The role of Sgt. Sullivan on Netflixs Boots is played by British actor Max Parker, who delivers a complex performance merging the softer and rougher edges of a closeted man who has learned to survive but necessarily thrive, or even have an fulfilling life within the U.S. Marine Corps.As a cast member in the long-running U.K. soap opera Emmerdale Farm, Parkers sexuality became a hot topic of discussion in the late 2010s. This prompted the actor to take matters into his own hands which led to his official coming-out story in 2020 (via Attitude). Along with disclosing that hes a gay man, Parker also revealed that had indeed been dating Emmerdale costar Kris Mochrie.Its truly been a landmark year for Parker. Besides finally getting a release date for the long-awaited Boots series, the actor also got married to Mochrie in August, and the couple looks happier than ever!In an interview with Out, Parker discusses his approach to playing a man like Sgt. Sullivan in the U.S. Marine Corps, the disquieting waiting period to hear any updates that the series would resume filming, and how LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream films and TV shows did help him understand his own sexuality.Editor's note: This story contains mild spoilers from season 1 of Boots. Max Parker on Boots.NetflixOut: You had a breakout role in Emmerdale, which isnt a show that airs widely in the U.S., even though its a cultural staple in the U.K. Boots will certainly introduce your work to a lot of new fans. When did you get into acting, and how did it go?Max Parker: I mean, I was quite a hyperactive kid, so my parents wanted to get some energy out. My sisters used to go to acting, and singing, and dancing, and all of it. I just joined in on the Saturdays.Later in life, I realized that I have ADHD. Back then, it was seen like Id have an obsession for a month, and then Id change it. Acting is the one thing that Ive never dropped or moved on from, so I knew thats what I wanted to do.My parents did the same thing to me. They had me in computer classes, swimming, soccer, theater It was a lot. They said it was meant to fill out time. Were there things that you tried and immediately just went, Nope!?Oh, yeah. I went through the same. I did Scouts. I tried horse riding for a bit. I was obsessed with DIY. Cooking. Ive done loads of it. I still like to cook. Im quite a foodie. The thing is, if I know Im not going to be the best, Im already like, Next!Youve worked on a lot of projects across film, television, and theater. Youve done a lot of musicals. Something that caught my attention was a production of The Wizard of Oz. The Vivienne, the winner of RuPauls Drag Race UK season 1, had been doing an Oz show in the West End, too. Were you ever in the same company?No, I wasnt. Ours was before that one, but I did have some friends.I did theater my whole life, and because Ive followed what my friends did, I ended up in musical theater. I did that for about five years and then made the switch to TV and film. I think, in America, it might be a little easier to do both. In the UK, its definitely quite hard to swap from theater to TV and film.I hadnt worked for a little while, so I did Wizard of Oz on a whim, and then I ended up being nominated for Best Supporting Actor. And then, from that, I got my first TV job. It was a weird one to jump off from But, I mean, obviously now its having a resurgence with Wicked, and everyone reliving the story of The Wizard of Oz.I was about to say, youd be a great Fiyero!Well, after doing Boots and screaming as a drill instructor 24/7, I dont know if my vocal cords will be up for that, to be honest. [Laughs.] Max Parker // white heavy knit jumper: givenchy @ Designer Exchange // shorts: arket // socks: london sock co // shoes: gh bassPhotography: David Reiss (@davidreissphotography) / Stylist: Holly (@holly_macnaghten)When did you first join Boots? Weve been waiting for this project for so long. What was your story getting involved with it?I assume I was the wild card because I had about eight rounds of auditions, and every round it was a new bunch of scenes. So by the time I came to film it, I pretty much knew the whole first few episodes [Laughs]. But yeah, at the start of the audition process two and a half years ago I didnt necessarily think it was right for me.Seeing movies about the military and seeing drill instructors, none of them essentially looked like me. A lot of them were older, huge, jacked guys with gray hair. And the more and more I read the script, the more and more research I did about that era and different drill instructors, it made me realize, Oh, this is for me.I was desperate to get the role after that. And when I found out I did get the role, I had get to New Orleans, where we filmed Which I think is near you, right?Yeah, kind of. The U.S. is pretty big. But my last time going to New Orleans, I did drive there from Florida. So, you can drive there, its just a long drive.Well, it was a whirlwind trying to get the visa and to fly straight to New Orleans.Were all glad it worked out! You play Sgt. Sullivan on Boots a Marine whos gained a lot of respect but is still haunted by things that have happened in the past. And your character is still in the closet, too. We dont really understand whats going on with him until the very end, so did you approach playing this character in the first few episodes?I think its quite clever in the show how it goes back and shows a bit more, and then you get to understand Sullivan a bit better. But I think, first and foremost, I wanted to make him Hes a tortured man, so his drilling style was being more mysterious, and explosive. Knowing the backstory of Sullivan fed into the way he does everything.Hes under this pressure cooker, running away from basically feeling guilty about maybe implicating his partner. Hes running away from going to prison, too. And then, when it all starts to finally catch up with him, its this ultimate fear. Thats why hes so explosive, and turns to alcohol, and turns to violence.The amazing scripts, as well. It was a gift to go through the whole script and portray all the different facets of Sullivan. Hes such an interesting character because the main things that make him more interesting are all the stuff that he cant show. Max Parker on Boots.NetflixThis is an ensemble show with a lot of characters, and its interesting how it sort of reminds me of Orange Is the New Black. Theres so much going on, and so many people, but viewers are still somehow able to pinpoint, Oh, this persons about that thing. It tells the story of all the characters very well.I agree. I said that to one of the cast members, Angus [OBrien], who plays Hicks, that he was like our Crazy Eyes.Oh my god, I didnt even think of that, but totally. Just unhinged and chaotic. [Laughs.] Besides being in the closet, your character is also trying to hide this investigation, as you said, to protect a partner. Thats a double whammy. What were your thoughts were going into this storyline? Its all just so complicated.Well, I assume most queer people go through a phase of hiding, or a phase of exploring and feeling shame, just because of the way the world is. I think pulling from my emotions from stuff that Ive gone through made it easy in a way to tap into all of those feelings. But then you put it back in the 1990s, and how much more heightened it all was.Its also hard for a closeted gay man like Sullivan whos run away from his family. Hes essentially surrounded by people who dont know who he is. I mean, Sullivan even sings at his best friends wedding, and that friend is homophobic. He almost sells his soul to the devil in terms of handing in his own partner in order for him to escape himself, and I think that guilt just torments him the whole time.I think understanding those feelings, and how heightening they were from my own personal experience, helped.There was a recent period in which mainstream queer shows and movies were all about depicting our community suffering, dying, or living in a distant past. Then came a wave of queer content where all LGBTQ+ characters were portrayed as perfect, fabulous, flawless human beings unreasonably so. Im excited to see new projects where a queer person can have layers and dimensions. Sullivans storyline, concerning his partner, is a great example. Its complicated. At a time like this, Boots does a great job at showing us as human beings to people who are being actively convinced that they should hate us.Im quite excited for people to watch the show. Many people will watch the show after following the press run-up to it. But there are also people wholl just stumble upon the show, see its set in the military, and not realize its got these storylines involved as well.Its such a fun show as well. You laugh, as well as cry, and have all the emotions. I think its great to hold up a mirror when you watch the show, too. It makes you realize that life is like a military boot camp, too you cant necessarily just go through life in your own lane, and you cant just surround yourself with a bubble of people that think the same as you. The recruits dont get to the end of boot camp by doing everything themselves. In fact, they get penalized for it.How do you see the current state of LGBTQ+ films and TV shows in mainstream media, and how our community is being represented in them?I didnt get into acting to become an activist, and its scary in a way because you want to do great things with your career, but there is this sort of thing that visibility is really important.I know that watching movies myself when I was younger, watching a movie like Call Me By Your Name really changed the way I felt about life and myself. I dont know, something just clicked, and I feel like it is important to tell all these different stories. People are quite protective over their own bubble, so people in the military might want to see certain stories, even though there are many other stories.This TV show is based on a real story, so I think theres not much out there like it, and I think that its important for a lot of people to watch it. Again, its not a super political piece, but its a great eye-opener, I think. Max Parker // brown cardigan: La Granni // wide leg trousers: COS // loafers: GH bass // socks: london sock company // grandad shirt: fursacPhotography: David Reiss (@davidreissphotography) / Stylist: Holly (@holly_macnaghten)Sullivan takes on this mentorship role with Cameron [played by Miles Heizer]. Its tough love, which I can personally appreciate, but I do think Sullivan is actually trying to help. How do you feel about those dynamics between the two of them?I mean, first of all, acting against Miles is really, really incredible. I was in his audition process because I was cast a little earlier, so I was there in his final round on Zoom reading with him. And I remember seeing him do Cameron and I remember just thinking straight away, Thats the guy! Hes so great.The initial relationship with Sullivan and Cameron [Miles Heizer] is that Sullivan really doesnt want to see anyone else go through what hes going through. I think hed rather make them want to quit.But no matter how hard he pushes Cameron, Cameron is still putting up a fight. Sullivan then sees something clicks on Cameron, and Sullivan says, You know what? If hes going to give it a go, I need to mentor him in order for him to get to the end. Its this intricate relationship that they have.The show is set just a few years before the Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy is put into effect. Overall, its a very American show its the U.S. Marine Corps, after all. How did you experience all of this history, and these institutions, being from the U.K.? Were you familiar, did you do some studying?First of all, yes! When I got the job, it was scary, because Im not from a military background myself. Im not familiar with the culture. And its a history lesson, in a sense, as well. So theres a lot of homework to be done. And then, obviously, I only learned about the Dont Ask, Dont Tell bill from doing the show.That was mind-blowing to me. I remember filming that scene, and Im asked to take my shirt off, and then obviously the tattoo is revealed, which implicates me being with Wilkinson in some sort of way. I remember filming that scene and it felt very tense and invasive. And then, after filming it, I remember leaving set and seeing some people around the TV screens to watch on the monitors.Wow, thats powerful.Yeah, they were crying because it brought them back to the era when it was illegal to be gay. It hit a nerve with them, which makes you realize, Thats why this storys important to tell. It educates people as well as being a fun and harrowing show.I love the singing moment that Sullivan has in episode 8. Youve done musicals before, so is that something youd want to pursue again? Or whats the tea?No, I was quite happy to hang up my dancing shoes and hang up singing when I went to TV and film. But, weirdly, in three projects, theyve written in for me to sing and not even asked if I can sing, just written it in! [Laughs.] So its followed me without me requesting it. Max Parker on Boots.NetflixBoots was unfortunately delayed quite a few times for various different reasons. What was your experience with that since you were cast so early in the project?We filmed the show for about three months in 2023. And then before Id even started I come in towards the end of episode one all the writers were on strike.And then the actors.Yeah, and then the actors went on strike. So we had nine months off, and then we came back. Between me getting the job, filming three episodes, and then those nine months off, I hadnt gotten a chance to do much in front of them. So when I came back for that episode four, I was a little hesitant Nervous, I guess.Its insane how many obstacles got in the way of this show getting released. It is now finally out. For people who are curious about watching the show but dont know much about it, how would you invite them to watch Boots?Its an amazing nostalgic coming-of-age story that follows a lot of different characters and storylines. You get a real sense of what its like to be in the Marine boot camps. We have an amazing cast of amazing performances And Max Parker is absolutely incredible, youve just got to watch him.I cosign on that last statement!Im very excited.Boots is now streaming on Netflix.

Miles Heizer, the cover star of The Advocate's November/December issue, discussed his lead role as Cameron Cope on Netflixs Boots and explained why this cast of actors actually developed a deeper bond that went beyond filming the show.I think something that a lot of queer people go through I certainly did, growing up where it was like I had this secret that no one knew, even my closest friends, Heizer told The Advocate, a sister publication to Out. And of course, once I finally came out to them, they could not have possibly cared less.The actor, who was previously known for his performances in Parenthood, Nerve, 13 Reasons Why, and Love, Simon, explained that he did not expect to come out of filming Boost having a brotherhood.My first male friends were on this show, Heizer revealed. I only had female friends growing up. I was nervous around boys because I was scared theyd see I was gay. I realized we all want the same things: to be happy, laugh at stupid videos, and connect. See on Instagram Heizer went on, By the end of filming, we had known each other for almost two yearsI think we ended up having a very similar experience to the characters in the show.Greg Cope White author of The Pink Marine memoir that inspired Boots chimed in on Heizers experience being similar to his experiences at the U.S. Marine Corps. Theres a saying that we say in the Marines: When we march, its 70 boots hitting the ground at one time, but one heartbeat.I told that to the boys [in the series], White said. They got it. They felt it.Boots is now streaming on Netflix.

When Trisha Paytas says something on social media, her fans proceed with caution. The eccentric internet personality is known for her outlandish antics. Over the years, she has settled into motherhood and became more mellow.It seems like the rumors of Paytas joining the cast of Euphoria for season 3 could be true after all. Paytas and her co-host, Oscar Gracey, were riffing when he said, Maybe now that youre on Euphoria, youll get on Overcompensating. To which she replies jokingly, "They couldn't afford me" and adds, "I really thought I was unstoppable cause I was doing so many calls after [Euphoria]. Maybe one day I can show my Euphoria self tape."Paytas continued, "I dont know if I can. I got to find out the logistics maybe once it airs or something like that. But yeah, I think I really nailed it." (@) The comments caught her fans off-guard because it had been rumored for months that Paytas worked on the show earlier this year as filming began. Photos from the set leaked and seemed to show her and the show's lead, Zendaya, filming scenes together. She also stirred up speculation after she followed the show's lead makeup artist on Instagram. (@) (@) Back in 2021, on her now-defunct Frenemies podcast with Ethan Klein, she spoke about being offered a spot on the show as a "plus-sized influencer and said that she sent in a self-tape but eventually never heard back from them. But now, the mom of three is can add yet another television appearance under her belt. Last year, she made an appearance on Saturday Night Live in a sketch with Bowen Yang. (@) Paytas is not stopping there, however, as she's expressed interest multiple times in appearing on Alan Cumming's popular reality television game show, The Traitors.

And just like that, Aubrey Plaza has dropped a Halloween bombshell on The View proving yet again that shes one of our most cherished Halloween icons.Plaza appeared on The View this week to promote her latest children's book. During said interview, Plaza told one of the main hosts of the talk show, Joy Behar, that she [Plaza] was the ghost Behar had claimed to have slept with years ago. Dating back to 2022, Plaza started a recurring bit with Behar about being somehow involved with the ghosts that The View cohost had sex with.During her latest appearance on The View this week, Plaza added a new layer to this hilarious, long-running dynamic with Behar, and also brought the story full circle.Plaza went on the show promoting her children's book, Luna and the Witch Throw a Halloween Party, when panelist Sunny Hostin reminded the table of Behar's ghostly adventures.Plaza recalled, Shortly before you joined us for our Halloween show, Joy revealed she had sex with a ghost. I don't know if you guys remember that. She did."I did? Why? I was making it up. It must've been a dream, I was having a dream," a befuddled Behar replied.I have an announcement," Plaza teased, adding: Well, Joy, the thing that you didn't know is you didn't have sex with my ex-ghost. You had sex with me! I was the ghost. I'm a shapeshifter and I was the ghost you had sex with."See on Instagram"Wait till they get a load of that on Entertainment Weekly!" Behar laughed. "If you thought the ghost was bad, this'll be hot!This all goes back to a 2022 episode of the show when Behar dropped a bombshell. As the story goes, the hosts of The View were talking about a woman who alleged she had "sexual ghosts" in her home. When cohost Sara Haines asked if a person could get pregnant from having sex with a ghost, Behar had a confident answer."I've had sex with a few ghosts and never got pregnant," Behar blurted out.Let me just set the record straight, OK? Its all true, Behar later clarified. Its all true. I have had sex with ghosts. Casper was not a generous lover. The menage a trois, it was almost like having sex with myself. So yes, its true, ladies and gentlemen.@aubrey.plaza.archiveaubrey plaza promoting her book the return of the christmas witch on the view (2022) #aubreyplaza #aubreyplazaedit #evilhag #aubreyplazainterviewWhen she was on a Halloween episode of the show later that year, Plaza joined in on the bit."I have a score to settle with you," Plaza said to Behar as she sat on the couch wearing a witch costume. "You know what you did. You had sex with my ghost. And that was my ghost!""You saw through his little thingie, didn't you? I'm the only one allowed to see through it!""But he ghosted me right after that," Behar joked.Watch Aubrey Plazas most recent episode on The View below.

The Wicked: For Good promo cycle is well underway. Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), Ariana Grande (Glinda), Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), and Jeff Goldblum (the Wizard) have started doing several interviews. The lead actresses are also hosting a TV special to honor of the Wicked saga.Meanwhile, Universal Pictures has been releasing different variants of the Wicked: For Good poster based on theatrical experiences like IMAX, D-Box, Cinemark XD, and 4DX, among others. Theyre all absolutely stunning, but one of them in particular activated Oz fanatics in a really beautiful and meaningful way: The RealD 3D poster.A wise woman named Laganja Estranja once said, Oh, yall wanted a twist, eh? There are two noteworthy Easter eggs in the RealD 3D poster. One of them is more obvious: Elphabas silhouette is the background for the actors on this Wicked: For Good poster.But there is another, a Jedi Master once said.Over the last 24 hours, Wicked and The Wizard of Oz stans have been dissecting the poster and claiming that it includes a nod to Margaret Hamilton the actress who played the original Wicked Witch of the West in the 1939 musical classic The Wizard of Oz. On the other hand, many fans are still having a hard time finding what everyone is talking about.If you didnt immediately clock that second Easter egg on the poster, fear not! This discourse started almost a full day after the poster dropped, precisely because it wasnt that obvious. Even placing them side by side doesnt immediately reveal this hidden reference, as seen below. (LEFT) Margaret Hamilton in-character as Miss Gulch, a.k.a. The Wicked Witch of the West, in MGMs 1939 musical film The Wizard of Oz; (RIGHT) the RealD 3D poster of Wicked: For Good.Virgil Apger/John Kobal Foundation/Getty Images; Universal Pictures In order to actually see the reference, you have to flip the poster upside down.As seen below, Out can confirm that a Margaret Hamilton silhouette can indeed be identified on the poster. What's more, Erivos profile silhouette and Hamiltons profile silhouette are beautifully intertwined. (LEFT) Margaret Hamilton in-character as Miss Gulch, a.k.a. The Wicked Witch of the West, in MGMs 1939 musical film The Wizard of Oz; (RIGHT) the RealD 3D poster of Wicked: For Good. (ELEMENTS) Arrows by Out.com.Virgil Apger/John Kobal Foundation/Getty Images; Universal Pictures; Out.com The role of the Wicked Witch of the West was famously turned down by several huge actresses in the 1930s who didnt want to be seen as witches. The characterization of the character green skin, prosthetic nose were other key factors that actresses took issue with.Margaret Hamilton, who hadnt yet done that many huge roles in film and was mostly known as a theater actress, did not have those concerns. And, by taking that chance, Hamilton ended up originating one of the most iconic characters in film history.Given how much thought and care has gone into the Wicked movies whenever it references the classic The Wizard of Oz film, this is yet another gorgeous nod to the original MGM musical film. The two actresses who played different versions of the same Wicked Witch on the big screen are, in this poster, reflecting each other.To quote Drag Race star Laganja just once more: If it aint green, ha! I'm not interested, OK?Wicked: For Good opens in theaters on Friday, November 21.

The White Lotus breakout star Lukas Gage has spilled the details on a hilarious story from early in his career!Gage was on Live with Kelly and Mark this week to talk about how new memoir, I Wrote This for Attention. While there, he also shared a story about a shirtless scene from his early acting days that went terribly wrong.When Consuelos asked Gage, whose book comes out on October 14, about his first acting job, Gage said it was a wart removal ad for Compound W. But it was another early acting story that really stood out."I was cast on the last season of Mad Men," Gage told the hosts.Ripa then says she doesn't remember him being on the show. There's a good reason."Well, that's because I got fired," Gage said. "I walk on set, I see Kiernan Shipka, who's now one of my best friends, and they [the crew] see this giant tattoo on the whole side of my body while I'm going to be shirtless, playing a 15-year-old in the 50s."It wasn't working, all odds were against me," he added.When Ripa asked if they could cover it with makeup, Gage said, "It wasn't gonna work," and that they "recast it real quick.""It was like one of the first jobs I got, I bragged to everyone about it, and then they said, 'You're going home," he said. "But, if I didn't book that job, I wouldn't have booked the next couple things. Everything led to the right place."Gage said that he and Shipka now laugh about it, and she calls him "Tattoo Boy." He then shared a heartwarming story about when Mad Men star Jon Hamm spotted Gage catering at the Emmys the following year."He remembered me and gave me a hug, and said, "Everyone has to get fired once in their career."Watch Lukas Gages full interview on LIVE with Kelly and Mark below.

Tuesday, October 7 marked the first day back for the U.S. Supreme Courts fall term and the first case the justices heard could have consequential impacts on the LGBTQ community. Chiles v. Salazar concerns a Colorado therapist, Kaley Chiles, seeking to overturn the states law protecting LGBTQ youth from so-called conversion therapy, or practices [...]The post RECAP: Supreme Court to Rule on Protections Against Discredited and Unsafe Conversion Therapy Practices on LGBTQ Youth first appeared on GLAAD.

Three decades later, Gregory Maguires 1995 Wicked novel is more urgent than ever. After a triumphant run on Broadway, the first Wicked movie adaptation was a huge critical and commercial hit; the highly anticipated Wicked: For Good sequel comes out soon; and the out author published a new book earlier this year, Elphie: A Wicked Childhood, which explores what happens during the time jump of the original novel (which depicts Elphaba Thropp as a baby, and then as an adult).In many ways, Maguires 2025 novel Elphie is a prequel to 1995s Wicked novel, which was already an unofficial prequel to the 1900s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz saga by L. Frank Baum. That brings up the question: Why revisit this story now, 30 years later, through writing a new prequel-within-a-prequel?A line in William Wordsworths poem, My Heart Leaps Up, is one of Maguires biggest inspirations for writing Elphie: The Child is father of the Man.You cant really know how somebody gets to be powerful if you dont know what happened to them as kids, Maguire tells Out. I wanted to strengthen and deepen the complexity, and nature, of the relationships within Elphabas family. The cover art of Gregory Maguires 2025 novel Elphie: A Wicked Childhood; Gregory Maguire, author, poses for a photo.Willam Morrow; Helen Maguire NewmanIn the Elphie and Wicked novels, Elphaba has a pious father (figure), Frexspar; a bored and horny mother, Melena; and a holier-than-thou younger sister, Nessarose. Eventually, Elphaba also gains a scoundrel younger brother named Shell, who isnt in the musical nor in the film adaptations of the story.The author draws a parallel between Elphie and finding a box of family photos under the stairs. A younger person might look at those photos and think, These scowling people in brown or black-and-white old photos. Theyre so ugly, no wonder they died, Maguire says, chuckling. But after growing older and having more life experiences, Maguire argues that a person can look at those photos with a different perspective.You begin to see the humanity in their frozen faces and rigid backbones. You begin to have some sympathy for them, the novelist muses. You need to have lived quite a lot more to be able to lend sympathy backwards to those who raised you, and punished you, and did you a disservice But who are also just humans.Maguire explains that the Elphie novel doesnt spend too much time with Frexspar Thropp, Elphabas assumed father, because he was already an annoying, but rounded character in the original Wicked book.But I do think Melena Maguire pauses. So close to Melania Melena. He adds, I wouldnt say Ive tried to rehabilitate Melena. I just tried to see her more clearly. Courtney Mae-Briggs as Melena Thropp in Wicked.Universal PicturesIn the Wicked novels, Frexspar is not the governor of Munchkinland. Hes a religious missionary and a very unsuccessful one. In internet-speak, stans would give Frexspar a full chop, and would call him a total flop.Elphabas father, best known as Frexspar the Godly in the books, is a deeply religious man who dedicates his entire life to serving the Unnamed God. But heres the thing: No one cares. Ozians have found love and faith in the Wizard, so no one is interested in hearing about this so-last-season Unnamed God pushed by Frexspar.Frexspar tries very hard, every single day of his life, to stand for what he believes in. This comes at a great cost, and leads him to become a very isolated person who refuses to stop doing his work as a missionary and as a preacher.Does the last paragraph sound a little bit familiar? Lets discuss it. Andy Nyman as Frexspar, Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in Wicked.Universal PicturesI cautiously tell Maguire about a parallel that Ive identified from consuming a lot of Wicked content over the years. Elphaba grew up with a mother like Melena, who constantly cheated on her husband, abused substances, and taught Elphaba how volatile the concept of trust can be.Its even more interesting to think about what Elphaba mustve learned from her father, Frexspar, when comparing the course of their lives. In the books, Elphaba spends her entire childhood seeing how terrible it is for her father to keep pushing his strong beliefs that no one else seems to clock, respect, or even understand. A set of core beliefs most of which are intended to be positive and do good that no one else seems to even notice. They were looking at, or listening to, something else.I ask Maguire if he also sees these parallels between Elphaba and Frexspar: Two people who feel very strongly about what they believe in, experience how Ozians do not care about their causes, and go on to live very isolated lives as a result. Dying on a hill that no one even realized was there.Thats very astutely observed. I really appreciate it, Bernardo, Maguire says. Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba flying over Oz in Wicked: For Good.Universal PicturesIf people read Wicked the novel a little closely, Maguire adds, theyll know that Elphaba could sing before she became a musical comedy sensation. (For context, the original Wicked novel was published in 1995, and the Wicked musical on Broadway only premiered in 2003.)It was very important to Maguire even in the process of the writing the Wicked novel that Elphaba wasnt rendered musically voiceless.I have many happy memories of my father, whos been long dead almost 40 years and I have some unhappy memories of him too, the author reflects. He wasnt really comfortable with my being gay. He wasnt really comfortable that I was a happy person. The family atmosphere was kind of morbid after his wife died and I was born. My mother died in childbirth when I was born.Maguire says that his father simply did not take to me. The father had six other children instead. I was the unhappy linchpin in our family of nine people because, had I not shown up, maybe his wife wouldve lived, the Wicked creator highlights. Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in Wicked.Universal PicturesMaguire brings up the analogy of Elphaba and her father and compares it to his own experiences with his own father. Elphaba, too, may have wanted to revolve 180 degrees from what her father represented from the shame, the disgrace, the mocking. But she couldnt shed his influence.But who can? the author asks. We cant shed the influence of our parents. So, when Elphaba takes up a lost cause, or what looks like a lost cause, it really is not much different from what her fathers done. Its directed a different way, but she has similar tenacity, similar drive, and she keeps going even when it looks like shes not going to make it.Elphabas story is a tragedy in Wicked, the novel. And its a tragedy partly because she cannot fulfill her aims, Maguire says. My story is not a tragedy. I found a way to fulfill my aims. Gregory Maguire at the Empire State Book Festival in April 2010.Times Union/Michael P. Farrell via Getty ImagesI ask Maguire, an out gay man for several decades now, if he has any advice for the LGBTQ+ community going through these difficult times.Oh, absolutely, he replies, enthusiastically. I think were in the age of the anti-hero, which began sort of in the 50s with Holden Caulfield [of The Catcher in the Rye] and The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit, and continued in the 70s with Dirty Harry and Bonnie and Clyde. Those were people who were celebrated for being bad, breaking convention, and doing things that were dangerous and unfortunate for others not caring, and then being cheered for it.Maguire adds, And thats exactly where we live in 2025: The break everything before it can do any good syndrome.Generally, Maguire argues that weve lost sight on what was, for so many decades, or centuries even, this belief that you can select someone whom you admire and hold them in your heart for inspiration. A poster that reads, Glinda the Good, across a poster that reads, The Wicked Witch, in the Emerald City, as seen in Wicked: For Good.Universal PicturesMaguire references both the Hallelujah singer Leonard Cohen and Where the Wild Things Are author Maurice Sendak, as his two muses in the actual process of writing. Ive got about eight Sendak originals in the house that Ive bought through the course of my career, he reveals. The idea of having a person in your mind and in your heart as your musethat, to me, was very useful.(In October 2009, Maguire wrote an op-ed for Out in which he exalted Maurice Sendaks Where the Wild Things Are and discussed the overall importance and challenges of childrens literature.)As our profound and inspiring conversation nears its end, Maguire breaks down how three of his biggest muses contributed to the creation of Elphaba as we know her to be in the original Wicked book, on the hit Broadway musical, in the two-part cinematic saga directed by Jon M. Chu, and in his latest novel, Elphie, too.Laura Nyro is Elphaba when she goes to college: Long hair, and a three-octave range, and this passionate sizzling capacity to put an idea over. Virginia Woolf is my muse for Elphaba in what amounts to her middle age, because shes intellectual, and argumentative, and has been left out. Virginia Woolf did not go to college like her brother and made contributions anyway that far exceed those of the rest of her family. And Emily Dickinson, toward the end of her life, who retired up the back stairs, and up the stairs into her bedroom would only address visitors to her through the chink in the door, when the door was partly open. They would bring a chair up in the hall and she would talk to them through the door. Elphaba, in the [Kiamo Ko] castle, is Emily Dickinson in her room. Those three women were my muses, and because they were my muses, each of them lent something to the construction of the character of Elphaba.Gregory Maguire's Elphie: A Wicked Childhood is available for purchase everywhere books are sold. The audiobook version of the book, narrated by Wicked actress Cynthia Erivo, is also available on all online audiobook stores. Wicked: For Good opens in theaters on November 21. See on Instagram

Producer Tom Kirdahy knows how lucky he is to have married one of the greatest contemporary playwrights to have graced the American theater, Terrence McNally, who passed away in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. He gets to pull from McNally's deep well of works that keep him connected to the late, celebrated artist. In addition to producing the Jonathan Groff-led Bobby Darin biopic, Just in Time (an idea that McNally pushed him to do with this specific leading man), he's also serving as a producer on two more of McNally's works: the second Broadway revival of Ragtime and the Kiss of the Spider Woman film, the latter of which just hit theaters today. (McNally wrote the book for each.)The film is eight years in the making, and it was first presented to the lead, Jennifer Lopez, back in 2017. Kirdahy says he initially pitched the idea as a Broadway revival, which she immediately showed interest in but couldn't commit to due to her busy schedule. The following year, Bill Condon (the films director, who is known for his work on Chicago and Dreamgirls) met with McNally and the Broadway show's legendary composer, John Kander, to express interest in making a film adaptation of Spider Woman. The idea sat on ice for two years until about four months after McNally's death, when Kirdahy sent a message to Condon telling him that the best way to honor his late husband's legacy was by making this film. Condon immediately agreed, and the two got the ball rolling. By 2023, the two had a script that was handed off to Lopez, who fell in love with the project and signed on to play Aurora, as well as Diego Luna, who took on the role of Valentin Arregui. The last of the leads to be cast was Luis Molina, who eventually went to Tonatiuh (who beat out 800 others in the audition). Over the course of three months, a relatively short time span, the team filmed the movie between a prison they found in Uruguay and a soundstage in New Jersey. I think this is the best iteration of Spider Woman there's ever been because we're not trapped in a binary notion of what gender is, and [it's clear that] the relationship between Molina and Valentin is about love," Kirdahy says, stressing that there was a lot of pressure to get it right.When asked where he felt the source of that pressure coming from, he pointed to the importance of the legacy of Kiss of the Spider Woman, but he also "cared deeply about queer representation and representation for populations that have historically been underrepresented. It was important to Kirdahy and Condon that they got the representation correct, having the queer character played by a queer actor and the lead roles played by Latin actors. (In the 1985 film version, William Hurt won an Oscar for portraying the part of Molina.)Tonatiuh's gender fluidity proved essential for the role in this film, as they play Molina and Kendall Nesbit (Ingrid Luna's assistant and best friend), who seamlessly transition between masculinity and femininity on screen. In 1983, when the movie takes place, we didn't have access to the language or the health care, or any of the things that would have made that easier for her as a character," Kirdahy explains. "In the stage version, historically, it has been about Molina's envy of a woman being able to be in love with her leading man, and in this movie version, its about Molinas desire to be a woman."He says that getting the green light for Spider Woman and getting to work on Ragtime, two politically potent pieces in McNally's catalogue, was "bittersweet." It's an opportunity to continue connecting with his late husband, and he says that he "talks to him every day," working on these two projects. "I feel like the luckiest guy on the planet that I get to bring these works into the world, especially in Trump's America, when we've got to fight with every fiber of our beings," he says. "Now more than ever, I admire what was on his mind, what he was writing about, the lives he was creating, the characters he was giving to us because I think he was constantly expanding our humanity, speaking out against oppression and bigotry. He categorized both Spider Woman and Ragtime as "calls to action" due to their political messaging. "Ragtime is so extraordinarily beautiful. Its about the promise of America and the ways in which its being broken right in front of us. Its galvanizing, when Joshua Henry sings Make Them Hear You the audiences are jumping to their feet. As our democratic institutions are being eroded, this musical is more important than ever, and the human stories that are told are incredible.Kirdahy wishes McNally could see the legacy he left behind. I wish that Terrence had written a memoir, or had sat with someone to write a biography, but he was always thinking about tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow," the producer says. "He was always looking ahead. He recalls a moment during the rehearsal process for Ragtime , when they were doing a run-through of the show. At the end of the first act, the company sings the stirring finale song, "Til We Reach That Day." Kirdahy said that it went so well and he was so emotional that, out of habit, he went to text McNally to say, "Oh my god, honey, I'm so excited for you to see this." He hadn't done this in two years, but the power that was in the room was so palpable that he wanted to tell his husband how great the production was coming along.While he couldn't text his husband, he knew that what he could do was keep his partner's legacy alive. "Not everybody has those opportunities to honor their loved ones, but I have these beautiful works that I get to put into the world."Kiss of the Spider Woman is now in theaters. And Ragtime is playing at Lincoln Center.

October 10 marks the first National PrEP Day, a holiday I created to celebrate something simple and powerful: Prevention works when people can access it. We have the science, the medicine, and the technology to end all new HIV transmissions in the United States.National PrEP Day is about action, not just awareness. Our goal is to get 10,000 new people on PrEP, because every prescription represents one less chance for HIV to spread.When President Donald Trump announced the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative in 2019, it was a rare moment of bipartisan consensus, a recognition that we finally had the strategy to end new HIV transmissions within our lifetime. The goal was bold: Reduce new infections by 90 percent by 2030. But conversations in Washington about cutting prevention budgets put that progress at risk. Pulling back now would slow what is finally working.Heres the reality. In 2023, more than 100 Americans were diagnosed with HIV every single day, nearly 39,000 new infections in a year. Only one in four people who could benefit from PrEP are receiving it. The gap is widest for Black and Latino communities and for women, who made up 19 percent of new diagnoses in 2022 but only 9 percent of PrEP users in 2024. Thats not a science problem; thats an access and equity problem.I created MISTR and SISTR to fix that problem with something people actually use: free online PrEP, DoxyPEP, and STI testing. No doctors office. No paperwork. No cost. MISTR and SISTR make PrEP free for everyone, even without insurance. If you do have insurance, getting your PrEP through MISTR or SISTR helps cover the cost for uninsured patients.Today, more than 500,000 people across all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico have signed up. Nearly one in five people on PrEP in the U.S. get it through MISTR. Since launching DoxyPEP, STI positivity among our patients has dropped by more than half. Eighteen percent of our patients are Black, compared with 14 percent nationally, proof that MISTRs sex-positive, fun, and stigma-free approach is reaching people too often left behind by our healthcare system.We do this at zero cost to patients and zero burden on taxpayers. We partner with 65+ nonprofits and community clinics, handle the paperwork, and turn awareness into action. The math is simple: The lifetime cost of treating one HIV infection is about $1.1 million. Generic PrEP costs around $365 a year. Prevention saves lives and money.The next chapter is long-acting injectable PrEP. MISTR will soon offer it in seven high-need LGBTQ+ neighborhoods, including West Hollywood, The Castro, Hells Kitchen, and Wilton Manors. Many people struggle with a daily pill. Marketed as Yeztugo, injectable PrEP requires just two shots a year for full protection. Were expanding access while removing barriers and stigma.Even if federal prevention budgets tighten, MISTRs commitment does not change. PrEP will remain free through our model, and injectable PrEP will launch as planned. Well keep closing the gap for LGBTQ+, Black, Latino, and female patients too often left out of the story.We know how to end new HIV transmissions in the United States. The tools exist. The infrastructure exists. What remains is commitment. National PrEP Day is our reminder to choose it, and to act today.Lets finish the job. Sign up for free online PrEP at mistr.com.Tristan Schukraft is the Founder and CEO of MISTR, a telehealth platform providing free online PrEP, DoxyPEP, and STI testing to patients in all 50 states. He also invests in LGBTQ+ hospitality and culture, including The Abbey in Los Angeles, Tryst Hotels, and The Pines Fire Island.

The New York City Gay Men's Chorus joined in celebrating the singers behind the animated hit film KPop Demon Hunters on Wednesday, posting a video of its members singing the girl groups newly platinum single, Golden.Earlier this week, the trio of raven-haired songstresses EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, who voice the fictional K-pop group Huntr/x in the Netflix film made their late-night debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where they performed the full song live for the first time. The performance, which featured them hyping up the crowd in coordinated, warrior-esque outfits, set the internet ablaze, with fans across social media celebrating the groups well-deserved success. And there was plenty to celebrate, since during the talk-show appearance, Fallon delivered the news that Golden had gone platinum, while handing them a framed album. - YouTube www.youtube.com On Instagram, the New York Gay Men's Chorus called out the singles newly minted status and congratulated the singers on the milestone. This was accompanied by a touching video that showed the members doing a joyful, choreographed warm-up to the song, in what the post referred to as a chorus-sized tribute. See on Instagram Its far from the first time that the storied ensemble, founded in 1979, has paid homage to the ladies of pop with a special social media shoutout. Just recently, the chorus posted a warm-up in honor of Chappell Roan and a taped performance of Ariana Grandes Heal Me at the Disco. The group also sang a tribute to Out's Tracy E. Gilchrist last year after her "holding space" Wicked interview went viral. But the tradition goes way back, as evidenced by a pinned video at the top of the groups Instagram page, showing an enthusiastic rendition of Paris Hiltons Stars Are Blind.KPop Demon Hunters has made records as a number-one film on Netflix as well as on the Billboard charts for its catchy soundtrack. "Golden," which was cowritten by out songwriter Mark Sonnenblick, has topped the Billboard Hot 100 for consecutive eight weeks, smashing records for an animated film's soundtrack as well as for girl groups. As demonstrated by the New York Gay Men's Chorus, many in the queer community have also embraced the song, which speaks to the power of collective strength, as an anthem.Sing along to the "Golden" lyric video below.

Megan Thee Stallion is adding yet another award to her ever-growing trophy shelf; this time, it's for her advocacy work. The bisexual Grammy-winning rapper was announced as this year's recipient of the Trevor Project's Mental Health Champion Award. According to the official press release, the award "recognizes influential public figures who use their platform to advocate for mental health awareness and issues impacting LGBTQ+ young people." Megan Thee Stallion is The Trevor Project's 2025 Mental Heatlh Champion of the Year Courtesy Trevor Project Though much of Megan's music is about sex positivity and empowering people to use their bodies in whatever way they see fit, she's also never afraid to offer her fans a peek into her psyche with songs like "Anxiety," where she talks about how she copes with the stress of fame and grieves the loss of her mother and grandmother. She also opened up about dealing with depression, alcoholism, and suicidal ideation on her song "Cobra." She's the founder of the Pete & Thomas Foundation, a nonprofit organization that was named in honor of her late parents and focuses on empowering women, children, senior citizens, and underserved communities with initiatives in Houston and worldwide centered on education, housing, health, and wellness. But her philanthropy doesn't stop there. Megan launched BadBitchesHaveBadDaysToo.com, an online mental health hub with resources, directories, and LGBTQ+ community helplines for those seeking support, including The Trevor Project."Im honored to receive this years Mental Health Champion award from The Trevor Project, the rapper said in a statement. "My goal has always been to use my platform to help break stigmas around mental health and provide resources for those seeking safe spaces to have honest and heartfelt conversations. Mental health impacts all of us, so its important to lead with love and empathy. Im grateful for organizations like The Trevor Project that are committed to spreading awareness and supporting our LGBTQ+ youth in powerful ways. Megan Thee StallionCourtesy Megan Thee Stallion via Trevor ProjectThe CEO of the Trevor Project, Jaymes Black, praised the Houston-native for mental health advocacy. "Her raw honesty, bold advocacy, and deep love for her community make her an extraordinary role model particularly for Black LGBTQ+ youth, who face some of the highest rates of discrimination, mental health challenges, and suicide risk," his statement reads. "Megans activism doesnt just stop at words; she builds real, tangible resources for vulnerable communities that are too often overlooked or left behind. As a queer Black person, I wish I had someone like Megan to look up to when I was growing up. Her courage, her authenticity, and her unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy will echo for generations." He ended his statement saying, "The Trevor Project is proud to honor her incredible impact, especially at a time when LGBTQ+ young people are being stripped of life-saving resources. Megan Thee Stallions voice is not just powerful. Its essential.The organization also emphasized the importance of this year's award after the Trump administration officially shuttered the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelines LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program.

Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBTQ-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend. 1) The film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical Kiss of the Spider Woman opens in theaters today. The film follows Valentin (Diego Luna), a political prisoner who [...]The post The GLAAD Wrap: Kiss of the Spider Woman After the Hunt and Fairyland in theaters, trailers for I Love LA Alls Fair, and more! first appeared on GLAAD.

Hello Out readers!October means it's time for Fall TV! Did y'all watch the season finale of HBO Max's Peacemaker last night? The show features several gay main characters and just wrapped up its second season. Now that showrunner James Gunn is the head of the entire DCU, the show is setting up some major characters and plotlines!If you're looking for a new show to check out, look no further than Netflix's new show, Boots! Boots stars Advocate cover star Miles Heizer as a young gay man who joins the military in 1990."Netflixs highly anticipated Boots series is finally here! This new and very queer show is centered on a closeted gay man named Cameron Cope, played by Miles Heizer, who undergoes boot camp at the U.S. Marine Corps in the early 1990s," Bernardo Sim writes. "During his experience, Cameron must learn how to build alliances, forge bonds, keep his queerness out of sight, and resist an eye-candy or two or three or several, really."Inspired by a real former Marine's memoir, The Pink Marine, Boots also stars Max Parker, Sachin Bhatt, Jack Cameron Kay, Angus O'Brien, Vera Farmiga, Liam Oh, Cedrick Cooper, and more. Check it out now!Keep reading to find out our Gayest Song of the Week!- Mey RudeMegan Thee Stallion 'honored' to be Trevor Project's Mental Health ChampionA guide to the Boots actors, characters, and gay storylinesElphie: How a gay authors relationship with his father inspired a Wicked witch'Kiss of the Spider Woman' calls on LGBTQ+ people to 'fight with every fiber of our beings'Why I created National PrEP Day'Golden' goes platinum! NYC Gay Men's Chorus sings 'KPop' to celebrateLukas Gage reveals how a shirtless scene cost him 'Mad Men' jobAubrey Plaza claims she was the ghost Joy Behar had sex withOh my Oz! Wicked: For Good poster has a hidden referencefans are gaggingGayest Song of the Week"I kiss for fun, it's fun to kiss / I use my tongue li-li-li-like this," Demi Lovato sings in her hot new song, "Kiss." It's an energetic, dancy, and sexy song (with a very gay music video), and we can't wait to see what else Demi has to offer!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!

Cooper Koch is living his best life!Following his Emmy nomination for his breakout role in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story last year, Koch's phone has been ringing off the hook.The actor starred in a very sexy Calvin Klein campaign, traveled around the world, and even had time to parody The White Lotus with his handsome twin brother."I'm so happy! It's been an incredible year. My Monsters era is over, so it's nice to be moving forward and moving into a space and a new era and hopefully a bunch of new roles. Who knows what else? I'm just excited and looking forward to what's next," Koch tells PRIDE. See on Instagram As his star power continues to rise, Koch is ready to show off his comedy skills by tackling a Hollywood project his fans haven't seen just yet."I was with a friend the other night and she's a stand-up comedian. She was like, 'I think you should do comedy!' Let's see. Maybe that's what's next! I have many funny bones to flex."Koch was just one of the A-list stars to walk the blue carpet at The Abbey Food & Bar in West Hollywood to celebrate the first ever National PrEP Day by MISTR. The goal of the event was to encourage as many people as possible to get on PrEP to help fight the spread of HIV/AIDS."It is so vital! Be on PrEP, especially since it's free. Get your PrEP girls! Take it in the morning, take it in the evening, and be the little sluts that you are!"Learn more about National PrEP Day here. To see the full interview with Cooper Koch from The Abbey Food & Bar, check out the video at the top of the page.

When I arrived at the Sofitel Los Angeles for the 2025 Black Queer Creative Summit (BQCS) partnered with P&G, BET, Zillow, Starz #TakeTheLead, Lyft, Crocs and Hinges One More Hour initiative as Official Sponsors and Spotify as a Supporting Sponsor, the air was electric. It was the kind of energy that feels both ancient and [...]The post GLAADs Black Queer Creative Summit Returns to Los Angeles for a Powerful Second Year first appeared on GLAAD.

Dua Lipa danced the night away at The Abbey to raise awareness for HIV prevention.The "Houdini" singer was the surprise headliner Thursday of a launch party for National PrEP Day, an inaugural event thrown by the telemedicine company Mistr at the famous West Hollywood gay bar. Lipa had just wrapped the Los Angeles arm of her Radical Optimism Tour the night prior.Onstage, Lipa was flanked by RuPaul's Drag Race royalty Symone, Aquaria, Shea Coule, Trinity the Tuck, and Plastique Tiara, who had opened for her with lip-synchs of her hits. Lipa called each one by name at the end of her set.Lipa's performance was a capstone of the National PrEP Day, a campaign that encourages 10,000 people to sign up for the HIV-prevention medication PrEP in the next 10 days. Stated Mistr CEO Tristan Schukraft, who is also The Abbey's owner, in an oped for Out, "We know how to end new HIV transmissions in the United States. The tools exist. The infrastructure exists. What remains is commitment. National PrEP Day is our reminder to choose it, and to act today." Mistr offers PrEP as well as Doxy PEP, an antibiotic treatment to prevent other STIs free of charge.The Abbey event was hosted by Bob the Drag Queen, and DJ sets from Diplo and Joey with the Mustache kept attendees dancing until 2 a.m. The star-studded celebration was also attended by Cardi B, Nene Leakes, Matt Bomer, Cooper Koch, Colton Haynes, Kim Petras, Omar Apollo, Tom Daley, Colton Underwood, David Furnish, Jake Wesley Rogers, Alyssa Edwards, Bianca Del Rio, and Mont X Change. Watch Lipa perform some of her set ahead.

Louis Tomlinson remembers exactly where he was when he learned the tragic news about Liam Payne.The former One Direction singer was a guest on The Diary of a CEO podcast earlier this week when he opened up about learning of the death of his former bandmate.Tomlinson said he was "in the car, in L.A." when he found out, and that it was another One Direction member, Niall Horan, who told him the news. That was 2024, and Payne, at the age of 31, had fallen off a hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires. - YouTube www.youtube.com "I had the same feeling that I had with Flicit," Tomlinson said, referring to his sister who died suddenly in 2019, at the age of 18. "And I think anyone has this when theyre around someone whos struggling my 150% wasnt nearly enough."He added, "Thats when its my own arrogance, thinking that I could have helped, really, because it was so much deeper than what I could have done for him. He was definitely struggling at that time in his life."Shortly after Payne's death, Rolling Stone reported that the musician "wrestled with his sexual identity, compounding his struggles and leading to risky behavior" before his death. One source told the publication that "Liam struggled with his sexuality" and that, while dating writer Maya Henry from 2018 to 2022, "he sexted men."Rolling Stone's report also said that Payne's "final downward spiral" included hiring sex workers and taking drugs with a waiter right before the accident that led to his death.

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has worked to rehab its image over the past few years after a major scandal in 2019, along with growing criticism over a lack of diverse bodies, caused the lingerie brand to cancel the annual event. In 2024, the show made its official return, making history by featuring its first two transgender models, Valentina Sampaio and Alex Consani. This year, the brand is expanding its roster, inviting queer models and performers to participate in the revamped fashion show, scheduled for October 15.Consani will be returning alongside one of her closest friends, Quenlin Blackwell, who announced her upcoming debut on the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway on X. "Yall I am going to be a Victorias Secret angel," the openly bisexual content creator wrote in a post uploaded on Friday. "I'm still in shock omg." (@) Another queer celebrity who will be making her way down the catwalk at this year's show is former Euphoria star Barbie Ferreira. The company's Pink brand shared the news in a joint Instagram post with the actor. "You want icons, well give you icons," the caption reads. "Were soooo excited to have Barbie Ferreira walk for PINK in the Victorias Secret Fashion Show this year." See on Instagram It was also revealed at the end of the week that Angel Reese would be one of this year's winged models. While Reese may not identify as queer, she is one of the most recognized figures in the WNBA, a sport with a large LGBTQ+ fanbase. And now, she can add to her accomplishments being the first professional athlete to walk the Victoria's Secret runway. "Stepping into a dream: From Angel to a Victoria Secret ANGEL," the 23-year-old basketball player wrote in an Instagram post. "Ill be walking the Victorias Secret 2025 runway show for the first time, and it feels like destiny. Wings on, heels readyCatch me on the runway." See on Instagram As for performers, Madison Beer, who identifies as bisexual, will be contributing even more LGBTQ+ representation to the evening. She joins Latin superstar Karol G, hip-hop and rap icon Missy Elliott, and the K-pop group TWICE in the lineup of artists lending a musical element to the scantily clad affair. See on Instagram These women will strut and sing alongside industry veterans like the Hadid sisters, Adriana Lima, Tyra Banks, and Kate Moss during the show, which will be live streamed from New York on October 15.

New Music Friday has just delivered a fresh batch of bangers from our favorite LGBTQ+ (and adjacent) musicians.This is the week of collabs! Doechii and Alemeda get fiesty on "Beat A B!tch Up," Calum Scott turns a Whitney Houston classic into a ballad, FKA twigs joins Oklou on "viscus," and Orville Peck and Noah Cyrus yearn on their new ballad. Meanwhile, RuPaul's Drag Race star Tayce has entered a pop boy era, we're lost in the fantasy of Eli's "All at Once," Khalid's first album since coming out is ready for the dance floor, Towa Bird is prepared to steal your girl, and Brandi Carlile is stuck in "A War With Time."Scroll through to listen to this week's best new bops, and follow this writer's New Music Friday playlist on Spotify."Beat A B!tch Up" - Alemeda, DoechiiDoechii goes rock alongside Alemeda on their kiss-off track to a lame ex-lover."Kiss" - Demi LovatoDemi Lovato brings the heat on her new dance floor ready banger."IDONTWANNA" - TAYCERuPaul's Drag Race UK star Tayce is out of drag and brings the homoeroticism in "IDONTWANNA.""Magnify" - Dizzy FaeMagnify your love of Dizzy Fae! The genre-blending singer-songwriter is undeniably one to watch!"A War With Time" - Brandi CarlileTime goes by and people get older, and Brandi Carlile grapples with loss and aging on her moving new track. "Nah" - KhalidKhalid's new album after the sun goes down, his first since coming out, is unabashedly about the ups and downs of relationships with boys. "All at Once" - EliAnyone else nostalgic for the 2000s? Eli's latest is giving American Idol winner who just made their dreams come true. "Love Is A Canyon" - Noah Cyrus, Orville PeckOrville Peck and Noah Cyrus's latest duet is devastatingly beautiful."I Wanna Dance With Somebody" - Calum Scott, Whitney HoustonCalum Scott channels the spirit of Whitney in a new piano ballad featuring Houston's voice and image. "Tarmac" - CavetownLand in Cavetown's world on his lovely new single "Tarmac.""Your Girl" - Towa BirdWatch out, Towa Bird is ready and willing to steal your girl."viscus" - Oklou, FKA twigsOklou and FKA twigs get "viscus" on their experimental yet goergous new collab."Losing" - Lucy DacusLucy Dacus short and sweet new ballad is about a debilitating loss. ... And here's the playlist!Taylor Henderson is a music contributor to Out magazine. Be sure to follow 'the alphabet mafia' playlist on Spotify!

Happy Halloween, queers! October has come once again meaning, the gays, theys, queens, and queers are ready to go all out. (It is gay Christmas, after all!) And while you'll see plenty of classic costumes like ghosts, zombies, cheerleaders, and witches, if you're going to a gay bar or party, you're also guaranteed to see a lot of pop-culture-inspired ensembles. It's what gays do best.For some inspiration on what to wear this year, check out are our picks for 2025's hottest pop-culture-based Halloween costumes for queers.----------------------------------------------------------------This visual collection was curated by equalpride's digital photo editor, Nikki Aye.'The Hunting Wives'Netflix's hit drama The Hunting Wives made sapphics go crazy all year long. Why not get in on the fun? This costume is perfect for couple's looking to recreate the heat between Sophie and Margo or for a whole group. It's also ideal for a drag costume!Glinda and Elphaba from 'Wicked'What better couple's costume is there? Before Wicked: For Good comes out this year, celebrate the greatest love story of all time by dressing up as the film's two iconic witches, either with a bestie, a lover, a rival, or someone in between.Aunt Gladys from 'Weapons'Gays love a horror icon, and 2025 gave us one of the greats: the fashionable and formidable Aunt Gladys from Zach Cregger's Weapons. Put your "best" wig on and go partying with other gay horror icons like The Babadook, M3GAN, and It's Pennywise!KatseyeOh, we're going out tonight? Gang gang! The perfect group costume for you and five of your friends is this "Gnarly" girl group! Are you a Megan, a Lara, a Sophia, a Manon, a Daniela, or a Yoonchae?Deborah and Ava from 'Hacks'Lesbians love the mother/daughter dynamic/romance between veteran comedian Deborah Vance and young bisexual writer Ava Daniels! This costume is especially perfect for age-gap couples.Huntr/xThe biggest band in the world right now is an animated trio of demon hunters. You know you'll see kids everywhere dressed as this Kpop Demon Hunters trio, but adults will look just as good!The Saja BoysIf you want a more masculine alternative to Huntr/x, The Saja Boys are a perfect costume! Pick your favorite look from the demonic boy band and dance the night away.Leather biker dom from 'Pillion'Halloween 2025 is all about the leather, especially when it's inspired by Alexander Skarsgrd in the upcoming film Pillion. Head to your closet or a local leather store to buy chaps, a jacket, a harness, gloves, hats, or whatever accessories turn you on the most!A Pack of Pedro PascalsPedro Pascal was in everything this year, wasn't he? And we love it! In honor of our favorite ubiquitous actor, why not get a group of friends together and all go as various versions of him? Gladiator II Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us Pedro Pascal, The Mandalorian Pedro Pascal, Fantastic Four Pedro Pascal, rainbow disco-stick Pedro Pascal...the possibilities are endless!Mary Todd Lincoln and Abraham Lincoln from 'Oh, Mary!'Broadway's hottest show is one of this year's best Halloween costumes! Whether you want to be a Mary or an Abraham, people will definitely sing your Oh, Mary! praises!Smoke and Stack from 'Sinners'Smoke and Stack were the two sexiest movie characters this year, so why not dress up as the Sinners stars? This costume combines a vampire with gangsters for a great look.The Coldplay coupleGays love a costume based on a viral meme, and this year, one of the wildest viral moments was this couple who seemingly got caught cheating and quickly tried to duck out of view while on the screen at a Coldplay concert. Instantly iconic.DoechiiDoechii is the best-dressed person in hip hop! Take any of the "Denial is a River" rapper and Grammy-winner's looks from her live performances or music videos and turn it into a stylish costume.Slutty Little GlassesThis is one of the easiest costumes on the list! In honor of Jurassic World: Rebirth star Jonathan Bailey's "slutty little glasses." All you need is your own pair of glasses, a slutty attitude, and bam! You've got a Halloween costume!Luigi MangioneThis alleged CEO shooter was the center of one of the biggest news stories of the last year. Known as much for his good looks as his alleged crime, Mangione is sure to be a popular costume this year.'Severance' workersPut on your Lumon Industries best as an "innie" worker from this Emmy-winning show. For extra credit, get some gloves and a baton, and a lustrous mustache to be Milchick!LabubusHow could we not include Labubus? These little dolls were everywhere this year, and are sure to be everwhere this holiday!

Who isn't a little obsessed with an age-gap relationship? After all, who can resist a hot daddy! And when it comes to the silver screen, the titillation and tension of an intergenerational romance can make for a poignant and passionate gay love story.So its no surprise that there are several steamy and moving entries in this microsubgenre of gay films.Not sure where to get started? Or worried youve missed a hidden gem? Well, good news here are 11 gay movies featuring age-gap relationships that you'll definitely want to check out, plus where to stream them.Call Me By Your Name (2017)Frequently seen as the pinnacle of gay age-gap romance films, Luca Guadagninos coming-of-age queer love story follows 17-year-old Elio Perlman (Timothe Chalamet) as he embarks on an infatuation and then a romance with Oliver (Armie Hammer), a 24-year-old scholar staying with his family in Italy.Where to watch: HuluGerontophila (2013)In this touching Canadian age-gap romance, 18-year-old Lake (Pier-Gabriel Lajoie) discovers he has a powerful attraction to older men when he takes a job at a nursing home and meets 81-year-old Melvin (Walter Borden). The two share an immediate connection that gradually transforms into something intimate and loving.Where to watch: Tubi After Louie (2017)This intergenerational love story follows Sam (Alan Cumming), an artist and activist who lived through the AIDS crisis and carries deep emotional scars from the pain and loss he witnessed during that time. His life and worldview are upended when he meets Braeden (Zachary Booth), a young gay man who has had a very different experience coming into his queerness. Braedens optimism helps Sam confront his trauma and open himself up to the possibility of love again.Where to watch: TubiShelter (2007)Theres a reason this film remains a forever gay favorite, and its not just the age-gap romance aspect. In it, Zach (Trevor Wright) is a young gay surfer who falls for his older brothers friend, Shaun (Brad Rowe). What starts as a friendship develops into something deeper and more intimate.Where to watch: Here TVDown Low (2023)While most of the films on this list tend toward the more serious and poignant, this age-gap romance is hilarious and, honestly, wild. The film follows Gary (Zachary Quinto), a closeted, middle-aged gay father of two who has just gotten a divorce after coming out. He hires a masseur and sex worker, Cameron (Lukas Gage), who, upon discovering that Gary has never been with a man, tries to help him with a hookup that goes seriously, seriously awry.Where to watch: Rent on Prime VideoA Single Man (2009)This aching and beautiful film is a must-watch for any queer cinephile. Directed by Tom Ford, and set in 1962, A Single Man follows the anguish and desire of George Falconer (Colin Firth), a middle-aged professor who is deep in mourning after the loss of his long-term partner, Jim (Matthew Goode). However, he is given a sliver of hope when he begins a new connection with a student, Kenny (Nicholas Hoult).Where to watch: TubiLan Yu (2001)This Chinese drama explores an age-gap romance set in 1980s and 1990s Beijing. Lan Yu (Jimmy Lin) is a young student when he first meets Chen Handong (Tony Leung Ka-fai), a successful and wealthy businessman. Over the course of years, their passionate romance blossoms, but Chen is caught between the pressures of his successful, closeted life and the choice to live authentically.Where to watch: Rent on Prime VideoBeach Rats (2017)This steamy coming-of-age story stars Harris Dickinson (Beach Rats) as Frankie, a 19-year-old grappling with his identity. By day, he plays it straight with his friends, and at night, he seeks out hookups with older men.Where to watch: TubiSorry Angel (2018)This French tearjerker follows Jacques (Pierre Deladonchamps), a 45-year-old writer living with HIV, who embarks on a passionate love affair with 22-year-old aspiring actor Arthur (Vincent Lacoste), despite knowing that his life is coming to an end.Where to watch: Tubi The Third One (2014)This erotic romance from Argentina follows Fede (Emiliano Dionisi), a 22-year-old college student who engages in a sexual relationship with an older gay couple, Franco (Nicols Armengol) and Hernn (Carlos Echevarra), after they meet online. What is meant to be just a casual hookup evolves into something more.Where to watch: Gaga Oo LalaPlainclothes (2025)The latest entry in this subgenre blends an erotic age-gap romance with a thriller. Set in the 1990s, Lucas Brennan (Tom Blyth), a closeted cop, is tasked with trying to entrap gay men looking for hookups in public bathrooms. However, everything is turned upside down when he is approached by Andrew Waters (Russell Tovey), a married man, and the two instead strike up a deep connection.Where to watch: In theaters

In the column Straight Nonsense, columnist Moises Mendez II takes a queer eye to the insanity of straight culture.I understand that people love their pets as if they were their own children; trust me, I live with a woman who considers her cat her biological daughter. So it makes sense that Hasan Piker faced swift backlash after he was accused of using a shock collar on his dog Kaya during a recent livestream. In a clip, Piker can be seen telling his dog to settle down and seemingly reaching off-screen when his dog suddenly yelps and then lies down. (@) The video quickly made the rounds on social media with many people calling him out, accusing him of animal abuse, allegations to which he quickly denied. The Twitch streamer, who has amassed over six million followers across Twitch, Instagram, and YouTube, addressed the questions of abuse during a stream when he was asked about it and said, "Yes, I am incredibly abusive, to the not only best trained, but also the best behaving and most spoiled dog on the planet."He continued, "She yelped because she fucking clipped herself on something when she was getting off the bed. I gave her the place command while she was getting off, and then she yelped. She had broken the previous bed. I suspect its coming from some crazy haters. She yelped when she was getting off the bed, because I assume she either stepped funny, or clipped her foot on something. (@) The argument of animal abuse isn't even made in good conscience, as Newsweek reported, pointing out that many of the comments were Islamophobic. It follows the very natural progression of being a beloved public figure on the internet. At first, you have a tight-knit community of true fans, but as you get more popular and attract mainstream media attention, your content is then shown to your oppositions circles that will then later follow your every move. Some internet haters don't have a good enough reason to hate you, cancel you, or call to de-platform you, so they wait for that "gotcha moment," a moral wrongdoing on your part that is universally understood to be unacceptable, to push a targeted campaign aimed at the people they dislike to get them off the internet.There are times where it's warranted and should have worked I'm looking at you, Jeffree Star, James Charles, and Shane Dawson but the internet will move on and welcome canceled content creators with open arms if given enough time. That's not to say there aren't people who don't remember, but the internet moves so much quicker than it did five years ago, nonetheless 10 years ago. But this idea of cancelation doesn't apply to Piker because there isn't proof this happened, he debunked it, and there's a darker reason as to why this is happening.He took time out of his stream to show his viewers the collar they had seen during that livestream and debunk the conspiracy theories. "It has the capacity to vibrate and that's it," he said, plainly as he shows the Airtag that's embedded in the collar and the part that vibrates, saying that it also has a tracker and a flashlight. (@) Ethan Klein, one of Piker's most vocal critics, used this as an opportunity to take another jab at him after prolonging their never-ending feud. "Horrifying animal cruelty by Hasan as he activates her shock collar for one tiny step off of her bed," Klein's Instagram Story reads. "She cries in pain, poor baby. Always thought it was extremely bizarre that his young energetic pup never took a step off bed.But no matter how much he denies the allegations and proves that he did not use a shock collar on the dog, the misinformation campaign continued to spread across social media like wildfire. This is yet another example of the ways in which the internet doesn't care about right and wrong because we live in an individualistic society where people only care about what they feel is morally correct and social media is a megaphone to project those ideas to a large audience. All it takes to build a platform (or gain clout) is having the loudest megaphone. (@) It's not about the dog, it never was. It's about tearing down political opposition. It's a ploy to undermine a prominent political figure who is providing a voice to a party whose influence is waning in the face of an authoritarian administration, but hey, let's continue arguing about this while young kids are being ripped out of their homes and zip-tied together as they watch their parents be arrested by ICE agents in Chicago. Or maybe watching priests get shot in the head with pepper balls by ICE agents on a rooftop.The dog, obviously, deserves a loving, safe home but that was never called into question in the past. You're welcome to have your opinions on Piker's politics. But one of the streamer's purpose online is to amplify the atrocities currently taking place and undercutting that with sound political commentary in a time when every political official in Washington decides to treat the White House like a cartoon villain's lair. All of this conversation surrounding his dog is a distraction and we (nor Piker) should fall for it.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.

One year after being outed as gay by an ex, and almost a decade since releasing the breakout hit song Location, Khalid had an all-encompassing interview with Apple Musics Zane Lowe to promote his fourth studio album, After the Sun Goes Down, and discuss this very particular moment in the singers career and personal life.A standout moment from the interview started with Lowe bringing up the topic of boundaries (or lack thereof) between artists and their fans, which can lead to parasocial relationships. At the end of the day, your job is to create music that youre honest about, and our job is to embrace it, if we love it, Lowe remarked.To that point, Khalid referenced one of the most perplexing reactions hes seen from his critics, Oh my god, hes gay, now his music is gonna suck, which has made him feel the urge to ask: What do you mean?!If you liked my music before, theres a high chance that youre gonna continue to like my music Because Ive always been gay, Khalid clapped back. It just doesnt make sense.Khalid explained his frustration with being outed, and also named the peers that he could count on. Khalid and Normani in the music video for Personal.RCA RecordsLowe observed that there must be trauma attached to that outing given that the whole thing felt accusatory, at least in the way that it was presented. Has Khalid been struggling to trust people again?I think thats why I lived my life the way that I did for so long, Khalid replied. He had already come out to certain people, like fellow artists Kiana Led and Normani. However, Khalid was still blindsided and felt unprepared for being outed as gay. We live in a world where, once that is out, its so hard for people to focus on everything thats not that. Its so crazy, Khalid remarked. Theres half of these people who are like, I love you. [Another] half of these people, I hate you; How could you hide this from me? Im like, You know what? Im not hiding anything from you. Its just none of your business.The path to regaining control of his own narrative, life story, and privacy. Khalid and Normani in the music video for In Plain Sight.RCA RecordsIn the interview, Khalid clarified that he certainly wasnt planning to stay in the closet for the rest of his life. In fact, people close to him already knew about it. The openness started with Sincere, but its like I was dipping my toe into the water, or into the pool, [and then] I got pushed into the pool.After being outed and confirming his sexuality on social media, Khalid recalled that his thought-process eventually landed on, You know what? Its actually not that bad. If anything, I love it here.Shying away from the world I've done all that already. I did that for eight years of my career, he went on. Im like, The only decision that I can possibly make is embracing it all.Khalid described his 2024 album Sincere as a steppingstone to feeling free. Khalid in the album artwork for Sincere.RCA RecordsWhen asked about the short period of time between his last two albums, Khalid explained how his fourth LP, After the Sun Goes Down, wouldnt have been possible without the groundwork of his third LP, Sincere, which he described as a steppingstone.I was holding onto all of this depression and sadness, and Im able to bottle it up and give it to my fans, and it connected to people in a way where they really felt my hurt, the singer said. Now that I got the hurt out, there was just so much freedom, so much love to discover. And it makes so much sense that that love, to discover, translated through the music.For the singer, After the Sun Goes Down is as personal as American Teen. Khalid in an album artwork variant for American Teen.RCA RecordsKhalid argued that the reason why so many fans are still obsessed with his debut studio album 2017s American Teen, which included his breakout hit Location is because that LP was all about freedom, and expression.After the Sun Goes Down allowed Khalid to reconnect with that state of mind, he noted, instead of making music to please the masses in 2019s Free Spirit and 2024s Sincere.I wasnt making music for myself, Khalid declared. I was extremely detached, because, although the music was great, and it did what it did, my heart just wasnt in it.After the Sun Goes Down is a letter to Khalids inner child and a celebration of the 2000s. Khalid in the album artwork for After the Sun Goes Down.RCA RecordsKhalid described After the Sun Goes Down as an energetic transfer to a younger version of himself. This album is my own letter to that young boy, telling him all the possibilities that he can actually be, if he just lets that fear go, [and] lets that hurt go.And that point stands in terms of musical references, too. That was a child that lived through the 2000s, that lived through the 2010s, and saw some of the most groundbreaking pop moments. The introduction of dirty pop into the world was major, and was controversial.The singer added that the album is my homage to the risk-takers, to the Janets, to the Britneys, to the people who really pushed their pedigree and were like, Im going to do it my way.For Khalid, After the Sun Goes Down is his own chance to put leave a mark in pop culture. And Im going to do it as well, he remarks.Watch the full Zane Lowe interview with Khalid below, or directly from the Apple Music app. Khalids fourth studio album, After the Sun Goes Down, is available on all music streaming platforms.

Its Ashley Just Ashley.Once upon a makeover challenge on RuPauls Drag Race season 16, Plane Jane was paired up with creative director, photographer, and dancer Nick Lemmer. Together, they brought to life one of the most sickening makeover transformations in Drag Race herstory: Lazi Susan.And yet, the time has come for Lazi Susan to sashay away, as Lemmer returns to the art form of drag as a brand-new persona Ashley.On Friday, October 10, Ashley performed at Gipsy Nightclub in Las Vegas alongside several other Drag Race superstars including Lazis drag mother, Plane Jane. Immediately after her performance to a medley of Slut Pop by Kim Petras, Ashley launched her official social media presence, and fans can already start following the newest drag diva in the queendom at @aaaaaaashleyyyyyyy.See on InstagramITS ASHLEY BITCH, one caption read.Lemmer wrote in another post, 2 years ago a monster was born. Tonight a new era begins, welcome to the stage ASHLEY!See on InstagramLemmer has been teasing this drag comeback for some time now.For instance, Lemmer shared a poster of tonights performance at Gipsy along with Plane Jane, as well as a video of himself shaving everything off.See on InstagramOn Thursday, October 9, Lemmer even shared a photo teasing Ashleys arrival by showing off her mysterious silhouette.Tomorrow, shes back, the caption read.See on InstagramBut the actual clues go all the way back to the most recent episodes of Lemmers web series, The Loverboy Diaries, which was seemingly set to end back in May with episode 6 But didnt.A casual kitchen moment to end the sixth episode suddenly became a scene where Lemmer came face to face with a variant version of himself, which popped up out of thin air and confronted him about what he wanted to do next.Yeah, yeah. Lifes short. Be happy, the Lemmer variant taunted the original. You know what? Monetize your trauma instead of going to therapy. But I can't help but think about something you mentioned in episode 2.(For a few seconds, viewers were transported back to that second episode, when Lemmer won the 2024 WOWIE Award for Dominant Dancing Diva at RuPauls DragCon and was asked by Ts Madison if he enjoyed being his alter ego, Lazi Susan, at times. Hell yeah, I do, Lemmer replied. And she's coming back.)As the the episode brought viewers back to the kitchen, the original Lemmer asked his variant, What about it?Well, is Lazi Susan coming back, or what? the variant responded.While Lemmer searched for an answer to that question, music started playing, and the next shot showed viewers a mouth just a mouth putting on lipstick.Okay, Lemmers voice narrated, so maybe there's one more episode.Watch the final minutes of The Loverboy Diaries episode 6 below and stay tuned for the series upcoming season finale, coming soon to YouTube.And make sure you dont forget:Its Ashley now Just Ashley.See on Instagram

In 2017, my family stumbled into public advocacy when a photo of my daughter went viral. Rebekah was 10 years old, standing at a rally holding a sign that read "I'm the scary transgender person the media warned you about."She wasn't scary. She was just a little girl with bright pink pigtails protesting that all kids should have access to safe schools. Her existence didn't require a warning. She was just like the over 2 million LGBTQ+ young people who wish for nothing more than to be loved and supported by their families, like all young people. Eight years later, the narrative suggesting transgender people are a threat persists, escalating in recent weeks. Yet my daughter is no scarier today than she was then.The world feels scarier, though.When Rebekah transitioned, my husband and I were nervous about what being transgender might mean for her future and safety, so we committed to doing the work of educating those around us. We committed to the work of changing hearts and minds to create a world that would be truly safe for our daughter and every young LGBTQ person like her.But the moment we're in feels like a gut punch to our past selves. Those optimistic parents, naive to some, charged ahead, determined to change the world. Except, we weren't naive. We were rooted in everything we knew to be true about transgender youths, and every one of those things remains true today.First, transgender kids are just like other kids. With love, support, and acceptance, they have the chance to not only survive but thrive. Research shows that having even just one supportive adult in their lives can make a world of difference for LGBTQ youths. Second, we must listen to young people when they tell us who they are and what they need. Transgender youth have had to do the work of understanding their own identity and articulating that identity to others. Trust them.And finally, LGBTQ youths do not struggle because there is something inherently wrong with being LGBTQ+. Instead, they often struggle because of the uniquely hostile world around them. Beyond harmful policies and political rhetoric, a recent study shows that nearly 60% of LGBTQ youth reported experiencing at least one form of parental rejection, such as taunting, mocking, or speaking negatively about them being LGBTQ. Our youth are not only experiencing stigma and isolation from our laws and leaders, but also from within their own homes.But we can change that.Rebekah is many things: a pastor's kid, a field hockey player, and a singer. And, yes, she is transgender. Regardless of the world's preconceived notions, she has persevered with the love and support of her family, friends, and community. She graduated last year as high school valedictorian and is now in college studying government. Fear has not prevented my child from thriving, and I continue to be in awe of her joy, her humor, and her relentless hope.The world is scary, yes, but our kids still know who they are, and if we're lucky enough, they'll share it with us.National Coming Out Day is an opportunity to begin showing up for your child, providing them with what they need to thrive, and affirming who they know themselves to be. We can't change the world by ourselves, but my family is proof that we can change how our children experience this world and Rebekah says it best. Rebekah Bruesehoff attends the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards, where she was granted Peggy Charren/Free To Be You and Me Award, in New York City, 2023 Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images Ms. Foundation for WomenFrom Jamie's daughter, RebekahAt eight years old, when I came out, my parents walked with me. I was young enough that it never felt like me "coming out," but instead us discovering who I was together. Their willingness to listen intentionally and trust what I was feeling empowered me to share who I was with others. They educated and advocated on my behalf with our extended family, my school, and our church. They acted as a barrier between me and anyone who might not understand. Looking back, I see how their love and support gave me the space to grow confidently in my identity.At the same time, they surrounded me with positive examples of what it meant to be transgender. From my very first copy of I Am Jazz by Jazz Jennings, I was given books that showed me I wasn't alone. They amplified role models like Laverne Cox and now Congresswoman Sarah McBride to show me how transgender people were making a difference in the world. Their loving actions formed the way I see the world.Now, I strive to be a model of possibility for others as an author and an advocate.On National Coming Out Day, I want you to know you can lay that kind of foundation for the LGBTQ young people in your life by taking the time to learn from their experiences. While the world questions our humanity and denies our dignity, you have the chance to make love louder and to fill your homes with hope and possibility. (from left) Jamie Bruesehoff; Rebekah BruesehoffCourtesy PicturedJamie Bruesehoff is an award-winning LGBTQ+ advocate, author, and mother of three, including a transgender child, Rebekah. Rebekah Bruesehoff is an 18-year-old college student, author, and award-winning activist who is passionate about finding joy and spreading hope. 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

Every letter carries a story. In The Letter, actor and activist Ronen Rubinstein reflects on his own journey and the courage it takes to live openly and without fear. His message reminds us that each story shared brings the LGBTQ+ community closer together.Share your story and tag @outmagazine on social today.

Diane Keaton has passed away at 79 years old.The Hollywood star and gay icon died in California, but a spokesperson for Keatons family disclosed no further details and asked for privacy, People reports. The actress is survived by her two children, Dexter and Duke.Born in Los Angeles as Diane Hall in 1946, Keaton rose to prominence in the 1970s by starring in all three films of The Godfather series and working with filmmaker Woody Allen in Annie Hall, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.Keaton was subsequently nominated for three more Oscars. Notably, each nomination took place in a different decade 1977s Annie Hall, 1981s Reds, 1996s Marvins Room, and 2003s Somethings Gotta Give which made her incredible talent, sense of humor, irresistible charisma, impeccable style choices, and cultural impact even more evident.Through a queer lens, Keaton was commonly praised for starring in 1996s Marvins Room with Meryl Streep; 1986s Crimes of the Heart with Sissy Spacek and Jessica Lange; as well as the feminist-forward comedy Baby Boom from 1987.Keatons more recent films beloved by queer audiences included 1996s The First Wives Club, 2005s The Family Stone, and 2018s Book Club, in which she costarred alongside Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen. Editors note: This story is still developing

Out and proud in 2025!While many people especially from younger generations may not see coming out as a big deal in 2025, its still a very significant moment for those who feel like they can finally embrace their truest selves.Coming out not only allows a person to live a more authentic life, but it also lets those with a spotlight show others what kinds of possibilities there are in life. It may be considered an aphorism today, but the phrase if you cant see it, you cant be it still holds a lot of truth.Celebrities who came out in 2024 included Maren Morris, Kelly Marie Tran, Tom Hollander, and Amanda Tori Meating. Meanwhile, high-profile individuals who came out in 2025 remind the world that coming out can still be a powerful tool for self-empowerment and raising awareness that LGBTQ+ people can look any way and come from anywhere.A new list of stars has embraced their most authentic selves in 2025. Read their stories ahead.Anna CampSee on InstagramKnown for starring in the Pitch Perfect movies and the Netflix show You, actor Anna Camp casually came out this year in a TikTok interview where she was asked what she expects from a guy on a date. "Well, I don't expect anything from a guy anymore because I'm dating a woman, and it's great," she answered, gesturing to her girlfriend Jade Whipkey.Paul ReubensSee on InstagramActor, comedian, and performer Paul Reubens, best known for his Pee-wee Herman character, came out in the documentary Pee-wee as Himself, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.Reubens, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 70, would often make veiled references to his sexuality late in his career, but didn't come out until the posthumous documentary.JoJo SiwaSee on InstagramDancer, singer, and reality star JoJo Siwa had a busy time coming out on Celebrity Big Brother UK this year. When Siwa joined the show, they updated their pronouns to "anything you feel on that day, whatever I look like, you can call me."Later on the show, they opened up about their gender. "Essentially, you have female, you have male. I've met a lot of females, love them, don't feel like I'm them. Met a lot of males, love them, definitely not them," she said. "Met a lot of people in my life that are nonbinary, and these beautiful nonbinary people are who I feel the most like."She also realized that she wanted to change her label. "I feel, like, so queer, do you know what I mean? I think that's the thing, I've always told myself I'm a lesbian, and I think here, I've realized: 'Oh, I'm not a lesbian, I'm queer.' And that's really cool," she said. "I'm switching letters! F**k the 'L,' I'm going to the 'Q'!"Airyn De NiroSee on InstagramDe Niro, the 29-year-old daughter of Academy Award-winning actor Robert De Niro, came out as a trans woman in a cover story for Them this year."I think a big part of [my transition] is also the influence Black women have had on me," De Niro explained. "I think stepping into this new identity, while also being more proud of my Blackness, makes me feel closer to them in some way."Taylor Jenkins ReidSee on InstagramTaylor Jenkins Reid is one of the most popular authors today, with hit books like 2017's The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, 2019's Daisy Jones and The Six, and her new novel, Atmosphere."My attraction to women is a room in the house that is my identity Alex [husband] understood this book was about me spending time in that room," the author told Time magazine about writing queer women characters. "He was so excited for me, like, 'What a great way for you to express this side of you.' And he helped me get the book to be as romantic and beautiful as it could be."AjaSee on InstagramRuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 10 star Aja had come out as a trans woman back in 2021, and this year, came out as bisexual. "Had the realization today that I am definitely bisexual and have been in denial about it," she wrote on X. "Welp. I guess I'm coming out. I'm bisexual."ValentinaSee on InstagramIn a post celebrating her 34th birthday, RuPaul's Drag Race superstar Valentina came out as a trans woman."Hello everyone, it's me Valentina Xunaxi. Today is my bday. I turn 34," she wrote on Instagram. "For some time now I've been in transition, I've been doing it privately but today I wanted to open and share with you all. Along the way I've felt pressure to come forward, so I've decided and wanted to take today to declare myself as a transgender woman. I welcome all the love, support and protection from my dear fans. Thank you so much."Tanner AdellSee on InstagramCountry singer Tanner Adell, who had the viral hit "Buckle Bunny" and was featured on Beyonc's Cowboy Carter album on the song "BLACKBIIRD," came out as pansexual."It's funny when people ask me my sexual orientation, but I feel like you should be able to hear that in my music," she said. "There's more of that coming."James TomSee on InstagramIn an essay for Them, comedian and writer James Tom came out with a new name and attraction to men."Testosterone allowed me to access a latent desire for men that had likely always existed, but felt impossible to realize as a 'woman.' As a boy, though, dick became ubiquitous," Tom wrote. "There are cathedrals everywhere for those with eyes to see. I took to f****try like a fish in water, and with my new gay surroundings came new ways for people to perceive me, and more importantly, new ways for me to perceive myself."Jack HavenSee on InstagramNonbinary actor Jack Haven, known for starring in films like I Saw the TV Glow and the Netflix show Atypical, announced a name change this year. "Haven is after my great great uncle, Haven Gillespie who was a songwriter known for the xmas hit 'Santa Clause is Coming to Town,' which he wrote on the subway in 15 minutes. and first name Jack has stuck," Haven wrote on Instagram. "Two years ago in a workshop led by @saman_arastoo I began using this name. I said I was using it in safe spaces. Saman said use it in dangerous spaces. So I use it in the mens bathroom."Lola YoungSee on InstagramBritish alt-pop singer Lola Young came out as bisexual in reply to a TikTok comment, saying "no man deserves this" posted on a video of her singing. "I like p***y as well u kno," Young replied.Supriya GaneshSee on InstagramActor Suprya Ganesh, who plays Dr. Samira Mohan on the hit HBO Max series The Pitt, opened up about being queer and using she/they pronouns in an interview with Variety this year."There are a couple of times where I'm existing outside of [femme-ness], and I don't always totally feel like I'm fitting into what I think is a very white-conceived perception of femininity," they said. "I also want queer brown women to look at me and know that that's someone they can turn to and relate to."Barry DillerThe billionaire media mogul and longtime husband of fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg came out as "bi with Di," saying he his gay and von Furstenberg is the only woman he's loved in his new memoir, Who Knew.BainSee on InstagramK-pop singer Bain, who is a member of the group JUST B, came out during a concert in April this year."All right, before I sing this next song, tonight I wanna share something with you guys," he said. "Im f**king proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community." Bain then performed a cover of Lady Gaga's gay anthem "Born This Way."Teeny ChirichilloSee on InstagramChrichillo is a reality TV star who competed on Survivor and came out as trans in an essay for Cosmopolitan."I didn't come back to a spouse or a full-time career, like many of my castmates did, he said in the essay. "I didnt have a passion to replace the 15-year quest that was getting cast. When I think about my future, theres a lot of blurriness. But theres a lifelong accumulation of artifacts that has pulled my identity into focus, inside the museum of my own transness."Yared NuguseSee on InstagramThis Olympic runner, who won a bronze medal in the 1500-meter race at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, opened up about his sexuality and his current relationship this year.On an Instagram post showing pictures of him with another man, Nuguse wrote, "Introducing my boyfriend, Julian. Cant believe were already one year in my love (Dont act so surprised)."Lara RajagopalanSee on InstagramKnown professionally as Lara Raj, this singer and member of the group Katseye opened up about her sexuality on the social media platform Weverse. "I knew I was half fruitcake when i was like 8 so i really was wanting everybody," she wrote. "Honestly probably before 8. Isn't 'half fruitcake' such a good way to explain it without saying it?"Jade CareySee on InstagramGymnast Jade Carey, who has two gold medals and a bronze as a part of the 2020 and 2024 USA Gymnastics teams, came out as queer and revealed she is dating Aimee Sinacola, director of creative content for the University of Oregon Ducks.Jenny Blake Isabella (@) Isabella is a comic writer known for creating the DC character Black Lightning, as well as Marvel characters Misty Knight and Tigra. She came out as a trans woman this year at the age of 73. "Keep Calm and Yes I'm Transgender," she posted on social media.Alexis FloydSee on InstagramAlexis Floyd, known for playing Neff in the Netflix series Inventing Anna and Dr. Simone Griffith on Grey's Anatomy, opened up about her sexuality on the Made it Out podcast. After revealing that her father came out as gay in his 50s, she said, "So funnily enough, I was pretty closeted growing up. I've had relationships with people of all sorts of gender identities. So I myself, I'm still looking for a definition. I love the word queer because it sort of holds it all."Brianna ChickenfrySee on InstagramBrianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia is a social media star and podcast host who previously dated country singer Zach Bryan. This year, she told her BFFs podcast cohost Josh Richards that she's not interested in having "a boyfriend, like, ever again," and added, "Everyone's saying I'm a lesbian, which is fine. I've dabbled for sure. Im thinking maybe girls is my play. I think that they're better, so maybe I really am fully a lesbian, so maybe thats why none of my relationships with men have worked out. But I don't know. Time will tell."Villads Raahauge JensenSee on InstagramDanish professional handballer and podcast host Villads Raahauge Jensen came out this year in a post on Instagram. "I am gay. Three words that should, in reality, be easy to say, but for many years, I've been afraid to be open about it," he said in his post.AndrzejStkaaSee on InstagramStkaa is a Polish ski jumper who took the bronze medal in the 2021 World Championships. He came out in an Instagram post honoring his late partner, who passed away in November."I wondered for a long time if I would ever find the strength to write these words. For years, I lived in the shadow of fear, in hiding, afraid that who I really am could destroy me," Stkaa wrote in a post about his partner of eight years. "Today, however, I don't want to run away anymore. I want you to really know me. I'm gay. For years, I hid it from the world from you, from the media, and sometimes even from myself."Draven BenningtonSee on InstagramBennington is the daughter of late Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington. She came out as trans in an Instagram post on Valentine's Day this year. "In August of last year, I decided to take the path of happiness and being true to myself," she wrote. "I came out as transgender and started hormone replacement therapy, and it has been the best decision I've ever made in my life," she continued.Gracie McGrawSee on InstagramMcGraw is the daughter of country stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, and while her friends and family have known she is an "out and proud queer, bisexual woman" for a while, the public found out this year during Pride Month. McGraw posted on Instagram that tabloids were saying she "came out," but said she was already out and she has and "will always be very vocal about my support of LGBTQIA+ rights and the community."Jenni RoseSee on InstagramRose is the lead singer of the music group The Vandoliers. She came out as trans to Rolling Stone. "I've always been very arms-length with people because of this," she said. "I didn't want anybody to ever find out about it. For 26 years, Ive tried to be anything but a trans person, and it never went away."Kristen WestSee on InstagramWest is an influencer who came out as a lesbian on the last day of Pride Month this year. She was formerly a Christian influencer and got married to a man at age 23. Now, at age 28, she's come out and is starting her life all over again.Pimnara Rumruymunkong (@) Pimnara Rumruymunkong, also known as Latin, is a member of the Thai girl group CGM48. This July, she came out as a lesbian ahead of leaving the band.Aubrey Anderson-Emmons@aubreyandersonemmonshehe happy pride month and to all a good night #modernfamily #lily #pridemonth #pride #fyp #biAubrey Anderson-Emmons is an actress and singer best known for playing Lily Tucker-Pritchett on Modern Family when she was a child. This Pride Month, she came out as bisexual using a famous quote from the show.Gracie McGrawSee on InstagramGracie McGraw is the daughter of country music superstars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. She spoke about her bisexuality on Instagram, but didn't mean it as a coming out."Let me be VERY clear here," the 28-year-old artist continued in the post. "I've been an out and proud queer, bisexual woman, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I have and will always be very vocal about my support of LGBTQIA+ rights and the community, but thank you so much to these tabloids for shedding light that it's Pride Month!!!"Jinkx MonsoonSee on InstagramJinkx Monsoon is a drag, Broadway, and television superstar, and this year, came out as pan in an interview with Ziwe. In the interview, she was joking that people shout slurs at her. "I'm clearly a straight woman," Jinks said. "Well, pansexual. But I ain't no [slur]!"Cherry (@) South Korean singer Cherry used to be a member of the singing group Jwiiver. This year, she came out as a trans woman, making history as a K-pop star.Ally Bross and Mack FitzgeraldSee on InstagramWhen Ally Bross and Mack Fitzgerald signed up to be on the NBC reality competition show Destination X, neither of them thought they were attracted to women. Bross had identified as straight, and Fitzgerald identifies as asexual. Bross even had a showmance with a male contestant on the show. However, they started hanging out after the show ended, and eventually fell in love.ShygirlSee on InstagramShygirl is a DJ and rapper based in London, and this year, she opened up about her sexuality in a TikTok. In the video, she explained that she was recently tagged in a post listing "queer artists to know." "How did you guys know? Like, I never really came out," she said. "Did I do an interview? I sometimes forget what I said in interviews."Erik ShojiSee on InstagramShoji has been a star on the US men's volleyball team for the last decade. Now, the 35-year-old has come out as queer."I'm stronger, more confident, and more sure of myself than I've ever been," he said. "Given who I am and the platform that I have, this is my moment, and I'm so excited to move forward after this."Mitch BrownSee on InstagramFormer West Coast Eagles athlete Mitch Brown came out as bisexual in 2025 and made history as the first-ever male player in the Australian Football League (AFL) to identify as an out queer man.Julia FoxSee on InstagramWhen model and actor Fox came out in 2024, she was calling herself a lesbian, but this year, she's clarified that she now identifies as pansexual. However, that doesn't mean she's open to dating men. "I don't have to entertain men anymore," she said.Sawyer HemsleySee on InstagramSawyer Hemsley, the founder and Chief Branding Officer of Crumbl Cookies, came out this year after people started publicly discussing his sexuality on social media and videos."Over the past little while, there have been people online trying to define me, twist things, and share conversations in ways that feel harmful. Instead of letting others write my story, I want to share it in my own words," he wrote.The truth is, over the past few years, I've come to understand and accept that I'm gay. It's taken me a long time to really process this part of myself and even longer to feel comfortable enough to say it out loud. For most of my life, I didn't have the clarity to answer the questions or respond to the rumors. Coming to terms with it has been overwhelming and, at times, scary but it has also brought me peace, joy, and authenticity that I wouldn't trade for anything.

Aubrey Plaza crashed tonights episode of Saturday Night Live for a sketch about The Hunting Wives season 2 in which she joined the series as a new cast member and it didnt take long for actresses Malin Akerman, Katie Lowes, and Jaime Ray Newman, as well as novelist May Cobb, to share their reactions to this steamy, hilarious, and epic SNL moment.Hosted by Amy Poehler, this brand-new episode of SNL included a sketch satirizing the hit Netflix series based on May Cobbs bestselling novel, The Hunting Wives, which follows a group of socialites in Texas such as Margo Banks (Akerman), Jill (Katie Lowes), Callie (Jaime Ray Newman), and Sophie ONeil (Brittany Snow).After exploring the sex, lies, and loaded guns of the Netflix show, the sketch included one last gag: Aubrey Plaza herself entering the scene as the new new girl of The Hunting Wives universe And lets just say that the women got into it.It didnt take long for Lowes to post a video of herself alongside Akerman and Newman watching the SNL sketch on a phone, backstage during the 35th EMA Awards Gala at the Radford Studio Center in Studio City.The actresses laughed throughout the entire SNL sketch, and had an even more intense reaction to seeing Plaza joining the scene and bringing up the heat. Their reaction video (included below) ended with the three Hunting Wives stars making an open invitation for Plaza to join season 2 of the show. Come play with us!Go on, dont be shy See it for yourself.See on InstagramMay Cobb the author behind this 2021 psychological thriller novel thats become a Netflix sensation was also excited about this SNL sketch involving comedy legends like Poehler and Plaza.Though Cobb didnt necessarily add to the discourse, she shared a video of this SNL moment and linked to a Deadline article about the sketch, suggesting that she was pretty thrilled about the whole thing.Unsurprisingly, the girls, gays, and theys went straight (well) to social media to share their own reactions to this Hunting Wives crossover with Plaza.And the scores are in: 10s across the board. (@) @cinemichh wrote, aubrey plaza showing up for a 30 second cameo in a hunting wives skit on snllikely place for her to be. (@) aubrey plaza lezzing out on snl thank god, @AFRA1DOFHE1GHTS posted on X. (@) @cinderellini theorized, they r foreshadowing aubrey plaza in s2 of hunting wives flirting with sophie and giving us jealous margo Exactlyyyyyyy. (@) i dont think the sapphic community would survive if aubrey plaza joined season 2 of the hunting wives, @fsmoakbett observed. (@) @bwaytay posted, my camera roll when aubrey plaza showed up on snl. (@) aubrey and amy being gay on snl on national coming out day I said oh Im sure, @almostang joked. (@) @knopeswifts reflected on this full-circle experience, aubrey on amys snl, love history repeating itself. (@) OF COURSE aubrey plaza would appear in a pre-tape about a lesbian show. fork found in kitchen #SNL, @s0phja spilled. (@) @qveenryder ran the numbers, if i had a nickel every time aubrey plaza was lezzing out on snl, id have two nickels, which isnt a lot but its amazing how it happened twice. #SNL. (@) Amy Poehler lesbian sketch on snl and AUBREY PLAZA is in it. I love my silly little gay life!!! @sapphicvy cheered. (@) @feelswidow wrote, I don't have a boyfriend, i have a girlfriend best line deliveries ever aubrey plaza. (@) the incredible case of aubrey plaza who gets more beautiful with each passing day, @_paltrowney clocked. (@) And @creativlyblind screamed, AUBREY PLAZA IS SO PRETTY I CANT TAKE IT ANYMORE.We couldnt agree more!Saturday Night Live airs on NBC, with past episodes available for streaming on Peacock. The Hunting Wives season 1 is streaming on Netflix.

Mental health plays a central role in well-being, influencing how people think, feel, and interact with the world. Despite this, many individuals delay or avoid seeking professional support due to stigma, misconceptions, or lack of awareness. Early intervention and consistent care can prevent issues from escalating, improve quality of life, and support long-term resilience. Understanding why mental health help matters is the first step toward building a healthier future.Overcoming Stigma and Breaking BarriersStigma remains one of the most persistent obstacles to mental health care. Many people fear being judged, misunderstood, or labeled, which prevents them from reaching out for help. Cultural expectations, social pressures, and misinformation often reinforce this hesitation. Increasing public awareness and open conversations are changing perceptions.Mental health support is increasingly recognized as a sign of strength, not weakness. Choosing to work with Camelback Integrated Health and Wellness or another mental health clinic provides access to professionals who understand these challenges and offer judgment-free spaces for healing. Seeking help is not an admission of failure but a proactive step toward personal growth, stability, and well-being.Preventing Conditions From WorseningMany mental health challenges start with mild or manageable symptoms that gradually intensify when ignored. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and other concerns can become harder to treat if left unaddressed for extended periods. Early intervention allows professionals to identify patterns, provide appropriate therapies, and recommend lifestyle changes that can significantly improve outcomes.Timely support can prevent crises, reduce the need for more intensive treatments, and help individuals regain control before symptoms disrupt daily life. Just as physical conditions benefit from prompt care, mental health thrives with early attention.Improving Emotional Regulation and Self-AwarenessProfessional mental health care provides tools to understand and manage emotions more effectively. Therapy encourages self-reflection, helping individuals recognize triggers, patterns, and underlying causes of distress. Developing emotional regulation skills improves decision-making, strengthens relationships, and enhances resilience.When people understand their emotional responses, they can navigate stress, conflict, and unexpected challenges more confidently. This self-awareness supports healthier coping strategies and long-term stability.Strengthening Relationships and Social ConnectionsMental health challenges often affect personal and professional relationships. Unmanaged stress, mood fluctuations, or emotional withdrawal can create misunderstandings and strain connections with others. Seeking help strengthens communication skills, promotes empathy, and fosters healthier boundaries.Therapy can involve individual sessions, couples counseling, or family work to address shared concerns. As individuals grow emotionally, they often find their relationships become more supportive, balanced, and fulfilling.Enhancing Physical Health OutcomesMental and physical health are closely interconnected. Conditions like chronic stress, depression, and anxiety can contribute to physical issues such as weakened immune systems, cardiovascular problems, and digestive disturbances. Untreated physical health problems can intensify emotional distress, creating a cycle that impacts well-being.Professional support helps break this cycle. Addressing mental health concerns can improve sleep patterns, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and encourage healthier lifestyle choices. Comprehensive care enhances both emotional and physical vitality.Supporting Academic and Career SuccessMental health influences focus, motivation, and productivity. Unaddressed issues can affect academic performance, job satisfaction, and career progression. Seeking help allows individuals to develop strategies for managing stress, improving concentration, and maintaining healthy work-life boundaries.Counselors and therapists can provide guidance tailored to specific environments, whether navigating the pressures of higher education or handling workplace challenges. Investing in mental health care ultimately supports long-term professional growth and achievement.Providing Access to Evidence-Based TreatmentsMental health professionals use evidence-based treatments that have been scientifically validated to address specific conditions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-focused therapy, and other modalities offer structured, effective approaches to healing. Medication management, when appropriate, can complement therapeutic work to stabilize symptoms.Accessing professional care ensures that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs rather than relying on generalized advice or self-diagnosis. Personalized strategies lead to more sustainable progress and better outcomes.Building Resilience for Future ChallengesLife inevitably involves periods of stress, change, and uncertainty. Working with mental health professionals builds resilience by equipping individuals with tools to handle these challenges more effectively. Learning adaptive coping mechanisms, setting realistic expectations, and developing problem-solving skills create a strong foundation for future well-being.Resilience doesnt mean avoiding difficulties but rather navigating them with greater confidence and less emotional disruption. Ongoing support reinforces these skills, making individuals better prepared for lifes complexities.Encouraging Healthy Lifestyle ChangesTherapy often highlights the deep connection between daily habits and mental health. The way individuals eat, sleep, move, and interact with others has a direct impact on emotional balance and psychological resilience.Poor nutrition can contribute to mood fluctuations, low energy, and difficulty concentrating, while irregular sleep patterns may intensify anxiety, irritability, or depressive symptoms. Lack of physical activity and limited social interaction can lead to isolation and a diminished sense of well-being. By examining these everyday behaviors, therapists help individuals understand how lifestyle choices either support or hinder mental health progress.One of the most valuable aspects of therapy is its ability to turn broad concepts into practical, personalized strategies. Professionals work with individuals to identify unhelpful patterns, such as late-night screen use disrupting sleep cycles or reliance on unhealthy foods during stressful periods.Reducing the Risk of Crisis SituationsUnaddressed mental health challenges can escalate into crises that require emergency intervention. Seeking help early significantly reduces this risk. Regular therapy sessions, medication management when needed, and support networks provide safety nets that catch problems before they reach critical levels.Crisis prevention empowers individuals to recognize warning signs and seek timely assistance. This proactive approach protects personal safety and eases the burden on emergency services and caregivers.Promoting Long-Term Personal GrowthMental health care is not solely about addressing immediate problems; its about fostering personal development. Therapy can help individuals clarify goals, overcome limiting beliefs, and build confidence. This work leads to improved self-esteem, stronger identities, and more meaningful life paths.By investing in mental health, individuals lay the groundwork for continued growth. The benefits extend far beyond symptom relief, touching every aspect of personal and professional life.Seeking help for mental health is a transformative step toward greater well-being, stability, and personal growth. Overcoming stigma, accessing professional support, and addressing challenges early lead to lasting positive change. From emotional regulation and physical health benefits to stronger relationships and improved resilience, the advantages are wide-ranging. Prioritizing mental health is important for addressing current concerns and for building a foundation for a healthier, more fulfilling future.The post Reasons Why Seeking Help For Mental Health Is Essential appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

Mental health plays a central role in well-being, influencing how people think, feel, and interact with the world. Despite this, many individuals delay or avoid seeking professional support due to stigma, misconceptions, or lack of awareness. Early intervention and consistent care can prevent issues from escalating, improve quality of life, and support long-term resilience. Understanding why mental health help matters is the first step toward building a healthier future.Overcoming Stigma and Breaking BarriersStigma remains one of the most persistent obstacles to mental health care. Many people fear being judged, misunderstood, or labeled, which prevents them from reaching out for help. Cultural expectations, social pressures, and misinformation often reinforce this hesitation. Increasing public awareness and open conversations are changing perceptions.Mental health support is increasingly recognized as a sign of strength, not weakness. Choosing to work with Camelback Integrated Health and Wellness or another mental health clinic provides access to professionals who understand these challenges and offer judgment-free spaces for healing. Seeking help is not an admission of failure but a proactive step toward personal growth, stability, and well-being.Preventing Conditions From WorseningMany mental health challenges start with mild or manageable symptoms that gradually intensify when ignored. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and other concerns can become harder to treat if left unaddressed for extended periods. Early intervention allows professionals to identify patterns, provide appropriate therapies, and recommend lifestyle changes that can significantly improve outcomes.Timely support can prevent crises, reduce the need for more intensive treatments, and help individuals regain control before symptoms disrupt daily life. Just as physical conditions benefit from prompt care, mental health thrives with early attention.Improving Emotional Regulation and Self-AwarenessProfessional mental health care provides tools to understand and manage emotions more effectively. Therapy encourages self-reflection, helping individuals recognize triggers, patterns, and underlying causes of distress. Developing emotional regulation skills improves decision-making, strengthens relationships, and enhances resilience.When people understand their emotional responses, they can navigate stress, conflict, and unexpected challenges more confidently. This self-awareness supports healthier coping strategies and long-term stability.Strengthening Relationships and Social ConnectionsMental health challenges often affect personal and professional relationships. Unmanaged stress, mood fluctuations, or emotional withdrawal can create misunderstandings and strain connections with others. Seeking help strengthens communication skills, promotes empathy, and fosters healthier boundaries.Therapy can involve individual sessions, couples counseling, or family work to address shared concerns. As individuals grow emotionally, they often find their relationships become more supportive, balanced, and fulfilling.Enhancing Physical Health OutcomesMental and physical health are closely interconnected. Conditions like chronic stress, depression, and anxiety can contribute to physical issues such as weakened immune systems, cardiovascular problems, and digestive disturbances. Untreated physical health problems can intensify emotional distress, creating a cycle that impacts well-being.Professional support helps break this cycle. Addressing mental health concerns can improve sleep patterns, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and encourage healthier lifestyle choices. Comprehensive care enhances both emotional and physical vitality.Supporting Academic and Career SuccessMental health influences focus, motivation, and productivity. Unaddressed issues can affect academic performance, job satisfaction, and career progression. Seeking help allows individuals to develop strategies for managing stress, improving concentration, and maintaining healthy work-life boundaries.Counselors and therapists can provide guidance tailored to specific environments, whether navigating the pressures of higher education or handling workplace challenges. Investing in mental health care ultimately supports long-term professional growth and achievement.Providing Access to Evidence-Based TreatmentsMental health professionals use evidence-based treatments that have been scientifically validated to address specific conditions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-focused therapy, and other modalities offer structured, effective approaches to healing. Medication management, when appropriate, can complement therapeutic work to stabilize symptoms.Accessing professional care ensures that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs rather than relying on generalized advice or self-diagnosis. Personalized strategies lead to more sustainable progress and better outcomes.Building Resilience for Future ChallengesLife inevitably involves periods of stress, change, and uncertainty. Working with mental health professionals builds resilience by equipping individuals with tools to handle these challenges more effectively. Learning adaptive coping mechanisms, setting realistic expectations, and developing problem-solving skills create a strong foundation for future well-being.Resilience doesnt mean avoiding difficulties but rather navigating them with greater confidence and less emotional disruption. Ongoing support reinforces these skills, making individuals better prepared for lifes complexities.Encouraging Healthy Lifestyle ChangesTherapy often highlights the deep connection between daily habits and mental health. The way individuals eat, sleep, move, and interact with others has a direct impact on emotional balance and psychological resilience.Poor nutrition can contribute to mood fluctuations, low energy, and difficulty concentrating, while irregular sleep patterns may intensify anxiety, irritability, or depressive symptoms. Lack of physical activity and limited social interaction can lead to isolation and a diminished sense of well-being. By examining these everyday behaviors, therapists help individuals understand how lifestyle choices either support or hinder mental health progress.One of the most valuable aspects of therapy is its ability to turn broad concepts into practical, personalized strategies. Professionals work with individuals to identify unhelpful patterns, such as late-night screen use disrupting sleep cycles or reliance on unhealthy foods during stressful periods.Reducing the Risk of Crisis SituationsUnaddressed mental health challenges can escalate into crises that require emergency intervention. Seeking help early significantly reduces this risk. Regular therapy sessions, medication management when needed, and support networks provide safety nets that catch problems before they reach critical levels.Crisis prevention empowers individuals to recognize warning signs and seek timely assistance. This proactive approach protects personal safety and eases the burden on emergency services and caregivers.Promoting Long-Term Personal GrowthMental health care is not solely about addressing immediate problems; its about fostering personal development. Therapy can help individuals clarify goals, overcome limiting beliefs, and build confidence. This work leads to improved self-esteem, stronger identities, and more meaningful life paths.By investing in mental health, individuals lay the groundwork for continued growth. The benefits extend far beyond symptom relief, touching every aspect of personal and professional life.Seeking help for mental health is a transformative step toward greater well-being, stability, and personal growth. Overcoming stigma, accessing professional support, and addressing challenges early lead to lasting positive change. From emotional regulation and physical health benefits to stronger relationships and improved resilience, the advantages are wide-ranging. Prioritizing mental health is important for addressing current concerns and for building a foundation for a healthier, more fulfilling future.The post Reasons Why Seeking Help For Mental Health Is Essential appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

The conversion therapy Supreme Court case has brought a critical issue back into the spotlight. The U.S. Supreme Court may hear Chiles v. Salazar, a challenge to Colorados ban on conversion therapy for minors. This case could have far-reaching consequences for LGBTQ+ youth across the country, influencing laws, mental health policies, and access to safe, affirming care. Understanding whats at stake can help parents, allies, and communities prepare and respond.Understanding the Conversion Therapy Supreme Court CaseIn 2019, Colorado passed a law banning licensed mental health professionals from performing conversion therapy on minors. The law does not prevent therapists from expressing personal beliefs or opinions, but it does prohibit attempts to change a young persons sexual orientation or gender identity through therapy.The lawsuit claims that this restriction violates First Amendment free speech rights. The plaintiff, a Christian marriage and family therapist, argues that the law stops him from offering faith-based counseling to minors seeking to change their sexual orientation or gender expression. Lower courts rejected the case, ruling that the law regulates professional conduct, not purely speech. If the Supreme Court hears the case and rules against Colorado, it could challenge similar bans in other states, putting many vulnerable youth at risk.What Is Conversion Therapy?Conversion therapy is a practice that attempts to change a persons sexual orientation or gender identity. It can take many forms, from structured counseling sessions to religiously framed interventions. These practices have been condemned by every major health organization, including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the World Health Organization.The Harmful Effects of Conversion TherapyResearch consistently shows that conversion therapy is not only ineffective but psychologically harmful. Survivors often report long-term consequences such as:Depression and anxietyLow self-esteem and self-hatredTrauma from family or community rejectionIncreased risk of suicidal thoughts and attemptsAccording to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth who experienced conversion therapy were more than twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to peers who did not experience it. This statistic highlights why laws protecting minors from these practices are crucial for public health and youth well-being.Why This Case MattersThe conversion therapy Supreme Court case is not just about Colorado. More than 20 states have enacted similar bans to protect LGBTQ+ youth, and a ruling against Colorado could challenge these protections nationwide.Opponents of the bans frame the issue as a matter of free speech and religious freedom, claiming that the government should not restrict what therapists say in private sessions. Supporters counter that therapy is a regulated health practice, and states have the right to protect minors from dangerous, discredited interventions. Just as doctors cannot prescribe untested or harmful medication, therapists should not be allowed to promote conversion therapy as a legitimate treatment.If the Supreme Court sides against the ban, it could set a precedent that allows challenges to protective laws in other states, potentially undoing years of progress in LGBTQ+ youth mental health protections.Broader Implications for LGBTQ+ YouthThis case is part of a broader cultural and legal context. Over the past few years, there has been a rise in legislation targeting transgender youth and other LGBTQ+ protections. These laws have restricted access to gender-affirming healthcare, participation in sports, and other rights. The conversion therapy Supreme Court case intersects with these ongoing debates, as it questions whether minors can be shielded from practices that are widely considered harmful.Upholding conversion therapy bans sends a clear message: youth should be protected from pseudoscientific and harmful practices. Conversely, if the Court rules against these bans, it could signal to policymakers and providers that these discredited treatments are acceptable, potentially increasing the risk of harm to LGBTQ+ youth nationwide.Personal Stories and the Human ImpactConversion therapy is not just a legal or political issue. For many LGBTQ+ youth, it is a deeply personal and traumatic experience. Survivors often describe the sessions as emotionally abusive, leaving lasting scars on their mental health and relationships. One survivor shared, They told me they could fix me. I did not need fixing. I needed acceptance.These stories illustrate why the Supreme Courts decision matters beyond law. It is about protecting young people from messages that their identities are wrong or need to be changed. Laws banning conversion therapy affirm that LGBTQ+ youth deserve safety, dignity, and the freedom to be themselves.How Communities Can Support LGBTQ+ YouthEven before a Supreme Court ruling, communities can take action. Awareness and education are key. Parents, educators, and allies can learn to identify conversion therapy disguised as counseling, religious guidance, or mentorship. Supporting affirming therapists and mental health professionals can make a huge difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth.Sharing survivor stories and raising awareness about the dangers of conversion therapy helps create a culture where these practices are widely recognized as harmful. Advocating for protective laws and policies ensures that LGBTQ+ youth continue to have access to safe, affirming mental health care. Every action counts when it comes to keeping youth safe and supported.The Legal and Social TakeawayThe conversion therapy Supreme Court case underscores how law, culture, and mental health intersect. The outcome could influence whether states retain the authority to regulate professional therapy practices and protect minors from harmful interventions. Beyond the legal implications, this case is about the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth, the support systems that surround them, and societys commitment to their safety and dignity.Communities, advocates, and allies can play a role by staying informed, speaking up, and supporting affirming mental health resources. This is a moment to reinforce the message that LGBTQ+ youth deserve acceptance, care, and the freedom to be themselves.The post Conversion Therapy Supreme Court Case: What It Means for LGBTQ+ Youth appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

The conversion therapy Supreme Court case has brought a critical issue back into the spotlight. The U.S. Supreme Court may hear Chiles v. Salazar, a challenge to Colorados ban on conversion therapy for minors. This case could have far-reaching consequences for LGBTQ+ youth across the country, influencing laws, mental health policies, and access to safe, affirming care. Understanding whats at stake can help parents, allies, and communities prepare and respond.Understanding the Conversion Therapy Supreme Court CaseIn 2019, Colorado passed a law banning licensed mental health professionals from performing conversion therapy on minors. The law does not prevent therapists from expressing personal beliefs or opinions, but it does prohibit attempts to change a young persons sexual orientation or gender identity through therapy.The lawsuit claims that this restriction violates First Amendment free speech rights. The plaintiff, a Christian marriage and family therapist, argues that the law stops him from offering faith-based counseling to minors seeking to change their sexual orientation or gender expression. Lower courts rejected the case, ruling that the law regulates professional conduct, not purely speech. If the Supreme Court hears the case and rules against Colorado, it could challenge similar bans in other states, putting many vulnerable youth at risk.What Is Conversion Therapy?Conversion therapy is a practice that attempts to change a persons sexual orientation or gender identity. It can take many forms, from structured counseling sessions to religiously framed interventions. These practices have been condemned by every major health organization, including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the World Health Organization.The Harmful Effects of Conversion TherapyResearch consistently shows that conversion therapy is not only ineffective but psychologically harmful. Survivors often report long-term consequences such as:Depression and anxietyLow self-esteem and self-hatredTrauma from family or community rejectionIncreased risk of suicidal thoughts and attemptsAccording to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth who experienced conversion therapy were more than twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to peers who did not experience it. This statistic highlights why laws protecting minors from these practices are crucial for public health and youth well-being.Why This Case MattersThe conversion therapy Supreme Court case is not just about Colorado. More than 20 states have enacted similar bans to protect LGBTQ+ youth, and a ruling against Colorado could challenge these protections nationwide.Opponents of the bans frame the issue as a matter of free speech and religious freedom, claiming that the government should not restrict what therapists say in private sessions. Supporters counter that therapy is a regulated health practice, and states have the right to protect minors from dangerous, discredited interventions. Just as doctors cannot prescribe untested or harmful medication, therapists should not be allowed to promote conversion therapy as a legitimate treatment.If the Supreme Court sides against the ban, it could set a precedent that allows challenges to protective laws in other states, potentially undoing years of progress in LGBTQ+ youth mental health protections.Broader Implications for LGBTQ+ YouthThis case is part of a broader cultural and legal context. Over the past few years, there has been a rise in legislation targeting transgender youth and other LGBTQ+ protections. These laws have restricted access to gender-affirming healthcare, participation in sports, and other rights. The conversion therapy Supreme Court case intersects with these ongoing debates, as it questions whether minors can be shielded from practices that are widely considered harmful.Upholding conversion therapy bans sends a clear message: youth should be protected from pseudoscientific and harmful practices. Conversely, if the Court rules against these bans, it could signal to policymakers and providers that these discredited treatments are acceptable, potentially increasing the risk of harm to LGBTQ+ youth nationwide.Personal Stories and the Human ImpactConversion therapy is not just a legal or political issue. For many LGBTQ+ youth, it is a deeply personal and traumatic experience. Survivors often describe the sessions as emotionally abusive, leaving lasting scars on their mental health and relationships. One survivor shared, They told me they could fix me. I did not need fixing. I needed acceptance.These stories illustrate why the Supreme Courts decision matters beyond law. It is about protecting young people from messages that their identities are wrong or need to be changed. Laws banning conversion therapy affirm that LGBTQ+ youth deserve safety, dignity, and the freedom to be themselves.How Communities Can Support LGBTQ+ YouthEven before a Supreme Court ruling, communities can take action. Awareness and education are key. Parents, educators, and allies can learn to identify conversion therapy disguised as counseling, religious guidance, or mentorship. Supporting affirming therapists and mental health professionals can make a huge difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth.Sharing survivor stories and raising awareness about the dangers of conversion therapy helps create a culture where these practices are widely recognized as harmful. Advocating for protective laws and policies ensures that LGBTQ+ youth continue to have access to safe, affirming mental health care. Every action counts when it comes to keeping youth safe and supported.The Legal and Social TakeawayThe conversion therapy Supreme Court case underscores how law, culture, and mental health intersect. The outcome could influence whether states retain the authority to regulate professional therapy practices and protect minors from harmful interventions. Beyond the legal implications, this case is about the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth, the support systems that surround them, and societys commitment to their safety and dignity.Communities, advocates, and allies can play a role by staying informed, speaking up, and supporting affirming mental health resources. This is a moment to reinforce the message that LGBTQ+ youth deserve acceptance, care, and the freedom to be themselves.The post Conversion Therapy Supreme Court Case: What It Means for LGBTQ+ Youth appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

The recent change to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has raised concern across the LGBTQ+ community. The specialized Press 3 option, which directed LGBTQ+ youth to identity-affirming counselors, will no longer be available. This change could affect queer youth in crisis, their families, and mental health advocates. Understanding what is changing, why it matters, and how communities can respond is crucial.Understanding the 988 Press 3 ChangeIn 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline launched nationwide to help individuals experiencing mental health crises. Among its features, the system offered a dedicated option for LGBTQ+ youth. By pressing 3, callers could connect with counselors trained to provide affirming support specifically for queer and trans youth.As of July 17, 2025, the system removed the Press 3 routing. Callers will still reach the 988 network, but LGBTQ+ youth will no longer get a direct path to counselors who specialize in their unique needs. The federal government and SAMHSA explained that integrating services will streamline call routing and serve all callers more efficiently.Why the Press 3 Option Was ImportantFor many LGBTQ+ youth, identity-affirming mental health support saves lives. LGBTQ+ youth face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts than their straight and cisgender peers. The Trevor Project reports that nearly 45% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously consider suicide, and specialized support can prevent attempts.The Press 3 option ensured callers connected with counselors who understood challenges such as coming out, family rejection, gender dysphoria, and societal stigma. Removing this direct access raises concerns about whether queer youth will still receive affirming, relevant support.The Debate Around the RemovalSupporters of the change argue that integrating LGBTQ+ callers into the broader 988 system improves efficiency, reduces confusion, and ensures all callers can access help quickly. They also note that counselors across the 988 system receive general crisis intervention training.Critics say this approach may lower the quality and specificity of care for LGBTQ+ youth. Without specialized routing, young callers may reach counselors unfamiliar with queer-specific challenges. Advocates worry that this could increase feelings of isolation, misunderstanding, or invalidation for youth already at higher risk.Impact on LGBTQ+ YouthRemoving the Press 3 option directly affects LGBTQ+ youth. They often face bullying, discrimination, and family rejection, which increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. Speaking to a counselor who truly understands their experiences can make the difference between seeking help and not reaching out at all.Without the Press 3 option, some youth may hesitate to call. Others may experience delays or less affirming responses. While 988 still provides general crisis support, the loss of a dedicated LGBTQ+ path concerns mental health professionals and advocacy groups like The Trevor Project, GLSEN, and GLAAD.How Communities Can RespondCommunities can take active steps to support LGBTQ+ youth even after the Press 3 option ends.Promote Direct LGBTQ+ Support LinesOrganizations such as The Trevor Project offer direct hotlines for LGBTQ+ youth. Encouraging young people to use these lines ensures they continue to receive affirming care despite the federal 988 routing change.Train Local Counselors and EducatorsSchools, youth centers, and local mental health organizations can provide LGBTQ+ sensitivity training for counselors, teachers, and social workers. The more people in a community who understand queer-specific mental health challenges, the easier it becomes for youth to access safe support.Raise Awareness About the ChangeParents, allies, and community leaders can educate young people about the 988 update and highlight alternative resources. Sharing information about direct hotlines, online chat services, and local queer-affirming therapists helps ensure youth do not face gaps in support.Broader Implications for Mental Health PolicyThe removal of Press 3 highlights broader challenges in mental health policy. Policymakers must balance efficiency and accessibility with the need for specialized, identity-affirming care. Advocates emphasize that marginalized populations require targeted services, or the most vulnerable individuals may fall through the cracks.This change also underscores the importance of local, community-based mental health services. Federal resources like 988 are essential, but non-profit organizations and local programs play a critical role in providing culturally competent support.ConclusionThe 988 Press 3 removal affects how LGBTQ+ youth access affirming mental health support. Although the 988 system remains a valuable resource, parents, educators, and communities must stay proactive. By promoting awareness, supporting local LGBTQ+ resources, and encouraging youth to use direct counseling services, communities can ensure queer youth in crisis have a safe space to be heard and find help.The post 988 Press 3 Removal: What It Means for LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

The recent change to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has raised concern across the LGBTQ+ community. The specialized Press 3 option, which directed LGBTQ+ youth to identity-affirming counselors, will no longer be available. This change could affect queer youth in crisis, their families, and mental health advocates. Understanding what is changing, why it matters, and how communities can respond is crucial.Understanding the 988 Press 3 ChangeIn 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline launched nationwide to help individuals experiencing mental health crises. Among its features, the system offered a dedicated option for LGBTQ+ youth. By pressing 3, callers could connect with counselors trained to provide affirming support specifically for queer and trans youth.As of July 17, 2025, the system removed the Press 3 routing. Callers will still reach the 988 network, but LGBTQ+ youth will no longer get a direct path to counselors who specialize in their unique needs. The federal government and SAMHSA explained that integrating services will streamline call routing and serve all callers more efficiently.Why the Press 3 Option Was ImportantFor many LGBTQ+ youth, identity-affirming mental health support saves lives. LGBTQ+ youth face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts than their straight and cisgender peers. The Trevor Project reports that nearly 45% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously consider suicide, and specialized support can prevent attempts.The Press 3 option ensured callers connected with counselors who understood challenges such as coming out, family rejection, gender dysphoria, and societal stigma. Removing this direct access raises concerns about whether queer youth will still receive affirming, relevant support.The Debate Around the RemovalSupporters of the change argue that integrating LGBTQ+ callers into the broader 988 system improves efficiency, reduces confusion, and ensures all callers can access help quickly. They also note that counselors across the 988 system receive general crisis intervention training.Critics say this approach may lower the quality and specificity of care for LGBTQ+ youth. Without specialized routing, young callers may reach counselors unfamiliar with queer-specific challenges. Advocates worry that this could increase feelings of isolation, misunderstanding, or invalidation for youth already at higher risk.Impact on LGBTQ+ YouthRemoving the Press 3 option directly affects LGBTQ+ youth. They often face bullying, discrimination, and family rejection, which increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. Speaking to a counselor who truly understands their experiences can make the difference between seeking help and not reaching out at all.Without the Press 3 option, some youth may hesitate to call. Others may experience delays or less affirming responses. While 988 still provides general crisis support, the loss of a dedicated LGBTQ+ path concerns mental health professionals and advocacy groups like The Trevor Project, GLSEN, and GLAAD.How Communities Can RespondCommunities can take active steps to support LGBTQ+ youth even after the Press 3 option ends.Promote Direct LGBTQ+ Support LinesOrganizations such as The Trevor Project offer direct hotlines for LGBTQ+ youth. Encouraging young people to use these lines ensures they continue to receive affirming care despite the federal 988 routing change.Train Local Counselors and EducatorsSchools, youth centers, and local mental health organizations can provide LGBTQ+ sensitivity training for counselors, teachers, and social workers. The more people in a community who understand queer-specific mental health challenges, the easier it becomes for youth to access safe support.Raise Awareness About the ChangeParents, allies, and community leaders can educate young people about the 988 update and highlight alternative resources. Sharing information about direct hotlines, online chat services, and local queer-affirming therapists helps ensure youth do not face gaps in support.Broader Implications for Mental Health PolicyThe removal of Press 3 highlights broader challenges in mental health policy. Policymakers must balance efficiency and accessibility with the need for specialized, identity-affirming care. Advocates emphasize that marginalized populations require targeted services, or the most vulnerable individuals may fall through the cracks.This change also underscores the importance of local, community-based mental health services. Federal resources like 988 are essential, but non-profit organizations and local programs play a critical role in providing culturally competent support.ConclusionThe 988 Press 3 removal affects how LGBTQ+ youth access affirming mental health support. Although the 988 system remains a valuable resource, parents, educators, and communities must stay proactive. By promoting awareness, supporting local LGBTQ+ resources, and encouraging youth to use direct counseling services, communities can ensure queer youth in crisis have a safe space to be heard and find help.The post 988 Press 3 Removal: What It Means for LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

Hollywood has had a long history of excluding Indigenous peoples from mainstream media often turning real stories and individuals into senseless caricatures that are more widely understood by the general public.Thankfully, several young Indigenous writers, directors, actors, musicians, and performance artists have been actively fighting back in recent years to reclaim narratives, be accurately visible, and have ownership of their own stories.Though were still far from an ideal standard, reflecting on this painful history and looking forward to a more equitable future are great activities to honor Indigenous Peoples Day. Below, a list of films, TV shows, and documentaries that center and/or feature LGBTQ+ Indigenous identities.Rutherford Falls (2021)Co-created by Sierra Teller Ornelas (Navajo), Rutherford Falls is a sitcom that explores identity, history, and culture with a sense of humor. Standout stars include Jesse Leigh, Jana Schmieding, and Michael Greyeyes, to name a few.Reservation Dogs (2021)Reservation Dogs which premiered its first season in 2021 filmed in Oklahomas Muscogee Nation and was the first television series with an all-Indigenous staff of writers and directors. Created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, this FX original series also made waves for its cast, which included superstar-in-the-making Devery Jacobs.Drunktowns Finest (2014)The stories of three young Navajo people are intertwined in Drunktowns Finest: a trans woman with aspirations to be a model; a man on the verge of becoming a father; and a woman of Christian faith who had been adopted while younger. The film was written and directed by queer Navajo filmmaker Sydney Freeland.Certain Women (2016)From IFC Films, 2016s Certain Women had a star-studded cast of actors like Michelle Williams, Laura Dern, Kristen Stewart, and Jared Harris all while introducing then-newcomer Lily Gladstone to mainstream audiences. In the film, Gladstone plays a queer indigenous rancher that happens to develop a connection with a teacher. Less than 10 years later, Gladstone would become the first-ever Native American to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.Wildhood (2021)Wildhood is a coming-of-age LGBTQ+ drama set in a trailer park that tells the story of Link (Phillip Lewitski) while living with an abusive father and younger half-brother named Travis (Avery Winters-Anthony). After discovering that his Mikmaw mother might still be alive, Link leaves his current reality and goes out into the world to start anew. Along the way, Link meets Pasmay (Joshua Odjick), who unlocks feelings of love, companionship, belonging, and identity.Two Spirits (2009)2009s Two Spirits centers on 16-year-old Fred Martinez, a Navajo ndleeh (two-spirit) person who was killed. Through Martinezs story, this documentary feature directed by Lydia Nibley also spends time exploring the overall history of gender diversity in Native American cultures.Fire Song (2015)A gay Anishinaabe teen named Shane (played by Andrew Martin) is forced to navigate the loss of his sister (who took her own life) while finding a way to support his family. From Cree-Mtis director Adam Garnet Jones, Fire Song offers a brutal but also powerful perspective on dealing with financial pressures while attempting to stay true to your own origins and community.

Netflixs Boots introduces fans to Major Wilkinson, played by Sachin Bhatt, as a lovable and very memorable character in the series. Wilkinson is also established as the love interest of Sgt. Sullivan, played by Max Parker, and the two queer men do everything under their power to keep it a secret. Given that the hit Netflix series is set in 1990, even very basic policies like Don't Ask, Dont Tell are still not in place, meaning that a person in the LGBTQ+ community can be legally and literally discharged from U.S. military if exposed as being gay solely for being gay.The out actor from St. Louis, Missouri, whose family is from India, has been attached to projects such as The Company You Keep, Queer As Folk, Grace and Frankie, No Good Deed, and Monogamish, among others. In an era where Hollywood shies away from greenlighting or renewing LGBTQ+ content, Boots feels a unicorn, and thank gawd for that.Throughout the season, the (closeted) lovebirds played by Bhatt and Parker have undeniable chemistry between them and develop a pretty sweet relationship that gets regularly challenged by the world around them, but continues to be safe within the four walls of a hotel room where they often meet Or at least thats what were shown.Between uneven power dynamics, very different rankings as servicemen, and circumstances that lead up to a dramatic split, Bhatt breaks down the many layers in the relationship between Wilkinson and Sullivan during an interview with Out. Plus, the actor discusses queer Indian representation, the red flags of dating his character, and his thoughts on Wilkinsons lack of closure on Boots.Editors note: This article contains major spoilers from season 1 of Boots. Sachin BhattGrant Legan (@grantlegan)Out: Boots is finally here. How do you feel about this new project coming out?Sachin Bhatt: It feels great, but always a little scary to see what Ive done. [Laughs.]This show has been in the works for a long time. A few characters including yours, Major Wilkinson we only get to know in the second half of the season. When did you join the Boots cast, and what was that process like?No, I came in pretty late. I had my first audition in April, and then I had a callback a month later in May, and I got the part in June. I shot it in July [of 2024]. They had started, what The year before that [2023]?Did you do chemistry reads with Max Parker while auditioning, or when did you get to meet him?On my callback I read with one of the casting directors, Josh Ropiequet, so I didnt meet Max until I got to set.From a viewing perspective, Wilkinson and Sullivan have a lot of chemistry, so Im glad the chemistry was there when filming started.Yeah, and it was great. We went out to dinner and got to hang out a little bit. And then, on set, we had to just connect, try and meet each other halfway, and build some chemistry. Max Parker as Sgt. Sullivan and Sachin Bhatt as Captain Wilkinson together in bed on Boots.NetflixWhen I spoke with Max Parker about Boots, there was clear parallel between his personal life and Sgt. Sullivans journey. Parker was also closeted while starring in Emmerdale, and also had to navigate this sort of surveillance state regarding his sexuality. In your case, did you relate to anything specific about Major Wilkinson?I mean, Ive been out for a while [Laughs], but I will say that I play a major who isnt supposed to have any relationships with anyone in the Marines, and I am very familiar with keeping things secret. I can definitely relate to hiding a part of who I am.You and Max worked great as acting partners. Even after Sullivan makes a selfish decision that seemingly destroys Wilkinsons life and career, it was hard to just worrying about him. These are two queer men in the Marines who could officially, legally get discharged just for your sexuality. From my perspective, Wilkinson came off as pretty lovable character who meant well and did have feelings for Sullivan. How did you feel about the ending that Wilkinson got on the show?Yeah! Its really interesting too, because, if anything, Im [as Wilkinson] abusing my power. Im on the officer side, so I have much more power than he [Sullivan] does. But Im also more vulnerable than him, so its this kind of weird dynamic. Because you dont know if Sullivan obviously, I think he has real feelings but also, he kind of has to listen to me? Sachin BhattGrant Legan (@grantlegan)Wow, thats a really good point. Sullivan and Wilkinsons relationship played like such a love story that I guess I hadnt really thought of it that way. But you are correct: The power dynamics between them were not evened out.The show does go more toward the love story route, but that is the truth of that relationship. And that could be explored if theres a second season.Are there any specific things missing that would like to see being explored in a (still theoretical) second season?After watching it, I genuinely want to know more about their relationship. More specificity of how they met, and the aftermath of getting discharged. As of now, we got to see a very sweet side to Wilkinson. Id like to see the other colors he possesses.The show was originally 10 episodes, I think? And then it went down to eight, so my characters involvement changed. I do think theres room whether its flashbacks or in present day to see more of what happened leading up to when Im discharged. Im very curious to see what their relationship would be, if any. Sachin BhattGrant Legan (@grantlegan)I wanted to ask about your background and whether it informed your approach to play this character. Max went into this show as a actor from the United Kingdom. So he was, understandably, not super familiar with the U.S. military branches and their subdivisions. Did you have any family members who were involved in the U.S. Marine Corps or another branch of the military? And based on where you were born, did you have any general connection to that world?Oh, no. My familys from India, and I was born in St. Louis, Missouri. However, I did have a consultant, Leon Ingleright, who was discharged from the Marines for this reason. He was the person I spoke to a lot about this role.The story of The Pink Marine memoir ends in 1979. The show, Boots, kicks off in 1990. Both timelines are before Dont Ask, Dont Tell, but it feels even wilder to see Wilkinson being arrested for being gay right before this piece of legislation was introduced. Your character on Boots feels like an important reminder of how those protections, even the smaller and sillier ones, actually do help a lot during tough times for our community. How do you interpret that period of time?I was very young, but yeah, its just tragic. We can understand that they had to do what they did, because those were the rules at the time. But its super sad, too. Sachin BhattGrant Legan (@grantlegan)Wilkinson was, by all means, a recurring role that wasnt officially introduced on Boots for quite a while. Nonetheless, it almost felt like you had been there from the beginning. Were you fully cognizant of the importance of Wilkinsons story to the rest of the show? I just think that Wilkinson didnt really come off a side character at all.Im happy you said that. I think they talk of my character a bit, so that helps a lot with the scope of it. But this was shot very quickly in two or three days so it felt really in-and-out gig as well. Its really nice to hear that it feels like a bigger character.What was your favorite part about filming Boots? Were you able to bond with other actors and/or crew members attached to the series?One of the cool parts was having the creator, Greg Cope White, reach out to me and send me an email. Andy Parker, the showrunner, as well as Jennifer Cecil, all of them wrote me emails.Coming on board, I felt super welcomed and accepted and supported. And then meeting Max, too. Everyone was super passionate about this story. Sachin Bhatt as Major Wilkinson and Max Parker as Sgt. Sullivan on Boots.NetflixWe need to talk about those matching tattoos. [Bhatt starts laughing before the question is asked.] Such a U-Haul gay to do! Have you ever gotten any matching tattoos?No, I would never do that. [Laughs.] But the funny thing was, they originally wanted me to shave my chest, because body hair wasnt really a thing, maybe, in the 90s. And I really advocated to keep my body hair As I always do.Oh, good for you! And the audience appreciates it, too. How was that even a discussion?Ultimately, what helped was I know Greg [The Pink Marine author] was on board, and Kyle [Patrick Alvarez], the director of that episode, was really on board, too. So I had the support of people like, Dont shave. But, before that, there was kind of a back and forth up until the shoot. Sachin Bhatt as Major Wilkinson with semper fidelis tattoo on Boots.NetflixI can see how the gay aesthetic at the time was more Calvin Klein-esque. But, with that in mind, how were you film the scene where Wilkinsons tattoo is shown up close? It really looked like it was on your skin, under the body hair.So the makeup artists were amazing. The process was shaving the patch off, putting the tattoo on, and then laying hair back over.Youre joking?The makeup artists did a beautiful job. Max Parker as Sgt. Sullivan and Sachin Bhatt as Captain Wilkinson together in bed on Boots.NetflixWhat do you hope people learn, or reflect on, after seeing Boots?I feel very privileged to represent Indians in the Marines, because there are Indians in the Marines. To get cast in this role, set in the 90s, was a big win for me. I was really happy they went with diversity for the role. I also hope they understand gay relationships the connection that two men can have, but really of any gender.Were still dealing with that reality in mainstream media. With a few exceptions, we rarely see queer, non-white characters in projects that center the armed forces. A notable, recent exception was Jeremy Pope in The Inspection. But youre right: Its not a very common practice when casting for these shows. What was your audition process like? Was it specified that this role, in particular, called for a non-white actor?I dont think there was any ethnicity written for the character. I had auditioned, and I felt really strongly about it, so my agents checked in with casting and they were like, Well send some producers. And then when the callback happened, and Im like, All right, its probably some white guys, some Black guys, and me. And thats pretty much what it was. I knew it could easily not go my way, but I was surprised with it. Sachin BhattMatt Kallish (@matt_kallish)Opportunities for non-white actors in the LGBTQ+ community are more limited than ever. Well, not ever, but it feels significant that this is happening again after a period of time where so many shows would include queer people of all different backgrounds. How are you navigating this moment in the film and TV industries? Whats been your experience, obviously, outside of Boots?This year has definitely been less than previous years. Its a hard question, because in some aspects, I do get opportunities But I may not have a chance at all for them, and thats the truth. I do get the opportunities, but what theyre really going to go for is something else.Do you have any film and/or TV projects coming up soon that youd like to talk about? Or even more generally: Which creative endeavors are you looking forward to beyond Boots?Im not supposed to talk about it, even though Yeah, Im not supposed to say; its a big deal. But then I have a couple of indie films that I worked on, which Im excited about.One of them is go-LOVE-go. (Written by and starring John Griffin, alongside actors like Cheyenne Jackson, Katie Lowes, Cameron Cowperthwaite, Mayim Bialik, and Colin McCalla, among others.) The other one is called Daddy Issues, which I dont think is on IMDb yet. And then, Ive just finished my first feature and were shopping around. Im really excited about that.Boots is now streaming on Netflix.

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a legendary transgender activist who had been in the movement since Stonewall, died Monday at age 78.Her death was announced by the House of GGGriffin-Gracy Retreat and Educational Center, which she founded. She died "in the comfort of her home and surrounded by loved ones in Little Rock, Arkansas," says a statement from the center. "Her enduring legacy is a testament to her resilience, activism, and dedication to creating safe spaces for Black trans communities and all trans people we are eternally grateful for Miss Major's life, her contributions and how deeply she poured into those she loved."Miss Major had suffered from health problems for some time and had recently begun receiving hospice care.She spent more than 50 years fighting for the "trans, gender-nonconforming, and LGB community especially for Black trans women, trans women of color and those who have survived incarceration and police brutality," the statement continues. Majors fierce commitment and intersectional approach to justice brought her to care directly for people with HIV/AIDS in New York in the early 1980s, and later to drive San Franciscos first mobile needle exchange. As director of the TGI Justice Project, shed return to prisons as a mentor to her gurls inside." She founded House of GG in 2019 as "a space for our community to take a break, swim, enjoy good food, laugh, listen to music, watch movies, and recharge for the ongoing fight for our lives," the statement goes on. "Miss Major fought tirelessly for her people, her love as vast and enduring as the universe she knew herself to be a part of. She was a world builder, a visionary, and unwavering in her devotion to making freedom possible for Black, trans, formerly and currently incarcerated people as well as the larger trans and LGB community. Because of her, countless new possibilities have been made for all of us to thrive today and for generations to come. She affirmed that our lives hold meaning and that we stand on the shoulders of giants like her, whose courageous love and relentless fight assured our right to live with dignity. We will forever honor her memory, her steadfast presence, and her enduring commitment to our collective liberation."Miss Major was born October 25, 1946, in Chicago, according to her memoir Miss Major Speaks: Conversations With a Black Trans Revolutionary, written with Toshio Meronek. She was assigned male at birth but knew her true gender was female from an early age, even though she didnt always have words for it.She graduated from high school at age 16 and entered college in Minnesota but ran into trouble because she possessed female clothing. In 1962, she moved to New York City, where she worked briefly in a hospital morgue and performed in drag shows, including the Apollo Theaters famous Jewel Box Review. She also became a sex worker.Related: What Trans Elder Miss Major Griffin-Gracy Wants You to KnowShe participated in the Stonewall uprising of 1969, in which LGBTQ+ people stood up against police harassment at the Stonewall Inn in NYCs Greenwich Village. Police raids were common, but I guess we were just sick of their shit, she said in Miss Major Speaks. And suddenly we were fighting, and we were kicking their ass. But the gay rights movement that grew out of Stonewall excluded trans people, she observed in the book.Later arrested on a robbery charge, she spent time in mens prisons and mental hospitals in the early 1970s, and she was often severely mistreated. In one of them, however, she met Frank Big Black Smith, one of the leaders of the rebellion at the Attica Correctional Facility in New York State, and she has said this experience made her a political person. Upon regaining her freedom, she became an advocate for incarcerated trans people, especially trans women housed in mens prisons and those who have survived police brutality. She was the first executive director of the Transgender Gender-Variant and Intersex Justice Project, a role she held until she retired in 2015. In that capacity, she often visited trans prisoners and became a mentor to them. Miss Major Griffin-Gracy (pictured center, in pink) with members of the community during NYC LGBTQ+ Pride festival, 2024Wirestock Creators/ShutterstockIn the 1980s, Miss Major became involved in addressing the AIDS crisis, first in New York. After moving to San Diego with her son Christopher, she started a home health care agency, Angels of Care, to assist people with the disease. She lost a partner, Joe-Bob Michael, to AIDS in 1995. Relocating to San Francisco, she became a health educator with the Tenderloin AIDS Resource Center. She started a drop-in program there for trans people, called GiGis Place, and she did street outreach to those who werent comfortable with coming to the center. She moved to Little Rock in 2016.Related: 'Enough is Enough' 10 LGBTQ+ Elders Share Their Words of WisdomWhile Miss Major was often critical of the American political system and the mainstream LGBTQ+ rights movement, she did address the LGBTQ+ Caucus at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last year. In a powerful and passionate speech, she urged attendees to put on your best shit and get out there to defeat Donald Trump.Im not going back. I refuse to go back. And if [Trump] thinks were going back, fuck him in his ass, she said to much applause. She endorsed Kamala Harris for president.In addition to Christopher, Miss Major is survived by her longtime partner, Beck Witt; sons Asaiah and Jonathon; her many daughters, including Janetta Johnson, her successor at the Miss Major Alexander L. Lee TGIJP Black Trans Cultural Center; her sisters, Tracie OBrien and Billie Cooper; keeper of spare parts Thom Jeffress; countless community members of who have been shaped by her mentorship and legacy as a leader; and a whole host of family and friends, the statement notes.Miss Major maintained a sense of joy throughout her life, Meronek wrote in her introduction to their book. Her joy comes from a place I dont fully understand, Meronek observed. Despite her taste for the macabre the Saw series of movies are her favorites she always tempers the dark with earnest sentimentality and optimism.

Hormones fluctuate throughout life, shaping mood, energy, metabolism, and overall health. These shifts are most noticeable during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, when the body adapts to significant biological changes. For many, these transitions bring challenges such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, or changes in emotional well-being.People often explore natural support options, including herbal remedies and targeted supplements, to help ease these experiences. Wellness strategies such as MENO menopause supplements contain herbs that have been studied for their ability to support balance.Understanding how these herbs work provides insight into how natural approaches complement lifestyle and nutritional choices.Why Herbs Matter in Hormonal BalanceHerbs have been used for centuries to support health, and modern research continues to examine their role in hormonal regulation. Many contain plant compounds that can influence the endocrine system, reduce stress responses, or provide phytoestrogens, plant-derived substances that can mimic the activity of estrogen in the body. This can be especially important during times when hormone production fluctuates.Herbs are not a replacement for medical care, but they can complement nutrition, sleep, and exercise in promoting balance. By offering gentle support to the bodys natural processes, herbs may help smooth the transition through life stages often marked by hormonal shifts.1. Black CohoshBlack cohosh is among the most researched herbs for women experiencing menopause. It has been studied for its potential to reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances, symptoms that often accompany declining estrogen levels. Black cohosh is thought to interact with estrogen receptors, although researchers continue to investigate the exact mechanisms behind its effects.This herb is often chosen as a natural option for easing discomfort during midlife transitions. While many people report benefits, it should be used under professional guidance to ensure appropriate dosing and to minimize the risk of side effects. As part of a broader wellness plan, black cohosh can provide targeted support during a time of significant hormonal change.2. Maca RootMaca root, a plant native to the Andes, has a long history of use for reproductive health and vitality. Unlike black cohosh, maca does not directly alter hormone levels. Instead, it appears to act as an adaptogen, helping the body adjust to stress and maintain equilibrium. Some studies suggest maca may support mood stability, energy levels, and sexual wellness during hormonal fluctuation.Because it influences the bodys stress response, maca may indirectly support the balance of sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This makes it a versatile option for those navigating changes related to aging, lifestyle demands, or transitional life stages. When incorporated thoughtfully, maca can serve as a supportive element in maintaining resilience and well-being.3. AshwagandhaAshwagandha is another adaptogenic herb with a strong reputation for supporting stress management. It is often used to help reduce cortisol, the bodys primary stress hormone. High cortisol levels can interfere with thyroid function, reproductive hormones, and sleep, making it an important factor in overall hormonal health. By helping regulate the stress response, ashwagandha may indirectly promote balance across multiple systems.Research suggests ashwagandha can improve sleep quality, support energy levels, and enhance mental clarity. Its adaptogenic nature makes it particularly valuable during times of transition, when the bodys hormonal balance may be more vulnerable to disruption. Regular use under professional guidance may help create the conditions for steadier energy and more resilient hormonal health.4. Vitex (Chasteberry)Vitex, known as chasteberry, is widely used to support reproductive health. It influences the pituitary gland, which helps regulate the production of hormones such as luteinizing hormone and progesterone. This mechanism can make vitex especially useful for those experiencing irregular cycles, premenstrual symptoms, or transitions associated with perimenopause.By promoting progesterone production, vitex can help counterbalance estrogen dominance, a common occurrence during hormonal fluctuations. Consistent use may support more stable cycles, reduced discomfort, and a smoother hormonal rhythm. For many, vitex serves as a trusted option for encouraging long-term hormonal stability.5. RhodiolaRhodiola is best known for its ability to enhance resilience to physical and mental stress. As an adaptogen, it helps regulate cortisol levels, preventing the spikes that can disrupt other hormonal systems. In this way, rhodiola indirectly supports balance across reproductive, thyroid, and sleep-related hormones.This herb is also valued for its potential to improve energy, mood, and cognitive performance. During hormonal transition, when fatigue and brain fog may be more common, rhodiola can provide supportive benefits.Finding Balance NaturallyThe five herbs highlighted offer different ways of supporting the body during hormonal shifts. Whether the goal is to manage stress, regulate cycles, or improve energy, these plants provide natural tools that can complement other wellness strategies.The post 5 Herbs That Help When Hormones Shift appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

Hormones fluctuate throughout life, shaping mood, energy, metabolism, and overall health. These shifts are most noticeable during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, when the body adapts to significant biological changes. For many, these transitions bring challenges such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, or changes in emotional well-being.People often explore natural support options, including herbal remedies and targeted supplements, to help ease these experiences. Wellness strategies such as MENO menopause supplements contain herbs that have been studied for their ability to support balance.Understanding how these herbs work provides insight into how natural approaches complement lifestyle and nutritional choices.Why Herbs Matter in Hormonal BalanceHerbs have been used for centuries to support health, and modern research continues to examine their role in hormonal regulation. Many contain plant compounds that can influence the endocrine system, reduce stress responses, or provide phytoestrogens, plant-derived substances that can mimic the activity of estrogen in the body. This can be especially important during times when hormone production fluctuates.Herbs are not a replacement for medical care, but they can complement nutrition, sleep, and exercise in promoting balance. By offering gentle support to the bodys natural processes, herbs may help smooth the transition through life stages often marked by hormonal shifts.1. Black CohoshBlack cohosh is among the most researched herbs for women experiencing menopause. It has been studied for its potential to reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances, symptoms that often accompany declining estrogen levels. Black cohosh is thought to interact with estrogen receptors, although researchers continue to investigate the exact mechanisms behind its effects.This herb is often chosen as a natural option for easing discomfort during midlife transitions. While many people report benefits, it should be used under professional guidance to ensure appropriate dosing and to minimize the risk of side effects. As part of a broader wellness plan, black cohosh can provide targeted support during a time of significant hormonal change.2. Maca RootMaca root, a plant native to the Andes, has a long history of use for reproductive health and vitality. Unlike black cohosh, maca does not directly alter hormone levels. Instead, it appears to act as an adaptogen, helping the body adjust to stress and maintain equilibrium. Some studies suggest maca may support mood stability, energy levels, and sexual wellness during hormonal fluctuation.Because it influences the bodys stress response, maca may indirectly support the balance of sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This makes it a versatile option for those navigating changes related to aging, lifestyle demands, or transitional life stages. When incorporated thoughtfully, maca can serve as a supportive element in maintaining resilience and well-being.3. AshwagandhaAshwagandha is another adaptogenic herb with a strong reputation for supporting stress management. It is often used to help reduce cortisol, the bodys primary stress hormone. High cortisol levels can interfere with thyroid function, reproductive hormones, and sleep, making it an important factor in overall hormonal health. By helping regulate the stress response, ashwagandha may indirectly promote balance across multiple systems.Research suggests ashwagandha can improve sleep quality, support energy levels, and enhance mental clarity. Its adaptogenic nature makes it particularly valuable during times of transition, when the bodys hormonal balance may be more vulnerable to disruption. Regular use under professional guidance may help create the conditions for steadier energy and more resilient hormonal health.4. Vitex (Chasteberry)Vitex, known as chasteberry, is widely used to support reproductive health. It influences the pituitary gland, which helps regulate the production of hormones such as luteinizing hormone and progesterone. This mechanism can make vitex especially useful for those experiencing irregular cycles, premenstrual symptoms, or transitions associated with perimenopause.By promoting progesterone production, vitex can help counterbalance estrogen dominance, a common occurrence during hormonal fluctuations. Consistent use may support more stable cycles, reduced discomfort, and a smoother hormonal rhythm. For many, vitex serves as a trusted option for encouraging long-term hormonal stability.5. RhodiolaRhodiola is best known for its ability to enhance resilience to physical and mental stress. As an adaptogen, it helps regulate cortisol levels, preventing the spikes that can disrupt other hormonal systems. In this way, rhodiola indirectly supports balance across reproductive, thyroid, and sleep-related hormones.This herb is also valued for its potential to improve energy, mood, and cognitive performance. During hormonal transition, when fatigue and brain fog may be more common, rhodiola can provide supportive benefits.Finding Balance NaturallyThe five herbs highlighted offer different ways of supporting the body during hormonal shifts. Whether the goal is to manage stress, regulate cycles, or improve energy, these plants provide natural tools that can complement other wellness strategies.The post 5 Herbs That Help When Hormones Shift appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

Veteran actor Niecy Nash-Betts poses for her Out100 cover photo, and she has one music request for inspiration: Destinys Child. Empowering anthems like Survivor and Independent Women, Part 1 create a perfect soundtrack for the 55-year-old artist, who is thriving on and off the screen. Never saw this day coming in my life. In my whole entire life, Nash-Betts laughs when asked about being named the Out100 Icon of the Year and cover star. I remember my daughter, when I said I wanted to be with Jessica, she said, Are you the same mama that said, Im strictly dickly? Im like, Well, I did say that, didnt I?So I never saw this day coming. And I love that for me, that means that life can continue to surprise you, she adds. And I love surprises. MODA GLAM Dress; ALEXIS BITTAR Earrings and Rings; TOM FORD ShoesErik CarterNash-Betts has been known and loved by the public for over two decades. In the 2000s, she starred as the hilarious Deputy Raineesha Williams in Reno 911!, and earned four Daytime Emmy nominations and one win as host of the home renovation show Clean House. In the 2010s, Nash-Betts garnered more notice and accolades for The Soul Man, Claws, Scream Queens, and Getting On, for which she was nominated for her first two Primetime Emmys.A turning point for the actor came in 2019 with the dramatic role of Delores Wise in Ava DuVernays When They See Us. Before starring in the series about the Central Park Five, in which she played the mother of one of the falsely accused boys, she was best known for her comedy. But as she says, she loves a surprise.In the summer of 2020, when the world was on lockdown, Nash-Betts, who had previously only been in relationships with men, delivered some happy news when she announced shed married a woman, Jessica Betts. Rather than soft-launching with a lead-up of social media posts of the two of them together, the couple introduced the relationship to the world with their wedding photos. MODA GLAMD dress; HANDMADE BY TARJA earrings; ROBERTO COIN bangles; AQUAZZURA shoesErik CarterFor Nash-Betts, it was just another day in a life filled with love of many kinds. It wasnt a big deal, or even really a coming-out; it was just a declaration of love, she says. To this day, shes surprised by the number of people their marriage positively impacted. When Nash-Betts initially posted her wedding photos on social media, she lost around 3,000 followers. Soon that loss of a few thousand turned into a gain of 30,000 new followers.Nash-Betts describes her ethos on other peoples love lives as I dont care whatever you want to do, you know what I mean? Go do it. Do it great. Matter of fact, do it two or three times just to make sure its locked in. And I didnt think anyone would care [about my relationship], she adds. Come to find out, a lot of people cared. I just did not see that coming.Now shes proud to represent Black queer women, especially those in relationships with other Black women. People who feel represented by their union have told Nash-Betts and Betts (who she calls her hersband), When it comes to Black-on-Black love in the queer community, that we are on a very short list of being someone you could look to for representation in that way.Its very, very powerful, weve learned. Because any time we go to an event that is especially for queer people, someone always comes up and brings it up, she says. First of all, I love being Black. I love being a woman. And now Im a Black queer woman in a relationship with another Black queer woman, and it matters. MODA GLAMD dress; HANDMADE BY TARJA earrings; ROBERTO COIN bangles; AQUAZZURA shoesErik CarterThe Emmy winner is moved by the positive influence shes had on others. It is such an honor for people to take stock in how you live your life. I think authenticity is one of the most beautiful attributes you could ever have, Nash-Betts says. To just be 100 percent who you are and allow people to see your happiness, you know what I mean? And see that Im in a situation that brings me joy, and for that to be celebrated, especially at such a time as this, is a beautiful thing.That joy and celebration of love are evident in Nash-Bettss family life. Her three kids from a previous marriage all love Betts. Dia Nash, her youngest daughter, has bonded with Betts over their shared love of singing. Meanwhile, her daughter Donielle Nash currently works as her mothers assistant, meaning she gets to spend even more time with Betts. And her son, Dominic Nash, is her turn-up baby, who loves tagging along with his mother and Betts for parties and events.Even my mama got in on the act, Nash-Betts says. She was a little nervous at first when we got married, but now my mother and my spouse will link up, and I dont even know. You saw my mama today? Wait, whats going on? she says. Marrying Betts also helped her deepen her friendship with another Black gay icon, two-time Oscar nominee Colman Domingo (Rustin, Sing Sing). The two had met while filming Selma together and have since been bonded for life.Once I introduced Colman and his husband, Raul, to J.B. [Jessica Betts], it was like we became the Fab Four, Nash-Betts says. It was like, OK, we are locked. Now we vacation together. We plan swim dates together. We do all sorts of fun things together. And yes, Colman officiated our wedding.When we got our marriage license, the very first place we stopped on the way home was at Colmans house. And they celebrated us. We drank champagne. We danced in the living room. I just love him so much, on camera and off, she says. STYLE PR Two-Piece; SISTER LOVE Earrings; ALAIA ShoesErik CarterNow that the star of Murphys upcoming Alls Fair has found this happiness, she wants others to experience it too. Every single person who comes out of the closet, who comes out of hiding, it helps shift society towards more acceptance and love, she says. And when you think about a closet, its dark. You know what I mean? Its junk in there. Come from up out of there.Its always important to choose truth over fear and community over isolation, Nash-Betts urges. For those who dont find support in traditional family structures, she advises seeking out a chosen family. Theres always going to be someone to support you, when you look for it, she says. Recent Republican calls for the Supreme Court to reconsider its 2015 ruling on marriage equality wont dampen Nash-Bettss joy. She wonders why they even care. Why does it bother you so much? You know what I mean? she asks. You just want to lord over people and have somebody to tell what to do. Then have your own baby. Go get a dog. Go get something you could tell what to do.If the decision is overturned, Nash-Betts is ready to ride at dawn to fight for her community.You talk about turning up, you know what I mean? she says. Stepping on somebodys ability to love whoever they want to love is wild. Its wild behavior. And so let me tell you, I definitely would be on the front lines.Long a queer ally, Nash-Betts is now a proud card-carrying member of the LGBTQ+ family and has leaned into being a representative for her community since coming out. She and Betts became the first same-sex couple on the cover of Essence magazine in 2022. In 2024, she was awarded the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the GLAAD Media Awards. STYLE PR Two-Piece; SISTER LOVE Earrings; ALAIA ShoesErik CarterSo tell me, wheres the rally? Wheres the meeting? she says of standing up to those seeking to erase queer identities. You need me to make signs? You know what I mean? Bring sack lunches. What are we doing? Making phone calls. You know what I mean? Im in it up to my weave.While Nash-Bettss personal life is inspiring, her career is on fire. In 2023, she won her first Primetime Emmy for playing Jeffrey Dahmers neighbor, Glenda Cleveland, in Murphys Dahmer Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. Nash-Bettss working relationship with Murphy dates back to Scream Queens in 2015-2016, where she was a scene stealer as a security guard assigned to protect a sorority being hunted by a serial killer. There was a time after she got together with Betts when folks advised her to keep her private life private or she wouldnt be hired, but Murphy had her back. The creator of American Horror Story and Glee called Nash-Betts and assured her, As long as Im alive, you will have a job in this town.Cut to two years later, and shes on the Emmys stage delivering an electrifying speech. After thanking her wife and Murphy, Nash-Betts added one more thanks: Me. For believing in me and doing what they said I could not do. And I wanna say to myself in front of all you beautiful people, Come on girl, with your bad self, you did that!After starring in another of Murphys horror series, Grotesquerie (2024), Nash-Betts is set for his anticipated star-studded legal drama, Alls Fair. Nash-Betts stars alongside Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, Teyana Taylor, Naomi Watts, and Kim Kardashian as a group of high-powered lawyers who leave their male-dominated practice to start their own divorce firm. Its the latest cast of legendary actresses to power Murphys projects. Nash-Bettss reaction to becoming part of a legacy that includes Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Jessica Lange, Paulson, and Patti LuPone? Mama, I made it. BENT KAHINA Dress; STYLE PR Feathers; NIECYS OWN Earrings; TOM FORD ShoesErik CarterIt feels like a dream come true. You know what I mean? she smiles. We come into this world with big dreams, and then when they manifest, youre like, my head is about to pop off. I cannot even wrap my mind around all the feelings that come with this sort of a pedigree, she adds. I just consider myself to be very, very blessed, because these are not spaces in life that you wish for these are places you work for.The lineup of heavy hitters created a culture on set that Nash-Betts says was like summer camp with better clothes and good makeup. Sometimes you get a big cast together and theres a little tension, a little friction, but we genuinely like each other and are genuinely supportive of each other, she says, swapping stories about their kids, having a laugh or a cry when needed.On Alls Fair, there was a sisterhood behind the camera, but Nash-Betts warns that their characters dont always get along so well. The shows magic comes from portraying women who can be strong, confident, and assertive, but who also have cracks in their armor. You get to see the places where we need each other. You get to see that you can only put on a face for so long before your truth is revealed, she says. So these relationships with these women are very complex. The performances are very nuanced. I love that it is just not a picture of perfection, but its also progression towards what were working towards emotionally, mentally, physically, all of that.Though she clocks Kardashians and Paulsons characters as having some of the fiercest fights of the show, she says in real life, They can never make it through one scene without having a giggle fit. Not one. STYLE PR Headpiece and Gloves; ALEXIS BITTAR JewelsErik CarterAt the same time, Nash-Betts says she couldnt be more impressed by Kardashian, who has recently made a pivot to acting. This will be Kardashians second project with Murphy after American Horror Story: Delicate. Before beginning work on Alls Fair, Nash-Betts admits she had never seen an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians and had no preconceived notions of what to expect from the reality star, whose public persona has at times been polarizing. But they were fast friends who instantly clicked, instantly bonded, she says. Kardashians lack of ego on set and tireless work ethic impressed the veteran actor. I have seen her on the computer running her businesses, you know what I mean? she says. All the while she got a baby on FaceTime, shes got a law book right here to the left. Shes got something else shes working on, a script to the right. She is the definition of multitasking. So I feel like I could take a page out of her book when it comes to that.Theres plenty of buzz for Alls Fair, and Nash-Betts says she hopes the show will become appointment TV, akin to classic nighttime soaps like Dynasty, Knots Landing, and Dallas, after it premieres this November on Hulu.And theres another awards season to consider. After thanking herself in her first Emmy acceptance speech, Nash-Betts has a plan for who shell thank if her name gets called again: her family.I think that when you give yourself over to the arts, there are a lot of times that you dont have with your loved ones. So it is very important because theyre sharing you with the world she says. Im leaving my family to go on a three-week press tour. I have 16-hour work days. And it is very important to let those that support you know how much that means and how much you appreciate them sacrificing their time with you, because theres that too. This cover story is part of Out's Nov/Dec 2025 'Out100' issue, which hits newsstands October 28. Support queer media and subscribe or download the issue through Apple News, Zinio, Nook, or PressReader starting October 16.talent NIECY NASH-BETTS @niecynash1photographer ERIK CARTER @erik_carter with ANDERSON HOPKINS @andersonhopkinsdigital tech JOSEPH MITCHELL @dudesgottadofirst assistant SANDRA RIVERA @xsandiiasecond assistant PRISCILLA MARIE SERRANO @priscillamariesset designer KELLEY SILVERMAN @fusilli_jerry_stylist ASHLEY SEAN THOMAS @ashleyseanthomasstylist assistant KIMBERLY BATINO @kimberly.batinomakeup NAIMA JAMAL @allinadayswerk with CROWDMGMT @crowdmgmthair SHARIF POSTON @sharifpostonvideographer ROBERT MARRERO @itsrobertmarrerolocation EDGE LA @edge_studios

It seems like 2025 is the year of confirming long-standing rumored relationships. We saw it with Troye Sivan and Connor Franta earlier this summer, and now YouTubers Dan Howell and Phil Lester, who just confirmed they've been boyfriends for over a decade in a new video uploaded on Sunday. - YouTube www.youtube.com The two have been creating YouTube videos since 2006, and throughout their entire online career, there has been speculation that they are a couple. In a new video uploaded to YouTube on Sunday, the two confirmed theyve been in a relationship since about 2009. Their fans consistently made fan fiction about the two being in a relationship and shipped (an internet term for wishing two people were a couple) them together, with the ship name Phan. After years of making videos as best friends, the two shared that they've actually been together this whole time. (@) Alright, let's get this over with. Are Dan and Phil in a relationship? Howell starts the video out by saying, to which Lester says, Yes and the two jokingly attempt to end the video and walk out of frame. Oh, sorry, you wanted more, did you? they say before diving into the details of their relationship and why theyve kept it private all these years.Howell says that the two "fell into it hard and fast in 2009" and they've been partners for close to 16 years, adding, "It was so fast that we never labeled it. We just ended up living together and here we are." (@) But they were young when they first started seeing each other and there was a lot that was being hidden from their families that they decided to keep their partnership a secret, which made dealing with the dating conspiracy theories from fans difficult. "In my mid 20s I felt we had to hide the relationship because I was still hiding who I was to my friends, family, myself," Howell said in the video. "This is why all of the digging from people online hit a nerve, because Phil was my safe space. You were my first boyfriend... You were a literal ray of light in my life back then."He continued, "And what we had was the most important thing to me and I wanted to protect it, so when other people tried to grab it and drag it into the light, I felt completely violated... Having all of these people trying to out us, and being so hostile to me when I tried to hide it, was so triggering. Honestly, it could have killed me."Now that the secret is out, the two plan to continue keeping their content the same and now transform their joint channel into a couple's account. In the video Lester says, "But if you'll have us, we'd love to just finally be ourselves and do what we love, which is really how this should have been this whole time. (@)

Chappell Roan's "Pink Pony Club" a song specifically about a special place where boys and girls can all be queens every single day was chosen as the name of a new Australian nightclub, but it seems like the owners of the new venue are missing the point of the song.Palms nightclub owner Kevin Du-Val and manager Michael Lewis, two gay men, recently announced they would be opening a new gay bar in Sydney, Australia, named for Roan's gay anthem. "Gay people understand gay people more than maybe some of the [other] venues understand what they want," Du-Val said to Gay Sydney News about his new club, the Pink Pony. "We're not doing anything miraculous; we're doing what I like and what Michael likes, and that's what the gay people like."However, not all gay people like the new club's business strategy.In the interview with Gay Sydney News, Lewis said that the club will "unashamedly be targeted at the boys, pretty much 18 to 35. He added, Of course, the girls will be welcome. But it would certainly be our desire that it is predominantly gay boys, and when I say predominantly, I'm sort of talking 90 percent plus. Lewis admitted there are legal hurdles "in terms of how much we can vet the crowd while still complying with the law," but the goal is to fill the club with gay men."Pink Pony Club" is a song by lesbian artist Chappell Roan, who wrote the song after her first time visiting gay bar The Abbey in Los Angeles."All of a sudden, I realized I could truly be any way I wanted to be, and no one would bat an eye, she said in an interview with Headliner Magazine. "It was so different from home, where I always had such a hard time being myself and felt like Id be judged for being different or being creative. I just felt overwhelmed with complete love and acceptance, and from then on, I started writing songs as the real me."The song has become a gay anthem, especially for lesbians and queer women.Many of those queer women have expressed hurt that the new club named for a lesbian artist's iconic song seemingly is uninterested in the demographic as clients."So disappointing and tone deaf and actually fked," a user wrote on the club's now-deleted Instagram, according to The Guardian. "Appropriating lesbian culture for your own $/benefit for gay men!! What??""So, it's gay men only, but the name of the club is a song by a female LESBIAN pop star?" another wrote. "Oh I fear they missed the mark with this one!!!!"After the club's Instagram account received hundreds of comments, many criticizing the name and preferred clientele, it was wiped.Now, Lewis has confirmed to The Guardian that he will change the venue's name."We acknowledge and respect the very passionate feedback from the wider community, and it is clear that it's best to move forward with a different name for the new venue," he said.One Instagram user commented, "lol imagine renaming ur club instead of being more inclusive," The Guardian reports.

For two years, the TikTok creator, who goes by the username @mainlymannie on social media, has provided millions of people with laughs as the "Boss & CEO" character, garnering millions of views across multiple TikTok videos. Now, the content creator is asking for some support in return after they revealed that they were recently diagnosed with HIV, which has progressed into AIDS. See on Instagram "Im a lucky person. Blessed. I just wanna tell you guys a few things," the influencer with over one million followers on TikTok said in a video posted to Instagram on Saturday. "Life has been trying to take me out lately. From the accidents, the sicknesses, and stuff and then me finding out I had AIDs and HIV summer time of this year. I couldnt walk after the summer. They continued, "Listen, I am not the victim here. Yes, my ex gave me this, and I didnt know. He hid a lot of things, but Im not a victim because I had signs. I was so deep in love. But God is good. I know now."The creator told their fans they are crowdfunding for HIV medications because they cost $4,000. So, Im gonna be working a lot," they said. "I think Im gonna register for foundations and stuff. Not I think I am. Im feeling way better. I feel like me. I feel like the Boss and CEO!Mannie shared a video of their recovery process, relearning to walk with assistance from a nurse, and wrote in the caption, "So this is what my insurance is paying for, and my 30% that comes out of pocket. This is why I appreciate every donation." See on Instagram

"...I never saw this day coming. And I love that for me, that means that life can continue to surprise you, says Out100 Icon of the Year Niecy Nash-Betts. And I love surprises.Read our cover story below, and stay tuned for the full Out100 list on Thursday, Oct. 16! Out100 Icon Niecy Nash-Betts will be on the 'front lines' against anti-LGBTQ+ hate

Kim Petras is keeping her bunheads fed!The pop icon has released her catchy new single "I Like Ur Look," which fans have been begging for since she teased the song months ago on social media."I Like Ur Look" is another upbeat anthem that marks a brand new era for Petras. Following the release of her other two singles "Polo" and "Freak It," Petras is putting out music that feels truly authentic to her artistry today."I just don't really care what anyone thinks about the music! I love the music I've been making. I'm so proud of it! It's what I want to hear. It's completely detached from anything I've done before," Petras tells PRIDE. See on Instagram After hitting mainstream success with her Grammy-winning single "Unholy" with Sam Smith in 2022, Petras released a slew of successful projects including Feed the Beat, Problmatique, and Slut Pop Miami.With a few radio hits now under her belt, Petras is returning to her roots by teaming up with her favorite collaborators to release unapologetic new material."I'm making music with amazing friends and having so much fun. That's the best part of it! I just want to push pop forward. I just feel like it's my time to not care about anything but what I think the future is."The singer has always never shied away from her embracing her identity and celebrating queer culture in all of her projects. As anti-LGBTQ+ legislation continues to sweep the nation, Petras hopes her music can resonate with anyone in the gay community."Censorship is trying to kill everyone. Censorship is bad. Shout out Slut Pop! I'll say it however, I don't care. It's so important to talk about stuff in general. Talk about sex! Why is everyone so awkward about it? Why are you being weird?""I Like Ur Look" is streaming now on all platforms. To see the full interview with Kim Petras at The Abbey Food & Bar, check out the video at the top of the page.

Miriam Margolyes the 84-year-old British actress known for titles like The Age of Innocence and her role as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films says she's proud to identify as a "left-wing dyke." During an appearance earlier this week on Ireland's The Late Late Show, host Patrick Kielty asked the acclaimed performer about her outspoken politics and her willingness to publicly comment on hot-button issues, like the situation in Gaza. Referring to Gaza specifically, she said that she feels it's important for her to speak on the issue because she is Jewish, adding, "It's very important that people realize that all Jewish people are not killers, they're not bastards. It's not like that. This is just a section of the Israeli people that are like that, not Jewish people. And I want that to be known and understood."Breaking with many celebrities of her notoriety, Margolyes then addressed the October 7 attack carried out by Hamas, calling it "terrible" before touching on the "70 years of oppression" that preceded it."I saw it myself. I was there in Israel, and I saw it. I saw how they treated Palestinians, and it's wrong," she said. "And I don't want us to be changed by Hitler, by the Holocaust, into nasty people. I won't have it. I won't be changed. My heart is open to anyone who needs help, succor, caring."She went on to say that she has lost a lot of family and friends over her views around the conflict, acknowledging that "it hurts when people that you're fond of don't want to talk to you anymore because they feel that you're a traitor." But, she affirmed, she's sticking by her beliefs, agreeing with Kielty's description of her as "unapologetically woke.""I am," Margolyes smiled. "I'm a left-wing dyke, and I love it! I love being a lesbian, I'm not going to apologize for that. It's great fun!"Margolyes has long been open about where she stands politically, often refusing to shy away from addressing controversial topics. In the past, she's spoken out against J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books, and the conservative viewpoints she espouses. In an interview with The Telegraph in 2024, Margolyes stated that it's "unrealistic" for actors who starred in the Potter films to remain silent about Rowling, simply because her writing provided them with a job."Now they're grown up and they have opinions," she said of actors like Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, who have also spoken about Rowling's right-wing political views. "So why can't they give their opinions? That's fair to me. They shouldn't be trammelled because they once were in a film that somebody wrote."Watch the interview below. - YouTube youtu.be

Ruby Rose will not stand by and let her friend's name be dragged through the mud.On Monday, the model and Batwoman star wrote a series of posts on Threads in defense of Taylor Swift, whose recently been accused of becoming more conservative and aligning herself with MAGA views."As someone who has spent many nights discussing the world, social injustice and life, with The Show Girl herself. I refuse to say her name in the same sentence as the hate group, Wackadoodles, are conspiring to attach her to," Rose wrote of her friend at the start of the thread. "Given her public position against Trump, and his against her. If you are falling for the propaganda 'Trad wife' 'X,y,z' claims, you are most definitely walking into the biggest man made, rage bait, black hole," she continued. "Stop it. It's not true, and it's incredibly stupid. It's also embarrassing and hurtful to see energy put into this. Keep that energy and let's take it where it's necessary and needed."But Rose wasn't done there, engaging with fans in the comments who also felt the need to stand up for Swift. When one Thread user said they were currently arguing with someone over Swift's right to be a billionaire, and whether she donates money, the actor responded: "She used to scroll go fund me like a social media app. Clicking 'reach their donation' like the 'like' button." (@) Following her engagement to NFL player Travis Kelce and the release of her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, Swift has faced criticism from the left that her brand is becoming increasingly aligned with conservative, "tradwife" values. In part, that's because several song on her new album, including "Wi$h Li$t," feature lyrics that seem to glorify the kind of married, domestic life that conservatives have been rallying around recently."I know its just two to three lines of the entire album, but Taylor has given conservatives exactly the kind of catnip theyve been craving," Lauren Tousignant wrote in an article for Jezebel. "I can already hear far-right commentators screaming, 'See, Charlie Kirk was right, Taylor Swift is submitting to her husband, proving childless cat ladies are happier when they accept marriage.'"Others, like Rose, point to the singer's public track record, which includes endorsing Kamala Harris for president in 2024 and condemning the Trump campaign for using AI to fabricate an endorsement."I'm voting for [Kamala Harris] because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos," Swift wrote in 2024. "I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate [Tim Walz], who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman's right to her own body for decades."

Kim Petras is keeping her bunheads fed!The pop icon has released her catchy new single "I Like Ur Look," which fans have been begging for since she teased the song months ago on social media."I Like Ur Look" is another upbeat anthem that marks a brand new era for Petras. Following the release of her other two singles "Polo" and "Freak It," Petras is putting out music that feels truly genuine to her artistry today."I just don't really care what anyone thinks about the music! I love the music I've been making. I'm so proud of it! It's what I want to hear. It's completely detached from anything I've done before," Petras tells PRIDE. See on Instagram After hitting mainstream success with her Grammy-winning single "Unholy" with Sam Smith in 2022, Petras released a slew of successful projects including Feed the Beat, Problmatique, and Slut Pop Miami.With a few radio hits now under her belt, Petras is returning to her roots by teaming up with her favorite collaborators to release unapologetic new material.Ahead of the surprise release of "I Like Ur Look," Petras attended the celebration for National PrEP Day by MISTR at The Abbey Food & Bar in West Hollywood and dished on the authentic material she's working on."I'm making music with amazing friends and having so much fun. That's the best part of it! I just want to push pop forward. I just feel like it's my time to not care about anything but what I think the future is."The singer has always never shied away from her embracing her identity and celebrating queer culture in all of her projects. As anti-LGBTQ+ legislation continues to sweep the nation, Petras hopes her music can resonate with anyone in the gay community."Censorship is trying to kill everyone. Censorship is bad. Shout out Slut Pop! I'll say it however, I don't care. It's so important to talk about stuff in general. Talk about sex! Why is everyone so awkward about it? Why are you being weird?""I Like Ur Look" is streaming now on all platforms. To see the full interview with Kim Petras at The Abbey Food & Bar, check out the video at the top of the page.