"Oh, we knew all along," a phrase I've heard more times than I can count since my grand unveiling at the ripe age of 48. People love saying that. One might have hoped someone would have nudged me a tad sooner. I realize that our journey is ours, but it might have been nice to have someone say, "Hey, are you sure you should be marrying that woman?" But alas, hindsight is 20/20.The universe, it seems, had its own script for me. I always knew I was different, but "feeling" gay remained elusive. Countless opportunities for exploration passed me by; I never took them. Instead, I built a fortress of comfort with my high school sweetheart, eventually leading to marriage. It was love, but not the love. the chaotic unraveling that followed was never the intention. Still, in retrospect, detonation was the only way to wake me up.Thank you, universeI get it now.Leaving my marriage was a descent into darkness. After living as a straight man for 48 years, my life felt quite comfortable. I believed I was fulfilled and had everything I needed. I was a successful, independent creative in the entertainment industry, with a wife, a cute house, dogs, and a fancy car, and I was well-traveled. Yet, I was numba state that no amount of success, accolades, or possessions could fill. There was an emptiness within me, an ache that remained unfulfilled.But the moment I kissed my "queer catalyst," an invisible weight lifted. I had never been so happy in my life. The encounter blindsided me, shattering a comfortable existence in an instant. Suddenly, everything changedthe lights switched on. I saw myself for the first time. A few days later, I separated from my wife, still grappling with confusion and unsure of what this new excitement meant. Is this what "feeling gay" is? Rik and MaximillianCourtesy AuthorLiving your truth is the key. Easy to say, incredibly hard to do. This explains my three decades in a relationship that, while loving, wasn't honest. "Doing the work" begins with a hard truth, followed by even greater challenges, but ultimately, it leads to true love in all its forms. There's a slight suspension of reality to living a queer life, and I've come to realize it's akin to a punk rock anthemrebellious, untamed, gloriously freeform. No script, no societal pressures, an abstract art of life. What better way to be?Now I revel in being gay, every detail of it. Simple pleasures like saying "hi" to fellow gays in the wild ignite pure joy, even a brief, knowing smile. My partner, Rik, snickers at me about it, especially when I'm met with blank stares.Strangely enough, I don't think anyone was happier when I came out than my Grandma. My Uncle Michael died of AIDS in '95. Initially, his coming out was a shock for her, but she rose to the occasion. She became an ally, but he passed soon after. I think I was sort of a second chance for her to be "all-in" from day one. She practically tackled Rik when I brought him home for the first time during COVID. It was magical for me, making me feel like I was exactly where I needed to be.Uncle Michael, the family's shining star, apparently always knew I was gay. I was very close to him, and I'm not gonna lie, I wish he had sat me down for a heart-to-heart. His deterioration from AIDS was shocking; my heart was broken. But now, as a proud gay man, that pain resonates on a much deeper level. On his deathbed, surrounded by family, I had a chance for a private moment with him. Looking back, this would have been the perfect "hey kid, you're gay" moment, but that didn't happen. Instead of some profound revelation, my only real memory was me asking him to come back and haunt me. That's what you get from a closeted 23-year-old obsessed with horror. Still, thank you, Uncle Michael, for paving the way for me to be honest, to love my man, to hold his hand, and to be proud of who I am, just like you were. Mom and MaximillianCourtesy AuthorI was extremely excited for 2020, just three months into embracing my new gay identity, and I was anxious to get out there! Being met with a global pandemic when you feel like a racehorse that was just let out of the gate was very frustrating. I had finally reached the promised land, and now I was shut in the house. I soon realized that this was a great time to learn about who I was becomingor more accurately, discovering who I was all along.The thought of getting on a dating app was utterly foreign to me, but I figured if I couldn't meet people in person, chatting was the next best thing. Two months into the pandemic, I met Rik, and it was magical. With everyday distractions on hold, I fully immersed myself in the brightly colored hues of queer love. Now, five years later, life is playful, filled with laughter and music, mutual admiration, great food, even greater sex, along with shared humor and even shared underwear. Our love is fun, joyful, and real. If that "gay racehorse" was allowed to run wild, we may have never met. The pandemic was a great reminder that what might seem like a roadblock is, in fact, a detour sign. I listened to those signs, and I hit the gay lottery!This joy I now feel only shines because I emerged from profound pain. My elation is hard-earned, forged through lossthe deaths of my two fathers, my brother, my grandparents, my uncle, my incredible gay champion grandma, and countless other family members. I made choices that led to further loss, creating boundaries with unhealthy lovestrained relationships with my birth family, the loss of my childhood love, then wife and best friend, and groups of friends that took sides in the divorce. It's been a lot. But what you do with it all, that's "the work." Doing the work with the help of my warrior of a mother, my North Star, who adopted me at 3 months old, was the gift of my life. photo collage, Rik and MaximillianCourtesy AuthorHere I stand, proud and fulfilled, living authentically. I'm now in love with an incredible man, splitting our time between Los Angeles and the beautiful island of Maui on this new adventure. The harsh sounds brought me to a sweeter symphony, and shedding a comfortable life revealed the raw beauty and relentless power of reinvention. I embraced honesty, trusted the universe, and worked my ass off for this life. I am proud and grateful. I choose aloha, a queer life, and always saying hello to fellow gays in the wild.Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit Out.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. 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.

We can't get enough of Dan Levy!Ever since Schitt's Creek went off the air in 2020, fans have been waiting for creator/star Dan Levy's next starring role in a series. Now we know what that next show will be.Levy has announced that his newest series, Big Mistakes, a family crime comedy series, is now in production for Netflix.He shared a post on Instagram showing him working on set with several of the actors from the series. While there's no preview for the show yet, some information has been released.Here's what we know!What is Dan Levy's new show, Big Mistakes, about?Big Mistakes is a family crime comedy that follows "two deeply incapable siblings" played by Dan Levy and Taylor Ortega (Welcome to Flatch), who are blackmailed and forced into the world of organized crime. Laurie Metcalf (Lady Bird) also stars as their mother.Who created Big Mistakes?Big Mistakes is a part of Dan Levy's overall deal he signed with Netflix following the runaway success of Schitt's Creek, a CBC series that exploded in popularity after it appeared on the streaming giant. Previously, Levy made the romantic drama Good Grief in 2023. In addition to writing and directing, Levy starred in the film alongside Ruth Negga, Himesh Patel, and Luke Evans. Levy created Big Mistakes with Rachel Sennott (Bottoms), who will also executive produce.Who is starring in Dan Levy's new show?Levy is starring in Big Mistakes along with Taylor Ortega and Laurie Metcalf. Other series regulars include Jack Innanen (Adults), Boran Kuzum, and Abby Quinn. Elizabeth Perkins, Jacob Gutierrez, Joe Barbara, Josh Fadem, and Mark Ivanir will recur.What does Dan Levy say about his new show?"I'm so excited to be bringing this truly chaotic family story to life with Netflix, Levy said in a release from the streamer. "I'm thrilled with the team were building both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. Taylor Ortega is going to become a household name, and its been my lifes mission to get to call Laurie Metcalf 'mother.' Looking forward to getting to share this with everyone."When can you watch Dan Levy's new show?Big Mistakes is currently in production, but Netflix has yet to announce a release date for the series.

But do you even lift, sis?Whether you're looking for some motivation to start working out again, feeling curious about how celebrities get their bodies to look so good, or just want an excuse to watch male celebs sweating while working on their fitness We totally get it, and we're here to help.A workout list featuring LGBTQ+ stars, plus other male celebs that the gays love to keep up with, can be found below. You better werk (out)!Cheyenne JacksonSee on InstagramDavid Archuleta@davidarchieWorking on them gains #fitness #afraidtoloveDavid BartaSee on InstagramGus KenworthyKameron MichaelsSee on InstagramLuke EvansSee on InstagramLuke MacfarlaneSee on InstagramKit ConnorShaun TAaron Taylor JohnsonSee on InstagramAlan RitchsonBen AffleckChace CrawfordChris HemsworthEnjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.Dan ReynoldsDavid BeckhamSee on InstagramDylan EfronSee on InstagramFrank GrilloGlen PowellGreg TarzanHenry CavillJake GyllenhaalJason MomoaJay EllisSee on InstagramJohn Gaines and Tank@gainsbygaines@Tank said watch out youngsta . #GainsByGaines #tank #younglaKJ ApaKumail NanjianiMichael B. JordanMichael Cimino@nabp_#Recuerdos #onthisday #2023 #michaelcimino #sweetcreature @Michael Cimino @NABPMiles TellerMorgan SpectorSee on InstagramOliver StarkSimu LiuSterling K. BrownTaylor Zakhar PerezSee on InstagramHonorable mention:Taylor Zakhar Perez, Carlos Eric Lopez, Michael Cimino, and Brandon Perea (@) It's just a photo, but what a photo!Tom BradyEnjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.Tom EllisTom HollandSee on InstagramTyler James WilliamsZac Efron

Mr. X-Toon (NSFW artwork at that link), whose gay Disney-inspired porn edits and animations often went viral online, has passed away, according to an online report.Mr. X-Toon's popular animations would depict male Disney characters in romantic pairings like Tarzan and Milo from Atlantis, Kristoff from Frozen and Flynn from Tangled, Hercules and Aladdin, and more. The videos were distinct for their high-quality animation and voice acting as well as large penises with graphic gay sex.Because of his ability to make high-quality gay porn animations featuring popular characters from Disney and other animated films, Mr. X-Toon's videos have gone viral and become a part of internet lore and culture.Now, a post shared by a person claiming to be "a close friend of David," the real name of the animator, says that he died July 25. The cause of death was not disclosed. (@) "I'm Daniel, a close friend of David, widely known as 'mrxtoon' on the internet. He was an extraordinary friend, a brilliant artist, a family man, and a source of joy in our lives," the statement reads. "His artistry was unparalleled, and his dedication to his fans to give more was truly inspiring. He loved his fan, family, and creating art above all else.""Though words can't capture this feeling, I'm heartbroken to share that David passed away on July 25, at 7:30 pm alone in his residency," it continues. "My heart still grieves as I inform his fans and friends of this devastating news. I seek closure in this difficult time. I hope David finds peace in eternity. You'll be deeply missed, bud."Tributes to the animator have poured in online. (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

Alt gay X (formerly known as Twitter) is a thriving space for queer people to share their X-rated material. There's a video or a content creator for every niche interest. But after awhile, just posting nude selfies gets repetitive, so the gays spice things up with creative ways to share content.One key tactic is to jump on a trend and the current one is teasing X followers with a preview of a blurred-out private Grindr album. (When you chat with another user on Grindr, you can choose to share your album with them, and before you click on it, the app shows a preview of the first photo blurred out.) (@) The trend found its way outside of alt gay X, and it started to become a meme, with users swapping blurred private parts for various humorous cultural references.Grindr seized on the trend. Shortly after Taylor Swift announced her new album, The Life of a Showgirl, this week, the social team shared a post on X depicting the blurred cover art. "Everybody masc until the life of a showgirl pre pre order drops," the app quipped. (@) (@) (@) (For many of the users engaging the trend, their actual NSFW photos are not hard to find, which adds to the humor of their involvement.) This is not the only time Grindr has trended for uncensored content this month. Recently, Grindr launched a hub called "Grindr Presents," which has original videos, music releases, and editorial pieces. In a statement shared with Out, a spokesperson for Grindr wrote, "In a world where queer voices are increasingly censored and marginalized across platforms, Grindr has created an unapologetically safe space where the community can be themselves, be heard, and be fabulous without fear of suppression." Adding, "With 'Grindr Presents,' the platform is deepening that connection and making Grindr the go-to destination for even more uncensored queer culture, a place where authenticity isn't just welcomed, it's celebrated."

Every year, the U.S. Supreme Court receives an estimated 8,000 requests petitions, or writs of certiorari to take up cases related to a number of constitutional questions affecting Americans and our lives. It only grants a small percentage of those and denies review to the overwhelming majority of cases, allowing lower court decisions [...]The post Whats At Stake at the Supreme Court in 2025-2026: Fast Facts first appeared on GLAAD.

Get ready for the Kiss of the Spider Woman!Kiss of the Spider Woman stars Jennifer Lopez and Tonatiuh are Out Magazine's latest cover stars, looking like absolute royalty!Kiss of the Spider Woman debuted at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, and when I saw it there, it was my favorite movie of the festival! The film follows Valentin (Diego Luna), a political prisoner in Argentina who is surprised when he's put in a cell with Molina, a queer person arrested for public indecency.The two escape the horrors of prison through the stories Molina tells Valentin about their favorite movie, The Kiss of the Spider Woman. Told through fantasy sequences, the two cellmates imagine themselves as the stars of the Hollywood musical, starring alongside Molina's favorite movie star, Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez).All three stars of the film are superb, and now, Tonatiuah and Lopez talk to Out about their experience making the film!"It was really a dream come true," Lopez says. "I've dreamt of doing a musical for so many years. For it to be one that is [a] movie about love and acceptance and community, especially in this time, to me it couldnt have been a better thing to happen."Tonatiuh, who is nonbinary, says that they loved having a chance to play a character who doesn't fit into easy gender boxes."As a performer, I just always found it so frustrating to get categorized in any one particular box. With this, I was really gifted the ability to play the entire spectrum," they say.Check out our latest cover story to find out more!Keep reading to find out the Gayest Song of the Week and all the best pop culture news!Mey RudePeacemaker has bisexual orgy in S2 John Cena confirms DC hero is biI'll miss the chaos of 'And Just like That...' (and Che Diaz too)New 'The Traitors' spinoff with non-famous players to air on NBCTravel the world with 14 portraits of 'beautifully ordinary' menAna Navarro calls on Gloria Gaynor to reject Trump's Kennedy Center honorNetflix's new gay Marines show 'Boots': Here's what to knowWhat is a chapstick lesbian? The sapphic term explained by an LGBTQ+ sexologist2025 Out100 Readers' Choice: Who is making an impact in culture this year?Gabby Windey and Rene Rapp talk scissoring and strap-ons in the most lesbian conversation everGayest Song of the WeekSmooth-voiced pop singer Khalid is back with a fun, new song, "in plain sight," and we can't stop listening! The track has a great throwback sound and is a perfect late contender for Song of the Summer!

Peacemaker season 2 is finally being released on HBO Max, and John Cena is coming in hot (James Gunn-s ablazing, if you will) with a new trailer showing that the titular character has a bisexual orgy.Sign up for the Out Newsletter to keep up with what's new in LGBTQ+ culture and entertainment delivered three times a week straight (well) to your inbox!It's been three and a half years since the season 1 of Peacemaker, starring Cena as the main character, premiered on HBO Max. The series is finally coming back for season 2, and DC Universe (DCU) overseer James Gunn is having a blast with the actor in their promotional appearances for season 2.In one video, Cena and Gunn play a silly little game of would-you-rather. "Alright, you can stop an alien invasion, but you'd have to eliminated one of these," Gunn begins. "A) an alien intruder disguised as a bald eagle; or B) your Tinder date for the night."Cena replies, "I don't think he would eliminate a bald eagle, and if hehad to eliminate a Tinder date, he would just go to Grindr and find another date. The great thing about Peacemaker is that all apps are welcome, all the time." (@) In a new trailer, fans actually see Peacemaker creating some bisexual chaos in season 2. This next batch of episodes is described as Peacemaker "discovering an alternate world where life is everything that he wishes it could be."Gunn wrote all eight episodes of Peacemaker season 2, which has an exciting cast featuring Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Jennifer Holland, Steve Agee, Robert Patrick, Frank Grillo, David Denman, Sol Rodriguez, and Tim Meadows, to name a few.A hilarious conversation between Peacemaker (Cena) and Adrian Chase, a.k.a. Vigilante (Stroma) opens this latest red-band trailer for the HBO Max original series.Adrian walks into Peacemaker's place and see what seems to be over 10 naked bodies lying all around the place. It's clear that Peacemaker just had an orgy with them, and Adrian feels annoyed that he wasn't invited."You don't even seem that into sex," Cena says.Adrian replies, "I'm not into sex because, like a lot of people, it's an opportunity to bond with my best friend."Watch the official red band trailer below.Peacemaker season 2 premieres August 21 on HBO Max.

The Birmingham Black Repertory Theatre Collective (BBRTC), an award-winning Black Queer-led grassroots theatre organization, is thrilled to announce Denim & Diamonds: A Southern Takeover, a one-night-only fundraising concert and gala held on September 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM at The Listening Room in Nashville, TN. Taking place on International Black Theatre Day, this dynamic, music-filled [...]The post Birmingham Black Repertory Theatre Collective Celebrates National Black Theatre Day with Star-Studded Fundraising Gala first appeared on GLAAD.

The executives at HBO Max have ripped away so many good things from us, and their most recent offense is ending And Just Like That... too soon. If I had my way, the show would be pried from my cold, dead hands, and I'd devour at minimum six more seasons of this Sex and the City sequel. But just like all good (or not so good) things, they must come to an end, and tonight's victim was AJLT. The studio heads gifted us with 10 episodes this season, making us believe at first that we had a long future to look forward to with these characters. However, the recent announcement that the third season would be the show's last forced us to say goodbye to Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) once again. (@) In a statement posted August 1 to social media, showrunner Michael Patrick King wrote that he, SJP (who also serves as an executive producer), Sarah Aubrey (head of HBO Max Originals), and Casey Bloys (CEO of HBO Max) all decided to end the series with a two-part finale. "SJP and I held off announcing the news until now because we didn't want the word 'final' to overshadow the fun of watching the season," the statement reads. "It's with great gratitude we thank all the viewers who have let these characters into their homes and their hearts over these many years."The series finale aired on HBO Max tonight, and the ending was serviceable. We got each character's storylines wrapped up in a hastily made bow, and the ending you would expect Carrie Bradshaw, AKA "The Woman," chose to bet on herself. But, as Carrie shimmied her way out of frame in her Gramercy Park oasis, I couldn't help but feel two things were missing: Che Diaz (Sara Ramirez) and the unmitigated joy of the chaos that came in the show's first season. Sarah Jessica Parker on 'And Just Like That'Courtesy of HBO MaxThe reason people loved to hate the show was that it was a cringe-fest with all of our favorite characters right in the center, not too dissimilar to AJLT's prequel series, Sex and the City. Carrie was the epitome of chaos as evidenced in this InStyle Magazine op-ed about how entertainingly tumultuous she was in the original series."Shes been dubbed a terrible friend, borderline stalker, and worst of all, cringe," the writer argued. "But all those internet critics miss one important point: Say what you will about her values, but a selfish, neurotic Carrie Bradshaw makes for great TV." And on this note, I agree. Maybe in your middle age, you care more about society's perception of you, but erasing all of the main character's self-assuredness dulls the show.When the show's main characters (sans Samantha, played by Kim Cattrall) graced the streets of New York once again, the writers threw everything at the wall. As many people have noted, the show felt like it was trying to import these ladies directly from 2006 into 2022, and we watched as they stumbled their way through the major cultural shifts we've seen take place over the last 20 years. Sarah Jessica Parker on 'And Just Like That'Courtesy of HBO MaxThe core group of women aged, they made new friends, their relationships were tested time and time again, and they also learned a lot about themselves. Enter Che Diaz, who became Miranda's (Cynthia Nixon) gay sexual awakening in the reboot's first season. Ever since they entered the SATCEU (Sex and the City extended universe), I couldn't stop thinking about them, and I wish they had more time together before falling victim to online vitriol. Everywhere you turned, there was discourse about the annoying nonbinary character on AJLT so much so that you would've thought they slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars.Che was the victim of blatant homophobia, and in the words of the late SATCEU character, Lexi Featherson, "No one's fun anymore. Whatever happened to fun? God, I'm so bored, I could die," except in this case, I'm not falling out of a window 18 stories up. Yeah, they were cringe. Yeah, they weren't the best comedian. Yes, they were kinda awful to Miranda. And were they not funny on Carrie's podcast (remember Carrie podcasting?), also yes! But we all need to remember, fictional queer people can be bad people too, and it's entertaining to watch. Live a little! See on Instagram Alas, we have to say goodbye to this outrageous and confusingly dressed show again. But Parker insists that it's not a goodbye, but a farewell. She's learned not to be final about Carrie and the SATCEU, and I hope this means that if we do get more from these ladies (and nonbinary individuals you too, Rock), they lean more into the camp and less into Carrie's fictional novel journey.Moises Mendez II is a staff writer at Out magazine. Follow him on Instagram @moisesfenty.Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit out.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on any of our stories. Email us at voices@equalpride.com. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists, and editors, and do not directly represent the views of Out or our parent company, equalpride.