to be with Fiyero, which is frankly ridiculous given how powerful, independent, and confident these characters are. From the trailers and teasers, it seems like Elphaba and Glinda's duel will not be about Fiyero or at least not just about Fiyero. This is also cool to see given that the first Wicked movie made it a point to highlight their sword training classes at Shiz. Now, we get to watch them put it to practice.It's very exciting to see these scenes of Elphaba and Glinda fighting after they seemingly disagree over their respective approaches to trying to make a difference in Oz. Even if this scene in Wicked: For Good doesn't completely exclude Fiyero from the list of reasons why they are dueling, we're rejoicifying over the fact that this whole thing isn't just about a man, and that this scene between two friends turned into foes isn't just comic relief for the audience.Is a witches face-off between Elphaba vs. Madame Morrible being set up in Wicked: For Good?Knowing that Madame Morrible actually can manipulate the weather making rain stop in the first movie and manipulating a tornado in the sequel brings us to another interesting theory among Wicked fans: The sequel's potential to include a battle between two witches, Elphaba vs. Madame Morrible, as an action-packed moment for the film.It's clear that the movies, Wicked and Wicked: For Good, are deliberately giving Elphaba the "superhero treatment" in how she displays her magical powers, how she takes flight, and how she attacks enemies. It's all very exciting given that these scenes wouldn't have been possible to do in a live performance on Broadway.The idea that Madame Morrible is the actual "Big Bad" villain of the Wicked musical and films isn't new, and the movies seem to be framing the Wizard of Oz as even weaker, even more pathetic, and even as more of a puppet not the puppeteer himself because Morrible is the one actually calling the shots.Think of Anakin Skywalker vs. Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, or literally the final battle in any superhero movie you've ever seen.Nessarose's excluded song from the Broadway recording album will be featured in Wicked: For Good.Even casual Wicked fans know, at this point, that Nessarose (played by Marissa Bode) isn't an easy character to love and root for particularly in act two of the musical, which is the basis for this sequel. Nonetheless, we're thrilled that the soundtrack album of Wicked: For Good will include "The Wicked Witch of the East" a song that's always existed on the Broadway musical but was excluded from the original cast recording album for having too many spoilers.This song includes a crucial moment for Nessarose, Boq, and Elphaba, as audiences learn that Nessarose has been feeling her fantasy as Governor of Munchkinland way too much. Moreover, her treatment of Boq would totally fall under the category of "domestic abuse." Elphaba comes to visit, and hell breaks loose.The spell cast on Nessarose won't make her walk it will make her fly!It's very powerful and meaningful that the Wicked movies cast an actress with lived-in experiences of using a wheelchair to play Nessarose. Bode is also so incredibly charismatic that it helps to soften up Nessa's often rigid and annoying personality from the novel and from the musical.On the other hand, many fans were curious to see how this particular moment in the story would play out. In the musical, the actresses playing Nessarose don't need to use a wheelchair. When the magic spell happens for her to walk, those actresses can just get up and walk. But what would happen in this case?The final trailer of Wicked: For Good not only answered that question, but also showed the stunning approach that they've landed on: Nessarose won't just walk as a result of the spell cast in this scene She'll fly!An inspired choice that continues to prove the level of commitment and care that this cast and crew devoted to the Wicked movies.Bonus: We passionately agree with @astrouzei on this very astute observation. (@) @astrouzei wrote on X:"They made nessarose fly in Wicked For Good so Marissa Bode doesn't have to walk OH JON M CHU THE GENIUS THAT U ARE !!!!!"And we completely agree. 10/10. No notes.Which character becomes the Tin Man in Wicked: For Good?Nessarose becomes obsessed with Boq and literally entraps him inside what is supposed to be their home as a couple. One day, Boq gathers up the courage to beg Nessarose to let him go, arguing that he still has feelings for Glinda, but not for Nessa, which doesn't make him a great partner for her anyway.Even though Boq's admission must've hurt Nessarose's feelings, this was a desperate man trying to escape a home that essentially became a prison for him. And instead of reacting like a regular heartbroken person, Nessa decided that the best solution was to cast a magic spell on Boq forcing him to love her at any cost. (Don't tell her we said anything, but Nessa isn't exactly a great witch.)Nessarose's miscast spell ends up shrinking Boq's heart so much that he comes close to dying. Elphaba sees what's happening and rushes to find any other spell in the Grimmerie to spare Boq's life. The one she finds is to turn him into a Tin Man who could go on and survive without a heart. Even though this literally saves Boq from dying, he has a hard time accepting this fate and holds a huge grudge against Elphaba for doing this to him.Which character becomes the Scarecrow in Wicked: For Good?Fiyero's love for Elphaba never changes. Even after the (basically forced) marriage with Glinda and enlisting himself to work as a guard on behalf of the Wizard of Oz, Fiyero is making moves the entire time to reunite with Elphaba and protect her at all costs, no matter what.Much like Boq becoming the Tin Man, Elphaba also accidentally turns Fiyero into the Scarecrow in a tense moment when other guards would probably imprison and murder him. With that said, there's something very odd about the way Fiyero has been shown as the Scarecrow in the trailers for this new movie. Unlike the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion, there hasn't been a single shot of Fiyero's face as the Scarecrow.Are Fiyero and the Scarecrow be two different characters in Wicked: For Good?One of the most persistent theories in the Wicked fandom speculate that the Fiyero we've come to know in the first Wicked movie doesn't actually become the Scarecrow even though that's always been his journey in the Wicked musical, and he was arguably the character who received the most foreshadowing (that would eventually become the Scarecrow) out of everyone else.That overall speculation hasn't landed on any logic that makes sense, though. Not yet, at least. Some people believe that Wicked: For Good will be two Fiyeros, which is possible in a soap opera way, but has no precedent in the Wicked universe. If the film were to follow the story arc that Fiyero experiences in the musical, he becomes the Scarecrow as Elphaba tries to saved him from dying.Does the Cowardly Lion speak?The Cowardly Lion in 1939's The Wizard of Oz speaks. The original movie doesn't have differentiators like Animals and animals, and the storyline that they're under threat is also not a factor in that classic musical film.Audiences are certainly expecting to meet a Cowardly Lion who's similar to the one in The Wizard of Oz: One who speaks, which is how he expresses his desire to be brave. So far, there are no reports regarding which actor has been cast to voice the Cowardly Lion in Wicked: For Good unlike the widely reported casting news that Peter Dinklage would voice Doctor Dillamond in the first Wicked film.Elphaba gets a new original song, 'No Place Like Home,' in Wicked: For Good."There's no place like home" is one of the most famous quotes in the history of cinema. The particular line was delivered by the character of Dorothy Gale, played by Judy Garland, in 1939's The Wizard of Oz. Considering that the Wicked Witch of the West is the main villain of the original MGM film, it's certainly interesting to see Elphaba getting a brand-new song in Wicked: For Good titled "No Place Like Home."The Empire cover story featuring Erivo and Grande included discussions about this new song. "It's a number she sings, effectively, to herself an expression of her biggest feelings," the article reads."She has to question why she wants to continue to save Oz, or save the animals in it, even though this place doesn't necessarily want her," Erivo told the publication. "It is a discovery as to why she can continue. That is where the story gets started for her."The actress added, "I was really aware that if the words 'no place like home' are in her mouth, they have to mean something. It has to be really special."Glinda has a new original song, 'The Girl in the Bubble,' in Wicked: For Good.Grande has also gotten a new original song in Wicked: For Good. This one, aptly titled "The Girl in the Bubble" feels totally on-brand for Glinda (or at least in the way that Glinda likes to present herself to the public). In an exclusive preview, Empire described Grande's new song as "a moment of reflection for Glinda that propels her forward."Grande told the publication, "We get to see [Glinda] decide, 'I'm going to change the course of Oz. I'm going to become deeply, truly good and make a safe space for people. She earns her title for real, and we get to see that self-discovery. I'm so grateful for that song, because she deserves it as a character.""It's traumatic event after traumatic event after traumatic event," Grande said in regard to Glinda's experiences in Wicked: For Good. "And they're all shaping her and propelling her into her actual goodness, that has quietly been there all along, but she wasn't ready for it yet."The actress concluded, "Even in the first film you get to see those layers slowly peeling away, but in this film, it's rapid and urgent It goes even deeper than imaginable."Why was the Wicked movie sequel titled after the song 'For Good'?The cast and crew of 2024's Wicked spent months referring to it as the first of two parts. Naturally, Wicked Part Two became a very common title used to discuss the sequel. Generally, fans couldn't really pin-point or guess what the sequel would be called. With that said, the announcement of Wicked: For Good as the sequel's official title made perfect sense.On the other hand, newer fans of Wicked didn't understand where the title came from. They could see that there was a song called "For Good" in act two of the musical, but that track was never as big as "Defying Gravity," or as famous as "Popular," or even as catchy as "What Is This Feeling?"The placement of "For Good" as the second to last song in the Wicked Original Broadway Cast Recording album got the show as close as possible to having another "Defying Gravity" at the very end of the saga. It's another duet, another emotional climax, and another opportunity for the two actresses playing Elphaba and Glinda to deepen the connection between them even further.As with most things Wicked, however, there's a catch. There's always a catch!Why is the actual last song of the Broadway musical, 'Finale,'not listed in the Wicked: For Good soundtrack?The Wicked musical on Broadway doesn't end with "For Good." It ends with track 19, "Finale," which is nowhere to be found in the list of songs from Wicked: For Good The Soundtrack.Given that certain tracks were shuffled around and two brand-new songs were added, the online fandom has spent more time hyper-focusing on those surprising changes and exciting new pieces of music. However, the absence of "Finale" has already been clocked by fans who are all wondering: Is Wicked: For Good not featuring "Finale" at all?Yes, we know that "Finale" isn't as thrilling as "Defying Gravity" as a closer for act one. It is also not as emotional as "For Good," which gives fans that one-on-one intimate closure between Elphaba and Glinda. But that doesn't mean that "Finale" has no merit or importance. Most of all, "Finale" is a chance for the audience to say goodbye to this overall story and its ensemble of characters. It is also soothing, and slows down the pacing of an otherwise chaotic and frenetic act two.Given that "Finale" is nowhere to be seen in the soundtrack, it's possible that it was incorporated into "For Good." But, if that were the case, it feels like the tracklist would've reflected that merger, just like it did with "Thank Goodness / I Couldn't Be Happier." Another theory is that "Finale" will just play over the credits but not end the movie itself which is plausible, but still doesn't explain why the songs isn't listed at the end of the soundtrack.Category is: Ozian oddity.Does Elphaba actually die in Wicked: For Good?The Wicked Witch of the West melts away and dies in 1939's The Wizard of Oz. The character's fate changes in the Wicked musical on Broadway, as Elphaba fakes her own death and gets a happy ending with Fiyero (as the Scarecrow). But that hit musical was inspired by the 1995 Wicked novel by Gregory Maguire, which flips the script on The Wizard of Oz to create a new story that centers Elphaba, but still ends with Elphaba's death nonetheless.While it's hard for fans to accept the fact that Elphaba's ending in the Wicked novel is pretty tragic, the character is indeed allergic to water in the source material, and she actually dies when Dorothy throws a bucket of water on her.As evidenced by this list, Wicked: For Good is a bold new chapter in the overall Oz canon, and fans should feel at ease to embrace whichever ending is chosen for the sequel.Given how many theories, potential changes, nods to a different direction, and the footage that we've seen so far, it feels way too daunting to guess how Wicked: For Good will end. But we will be there on opening night, excited to experience the conclusion to this saga, no matter how it goes.Wicked: For Good opens in theaters on Friday, November 21.

Sawyer Hemsley has reclaimed control of his own narrative and coming-out journey after being essentially outed by other queer men with whom he had exchanged flirty messages with. This week, Hemsley hard-launched his relationship with a man named Antonio Bruno on social media.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!This hard-launch involved Hemsley sharing a video of Bruno on his own Instagram grid. "The best part of my summer," the Crumbl CEO wrote.Hemsley added, "These past few months have been some of the happiest of my life. This season has been one I'll never forget full of memories, laughter, and a camera roll that tells the story better than I could."See on InstagramBruno identifies himself on his Instagram bio as a luxury estates agent at Sotheby's International Realty. He also has a professional website, antoniobrunore.com, where he introduces himself to prospective real estate clients."Antonio brings an abundance of personal real estate experience and a solid business background to each transaction," Bruno's bio, on his website, reads. "Raised in a real estate family, he specializes in recognizing opportunities and forecasting emerging trends in various neighborhood markets in L.A."The description adds, "Prior to real estate, Antonio honed his skills in finance, legal compliance and sales to help transition into his career in real estate. He's a diligent multitasker and well-versed in the financial and legal components of real estate. With outstanding networking skills, Antonio's client list has grown to include Finance CEOs, notable developers, and well-known individuals in the entertainment industry."Bruno also highlights that he's originally from Portland, Oregon but currently resides in West Hollywood, "where he enjoys outdoor activities and getting involved in his community."

Project Runway season 21 came to an end with the crowning of Veejay Floresca the first-ever trans person to win the series.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!Floresca created some notable looks throughout season 21. Still, it was her final collection a reference to The Terminator franchise that wowed the judges panel, which included the season regulars Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, and Law Roach, in addition to a returning judge, Michael Kors.In a post-win interview with Elle Magazine, Floresca confessed that she still hasn't fully processed the win, noting that this victory was more than a decade in the making. The Filipina grew up being a fan of the show and even competed on the Philippines' version of Project Runway finishing the competition as runner-up. After she won, she was determined to compete in the U.S. version of the show, so she applied every year since 2012 and was denied until this year.Floresca heard many nos throughout her career, and that perspective helped her seize the moment of winning Project Runway. "I would tell myself, Its not your time yet, but hold on because your time will come. Now is that time," she told Elle.At the end of the interview, Floresca was asked about the importance of trans representation especially in a moment when the government is threatening civil liberties daily."Im an immigrant, Im a trans woman, a trans woman of color, and people need to see that we are not enemies, Floresca explained. "We are just normal people with dreams and aspirations, and I hope that my story can change peoples perspective. For anyone struggling, I hope that you hear my story and know: Youve got this.The show seems to be on the hunt for a new crop of designers, so we're sure to get another season of cutthroat competition, and we hope Law Roach gets another season in the judge's seat.

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.If love is a game, then winning it might come down to asking the right questions and no one knows that better than Anania Williams.The 25-year-old genderqueer drag artist and Emerson College musical theater grad is the razor-sharp host of Gaydar, the viral quiz show turning queer culture into a street-corner spectacle. Armed with a mic, a quick wit, and a perfect cut crease, Williams has quizzed pop stars and politicians alike grilling Rene Rapp and Chappell Roan on famous lesbians, coaxing Lucy Dacus into doing gay math, and getting Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to name her favorite gay bars in Lansing.But beneath the beat and the punchlines is a person deeply familiar with vulnerability onstage, online, in front of a camera, and especially in love.In this Q&A, we flip the script and ask the sexually-fluid star the questions. From dating apps to drag projects, from self-doubt to stretch marks, they reflect on building confidence, embracing cringe, and why intimacy often starts with letting people see the mess before the magic. Because when youve made a career out of putting others in the hot seat, the most revealing answers just might be your own.OUT: Whats your relationship status?Anania Williams: Im in a relationship. Im taken.How do you keep the spark alive in a long-term relationship?Its a matter of honest communication at any given moment. Theres no time where I feel like I need to lie or bend the truth with him. We find ways to bring up confrontation in a healthy way, make time for dates again, and try to surprise each other. I love the novelty in dating someone I dont necessarily gravitate toward the monotonous, repetitive kind of thing.What does intimacy and personal space look like for you?My last love language on the list is physical touch. But I love being around my partner. Its like can we hang out and play a video game together? Work on our own separate things? Help with a drag project? Thats how I receive love best. But I do value my personal space and my independence and my alone time.Your humor is a huge part of Gaydar. How does it show up in your relationships?I owe Gaydars success not just to myself, but to the whole team Brooke Finegold, the writer, Amelia Montooth, the director, everyone on the executive side. It takes a village.In dating, I lead with humor. Its a big part of who I am. I want people to feel comfortable, and Ill crack a joke any chance I get. Its my love language. I want someone who at least tries to be funnythey dont have to be funnier than me, but I cant with people so up their ass they cant take a joke.How important is humor in a relationship?Its paramount. The people I love the most in my life are the ones I can laugh with. Thats everything.Whats your most chaotic first date story?The first time someone actually took me on a date before I hooked up with them, they brought me to this bar in the middle of Boston. We went back to my tiny apartment. We do the one-two you know, we bump uglies, choke the chicken and afterward, were lying there in the post-coitus glow and he points at my stretch marks and goes, Why are you hurting yourself? Needless to say, I never saw that person again. It did not feel good.And your most iconic date?For New Years Eve, me and my boyfriend went to Saratoga Springs for no reason. We just got a little cottage up there. It was great.Where do you like to go on a first date?Im an activities person. I also like the movie theater as a first date, especially if its a dinner-and-a-show kind of situation. That way you spend time together and have something to talk about afterward. First dates can be as simple as a walk in the park or as planned as a play anything where you're not pulling shit out of dinner air.How do you usually meet people?When I was back on the market, it was usually dating apps. I feel like Im approachable in person, but I look like a friend. Im not like a sex symbol usually. Or if I am, Im in drag and I dont want to be touched. Theres a lot of layers going on waist down, and I think I like to keep those there.How do you build confidence before a date?Everything is a stage, and I kind of got over my stage fright when I was younger. Now, if I get nervous, I just acknowledge it. Thats the big shift I used to never admit I was anxious. Now Im like, okay, Im anxious. And I do whatever I need lay down, get a snack, whatever works.How did you grow into the confident person you are today?Im really lucky to have a strong support system. Ive adopted pieces of confidence from each of them. If I need the confidence of a friend, I ask myself how they would go through it. Sometimes you just have to make yourself believe otherwise.What advice do you have for people afraid of being cringe when expressing their relationship needs?I love people that are cringe. I love cringe because it just means people are being themselves. Id rather someone be cringe and present than constantly filtering before they speak. Its easier to be your authentic self than to always try to predict what will give you the desired result.Whats your take on sexual health in queer relationships?As a functioning adult, you have to take sexual health seriously. Im in a committed relationship and I still get tested. Theres so much stigma around it, but not knowing can be just as dangerous as knowingly spreading something. We need to be adult about it.Any last words for queer folks who feel love is harder to find these days?Thats something I had to mature into. I had to work on the negative self-talk that said I didnt deserve love. As soon as that faded and I started loving myselfmy body, my humor, who I want to bethat doubt eased. Love is there. It will find you. The dating pool might be smaller or more complicated, but its definitely there.This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.

Hollywood multihyphenate Mark Duplass recently announced that his production company has partnered with the Transgender Film Center to create a new project called the Footage Feature Fund. Considering the current state of the world, that commitment was met with criticism by conservatives but Duplass had no issues clapping back at the rhetoric.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!Duplass wrote on X/Twitter, "For those of you who have responded negatively to this initiative, thank you for confirming the need to support the voices of those who merely wish to exist without discrimination. I'll see you at the movies."The post was met with overwhelming support, racking up over 35,000 likes in less than a day. Specifically, the comments section praised Duplass for standing up for the trans community. "It means the world to have the support of someone I've looked up to for years in these terrifying times, thank you Mark," one person commented.Someone else wrote, "We need more people like you, willing to stand with us so unequivocally and speak up." Another comment remarked, "We can't win our equality on our own and seeing [folks] like you out there gives me so much hope, especially in times like now." (@) Duplass's new initiative was created to help trans filmmakers get their projects off the ground with full access to a budget estimated at $25,000. The Duplass brothers, along with director Patrick Brice, also made themselves available to act as consultants in these projects.The Duplass brothers have been vocal supporters of the trans community for years now. Back in 2015, they produced and launched an Academy Award campaign for the groundbreaking film, Tangerine, supporting the movie's stars Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor in the press. Even though neither actress was recognized, the Duplass brothers have continued to support queer and trans stories throughout the years going on to produce shows like Somebody Somewhere on HBO.

Happy Friday, Out readers!This was an excellent week for reality TV! On Project Runway season 21, history was made when Veejay Floresca won the season. Floresca is the first-ever out trans person to win the show!Floresca is highly driven and finished as the runner-up on the Philippines' version of the show. Since then, she's applied year after year for the American version, and now that she got her chance to compete, she took her shot and won the whole thing!"Im an immigrant, Im a trans woman, a trans woman of color, and people need to see that we are not enemies, Floresca said after her win. "We are just normal people with dreams and aspirations, and I hope that my story can change peoples perspective. For anyone struggling, I hope that you hear my story and know: Youve got this.Over on Apple TV+, Eugene Levy's reality show had a touching moment when the proud father got to open up about the moment his son, Dan Levy, came out to him."We were, I think, well aware that he was gay, but we were just waiting, you know, for the right time for him to feel comfortable enough to tell us," Levy says in the clip. "I mean, it was out, and it was a huge thing off the plate for him. And it was fine, it was just like, 'OK, there you go.'"Keep reading for all the best pop culture news and this week's Gayest Song!- Mey RudeAnania Williams made queer trivia viral & now theyre getting personalCrumbl CEO Sawyer Hemsley hard-launches new boyfriend AntonioWicked: For Good: Easter eggs, viral theories, references, & questionsDylan Mulvaney embraces being a 'problematic woman' in her off-Broadway show'Pines Summer of '25: The Paradigm Shift' captures a new eraWe are blessed to be living in the era of Chappell RoanEmma Watson breaks silence on J.K. Rowling: 'No one is disposable'Tennis star Carlos Alcaraz's naughty-looking stretch routine has the gays in a frenzy'Project Runway' season 21 crowns first-ever trans winner of the showWatch Eugene Levy share Dan's coming-out story on 'The Reluctant Traveler'Gayest Song of the WeekDoja Cat is back! The pop star/rapper is back with her latest album, Vie, and we can't stop listening to the song "Gorgeous!"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!

Glen Powell almost enrolled at William McKinley High.During an appearance on Jake Shane's podcast, Therapuss, this week, the Twisters star said he auditioned for a role in the hit musical series Glee, but he lost the job to one of his best friends."One of my best buddies in the world is this guy Chord Overstreet," Powell revealed during Thursday's episode. "We both auditioned for Glee. We both auditioned for the same role.... We were both in the waiting room at the same time."He went on to explain that he and Overstreet met in acting class and had been "pals for a really long" before going out for the same character, who would later be nicknamed "Trouty Mouth" in the show. "We were down to the wire on Sam Evans, and he got it," Powell said, referring to the Glee character ultimately played by Overstreet. "But, like, he's still one of my best friends."Powell also talked about how he got a front-row seat to Overstreet's rise to fame, as the two became roommates right after auditioning for the show."We moved in together as he went on this crazy Glee ride, which was, like, kind of wild," Powell said of watching one of his "best friends in the world" have such a meteoric ascent. "It was, like, pretty crazy to be around, because it was the biggest show in the world." - YouTube www.youtube.com Sam Evans joined Glee in season 2 as a new member of the New Directions. In the show, he worked as a teen stripper, dated Quinn, Santana, Brittany, and Mercedes, and ultimately took over as the glee club's teacher.While he may have missed out on playing Sam, Powell did eventually get a chance to work with Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan on the 2015 horror comedy series Scream Queens. In Scream Queens, he played frat bro Chad Radwell.

As the world generally gets more accepting of LGBTQ+ folks, coming out is getting easier. Just take a look at KATSEYE, the global girl-group sensation that has had two members come out ahead of the band's debut album.But while that level of visibility is easier to navigate today, it was much more rare to see even just 30 years ago. Those who came out early in their lives and careers were considered to be quite brave, while others were outed and forced to be courageous. For those who got to choose, some simply delayed coming out until much later in their lives.Here's a quick list of pop group legends who have come out as LGBTQ+. Lance Bass (*NSYNC)See on InstagramLance Bass debuted in *NSYNC in 1995, and publicly came out as gay in 2006 in a People magazine cover story. Though he said he felt liberated and happy, he later shared that his coming out had a significant impact on his career and public image. Raven-Symon (Cheetah Girls)See on InstagramRaven-Symon might be known for a few iconic sitcoms, but she also had several hit movies and albums with the group Cheetah Girls. She publicly came out as gay in August 2013 with a tweet celebrating the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage.Jonathan Knight (New Kids on The Block)See on InstagramJonathan Knight, a member of the 1990s boy band New Kids on The Block, was outed in 2009 after an ex sold photos of the couple together to the National Enquirer. Knight later made a public statement about his sexuality.Lauren Jauregui (Fifth Harmony)See on InstagramLauren Jauregui, a member of the 2010s girl group Fifth Harmony, publicly came out as bisexual in 2016 in a heartfelt letter in Billboard magazine.Tevin Campbell (Black Men United)See on InstagramTevin Campbell, a member of the 1994 R&B group Black Men United and the voice of Powerline in The Goofy Movie, publicly came out as gay in August 2022.Mel B (Spice Girls)See on InstagramMel B, one of the members of arguably the biggest girl group in the world, Spice Girls, opened up about her five-year relationship with a woman in 2024.Stephen Gately (Boyzone)See on InstagramIrish boy band Boyzone first debuted in 1993, and a few years later, in 1999, member Stephen Gately made the remarkably brave decision to come out. Gately died of natural causes in 2009. Lara Raj (KATSEYE)See on InstagramLara Raj opened up about her identity on Weverse, a Korean social media app. "I knew i was half fruitcake when i was like 8 so i really was wanting everybody," she shared in March 2025. "Honestly probably before 8. Isnt 'half fruitcake' such a good way to explain it without saying it?"Megan Skiendiel (KATSEYE)See on InstagramKATSEYE's star Megan also shared her bisexual identity on a Weverse livestream, with the support of Raj. "Guys, Im coming out. Im bisexual," she said as the two bicons quite literally jumped for joy.Duncan James (Blue)See on InstagramEnglish singer Duncan James starred in the boy group Blue, which produced three albums from 2000 to 2004. James came out as bisexual in 2009, then later identified as gay in a 2014 interview. Tinashe (The Stunners)See on InstagramPop and R&B star Tinashe got her start in the 2007 girl group The Stunners, which disbanded in 2011 after she launched her solo career. Though she hinted about her queer identity early on, Tinashe opened up publicly in a 2020 cover story for Gay Times magazine.Hayley Kiyoko (The Stunners)See on InstagramLesbian Jesus (a.k.a. Hayley Kiyoko) opened up about her sexuality in her 2015 viral hit single, "Girls Like Girls." She was one of the founding members of the short-lived girl group The Stunners.

Orville Peck may be country musics masked cowboy, but his latest Instagram drop proves hes also a martial arts thirst trap in the making.The South African-born, Canadian-raised singer has built a cult following with his fringed mask, booming baritone, and unapologetically queer spin on outlaw country. But now, Peck is trading the stage spotlight for the silver screen. Earlier this year, he was cast as Vega in the upcoming Street Fighter reboot and this weeks Instagram carousel showed hes taking the villain role very seriously.The post featured a mix of Pecks greatest hits: a gym selfie highlighting his tattooed arms and thighs, a cowboy look with his signature mask and a tank top, and plenty of flexing. But it was the final clip that stole the show. In it, Peck ditches the fringe for bare skin and delivers a shirtless roundhouse kick with surprising speed and precision. It was enough to convince fans hes already mastered Vegas finishing moves.Round house kick my head pls, one follower wrote.Another added, Your boyfriend is so lucky.Others staked a claim on him for themselves, saying their future husband looks great.Another breathless fan simply said, Why did that kick make me gasp?Even Pecks less action-heavy posts drew their own wave of attention. A gym selfie highlighting his tattooed arms and thighs had people zooming in, while a cowboy look with a tank top and bulging biceps earned the comment, Feel free to never wear sleeves again.Its the kind of multi-layered thirst that only Peck can pull off: equal parts queer cowboy icon, country crooner, and now, a cinematic villain who could crush your heart (or your skull) with a single kick.The Street Fighter reboot is slated for 2026, but if this training clip is any indication, Peck doesnt need a claw to be deadlyhis abs and thighs are already finishing moves.

It's New Music Friday!Music fans are eating good today! So many of our favorite LGBTQ+ (and adjacent) musicians have new releases. Playlists at the ready? The pop boys showed up in full force today. Khalid is channeling Britney Spears for his latest era, Nick Hissom gets sexy, and Zee Machine just released a stunning stripped version of "Shoulda Been Yours."Meanwhile, alt-rock-pop stars Maggie Lindemann and Julia Wolf joined forces in a new collab, BANKS covered a rock classic, and Syd sends out a warning on "GMFU."We also have brand new full-length albums from Doja Cat, Zara Larsson, Rochelle Jordan, and Mariah Carey! Talk about a feast.Scroll through to listen to this week's best new bops, and follow this writer's New Music Friday playlist on Spotify."out of body" - KhalidR&B star Khalid is in his pop boy era. After being outed last year, the singer is fully embracing his gay identity (and love of Britney Spears) in his music. His latest pop track features slick melodies, choreography, and a male love interest for the first time in his career. "This is me in my fully liberated element," said Khalid in a statement. His new album, After The Sun Goes Down, comes out on October 10. "Gorgeous" - Doja CatSupermodel Alex Consani joins Doja Cat in the glossy music video for "Gorgeous." "Hot & Sexy" - Zara LarssonZara Larsson had a certified song of the summer with "Midnight Sun," but her new album of the same title is stacked with bangers including this track that samples an iconic Tiffany Pollard rant. "SEXIFY" - Nick HissomIs it hot in here, or is it just Nick Hissom's steamy new msuic video? "2022" - Maggie Lindemann, Julia WolfThe alt pop rock duo of our dreams just collabed on the lush new track "2022.""GMFU" - SydDon't cross Syd! Her funkey new track is a warning to the heartbreakers out there. "Shoulda Been Yours" - Zee MachineEmbed: Zee Machine shows off his vocals and guitar skills on this killer lo-fi track."Baddie Baddie" - Ice SpiceIce Spice samples MIA's iconic 2010s anthem "Bad Girls" in her new bop."TIT FOR TAT" - Tate McRaePop star Tate McRae dropped this new banger just hours before her sold-out Los Angeles shows. "Teardrop" - BANKSAlt-pop star BANKS covers Massive Attack's 1998 track "Teardrop." "The Boy" - Rochelle JordanRochelle Jordan's sleek new album Through The Wall is a must-listen for dance, disco, and R&B fans!"OUT OF BODY" - PARTYOF2, Jadagrace, SWIMPARTYOF2 goes grunge on their experimental new track featuring Jadagrace and SWIM."Midnight Slay" - SlothrustGet lost in Slothrust's twisted games in their guitar-driven new single. "Play This Song" - Mariah Carey, Anderson .PaakThe legendary Mariah Carey just dropped a smooth new song with hip-hop star Anderson .Paak....And here's the playlist!Taylor Henderson is a music contributor to Out magazine. Be sure to follow 'the alphabet mafia' playlist on Spotify!

We, as gay people, get to choose our sense of humor.Actress, singer, and soon-to-be EGOT winner Cynthia Erivo shared a gorgeous photo of herself one day prior to the final trailer of Wicked: For Good being released across social media.While there isn't anything to joke about in the actual photo Erivo just looks focused and getting ready to embody the character of Elphaba while shooting the two Wicked movies fans and queens of RuPaul's Drag Race couldn't help but notice that this entire shot looked pretty familiar...A queer artist wearing what is clearly a costume, while beat-to-the-gods in terms of makeup, backstage from the actual set, facing herself in a mirror but not necessarily caring about her hands not showing the same green makeup as her face, and all while listening to a song through a wired earbud attached to an iPod/iPhone that she has on hand looking a bit tense, or defeated, or concentrated, which suggests that she's preparing for a very important moment of her journey in this production.And just like that, it clicked. In this behind-the-scenes photo, Cynthia Erivo looks like a Drag Race queen experiencing a dosage of Untucked panic after hearing the judges' critiques and suspecting that she might have to lip sync for her life in order to stay on the show and move on to the next episode.Seddera Side (@) X fan-page @sedderaside best known for hot takes and viral memes related to RuPaul's Drag Race was one of the first people to point out the many similarities between this photo of Cynthia Erivo and a bottom-two Drag Race queen in Untucked preparing to lip sync for her life: Listening to the lip sync song one last time, making sure that nothing about the makeup or the outfit looks out of place, and concentrating herself to deliver a great performance on the main stage."This is so 'Drag Race girl in Untucked nervous about possibly lip syncing' core," Seddera Side wrote, and that's all it took for a hilarious new meme crossing over the Wicked universe and the RuPaul's Drag Race queendom to be born.Thank Oz!Morphine Love Dion (@) Morphine Love Dion referenced her lip sync assassination of Dawn to "Body" by Megan Thee Stallion on Drag Race season 16. The Miami lip sync diva wrote:"Me pretending to learn 'Body' fully knowing I already knew the choreo and have performed it 30 times before."Lana Ja'Rae (@) Drag Race season 17 star Lana Ja'Rae who tried a lot of things for the first time on the show and unfortunately had to lip sync for her life several times wrote:"Me every week in Untucked."Plane Jane (@) Plane Jane's version of this crossover meme was very on-brand, obviously! The Drag Race season 16 finalist brought up the lip sync for the win of "Made You Look" by Meghan Trainor, which was between Sapphira Cristl and Morphine Love Dion that week."Me learning 'I Made You Look' thinking I'm about to send Dawn or Q to the house only for it to be a top 2 lip sync with Morphine Love Dion not knowing the words."Marina Summers (@) The Filipina superstar Marina Summers also entered the chat, recalling her fantastic lip sync to "Release Me" by Agnes against Hannah Conda in season 2, episode 6 of RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs. the World."Me orchestrating my 'Release Me' masterpiece."Mhi'ya Iman Le'Paige (@) Remember when Mhi'ya Iman Le'Paige and Plasma lip synced for their lives to Lady Gaga's "Bloody Mary (Wednesday Dance TikTok Version)" remix? We sure do, and so does Mhi'ya, who threw some hilarious shade at Plasma not only for being nervous about the lip sync, but also for infamously looking rather goth during that episode."This was Plasma before our lip sync to 'Bloody Mary.'"Kyran Thrax (@) Kyran Thrax, the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK season 6, also joined this meme era recalling the comedy roast episode of her season. In the Untucked portion of the episode, Kyran destroyed her very expensive outfit in order to be prepared to lip sync."Me in the roast episode Untucked literally shredding up my 2,000 outfit with scissors and putting a wig reveal on for literally no reason."Spoiler alert: That week's lip sync for your live was between Lill and Rileasa Slaves to "Crazy What Love Can Do" by David Guetta, Becky Hill, and Ella Henderson. In turn, Kyran never had to lip sync for her life the entire season.Flor (@) RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under season 3 star Flor made it all the way to top 3 in the competition. While she didn't end up snatching the crown, she rightfully reminded fans of her lip sync to Kylie Minogue's "Secrets," in which she sent Rita Menu packing."Kylie Minogue Secrets," Flor wrote. Enough said, innit?Taiga Brava (@) Taiga Brava won Queen of the Universe season 2 and went on to host Drag Race Mxico season 2 with Lolita Banana. So even though she couldn't relate to the experience of having to lip sync for her life, she did re-post Erivo's photo and captioned it with the iconic command from the judges in the Mexican series:"The time has come to do an I-CO-NIC lip sync of 'No Good Deed' from Wicked."

Chappell Roan's fandom has no time for straights who police the singer's body.Roan is booked and busy on her latest tour, wowing fans across North America. While her fans have nothing but praise for the shows, some haters are busy criticizing her looks instead of listening to her music. (@) While many users are applauding Roan's stage presence, singing skills, and ability to put on a fantastic show even in the rain, one viral X post is focused on something else: The singer's armpit hair.A Chappell Roan fan account named @inmycomfychair shared two screenshots of posts criticizing Roan's armpit hair in a recent photograph. One post shows a red arrow pointing to her armpit with the word, "bruh." The other shows someone commenting on a zoomed-in picture of her armpit, saying, "Bad hygiene.""Excuse me? Why were you zooming in to begin with? Sorry a lesbian just existing is icky to you," @inmycomfychair commented. (@) This is far from new. A new documentary on Lilith Fair recalls a time in 1998 when singer Paula Cole was criticized for having armpit hair after winning the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Entertainment Weekly even airbrushed her armpit hair out of an issue.However, the people criticizing Roan's body hair seem to be forgetting one central fact: She's a lesbian.Even if Roan were to follow the whims of what her target audience wants, she wouldn't be listening to straight men who tell her that her body hair is "bad hygiene" and gross.In a 2017 study titled, An exploration of bisexual, lesbian, and heterosexual women's body dissatisfaction, and body hair and cosmetics practices, Nikki Hayfield, Victoria Clarke, and Emma Halliwell of the University of the West of England, Bristol, found that queer women have much more favorable views of body hair than straight women."Heterosexual women agreed significantly more than lesbian or bisexual women with statements which described body hair as disgusting, uncomfortable, unfeminine and unattractive," the report reads. "Lesbian and bisexual women had more positive attitudes to body hair and lower scores on body hair removal from their underarms, legs, and eyebrows, compared to heterosexual women."In fact, lesbians and sapphics online are rushing to defend Roan expressing public support and love for her body hair.The online discourse is full of people clapping back at the hate for Roan's armpit hair. Some point out the double standard that men are expected to have body hair, and when they do, it isn't seen as "bad hygiene." Others are reminding the haters that body hair is a simple and normal part of human biology. Others are pointing out how tired they are of people policing women's bodies.And there is yet another group one that is taking a thirstier approach. Many of Roan's queer fans aren't just clapping back at the haters, but are also praising Roan's body hair as attractive and sexy. (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

By now, most have heard of body positivity, but the concept of body neutrality is not quite aswell known. However, it might be easier to practice for some. If your someone who isntparticularly inspired by gratitude practices or you dont appreciate being told to be positive allthe time, this might be the movement for you. Body neutrality is about ratcheting down theexhortations to love your physical being and gives you permission to stop thinking in thoseterms at all.Instead of thinking about concepts like beauty and love, you might shift to thinking more interms of function. You can appreciate what your body does for you without having to feel likeyoure also a cheerleader for it. While both approaches are focused on taking the emphasisaway from unattainable ideals and work to discourage perfectionism, neutrality is often easierto achieve than positivity. Keep reading for more on how to shift into this mindset and how itmight enhance your life.Find an Activity You LoveEveryone knows that feeling of getting really involved in something, whether its a game, abook, a movie or a conversation, and losing track of other things, including your worries. This isessentially the idea when it comes to finding an activity that you love to do, whether itsrunning, playing pickleball, tai chi, yoga, swimming or just taking a walk. Using your body to dosomething that you enjoy helps you shift your focus away from how you look and focus on whatyoure capable of.It can also help you genuinely appreciate that however you may feel about your physicalshortcomings, youre able to do this thing that you love. In turn, rather than saying over andover, I love my legs and finding it only makes you think about how much you hate your legs,you can switch to fact-based statements. For example, My legs carried me five miles todaymight feel a lot more natural than insisting that you love them.Consider Cosmetic ChangesFor some, body positivity can backfire by making you feel like you arent allowed to want tochange anything. However, with neutrality, theres room for cosmetic surgery. What you maywant to do here is dig deep into the reasons that youre considering surgery. Maybe youd like to tighten up loose skin after a significant weight loss. Maybe youve felt that a certain feature has always hindered your ability to be entirely unselfconscious. These are obviously things that you can live with because thats exactly what youre doing, but if you feel that surgery would better reflect who you really are, theres no reason not to go ahead with it. In fact, it might even help your body feel more functional, which is the whole idea behind this neutrality.One obstacle for many people when considering cosmetic surgery is cost. Like most, you maybe dealing with increasing healthcare costs and insurance coverage thats inconsistent. High-deductible health plans can leave you paying out of pocket and never seeing the benefit of theactual plan itself. Even good plans may not cover the exact type of surgery youre after, leavingyou to choose between not getting it done at all and medical debt. Health care organizationsdont want to deal with debt any more than you do, and there coping with their ownchallenges, including billing department costs and revenue cycle management. Utilizing patientpayment financing offers a solution that benefits both patients and providers. It allows you tomove forward with the cosmetic procedure that you want while your providers get paid. Youcan apply online and find out quickly whether youre approved.Stop StrivingOne of the best things about the movement toward neutrality instead of positivity is that itallows you to stop trying to constantly reach for something and simply be. In fact, if you thinkabout it, theres an element of the positivity movement that forces you to think about yourbody all the time because youre always trying to remind yourself that its beautiful. Withneutrality, you can finally just relax.You can think about other things. If even something like My body is strong and useful feelslike an affirmation too far for you, you can simply shift your attention elsewhere, whether thatsfocusing on your job, a hobby, your family or something else. For many, this is a more effectiveapproach to reducing the time that you spend in negative rumination.Get Clothes and Accessories You LikeEven if you dont enjoy shopping, you might like having new clothes. Even if you dont care about clothes, what about shoes, jewelry or a new bag? The key is to pick out things that youfeel genuinely express who you are. When your wearing a pair of boots that you love or acolorful coat that demonstrates your creative side, your moving beyond the idea that yourappearance is supposed to conform to a particular standard.Instead, your using how you look to feel more confident about who you are. If you arententirely sure what your style is or what to wear, you might want to consider looking into apersonal stylist or shopper. There are also apps and online services that can connect you toboth human and AI powered stylists that can help you get into the clothes that feel like youeven if you arent sure what that is yet.Let the Thoughts ComeThere can be something almost meditative about practicing body neutrality. In meditation, youlearn to observe emotions and thoughts without attaching yourself to them. With neutrality,you can do this as well. Maybe youve said to yourself, I need to lose weight. In the past, thismight have led to a spiral of negative self-talk.Positivity might have encouraged you to say something like, I am wonderful just as I am! Thismay have felt unnatural. With neutrality, you can simply observe that youd like to lose someweight and leave the thought there. You don't have to attach any value or emotion to the idea,either negative or positive.The post Embracing Body Neutrality: Tips for a Journey Toward Acceptance appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

By now, most have heard of body positivity, but the concept of body neutrality is not quite aswell known. However, it might be easier to practice for some. If your someone who isntparticularly inspired by gratitude practices or you dont appreciate being told to be positive allthe time, this might be the movement for you. Body neutrality is about ratcheting down theexhortations to love your physical being and gives you permission to stop thinking in thoseterms at all.Instead of thinking about concepts like beauty and love, you might shift to thinking more interms of function. You can appreciate what your body does for you without having to feel likeyoure also a cheerleader for it. While both approaches are focused on taking the emphasisaway from unattainable ideals and work to discourage perfectionism, neutrality is often easierto achieve than positivity. Keep reading for more on how to shift into this mindset and how itmight enhance your life.Find an Activity You LoveEveryone knows that feeling of getting really involved in something, whether its a game, abook, a movie or a conversation, and losing track of other things, including your worries. This isessentially the idea when it comes to finding an activity that you love to do, whether itsrunning, playing pickleball, tai chi, yoga, swimming or just taking a walk. Using your body to dosomething that you enjoy helps you shift your focus away from how you look and focus on whatyoure capable of.It can also help you genuinely appreciate that however you may feel about your physicalshortcomings, youre able to do this thing that you love. In turn, rather than saying over andover, I love my legs and finding it only makes you think about how much you hate your legs,you can switch to fact-based statements. For example, My legs carried me five miles todaymight feel a lot more natural than insisting that you love them.Consider Cosmetic ChangesFor some, body positivity can backfire by making you feel like you arent allowed to want tochange anything. However, with neutrality, theres room for cosmetic surgery. What you maywant to do here is dig deep into the reasons that youre considering surgery. Maybe youd like to tighten up loose skin after a significant weight loss. Maybe youve felt that a certain feature has always hindered your ability to be entirely unselfconscious. These are obviously things that you can live with because thats exactly what youre doing, but if you feel that surgery would better reflect who you really are, theres no reason not to go ahead with it. In fact, it might even help your body feel more functional, which is the whole idea behind this neutrality.One obstacle for many people when considering cosmetic surgery is cost. Like most, you maybe dealing with increasing healthcare costs and insurance coverage thats inconsistent. High-deductible health plans can leave you paying out of pocket and never seeing the benefit of theactual plan itself. Even good plans may not cover the exact type of surgery youre after, leavingyou to choose between not getting it done at all and medical debt. Health care organizationsdont want to deal with debt any more than you do, and there coping with their ownchallenges, including billing department costs and revenue cycle management. Utilizing patient payment financing offers a solution that benefits both patients and providers. It allows you tomove forward with the cosmetic procedure that you want while your providers get paid. Youcan apply online and find out quickly whether youre approved.Stop StrivingOne of the best things about the movement toward neutrality instead of positivity is that itallows you to stop trying to constantly reach for something and simply be. In fact, if you thinkabout it, theres an element of the positivity movement that forces you to think about yourbody all the time because youre always trying to remind yourself that its beautiful. Withneutrality, you can finally just relax.You can think about other things. If even something like My body is strong and useful feelslike an affirmation too far for you, you can simply shift your attention elsewhere, whether thatsfocusing on your job, a hobby, your family or something else. For many, this is a more effectiveapproach to reducing the time that you spend in negative rumination.Get Clothes and Accessories You LikeEven if you dont enjoy shopping, you might like having new clothes. Even if you dont care about clothes, what about shoes, jewelry or a new bag? The key is to pick out things that youfeel genuinely express who you are. When your wearing a pair of boots that you love or acolorful coat that demonstrates your creative side, your moving beyond the idea that yourappearance is supposed to conform to a particular standard.Instead, your using how you look to feel more confident about who you are. If you arententirely sure what your style is or what to wear, you might want to consider looking into apersonal stylist or shopper. There are also apps and online services that can connect you toboth human and AI powered stylists that can help you get into the clothes that feel like youeven if you arent sure what that is yet.Let the Thoughts ComeThere can be something almost meditative about practicing body neutrality. In meditation, youlearn to observe emotions and thoughts without attaching yourself to them. With neutrality,you can do this as well. Maybe youve said to yourself, I need to lose weight. In the past, thismight have led to a spiral of negative self-talk.Positivity might have encouraged you to say something like, I am wonderful just as I am! Thismay have felt unnatural. With neutrality, you can simply observe that youd like to lose someweight and leave the thought there. You don't have to attach any value or emotion to the idea,either negative or positive.The post Embracing Body Neutrality: Tips for a Journey Toward Acceptance appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

Defying gravity, and beyond!The first Wicked movie and the Wicked: For Good sequel assembled an exceptional cast of actors like Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jonathan Bailey to play beloved characters like Elphaba, Glinda, and Fiyero on the big screen. With Jon M. Chu attached as the director, this two-part cinematic event is based on the 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire and the hit Broadway musical by Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics) and Winnie Holzman (book).As Ozians from all over the world wait for Wicked part two officially titled Wicked: For Good this feels like the perfect time to look back on the Broadway icons who originated these roles in the hit musical production by Stephen Schwartz, all while noting how different they are from the Hollywood stars who turned this story into an even bigger pop culture phenomenon through the movies.Elphaba Idina Menzel vs. Cynthia ErivoElphaba Thropp, otherwise referred to as the Wicked Witch of the West, is the main character of Gregory Maguire's Wicked novel, Stephen Schwartz's hit Broadway musical, and the Jon M. Chu-directed live-action films. Unlike the classic 1939 The Wizard of Oz film that portrays this character as a nameless, green, evil witch, Wicked reframes the story and explains why she's become this way.The wickedly talented Idina Menzel originated Elphaba on Broadway and transformed the green witch into one of the most beloved fictional characters in history. In the movies, Elphaba was played by another creative powerhouse, Cynthia Erivo, who brought her own experiences and perspectives to the characterization.Idina MenzelBesides originating the character of Elphaba on Broadway, Idina Menzel is also a legend for playing Maureen Johnson in Rent and voicing Elsa in the hit Disney animated franchise Frozen.In 2022, the Tony Award-winning actress, singer, and Broadway icon was officially named a "Disney Legend." This year, Menzel also graced an Out cover star in the "Broadway Divas" issue alongside other powerhouse performers.Cynthia ErivoBefore starring as Elphaba in the Wicked movies, Cynthia Erivo had already won an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Tony for her work in The Color Purple musical on Broadway. Erivo is only an Oscar away from EGOT-ing, and was also named Icon of the Year on the 2024 Out100 list.Erivo released her latest studio album, I Forgive You, earlier this year. She also made headlines for playing Jesus Christ in a Hollywood Bowl run of Jesus Christ Superstar. As this era of her career comes to an end following Wicked: For Good, Erivo is already set to play Dracula and 22 other characters in a new stage production of Bram Stoker's Dracula on the West End.Glinda Kristin Chenoweth vs. Ariana GrandeThe Wicked books and musical first introduce this character as Galinda Upland. Over the course of the story, however, she finesses her way into high society, renames herself as Glinda, and rebrands as the Good Witch.Kristin Chenoweth originated Glinda on Broadway's Wicked, and the challenge of turning her into a likable character despite her eccentric quirks and frivolous aspirations cannot be understated. Ariana Grande took on that challenge for the Wicked movies, and clearly also brought to life a three-dimensional character that audiences will connect with for years to come.Kristin ChenowethFrom stage productions likeYou're a Good Man, Charlie Brown to TV shows like Pushing Daisies, Kristin Chenoweth is the winner of a Tony Award and an Emmy Award. She is also a legitimate Broadway icon who's brought to life a long list of iconic characters throughout her career, including Wicked's very own Glinda a role that she originated on Broadway alongside Menzel's Elphaba.Ariana GrandeAriana Grande has been one of the world's most popular (pun intended) and successful pop stars for the past couple of decades.Between releasing Billboard Hot 100 no. 1 songs like "Thank U, Next," "7 Rings," "Yes, And?," and "We Can't Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)," Grande has publicly declared her deep love of Wicked numerous times. She's also reiterated how much it means to her to play Glinda in Wicked (2024) and Wicked: For Good (2025).Fiyero Norbert Leo Butz vs. Jonathan BaileyFiyero Tigelaar is the gorgeous, hilarious, and wealthy heartthrob of the Wicked universe. He isn't really a studious man, but he loves to have fun and feels his emotions very deeply.Norbert Leo Butz originated the role of Fiyero when the Wicked musical opened on Broadway. In subsequent years, Butz won two Tony Awards for his performances as Freddy Benson in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and as Carl Hanratty in Catch me If You Can.The Wicked movies cast Bridgerton and Fellow Travelers star Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, and it's hard to think of a better actor to bring this character to the big screen. As an out gay actor, Bailey also brought even more queerness to the Wicked universe, which feels correct.Norbert Leo ButzThe bulk of Norbert Leo Butz's career has been in theater. Of note, the actor received critical acclaim for his performances in 2002's Thou Shalt Not, 2005's Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, 2011's Catch Me If You Can, and 2018's My Fair Lady. He was nominated for a Tony Award in all of those four productions.In the last few years, Butz has gained attention for his work beyond theater as well. For instance, his performances as Bill Belichick on American Sports Story and as Alan Lomax in the Timothe Chalamet-starring biopic of Bob Dylan, A Complete Unknown, were well received by critics and fans alike.Jonathan BaileyJonathan Bailey is one of the biggest Hollywood stars on the planet. He's come a long way from his breakout role on Netflix's Bridgerton, and certainly gained some critical acclaim for his performance on Showtime's Fellow Travelers.Besides playing the most irresistible and charismatic version of Fiyero we've ever seen, Bailey was also cast as a main star in Jurassic World: Rebirth alongside A-listers like Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali. No big deal, ya know? With his imminent return to Oz through Wicked: For Good, the actor is redefining what it means to be an out actor who can still play all kinds of characters just like his straight counterparts.Nessarose Michelle Federer vs. Marissa BodeEven though Nessarose Thropp Elphaba's sister goes through very drastic changes between the original Wicked novel and the Broadway musical, this character is still a young woman who has a disability and needs Elphaba's assistance from time to time.Michelle Federer originated Nessarose in the original Broadway cast of the Wicked musical. In the movies, it was up to newcomer Marissa Bode to embody the role as an actress who also uses a wheelchair for mobility in her day-to-day life. This is a character with a much more significant presence in Wicked: For Good, and fans are excited to see Bode showing this very different side to Nessa.Boq Christopher Fitzgerald vs. Ethan SlaterBoq is a much more significant character in Maguire's Wicked books. Overall, Boq is a dedicated student at Shiz University who hails from Munchkinland and develops a serious crush on Galinda. Even if his fate is ultimately the same in both the novels and the musical, readers get to know Boq much more than they do on the Broadway show.The stage musical version of Boq was originated by Christopher Fitzgerald. Over the course of his career, Fitzgerald received Tony nominations for his roles in Young Frankenstein, Finian's Rainbow, and Waitress.Ethan Slater, who was also known for his Broadway credits such as SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical and Spamalot before starring in Wicked, reprised his role as Boq in Wicked: For Good and will definitely be featured more heavily in the sequel due to what happens at this point in the story.Madame Morrible Carole Shelley vs. Michelle YeohMadame Morrible, the headmistress of Crage Hall at Shiz University, is well, horrible! There are many layers to this character building a connection with Elphaba, being linked to powerful people in the Land of Oz, and pushing her own self-interests over the course of the story.The late, great Carole Shelley originated Madame Morrible in the stage production of Wicked. She was also well known for her performances in productions like The Elephant Man, Stepping Out, and Billy Elliot.To pull off such a grandiose and wonderfully sneaky character in the Wicked films, producers went all out and cast Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Everything Everywhere All At Once) in the role. Talk about a perfect choice!The Wizard of Oz Joel Grey vs. Jeff GoldblumThe truth, fantasy, and mythology surrounding the Wizard of Oz has been built for 125 years since L. Frank Baum's original novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, was published.Joel Grey played the Wizard of Oz in the original Broadway cast of Wicked. At the time, the actor was best known for his performance as the Emcee in Cabaret in the stage musical and in the film adaptation which earned him an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award.Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz in the Wicked (2024) and Wicked: For Good (2025) films has turned out to be another pitch-perfect casting choice for the character, and the sequel has even more chaos and screentime for the actor to let loose.Doctor Dillamond William Youmans vs. Peter DinklageWilliam Youmans has had an incredible Broadway career. Over the years, the actor originated roles in various productions ranging from John Jacob Astor in Titanic: The Musical, to Alcindoro in La Bohme, to Sir Richard Bingham in The Pirate Queen, to Mr. Bascombe in Carousel, to the original Doctor Dillamond in the Wicked musical.Even though the Wicked movie featured an animated version of Doctor Dillamond, casting producers made an inspired choice by casting Peter Dinklage as the voice actor behind the Animal professor at Shiz University. Dinklage, one of Hollywood's most beloved actors since starring as Tyrion Lannister on HBO's Game of Thrones, carried over all that goodwill into Dillamond, making it easy for viewers to connect with the character right away.The 2004 Tony Awards were very shady toward Wicked.Wicked received 10 nominations at the 58th Tony Awards, which aired in June 2004 and were hosted by Hugh Jackman.During his iconic "One Night Only" opening number for the ceremony, Jackman flirted with the ladies of Hairspray and Little Shop of Horrors, advised the nominees to have fun even if they didn't win any awards, and then joined the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall to kick as highly and as fiercely as they did.Alas, it is common knowledge among Broadway fans that the 2004 Tonys weren't exactly great to the Wicked musical. For one, the Tony Awards Administration Committee announced that costars Idina Menzel (who originated Elphaba in the musical) and Kristin Chenoweth (who originated Glinda in the musical) would be eligible for the same category: Best Leading Actress in a Musical.Given that Menzel and Chenoweth had to compete in the same category, Wicked had the chance to win nine Tonys out of 10 nominations. By the end of the ceremony, the hit Broadaway musical won three awards.Best Leading Actress in a Musical Idina Menzel (WINNER)Best Scenic Design, Play or Musical Eugene Lee (WINNER)Best Costume Design, Play or Musical Susan Hilferty (WINNER)But we, and so many other Broadway fans, call shade.If nominating Menzel and Chenoweth for the same principal award was intended as praise, that flattery quickly flattened as everyone realized that there wasn't any viable path for both actresses to win a Tony even though the title of the musical, Wicked, was a direct reference to Menzel's Elphaba, and it stands to reason that Chenoweth's Glinda could've competed in the Best Supporting Actress in a Musical category.But wait, there's moreThe other unbearably shady moment from the 2004 Tony Awards happened when Wicked let's say that again: Wicked! did not win the Tony Award for Best Musical.Broadway's Wicked competed against Avenue Q (a hilarious musical that combines puppets and actors onstage), The Boy from Oz (a jukebox musical about singer-songwriter Peter Allen), and Caroline, or Change (a trippy musical set in the 1960s that explores historical events through the lens of Caroline, a Black maid in Louisiana).Ultimately, Wicked lost all seven awards detailed below including Best Musical, which went to Avenue Q.Best Musical (NOMINEE)Best Leading Actress in a Musical Kristin Chenoweth (NOMINEE)Best Original Score Stephen Schwartz (NOMINEE)Best Book of a Musical Winnie Holzman (NOMINEE)Best Choreography Wayne Cilento (NOMINEE)Best Lighting Design, Play or Musical Kenneth Posner (NOMINEE)Best Orchestrations William Davis Brohn (NOMINEE)

Orville Peck may be country musics masked cowboy, but his latest Instagram drop proves hes also a martial arts thirst trap in the making.The South African-born, Canadian-raised singer has built a cult following with his fringed mask, booming baritone, and unapologetically queer spin on outlaw country. But now, Peck is trading the stage spotlight for the silver screen. Earlier this year, he was cast as Vega in the upcoming Street Fighter reboot and this weeks Instagram carousel showed hes taking the villain role very seriously.The post featured a mix of Pecks greatest hits: a gym selfie highlighting his tattooed arms and thighs, a cowboy look with his signature mask and a tank top, and plenty of flexing. But it was the final clip that stole the show. In it, Peck ditches the fringe for bare skin and delivers a shirtless roundhouse kick with surprising speed and precision. It was enough to convince fans hes already mastered Vegas finishing moves.Round house kick my head pls, one follower wrote.Another added, Your boyfriend is so lucky.Others staked a claim on him for themselves, saying their future husband looks great.Another breathless fan simply said, Why did that kick make me gasp?Even Pecks less action-heavy posts drew their own wave of attention. A gym selfie highlighting his tattooed arms and thighs had people zooming in, while a cowboy look with a tank top and bulging biceps earned the comment, Feel free to never wear sleeves again.Its the kind of multi-layered thirst that only Peck can pull off: equal parts queer cowboy icon, country crooner, and now, a cinematic villain who could crush your heart (or your skull) with a single kick.The Street Fighter reboot is slated for 2026, but if this training clip is any indication, Peck doesnt need a claw to be deadlyhis abs and thighs are already finishing moves.

Some of the biggest news outlets in show business published bizarre reports over the weekend claiming that certain talent agencies have been seemingly interested in signing an "AI actress" by the name of Tilly Norwood to their talent rosters. The report came from panel discussions at the Zurich Summit event involving production studios like Particle6 and creative hubs such as Dream Lab LA.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!The two biggest stories involving this "AI actress" named Tilly Norwood came from Deadline and Variety, with a flood of negative comments and reshares using the two stories to voice their indignation that such a case was being reported just like any other regular news report surrounding the entertainment industry.Now, Hollywood talent, production staff, and enthusiasts of the industry are clapping back across social networks.Melissa Barrera whose controversial firing from Scream 7 is still reverberating through the industry shared her reaction to this news on social media, which many consider to be the most noteworthy response to the controversy so far."Hope all actors repped by the agent that does this, drop their a$$. How gross, read the room," Barrera wrote in an Instagram Story.Numerous actors and performers reacted to the news by leaving comments under the Instagram post from Deadline reporting this story.Mara Wilson shared a comment that posed a question, "And what about the hundreds of living young women whose faces were composited together to make her? You couldn't hire any of them?""Stop calling this an actress," BenDeLaCreme wrote in response to the post.Lukas Gage commented, "She couldn't hit her mark and she was late!"Entertainment reporter and podcaster Tommy DiDario wrote, I will never interview a 'Tilly' on any of my shows."A thumbs down was left by Brandon Flynn.Nicholas Alexander Chavez wrote, "Not an actress actually nice try."Emmy-nominated actress and queer icon Natasha Lyonne also shared the original Instagram post from Deadline via Instagram Story. Lyonne covered the AI actress's face with vomit emojis and wrote:"Any talent agency that engages in this should be boycotted by all guilds. Deeply misguided & totally disturbed. Not the way. Not the vibe. Not the use."Comedian, actor, influencer, and recording artist Jordan Firstman wrote (satirical post):"I worked with Tilly. Hell of an actress but super racist and hated kids. Also she fucked our gaffer in front of the entire crew at the wrap party. She's got real star power but definitely a liability."Actress Trace Lysette also shared a more humorous comment at first, which she then followed up with a more serious reaction."In all seriousness tho this is really gross," Lysette wrote via Instagram Story. "So many of us live gig to gig already. Please don't entertain this Al actor mess."Writer and actor Ryan O'Connell also used sense of humor to react to the news, but less so in a way that made light of the circumstances. O'Connell wrote via Instagram Story:"Me spending 48 hours in nature with no reception and getting dick-slapped by this headline."Franois Arnaud, best known as an actor from The Borgias, Yellowjackets, Blindspot, and Twinless, wrote:"I hear she's a massive asshole."Jimmy Fowlie, a comedian, actor, and writer whose credits include The Other Two, Go-Go Boy Interrupted, English Teacher, and three seasons of Saturday Night Live, shared an Instagram Reel to voice his dislike and confusion surrounding the news that Hollywood agencies are reportedly interested in signing Norwood to their rosters."So obviously we've all been hearing about this: The AI actress that Hollywood agents want to sign. Which I kind of feel like that's not real?" Fowlie reflected. "What would you even be signing? The programmer, or something? Like, you would own the rights to her image?"Fowlie concluded, "But I guess my question is and I wonder if anyone's talking about this but Can she do improv? Like, seriously though Can she? Do improv?"See on InstagramNiklaus Miller, a video editor and screenwriter, also shared a funny Instagram Reel claiming to know the actress and having heard from multiple people that Norwood is "a nightmare to work with." He also alleged that Norwood used to have an X/Twitter account that has since been deleted due to having numerous problematic posts.Miller concluded the video saying that even though he supports women's rights, this case is just different. (Again, the entire video clearly aimed to criticize this situation with a sense of humor.)See on InstagramSeveral posts about this controversy also went viral on X/Twitter.@a_themanuscript wrote, "We cannot normalize this. Acting is a centuries old art and we cannot lose it to AI."As of this writing, the post had surpassed 2.2 million views and received 128,000 likes. (@) Actor Ralph Ineson (@ralphineson) wrote on X:"Fuck off." (@) "Wow, good thing SAG went on strike for all that time!" Grace Randolph wrote. (@) Luke Barnett theorized that the news itself felt suspicious, writing:"Shame on Variety for even using the term 'AI Actress.' This is all such a flagrant PR grift. I guarantee no real agency is 'circling her.' Get outta here with this garbage." (@) Caroline Renard remarked, "AI actress. What the hell are we even doing?" (@) Josh Tenet kept things straightforward, writing on X:"Fuck off fuck off fuck off fuck off fuck off fuck off fuck off." (@) "The concept of signing an AI actress," Jonathan Fujii mused in an X post. (@) "What and I cannot stress this enough the fuck?" Maggie Lovitt wrote. (@) A lengthy response has already been shared on the official Instagram account for this AI persona called Tilly Norwood.For context, Norwood has over 6,300 followers and has "she," "it," and "her" as preferred pronouns. "You'll either get it or pretend you don't," the rest of Norwood's Instagram bio reads. "I'm a creation. #aiart. Actress (aspiring). London (mostly in cafs). Mild chaos, major delusions."The Linktree link shown in bio does lead to an actual Linktree page for Tilly Norwood. However, the Linktree only connects to two social platforms: Instagram itself, and Pinterest.As of this writing, Norwood's Pinterest profile doesn't have any pins or boards none created, and none saved. The page only features a bio that reads:"My name is Tilly Norwood and I am an aspiring actress!"And yet, because an actual actress called Tilly Norwood does not exist and, therefore, wasn't a real person whose career was on the line, saw the backlash happening firsthand, drafted a written response to speak for herself, and posted it on social media to clear the air the statement was instead attributed to Eline Van der Velden: The Dutch writer, actress, and producer who spoke about developing Tilly Norwood at the Zurich Summit, and who claimed that talent agents are already showing interest in signing this digital persona.The statement reads:"To those who have expressed anger over the creation of our Al character, Tilly Norwood: she is not a replacement for a human being, but a creative work - a piece of art. Like many forms of art before her, she sparks conversation, and that in itself shows the power of creativity.I see Al not as a replacement for people, but as a new tool - a new paintbrush. Just as animation, puppetry, or CG opened fresh possibilities without taking away from live acting, Al offers another way to imagine and build stories. I'm an actor myself, and nothing - certainly not an Al character - can take away the craft or joy of human performance.Creating Tilly has been, for me, an act of imagination and craftsmanship, not unlike drawing a character, writing a role or shaping a performance. It takes time, skill, and iteration to bring such a character to life. She represents experimentation, not substitution. Much of my work has always been about holding up a mirror to society through satire, and this is no different.also believe Al characters should be judged as part of their own genre, on their own merits, rather than compared directly with human actors. Each form of art has its place, and each can be valued for what it uniquely brings."Eline Van der Velden closed the statement with, "I hope we can welcome Al as part of the wider artistic family," adding: "One more way to express ourselves, alongside theatre, film, painting, music, and countless others.""When we celebrate all forms of creativity, we open doors to new voices, new stories, and new ways of connecting with each other," the statement officially wrapped, and signed by "Eline."See on InstagramThis story is still developing

Welcome to the end of September, Out readers!Are you a music fan? Some of our favorite musicians are drawing a lot of attention lately, and we can't wait to talk about them with you!We already know that Chappell Roan is one of the most talented artists of her generation, and she's continuing to prove it on her current tour! As she's killing it at live shows, some people online decided she should cater her body to straight men.Last week on X, a post went viral showing people complaining about Chappell Roan having armpit hair, calling it "bad hygiene." Thankfully, the singer's lesbian fans were quick to not only defend her but also declare their love for armpit hair!"Men complaining about body hair meanwhile a lesbian out there is salivating at the fact that she's growing it out again (it's me, im the lesbians)," one user wrote."The amount of body hair most people in the lesbian community has would put u in a coma," another added.But Chappell isn't the only one getting thirsty reactions from fans! Masked singer Orville Peck is in the middle of hardcore training to play video game character Vega in the upcoming Street Fighter movie, and he is happy to share shirtless gym footage! We are happy to look at it!Keep reading for the best pop culture news and our Man Crush Monday!- Mey RudeHollywood celebs react to AI 'actress' Tilly Norwood controversyAI persona respondsHere's how the Wicked movie cast compares to the Wicked musical starsLesbians shut down straight men upset over Chappell Roan's body hairWatch Khalid's sexy new music video featuring a male love interestDrag Race queens turn Cynthia Erivo's Wicked pic into hilarious meme12 members of iconic boy and girl groups who have come out as LGBTQ+Glen Powell reveals he lost a role on 'Glee' to one of his 'best buddies'Orville Peck drops shirtless 'Street Fighter' training videoMark Duplass shuts down criticism of trans filmmakers with a powerful statementMan Crush MondayR&B star Khalid is back with new music, and his latest video is giving us the sexy male love interest we've craved from him!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!

For well over four decades, Elvira has been known as "the gal who put the boob back into the boob tube," but these days, let's just say it seems she's more focused on putting the rack back into the spice rack with her all-new recipe book, Elvira's Cookbook From Hell.That's right, just in time for the All Hallows' Eve, the unrivaled Queen of Halloween is now touting herself as the Martha Stewart of the Macabre, and rightfully so. This wickedly delightful cookbook is loaded with a ghastly yet gourmet ensemble of sinister snacks, demonic desserts, killer cocktails, eerie appetizers and a vampy variety of demented delicatessens that are sure to whet your appetite. And yes, there are even recipes inspired by moments straight out Elvira: Mistress of the Dark: Who can forget the gooey Pot Monster scene or the aphrodisiac "Adraka Kozarole" dish that triggered one of the raunchiest picnic orgy scenes ever put to celluloid?It seems Cassandra Peterson, the legendary actress and merchandising mogul behind Elvira, has been bitten by the writer's bug these past few years. In 2021, she released Yours Cruelly, Elvira, her racy and juicy memoirs that made headlines due to the jaw-dropping revelation that she has been in same-sex relationship since 2002. That book deal also paved the way for the long-gestating Elvira's Cookbook From Hell and even a children's book titled Elvira's First Book of Monsters but don't worry, parents, it's totally rated G and cleavage-free.During an exclusive interview with Out, Peterson opens up about embracing her author era, the making of her devilish new cookbook and the two tastebud-tantalizing recipes you really need to try. She also talks about her Elvira's Trick or Treat Mayhem attraction at this year's Los Angeles Haunted Hayride and reflects on Yours Cruelly, Elvira and how coming out was "such a relief."Out: When I first heard about Elvira's Cookbook From Hell, that Pot Monster scene from Elvira: Mistress of the Dark where you think Aunt Morgana's spellbook is actually a cookbook immediately sprung to mind. Is it safe to say that served as inspiration for this project?Elvira: I have been thinking of doing this book way longer than my autobiography, which was on and off for 10 years until I had a deadline, and then I really cranked. But I have wanted to do this cookbook for maybe 30 or 35 years. I used to entertain and have a lot of dinner parties all the time. I enjoy cooking. And I had a lot of funny little bits on Movie Macabre where I would do fake little cooking segments. So I started calling myself the Martha Stewart of the Macabre.I was a big fan of Martha Stewart I still am! and I thought, 'I could be Martha Stewart for the goth crowd. Why not?' And you have a book where you show them how to set their table and decorate it and have recipes for the goth crowd, not necessarily just on Halloween Halloween is 365 days a year. And that's what I was trying to do. Yeah, and I can call myself the Martha Stewart of the Macabre if she can call herself the Queen of Halloween, which is on the cover of her magazine this month.When I got my copy, the first thing I did was flick through to see if there was a recipe for "Adraka Kozarole" from the movie. So if I make this and get an ingredient wrong, is my Halloween party going to turn into a big orgy?It is, yes! It seems like it's only a green bean casserole, but it's actually going to make you really horny. [Laughs]Clearly that scene inspired this recipe, so how did you decide what to put in it?Well, I came up with it in a pretty wacky way. It was a recipe from my childhood, believe it or not. It was this green bean casserole that my family used to serve at Thanksgiving. And it didn't have the potato chips and the Cheez Whiz on it. But that was one of my mom's favorite things to do with everything. I think it would get us to eat it. My mom was not a great cook. It was usually a can of green beans or something thrown together. And then, crushing up the potato chips, and then a little Cheese Whiz on top. And that's how you'd get kids to eat the food back then when I was growing up. So that recipe, and even the pan that I used, is actually from my mother. So it's kind of a nostalgic recipe for me.Out of all the recipes in this book, is there a favorite or two you usually recommend off the bat?These are both so unhealthy. It's called Green Slime Totchos. But it's tater tots, which, come on, tater tots? You put pico de gallo on it, and then you have a guacamole sauce to dip them in. They're so freaking good to me and none of the crew could stop eating them. And then there's this other thing that sounds ridiculous, but I got this from my cousins, and this is a thing that they've been doing for years and years.I used to call it White Trash Crack, but we changed the name to Trick or Trash. It's like all the worst cereal you could possibly buy: Cap'n Crunch, Trix, Lucky Charms. And then you put in some peanuts and some broken-up pretzels. And then you cover the whole thing with white chocolate. Like, anybody can make this because you don't have to cook it. You just put it on a tray, cover it in white chocolate. And it is irresistible to people. I'm not kidding! People can't stop eating that crap, and you only eat it like once a year because it's really not very healthy.I know you're a vegetarian, but it seems you've made this book inclusive with meat and vegan recipes. It's like you wanted to make a cookbook for everybody, regardless of diet or personal belief.That is exactly it. That was a really hard decision. I would have rather made it vegetarian. I would have rather gone that way. But when you do that, you cut out a huge section of the fan base. So we tried to do it. It was really not easy. Almost everything has a vegan and or vegetarian alternative.You know, you're selling a book. You want all the people you can get. And I know that I have a few fans who were dismayed that it has meat in there, but it's like, then don't make that recipe. I'm not trying to sell meat. I'm just saying, eat what you want to, you know? I'd rather not eat much meat. And I think people are getting better with that. It's not good for your health. It's not good for the animals.I loved the mixture of classic Elvira photos featured in the book. You don't dress up as the character anymore these days, but there seems to be a lot of new photos of a headless Elvira posing with food. Is that you?Yeah, well, the nice thing is it was me because of the magic of Photoshop. And I wouldn't go running around, making live appearances at the age of 74 as Elvira because nobody wants to see that. But with these photos, I could do it because everything could be tweaked. And yeah, so that worked out for me. We did mostly keep my face out of it. And it's still good.Between 2021 and now, you've released three books: your memoirs, a children's book and now this cookbook. Is it safe to say you've been bitten by the writer's bug and have embraced this new author era of Cassandra Peterson?I did my autobiography, of course, and then I got offered to do another book. So I was thrilled to be able to finally do this cookbook. And then that kids book just came out of nowhere with Running Press. They just came to me and asked me if I'd like to do it. And it was so darn simple for me.They had the artist who I loved and they had the basic concept: making all the classic monsters palatable and friendly for children. So it's not a spooky book in any way. It's a board book. And all I had to do was write it in poem form. It was so quick and easy that I just said, "Sure, why not?" So I didn't mean to gang up all my books at once, but that's kind of what happened.Elvira is such a risqu, sexually charged character known for her adult humor. Did you find it challenging to tone the character down and avoid using the classic Elvira schtick?When they first pitched it to me, my very first reaction was, 'Elvira doing a kid's book? What?!' But they also talked about how they had done a board book with like, I think it was David Bowie, Tina Turner. It was like word books. And then I thought, OK, well, if they can do it, we can make it palatable for children. So it kind of changed my mind about that. And I honestly think the people that are going to buy it more are going to be the parents of children or a friend buying it because they're into the character, but I was very, very adamant about making it very, very child-friendly. No funny right turns or anything like that.You are going to be sorely missed at Knott's Scary Farm this Halloween season, but Los Angeles fans are at least getting some Elvira attractions at Haunted Hayride this year. Can you talk about that?I would have loved to continue with Knott's. I had such a long relationship with them, but they weren't really all in on continuing Elvira not doing the live shows anymore, which I did for like 31 years, and now I'm like, I'm done!. But I would have liked to have sort of gone on. They were wonderful. I loved doing the shows there. But then I was offered a situation with Thirteenth Floor Entertainment, who owns the Haunted Hayride, and many, many venues across the United States and they do pop-up stores everywhere with horror merchandise and they're putting my image in a lot of their rides, so it just was kind of a nice transition to go that way and they're great.I was a big fan of your memoirs, Yours Cruelly, Elvira, and I remember you once said there were so many stories that couldn't fit into those 300 pages. Is there a chance we might get a second volume with more juicy stories from your life?It's so funny. I'm always telling my manager stories. I'll just remember something and tell him, and he'll go, 'That wasn't in your book!' And then I'll say something else, 'That wasn't in your book!' Honestly, he was saying to me, 'You gotta write all this stuff down!' And this will be the book I write, and it comes out right before I croak, because there's a lot of stories in there that I couldn't Yeah, they're kind of racy. I mean, not that my book wasn't racy already, right? But there were some [stories] where it was just like, 'OK, this is over the top,' if you can believe that or not. I just saw Charlie Sheen talking about his book. I'm going, 'Mine's pretty tame compared to that!'When Yours Cruelly came out in 2021, the revelation about your same-sex relationship probably made the biggest headlines. It's been four years now, the dust has settled. And, clearly, your career didn't implode, you still have all these new book deals and other projects going on. Now that you've lived through that, what's your advice to celebrities from your era who might be struggling to come out with a secret they fear could be a career-killer?I hope I set a good pathway for them. I hope that they can take from that, that it won't be the end of their career. And I think it definitely is more open and easier to do it now. One of my dear friends, Richard Chamberlain, came out and that was the end of his career. He never got another leading-man role ever again, and I think he came out in the '80s, and it was bad back then, and it worried me a lot.I'm like, 'Am I willing to risk [the] rest of my career for coming out?' You just don't know what's going to happen. I think it's easier for people now, although with the current political climate Pretty scary. But I hope that I set an example for younger actors. And I've got to tell you, it's such a relief. Keeping secrets is not a good thing. Any secret makes you feel bad, makes your partner feel bad, and it gives you gas. [Laughs] So, yeah, it's just not good to hold those kinds of secrets for your own well-being. But there are situations where people said that they could lose their job. I understand that. Just have a back-up plan, just in case.Are there any other projects you could tease? Is it possible we might get an animated Elvira movie or any live-action projects?There is a possibility; it's coming up. It's going to be out in 2026, but I'm not allowed to talk about it yet. But there is a really cool project I'm looking forward to, a film project.Elvira's Cookbook from Hell is available on September 30 from Hachette Book Group. Experience Elvira's Trick or Treat Mayhem at Los Angeles Haunted Hayride.

Just a few days after Chappell Roan finished out her four-show residency at Forest Hills Stadium, queer people made the trek back out to Queens, New York, for the All Things Go music festival.Some of the biggest rising stars in music took the stage at the New York City edition of All Things Go which some attendees call the "Lesbian festival" due to the high number of queer acts who perform every year. Artists like Doechii, Remi Wolf, Lucy Dacus, Rachel Chinouriri, The Aces, The Marias, and more delivered exciting performances over the course of three days.The festival originated in Washington, D.C., in 2014, and has since expanded to include festivals in New York City and Toronto. Given that this was only the festival's second year in New York, a few hiccups were to be expected. So, tocatch you up, here's everything notable that happened at the New York City iteration of the All Things Go festival this year.Lucy Dacus brought out Zohran Mamdani. (@) During her headlining set, Lucy Dacus brought out the Democratic nominee in the New York City mayoral race, Zohran Mamdani. The crowd went crazy for the hopeful mayoral candidate after he joined Dacus on stage to talk with her about keeping LGBTQ+ New Yorkers safe."I feel such love and joy in the crowd this evening, and this is what our city should feel like," Mamdani said on stage. "It should be a city where trans New Yorkers are cherished, a city where our queer neighbors are celebrated, and a city where each and every New Yorker can be the fullest version of themselves."The Democratic nominee for mayor added, "And it has to be a city that all of us can afford whether you're an artist, or a dreamer, or someone who works the night shifts. And that city, that city is within reach, if we're willing to fight for it."Lola Young collapsed onstage during her performance. See on Instagram A scary moment happened with Lola Young after she collapsed mid-song during her set at All Things Go on Saturday. The British singer remarked that she wasn't in the best place, mentally, during her performance In fact, Young had returned to the stage after canceling a show the day prior. Not too soon after she spoke about the tough time she was going through, she fainted on stage in the middle of singing "Conceited."Young's team immediately rushed to help and formed a circle around the singer as the entire stadium went silent. The singer laid on the ground for about a minute or two before her team was able to bring her backstage. The entire stadium's nerves were shot after the instance, all while waiting for Remi Wolf to take the stage an hour later. Wolf later came out and performed a few songs before letting the crowd know that Young was doing better and was getting the care she needed.Later, Young shared a text post on Instagram story that read, "Hi, for anyone who saw my set at All Things Go today, I am doing OK now. Thank you for all of your support, Lola xxx." Young subsequently uploaded a another post canceling her concert in D.C. the following day."I'm sorry to confirm that I won't be playing All Things Go in DC today," Young wrote. "I love this job and I never take my commitments and audience for granted, so I'm sorry to those who will be disappointed by this. I hope you'll all give me another chance in the future. Thank you to all those who listen and care."Clairo's mic got cut off mid-song and she was forced off-stage. See on Instagram Clairo was scheduled to close out this year's All Things Go festival in New York City but wasn't able to finish her full set due to a strict curfew that the venue must abide by. Nonetheless, the organizers cut off her mic while she was in the middle of singing "Juna," and she was visibly disappointed as she spoke with a staff member for the festival.Residents that live near the stadium have been butting heads with the venue's management for months now often complaining about the noise and the large crowds. In an effort to manage the complaints filed by those residents, the venue was required to abide by a strict 10 p.m. curfew.Clairo discussed her disappointment on X, writing: "The festival cut us off. No idea why. Really sad we couldn't do our big finish, more surprised they cut my mic mid song . Sad honestly doesn't even explain it I'm sorry." (@)

On Sunday, September 7, 2025, more than 225 filmmakers, artists, and industry professionals gathered at Malaparte on the rooftop of the TIFF Lightbox for the annual Inside Out x TIFF Queer Brunch. The event, launched in 2018, has become a fixture of the festivals opening weekend, offering a space for 2SLGBTQ+ creatives to eat, meet [...]The post Inside Out Queer Brunch Lights Up Lightbox Rooftop to Kick off the 50th Toronto International Film Festival first appeared on GLAAD.

As a queer creator, I started sharing my life online to tell my truth, celebrate identity, and build a community where authenticity matters. At first, it felt liberating—a space to connect, to inspire, to be unapologetically myself. But over time, I’ve watched these platforms, especially Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, quietly push out queer voices. The very spaces that promised...

Last week, actor Emma Watson, who rose to fame playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movies, spoke about her relationship with author J.K. Rowling for the first time in years. But her comments on the Jay Shetty Podcast, which amounted to a kind of olive branch, seem to have fallen on deaf ears.Watson and Rowling have been on opposite sides of the trans rights debate since at least 2020, when the actress responded to Rowling's anti-trans tweets and blog posts by saying, "Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they arent who they say they are."In the last few years, Watson has made several other statements in support of the trans community, and Rowling, in turn, has repeatedly criticized her on social media.When Watson was asked by Shetty if that criticism hurt, given that it's coming from a woman who helped her career so much, the actress said yes. But she also said that it doesn't erase the love she has for Rowling."I just dont think these things are either or. I think its my deepest wish that I hope people who don't agree with my opinion will love me, and I hope I can keep loving people who I dont necessarily share the same opinion with," Watson said, adding that she doesn't just throw people out and would gladly talk to Rowling if she had the chance. (@) After Watson's comments aired, Rowling shared several X posts mocking the actress.On September 26, Rowling reposted a satirical video of a woman parodying Watson and her appearance on the podcast. Styled as Watson, the woman says, "I will always hold space for her and so much love in my heart for her, and I would hope that she felt the same way about me. But also, I stand shoulder to shoulder with those who would wish harm on her, hate her, and would wish the absolute worst for her and her life." (@) The following day, Rowling shared an essay from The Critic, which argued that Watson has been abandoned by "gender fanatics" who are now criticizing her for expressing affection for the author."Its quite extraordinary how many people think a crocodile will be so grateful youve fed it red meat for years that itll let you stroll away unharmed when you decide you want a break," Rowling wrote in her post on X.However, it's the author's latest post that lays out how she feels about Watson most clearly. (@) In the post shared on Monday, Rowling started off by saying that she doesn't think anyone who played a character she created owes her anything, and that Watson has "every right to embrace gender identity ideology.""However, Emma and Dan in particular have both made it clear over the last few years that they think our former professional association gives them a particular right - nay, obligation - to critique me and my views in public," Rowling continued. "Years after they finished acting in Potter, they continue to assume the role of de facto spokespeople for the world I created."Rowling linked to a video where a woman talks about Watson's comments at the 2022 BAFTA Awards, during which the actor joked, "I'm here for all of the witches." Referring to the clip and Watson's comments which were interpreted as a message of support for cisgender and transgender women the author then wrote, "Emma's 'all witches' speech...was a turning point for me, but it had a postscript that hurt far more than the speech itself." According to Rowling, Watson got a handwritten note to her following the BAFTA speech that said, "I'm so sorry for what you're going through.""This was back when the death, rape and torture threats against me were at their peak, at a time when my personal security measures had had to be tightened considerably and I was constantly worried for my family's safety," Rowling wrote in the post. "Emma had just publicly poured more petrol on the flames, yet thought a one line expression of concern from her would reassure me of her fundamental sympathy and kindness."She added, "Like other people who've never experienced adult life uncushioned by wealth and fame, Emma has so little experience of real life she's ignorant of how ignorant she is."Rowling went on to say that, because she didn't become a billionaire until adulthood, she understands from "life experience what the trashing of women's rights in which Emma has so enthusiastically participated means to women and girls without her privileges."After suggesting that Watson is declaring how much she treasures her now "because she's noticed full-throated condemnation of me is no longer quite as fashionable as it was," Rowling made her final argument."Adults can't expect to cosy up to an activist movement that regularly calls for a friend's assassination, then assert their right to the former friend's love, as though the friend was in fact their mother," she wrote. "Emma is rightly free to disagree with me and indeed to discuss her feelings about me in public - but I have the same right, and I've finally decided to exercise it."

Another day, another slay from Pearl!The iconic queen from the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race is living a much different life since her rise to fame on television so many years ago.Nowadays, the model is focusing on herself and dedicating her time to fitness and DIY projects in her new home. Every so often, Pearl loves to post a sexy thirst trap to gag all of her followers and her recent pic did just that. Check out some of the feral reactions below!See on Instagram (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

Happy Birthday Nicholas Galitzine!The sexy Red, White, and Royal Blue actor is bulking up for his next big role in the He-Man film Masters of the Universe, which is slated to release next June.Clearly, Galitzine is very proud of his progress and he has no problem showing off his impressive biceps on a new steamy photo on Instagram Stories for his balloon day.Naturally, fans went wild for the thirst trap and shared their reactions across social media. Check out the highlights below! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

Big Brother UK just introduced its latest batch of housemates, and one contestant has already captured the internets heart. Meet Zelah, a 25-year-old personal trainer from South London whose mix of humor, honesty, and warmth is making him an early standout.Also, he is very, very good-looking.In his one-minute intro clip, Zelah delivered an unforgettable pitch that showed off both his wit and vulnerability. I constantly get compared to a spaniel dog, he joked. Im pretty unbearable if I dont get my 12,000 steps a day. He explained hes half-Indian and half-English (My mums from Calcutta and my dad was from Cornwall) before poking fun at his mullet and tank top: The kind of people I dont usually get along with are bro-y guys which I know is ironic to say as I sit here in a wife pleaser with a mullet.Then came the reveal that stunned viewers: Something that people are usually pretty shocked to find out about me is that I lived as a woman for 23 years of my life, he said. I think Im living proof that being transgender is not a choice, because why would I choose to go from the luxury, the sanctuary that is the womens toilets to the horror that is the mens? (@) The moment struck a chord with fans, not only for the humor but also for the visibility. While Zelah isnt the first transgender contestant in the Big Brother franchise, his presence comes at a time when trans representation on reality TV feels especially urgent.Fans quickly flooded social media with love. Oh my god thank you the casting team of Big Brother for casting Zelah #BBUK, one wrote. (@) Another called him very brave, adding that they never wouldve guessed he was trans if he hadnt said it. (@) Some added him as a last-minute addition to Biceptember. (@) And others simply gushed over his energy: Zelah from Big Brother, are u aware u have puppy dog eyes and a beautiful spirit. (@) Even the shows own TikTok admin got in on the thirst, liking a fan post swooning over him. (@) And they weren't the only ones (@) (@) (@) As one commenter summed up, Reason 1789 why I love #BBUK clicking the hashtag to see nothing but positive comments about Zelah which have nothing to do with where he goes to have a piss. (@) Its clear Zelah isnt just stepping into the Big Brother house, but cementing himself into fan-favorite territory.

Justin Heath Smith, gay adult performer known as Austin Wolf, will spend TKTKTKTKTK years in prison. U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer sentenced the 44-year-old on Monday after he pleaded guilty this summer to enticing a minor. The hearing capped a turbulent case that began with Smiths arrest in 2024.Prosecutors argue for maximum punishmentIn a 15-page memorandum dated September 22, prosecutors requested that the court impose a sentence near the top of the federal guidelines range: 188 to 235 months, or about 15.5 to 19.5 years. They characterized Smith as a serial predator whose crimes extended beyond the 15-year-old victim at the center of his guilty plea. According to the government, Smith conspired with other men to exploit minors, solicited sexually explicit content from teenagers, and attempted to meet children as young as nine and 12 for sex.In one especially chilling exchange, prosecutors said, Smith asked a teenager to send him pictures of his 10-year-old sister. Smiths defense attorneys took issue with that characterization in a filing.The document included a February 2024 exchange with a 15-year-old boy in which Smith engaged in what prosecutors described as race play. Court documents say Smith, who is white, referred to the teenager, who is Black, as a good little nigg**, while the boy called Smith massa. Prosecutors said the teenager produced at least one sexually explicit video for Smith at his request.The defendants repeated sexual exploitation of children requires a sentence at the top end of the guidelines range, prosecutors wrote, emphasizing that Smiths conduct was unusually egregious and presented an ongoing threat to the public.Defenses counterargumentsSmiths lawyers filed a sentencing memorandum on September 16, followed by a reply letter to the prosecutions sentencing request on September 25. They urged the judge to impose no more than 120 months, the statutory minimum, contending that federal guidelines were inflated.Defense attorneys Michael Baldassare and Thomas Andrykovitz highlighted Smiths lack of prior convictions, his sobriety, and his role as an advocate for performers in the adult industry. They accused prosecutors of padding their submission with unproven allegations. The government does not offer a single case or statute to justify its request for a sentence of nearly 20 years, they argued in their September 25 filing.The defense also cited Smiths reported efforts at rehabilitation while detained in Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center, a facility they described as plagued by inhumane conditions.Voices of survivorsDays before sentencing, prosecutors filed victim impact statements from people depicted in the child pornography found on Smiths devices. Their words offered a stark reminder that these were not abstract images, but the documentation of real and ongoing trauma.One survivor, identified as Liam, described years of abuse that began when he was 10 years old, just days after his fathers sudden death. A family friend groomed him under the guise of support, took him from school, and repeatedly assaulted him, capturing photos and videos.This was the start of my nightmare, which I didnt fully understand at the time, or how it would affect my life forever, Liam wrote. He recounted being molested hundreds of times over each year, filmed in the process, and left to grapple with lasting psychological scars.Another statement, filed by the mother of a victim, echoed the same theme: that each time an image is viewed, survivors are retraumatized, their childhood violations prolonged.Austin Wolfs downfallSmiths downfall had rattled an industry where he was once a marquee name. Studios severed ties following his arrest in June 2024, after FBI agents recovered hundreds of child sexual abuse videos from an SD card in his Manhattan apartment. Over the next year, his proceedings were marked by a string of continuances more than a dozen in all as prosecutors and defense attorneys negotiated. The government ultimately agreed to accept a plea to enticement of a minor, while Smith agreed not to contest additional allegations. Fellow performers alternated between shock, anger, and fear of wider repercussions. Some warned at the time that conservatives would seize on the scandal to vilify queer sex work and expand already mounting political attacks on LGBTQ+ people. This is catastrophic news, one content creator said last year. We have to do everything in our power to separate us from people like this.

Indya Moore has made an impassioned plea to Ryan Murphy and other members of the LGBTQ+ community, calling on them to stand up for the trans community in these troubling times.Moore, who starred in the show Pose, shared a new video on Instagram where she spoke about the many attacks on trans people in modern-day America and why she's upset with the Pose creator. Moore cried while she thanked people who have helped the trans community and talked about how trans people are increasingly seen as "terrorists" and as a "threat," while also being threatened with persecution and rights being taken away."I have never thought that our belief that people should be free, or that we should be free from harm or violence, could ever be conceptualized as 'threatening,'" Moore reflects. "I really, genuinely never knew."The actress says, "Y'all can't make up your mind about how you want to view us. As weak and as a target to bully, or as a strong, bold threat. Ya'll don't know what to do."After thanking people who have "given us jobs" and lifted up trans people, Moore called out one specific person. "We really, really need y'all. Like, the fact that Ryan Murphy has been so silent? Like, we really pissed you off that much, Ryan? Like, Ryan Murphy, who upset you that much? Janet pissed you off that much?" Moore asked.At the premiere party for Pose''s final season, writer and producer Janet Mock delivered a 15-minute speech discussing unfair pay, better treatment for the trans community, and issues in the film and TV industry, as well as on Murphy's productions."And I'm just like, I'm trying to understand: How is it that you can do something like Pose during the Donald Trump administration, then it's like Poof It's gone," they continued. "It's like garbage. It's like an embarrassment. Like, that's how it feels.""Ryan Murphy, we need you to do more," Moore added. "You do need to address the racism, the violence, and the targeting of people on your productions, Ryan Murphy. Yes, you do. You do need to make sure trans people are paid equally. Yes, Janet did the right thing."Moore said she was "shocked by how quickly y'all forgot about Janet Mock." After serving as a writer and executive producer on Ryan Murphy's shows, including Pose, Hollywood, and Monster, Mock largely withdrew from the public eye and the industry overall in 2021."Y'all failed her. You failed her," Moore said. "Too many of the girls are out here waiting for the other girl to move over so she can have her spotlight. That is what happens to marginalized people. We are competing with each other too much.""And let me tell you something: Trans people, we're not loving each other the way that we should," she said. "We're catty, we're jealous, we compare ourselves to the next woman, scanning to see what surgeries she got."Moore continued, now explaining how trans people are too busy judging each other, and competing with each other, to support each other the way they need to right now. Moore also revealed that she is looking into countries that would accept her as an asylum seeker."We need help. Trans people need help. We need places we can go for asylum," they said.Other trans women in the industry have offered their support and agreement."Hi Indya. This really resonates with so many of us. Im wondering if we can have a call to action to get us together on a zoom or something to put our fears and differences aside and figure out how to support and love each other like you mentioned? Im also in Mexico working with a few people on building an asylum for trans / non binary folks. Its taking time to build but I completely hear you. Thank you for speaking up and for sharing your big heart to us. And for putting us all on notice. Sending love," writer and producer Rain Valdez commented."Love you so much my sister. This call to action, this call to love, this call for empathy, acknowledging each other's humanity both intra-community and for those who proclaim allyship," Emmy-nominated actress Laverne Cox wrote. "I've been weeping just like this. Weeping. But not showing it. But I hear you. I feel you deeply. I'm right there too.""It's wild that the current administration makes major announcements about the trans community and making major changes to constitutional protections and people are just watching," drag icon and trans actress Peppermint commented. "We could use a fraction of the energy people displayed last week.""Thank you, Indya, thank you," wrote filmmaker Aitch Alberto.

When you've been online as long as I have, you notice shifts in celebrities' parasocial relationships with their fanbase that lead them to become increasingly less tied to reality. As someone who grew up in the nascent days of online stan culture, I've seen it with my own two eyes plenty of times. Take Nicki Minaj's fans, the Barbz, for example. Minaj has built up her cult-like following to the point that no matter what she does, her fans will defend her to the ends of the earth even going as far as doxing her detractors. And this has become the norm online: fervent fans who will do whatever is needed to ensure the success of their favorite artist, as well as a constant stream of music. (I'm looking at you, Swifties.)Some fan groups are more willing to go to bat behind their favorite artists than others, while some operate on a different level altogether. In the last few weeks, fans of d4vd (pronounced David) seem to be throwing their weight behind the artist in spite of allegations that he may be connected to the death of a 14-year-old girl named Rivas Hernandez. Billboard reported that streams of d4vd's music doubled after it was announced that he may be linked to the case.Earlier this month, Hernandez's body was found in the trunk of a Tesla that was registered to the 20-year-old alternative rock singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke. On September 8, officers in Los Angeles responded to calls about a foul odor coming from a car and found her decomposing body one day after her 15th birthday.According to People magazine, the Los Angeles Police Department has not yet named the singer as a suspect or person of interest in this case. There is no concrete evidence that ties the two together except the fact that d4vd and the girl had matching tattoos on their fingers. After the discovery was made, the Los Angeles Times reported that multiple electronics and computers were seized from the singer's rental home. A representative for d4vd, who was on tour at the time, told a Los Angeles NBC affiliate that the singer had been informed and was "fully cooperating with the authorities."Since details surrounding Hernandez's death emerged, the internet has been inundated with reactions to and analyses of what may have taken place and d4vd's alleged connection to the case. Social media users have even circulated photos and videos of what seems to be the singer and Hernandez together. One clip that was shared by the music critic and YouTuber Anthony Fantano shows what appears to be the two on a Twitch live stream, which is cut off right after the young man, who's identified as d4vd, says, I media trained you, thats controversial and the girl responds, Is it controversial to be raping kids?In the video sharing the clip, Fantano also says that d4vd's fans were joking about his girlfriends young age in the live stream chat though, nothing has been confirmed as of yet. - YouTube youtu.be Among d4vd's supporters, there seems to be some confusion about the age of the girl who appeared in his streams. According to a post uploaded to d4vds Discord channel from the moderators, they were under the impression that she was over the age of 18. We, the Discord and Twitch staff team, want to clarify what we knew and didn't know regarding Celeste, the statement reads. We were not aware of her true age or that she was a missing person. We also did not have any contact with her outside of what was public. From what was shared in David's Twitch streams, and from her role in the server, we understood her to be around 18-19. She appeared in two streams, but otherwise was not active in the server, and we did not have ongoing communication with her.The message also says that in response to the ongoing investigation, a majority of the people that ran the server dedicated to the singer left and no longer associate themselves with him. We do not support his actions in any capacity. Our priority has always been the well-being of members in this community. We are deeply saddened by the situation and extend our prayers to Celeste's family. (@) The worrying part about all of this is how fans of d4vd's have reacted to what's being said, whether it's from moderators of the server or other voices online. It just seems that now, especially for male artists with young followers, the worse the crime they are thought to have committed, the more praise they receive. And its gut-wrenching to think about Hernandez's family having to see the outpouring of support in the form of music streams or otherwise for someone who has been linked to something so heinous.D4vd was in the middle of a world tour and gearing up for its European leg right as the news came out about Hernandez, leading him to cancel the rest of his upcoming shows. Police are still investigating the case, and there have yet to be any charges brought against the singer. But if it does move forward with the singer implicated in any way, we should be looking at who is still supporting him in addition to what happens next.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.

Outfest is returning with a bang. After a two-year hiatus, the Los Angeles LGBTQ+ film festival has partnered with HBO Max for a four-day screening event and celebration named OutfestNEXT.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!The L.A.-based nonprofit, which aims to support LGBTQ+ storytellers in the entertainment industry from a local level to a global audience, announced today the "election of a new Board of Directors" and the "rehiring of key staff members" to assist the festival's return.This big comeback will be presented as OutfestNEXT, a four-day screening event taking place on November 6-9 with new programming initiatives.Christopher Racster, Interim Executive Director of Outfest, writes in a statement:"Outfest was born of the need for our LGBTQ+ community to have a place to safely gather and to support filmmakers who were telling authentic stories. Outfest is being reborn at a time when telling our stories has never been more important. We are re-emerging to ensure that our community is not being erased by those working to deny us equal and civil rights. We are proud and grateful to have our decades long partner HBO Max returning as Presenting Sponsor for the event. Now more than ever, our community needs to come together, and our voices need to be heard."Outfest has also announced the "rehiring of staff in the programming, development, communications, and operations departments." Additionally, the festival will continue to rehire other key roles as Outfest plans to relaunch its signature programs in 2026, such as Outfest Los Angeles (celebrated LGBTQ+ film festival) and Outfest Fusion (BIPOC-focused film program).Within this restaffing initiative, Outfest will collaborate with the Queer Filmworkers United union to ensure that team members are supported by the union's guidance."What an extraordinary moment for the queer and film communities in Los Angeles. We at Queer Filmworkers United are excited by the fresh approach taken by Christopher and the new Board of Directors in bringing our beloved organization back to life," QFU's Daniel Crooke wrote in a statement. "We are greatly encouraged by their commitment to fostering a mutually respectful workplace, as demonstrated by their voluntary recognition of our union."Lucas Bailey, Outfest's new President of the Board of Directors, also wrote in a statement:"In addition to the rehiring of key staff members, Outfest has also elected a new Board of Directors, filling key board leadership roles with new, vibrant voices representing a cross-section of the arts and entertainment communities. We are humbled to be standing on the shoulders of those who have spent four decades building Outfest. We are committed to rebuilding in the face of the current headwinds facing the arts, QTBIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. We are inspired by the knowledge that our community has overcome countless obstacles in the past by standing together."Stay tuned for more updates about the organization and its upcoming programming events at Outfest.org.

Following its win of the Special Jury Award for Ensemble Cast at the Sundance Film Festival, gay 90s drama Plainclothesis enjoying a limited release in the United States courtesy of Magnolia Pictures. A feature length directorial debut for Carmen Emmi, who also scripted the film,Plainclothes tells the story of a forbidden romance between working-class undercover [...]The post WATCH: Stars and Creator Behind Thriller Plainclothes Capture the Richness, Trauma, and History of A Gay 90s Romance with the Look of An Eye first appeared on GLAAD.

Cardi B and Nicki Minaj have been pitted against each other for years and they're throwing shade at each other again.Yesterday, the two got into it on X as Minaj attempted to take a swipe at Cardi B by mocking her streaming album's performance (it went double platinum and hit No.1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart), her rap flow, and even her children.The exchange started with a post from Minaj shared a few days after Cardi released her second album, Am I The Drama? that teased the date March 27, 2026, assumedly the release date for Minaj's next album. Many found this move incredibly odd, but moved on.Except, it didn't end there. (@) The Queens rapper began sharing a series of even more X posts, uploading post after post (which have since been deleted) that were directed towards Cardi B.In one post, Minaj simply wrote "4.99," the promotional price for Cardi's new song on iTunes. She then went on to write, "Barney Dangerous," a reference to Cardi being pregnant, and also wrote, "Abcdefgeeeeeeee, Fallin off the charts wit a big bellyyyy, RUNNING TRAINS, Barefoot, still smellyyyyy, Still. You. Could. Not. outsell. meeeeee."Minaj also wrote, "SUR GER REE TO LOOK LIKE MEEEEEE / tell the rat & tell J ZEEEEEE / Rico Fraud & PERJURY. Minaj's tweets are also a jab at Cardi's song "Magnets," where she raps, "A-B-C-D-E-F-G / These bitches can't fuck with me. (@) Minaj and Cardi B have been pitted against each other for many years as two female rappers from New York City. Ever since Cardi B started gaining prominence in the music industry, Minaj seemed to have her sights set on the Bronx native. Despite attempts at collaborating together, the tension between them culminated in an infamous exchange in 2018 at the Harper's Bazaar Icons party, where theyreportedly got into a physical altercation.These X posts (otherwise referred to as tweets) caught Cardi's attention, who engaged in the social media spat with a post that read, "Naaaa cuz I was really baking ribs and making blondie brownies and here come this bitch bothering me on a Monday." (@) Cardi B then took a jab at Minaj and wrote, "A B C D E F G / Yor man have to snatch PUSSY / Pussy taste like honey comb / Your bro be touching 12 year olds," her post read. "Damn she was streaming Magnet hard as hell huh?? she said in another X post.The expectant mother of three then addressed Minaj directly and shut down her attempts at trying to tear down her album's performance. "Why you keep bringing up my album?? Its not the gag that you think it is.. You been in the game like 16 years.. You need to compare yourself to YOUR peers that started around YOUR time." (@) She continued, "Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Drake Those are the numbers you need to be competing wit and you cant cuz you doing lower than all of them I was in high school when you came out wtf is you comparing yourself to me for??? (@) The Bronx rapper ended her exchange with Minaj, going just as low as her after the Queens rapper talked about her pregnancy. "Like you wasnt going to different fertility doctors cuz you couldnt reproduce from all them percs scrambling your eggs. NOT ALLEGEDLY Lord protect my babies."The spat ended with Minaj sharing AI-generated photos of Jay-Z in a pink wig crying and holding money alongside a photo of Cardi B as Barney.

One post from Ariana Grande on social media asking voters if their lives had actually improved since Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election has triggered an official response from the White House.The White House responded to the post in question with a statement that referenced several of Grande's songs, including "Save Your Tears," "Just Like Magic," and "Get Well Soon." As reported by Entertainment Weekly, White House spokesperson Kush Desai issued a response that reads:"Save your tears, Ariana. Because President Trump's actions ended Joe Biden's inflation crisis and are bringing in trillions in new investments. He even signed an executive order just like magic that paved the way for the FTC to crack down on Ticketmaster for ripping off Ariana Grande's concert-going fans. Get well soon, Ariana!"The pop superstar and Wicked actress, who's long supported Democratic politicians, recently shared a post from influencer and activist Matt Bernstein in which he asked Trump voters if their lives have gotten better since he was elected. It's also noteworthy that Grande shared the post via her Instagram Stories, which means that her followers would only be able to view it for 24 hours.The original post, created by Bernstein and re-shared by Grande, reads:"It's been 250 days. Now that immigrants have been violently torn from their families and communities have been destroyed, now that trans people have been blamed for virtually everything and live in fear, now that free speech is on the brink of collapse for us all has your life gotten better?" the post asks. "Have your groceries gotten cheaper? Has your health insurance premium gone down? Has your work/life balance improved? Can you take a vacation yet? Are you happier?""Has the widespread suffering of others paid off for you in the way he promised it would, or are you still waiting?" the Instagram post concludes. See on Instagram In 2024, Grande endorsed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris for president. On the day President Biden announced he was stepping down and not running for a second term, Grande shared Biden's endorsement of Harris on her Instagram.Grande also shared an Instagram Story revealing that she had voted for Harris in Florida, encouraging her followers to do the same. At the moment, the singer and actress is preparing for the release of Wicked: For Good, the sequel to last year's Oscar-nominated film, Wicked.