Its time to duel it out.Drag Duel season 3 is here, and it features a mighty clash of drag warriors competing in the ultimate battle for their lives to become the new Drag Champion of the series.This year, 14 fierce drag artists (warriors) compete in an epic showdown cohosted by the Drag Detective and Bucy, while also welcoming Drag Duel season 1 winner Hydra and season 2 winner Dom Parinyon as main judges in this panel.Between power-ups with a few tweaks and twists, a gag-worthy premiere, and the introduction of new challenges, Drag Duel is about to level-up with a third season premiering on October 20 and dropping weekly new episodes every Monday.Heres everything you need to know about Drag Duel season 3.Guest judges appearing on Drag Duel season 3.Season 3 of Drag Duel includes former contestants from mainstream drag competition shows turning the tables and, this time, sharing their own critiques about the contestants.Namely, RuPauls Drag Race alumni DeJa Skye and Megami, as well as The Boulet Brothers Dragula: Titans season 2 competitor Blackberri, will all appear as guest judges.The new season also features Mean Girls and Looking actor Daniel Franzese, Chicago drag star Twink Trash, and model/content creator Vivian Wilson as guest judges.This is the worst look I have ever seen Im sorry, sharp-tongued icon Vivian Wilson says in a sneak preview of the season.Meet the drag warriors competing on Drag Duel season 3.A total of 14 warriors are competing in the third season of Drag Duel each of them with different drag aesthetics, strengths, backgrounds, perspectives, and tactics upon entering this battle and competing for the title of Drag Champion.From Washington, D.C. to the Netherlands to Los Angeles to Russia, these mighty warriors are ready for battle.Alex ElektraAge: 33Pronouns: she/herLocation: Belgrade, SerbiaInstagram: @alex_elektraTikTok: @alexelektraAqua FloraAge: 25Pronouns: any/allLocation: Portland, OregonInstagram: @its.aqua.floraGlass StaineAge: 27Pronouns: she/herLocation: Hartford, ConnecticutInstagram: @glassstaineTikTok: @glassstaineGwendolinAge: 22Pronouns: any/allLocation: Flagstaff, ArizonaInstagram: @gwendolindragTikTok: @gwendolindragHeavy CreamAge: 39Pronouns: he/theyLocation: Eugene, OregonInstagram: @heavy_creammmTikTok: @heavy_creammmHennesseyAge: 27Pronouns: she/herLocation: Washington, D.C.Instagram: @hennessxyTikTok: @ms.hennessxyMinervaAge: 24Pronouns: she/herLocation: Denver, ColoradoInstagram: @theminervaofficialNeon NoireAge: 36Pronouns: she/theyLocation: Amsterdam, NetherlandsInstagram: @missneonnoireTikTok: @missneonnoireRobaire BannedAge: 26Pronouns: he/himLocation: Los Angeles, CaliforniaInstagram: @robairebannedTikTok: @robairebannedShafraniaAge: 22Pronouns: she/anyLocation: Moscow, RussiaInstagram: @saffronxsaffronSmokey KarmikaelAge: 26Pronouns: she/herLocation: Chicago, IllinoisInstagram: @itssmokeykarmikaelTikTok: @smokeykarmikaelStella IncognitoAge: 23Pronouns: she/herLocation: Zagreb, CroatiaInstagram: @stella.incognitoTikTok: @stella.incognitoTransjenifahs GawdyAge: 23Pronouns: she/theyLocation: Boise, IdahoInstagram: @transjenifahsgawdyTikTok: @transjenifahsgawdyZoticAge: 31Pronouns: they/themLocation: Phoenix, ArizonaInstagram: @king_zoticTikTok: @kingzoticHow to watch Drag Duel season 3 online.Drag Duel season 3 premieres Monday, October 20, and drops weekly new episodes every Monday at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT on YouTube (free).You can also support Drag Duel and watch live viewing parties with the season 3 cast every Sunday on Patreon (requires an active subscription).

The first teaser of Pillion sent the gays into overdrive upon seeing Hollywood heartthrob Alexander Skarsgrd developing a dominant/submissive BDSM relationship with costar Harry Melling.I have an aptitude for devotion, Melling (Colin) says in the teaser when asked about his relationship with Ray (Skarsgrd).And buy yourself a butt plug, Ray tells Colin in an instantly viral scene from the teaser. Youre too tight.Yet, beyond the eroticism in Skarsgrds new queer film written and directed by Harry Lighton the gays flooded social media feeds with even more thoughts and thirst over the Swedish actor supposedly coming out of the closet in a new interview.Even though Skarsgrds quote in that particular interview has seemingly been misinterpreted, the actor does have a long history with the LGBTQ+ community. Ahead, check out some of the Pillion actors most memorable moments and statements involving queer people, culture, aesthetics, and experiences including his latest red carpet stintWhats the story of Alexander Skarsgrds gay uncle? Alexander Skarsgrd in Pillion.A24Skarsgrd was interviewed by Pride Source in 2016 as he promoted the live-action film The Legend of Tarzan for Warner Bros. Pictures. In the interview, he discussed having a gay uncle (who also happened to be his godfather).I dont know if you know this, but gay men love you, the Pride Source reporter said.Skarsgrd replied, Oh, really?They do, the reporter teased. Is that surprising to hear?Skarsgrd said, I dont know how to answer that question, but thank you. That's very flattering to hear. It's always been the most natural thing to me because my uncle and godfather is a gay man. So, growing up even as a little toddler it was just as natural as being straight.My aunt would show up with her husband, and my uncle would show up with his husband, the actor added. He was, by far, out of my fathers four siblings, the most fashionable and the most trendy, cool guy. So, when I was a kid, he was the one I looked up to. I thought he was really badass: Fit and awesome and cool, and obviously not just because he was gay. When I became a teenager and the kids made fun of other teenagers who were gay, I never really understood that.Skarsgrd concluded, It just baffled me because my idol, my godfather, was gay And he was the coolest guy I knew. I just couldnt understand how that could be an insult.What was Alexander Skarsgrds sexuality on HBOs True Blood? Ryan Kwanten and Alexander Skarsgrd on True Blood.HBOSkarsgrd reached new heights in his career and became a certified Hollywood sex symbol while playing pansexual vampire Eric Northman on HBOs True Blood. At the time, some critics argued that the series was too gay a criticism that Skarsgrd felt was ridiculous.What was so interesting about the show was that it wasnt on the nose, Skarsgrd told Pride Source. Its obviously a cultural reference and a metaphor A lot of the storylines are metaphors for the strife people in the LGBT community experience, but it's done in a very subtle way, where people who have never met anyone who's gay or who have prejudice toward that community would still embrace the show and would still come up (to me) and be super excited about it.They also would love Lafayette I mean, a Black gay man. What [creator] Alan [Ball] did was beautiful and it was groundbreakingIn this instance, a lot of people who didnt have anyone close to them in the LGBT community suddenly had someone in their living room every Sunday night that they loved.Whats Alexander Skarsgrds advice for straight actors doing gay sex scenes? Alexander Skarsgrd at the premiere screening of Infinity Pool at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2023 in Park City, Utah.Frazer Harrison/Getty ImagesSkarsgrd was also not concerned, when asked in 2016, about doing gay sex scenes on True Blood. In fact, he even shared some advice with straight actors who might feel tense and/or uncertain.You just have to embrace it. I had two gay sex scenes on the show; theyre incredible scenes, the actor recalled. I remember talking to Theo [Alexander], who played the Greek lover of Russell Edgington [played by Denis OHare], and that was the first gay sex scene I had on True Blood. Hes also a straight guy and he was nervous; he had never kissed a guy before. I just said, Look at the scene. Its this nemesis. When he comes in, it gets seductive.Skarsgrd elaborated, If we commit to this, its going to be an amazing scene, and we're going to be very happy with it forever. If we hold back, thats when it gets awkward.Lady Gagas poisoned lover in the Paparazzi music video (2009) was played by Alexander Skarsgrd. Alexander Skarsgrd starring in Lady Gagas Paparazzi music video.Interscope RecordsSkarsgrd also discussed the idea that his gay following mightve grown even more after he starred in Lady Gagas 2009s music video of Paparazzi.I wasnt famous at all. I wore a wig in the first season of True Blood, so no one ever recognized me, Skarsgrd told Pride Source. But my friend Jonas kerlund is a tremendous music video director and called me and said, Hey, Im directing this video for an artist. Her name is Lady Gaga. Id heard her name, but didn't know much about her.kerlunds pitch, according to Skarsgrd? You throw her off the balcony and then she comes back and she poisons you. The actor added, It sounded like a fun love story, so of course I said yes. I had a super fun day.For context, Paparazzi was the first installment of Gagas planned trilogy of music videos that have Telephone (featuring Beyonc) as part two. Fans have been eagerly anticipating a third video to conclude the trilogy which would probably involve kerlund as director, and perhaps even flashbacks with Skarsgrd? One can dream!TKAlexander Skarsgrd attended a movie premiere in full glamazon drag. Actors Bel Powley and Alexander Skarsgrd, alongside director Marielle Heller, at the premiere screening of The Diary Of a Teenage Girl in August 2015.Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images Picture it: Castro Theatre, San Francisco, 2015.Skarsgrd and his full height of 64 walked the red carpet for his latest movie, The Diary of a Teenage Girl, in full glamazon drag And even looked gorge, one could say.When was Alexander Skarsgrd spotted at a gay nightclub? (@) Yes, Skarsgrd seemingly out of nowhere appeared at a gay venue in Sweden named Club Backdoor in September 2023.As a 64 man who also happens to be a big Hollywood star, lets just say that it wasnt entirely difficult for people at the club to spot him. Throughout the night, the actor was seen in several pictures and videos that showed him dancing and having a great time. See on Instagram In one particular photo, Skarsgrd was seen posing alongside out-of-drag Vanity Vain a drag artist who competed on Drag Race Sverige season 1 and subsequently returned to Mama Rus queendom for RuPauls Drag Race Global All Stars. In the picture, the actor was even seen wearing Vanity Vain merch.Hollywood kissed me and wore my merch, the Drag Race alum wrote in the caption. In a report from that wild night from Gayety, Club Backdoor was described as Scandinavias biggest gay club.Alexander Skarsgrd and Pedro Pascal kissed at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. (@) Pillion premiered at the 78th Cannes Film Festival and received a seven-minute standing ovation from the audience.As Skarsgrd felt all the love that he and the film received from the festivalgoers, Skarsgrd returned it two-fold with a warm embrace and by planting a wet one on the cheek of a smiling Pedro Pascal who was on his feet, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter. The concept of two Hollywood heartthrobs kissing each other at a film festival to celebrate that a new project has been well-received A beautiful concept, honestly.How did Alexander Skarsgrd and Jack McBrayer become such close friends? (@) Another intense discourse regarding Skarsgrds sexuality involves fellow actor Jack McBrayer, best known for playing Kenneth The Page Parcell on 30 Rock (the hit NBC series created by Tina Fey after she left Saturday Night Live).Lets circle back to what we do know for a fact. Skarsgrd and McBrayer have been friends since 2012 as they attended the same Hollywood events and found out that they happened to be neighbors (per Cracked).The publication outlined that the two actors have been to NASCAR races together, coffee shop dates, and Skarsgrd even took McBrayer as his date to the 2018 SAG Awards during his Big Little Lies stint. Otherwise, the duo starred together in a Funny or Die video.Theyre two Hollywood stars who have known each other for 13 years and bonded during a period when they were neighbors. The comedy bit of McBrayer being taken to award shows by Skarsgrd is hilarious, too, but thats really all there is to it. Did Alexander Skarsgrd come out in an interview for Pillion? Alexander Skarsgrd and Harry Melling in Pillion.A24 Thousands of fans have taken to social media to gleefully comment on and/or react to Skarsgrd seemingly coming out in an interview with Variety. While its totally possible for a person to come out at any stage in life, its important to note that this particular new statement from Skarsgrd was not a coming-out story.When asked if his real-life experiences played a factor in this performance as a biker gang leader who develops a dominant/submissive relationship with a younger man (played by Melling) in Pillion, Skarsgrd noted that its not really relevant what my background is.The actor added, What Ive done in the past, who Ive been with, men, women To me, what was important was that this felt like an opportunity to tell a story about a subculture I hadnt seen portrayed this way with so much authenticity. (@) Mikelle Street perfectly articulated the misunderstanding that is happening here. What he said is that its not relevant whether hes been with men or women, he wrote on X/Twitter. He didnt say Ive been with men and women. A comma, used in a list can be used as and or it can be used as or. In this sentence, context says or!The first comma in Skarsgrds answer is also worth paying attention to. The actor essentially said that playing this character had nothing to do with who he has been with. So, it doesnt matter if he had been with men, or with women, in the past. He still approached the performance in the same way.Alexander Skarsgrd brings leather daddy energy to the BFI red carpet. Alexander Skarsgrd in an interview with the British Film Institute at the 69th BFI London Film Festival.Instagram (@britishfilminstitute) Skarsgrd made headlines once again at the Headline Gala screening of Pillion during the 69th BFI London Film Festival held on Saturday, October 18. While it made sense for the actor to reference the theme/aesthetic of the film itself while attending this screening, he certainly wasnt obligated to do any of that. (Thankfully, he did.)Styled by Harry Lambert, Skarsgrd wore a full look from Ludovic de Saint Sernins fall 2025 collection, Anna Cafolla wrote for Vogue. A white, backless halter-neck shirt with a skinny leather tie, with tight, lace-up leather pants, and chunky round-toe Jimmy Choo boots.Skarsgrd went even more viral while raising his left arm during an interview with the British Film Institute, showing off his strong arms and armpit hair seemingly by accident.Who is Alexander Skarsgrds wife? Alexander Skarsgrd and Tuva Novotny alongside Christos Nikou at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival at Palazzo del Cinema in Venice, Italy.Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for LexusSkarsgrd isnt legally married and thus doesnt have a wife but has been in a relationship with Swedish actress Tuva Novotny since 2022, as reported by numerous publications like Elle.In 2023, Skarsgrd confirmed to Entertainment Tonight that he and Novotny had just welcomed their first child. Despite being in the film industry for more than two decades, Novotny has famously kept a private life.Pillion is coming to theaters in 2026

Outwit, outplay, outlast.Hosted by Jeff Probst for a milestone total of at least 50 seasons now, Survivor hasnt necessarily been outwardly marketed for LGBTQ+ viewers, but has always attracted a very loyal queer audience while featuring various out and proud contestants on a reality competition series airing on broadcast television. Each season, one Sole Survivor gets to outwit, outplay, and outlast all other castaways, and takes home the grand prize of $1 million dollars.There have been waves of positive and negative LGBTQ+ representation on Survivor and, with it, equally varying waves of queer interest in the franchise. Though this reality series started out strong displaying gay people being just as imperfect (but also just as strong to compete and even win the show) as everyone else, things took a bit of a negative turn in earlier seasons that followed Survivor: Borneo (season 1), and then more positive periods of representation over the years, too.As Survivor reaches 50 seasons and celebrates 25 years of being on the air, it is now a bit clearer to assess, critique, and praise the show for its overall LGBTQ+ visibility faults and all. Ahead, a deep dive exploring some of the most noteworthy LGBTQ+ contestants from Survivor history.Sonja Christopher Survivor: Borneo (Season 1)Sonja Christopher made history in three pretty iconic ways as a contestant on Survivor: Borneo, the first-ever season of show. For one, she was the first out lesbian contestant of the series. Moreover, Sonja was 63 years old while competing, holding the record for oldest woman to ever play Survivor.As member of the Tagi tribe on Survivor, Sonja underperformed in the first-ever Immunity Challenge of the entire U.S. franchise. This was a big enough reason for others in the Tagi tribe to vote her out at Tribal Council, bringing us to Sonjas third milestone: She was the first person to ever get eliminated from Survivor.Sonja reportedly passed away in April 2024 at age 87. Even as the CBS series reaches its 50th season, Sonja would still hold her records and be remembered fondly for being a pioneer in this wild game that still excites fans from all over the world.Richard Hatch Survivor: Borneo (Season 1)The first-eliminated castaway of Survivor: Borneo was a lesbian, and the winner of that first season was a gay man named Richard Hatch. In hindsight, its increasingly hard to divorce the LGBTQ+ community from a show that, for so long, was considered a more masculine alternative to 2000s reality TV shows like Americas Next Top Model, Project Runway, American Idol, and even Big Brother.Besides being an out gay man, Hatchs victory felt notable at the time because he wasnt as lean or athletic as some of his competitors (and most winners that followed Survivor: Borneo). Hatch was also very comfortable walking around naked in the wilderness, which led to a naked fat guy description that didnt seem to bother him.Hatchs public life as the OG Survivor winner has been one of the most intense roller-coaster rides in reality TV history. Between accusing producers of cheating, going to jail for alleged tax evasion while insisting on his innocence, returning for the first-ever Survivor: All-Stars (season 8), competing on The Biggest Loser, and his cheeky return for House of Villains season 2, Hatchs life has been wildly eventful, to say the least.Brandon Quinton Survivor: Africa (Season 3)Brandon Quinton was a 25-year-old bartender from Dallas, Texas when he competed in the third season of series, dubbed Survivor: Africa.Looking back on his reality TV run, Quinton told Entertainment Weekly in a 2021 interview that he was extremely proud that CBS chose to have a really flamboyant (out) gay character on the number-one show in the country, back in 2001 even if he felt like he didnt come off as a beloved character to viewers at the time.Quinton finished Survivor: Africa in eighth place overall just a few days prior to the merger phase of season 3.John Carroll Survivor: Marquesas (Season 4)The typical villainous gay person archetype which can be fun in certain contexts and specific periods in mainstream media was employed in its full shady force against John Carroll on Survivor: Marquesas.Even though this show is all about reaching ones extremes and playing what can be described as a ruthless game, Carroll was edited out to be a cruel villain who was in direct opposition to one of the biggest fan-favorite Survivor players of all time: Rob Mariano, a.k.a. Boston Rob.During season 4 of the show, Boston Rob literally outed Carroll to an entire tribe and then called him a big time queer in a confessional interview, doubling down on the outing for TV audiences. An absolutely wild and unbelievable moment for this show, even back then.Ami Cusack and Scout Cloud Lee Survivor: Vanuatu (Season 9)For both positive and negative reasons, the journeys of Ami Cusack and Scout Cloud Lee were intrinsically linked on Survivor: Vanuatu. The season, which aired in 2004, introduced Cusack as a 31-year-old coffee barista from Lakewood, Colorado; and Lee as a 59-year-old rancher from Stillwater, Oklahoma.On the positive side, the show cast two out lesbians who represented different generations of queer identity, and who they made history when forming a strategic alliance on Survivor: Vanuatu that went against the historically misogynistic and homophobic portrayals of women competing against one another in mainstream media.Cusack and Lee had also been in loving relationships for a while which couldve been another positive moment for the show, but went completely sideways once both of them made it to the famous loved ones visit moment in every Survivor season. As acknowledged by Michael Block on Collider:Ami was visited by her girlfriend, Christy, and Scout was visited by her life partner, Annie Both couples were greeted with a kiss, but producer Mark Burnett removed them from the show in hopes of protecting his franchise by not showing a lesbian kiss at the 8 oclock hour.Ozzy Lusth Survivor: Cook Islands (Season 13)Ozzy Lusth has been one of the biggest heartthrobs in Survivor history, which meant that queer fans of the series were found malfunctioning when he casually came out as bisexual in 2022 while standing up against his Republican Colleagues in a tweet (now X post).Over the years, Ozzy competed on Survivor: Cook Islands (finishing as runner-up), Survivor: Micronesia (finishing in 9th place), Survivor: South Pacific (finishing in 4th place), and Survivor: Game Changers (finishing in 12th place).Parvati Shallow Survivor: Cook Islands (Season 13)The reality TV legend Parvati Shallow started her journey back in 2006, on Survivor: Cook Islands, when she was introduced to the public as a 23-year-old boxer from West Hollywood, California. Parvati finished that first season in sixth place and became an immediate favorite to come back for another season.And that, she did! Parvati returned to compete on Survivor: Micronesia - Fans vs. Favorites (season 16) and went on to win the show. She came back again for Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains (season 20), and impressively almost won the show again, finishing as runner-up. Parvatis third comeback season was on Survivor: Winners at War, the all-winners cycle that awarded a $2 million grand prize to its winner. Unfortunately, the odds werent in Parvs favor in WaW, leading to her finish in 15th place.Parvati came out as queer in December 2023 after Winners at War, but before she returned for another season of reality TV while announcing that she was in a relationship with actor and comedian Mae Martin.After being reintroduced to reality TV viewers, as well as new wave of fans, during her run on The Traitors season 2, Parvati was eventually cast on the juggernaut season Survivor: Australia V The World, where she won the competition and became one of very few two-time Survivor winners in history.Todd Herzog Survivor: China (Season 15)It took 14 other seasons for the series to crown its next out gay winner, Todd Herzog, on Survivor: China. At the time, Herzog was a 22-year-old flight attendant from Pleasant Grove, Utah, and identified himself as a superfan of the show.Unlike Hatch, Herzogs placement as a Survivor winner was much more unanimously celebrated due to his infectious love for the game and that he wasnt perceived negatively by any particular major sector of the fandom. Quite the opposite: Herzog remains one of the most popular Survivor winners of all time gay or otherwise.Spencer Duhm Survivor: Tocantins (Season 18)Spencer Duhm had a very memorable run on Survivor: Tocantins as an 18-year-old student from Gainesville, Florida who identified as an out gay man but still feared any repercussions related to his sexuality.Unlike so many other out gay contestants fans had seen on Survivor over the years who, ridiculed/erased or not, were old enough to be sure of themselves, Duhm was very young while competing on the show and was scared of having his sexuality weaponized against him. Within the universe of Survivor, he was also challenged to find a balance between being perceived as a controversial gay castaway like Hatch, or like a very similar (young, gay, superfan) castaway like Herzog.It was unfortunate to see Duhm crumbling under pressure and placing 12th on Survivor: Tocantins despite having so much potential to go further.Zeke Smith Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X (Season 33)Zeke Smith became the first-ever trans man to compete the show during his run on Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X, but unfortunately had that experience tainted by a fellow competitor a gay man literally outing him as trans during a Tribal Council.Why havent you told anyone youre transgender? the gay competitor had the nerve to ask. Zeke replied that he didnt want to be labeled the trans Survivor player, but just Zeke the Survivor player, like everyone else.Zeke thankfully received support from his fellow tribe members who were furious at the situation and immediately voted out the man who was responsible for the outing.Erika Casupanan Survivor 41 (Season 41)Erika Casupanan competed on Survivor 41 as a 31-year-old communications manager from Toronto, Ontario and ultimately went on to win the entire season. Though she wasnt out when the season aired in December 2021, she did come out two years later in a pretty memorable Instagram post that had reality TV fans losing their minds.Erika wrote in her coming out post shared on Instagram:Throwback to last New Years Eve when I tried to do the eat grapes while sitting under a table at midnight and youll get a boyfriend by the end of the year trend, but I didnt have grapes, so I chugged wine and instead that year I realized Im a lesbian. Close enough, right? [rainbow emoji].Albeit retroactively, Erika became the first lesbian Survivor winner and we know thats right!

YouTuber, podcaster, and content creator Derek Roiter, best known as The Drag Detective, has been building a drag reality competition series of his own, Drag Duel, which premieres its third season today on YouTube with financial support from fans on Patreon.Its fun because the first season of Drag Duel, we made every mistake we possibly could have made because of course you do! Roiter tells Out. We improved a lot in season 2, but felt that we could still up this; we can still make this better. Season 3 truly feels like the idea that I had all the way back in 2023, when we were planning season 1. This is what it truly was, and now we finally have the experience, and the financial means, and all the things to make it what we wanted it to be in the first place. So, this really feels like its just a big moment, you know what I mean? Everything has just gone so much better this time.The series is cohosted by Roiter himself and drag artist Bucy. In season 3, theyll be joined by the two previous winners of Drag Duel: Hydra (season 1) and Dom Parinyon, (season 2). We were actually inspired by Dragula having Landon Cider come back so much, he notes.Bucy and I make the challenges, judge the challenges, do all of the behind the scenes stuff But we dont really know what its like to be in the hot seat doing these challenges and feeling all that pressure, Roiter says. People who have been through this can give insight to Bucy and I. Theyre also able to give really great critiques and advice to the cast because they know what it feels like. Hydra; Dom Parinyon in the trailer for Drag Duel season 3.YouTube (@DragDuel)And since were on the topic of sharing feedback and giving critiquesThe Drag Detectives most notorious video series, The Riggory Of, features Roiter narrating each episode of a past RuPauls Drag Race season and evaluating how fair or rigged he believes the critiques were. (The rigging concept within reality TV dates back to the first season of Survivor, when contestant Stacey Stillman reportedly sued the production team, alleging that they had rigged the contest to get her voted off the show instead of another contestant The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.)Terms like rigged and riggory are less literal and severe these days, but its still interesting to see the one and only creator of The Riggory Of videos now making and judging his own reality competition show for its third consecutive year. You know if I had a show and it was rigged I would be reaped through the coals, Bernardo! Itd be over for me, Roiter admits with both self-awareness and sense of humor. There will be no Riggory Of Drag Duel season 3 videos, I could tell you that.An exciting lineup of guest judges will join Roiter, Bucy, Hydra, and Dom Parinyon in the judging panel of Drag Duel season 3. These special judges include The Boulet Brothers Dragula: Titans season 2 star Blackberri, plus Drag Race alumni DeJa Skye and Megami. The queen who Protects Queer Art herself! Roiter says of the latter. Blackberri; DeJa Skye; Megami on Drag Duel season 3. YouTube (@DragDuel) Other guest judges appearing on Drag Duel season 3 are actor Daniel Franzese (Mean Girls, Looking), Chicago drag queen Twink Trash, and model/content creator Vivian Wilson. She already followed us, Roiter says of Wilson. So I reached out and I was like, We would love to have you be a guest judge. And shes like, I was going to ask you, but I didnt want to sound like a nerd. And I was like, No, please! Come on.The drag warriors competing on Drag Duel season 3 will experience quite a few twists during this cycle. We kind of reused a lot of the challenges from season 1 into season 2, and we do bring back a couple of challenges for season 3. But we did a lot of new challenges. And, with that, comes new ways to judge, Roiter teases. Were testing challenges, seeing what works, seeing what doesnt.Roiter explains that all runway categories for season 3 aimed to set up all warriors whether drag queens, kings, or in-betweens to succeed. We have an urban legends runway. We have a tarot card runway, Roiter explains. We gave them the space to be as creative as possible, and they absolutely ran with it.Season 3 will also see the return of power-ups on Drag Duel, but this time making more room for strategic moves. There are a lot more opportunities to actively sabotage another warriors package and their submission, Roiter notes. As cliques and alliances start to form, theyre just going to be taking hits left and right at each other. The cast of warriors competing on Drag Duel season 3. Instagram (@dragduel) Roiter notes that Drag Duel season 3 has a lot of really different personalities that simply do not get along. So do expect some drama, mama. But beyond warrior-on-warrior drama, the stakes are higher this season for queens like Shafrania, who lives in Russia. Shes doing drag in a country where queer people are not accepted So were going to see, when someone is living in a country like that, what is their drag like? How do they approach what they do with their drag? Roiter muses.We also have someone from Croatia, and the Balkan region is very anti-LGBTQ+, he points out. Were going to get to see a lot of really cool stories of trans people, trans masc, trans femme, people from different countries Its just really cool to see the bonds that they make, and the conversations that can be had through their varied backgrounds.This season of Drag Duel also includes the first-ever returning warrior of the entire series, Glass Staine, who competed in season 1 but dropped out of the show back then.It wasnt because she was upset with anything, she just had a rough financial situation at the time, Roiter recalls, who clarifies that Glass Staine was not invited or favored to return. She put in the application, did the audition, did the interview, and the whole thing. When we looked at who we wanted to see on the season, it just felt correct to give her a real shot. Glass Staine on Drag Duel season 3.Instagram (@dragduel)On the heels of Revrys King of Drag having just aired its first season, Roiter passionately advocates for more drag king representation on all drag shows, including his own. In fact, Dom Parinyon a drag king won Drag Duel season 2 after having slayed the entire competition, from start to finish, Roiter says, and Parinyon is now joining Roiter and Bucy as a main judge for season 3.When asked about the never-ending discourse about drag kings competing on shows like Drag Race alongside drag queens, Roiter doesnt mince words: That was part of the experiment of Drag Duel on season 1. I felt like kings and things and monsters and queens could all coexist in the same competition, and we realized very quickly that was the case. Do you have to make sure that the runway prompts can fit every style of drag? Yes. Do you have to make sure that there are a couple male songs in that the kings could get to do? Yes. But its just tweaking a few things.Roiter also reflects on the fans response to Dom Parinyon competing on and winning the second season of Drag Duel. The amount of comments on our posts and videos of Dom Parinyon in season 2 Like, Id never heard of a drag king, but all it took was watching Dom Parinyon once, and I suddenly am a fan. Or people saying, I never liked drag kings, but Dom, you made me a fan.Sometimes it just takes the exposure to make people a fan, or to make people understand the art form better, Roiter argues. While many influencers, YouTubers, TikTokers, etc., dont confront the business part of show business for as long as they can avoid it, Roiter has been an exceptionally wise content creator over the years.From diversifying his channels of distribution to creating content franchises that he can rely on for steady engagement to even launching his very own drag competition series on the internet, its not surprising that Roiter is fully prepared to answer a question about the current administrations onslaught of censorship over content ranging from the erasure of LGBTQ+ history from government websites and cultural spaces to attempts to censor late-night talk shows and comedians which has been a dizzying concern for many queer and trans content creators, as well as drag queens specifically.Generally, LGBTQ+ creators who make a living on ad-supported platforms like YouTube and Twitch, and/or monetize from social networks like Instagram and TikTok, fear that theyll soon face revised guidelines that could directly target content made by and for minority groups. For instance, a makeup tutorial video from a drag queen could be flagged as inappropriate in a world where conservatives argue that drag artists are dangerous for children no matter how nonsensical that sounds.My entire revenue, my YouTube channel [Drag Detective] and Drag Duel, everything is dependent on queer content being allowed to be pushed into the algorithm, Roiter considers. And Ive noticed and Ive talked to some other creators as well since recent events, the views are not coming in as they used to.So what now? Derek Roiter in a poster for Drag Duel season 3.Instagram (@dragduel)Drag Duel is 100 percent, fully funded by the fans and the people who want to watch it, Roiter says. Theres obviously an audience that wants this type of content, and wants this type of queer representation, on their televisions. Around the world, all kinds of people you could imagine. So, it is needed, and it is necessary.For Roiter, the show must and will go on no matter what changes and what challenges come his way. For me, whether we have to move platforms, or whatever we need to do, were going to keep making this show.Its important to uplift these voices, especially trans voices, who need help at the moment from allies both inside and outside the queer community, he goes on. So it is our job, I think, as queer people, to use our platforms to help. A show like Drag Duel is perfect for them to show off their art and their stories.Roiter highlights that so much fear-mongering leads to people just making assumptions about our community. But when theyre just shown, This is who we are, and this is what we represent As long as they have an open mind, theyre going to be OK with it. Theyre going to fall in love with the art that we create.Drag Duel season 3 premieres today, and drops weekly new episodes every Monday at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT on YouTube for free. Fans can support Drag Duel and access bonus content by subscribing to the shows official page on Patreon.

Boots heartthrob Max Parker appeared as a guest on Ive Never Said This Before hosted by Tommy DiDario. During the interview, Parker discussed his musical theater background, adding that he even got to work alongside Cynthia Erivo on a wild West End production.After telling DiDario that he had been starring in various West End musicals for five years Matilda the Musical, Guys and Dolls Parker joked that he can barely touch his toes at the moment.The actor also discussed working with Erivo on a truly bonkers West End musical that satirized The X Factor. It was called I Cant Sing, Parker explained. It was sort of this farce musical written by a comedian called Harry Hill, and it was the strangest, funniest thing.The actor added, Simon Cowell was an alien trying to steal money for his planet. I stopped like Cynthia getting through the audition. There was this, like, huge blow-up mouth at the back of the stage, and I came in as a fly and, like, home to tongue. It was just the weirdest show. Simon Cowell at a photo-call at RADA in London to launch the X Factor Musical I Cant Sing.Sean Dempsey/PA Images via Getty Images Nonetheless, Parker recalled that I Cant Sing opened doors for him, like performing at the Royal Variety Performance. As a Brit, such like a big tick, he said.Elsewhere in the interview, Parker recalled that he did cheerleading when he was younger. More specifically, a dance style called disco in the U.K, describing it as a highly competitive world.I just used to do it because I had so much energy as a kid. My sisters were doing it And then both my sisters ended up quitting, and I kept on with it, Parker explained, laughing.This brand-new episode of I've Never Said That Before with Tommy DiDario, featuring Max Parker, drops on Tuesday, October 21 on iHeart.

2025 Out100 honoree Lauren Chan is officially married!Chan, a former Glamour fashion editor, made history in 2025 as the first lesbian model on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.Now, she's celebrating another milestone as she has announced her marriage to director Hayley Kosan.See on InstagramThe two shared the good news on Instagram, where they posted several pictures of their intimate city hall wedding. Chan wore white pants witha white corset top, and Kosan wore a similar black outfit, both custom-made by DON NIC.See on InstagramThe couple also shared a video showing different moments from their wedding day.See on InstagramThe couple announced their engagement in March of 2025 with a simple post saying "WE'RE ENGAGED!!!!"Chan has been featured in the SI Swimsuit issue three times, with the first being in 2023.That year, she also wrote an essay published in the magazine where she announced that she had divorced her husband and was coming out as a lesbian. Now, she's found love again.

George Santos, the gay Republican congressman from New York who was sentenced to seven years in prison for fraud and identity theft, had his sentence commuted by President Donald Trump on Friday. Not too soon after his release, he started making the rounds on national media outlets to talk about his experience, thank Trump, and answer the biggest question: What's next?During his appearance on CNN, he talked about the way in which he found out that his sentence had been commuted by the president. "I had no expectations, I wasn't even aware until I had learned about it off of the chyron of mainstream media inside the prison myself," the disgraced congressman said. "I had just been released from segregated isolation after 41 days for absolutely no valid reason other than a retaliatory warden." See on Instagram The interviewer interjected and clarified, "I mean, that's incredible. You were standing in prison, you looked up at the television and that's where you saw your sentence was commuted?" He responded and said, "More like I didn't see it, other inmates saw it and called me over to see it. I was not in the room at the time and then I made my way to see it. I called my family and they told me it happened. But I was not aware it was a surprise."Santos pleaded guilty to 23 felony crimes including falsifying records, wire fraud, and identity theft and was sentenced to prison in 2023. This made him the sixth expelled member of Congress in U.S. history and the first one in more than 20 years. In a post uploaded to Truth Social, Trump said that Santos was "horribly mistreated" and wrote, "I just signed a commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, immediately. Good luck George, have a great life.It's unclear exactly what he plans to do with this freedom, but during that same CNN appearance, he was asked if he planned to pay the $374,000 he owes in restitution (money that is owed to victims) "if it's required by law." He said, "I can do my best to do whatever the law requires of me. So I dont know what that is. Ive been out of prison for two days. I agreed to come here to speak with you candidly and openly and not to obfuscate." Adding, "If its required of me by the law, yes. If its not, then no. I will do whatever the law requires me to do.In an interview on Fox & Friends, he argued that he didn't have to pay restitution. "I do not have any pendencies with the law anymore," he said. "I have no restitution. I have no probation." In the same appearance, he thanked Trump directly and said that the president had "such an amazing will for second chances."

It is now official: The voice actor bringing the Cowardly Lion to life in Wicked: For Good is Colman Domingo making the LGBTQ+ cast of Wicked even gayer, more talented, and more fabulous.The announcement was shared on the official social media pages for the Wicked movies. In it, the actor hides behind a plushy lion and does a face reveal to announce that he is indeed lending his voice to this iconic character.See you in Oz, Domingo says at the end of this Instagram Reel.See on InstagramWe couldnt be happier!Wicked: For Good opens November 21 in theaters.

It is now official: The voice actor bringing the Cowardly Lion to life in Wicked: For Good is Colman Domingo making the LGBTQ+ cast of Wicked even gayer, more talented, and more fabulous.The announcement was shared on the official social media pages for the Wicked movies. In it, the actor hides behind a plushy lion and does a face reveal to announce that he is indeed lending his voice to this iconic character.See you in Oz, Domingo says at the end of this Instagram Reel.See on InstagramWe couldnt be happier!Wicked: For Good opens November 21 in theaters.

Rolling Stone recently unveiled the lineup for its annual "Musicians on Musicians" series and two queer artists, Janelle Mone and Lucy Dacus were paired up together for a conversation about their artistry. The their cover story was the third one in the series following Paramore's Hayley Williams paired up with super producer Jack Antonoff and the pop legend Cyndi Lauper in conversation with pop newcomer Gracie Abrams. Mone and Dacus (wearing matching Thom Browne blazers) chatted about their influences and music making process over the years, but they also delve into their personal relationships with their gender identity.The conversation shifted from talking about the rise of AI and its place in the music industry to how the two of them grew up Baptist. Mone spoke about how she was raised with the idea of "covering up" to protect herself from men being attracted to her."My bodily autonomy is important, and my freedom cannot be choked so that you cannot have urges to want to rape me or molest me or violate my body," Mone said. "Do not ask me to choke my freedom to make you comfortable. I spent a lot of time unlearning that, and also pushing my boobies down, because it was something that I was made to feel more ashamed of, versus confident within and in celebratory of." See on Instagram Dacus says, "Now youre tits-out on the album cover." To which Mone adds, "I guess Im making up for lost time. I dont know. But Im also just honoring my body and saying, 'Im sorry.' Im sorry that I didnt know that it wasnt my fault."The Age of Pleasure singer came out as nonbinary back in 2022 on an episode of Red Table Talk, saying, "I'm nonbinary, so I just don't see myself as a woman, solely ... I feel like god is so much bigger than the 'he' or the 'she.' And if I am from God, I am everything." She said that she would continue to use she/her pronouns but in a Los Angeles Times interview that say year, Mone clarified that her "pronouns are free-ass motherfuckerand they/them, her/she."Dacus went on to talk about how she views gender and her thoughts on playing with masculinity and femininity. "If I was told 'You have to be one way forever,' I would be like, maybe lifes not for me," the "Night Shift" singer said. "Its very important every day to wake up and be like, 'Is it boy day or girl day?' Or on tour, especially if we do two nights in the same city. Ill have boy night, girl night."Dacus continued, "I dont think you need to choose. Even if the words dont follow. For some people its really important to find the words, and for me, its more important to find the inhabiting. That took a while. As youre saying, growing up Baptist, I didnt grow up with a ton of examples of people who I would describe as free. If I ever saw one out of the corner of my eye, theyd be vilified. Or not even just vilified, but made fun of. And youre like, 'I dont want to be a pariah. Ill keep in my lane.'"

From competing in local beauty pageants to creating avant garde looks from banana leaves and curtains, queer Filipinos know fashion. What better place to showcase this talent than the illustrious design competition show Project Runway, hosted by Heidi Klum? Below is a short but non-exhaustive list of Filipinos who have competed on the hit reality [...]The post FIVE QUEER FILIPINOS WHO WERE ON PROJECT RUNWAY first appeared on GLAAD.

Every year on Spirit Day, millions of people around the world wear purple to take a stand against bullying and to show unwavering support for LGBTQ youth. What began as a student-led call for visibility has grown into one of the largest, most unifying acts of solidarity across media, sports, entertainment, and grassroots communities. Across [...]The post Communities of Color Lead with Love on Spirit Day 2025 first appeared on GLAAD.

See on InstagramOut actor and writer Christian Weissmann received his first-ever Daytime Emmy Award nomination in the Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series category for his performance as Remy Pryce on the long-running CBS soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful.Weissmanns headline-making first year playing the villainous Remy Pryce on B&B earned him a nomination for Emerging Talent category at the 2025 Daytime Emmys, which took place over the weekend. Weissmanns costar Lisa Yamada, was also in the category, alongside actors such as Olivia d'Abo (Fifi Garrett on The Bay), AnnaLynne McCord (Cat Greene on Days of Our Lives), and Ashley Puzemis (Holly Jonas on Days of Our Lives).Even though Weissmann didnt win the award, Yamada did, which felt like a win for The Bold and the Beautiful overall.Ahead, Out chats with Christian Weissmann and shares the exclusive photo shoot premiere of the actor getting ready to attend his first Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony as a nominee.This was your first time being nominated for an Emmy. How did it feel to become an Emmy nominee?Christian Weissmann: Yes! My first-ever nomination. I was so shocked and incredibly humbled. Working on B&B has been a dream, and playing Remy has been such a wild ride. Ive loved every minute of it.You were nominated in this category alongside your fellow The Bold and the Beautiful costar Lisa Yamada. How did it feel when you both heard the news?Yes, indeed nominated alongside my bestie, Lisa Yamada, who plays Luna on the show. Lisa was on a plane when they were announced, so I spam-texted her. As soon as she landed, we hopped on FaceTime, and we shed several tears together.How long in advance did you start preparing for what to wear at the Emmys? What was that process like?Oh god, Ive had award show Pinterest boards for years. For the Emmys in particular I started picking specific looks the day of getting the nomination; I was too excited!I wanted to go for something classic, with a little floral flair. I met my stylist Isabel Stern about a month before the awards, and she was instrumental in achieving that vision. I owe it all to her.Walk us through Emmys day: How long did it take you to get ready?Well, I woke up at 7 a.m., made eggs and coffee, then hit the gym. Then I went to the infrared sauna right after to sweat it out. Before any big day, if I can get a sauna in, its a must I get to meditate and totally decompress. Then I ran home super-fast and showered. Before I knew it, the whole team was showing up at my place. I tried on the tux one final time, then did my hair and got my makeup done.I took my mom as my date, and she also got ready right next to me, which was so fun. One of my best friends, Flo, did her makeup, which was so sweet. Then, Lisa (Yamada) came by, and we rode to the award show together.A very anxious and exciting car ride! Felt like going to prom together.What were the surprising pros and cons of attending the Emmys?It was such a spectacle. Its overwhelming, and glitzy, and glamorous, and a total blast. Having Lisa and my mama by my side was the best part.Red carpets can always be wild. This one was mayhem... but good mayhem! Lots of interviews and meeting new people.Doing it as a first-time attendee and first-time nominee was so very cool. Once we met up with our fellow costars, Crew Morrow and Laneya Grace, it was even more fun.Plus, free champagne makes everything better.You didnt take home the trophy, but your costar and bestie won! Did you do anything fun to celebrate it that night?I was rooting for Lisa for day one or even for a joint win! Thats happened twice before at the Daytime Emmys, so Lisa and I were saying that would be a dream outcome too.Lisas work on the show has been nothing short of extraordinary. I am in awe of her and she truly deserved to get that trophy. Im just so grateful to share the whole experience of the nom with her.Doing it with her made everything so special. After the awards, we went to the after party, then hit the convenience liquor store and bought some Buzz balls and copious amounts of sour candy to take home. The ideal way to end a night at the Emmys!photographer RYAN SPENCER @ryanedspencerstylist ISABEL STERN @isabelssterntux PAUL SMITH @paulsmithdesignjewelry SPINELLI KILCOLLIN @spinellikilcollinshoes KENNETH COLE @kennethcolehair/makeup DANNI DELGADO @dannidoeslifeflower arrangement WILDFLORA DESIGN @wildfloradesign

YouTubers Dan Howell and Phil Lester say that it felt like a "weight had been lifted" as soon as they came out as a couple.The pair, who has been creating YouTube videos since 2006, apparently fell in love in 2009 and have been a couple ever since. But they only recently decided to share the news publicly, posting a YouTube video to their channel last week that got over 300,000 likes.In the video, they also announced their new podcast, Hard Launch With Dan and Phil, which premiered on Monday. In the first episode, the longtime creative partners, who both came out as gay in 2019, open up about how their own hard launch went."Can I say posting that video felt like a huge relief?" Howell asks Lester on the podcast, according to People. "I just felt like a weight had been lifted. I was worried I was gonna post it, or we were gonna post it and be like, 'Oh, no. We've made a huge mistake."During the episode, Howell also relays how his therapist encouraged him to announce the relationship publicly, saying, "Dan, you need to stop being scared and just rip the plaster off." And he jokes about the news being fodder for memes."Obviously, people have processed the news that Dan and Phil have hard launched in different ways personally, and very few of them were sincere because the memes were too good," Howell says. "Actually, I feel like if people were saying beautiful, articulate things, it just got buried under hilarity."When they announced their relationship in the literally titled YouTube video last Monday, Howell and Lester approached the matter with a similar, goodnatured sense of self-deprecation.Alright, let's get this over with. Are Dan and Phil in a relationship? Howell says at the start of the video, with Lester quickly answering in the affirmative. They both then jokingly walk out of frame before saying, "Oh sorry, you wanted more, did you?" and returning to spill the details of their 16-year relationship.They explain that they were young when they started dating and felt a lot of pressure from multiple sources."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 says. "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."

The 18th issue in Elskas series dedicated to exploring the world through a gay lens is out now and has put its focus on Los Angeles. Inside the book, readers can get to know a cross-section of "ordinary" men from this extraordinary city, presented through a blend of honest photography and personal storytelling.Since I started my Elska project, weve gained a reputation for showcasing diverse and regular guys from around the world, specifically not models and celebrities, says Elska editor, writer and chief photographer Liam Campbell. Despite L.A.s reputation for perfect people with fake plastic personas, I felt that my work would be perfectly suited to the city, a place full of pre-conceived ideas that I could try to prove or disprove. I found the idea of exploring what real life for regular Angelenos was like quite fascinating.Overall, I found my time in L.A. surprising, continues Liam. "On one hand, the men I met showed me that L.A. does it exist beyond its stereotypes, but at the same time, the cultural impact of Hollywood is never far away. I also found that Elska's reputation for not featuring celebrities had to be broken here simply because meeting people in The Industry was unavoidable. I realized that this wasnt a problem, though celebrities are actually real people too!"The men in Elska Los Angeles each took part in an intimate documentary-style photoshoot that includes images of them in the streets of their city, dressed in their own style, as well as images of them in their homes, not dressed at all. Each participant was also invited to contribute a story for the issue on any topic of their choosing. Story highlights include: Drew Droege's monologue on his typical day in L.A.; Dylan Rubic's tale of a hazy morning-after struggle to find his car; Tammie Browns stream-of-consciousness recollections of growing up in Mexico and Texas to drug-dealer parents and being robbed of a lipsync win against Latrice Royale; and Grey Cottons oh-so-L.A. ode to pushing through lifes various setbacks in order to make your dreams come true.Elska Los Angeles is available in a collectible print book or in a downloadable e-book. In addition, the companion e-zine Elska Ekstra Los Angeles is available, containing eight more men and their stories, plus behind the scenes tales and hundreds of outtake images of all 21of Elskas Angeleno subjects. The publications are available for order online as well as from a select group of shops around the world. Ordering information and details of the subscription service can be found on the Elska website at elskamagazine.com.See a preview of Elska Los Angeles ahead.Alan AdolfoBB GunnCaden Gray/Sob SisterLawremce TillerGrey CottonMatthew GTammie BrownTed G.Jeremiah HeinInside ElskaPhinn S.Jeremy LucidoJose AlvesTammie BrownTrentton BarberDylan R.Inside ElskaKristopher GeeDrew Droege

After 36 years of transformative leadership, Paul Kawata, one of the longest-serving and most influential voices in the fight to end HIV, retired as Executive Director of NMAC (formerly the National Minority AIDS Council) on October 7, 2025, following the U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA) in Washington, D.C. How do you say farewell to a [...]The post Honoring Paul Kawata: A Legacy of Courage, Community, and Change first appeared on GLAAD.

Tommy Bracco an out and proud contestant from Big Brother 21 took to social media today to discuss a tumor in my spine.The BB21 player wrote, Ive been granted a miracle. For years Ive known I had a tumor in my spine that would eventually have to come out. I waited for the right time, I saw MANY doctors who all gave very different plans (the first doctor told me Im lucky if I dance again which we know now, is not true). It has been a long road; Im not out of the woods, yet but Im gonna be okay.Literally crying tears as I type this, Bracco added. That tumor danced with me on Broadway, got married with me, we traveled the world, went on my honeymoon and even competed on a TV show. And now its given me the greatest gift and thats my family. See on Instagram The reality TV star also wrote, There is no feeling like seeing your army show up for you when you need them. I am the richest man in the world because of my husband, parents, brother, family, and friends. Ill never be able to express how grateful I am to Dr Bilsky and his team for taking on my case and giving me this gift. The doctors and the staff at MSK are angels on Earth doing Gods work!Of course I was scared but I kept reminding myself all along that Gods got me, what was meant for me would be, and that I could handle anything brought my way, Bracco concluded. Im just so glad this was what was on the other side. Now, its time to rest up for a bit, and then Ill be back to dancing in no time. Tommy Bracco on Big Brother 21.CBSBracco made his reality TV debut in 2019 as a contestant on Big Brother 21. At the time, LGBTQ+ fans were thrilled to see an out gay man like Bracco doing so well in the competition.Though he finished in fifth place overall, Bracco was widely considered a charismatic and exciting narrator of the season in his Diary Room confessionals. He was a great competitor, too winning an HOH comp and two Power of Veto comps. See on Instagram Bracco and his partner, Joey Macli, dated for five years, got engaged in May 2023, and tied the knot in April 2025, People reports. Judging by Braccos posts, his husband was by his side the entire time.

Dear Alexander,Sex is not worth it. I refuse to do hookups. I had a bad experience; it was my first time and ended with me being blackmailed, but nothing happened. After that, I promised myself that I would never have a hookup again. I do not see the appeal anyway. All that work for really nothing. Feeling good for a little bit, then going back for more, like a drug addict.I'm not against the idea of sex; sure, there are moments when I want sex, but I just remember that one experience and decide it's not worth it. Who wants to have sex with an inexperienced virgin anyway? Am I wrong for not wanting to be part of promiscuity and choosing to let sex go?Howdy,Theres a lot to unpack here.First, Im sorry your first sexual experience was so bad. Thats not how it should go.Being blackmailed is more than a bad experience its a violation that will feel painful to anyone who lived in the closet, afraid exposure would cost them their families, jobs, or lives.This makes me think youre still in the closet. Someone can only use your sex life as leverage if youre not open or public about what you do. Being DL isnt a moral failing everyone has their own journey but coming out brings joys beyond living and loving publicly; it also brings freedom from this kind of coercion. It gives bad actors no way to use your sex life against you. When I was in the closet, anyone who knew my secret had power over me. Coming out reclaimed that power. I was free. I believe everyone, if they can, should come out. Youll be happier on the other side I promise.But back to your question: With all the risk and work that goes into it, is sex worth it? Sex carries physical and emotional risk. Its hard to be sexually active without getting an STI at least once. Its hard to have beautiful, intimate experiences and not get your heart broken. And its impossible to have a gay or queer sex life without confronting the old enemy of happiness shame.Sex is full of wonders and pitfalls. It can take years before you feel confident doing it. So its fair to ask: With all that risk and effort, is sex worth it?Ive heard many answers to this sex people (I was a sex worker for years) talk about it a lot. Invariably, someone compares it to food. Like this: If a person has never had ice cream and doesnt want it, is their life worse for abstaining? Are they missing out?Maybe not. But that comparison is faulty.Sex is not like ice cream. Its not, despite how you view it, a drug. Sex is a core biological impulse one of few things humans are wired to do and want. It shapes religion, culture, art, and every industry. Its one of the foundational human experiences that unites us across time and culture. Sapphos poetry still moves gay women two thousand years later, and I cry at images of male skeletons from ancient times, still holding each other.I cant know what life was like for a peasant in the Dark Ages or a man in a hunter-gatherer tribe, but I know how desire feels that dull flame of fear and lust that swells in me when I see a beautiful naked man. I know its the same ancient thing men like me have felt for thousands of years. Its the marker of our big, big family.My desires give me a glimpse into the past and, I hope, the future. They tell me what the most intense adolescent moments felt like for some of the most interesting people who ever lived. Its all the same. Were all the same. Turning away from that isnt equivalent to refusing a drink or scoop of ice cream its refusing something that defines our humanity on this planet. There was lots of messy, painful sex at the start of my sex life. I was new. I regret lots of it. I had much to learn. But when it was good, it felt like my body was finally doing what it was made for. That first kiss, that first fuck I couldnt describe them without invoking poetry, or even prayer. Thats how big it is. Thats a big thing to reject without giving it a fair shot. With all that at stake, the refusal not the sex better be worth it.Youre not wrong for fearing it after a bad first experience. And you are always at any time free to decide hookups arent for you. Plenty of people dont like them. But if assault survivors and victims of abuse can, with therapy, find healthy sex lives again, you can too and they do. Every day, they do.The story youre building around sex that its all hookups, and its only something the experienced enjoy or deserve assumes sex is one thing. It isnt. Hookups, especially ones done with apps, are just a small part of modern sex, and Id argue one of the more stressful versions of it. There are other ways to experience intimacy. Youre rejecting all of them because of Grindr.There is such a thing as slow, intentional, caring sex that happens with trust, and that sex has little in common with the scenario that hurt you. You wont find it on Grindr, and youll find it more easily if you come out.Consider reframing your first experience this way: You learned a hard lesson about safety, boundaries, and consent. That knowledge can make you cautious if you try again and thats good. For now, I strongly recommend therapy. Find someone you can share your feelings with, bound by confidentiality to keep your information private.Abstinence might bring you peace now, but if you wait too long, sex gets harder to learn not impossible, but harder. I cant tell you how many men Ive met who wish theyd been braver when they were young. Try not to confuse this isnt right for me now with sex is meaningless. Sex can be tender, profound, and healing when you feel safe and found within it.Also, lots of people like virgins and everyone is a virgin at some point. The most advanced, piggy gay man you know was once a virgin. Theres no rule saying you cant become like him.Experience doesnt make you desirable. When youre ready, the work of finding people who make you feel safe can begin, and thats the same journey were all on. Were all just looking for the good ones. Thats life, babe.Hey there! Im Alexander Cheves. Im a sex writer and former sex workerI worked in the business for over 12 years. You can read my sex-and-culture column Last Call in Out and my book My Love Is a Beast: Confessions, from Unbound Edition Press. But be warned: Kirkus Reviews says the book is "not for squeamish readers.In the past, I directed (ahem) adult videos and sold adult products. I have spoken about subjects like cruising, sexual health, and HIV at the International AIDS Conference, SXSW, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and elsewhere, and appeared on dozens of podcasts.Here, Im offering sex and relationship advice to Outs readers. Send your question to askbeastly@gmail.com it may get answered in a future post.

The Trump administration is again engulfed in controversy over extremist rhetoric, this time involving a nominee who privately boasted about having a Nazi streak. The revelation follows a string of similar scandals exposing a culture of racist, fascist, and homophobic language within Republican ranks, from young party operatives to senior officials.Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocates email newsletter.Paul Ingrassia, a 30-year-old attorney and White House liaison at the Department of Homeland Security, is President Donald Trumps nominee to lead the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, a federal agency responsible for protecting government workers from discrimination and retaliation. But private messages obtained by Politico show Ingrassia and several Republican operatives trading Nazi-referencing jokes and racist comments.Related: Virginia Democrats call for Republican John Reid to exit lieutenant governor race in Nazi porn scandalIn one exchange, Ingrassia wrote that he has a Nazi streak in me from time to time. In others, he mocked Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday that should be tossed into the seventh circle of hell, used slurs against Asian and Indigenous people, and called for holidays tied to Black history, including Juneteenth, to be eviscerated.Ingrassias lawyer claims the remarks were satirical or manipulated, Politico reports, but lawmakers from both parties say the messages are disqualifying for a nominee to a position meant to uphold equal treatment under federal law.The scandal fits into a troubling pattern of extremist rhetoric inside the GOPs next generation. Earlier this month, Politico reported on thousands of leaked Telegram group-chat messages from the Young Republicans Restore YR War Room, where participants praised Adolf Hitler, joked about gas chambers, and made racist and homophobic remarks.Related: MSNBC guests rip JD Vance's excuse for racist Nazi textsThe chats included state Young Republican chairs and congressional aides, not anonymous fringe activists.Vice President JD Vance, who is a popular figure among the far right, deepened the uproar when he dismissed the Nazi-themed chats as kids doing stupid things. On MSNBCs All In With Chris Hayes, former Homeland Security official Miles Taylor called Vances remarks evidence of the moral rot within the party.That normalization of extremism, through dismissal, deflection, or silence, now extends to the Trump White House, which has yet to withdraw Ingrassias nomination.Related: Racist & fascist Young Republicans unmasked by PoliticoThe controversy coincides with another Nazi-linked uproar in Republican politics. In Virginia, lieutenant-governor nominee John Reid faces calls to resign after American Journal News reported that a Tumblr account connected to him posted Nazi imagery, white-power slogans, and violent sexual content. Reid, who is gay and dating a Black man, denies that the account is his.According to NBC News, Key Senate Republicans, including Sens. Rick Scott of Florida, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, and James Lankford of Oklahoma, have said they will not support Ingrassia. Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters the nomination is not going to pass. Yet the administration continues to defend its choice.

The living room of Ts Madisons Georgia home in a pristine neighborhood near of Atlanta, which she proudly calls the Ts Starter House, has become both a meeting place and a metaphor. On a Friday in October, ahead of Atlanta Pride weekend, the media entrepreneur, recording artist, and trailblazing television personality sat with Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, to tape an episode of HRCs American Dreams podcast before turning to an extended interview with The Advocate.The two women spoke at length about community, activism, and endurance and about what the Ts Madison Starter House represents for the next generation of Black transgender women.This house is a portal of firsts, Madison said. It holds so much energy. I bought it in 2007, three days before my birthday it was a gift to myself. And now I want it to be a place for the girls coming behind me.The Ts Madison Starter HouseFor Madison, the house is more than a home. Its an extension of her mission. Here, since she opened her first home to the public in March, formerly incarcerated transgender women find refuge and community to set themselves up for success. The Starter House is extremely important because here, you have to tell the girls that youre trans, she said. We want you to live completely out loud because we want you to stand in resistance. See on Instagram That sense of resistance echoed throughout her afternoon with Robinson. During their podcast recording, Robinson looked at her and said, You did that. So what is your hope for the women that will come into this Starter House?Madison didnt hesitate. I want them to plug into the energy thats in here, she said. Therell never be another Ts Madison, but therell always be a you. Use the energy and the force thats in this house to become you.Robinson smiled. Thats legacy, she said quietly.From survival to self-possessionMadisons rise has been improbable by any measure. She began as a sex worker, an online performer, turned that visibility into entrepreneurship, and eventually became one of the first Black transgender women to executive-produce and star in her own reality series, The Ts Madison Experience, on WE tv. (From left) Kelley Robinson of HRC and Ts Madison, surrounded by journalists, prepare for an interview in the living room of Madison's Georgia home, October 2025. Christopher Wiggins for The AdvocateHer journey was not without setbacks. Im important to my community because of all the failures, she said. Not in spite of them. Because of them. Its the nos, the hurt, the almosts, the doors slamming in your face. All of that was supposed to happen so I could sit here and tell somebody else whos going through it: youll make it.Shes since expanded her reach far beyond television. Madison now holds a writing credit alongside Beyonc on Renaissance. Im a Black transgender woman who has publishing with Beyonc, she said. I was a sex worker. It makes me know that my life means something not just to me, but to a whole community.Truth as powerThe days conversations often returned to the same theme: authenticity as a form of defiance.I can be crass; I can be Christian, Madison said. I can be it all. Because I know theres somebody out there exactly like me who I represent.Robinson responded with a smile. As president of the Human Rights Campaign, she said, Im happy that you cuss these people out, because you tell the truth.Madison laughed, then turned serious. Even if I cuss your ass out today, Ill still fight for your rights the same day, she said. I want people to understand that Im a human being.Being authentically who you are is the most important thing, she continued. Everybody else already has their job. Your job is to be yourself.The politics of erasureWhen The Advocate asked about the Trump administrations rollback of HIV prevention and transgender health programs, Madisons tone sharpened.If you can do something to the least of people, youre preparing to do it to the greatest, she said. These are white Christian nationalists using the name of the Lord to move wickedly through this world. Theyre not worried about anybodys safety only about power.She warned that scapegoating trans people serves a broader agenda. They distract people of color by making trans people the enemy, she said. But the real enemy is in your government. Take big business out of government. Take Christianity out of government. You cant govern people if youve never lived like the people.Robinson emphasized the human toll. Three billion dollars has been cut from HIV prevention, from mental health services, from the 988 crisis hotline, she said. Its not just about numbers. Its about people across our communities.The people have the power, Madison replied. We put them in office. They work for us.Faith, reframedMadisons faith is pragmatic, not pious. Black people need to not participate in any of that stuff, she said of far-right religious politics. These are people using Gods name to do harm. They dont care about your being, your life, your children. Its about power about their childrens children being in power.For her, resistance itself is a spiritual act. You have to resist, she said. Because if you lie down, you get run over. Standing up builds the wall they cant get through.That imagery the wall that protects rather than excludes surfaces again and again in her language. Dont lay down, she told The Advocate. The only thing thats laying down is the floor. You can walk over the floor. But you cant run through a wall.Pack it up, PaulaDuring the podcast, Robinson asked what shed say directly to President Donald Trump. Madison answered without missing a beat.Pack it up, Paula, she said, deadpan. Your shows canceled. Kelley Robinson of HRC and Ts Madison, surrounded by journalists, in the living room of Madisons Georgia home, October 2025Christopher Wiggins for The AdvocateThe HRC production team and audience in the room, including several of Madisons girls who live in the house and other friends, laughed, but Madison pivoted immediately to a critique of the U.S. Supreme Court and the nations moral direction. The Supreme Court needs to be recast like a TV show, she said. Christ wouldnt do none of this. They talk about morality and still havent given Black people reparations. You cant govern over morals and standards when youve done none of the moral work yourself.She grew more serious. We dont need allies, she said. We need accomplices. Dont pray for me. Get out here and fight with me. Dont love me at night and vote against me in the morning.Robinson agreed. When they come after people like Ts Madison, like [New York Attorney General] Tish James, she said, we have to circle around them with love and support. Thats what allyship and accomplishment mean.Get in the car, Madison added. Dont just drive by drive through.James had just been indicted by the Department of Justice weeks after Trump thought he had sent a direct message to Attorney General Pam Bondi, criticizing her for not having secured indictments of some of his enemies, like former FBI Director James Comey, who was indicted days earlier, California U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, and James.The American dreamWhen the topic turned to the American dream, Robinson told Madison, You are the American dream.Madison paused, then nodded. People think the dream is about having millions of dollars or a big house and a family, she said. I have homes. I have income. I have stability. So its achievable, even when you think its not.She spoke about her own evolution from sex work to entrepreneurship. Im not glorifying it or condemning it, she said. What Im saying is, whatever you do, make it a business. Thats what I did. I built something from it.Madisons version of the American dream is rooted in self-determination. Right now Im an entertainer, all around, she said. I dont chase. I attract. Ive set my goals. Im not going to be 50 years old trying to figure out what my best job is going to be. My job found me.A message to the next generation Before leaving, The Advocate asked what message she had for transgender women and queer youth watching her rise.I want them to know that their existence is a part of activism, she said. Exist. Dont be afraid. Dont let what you see on television scare you into hiding. Youre a gift to your family. Maybe just a unique version of what they prayed for.She paused. Our new motto has gone beyond protecting the dolls; its now about empowering them. What happens after youre protected? You step into your power. And your power is being human.Her final words were both instruction and affirmation. Youre not a trans and a teacher, she said. Youre a teacher who happens to be trans. Youre not a doctor and trans. Youre a doctor who happens to be trans. Youre all of it, at the same time.By the time the conversation ended, Madisons refrain had crystallized into a single idea: that refusing to disappear is itself an act of resistance. Kelley Robinson of HRC (pictured center, in orange) with Ts Madison and crew in the living room of Madison's Georgia home, October 2025Christopher Wiggins for The AdvocateThe importance of todays conversation is instilling hope, she said. If you watch television long enough, youll be afraid. I remember when Trump first got into office, I thought I might need surgery to blend in. Then I shook that off. You dont need to change yourself to survive. You need to stand in who you are.And then, almost as an afterthought, she smiled. I aint going nowhere.

The numbers don't lie. The Trevor Project's new Project SPARK report found that the number of LGBTQ+ youth threatened with conversion therapy doubled in just one year, from 11 to 22 percent. Those who experienced it rose from 9 to 15 percent. At the same time, access to legitimate mental health care dropped sharply, from 80 percent of those seeking help being able to access it to only 60 percent a year later.The report followed more than 1,600 LGBTQ+ young people across the United States for a full year. In that short span, anxiety rose from 57 to 68 percent. Depression climbed from 48 to 54 percent. Suicidal thoughts increased from 41 to 47 percent. These numbers are not abstract. They represent queer young people trying to survive in a world that still feels hostile to their becoming.I know what that feels like.When I was nineteen, I walked into a Christian therapist's office convinced I could make myself straight. No one forced me there. I went because I believed being accepted by my family and church community meant fixing what they said was broken in me. Conversion therapy promised that change was possible through the power of Jesus Christ. I spent eight years in conversion therapy. Those years included individual talk therapy, support groups, retreats, and annual trips to the Exodus Freedom Conference, the flagship event of the world's largest network of conversion ministries. They taught me to distrust myself, to see my sexuality as a defect, and to confuse obedience with healing.After suffering a nervous breakdown and nearly taking my own life, I left my therapist's office for the last time fifteen years ago.Three years later, in 2013, Exodus shut down and admitted that few people had ever truly changed their sexuality through its programs. I wish I could say the world learned from that reckoning. But conversion therapy's ideology didn't die when Exodus did. It evolved.In 2023, The Trevor Project identified more than 1,300 active practitioners across 48 states. Many of those groups operate below the radar and carefully avoid calling what they do conversion therapy. Instead, they have given the same old ideology a modern rebrand.In a course marketed to parents and pastors, the Changed Movement, one of the most visible modern conversion organizations, claims homosexuality stems from an "intimacy breakdown" or "relational problem" rooted in trauma and "delayed emotional development." They promise "lasting wholeness and freedom" through discipleship and prayer for those who choose to "leave" or "trade" their LGBTQ+ identity. They avoid the word change, even though it's in their name. But the message is the same: "Who you are is fundamentally broken, but with God's help you can be made whole."It is conversion therapy dressed up as pastoral care. That is what makes it dangerous.Trevor's findings confirm what survivors have said for years. Queer youth who have been threatened with or subjected to conversion efforts are twice as likely to have suicidal ideation. At the same time, Trevor found that more queer young people are reaching out for help. In one year, the number of LGBTQ+ youth turning to mental health professionals during suicidal crises doubled, from 32 to 64 percent. They are asking for help, but finding it is becoming increasingly difficult.The recent decision by the Trump administration to remove federal funding for LGBTQ-specific suicide prevention programs, including those connected to the 988 crisis line, sends a devastating message. At the very moment queer youth are seeking care, their vital lifelines are being cut. Trevor's data make clear what happens when that support disappears, and too often, it ends in tragedy.Still, there is hope. The same research shows that affirming families, supportive schools and faith communities, and access to competent mental health and gender-affirming care dramatically reduce suicide risk. When LGBTQ+ youth are supported and affirmed, their likelihood of thriving soars. For every measure of family support, the odds of suicidal ideation drop by more than half. Support doesn't just feel good. It saves lives.That is what is at stake right now. Not ideology, but survival.The Supreme Court's upcoming ruling in Chiles v. Salazar will determine whether states can continue enforcing bans on conversion therapy for minors. At the center of the case is a Colorado counselor who argues that restricting conversion therapy violates her free speech as a Christian. But this is not about speech or religious freedom. When a licensed therapist uses professional medical authority to tell a child they can or should change their sexuality, it causes irreparable harm. Every major medical and mental health organization in the country has condemned conversion practices as ineffective, unethical, and unsafe.I was one of the lucky ones. I eventually found my way out. But leaving conversion therapy didn't mean I was free. I carried its lessons for years, burying shame beneath achievement and approval until addiction filled the void. The damage didn't end when the sessions did.Recovery gave me back what religious shame had taken from me. Sobriety taught me to live honestly and how to belong without pretending. Writing and speaking about my experience now is not about reopening wounds from the past. It is about naming what nearly erased me, so no one else mistakes harm for help again.The numbers in Trevor's report tell me that thousands of queer youth are still sitting in those same therapists' chairs, trying to pray themselves into becoming someone else's idea of goodness.The language of conversion therapy may have changed, but the message hasn't. It is the same script rewritten in softer fonts. You're welcome, but only if you agree to disappear.What stands out most in Trevor's data is not just the rising distress experienced by queer youth, but also how preventable it is. One accepting adult in the life of a queer young person can change everything. One affirming community can save a life. The data back up what I've learned in my own life: affirmation heals.Today, I know what real healing looks like. It's laughter with friends and chosen family who love me exactly as I am. It's a faith community that affirms my sexuality. And it's peace that comes from being who I know I was created to be.I know what it is like to mistake shame for love. I see how the promise of transformation can sound holy when you have been told your sexuality is sinful. But fundamental transformation happens when young people are allowed to be who they were created to be.Affirmation isn't politics. It's how we keep each other alive.We cannot claim to care about the mental health of young people while defending the conditions that destroy it. We cannot call self-denial therapy when the evidence shows it breeds despair. And we cannot keep pretending conversion therapy is an issue of free speech or religious liberty.The truth is simple. LGBTQ+ youth don't need to be fixed. They need to be affirmed. They need adults and mental health professionals who see them not as problems to solve, but as lives worth celebrating and protecting.The data now say what survivors have been saying all along. Conversion therapy doesn't heal, it harms. And harm, no matter how softly it speaks, should never be protected by law. Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez stands proudly in a "conversion therapy dropout" t-shirt at the US Supreme Court building in Washington, DCJeremy Varner (provided)Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez spent nearly a decade in gay conversion therapyall while working behind the scenes at some of the most influential Evangelical Christian megachurches. After embracing his identity as a gay Christian and stepping away from church work, he co-founded Church Clarity, an organization that helps queer people find affirming faith communities. Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit Advocate.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists, and editors, and do not directly represent the views of The Advocate or our parent company, equalpride.

Love can strike when we least expect it which can admittedly be frustrating for anyone actively seeking it. But for those lucky enough to find that special someone in an unexpected moment or place, the story behind such a chance meeting becomes a key part of their shared history.To that end, people over at r/actuallesbians are sharing their own precious memories as to how they met their girlfriends. Whether they've been together for weeks, months, or even years, the stories are all pretty cute and might offer some good insight for anyone hoping to have a memorable meet cute of their own with the girl of their dreams.At a Sushi Restaurant from actuallesbians"She worked as a bartender at my favorite sushi restaurant and started flirting with me when I was waiting for my to-go order. When my order was done, she held it out to me but then pulled it away when I went to grab it. She said I could have it in exchange for my number. She texted me almost as soon as I left and kept texting me all night, and we had agreed on a date by the time I went to bed. Here we are over 4 years later and about to get married." u/flacaGT3Defending Trans Rights from actuallesbians"On our country's subreddit lol, she was defending trans rights which is quite bold in a country like ours so I just had to shoot her a dm to become friends, we played rocket league, and after two months or so we started catching feelings. It's been two and a half years now :3" u/FumetsuKuroiCulinary School (and a Sword) from actuallesbians"Wife now but we met in culinary school. We ended up working together during an event. She told me she had a sword and would send me a picture if I gave her my number. Married six years and the sword is in the bedroom to this day." u/Ashe2Ashes6Sex Toy Chat from actuallesbians"Online in reddit lol. Interesting part is she was looking for a sex toy and I was asking some queries related to that. Then after sometime we went it to the dms and chatted daily about our struggles and environment. She said she liked me and I said the same. She is always supportive of me and very kind" u/wonder_woman2506At a Company Event from actuallesbians"My girlfriend joined the company post covid so I'm 99% working from home. Shes from marketing and I'm on design so we work closely together but we've never met. I'm a very curious person so I tapped onto her Whatsapp photo and thought... oh okay, not my cup of tea."On a very rare occasion, we both needed to attend an company event. She does, I was there for a shoot. When I went to meet my editor and her by the lift, she turned around and I thought she was really beautiful. It was a black tie event so she was in a dress and heels."I couldn't stop thinking about her after that day. I find myself making excuses to go to the office just so I could meet her. I bet my boss thought it was odd that I'm suddenly so involved." u/penncakesLooking for Love (on TikTok) from actuallesbians"I met my girlfriend on a tiktok comment, she was looking for a girlfriend and I just saw her photo there and we started texting because she told me to text her if I was interested. Since then we are inseparable and we are both in Europe, we are planning to spend time together in Germany where she's from I'm from Portugal. I'm pretty sure she's my soulmate, I love her so much and I'm so happy we both are thinking about our future together...I found love true love that I thought it didn't exist anymore in this world!" u/juuhisabellComics, Obviously from actuallesbians"I literally sent her a comic page about how lesbians will say they want a girlfriend to other lesbians and then both proceed to do nothing and she replied well thats up to you and when I ask what she meant she asked me out :3" u/PurpleGemscThrough a Lesbian Social Group from actuallesbians"Moved city for work and joined a lesbian social group. Pretty much immediately ended up in what was a messy situationship but I got to know my partner there. She says she remembers when she had her first sting of jealousy at my not being her partner instead. Super cute"Anyway, when things inevitably ended badly with my ex-situationship she waited a polite while and then showed up one day with roses while I was meeting a friend. I said yes, I would like to date but I need some time to ensure I was healed enough for that. It took me maybe three days to go yeah, no, I cant let this woman slip through my fingers and we went out."Since then Ive been smitten. Its been a slow-growth relationship, weve both been burned badly before, but its allowed us the breathing room to find ourself together and know our future is shared." u/SamanthaJaneyCakeOld-Fashioned Letter Writing from actuallesbians"Through a "letter-making" app called Slowly. She lives in Finland and I live in America; the way the app works is, however long the letters take to deliver is based on distance (our letters took twenty hours, for reference)."We started as potential friends, but when I look back at our letters and remembered how I felt very early on, it was clearly going somewhere. It only took a few weeks for us to realize we liked each other; she gave me the option to either move past our feelings or see where things could go. Boldly, I decided to see what would happen. I fell in love with her a little over three months after we first started talking; we'd been texting and calling through Discord for almost two months by then. About a year after I fell in love with her, she was finally ready to make us "official", and about six months later (last month), she flew here and spent eight days with me." u/WatchfulButterfly

Janelle Mone stunned boygenius musician Lucy Dacus with a revelation about time travel in a new video series for Rolling Stone.Mone and Dacus were interviewing each other for the magazine's "Musicians on Musicians" series when the Age of Pleasure singer revealed that one of their biggest creative influences came from an unexpected place: time travel.After discussing gender expression and clothes, the two musicians bonded over their shared love of Halloween. (@) "I've always loved transforming, and I think that's what I love about Halloween, and that's what I love about world-building through music," Mone says. Then, she mentions that seeing David Bowie perform was a big moment for her."You saw him?" asks Dacus."I did, I traveled back to the 1970s, and I saw him do Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, and it was incredible," Mone replies."You traveled back?" Dacus asks again."Yeah, I was backstage, and I was like, 'This is what I wanna do.'" Mone casually answers. "And so I jetted back to, you know, the 2000s, and I was like, 'I can have the musical, make the music, create the lyrics, and create community around transformation and being queer and not even just in sexuality, but in how we see the world.""I think that's the synergy between Halloween, because I feel like people give themselves permission to be on my frequency," they explained. "Let's transform, let's play. Let's go outside the mundane and what people know us as every day. Leave room to allow yourself to transform."Previously in the interview, the two artists discussed playing with masculinity and femininity."If I was told 'You have to be one way forever,' I would be like, maybe lifes not for me," Dacus said. "Its very important every day to wake up and be like, 'Is it boy day or girl day?' Or on tour, especially if we do two nights in the same city. Ill have boy night, girl night."Watch the entire conversation below.

Jennifer Flavin, Sylvester Stallone's wife, recently appeared on a podcast hosted by Katie Miller, a former spokesperson for the Trump administration.During the conversation, Miller asked the former model about her theory on why we are now seeing so many more openly transgender children of celebrities in Hollywood: "Is there something in the water in Hollywood?" (@) "I just think Hollywood is, you know, its all about expression," Flavin said. " If you feel like a cat today, youre a cat. And its so loosey-goosey. I dont think that were really understanding that these kids are not our accessories. Theyre little human beings that need structure. And structure is really important for them because it helps their brain organize everything." She went on to say that not enough direct parenting occurs in these homes, attributing to the wealth of luxuries these people have at their fingertips. "I think growing up in a Hollywood home, theres really no structure because you have this thing going, and youve got private planes." Adding, "And youve got all these giant homes with chefs and secretaries and assistants and, you know, housekeepers and nannies," the mother of four shared. "And theres just too much of everything. It gets really confusing for a little person."Flavin thinks that "its OK what you decide to be as an adult," but maintains that parents should strive to raise their kids with "good common sense." She said she embraced her daughter's tomboy childhood, saying, "I mean, my daughters were all tomboys. They preferred to wear pants than dresses, you know? And they loved sports. But I never said, Oh, youre a boy now. I just said, You love to play sports, you love to hang out with boys, thats awesome.Her comments come as more A-list celebrities show support for their trans and nonbinary children, including Robert De Niro, Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade, Cher, Charlize Theron, Marlon Wayans, Jamie Lee Curtis, and the list continues to grow.

A towering character for women, Hedda Gabler, has received a queer imagining in Nia DaCostas postmodern screen adaptation, Hedda. The star of films in the Creed franchise, art-house flicks like Passing, and known to Marvel audiences as bisexual superhero Valkyrie, Tessa Thompson dons Heddas bustiers to play parlor games with a group of elites, academics, and a woman with whom she shares an intimate past. Trs Nina Hoss plays Heddas former lover, Eileen Lvborg, an alcoholic writer whose sole manuscript for her book goes missing during a party hosted by Hedda and her husband, George Tesman (Tom Bateman), a mousy university professor. Meanwhile, Eileen has seemingly moved on from Hedda into a stable relationship with Heddas former classmate, Thea (Imogen Poots). In an exclusive clip from the film, Hedda and Eileens chemistry is palpable as they thrust and parry over their past. Tessa Thompson in Hedda Amazon MGM Studios Hedda marks the third collaboration between DaCosta and Thompson. Their previous films together are the crime drama Little Woods (2018) and the women-led superhero flick The Marvels (2023). Based on Henrik Ibsens play Hedda Gabler, first performed in 1891, the film finds Hedda preparing for a party upon her return from her honeymoon with George. Its soon clear that the marriage is loveless. Envy and scheming begin when Hedda reconnects with Eileen, whos taken a new lover in Thea. Hedda is one of the great roles of the stage;actors including Ingrid Bergman, Glenda Jackson, Kate Burton, and Cate Blanchett have played her. The screenplay for the film, which DaCosta wrote, introduces new dynamics regarding race and queer identity, as depicted in the clip. When Eileen suggests Hedda take up meaningful work like becoming a professor, Thompsons Hedda demands, Tell me. How many women are at the university teaching? Eileen sheepishly admits its only two women, and Hedda responds, And theyre both white, I presume. Tessa Thompson, Nina Hoss, and Imogen Poots in Hedda Amazon MGM Studios In her directors statement, DaCosta addresses the decision to queer Heddas story.Making Lvborg a woman meant I now had three women at the center of the story who have found different ways to be or try to be free. Hedda colors within the lines of society to get her way marry a good enough man, make him give you the life you want (even though it makes her even more unwell than she already is), Da Costa writes.Eileen chooses her mind be so brilliant that no one can tell you youre not good enough (even though the constant fight leads her to drink). And Thea, perhaps the bravest of them all, chooses love, chooses truth she leaves her husband for a woman and for a chance, just a chance, to be seen (and read), she adds. Watch the full clip above. Hedda is in theaters in limited release beginning Wednesday.

Horror is a queer genre through and through and has been since the early days of the genre thank you, James Whale but sadly, most movies are still overwhelmingly straight. But fear not, because while heteronormativity may win out most of the time, in horror, there are plenty of sapphic, trans, and gay horror movies to choose from. Not only are there movies brimming with gay subtext, but now, the genre is full of queer text, openly gay characters, and LGBTQ+ themes. So now that there are so many gay scary movies to choose from, which ones do you need to put on your spooky season watch list?SwallowedStarring Cooper Koch before he shot to superstardom, Swallowed is a low-budget gay body horror movie that follows Ben (Koch) as he sets out for Los Angeles to become a gay porn star. Once there, he and his friend get caught up with some criminals and are forced to swallow what they think are drugs inside condoms, but turn out to be something far stranger that have aphrodisiac properties. The film also features gay horror icon Mark Patton, but more on him later... Where to watch: Prime VideoMidnight KissThis fun slasher movie is part of Hulus Into the Dark series and follows a group of gay besties who gather to celebrate New Years Eve only to be stalked by a dangerous killer hellbent on ruining their good time. It also stars Lukas Gage and features a killer wearing a leather pup play mask to disguise his identity.Where to watch: HuluA Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddys RevengeA Nightmare on Elm Street 2 might not have an out gay character it came out in 1985 but it is widely considered to be a gay horror film because of the films overt gay subtext, homoerotic undertones, queer imagery, and the fact that final boy Mark Patton was closeted at the time of filming, but came out later.Where to watch: HBO MaxParaNormanParaNorman is a sweet and funny animated horror movie that is perfect for kids and people looking for Halloween vibes without the nightmare fuel. Its about a young kid with the ability to speak to the dead who has to save his town from a witchs curse. In the final act, you find out that the popular quarterback is actually gay and has a boyfriend, making him the first canonically LGBTQ+ character in a mainstream American animated film.Where to watch: Rent on Prime VideoSlaySlay is not only incredibly gay, hilarious, and has slapstick gore that will make you giggle, but it also stars Drag Race royalty Trinity the Tuck, Heidi N Closet, Cara Melle, and Crystal Methyd. The film follows a group of drag queens who get stuck at a redneck biker bar when vampires start attacking. What to watch: TubiDeath Drop GorgeousDeath Drop Gorgeous is another drag queen horror movie that you have to watch asap. Its a low-budget, campy ride that is full of offensive, trashy humor that will have you cackling. It follows a deranged maniac who stalks and kills drag queens using a dating app to lure them out.Where to watch: TubiSummoning SylviaMichael Urie and Frankie Grande (Arianas brother) star in this darkly comedic horror movie. Summoning Sylvia is about a gay bachelor party that goes wrong when the sinister spirit of a woman who murdered her son a century ago is summoned during a sance. This may be horror movie, but its also campy, sassy, and gay as hell. Where to watch: StarzRopeWhile Alfred Hitchcocks Rope is never explicitly queer, it is the gayest film the auteur director ever made. Based on the true story of Leopold and Loeb, Hitchcocks Hayes Code dodging adaptation is full of homosexual subtext. There is even a murder early in the movie that was filmed to act as a stand-in for a sex scene between the two main characters, who were played by Farley Granger and John Dall, both of whom were queer in real life.Where to watch: Rent on Prime VideoCompanionOne of 2025s best horror movies, the satirical horror comedy Companion follows a group of friends on a weekend getaway at a remote cabin that goes wrong when Joshs (Jack Quaid) subservient android companion (Sophie Thatcher) turns violent. Anytime sexual and societal norms are subverted in film it feels queer-coded, but this film also features a gay couple played by none other than Harvey Guilln and Lukas Gage, who are central to the plot of the film, and not just queer set dressing. Where to watch: HBO Max

For over a decade, Grace Wales Bonner has been a creative force in the fashion industry, breaking down gender barriers with her designs and runway shows. Namely, her spring/summer 2018 show for her eponymous label, where she embraced queer Black male culture and took inspiration from James Baldwin's 1956 novel Giovannis Room. She'll get to continue that work with a well-deserved appointment as the new creative director of men's ready-to-wear at Herms. Fashion industry experts expressed their excitement about Wales Bonner's new position at the fashion house, which is also historic, being that she's the first Black woman to lead a major fashion house, according to the New York Times. (@) Though she is taking the mantle for menswear at Herms until January 2027. Vronique Nichanian, the brand's current menswear creative director, will be passing the torch to Wales Bonner after 37 years in the position, until she presents one last show at Paris Men's fashion week in January and the brand will be skipping fashion week in June, giving the new creative director a whole year to construct a collection.I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the role of Creative Director of Herms Mens Ready-to-Wear," she said in a statement attached to a press release reported by Vogue. "It is a dream realized to embark on this new chapter, following in a lineage of inspired craftspeople and designers. I wish to express my gratitude to Pierre-Alexis Dumas and Axel Dumas for the opportunity to bring my vision to this magical house.Pierre-Alexis, the brand's General Artistic Director, also spoke a few words about the new creative director in the release, complimenting her forward-looking artistic vision. "Her take on contemporary fashion, craft and culture will contribute to shaping Herms mens style, melding the houses heritage with a confident look on the now," he said. "Graces appetite and curiosity for artistic practice strongly resonate with Herms creative mindset and approach. We are at the start of an enriching mutual dialogue.Wales Bonner has been working towards this goal for years, nabbing multiple awards, including the Emerging Menswear Designer prize at the 2015 British Fashion Awards, LVMH Young Designer Prize in 2016, and CFDA International Men's Designer of the Year. This appointment is something that Wales Bonner has been interested in since 2019. During an interview with System magazine, she spoke about her long-term career goals and mentioned wanting to helm an influential fashion house. "I am interested in the idea of an institution and fashion having parameters. A house with heritage is interesting to me, because I am interested in a framework and then disrupting elements of classicism within that," she said at the time. "A dream of mine would be to work with a tailoring brand, as that is at the core of what I am doing. Maybe a brand like Herms or even a Savile Row tailoring house."

After years of speculation, Chris Colfer is finally answering the question on everyones mind: Can Lea Michele read?The popular conspiracy theory that Michele cant read had a resurgence when her former Glee costar entertained a question about it while speaking at the University of California, Berkeley.When asked by an audience member to confirm the long-standing rumor, Colfer quipped, Well, as a literacy advocate, its never too late."Micheles literacy skills may be in question, but clearly, Colfer has no problem reading, and the library is open.@theberkeleyforumChris Colfer answers if Lea Michele is illiterate #glee #ucberkeley #fyp #berkeleyIts so funny Im dyslexic. I cant read for sh*t and the TikToks are never mean to me, Colfer joked after the audience laughed at his original response. The 35-year-old actor played out gay glee club member Kurt Hummel in the hit Ryan Murphy show, opposite Michele, who starred as quintessential diva theater kid Rachel Berry.But no, [Michele] was very literate, she was reading all the time, he continued.The funny rumors about Michele being illiterate started back in 2017 and spread like wildfire after the hosts of the One More Thing podcast joked that her inability to read or write explained why Naya Rivera's 2016 memoir, Sorry Not Sorry, claimed that Michele refused to improvise during Glee.Colfer isn't the only one of her costars to get questioned about this online conspiracy theory. Michele's Scream Queens costar Emma Roberts said, I mean, weve not been in a book club together, when asked about it in 2023. The rumor has picked up so much steam over the years that even Michele herself has commented on it.I went to Glee every single day; I knew my lines every single day, she told the New York Times in 2022. And then theres a rumor online that I cant read or write? Its sad. It really is. I think often if I were a man, a lot of this wouldnt be the case.The joke gained new life when she was making her Broadway debut in Funny Girl, and people online started compiling more evidence of her illiteracy. To hit back in a funny way, Michele posted a TikTok captioned, calling Jonathan [Groff] to read me the comments on my first TikTok.People in the comments of Colfers TikTok loved his comedic response to the question about Micheles reading abilities. One person wrote, dyslexic but he still read her to filth, while someone else commented, He said you know whatVIOLENCE.Another person said, I love how much he hates her, someone asked him if he was going to see her in funny girl and he said 'no thanks I can be traumatized from home.And there were endless jokes from people who still think the famous actress cant read her own scripts, She was reading all the time picture books dont count!

Happy Birthday Glen Powell!The handsome actor is looking better than ever as he turns 37 years old today, and he's not afraid to show off his good looks.While on set for his upcoming Hulu show Chad Powers, Powell snapped a steamy selfie behind the scenes, rocking his incredible six-pack and sexy physique.Naturally, fans went wild as the actor celebrated his big day today. Check out some of the feral reactions below! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

A petition to replace Super Bowl Halftime Show performer Bad Bunny with country singer George Strait now has over 50,000 signatures.Puerto Rican music artist Bad Bunny was announced as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show in September, quickly drawing criticism from conservative Americans and Republican Party leaders alike. Now, a petition asking the NFL and Roc Nation to replace him with the straight, white country musician is circulating on the internet.The petition on Change.org argues that the Super Bowl Halftime Show has "leaned increasingly towards modern pop and international artists" and that this year's show "offers a unique opportunity to pay tribute to American music's rich heritage" by featuring Strait instead of Bad Bunny."The Super Bowl halftime show should unite our country, honor American culture, and remain family-friendly, not be turned into a political stunt. Bad Bunny represents none of these values; his drag performances and style are the opposite of what families expect on footballs biggest stage," the petition reads, apparently referencing the Puerto Rican musician's queerness.Over the last decade, international artists Rihanna (from Barbados), Shakira and J Balvin (from Colombia), The Weeknd (from Canada), and Coldplay (from England) have headlined, while all other performers have been American citizens. If Bad Bunny performs at next year's game, another American citizen would be added to that list. 'America for Americans'Many people responding in the comments section of the petition not only agreed with its arguments but also took the matter further saying that they don't want to see a performer sing in Spanish and labeling Bad Bunny as un-American."The NFL is once again shoving their political view down the throat of their customers. Bad Bunny is anti-American which is why there is opposition to him for the half-time show," one person wrote."We need an American singing American music during an American game not a America hating illegal no one has heard of," wrote another."Would refer to listen to someone speaking our language" and "America for Americans," two other people chimed in.Many Republican leaders have already spoken out against Bad Bunny performing. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he didn't know who Bad Bunny was, but "it sounds like a terrible decision, in my view, from what I'm hearing," according to Entertainment Weekly."There are many eyes on the Super Bowl," he added. "A lot of young, impressionable children. And, in my view, you would have Lee Greenwood, or role models, doing that. Not somebody like this."Corey Lewandowski, a senior adviser at the Department of Homeland Security, stated that ICE agents will be present at the Super Bowl due to Bad Bunny's performance. "There is nowhere that you can provide safe haven to people in this country illegally. Not the Super Bowl and nowhere else," Lewandowski said on The Benny Show podcast, alluding to Bad Bunny's fanbase. "It's so shameful that they've decided to pick somebody who just seems to hate America so much to represent them at the Halftime game," he added, before stating that he was at last year's Super Bowl with President Donald Trump and "got to enjoy that."During his recent Saturday Night Live hosting appearance, Bad Bunny joked that Americans have "four months to learn" Spanish before his performance.

YouTubers Dan Howell and Phil Lester say that it felt like a "weight had been lifted" as soon as they came out as a couple.The pair, who has been creating YouTube videos since 2006, apparently fell in love in 2009 and have been a couple ever since. But they only recently decided to share the news publicly, posting a YouTube video to their channel last week that got over 300,000 likes.In the video, they also announced their new podcast, Hard Launch With Dan and Phil, which premiered on Monday. In the first episode, the longtime creative partners, who both came out as gay in 2019, open up about how their own hard launch went."Can I say posting that video felt like a huge relief?" Howell asks Lester on the podcast, according to People. "I just felt like a weight had been lifted. I was worried I was gonna post it, or we were gonna post it and be like, 'Oh, no. We've made a huge mistake."During the episode, Howell also relays how his therapist encouraged him to announce the relationship publicly, saying, "Dan, you need to stop being scared and just rip the plaster off." And he jokes about the news being fodder for memes."Obviously, people have processed the news that Dan and Phil have hard launched in different ways personally, and very few of them were sincere because the memes were too good," Howell says. "Actually, I feel like if people were saying beautiful, articulate things, it just got buried under hilarity."When they announced their relationship in the literally titled YouTube video last Monday, Howell and Lester approached the matter with a similar, goodnatured sense of self-deprecation.Alright, let's get this over with. Are Dan and Phil in a relationship? Howell says at the start of the video, with Lester quickly answering in the affirmative. They both then jokingly walk out of frame before saying, "Oh sorry, you wanted more, did you?" and returning to spill the details of their 16-year relationship.They explain that they were young when they started dating and felt a lot of pressure from multiple sources."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 says. "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."

Pride Is a Moment. Community Is a Constant.Every June, cities light up in rainbows. Corporations swap logos, parades take over streets, and queer joy explodes into the mainstream for a month. Then July hits, and the colors fade. The billboards go back to neutral. The same old systems quietly return.But a growing movement within the LGBTQ+ community is done with seasonal visibility. Across North America, queer people are building permanent, year-round spaces that exist beyond Pride Month spaces that nourish community, not just celebrate it.From Celebration to ContinuityThe concept of Pride was never meant to be an event it was a protest. A way of reclaiming existence in a world that tried to erase it. But in 2025, with rainbow capitalism at an all-time high, Pride often feels more like a marketing opportunity than a movement.Prides great, but what happens when its over? says Maya, a community organizer in Toronto who co-founded a queer sober caf that runs art nights and support circles year-round. We were tired of seeing everything disappear after June. People still need connection in November.Its a shift from visibility to sustainability from flash-in-the-pan celebration to infrastructure that actually holds people up.The Rise of Year-Round Queer SpacesOver the last few years, small but powerful hubs have been popping up: community cafs, co-working collectives, wellness studios, even repair shops with queer staff and safe-space policies.Theyre intentionally designed to feel like home not just for nightlife, but for daily life.In Montreal, La Maison Arc-en-Ciel offers everything from free therapy sessions to drag art workshops. In Portland, The Gay Beards Collective runs a queer makerspace where trans carpenters and digital artists share tools and trade skills.Even online, the culture is shifting. Discord servers and VR communities once built for gaming have evolved into 24/7 queer town squares, offering peer support, discussions, and shared care networks long after Pride banners come down.Healing Is Political TooThis new wave of spaces isnt just about community its about mental health. The burnout of constant activism, the isolation of queer life in rural areas, and the lingering trauma of discrimination have created a hunger for slower, more intentional forms of connection.People are exhausted, says Theo, a nonbinary social worker who facilitates group therapy for LGBTQ+ youth. You cant survive on adrenaline and protest energy forever. We need rest, structure, and softness those are radical now.In that sense, rest has become a political act. Queer community spaces offering yoga, mutual aid, or quiet conversation are re-framing what resistance looks like. Its not just loud its enduring.The Corporate MirageOf course, the movement toward year-round community stands in sharp contrast to how many brands still treat Pride as a temporary costume.Every June, rainbow-washed campaigns flood social feeds, only to vanish when the month ends. For younger queer audiences, its transparent and tired.Theyll sell you a Pride hoodie, but wont hire trans people, says Jordan, a queer creative strategist. People are paying attention now. If youre not supporting the community when no ones watching, it doesnt count.That pressure is starting to shift corporate culture slowly. Some brands are pivoting to year-round partnerships with queer artists and nonprofits. Others are realizing that allyship, if its real, cant fit into a 30-day window.The Future of Queer BelongingWhats happening now feels like a return to Prides roots: small, local, people-powered. Its mutual aid disguised as friendship, activism wrapped in joy.The future of queer spaces isnt another parade its the caf that stays open when the confettis gone. Its the digital Discord server that checks in when you go quiet. Its permanence, not performance.Because Pride isnt a season. Its a state of being. And this new generation of queer creators, organizers, and community builders isnt asking for permission to exist all year theyre doing it anyway.The post Beyond Pride: The Push for Year-Round Queer Spaces appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

A Digital Rebellion Against the Real WorldThe future of queer community isnt just in the streets anymore its online, behind a headset, and alive in pixels. Inside sprawling digital worlds like VRChat and Horizon Worlds, LGBTQ+ people are creating something thats equal parts social movement and art project a new kind of queer utopia where avatars replace bodies, and identity has no fixed form.For many, these spaces arent just about escaping reality theyre about rewriting it.A Club Where You Can Finally BreatheStep into Gaytopia, one of VRChats most popular queer-run worlds, and youll find what looks like a cross between a 3 a.m. Berlin warehouse and a Pride parade on Mars. The music pulses, lights flash, and avatars move in rhythm some human, some entirely surreal. You might meet a nonbinary fox wearing a shimmering dress or a floating drag queen built from light particles. Everyone here exists somewhere between fantasy and freedom.I never felt safe being myself in my small town,says Alex, a 22-year-old queer gamer who spends their evenings in VR. Here, no one stares. You can experiment with how you look, how you sound and people actually see you for who you are.For queer people in rural or conservative places, virtual reality has become the new underground club a space to dance, talk, flirt, or just exist without fear.The Evolution of Queer SpacesPhysical queer bars and clubs have long been sanctuaries the places where community was born. But in 2025, the digital layer is taking over. Platforms like VRChat, AltspaceVR (before it shut down), and even Roblox are hosting Pride parades, drag performances, and support groups.The pandemic accelerated this shift. When physical Pride events were canceled, thousands gathered online instead and many never left. Virtual Pride became a movement, a way to connect that transcended geography, gender, and even embodiment.Now, VR isnt just a substitute its a new frontier. Queer creators are designing entire worlds that reflect the fluidity of identity itself: non-Euclidean nightclubs, floating gardens, galaxies where gender doesnt exist.Real life still feels limited,says Luna, a queer digital artist who curates virtual drag exhibitions. In VR, I can exist as pure expression. My body doesnt define me my imagination does.The Technology of FreedomBeyond the glitter and surreal landscapes, the tech itself is reshaping how people experience identity. Avatars can change voice, shape, size, and style instantly. Pronouns are displayed proudly in usernames. Gender presentation is as customizable as a skin in a video game and for many, thats revolutionary.Mental health researchers are starting to notice, too. Studies show that LGBTQ+ youth who spend time in affirming online spaces experience reduced loneliness and anxiety. In VR, connection becomes tangible even if its made of polygons.But this freedom doesnt come without tension. Some critics worry that the digital layer risks detaching queer life from physical activism. Others point to harassment and safety issues, especially in unmoderated worlds. The metaverse can mirror the same social hierarchies its meant to escape.Still, for many queer users, the benefits outweigh the flaws. The anonymity of VR provides a safety net that real life often cant. In virtual space, you can explore identity without fear of violence, outing, or judgment.The Queer Metaverse Is ExpandingThe concept of a Queer Metaverse isnt just a niche its becoming a subculture of its own. Digital Pride events have evolved into multi-day festivals featuring queer DJs, VR performance artists, and activist panels. Nonprofits are partnering with developers to create trauma-informed environments, while queer therapists are experimenting with VR for support groups and identity exploration.Theres also a creative renaissance happening. Queer fashion designers are making digital garments for avatars couture that defies physics. VR drag shows now pull audiences of thousands, where performers lip-sync in zero gravity. The culture feels raw, experimental, and deeply political.Its about reclaiming digital space before it gets corporatized,says an organizer from Metaverse Pride Collective, a decentralized group that hosts queer events across multiple platforms. If we dont build it ourselves, someone else will and theyll sell it back to us.Between Reality and PossibilityWhat makes these worlds powerful isnt the tech its the intimacy. Behind every glowing avatar is a real person craving connection, visibility, and safety.VR may never replace physical queer spaces nor should it but its offering something new: a parallel universe where expression comes before expectation. Its where the queer imagination thrives, unbound by laws of physics or society.As the line between digital and physical blurs, one truth remains: the fight for queer liberation has always been about more than just rights its about redefining what it means to exist.And right now, that redefinition is happening in virtual reality, headset on, heart open.The post The New Safe Space: How LGBTQ+ Communities Are Thriving in Virtual Reality appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

Pride Is a Moment. Community Is a Constant.Every June, cities light up in rainbows. Corporations swap logos, parades take over streets, and queer joy explodes into the mainstream for a month. Then July hits, and the colors fade. The billboards go back to neutral. The same old systems quietly return.But a growing movement within the LGBTQ+ community is done with seasonal visibility. Across North America, queer people are building permanent, year-round spaces that exist beyond Pride Month spaces that nourish community, not just celebrate it.From Celebration to ContinuityThe concept of Pride was never meant to be an event it was a protest. A way of reclaiming existence in a world that tried to erase it. But in 2025, with rainbow capitalism at an all-time high, Pride often feels more like a marketing opportunity than a movement.Prides great, but what happens when its over? says Maya, a community organizer in Toronto who co-founded a queer sober caf that runs art nights and support circles year-round. We were tired of seeing everything disappear after June. People still need connection in November.Its a shift from visibility to sustainability from flash-in-the-pan celebration to infrastructure that actually holds people up.The Rise of Year-Round Queer SpacesOver the last few years, small but powerful hubs have been popping up: community cafs, co-working collectives, wellness studios, even repair shops with queer staff and safe-space policies.Theyre intentionally designed to feel like home not just for nightlife, but for daily life.In Montreal, La Maison Arc-en-Ciel offers everything from free therapy sessions to drag art workshops. In Portland, The Gay Beards Collective runs a queer makerspace where trans carpenters and digital artists share tools and trade skills.Even online, the culture is shifting. Discord servers and VR communities once built for gaming have evolved into 24/7 queer town squares, offering peer support, discussions, and shared care networks long after Pride banners come down.Healing Is Political TooThis new wave of spaces isnt just about community its about mental health. The burnout of constant activism, the isolation of queer life in rural areas, and the lingering trauma of discrimination have created a hunger for slower, more intentional forms of connection.People are exhausted, says Theo, a nonbinary social worker who facilitates group therapy for LGBTQ+ youth. You cant survive on adrenaline and protest energy forever. We need rest, structure, and softness those are radical now.In that sense, rest has become a political act. Queer community spaces offering yoga, mutual aid, or quiet conversation are re-framing what resistance looks like. Its not just loud its enduring.The Corporate MirageOf course, the movement toward year-round community stands in sharp contrast to how many brands still treat Pride as a temporary costume.Every June, rainbow-washed campaigns flood social feeds, only to vanish when the month ends. For younger queer audiences, its transparent and tired.Theyll sell you a Pride hoodie, but wont hire trans people, says Jordan, a queer creative strategist. People are paying attention now. If youre not supporting the community when no ones watching, it doesnt count.That pressure is starting to shift corporate culture slowly. Some brands are pivoting to year-round partnerships with queer artists and nonprofits. Others are realizing that allyship, if its real, cant fit into a 30-day window.The Future of Queer BelongingWhats happening now feels like a return to Prides roots: small, local, people-powered. Its mutual aid disguised as friendship, activism wrapped in joy.The future of queer spaces isnt another parade its the caf that stays open when the confettis gone. Its the digital Discord server that checks in when you go quiet. Its permanence, not performance.Because Pride isnt a season. Its a state of being. And this new generation of queer creators, organizers, and community builders isnt asking for permission to exist all year theyre doing it anyway.The post Beyond Pride: The Push for Year-Round Queer Spaces appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

A Digital Rebellion Against the Real WorldThe future of queer community isnt just in the streets anymore its online, behind a headset, and alive in pixels. Inside sprawling digital worlds like VRChat and Horizon Worlds, LGBTQ+ people are creating something thats equal parts social movement and art project a new kind of queer utopia where avatars replace bodies, and identity has no fixed form.For many, these spaces arent just about escaping reality theyre about rewriting it.A Club Where You Can Finally BreatheStep into Gaytopia, one of VRChats most popular queer-run worlds, and youll find what looks like a cross between a 3 a.m. Berlin warehouse and a Pride parade on Mars. The music pulses, lights flash, and avatars move in rhythm some human, some entirely surreal. You might meet a nonbinary fox wearing a shimmering dress or a floating drag queen built from light particles. Everyone here exists somewhere between fantasy and freedom.I never felt safe being myself in my small town,says Alex, a 22-year-old queer gamer who spends their evenings in VR. Here, no one stares. You can experiment with how you look, how you sound and people actually see you for who you are.For queer people in rural or conservative places, virtual reality has become the new underground club a space to dance, talk, flirt, or just exist without fear.The Evolution of Queer SpacesPhysical queer bars and clubs have long been sanctuaries the places where community was born. But in 2025, the digital layer is taking over. Platforms like VRChat, AltspaceVR (before it shut down), and even Roblox are hosting Pride parades, drag performances, and support groups.The pandemic accelerated this shift. When physical Pride events were canceled, thousands gathered online instead and many never left. Virtual Pride became a movement, a way to connect that transcended geography, gender, and even embodiment.Now, VR isnt just a substitute its a new frontier. Queer creators are designing entire worlds that reflect the fluidity of identity itself: non-Euclidean nightclubs, floating gardens, galaxies where gender doesnt exist.Real life still feels limited,says Luna, a queer digital artist who curates virtual drag exhibitions. In VR, I can exist as pure expression. My body doesnt define me my imagination does.The Technology of FreedomBeyond the glitter and surreal landscapes, the tech itself is reshaping how people experience identity. Avatars can change voice, shape, size, and style instantly. Pronouns are displayed proudly in usernames. Gender presentation is as customizable as a skin in a video game and for many, thats revolutionary.Mental health researchers are starting to notice, too. Studies show that LGBTQ+ youth who spend time in affirming online spaces experience reduced loneliness and anxiety. In VR, connection becomes tangible even if its made of polygons.But this freedom doesnt come without tension. Some critics worry that the digital layer risks detaching queer life from physical activism. Others point to harassment and safety issues, especially in unmoderated worlds. The metaverse can mirror the same social hierarchies its meant to escape.Still, for many queer users, the benefits outweigh the flaws. The anonymity of VR provides a safety net that real life often cant. In virtual space, you can explore identity without fear of violence, outing, or judgment.The Queer Metaverse Is ExpandingThe concept of a Queer Metaverse isnt just a niche its becoming a subculture of its own. Digital Pride events have evolved into multi-day festivals featuring queer DJs, VR performance artists, and activist panels. Nonprofits are partnering with developers to create trauma-informed environments, while queer therapists are experimenting with VR for support groups and identity exploration.Theres also a creative renaissance happening. Queer fashion designers are making digital garments for avatars couture that defies physics. VR drag shows now pull audiences of thousands, where performers lip-sync in zero gravity. The culture feels raw, experimental, and deeply political.Its about reclaiming digital space before it gets corporatized,says an organizer from Metaverse Pride Collective, a decentralized group that hosts queer events across multiple platforms. If we dont build it ourselves, someone else will and theyll sell it back to us.Between Reality and PossibilityWhat makes these worlds powerful isnt the tech its the intimacy. Behind every glowing avatar is a real person craving connection, visibility, and safety.VR may never replace physical queer spaces nor should it but its offering something new: a parallel universe where expression comes before expectation. Its where the queer imagination thrives, unbound by laws of physics or society.As the line between digital and physical blurs, one truth remains: the fight for queer liberation has always been about more than just rights its about redefining what it means to exist.And right now, that redefinition is happening in virtual reality, headset on, heart open.The post The New Safe Space: How LGBTQ+ Communities Are Thriving in Virtual Reality appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

One of the biggest blockbusters of all time has a very queer cast and crew.Directed by Jon M. Chu, the first Wicked movie featured huge stars like Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), Ariana Grande (Glinda), Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), and Jeff Goldblum (the Wizard). Its sequel, Wicked: For Good, added yet another big star: Colman Domingo as the voice actor behind the iconic Cowardly Lion.The LGBTQ+ community has been rejoicifying that so many queer performers and creatives both on- and off-camera have successfully brought this epic saga and record-breaking films to the big screen. Beyond the success of Gregory Maguires 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West which recently spun off Maguires latest novel, Elphie, as a prequel to the original book and the smash hit musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman on Broadway, the Wicked movies have become a juggernaut franchise of their own.In a world of so much prejudice and hatred, its wonderful to see such an LGBTQ-inclusive franchise not only succeeding, but also thriving and smashing all expectations precisely because it welcomed the perspectives and experiences of so many queer performers and behind-the-scenes creatives.Learn more about the LGBTQ+ performers and creatives who contributed to bringing the Wicked movies to life, below. Wicked: For Good opens November 21 in theaters.Colman Domingo as the Cowardly Lion (voice actor)The most recent Wicked: For Good cast update revealed that the beloved, critically acclaimed, luminary out actor Colman Domingo was chosen to voice the Cowardly Lion in the Wicked sequel, following a brief period of cryptic posts from director Jon M. Chu teasing who that actor would be.Domingo is best known for his Academy Award-nominated performances in Rustin and Sing Sing, his Emmy Award-winning guest role from HBOs Euphoria, and his Tony Award-nominated work in productions like The Scottsboro Boys and Fat Ham.The actor is currently attached to the new Tina Fey comedy The Four Seasons on Netflix, a new Michael Jackson biopic (playing MJs father Joseph Jackson), and will star in Steven Spielbergs yet-untitled feature film set for a release in 2026.Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba ThroppCynthia Erivo, one of the best live performers and on-screen actors of our time, and the recipient of the 2024 Icon of the Year title in the Out100, has completely redefined the character of Elphaba Thropp despite this already being such a well-known figure in the zeitgeist from Margaret Hamiltons original portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West in 1939s The Wizard of Oz, to the revisionist perspective shared by Maguires 1995 novel, to the gravity-defying hero originated by Idina Menzel on Broadway.Still, Erivo found a way to make Elphaba her own in the movies, not only meeting the impossible task of doing the character justice, but far exceeding the expectations of even diehard Wicked and Oz fans.After an electrifying run of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl, Erivo is set to star in a new West End production of Dracula playing a whopping 26 characters overall from director Kip Williams.Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero TigelaarThe handsome, charismatic, and extremely talented Jonathan Bailey is casually proving how fierce of a performer he is in the Wicked movies.After gaining a new legion of fans from his roles as Lord Anthony Bridgerton on Bridgerton and Tim Laughlin on Fellow Travelers, Bailey finally brought to life a version of Fiyero that long-time Wicked fans had always heard about but hadnt really seen: A truly irresistible young heartthrob who hates school, makes both Elphaba and Glinda fall in love with him, and eventually wakes up to the realities of Oz that he used to ignore.Between the releases of Wicked and Wicked: For Good, Bailey starred as Dr. Henry Loomis in a new Jurassic Park reboot titled Jurassic World Rebirth alongside costars Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali.Marissa Bode as Nessarose ThroppMarissa Bode made history as the first-ever wheelchair user to play Nessarose Thropp, a character who does use a wheelchair in the Wicked musical and films.Though the original 1995 Wicked novel depicted Nessarose as not having arms, the Broadway production adapted her to have arms, and use a wheelchair, instead. The Wicked movies have been a huge breakout moment for the entire cast but even more to Bode, who hadnt been in a major production of this scale prior to 2024s Wicked.With this new platform, Bode has continued her advocacy to make Hollywood productions more welcoming to people with disabilities, and to make spaces more accessible for wheelchair users, too.Bowen Yang as PfanneeGlinda (ne Galinda) had quite a few friends in the original novel, but those popular friends just werent as specific and/or personified in the Broadway musical. In the Wicked movies, that popular clique surrounding Glinda did get two main figureheads: Pfannee (played by Bowen Yang) and Shenshen (played by Bronwyn James).Since gaining notoriety for cohosting the Las Culturistas podcast with Matt Rogers and becoming a regular player on Saturday Night Live, Yangs career has skyrocketed. As an actor, he is best known for playing Howie in Fire Island, Chris in 2025s The Wedding Banquet, and God yes, God! in Dicks: The Musical.Bronwyn James asShenshenPrior to the Wicked movies, Bronwyn James was best known for starring in projects like Harlots, Sandylands, Cheaters, and Lockwood & Co. Since starring as Shenshen in the 2024 musical film and its 2025 sequel Wicked: For Good, James has also benefitted from being in one of the biggest blockbusters of all time.In 2025 alone, James starred in both Mickey 17 and the live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon.Sharon D. Clarke asDulcibear (voice actor)Sharon D. Clarke voiced Dulcibear in Wicked the main Animal nurse who holds Elphaba after shes born and raises the young green witch.This musical theater legend won three Laurence Olivier Awards throughout her career for West End productions of The Amen Corner, Caroline, or Change, and Death of a Salesman. On TV and film, Clarke is best known for her roles in Rocketman, Havoc, Tau, and Holby City.Paul Tazewell (costume designer)Paul Tazewell made Oscars history this year by becoming the first Black man to win an Academy Award for Best Costume Design. In 2025, he was also featured as an Out100 honoree.Beyond his Oscar-winning creations for the Wicked movies, Tazewell had previously won a Primetime Emmy Award for his costumes in The Wiz Live!, and two Tony Awards for his Broadway costumes seen in Hamilton and Death Becomes Her.Lee Sandales (set designer)As a set designer, Lee Sandales had been nominated for two Oscars over the years in 2012 for War Horse, and in 2020 for 1917 and finally took home an Academy Awards in 2025 for his work in the first Wicked movie.Sandales, who lives in London with his husband Mark, is also known for his work in high-profile films such as Maleficent, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Rogue One, Solo: A Star Wars Story, The Batman, and Wonka, to name a few.Gregory Maguire (Wicked novel author)Even through novelist Gregory Maguire wasnt directly involved in the production of the Wicked movies, he is the literal originator of this entire franchise that revisits and expands the Land of Oz from L. Frank Baums 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.Without Maguire, most of these characters would remain nameless, not as three-dimensional, or wouldnt even exist. The Broadway musical licensed the rights to Maguires 1995 Wicked novel to create the stage musical, and his original IP was once again utilized for this two-part cinematic saga. Spoiler alert: The musical turned Maguires body of work into an even more popular story, and the Wicked movies have turned his books into global phenomenons.

By the time the sun set over Clarkston, Michigan, the grounds of Pine Knob Music Theatre shimmered with sequins and glitter. Thousands of fans had already filled the venue, dressed like they were stepping into Kesha's universe, faces painted, rhinestones glued in place, boas tossed over shoulders. It wasn't just a night out. It was a ritual.The Tits Out Tour has become one of the defining live music experiences of the year, drawing more than 500,000 fans across its run. Each night has been a sold-out communion of joy, survival, and rebellion. For an artist who spent years fighting for the right to her own voice, these shows are not just performances. They are victories.Backstage before the show, I photographed Kesha in the middle of this charged atmosphere. Her hair and makeup were flawless, her guitar resting confidently in her hands. There was an intimidating presence about her, sharp and almost untouchable, yet at the same time something soft and magnetic that drew the room in. Around her, the air buzzed with movement: dancers stretching and rehearsing steps, seamstresses bent over costumes reattaching sequins, latex being polished to a high shine with lube, last-minute alterations happening in real time.It was chaotic and meticulous at once, a hive of energy where every detail mattered. And in the middle of it, Kesha radiated control. It was powerful to witness, and even more powerful to capture.When the lights dropped and she finally appeared on stage, Pine Knob erupted. The roar was deafening as she emerged, and from the very first scream, it was clear the night wasn't just about music. Every song landed like a statement; every lyric sharpened into testimony. What once might have been heard as party anthems now carried new weight, declarations of resilience, defiance, and survival.Kesha has always carried a different kind of significance for her fans. From the beginnings of "Tik Tok" and "We R Who We R," she offered more than just pop spectacle. She offered permission. Permission to be messy, loud, queer, and unapologetically too much. For many in her audience, especially queer fans, she was proof that joy itself could be radical. But this tour pushes that legacy further. The Tits Out Tour isn't about nostalgia. It's about liberation. It's about reclaiming the story the industry tried to write for her and rewriting it on her own terms.The setlist plays like a memoir: the glitter-drenched bangers of her rise, the gut-punch ballads of Rainbow, and her newest fearless songs. Each one carries the arc of her survival. And fans meet her there, screaming every word back, crying, dancing until their bodies give out.At Pine Knob, there was a moment when Kesha paused, letting the music hang in the air. Immediately, the crowd filled with overwhelming chants of her name, their voices rising together. The loudest I have ever heard a crowd. It was more than devotion; it was defiance, an act of communal witnessing. People held one another, strangers became friends, tears streaked down cheeks already dusted in glitter. For a few hours, the venue became something close to a church, except this church was louder, freer, and undeniably queer.The cheeky title of the tour may earn laughs, but its message is profound. It is a refusal of shame. It is an embrace of body, voice, and truth. It is a reminder that taking up space can be its own rebellion. For queer audiences especially, this message reverberates. Kesha's struggle against erasure echoes the fights many know intimately: being told to quiet down, to blend in, to disappear. Watching her stand defiantly on stage, laughing and screaming without restraint, is proof that silence never wins.Despite the tour's massive scale, half a million fans, sprawling venues, anthems booming into the night, there's an intimacy threaded through it. Kesha has a way of collapsing the distance between performer and audience. When she throws her head back and laughs mid-song, when she curses with abandon, when she lets a scream tear through the speakers instead of a note, it feels personal. Like she's speaking directly to every single person in the crowd.By the time the final songs hit, the energy is overwhelming. Lasers storm the stage, lights blaze hot and bright, and voices swell until they're indistinguishable from Kesha's. She stands in the center of it all, sweat, glitter, and power pouring out of her. She doesn't look like someone performing.She seems like someone testifying.It is Kesha refusing to let her narrative be told by anyone but herself. And it is a community, night after night, shouting alongside her that they believe it, that they've carried her voice with them all along.Because this isn't just a show. It is a reclamation of her story.Kesha didn't just come back to the stage. She came back on her own terms. And every night of this tour, thousands of voices rise with hers to prove one truth: the story is hers again.Anthony Kabiity is a photographer based out of Detroit, Michigan.Arranged for Out.com by Nikki Aye, Digital Photo EditorVoices 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.

In the world of horror cinema, Romero is a highly revered surname that's become synonymous with the zombie genre and a legacy of influential classics such as Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead. Just ask Tina Romero, the daughter of the legendary George A. Romero, the trailblazing auteur who singlehandedly created the blueprint for the modern-day zombie film and ignited a new genre that would inspire and endure for decades to come.Now, Tina is ready to follow in her late father's footsteps, and shes well aware of the level of expectation her last name brings. Not only that, but shes tackling a subject thats become a family heirloom. Her feature-length directorial debut, Queens of the Dead, is an outrageous comedy-horror flick about a group of drag queens, club kids, and frenemies who are trapped inside a Brooklyn warehouse party thats surrounded by bloodthirsty zombies. But Tina isnt merely replicating her fathers doom-and-gloom formula; she wants to put her own stamp on the genre and inject some ingredients of her own, such as glamorous camp, glittery gore, and, of course, a gleeful dose of queerness. To put it frankly, it's unlike any movie her father has ever done.Queens of the Deads colorful characters which are mostly queer aside from a token straight dude are played by an equally eclectic cast of predominantly LGBTQ talent such as Katy O'Brian, Margaret Cho, Cheyenne Jackson, Jack Haven, Nina West, and Dominique Jackson, just to name a few. And the result is: It's an unabashedly queer zombie romp (not to mention, an endearing love letter to George) that's destined to become a gay camp classic that'll surely be on your watchlist every Halloween season.During an exclusive interview with Out, Tina opens up about the pressure that comes with carrying the zombie torch and what it was like growing up surrounded by such horror royalty. She also shares touching memories about bonding with her late father, how he reacted to her queer Queens of the Dead pitch, and what witchy Romero classic shed love to remake. Katy O'Brian and Jack Haven in Tina Romeros Queens of the Dead.Courtesy of Shannon MaddenOut: Not everyone can say they have a horror director legend like George A. Romero as a father. You must have so many stories and memories of getting to visit the sets of his films or meeting other horror icons while growing up.Tina Romero: I tell people I sat on a zombie's lap before I met a mall Santa. I learned to walk on the set of Day of the Dead. I actually just had a screening at Beyond Fest in L.A., and Adrienne Barbeau came to see the film. She was in several of my father's films, and she's a beloved person to me. And she just reminded me how I was a really colicky baby and how my mom could never get me to stop crying, but I would stop crying for her. These collaborators of my father's, they were like our extended family. They were the people who came over to our house on holidays. Yes, they are horror icons, but to me, they were like aunts and uncles.What are the fondest memories you have of your father?My dad made some really dark and freaky shit, but he was such a gentle giant. He was so silly, so playful. He loved West Side Story. We watched movies together all the time; it was our primary form of bonding, and he showed me how OK it was to be moved by movies. He would just weep unabashedly at the opening notes of the West Side Story overture. And he really showed me the power of how films can move people. He was the best. And I miss him terribly.The last name Romero is synonymous with horror royalty and zombies in particular. When you first decided to make Queens of the Dead, were you ever a little hesitant to do a zombie movie as your debut because of the pressure and expectation that comes with the name?Absolutely. These are incredibly big shoes to fill. And I didn't want to touch zombies unless I could do it in a way that was authentic to me and a story that I could really tell. So when the idea hit me to use queer nightlife as my vessel, it was very clear. I knew that this was the way I could carry the torch. And I'm just so psyched to, because we're in this time when the gays are so under attack and feeling scared of everything, I'm so happy that I can take this legacy and put a queer stamp on it. It feels extra important to me. Im also very proud that this is not a movie he would make. It's not a George Romero movie, but I hope that people feel his spirit. I really do, because his spirit is in me. And I wanted to make a movie that played in his sandbox and by his rules, but had my own stamp on it.You definitely added your unique stamp: Theres the camp, the glamour, and the glittery gore. What were the most important rules from his zombie universe that you for sure felt had to be ingredients in your movie?Number one: slow zombies. Number two: one shot to the brain kills them. Number three: one bite turns you. And most importantly: writer Aaron Judge and I felt it was so important for us to say some shit to get the social commentary in there. So we had our monster. We knew our rules. We added one, which is that [these zombies are] still responding to their devices, which is a rule I think he would approve of. And what are the social issues we want to dig into? Opioid epidemic, phone addiction, infighting within the community, and too much information in a crisis. And then from there, it was all about the characters. I feel like his films really were about the people at the end of the day, surviving in this crazy apocalypse situation. So it really came down to telling authentic stories about people that my co-writer and I know, about a world that we knew. Dominique Jackson,Nina West,Toms Matos, QuincyDunn-Baker, Katy O'Brian, and Jaquel Spivey in Tina Romeros Queens of the DeadCourtesy of Shannon MaddenI'm glad you mentioned the cell phone thing. It was very parallel to what your father did with Dawn of the Dead and his statement on consumerism. These days, people are like zombies with their phones. I think you nailed that perfectly. But I also got some Day of the Dead vibes. Your father invented the smart zombie with Bub. Music plays a big role in your movie and the zombies seem to recognize it and they recognize the club. It reminded me of that Day of the Dead scene with Bub with the headphones on.Yes! I'm so psyched you're drawing that parallel. We were thinking about that scene in Dawn of the Dead, when they're looking over the balcony, Oh, this was an important place to them. We wanted to channel the zombies queuing up outside the club. This was an important place to them. And that drib and drab of human behavior that zombies still remember, like picking up our devices. I feel like that will be us in the afterlife. We are so chained to this crazy device. In our lifetimes, we've seen ourselves go from not having them to just being totally attached to them. It's just crazy to me. I don't know if you caught the homage to the Day of the Dead score in my film, but we actually had Blitz Berlin sample John Harrison's The Dead Suite. It's one of my favorite Easter eggs in the movie. And the character of Jax, the go-go dancer who overdoses and then resurrects, and they throw them in the go-go cage. That scene between Jax and Nico is calling back to the scene in Dawn of the Dead when there's just the pane of glass between the zombie and they're looking at each other because I think there's something so powerful about the zombie as a monster and how it is just a mirror of ourselves, so I wanted to channel that. I really was thinking about Dawn of the Dead a lot in the writing and in the directing. In fact, I had Samora la Perdida study Bub. She asked me what her homework was and I said, "Go watch Day of the Dead' and watch Bub, and that's what Im going for."Effects legend Tom Savini, who played a crucial role in a lot of your father's films, has a cameo. Did Tom offer any guidance when it came to your gore elements or practical effects?I was so excited about the idea of putting legends from the Romero universe. Tom actually wasn't on set. We did that over Zoom. Low-budget filmmaking, baby. But he was crucial. He was such a mentor to me in all the years of prep. This movie is eight, nine years in the making, and every time I found myself in Pittsburgh, I would go over to his office and we would just chat and shoot the shit about the gore. And he totally was on board for my desire to get glitter in the blood. And so we had a lot of conversations about how to organically do that. When you're brainstorming is one thing, but when you're on set in reality, having to pull it off is a totally different thing. But Tom was absolutely a guiding force. And at the end of the day, when we were struggling, he and his team designed that zombie baby. They made that for me. Because we were like, Do we use a real baby? And I just thought, No, that'll be a disaster. And I called Tom and I said, Tom, please, can you help me?You have such an eclectic cast of some powerhouse LGBTQ+ actors and comedians in Queens of the Dead. And you have funny people like Margaret Cho in the mix, so this mustve been a blast to shoot. I bet there are so many bloopers and outtakes. This is your first feature-length film, so how flexible were you with letting all these big personalities go crazy with ad libs or improv?What a dream cast! I'm still pinching myself. They are all incredible, they're professionals, they came to work, they were not afraid to get dirty. And I was so nervous. I was like, Am I going to show up on set and have this room full of icons staring at me, and my mind's going to go blank? But it was the complete opposite. It was a total joy to work with them. They made it so comfortable to play, and we had a lot to do. This was an ambitious shoot. We did not have a lot of time, and there was a lot of dialogue it's a dialogue-heavy film. Me and Tom Wills, my genius Steadicam operator, thank goodness for them, because they were willing to wear the Steadicam the whole time, which is a feat to be on Steadicam in the dead of summer. But once we got our scene, we were able to leave room for improv takes. And I would just let them go until I had to call cut, because they were hilarious. One of my favorite Easter eggs when Nico goes, They're coming to get you, Barbara. That was a total improv moment and I love it so much.This project has been in the making for nine years and I know you have said that you once mentioned the Queens of the Dead idea to your dad when he was alive. What was his reaction to finding out that you wanted to make an LGBTQ+ zombie movie? And was there any valuable advice he gave you?My dad's number-one piece of advice was always, Just do it, kid. When I came out to him, he was happy. He was like, Men are assholes. That's great. I'm so lucky that he was so accepting of me. In fact, when I asked Margaret Cho to do the role, I wrote her a letter saying that, when I came out to my dad, he, within the next year, booked us tickets to go see her on tour in Pittsburgh. And, in the moment, I felt that that was his way of being like, I accept you, because she was very out as bisexual and her comedy act was a little risqu. And I felt like that was him sort of saying, Look, it's OK. It's cool. I'm down. And he got the concept [of Queens of the Dead]. He was all about it. He just said, Do it. Whatever it takes, do it. I mean, he struggled to get movies off the ground. He knows how hard it is, but he also was like, Don't let anything get in your way. Just get it done. And it took a long time, but we did it. Margaret Cho in Tina Romeros Queens of the Dead.Courtesy of Shannon MaddenYour father's zombie movies were standalone and often had bleak endings: you never really saw returning main characters. But some of your queens live to fight another day. It kind of represents the gay community and how we fight and make it through these struggles, whether it's civil rights movements or an epidemic, at the end of the day, we band together and we fight through it. Do you see yourself continuing a story with the survivors of Queens of the Dead?Hell yeah. I'm obsessed with these characters. I can't wait to play with them some more. I want to keep going with these characters. I do think that it's important to let a little time pass because I think that's crucial to films. I think his films are so special because they're like these time capsules. There were a lot of years between them. And I think because of that, he was able to say something fresh and new about the times. And so I wouldn't want to force something too soon. I would like to let a couple of years pass so that we can say something interesting and fresh with whatever comes next. Because that's whats most important about the Romero universe.Do you ever see yourself remaking one of your fathers movies? If so, which one do you think jumps out as worthy of a modern-day retelling?That's such a cool question. There's only one film of his that I would ever want to touch. And that is Hungry Wives, a.k.a. Season of the Witch. And the reason I say that is because it's the only film he would have wanted to remake. And I think it's a really interesting story that could use some more resources and an updated perspective. I love witches. And I think that hobbyist witchcraft is kind of a thing right now. So I'd like to explore what happens when a disgruntled housewife takes up witchcraft and things start happening.Queens of the Dead opens in theaters on October 24.

All they needed was a white tank top to then take it all off.Netflix's Boots introduced fans to a new cast full of out queer representation not only with characters, but also with the actors themselves. Its also been fantastic to see how their straight costars are fully comfortable having fun, making social media content together, and just being silly with other. No toxic masculinity and homophobia here, thats for sure.Check out the latest photoshoot featuring the Boots actors below. And make sure to watch Boots on Netflix.Miles HeizerMiles Heizer plays Cameron Cope.Instagram: @younggothMiles HeizerMiles Heizer plays Cameron Cope.Instagram: @younggothAngus OBrienAngus OBrien plays Hicks.Instagram: @angusobrien_Angus OBrienAngus OBrien plays Hicks.Instagram: @angusobrien_Dominic GoodmanDominic Goodman plays Nash.Instagram: @dominicdgoodmanDominic GoodmanDominic Goodman plays Nash.Instagram: @dominicdgoodmanLiam OhLiam Oh plays Ray McAffey.Instagram: @liam__ohRico ParisRico Paris plays Santos.Instagram: @nothingsuaveRico ParisRico Paris plays Santos.Instagram: @nothingsuaveBlake BurtBlake Burt plays John Bowman.Instagram: @burt.blake1Kieron MooreKieron Moore plays Nicholas Slovacek.Instagram: @kieronmoorePlus: Watch this hilarious video of Max Parker judging the Boots stars based on their drill instructor voices.See on Instagram

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Heather Gay has spoken openly on the show about how much her faith meant to her when she was younger and how tough it was to distance herself from the church. Now, she gets to expose the seedy underbelly of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a limited three-part series called Surviving Mormonism, coming to Bravo and Peacock on November 11."The three-part limited series fractures the churchs seemingly perfect veneer to expose the secrets that have been kept behind closed doors," the official log line reads. "In each hour-long episode, Heather has impactful conversations with abuse survivors, ex-Mormons, and former LDS church leaders. As Heather reflects on her own departure from the church, Surviving Mormonism delves into outdated and controversial practices and empowers victims to share their experiences to bring awareness and enact change." See on Instagram In episode one of the series, Gay will be in conversation with David Matheson, a former member of the Mormon church who has been called "the Godfather of conversion therapy." In the trailer, she says, "Now out and living as a gay man himself, David details the harmful teachings he once practiced and believed in."The second and third episode will drop the next day, with the second being titled, "The Highest Level of Heaven" centering around a talk with a former bishop and a friend of hers who shares his allegations of abuse for the first time. This episode gives her the chance to reflect on leaving her friend alone as she says she turned her back on him and explores how his story may be one of many.In the last episode titled, "Change Is Gonna Come," she speaks with sisters who said they brought up allegations of abuse against their father to the bishops and church officials, but were "consistently ignored."

Hello Out readers!We all know that Janelle Mone exists outside of the confines of normal space-time. Their music and visuals manage to be both retro and futuristic, giving us a glimpse of our world beyond the limitations of normal humans. Now, we know one of the reasons.In a new "Musicians on Musicians" interview for Rolling Stone, Mone revealed to boygenius member Lucy Dacus that some of the inspiration for their artistry comes from time travel.In the interview, Mone says that seeing David Bowie perform was a big inspiration; then they clarify that it wasn't a late-career performance."I traveled back to the 1970s and I saw him do Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, and it was incredible," Mone revealed, prompting Dacus to clarify, "You traveled back?""Yeah, I was backstage, and I was like, 'This is what I wanna do.'" Mone casually answered. "And so I jetted back to, you know, the 2000s, and I was like, 'I can have the musical, make the music, create the lyrics, and create community around transformation and being queer and not even just in sexuality, but in how we see the world."In the interview, the stars also discuss their fluid gender presentations, with Dacus saying, "If I was told 'You have to be one way forever,' I would be like, maybe lifes not for me. Its very important every day to wake up and be like, 'Is it boy day or girl day?' Or on tour, especially if we do two nights in the same city. Ill have boy night, girl night."Keep reading to find out our Woman Crush Wednesday and all the best pop culture news.- Mey RudeRHOSLCs Heather Gay to meet former gay conversion therapist on her new showNew Boots cast photoshoot has the gays yelling Yes, sir!Under the rainbow: LGBTQ+ stars who brought Wicked to lifeTina Romero: 'Queens of the Dead' is 'queer stamp' on dad's zombie legacyKesha turned a pop tour into a movementGrace Wales Bonner becomes first Black woman to lead major fashion housePetition to replace Bad Bunny in Super Bowl Halftime Show passes 50,000 signaturesChris Colfer reads Lea Michele for filth over conspiracy theory that she's illiterateGlen Powell strips down in sexy birthday selfie & fans are going wildWoman Crush WednesdayWe will never stop stanning Kesha! The singer is on her Tits Out Tour right now, where she's blowing audiences away across America!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!

The popular K-pop group LE SSERAFIM is gearing up for the release of their upcoming single, "SPAGHETTI," and fans were pleasantly surprised to see that the teaser video that they released on Tuesday featured a drag queen.South Korea is still one of the many countries where same-sex marriage is not legally recognized, and there are still no comprehensive laws to protect LGBTQ+ residents against discrimination.This wildly popular K-pop group, including a drag performer in their video, led to a wave of praise from their fans online. In the teaser, only one drag queen was featured, NANA Youngrong Kim, but in the credits of the YouTube video post, the group shared the names of two other queens that will be featured in the video: KYAM and RINGRING."One thing about le sserafim is theyll always include the girls & the gays," one person's post on X reads. (@) Another person shared screenshots of LE SSERAFIM showing support for the LGBTQ+ community on various occasions. One of the legible quotes in the screenshots includes a positive review of an LGBTQ+ Japanese movie written by Sakura while she worked in media.She wrote in her review, "People who are referred to as transgender, they live life while being true to their hearts and there are many who think of being transgender as part of their identity." (@) She continued, "Is the correct answer a male and female? There is no right or wrong answer for human emotions. Love between men, love between women, it is find if it exists. And in my opinion, Japan needs to deepen its understanding of homosexuality."In addition to drag queens, the group also welcomed a member of one of the most popular K-pop boybands in the world to feature in their video as well: J-Hope from BTS. The band went on a hiatus back in 2022 after achieving mainstream success because a few of the members had to complete their mandatory military service. BTS has been teasing their return with plans of a new album next year as well as a world tour. "Well be visiting fans all around the world, so we hope youre as excited as we are," the band said in a statement reported by Billboard.The full music video for "SPAGHETTI" from LE SSERAFIM drops on Friday, October 24 at 12 a.m. EST. See on Instagram

The popular K-pop group LE SSERAFIM is gearing up for the release of their upcoming single, "SPAGHETTI," and fans were pleasantly surprised to see that the teaser video that they released on Tuesday featured a drag queen.South Korea is still one of the many countries where same-sex marriage is not legally recognized, and there are still no comprehensive laws to protect LGBTQ+ residents against discrimination.This wildly popular K-pop group, including a drag performer in their video, led to a wave of praise from their fans online. In the teaser, only one drag queen was featured, NANA Youngrong Kim, but in the credits of the YouTube video post, the group shared the names of two other queens that will be featured in the video: KYAM and RINGRING."One thing about le sserafim is theyll always include the girls & the gays," one person's post on X reads. (@) Another person shared screenshots of LE SSERAFIM showing support for the LGBTQ+ community on various occasions. One of the legible quotes in the screenshots includes a positive review of an LGBTQ+ Japanese movie written by Sakura while she worked in media.She wrote in her review, "People who are referred to as transgender, they live life while being true to their hearts and there are many who think of being transgender as part of their identity." (@) She continued, "Is the correct answer a male and female? There is no right or wrong answer for human emotions. Love between men, love between women, it is find if it exists. And in my opinion, Japan needs to deepen its understanding of homosexuality."In addition to drag queens, the group also welcomed a member of one of the most popular K-pop boybands in the world to feature in their video as well: J-Hope from BTS. The band went on a hiatus back in 2022 after achieving mainstream success because a few of the members had to complete their mandatory military service. BTS has been teasing their return with plans of a new album next year as well as a world tour. "Well be visiting fans all around the world, so we hope youre as excited as we are," the band said in a statement reported by Billboard.The full music video for "SPAGHETTI" from LE SSERAFIM drops on Friday, October 24 at 12 a.m. EST. See on Instagram

The stars of kinky biker romance Pillion are spilling the details on their film's sexy scenes!Pillion, from first-time feature director Harry Lighton, stars Harry Potter's Harry Melling as the meek Colin, who meets a mysterious and commanding biker named Ray, played by Alexander Skarsgrd. The two men are immediately drawn to each other, and soon, Colin is introduced to a kinky, leather-clad world of gay bikers in the process of becoming a lifestyle sub for Ray.While Colin and Ray's relationship is defined by rules and restrictions, like Ray refusing to kiss Colin, not every relationship in Pillion is that way which is why the film's romantic scenes feels so sincere, according to Skarsgrd."After the big orgy scene, some of the couples are very affectionate with each other and very warm and loving, even if they have a sub/dom relationship. That doesn't mean you can't cuddle and kiss," Skarsgrd told Pink News in an interview that ran on Wednesday."We wanted to avoid stereotypes and also try to make those scenes feel authentic. [Sex] can be clumsy, it can be awkward, it can be weird and it can be funny. It doesn't have to be sexy all the time," he said. "We wanted those scenes with the whole gang to feel authentic but it was also important to distinguish the couples within this group because we're not carbon copies of each other."In the interview, Skarsgrd's costar, Melling, also spoke about what makes the film's intimate moments so impactful from his perspective. Although he described Pillion as a departure from his usual acting jobs, he said he was "very comfortable" filming the sex and kink scenes something his friends, when they heard what was involved, were surprised by."I remember speaking to a few friends of mine about this story, what was involved in it. They were like, Oh wow, Harry. Wow!" Melling said."What was so good about the sex scenes and why maybe I felt very comfortable doing them, was it always felt like we were moving the story along. Maybe thats why people are saying it feels authentic in that way," he added.Pillion will be released in theaters in the U.K. on November 28 and in the U.S. in 2026.

I’ve been watching this administration closely, and honestly, it’s hard not to feel like there’s a pattern here. It’s not random policy changes or “different priorities” — it’s a steady attempt to rewrite what it means to be recognized, protected, and visible if you’re part of the LGBTQ community. And if we’re being honest, the...

Miley Cyrus is joining the world of Pandora! On Wednesday, the singer shared a snippet of her new song that will be featured on the soundtrack for James Cameron's franchise film Avatar: Fire and Ash."Dream as One," which Cyrus wrote alongside Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, is a slow-building ballad. In the short clip released via social media, Cyrus sings, "Even through the ashes in the sky / Baby, when we dream, we dream as one."See on Instagram"Having been personally affected by fire and being rebuilt from the ashes, this project holds profound meaning for me," Cyrus wrote in text accompanying the clip on Instagram. "Thank you, Jim, for the opportunity to turn that experience into musical medicine. The films themes of unity, healing, and love resonate deeply within my soul, and to be even a small star in the universe the Avatar family has created is truly a dream come true."See on InstagramIn 2018, Cyrus and her ex-husband, Liam Hemsworth, lost their home in the Woolsey Fire in Malibu, California. In January of this year, when another devastating blaze occurred in the area, the singer shared candid feelings about that loss along with resources to help those affected by the new fires in an Instagram post."This is a photo taken of my front porch in 2018 after losing our house in the Woolsey fires. Its a feeling you dont ever forget. Walking up to the door you would pass through daily, looking forward to being greeted by the ones you love like you always do but instead being met by a pile of ash and rubble," she wrote. "My soul aches for those who are experiencing this devastation firsthand and I cry for my city. Its beyond heartbreaking. Los Angeles represents 'living the dream' but the reality today is wreckage and destruction."Cyrus won her first career Grammy in 2024 for her song "Flowers," and now, many are predicting she could have a shot at an Oscar as well. However, she'll have to go up against an already crowded field, with tracks from KPop Demon Hunters, Sinners, and Wicked: For Good also likely to be competing for this year's best original song.

A progressive U.S. Senate candidate in Maine, who has already apologized for earlier misogynistic and racially insensitive remarks and said he did not realize that a tattoo on his chest resembled a Nazi SS emblem, is again under scrutiny, this time for anti-LGBTQ+ comments.Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter.In an interview on Wednesday afternoon with The Advocate, Graham Platner, a 41-year-old Marine and Army veteran running in Maines Democratic primary, seeking to become the nominee to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, confirmed that he authored a series of Reddit comments that include homophobic slurs, anti-LGBTQ+ jokes, and sexually explicit stories denigrating gay men.The existence of the comments, posted under the handle P-Hustle between 2016 and 2021, has not previously been reported. The Advocate obtained the posts independently this week.Related: Maine fights Trump DOJ demand for identity of every student athlete in the stateI have no reason to deny [that the posts are mine], Platner said in a Zoom interview. I made a lot of comments over the years and talked a lot of shit on the internet. I have no reason to doubt that at some point I used language that I would not be using today.He paused, then added, Its indefensible.The posts obtained by The AdvocateThe unearthed posts show a pattern of homophobic language and rhetoric that mocked or demeaned LGBTQ+ people. In some cases, Platner appeared to use slurs casually in discussions unrelated to sexuality; in others, he explicitly framed gay people as the punch line.In June 2016, Platner wrote in a thread about life on military guard duty, No, seriously. Flog that fucker as often as possible write gay poetry about how gay your current job is Congratulations! Youve made it through one shift! Now do it all again in 12 hours. Welcome to the world of standing post, where sanity is a sliding scale.In March 2018, he recounted in explicit detail what he described as a gay off between Marines and British sailors in Bahrain: Pull into Bahrain in 07 on a MEU, a Royal Navy submarine happens to be in port at the same time. Before we even realize whats going on, the other weird bastard just leans down and licks the damn thing from the bottom of the ballsack all the way up to the top of the dick. Stands up, looks dead at us and yells BEAT THAT! I proudly withdrew our team on the grounds that one cannot play gay chicken if one is actually gay.Related: Maine Gov. Janet Mills confronts Donald Trump to his face over anti-trans sports order at White HouseIn July 2018, Platner joked in another thread, I suppose some gay fellas still prefer holes as well. Party on top bros.A month later, in August 2018, he used a homophobic slur while arguing with another user: Betcha not a single downvoter is a real combat vet. Feel free to back it up with facts, fags.In December 2019, Platner mocked military officers, writing, Officers are gay. Army or navy, I really dont give a fuck about your frat.By March 2020, he was still using the word gay as a punch line: This was the gayest (not in the fun dick sucking way) thing Ive ever seen. This dude is literally everything I hate all rolled into one.And in June 2021, Platner posted about military pranks, writing, I like how our gay antics make him so uncomfortable he hates us. Im doubling down on gay chicken next time in honor of this Air Force pussy.All of the posts came years after Platner left the Army in 2012.That language is not who I am todayPlatner told The Advocate that he no longer uses the slurs or dismissive language that appeared frequently in the posts. These were words that I used for a long time in ways that I did not take seriously, he said. Because of personal relationships that Ive developed over the years, I do not use [them] now and find [them] to be quite offensive. I stopped using that specific kind of language a while ago and today I find that stuff abhorrent. And I am sorry that I ever used it.He attributed his change in perspective to friendships with LGBTQ+ people, both gay and transgender, that deepened after he returned to Maine. When I lived in Washington, D.C., I had a number of very close gay friends, Platner said, with whom he often attended showtunes night at JRs, a popular gay bar near Dupont Circle. It was only later, when I moved back to Maine, that I became friends with a number of trans people, and that really opened my eyes.Related: Maine Gov. Janet Mills beats Donald Trump, gets school meal funds restored while defending trans kidsEven though I thought I was open-minded, he continued, there were elements to their existence that I had been entirely unaware of. That was when I began to really take far more seriously the damaging nature of language, the damaging nature of even just discussing whether people exist or not.He said that realization led him to speak publicly in defense of LGBTQ+ students. Earlier this year, I testified at a local school board meeting in defense of a policy that was protecting LGBTQ students, he said. For me, at this point in my life, you either stand for what you stand for or you dont.A campaign shaped by contritionThe new revelations add to a cascade of controversies that have defined Platners campaign. In recent days, Platner admitted to having a tattoo resembling the Totenkopf, a skull-and-crossbones emblem used by Nazi SS units, which the Associated Press reports he has since had altered. Platner told Pod Save Americas Tommy Vietor that he got the tattoo in 2007 while on leave in Croatia and didnt know of its Nazi association until this month.Related: Trump vs. Maine: State refuses anti-trans sports policies as federal agencies push to cut fundingMaybe he didnt know it when he got it, but he got it years ago, and he should have had it covered up because he knows damn well what it means, Platners political director, Genevieve McDonald, who recently resigned, wrote on Facebook.Before the tattoo controversy, Platner had already apologized for earlier Reddit posts that included misogynistic and racially charged remarks. He described those as coming from a dark period after his military service. That defense is complicated by the fact that these newly discovered comments were written years later.People can change, and they can evolveAsked on Wednesday whether he understood why voters might question his judgment after so many revelations, Platner said the controversies reflect his past, not his present.This is all of the same piece, he said. Its not indicative of things that Im doing now. People are digging through my entire life because I, frankly, am running for Senate on an anti-establishment platform, and that comes with a lot of scrutiny.He continued, I think we need a politics that is reflective of the fact that people can change and they can evolve. Im very proud of who I am now. Im very proud of what Ive become. I only got here because of the struggles along the journey, and I would just like people to judge me off of who I have become throughout all of this, not who I was at a darker point in my life.Platner added that, unlike many politicians, he never lived intending to run for office. I have not been living a life under the assumption that I was going to run for Senate someday, he said. Ive lived a normal life, fighting in wars, working jobs, and being online like anyone else. We need a politics that reflects that normal people make mistakes and grow. Most people in this country have a lot more in common with each other than they do with the people in power. If we want a politics for regular people, we have to accept that regular people evolve.LGBTQ+ advocates reactIn response to The Advocates reporting, a spokesperson for GLAAD, which advocates for fair representation of LGBTQ+ people in media, said voters have a right to know a candidates record and to expect genuine growth, not just regret.Voters deserve to know the LGBTQ records of all candidates, and we all deserve leaders who work hard to fairly and respectfully serve all constituents, including those who are different from them, the spokesperson said in a statement.Related: Maine sues Trump administration for funding freeze over policy on transgender student athletesWhen fair-minded voters see a candidate making mocking, degrading comments about LGBTQ people, they first look for a genuine apology, the spokesperson continued. Next, they look to see whether the candidate has publicly acknowledged how they have unlearned bias showing evidence of growth and their ability to represent everyone.It is up to LGBTQ people and our allies, the spokesperson added, to hold leaders accountable to the American values of freedom, liberty, and equality for all.On protecting LGBTQ+ rightsAsked what he would do in office to defend LGBTQ+ Americans, Platner said, I would never vote for a piece of legislation that would treat LGBTQ Americans any differently than any other. Equality is equality. Period.He added that he would support any measure expanding LGBTQ+ protections and said he believes the U.S. Senate should use its authority to push back against the Supreme Court, which he described as one of our biggest hurdles against defending equality in this country.The politics of regretPlatner acknowledged that his past comments and the scrutiny theyre receiving reflect an emerging reality of American politics: the permanence of online behavior and the difficult question of what accountability looks like in an era when every digital trace endures.I think there is a place for [looking back], to a point, Platner said. But if we are going to just litigate every comment somebody makes on the internet, we will never have a politics that functions. I think the important part is, is there a believable story of change?

It's the year of the thirst trap!The hottest men in Hollywood showed plenty of skin in 2025 and everyone's algorithms have been blessed as a result.From familiar faces like Bruno Alcantara and Tom Daley to breakout stars like Mendedez stars Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, there was plenty of sexy photos to drool over this year.Check out some of the sexiest campaigns, viral videos, and steamy pics that had gays going feral all year.Theo James (@) Theo James went viral for his sizzling Dolce & Gabbana campaign that left very little to the imagination.Cooper Koch (@) Following his Emmy nomination for Monsters on Netflix, Cooper Koch stripped down in a sexy campaign for Calvin Klein.Maluma (@) Maluma is living his best life as one of the biggest singers in the world, but the performer decided to enjoy a vacation in Costa Rica and post some spicy pictures of him just in a towel.Walton Goggins (@) Walton Goggins had a breakout year thanks to the popularity of The White Lotus, so what better way to celebrate than taking some sexy pics in public?Robert IrwinSee on InstagramRobert Irwin is slaying the game on the current season of Dancing With the Stars, but the Australian conservationist gained momentum with fans when he stripped down in a sexy underwear campaign earlier this year.Hasan Piker (@) Hasan Piker knows how to deliver a steamy thirst trap, so GQ Magazine took some sexy pics of the heartthrob in bathtub.The Cast of 'Boots' on Netflix (@) Boots is the trending gay military show on Netflix and it's not a surprise that the cast has gone viral for their sexy physiques.Freddie Stroma (@) Freddie Stroma stripped down to just his tighty-whities on a recent episode of Peacemaker, and the internet had a field day.Tom Daley (@) Although Tom Daley didn't last long on The Celebrity Traitors, producers made sure to grab a steamy shot of him in the shower before he was murdered.Kit Connor (@) Fans are eagerly awaiting the upcoming Heartstopper movie, but a spicy BTS photo of Kit Connor rocking just a towel made the rounds on social media last month.Bruno AlcantaraSee on InstagramBruno Alcantara is always showing plenty of body as the lead member of The Pit Crew on RuPaul's Drag Race, so his latest photoshoot did not disappoint.Jamie Dornan (@) Jamie Dornan's hunky status didn't expire after the Fifty Shades of Grey movies. The star flexed his muscles in a summer campaign for Diet Coke.Brandon Flynn (@) Brandon Flynn had an eventful summer, but he had no problem posting a steamy pic in a pair of tight briefs back in July.Ricky Martin (@) Ricky Martin is constantly feeding his fans with sexy content and this year was no exception.Nicholas Alexander ChavezSee on InstagramNicholas Alexander Chavez teamed up with Jacquemus for their latest campaign and the Monsters star naturally showed plenty of body.Zac Efron (@) Zac Efron served as many people's queer awakenings and his latest vacay pics certainly reminded everyone why.Tom Holland@menshealthukIn the latest episode of Icebreakers, Tom Holland takes the plunge at the Bero Padel Classic for a freezing round of Smash or Pass, giving his verdict on some viral fitness trends. #tomholland #icebreakers #icebath #fitness #smashorpass #spidermanTom Holland taking a cold plunge? It's no surprise that the video went viral in no time.

What started as a piece of functional clothing to work out in, or to lounge around the house when you want to be cozy (lets face it, that's the more likely scenario for us), gray sweatpants have evolved and are now considered one of the sluttiest pieces of clothing a man can wear. The reason is simple: the relaxed fit and light color allow us to see the elusive d*ck print, and they usually make every guys butt look fantastic too. Extra points if you wear them slung low on your hips so we can get a peek at that V respectfully, of course!You probably see guys walking around wearing them all the time, but the true gray sweatpants connoisseurs know that you need to turn to movies, television shows, and magazine covers to spot the hottest celebrity men sporting the iconic item of clothing. So whether you like to show off by wearing them yourself, or love to ogle celebs sporting them, gray sweatpants are one article of clothing that cant be ignored!Sylvester Stallone in RockySylvester Stallone running in a gray sweatsuit in the training montage that ends with him pumping his fist in the air on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art will forever be an iconic moment. John Travolta in GreaseWhile you probably picture his leather jacket and pompadour hairstyle when you think of John Travoltas character Danny in Grease, he was equally mouthwatering in a gray sweatsuit while trying to impress Sandy.Dylan Efron on Dancing with the Stars (@) To preview one of his performances during his run on Dancing with the Stars, Dylan Efron posted a video showing off his dance skills while wearing nothing but a low-slung pair of gray sweatpants. To say the gays went feral is an understatement. Michael B. Jordan in CreedMuch like Stallone as Rocky Balboa before him, Michael B. Jordan rocked a pair of sexy gray sweatpants in the Rocky spinoff, Creed. In fact, he may have even worn them better than the iconic original!Austin Butler for Mens Health (@) Austin Butler broke the internet in 2025 when his photoshoot with Mens Health went viral. In the now iconic photos, Butler is sporting nothing but six-pack abs and a pair of grey sweatpants with the waistband rolled down, making him look like a work of art. As expected, the gays went wild for the steamy photos. Channing Tatum in Shes the ManShes the Man isnt a great movie, but its worth a watch just to see young Channing Tatum in gray sweatpants and no shirt. You can thank us later. Ethan Stiefel in Center StageEvery millennial has probably seen Center Stage at least a few times, and while some of the love the movie gets is because of impressive ballet, teen drama, and early 2000s music and fashion, weve also watched this dance class scene over and over again just so we could see Cooper gyrate his hips in those revealing gray sweatpants. Justin Theroux in The Leftovers (@) In the pilot episode of HBO's The Leftovers, Justin Theroux gave the audience and eye full when his character went jogging in gray sweatpants that hug everycurveof his body. The scene may have aired years ago, but it lives on in the minds of fans everywhere. Anthony Ippolito in I Play Rocky (@) Apparently, if you want to see hot, ripped men in gray sweatpants, you should be turning to boxing movies especially ones connected to Rocky. Anthony Ippolito is recreating Stallones iconic sweatpants look in I Play Rocky, which tells the true story of Stallone's fight to play Rocky Balboa. The movie hasnt come out yet, but the first-look photos alone have us drooling.

So here we are again — another government shutdown. Congress couldn’t agree on a budget, and now millions of people across the country are stuck waiting to see what happens to their benefits. For Oregon, this hits especially hard because so many families rely on SNAP (aka food stamps) to get by each month. When the government stops, so does a lot of the help people count on just...