Don Bachardy, a living legend of the art world and a queer icon, at age 91, is finally getting his long-deserved, first museum show: Don Bachardy: A Life in Portraits. Running until August 4, this extraordinary retrospective at The Huntington in San Marino, California, showcases over 100 of his instantly recognizable portraits from a prolific seven-decade career in which he gave life to luminaries of the artistic world as well as friends, lovers, and himself in brutally honest self-portraits.I feel lucky to have once sat for Bachardy in his Santa Monica home, a time capsule overflowing with paintings and mementos from his exceptional yet tumultuous 33-year relationship with Christopher Isherwood, author of landmark books such as Goodbye to Berlin (which inspired the play and film Cabaret) and A Single Man. Don Bachardy, Self-portrait, acrylic on paper, 29 23 in. Don Bachardy Papers. The Huntington. Don Bachardy, 2018.Courtesy The HuntingtonBachardy was 18 when he crystallized his relationship with the 48-year-old Isherwood on Valentines Day, 1953. Their lives and careers, captured in the deeply moving documentary Chris and Don: A Love Story, were intertwined from that day until Isherwood died in 1986.Bachardys masterworks remained critically under-recognized for much of his career in the towering shadow of Isherwood, whose 1976 memoir Christopher and His Kind cemented his status as a key figure in the gay liberation movement. Bachardy, however, doesnt seem to mind. At the Huntingtons opening, he hadnt lost a scintilla of his unique voice or the sparkle in his eyes. When I mentioned how great he looked, Bachardy responded with a mischievous smile that hes not bad for 86, shaving five years from his age. He also gushed about his upcoming documentary, Face to Face: Don Bachardy.Don with Marilyn Monroe. Taken by Ted Bachardy, 1952, 3 3 in. Don Bachardy Papers. The Huntington. Courtesy The Huntington The exhibition makes clear how Bachardys career was hugely influenced by Hollywood. Ingrained as his first film memory was seeing Bette Daviss Jezebel when he was 4 years old. Bachardy and his brother Ted Bachardy spent their teenage years sneaking into premieres in the hope of meeting movie stars. A 1951 snapshot shows Don Bachardy, at 16, glowing beside Marilyn Monroe.Bachardy began drawing idealized portraits of celebrities from movie magazines. That all changed when Isherwood offered to be his first live sitter. The resulting portrait was far from flattering, but it was truthful, wrinkles and all, capturing Isherwoods aura. Bachardy was hooked. From that moment on, he would only do live portraits. Don Bachardy, Letter to Christopher Isherwood, 9 5 15/16 in. The Huntington. Don Bachardy, 1964.Courtesy The HuntingtonIts estimated that Bachardy has created over 17,000 portraits to date. Each subject, from Bette Davis to Angelina Jolie, sat for hours for Bachardys laser-focused eyes. The unparalleled ocean views, paired with the sitters vulnerability and exhaustion, evoke an almost spiritual experience that reveals their likeness and their soul. Bachardy often asks the sitter to cosign the portrait as his collaborator.Hundreds of these portraits are Bachardys unflinching depictions of Isherwood as he was deteriorating from cancer. It began to seem that dying was something which we were doing together, Bachardy wrote in his diary.Ahead, Bachardy reflects on his life and career as part of this authors project on queer art history, which can be found on Instagram @breakingthegaycodeinart. Don Bachardy and Christopher Isherwood, 1968, 3 5 in. Christopher Isherwood Papers. The Huntington. Photo credit: David Hockney. David Hockney.Courtesy The HuntingtonI have goose bumps sitting in the same chairs where you and Isherwood posed for David Hockneys exceptionally rare portrait of an openly gay couple in 1968. How did this seminal painting come about? When Hockney first arrived to Los Angeles, Chris was the first person he called. Hockney was fascinated by my relationship with Chris, and he suggested doing a double portrait. He came to the house, did some drawings, and started painting in his studio nearby. Chriss figure in the painting is very fresh; you can see it was done in one go. Mine, however, is much thicker because by the time he got to it, I was in London, and I couldnt pose for him. I dont think he was ever satisfied with my portrait. Bette Davis, graphite and ink on paper, 291/8 23 1/8in. Don Bachardy Papers. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Don Bachardy, 1973.Courtesy The HuntingtonHow important is your queerness in your work?Being gay is the basic condition of my being an artist. Its through my queerness that everything I regard beneficial in my life has come to me, including Chris Isherwood.How did you feel about Isherwood when you first met him?Its a mystery to me how, when I met him at 18, I had the sense to realize that he was like nobody else Id met and that everything he was telling me was true and important to my growth into adulthood. I tormented him with questions, but he was endlessly patient until I got it in my head. Chris was the best father figure, guide, and role model I could possibly have had. Christopher Isherwood, acrylic on paper, 26 20 in. Don Bachardy Papers. The Huntington. Don Bachardy, 1979.Courtesy The HuntingtonHow much did Christopher influence you as an artist?When I told him I wanted to be a movie star, he didnt mock me, but he constantly prodded me to be an artist, encouraging me to go to art school. Our intimacy was the best lesson. He was completely truthful in his writing, and he taught me to be the same in my art. He introduced me to stars like Montgomery Clift, Marlene Dietrich, and Natalie Wood, who would later pose for me. I was awestruck! It was he who made it possible for me to be an artist. Crystal Martin, acrylic on paper, 26 20 in. Howarth & Smith Collection. The Huntington. Don Bachardy, 2003.Courtesy The HuntingtonWho was your biggest influence as an artist?Francis Bacon. His portraits were so wild and expressionistic, like nobody elses. I was so worried about capturing the truth in my work that I didnt add any expressionistic touches until I felt comfortable as an artist. Bacons face was one of the greatest Ive ever looked into. The portrait I did of him in 1961 is among my best.You had an interesting relationship with photographer George Platt Lynes.I met George when Chris and I flew to New York on my Christmas vacation from UCLA. My first time on a plane! George asked Chris if he could photograph me. I was so excited. George was still so attractive, with silver hair, suave and sophisticated. He asked me to wear white sailor pants. I remember him pinning them at the shoot because he felt they werent tight enough. James Baldwin, pencil and ink, 29 23 in. Don Bachardy Papers. The Huntington. Don Bachardy, 1964.Courtesy The HuntingtonChris owned some of Georges gorgeous male nude photographs. I had sworn to Chris that I would never pose nude for George, but the minute George suggested I take the sailor pants off, they fell to the floor without a moments hesitation. [Laughs] I was already a little bit in love with George. He flattered me up to the skies and, at 19, that was irresistible.Youve painted hundreds of male nudes, many of them in odalisque poses; however, I wouldnt necessarily describe them as homoerotic would you agree?Im both pleased and mystified that you dont find them homoerotic because Im certainly wildly turned on by many of the young and old nude men I painted. Drawing from life implies depicting my model as truthfully as possible. I dont give into my homoeroticism, but I certainly use it when I render my favorite parts: penises and faces. However, I need to be objective; its all important to me. Warhol did a great drawing of Chriss beautiful feet. I regret not having done one myself.Ignacio Darnaude, an art scholar and lecturer, is currently developing the docuseries Hiding in Plain Sight: Breaking the Queer Code in Art. View his Instagram, lectures, and articles on queer art history at linktr.ee/breakingthegaycodeinart.This interview was conducted prior to the exhibition. Learn more at huntington.org. Tim Hilton, acrylic on paper, 29 23 in. Don Bachardy Papers. The Huntington. Don Bachardy, 2017.Courtesy The HuntingtonThis article is part of Out's July/Aug 2025 issue, which hits newsstands July 1. Support queer media and subscribe or download the issue now through Apple News, Zinio, Nook, or PressReader.

100 entries, nine LGBTQ+ films.A list titled "The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century" was published by The New York Times this week, and some of our favorite LGBTQ+ films made the cut.The publication polled more than 500 people while compiling this list. The participants were described as people who work in and around around the film industry, such as screenwriters, directors, and actors. The qualified picks span beloved films from the past 25 years, beginning at the turn of the century in 2000.The ranking ranges between classics from directors like Quentin Tarantino and David Fincher, but also includes more indie, non-English features. There are huge surprises, too (looking straight at you, Superbad!) But whether or not you agree with the full list, we're pleased to spotlight the LGBTQ+ picks that made it onto the list.Scroll through to see the nine queer films that made this list from The New York Times. And honorable mentions: Mulholland Drive, Anatomy of a Fall, Black Swan, and Best in Show are not listed here, but these films made the Times cut and also have prominent queer characters and stories.77. 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' (2022)Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All At Once is an experimental and nihilistic film with a devastating queer story at its heart. In 2023, the movie won the Academy Award for Best Picture A24's first-ever Oscar in the category.72. 'Carol' (2015)Carol is a queer classic directed by Todd Haynes that follows an aspiring photographer as she develops a romantic relationship with an older woman in 1950s New York.67. 'Tr' (2022)Starring Cate Blanchett, Tr is a psychological drama that dives into the world of a female director of a major German orchestra who is accused of sexual misconduct.52. 'The Favourite' (2018)The Favourite tells the story of Queen Anne's fragile day-to-day life being hijacked when she becomes enamored with an alluring new servant who has hidden motives.38. 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire' (2019)Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a French film that follows an isolated artist who develops feelings for the subject of a wedding portrait she's been hired to paint.37. 'Call Me By Your Name' (2017)Call Me By Your Name is a sweepingly romantic and also devastatingly film that beautifully captures the yearning, steamy sensuality, and heartache attached to a doomed first love. 18. 'Y Tu Mam Tambin' (2001)Though likely not regarded as queer at the time of its release, Y Tu Mam Tambin is a sensual Mexican film that follows two teenage boys who fall for an older woman while exploring their sexuality together.17. 'Brokeback Mountain' (2005)Brokeback Mountain might've lost the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2006, but this iconic story of two cowboys falling madly for each other in a world that despised them has cemented itself as one of the best love stories of all time. 5. 'Moonlight' (2016)As one of only two LGBTQ+ films on this list that won the Oscar for Best Picture, Moonlight is an aching meditation on the toll of masculinity and repression in a hostile world, while still searching for softness and love.

Your favorite killer doll's favorite killer doll is back.M3GAN 2.0 is out in theaters now, bringing the beloved gay icon and Out digital cover star back to the big screen. 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!Gerard Johnstone, who directed the first film, is back to helm the sequel. Johnstone also wrote the screenplay for M3GAN 2.0 after the original film's writer, Akela Cooper, stepped back. In the cast, Allison Williams reprises her role as M3GAN's inventor, Gemma, and Violet McGraw returns as Cady, the girl who was paired up with M3GAN in the first movie.This sequel starts a few years after the events of 2022's M3GAN and charts Gemma's public comeback after being blamed for M3GAN's initial rampage. In classic social-media-influencer-style, Gemma has written a book about the situation and became a public speaker and advocate for stricter artificial intelligence regulations, as well as parenting without the aid of technology.When a new and even deadlier android named AMELIA (Autonomous Military Engagement Logistics and Infiltration Android) played by Ivanna Sakhno goes rogue and starts hunting down the people who created her, Gemma and Cady are warned that they might be next And that's when M3GAN gets her epic comeback, now with an upgraded body.Together, Gemma and M3GAN learn that AMELIA is part of a larger plot to set free the most advanced AI model in the world from a secret, underground bunker where it is being hidden. They subsequently decide that it's up to them to stop AMELIA from succeeding. In other words, it's up to M3GAN and Gemma to essentially save the world from an AI apocalypse.M3GAN 2.0 leans more into the campiness that made the first film an instant classic, and that works well for it. Plenty of scenes and lines will leave audiences in stitches and have the gays snapping their fingers.Williams is excellent, as always, and takes bigger swings in this film making her role even more fun. The dynamics between Gemma and M3GAN are also more compelling in the sequel than they were in the original feature.One scene, which serves as a callback to the original's scene where M3GAN sings Sia's "Titanium" to Cady as a lullaby, uses an 1980s classic, and is one of the best and funniest scenes in the film.McGraw is also given more to do M3GAN 2.0. Cady's has grown up, and also learned martial arts and self-defense after being terrorized by the killer doll in the first movie.The sequel departs from the horror elements of the first M3GAN film, opting for more action instead, and the results are mostly positive. The new action elements enable M3GAN to shine and help maintain the pace. Still, the film is bogged down by an unnecessary two-hour runtime.Films like M3GAN tend to work best at 90-100 minutes. For instance, the first film comes in at a tight 102 minutes. M3GAN 2.0 runtime reaches 120 minutes, and it does feel like it.Despite its best attempts, this sequel could've, and should've, leaned even more into its campiness and c*ntiness. Instead, it shows Gemma installing an inhibitor chip in the new M3GAN that prevents her from murdering people. The movie's PG-13 rating also serves a similar role in holding back M3GAN from being her full self.M3GAN is c*nty, but because of her rating, she can't say c*nt.Ultimately, M3GAN, Gemma, and Cady are perfect, but M3GAN 2.0 would've benefited from having a better villain. In comparison to M3GAN, AMELIA doesn't really have any personality (which is part of the plot, as her programming is different). But M3GAN deserves a villain who can match her charisma.Still, the M3GAN franchise needs more installments, and I'm eager to see what M3GAN 3.0 has in store for us.Out review: 3/5 stars.M3GAN 2.0 is playing in theaters. For tickets and more information, visit M3GANmovie.com.

It's New Music Friday!June might be coming to an end, but summer's just starting to heat up and our favorite LGBTQ+ (and adjacent) artists have released some sunshine-ready tracks. We have a handful of new projects this week! Lorde's highly anticipated new album Virgin has finally arrived, KATSEYE is inciting some BEAUTIFUL CHAOS, Kevin Abstract's 18-track album Blush is an entire vibe, and Frankie Grande's debut album Hotel Rock Bottom reveals a new side of the icon. Meanwhile, Kim Petras has released her experimental new SOPHIE-inspired track "Polo," Kehlani just dropped the stunning music video for her R&B summer hit "Folded," Drag Race stars Trixie Mattel and Priyanka have both hopped on new tracks, and Rene Rapp is officially "Mad." Scroll through to listen to this week's best new bops, and follow this writer's New Music Friday playlist on Spotify."Mad" - Rene Rapp"It's getting hard to be nice, " Rene Rapp croons on her angsty new pop-rock track. "Gameboy" - KATSEYEKATSEYE is sick of the games, boy. Their new five-track EP BEAUTIFUL CHAOS is glossy pop perfection. "Gay HBO Max Song" - Trixie MattelTrixie Mattel's club remix of some HBO's most iconic (and gayest) TV show quotes is an instant club classic. Read a full breakdown of the song's references."Folded" - Kehlani Song of the summer? Kehlani just dropped the stunningly sapphic music video for her lush R&B song "Folded.""10AM" - UMIUMI's latest indie R&B love song has blessed us with a stunningly sapphic music video. "Midnight Sun" - Zara LarssonZara Larsson has delivered another pop banger with her MNEK-produced dance track "Midnight Sun" with a killer chorus. "Hotel Rock Bottom" - Frankie GrandeFranke Grande bares all on his debut album and the music video for its title track, Hotel Rock Bottom."Romeo" - Dove CameronDove Cameron's dance pop era? The singer-songwriter is channelling Lady Gaga on her experimental new track. "Lead By Example" - Ali ShahAli Shah is our latest pop boy who "goes both ways" in his steamy new music video. "97 Jag" - Kevin AbstractKevin Abstract's latest is a silky smooth indie track, one of 18 bangers on his new album Blush. "Broken Glass" - LordeLorde's fourth studio album Virgin has arrived, and lyrically toys with the singer's gender expression and identity. "XD" - Between FriendsAre you smiling yet? Between friends is ready to dance on "XD.""Polo" - Kim PetrasThis SOPHIE-inspired track is pushing Kim Petras (and her listeners) to explore the experimental boundaries of pop."Bed of Roses" - Teyana TaylorIssa Rae is featured in Teyana Taylor's sweepingly romantic new music video."You Got Me" - The AcesThe Aces have released the breezy debut single off their upcoming sapphic disco-pop album Gold Star Baby."THE ONE." - KeshaKesha is definitely the one supplying the bangers this summer ahead of her upcoming album release and Tits Out tour."Without You" - Rio RomeroRio Romero's new track is a reflective ballad on moving on."Fussy" - Niiva, PriyankaDrag Race star Priyanka teams up with Niiva for their dancefloor-ready banger "Fussy.""Ashes" - Diplo, Bailey ZimmermanBailey Zimmerman and Diplo team up for their new country song "Ashes." "IRL" - Lizzo, SZALizzo is back, and her new song with SZA is our outside vibe for the summer. "Suzanne" - Mark Ronson, RayeRaye and Mark Ronson's latest track "Suzanne" is an ode to powerful woman. "Again? Fuck." - Alison WonderlandAlison Wonderland's hyperpop dreamscape is the chaos we need right now. Here's the playlist!Taylor Henderson is a music contributor to Out magazine. Be sure to follow 'the alphabet mafia' playlist on Spotify!

Happy Forest!When iconic Pride Month events come to mind, it's easy to immediately think of well-known gay parades and festivities that take place in popular areas like Los Angeles, New York City, or even Pensacola, Florida.It's incredible to see queer visibility celebrated in big cities and small towns across the United States, but there's one festival that occurs in the heart of Pride Month that truly encapsulates queer joy more than any other destination.Electric Forest hit a magical 13th year in Rothbury, Michigan this June and the inclusive festival brought LGBTQ+ visibility to the forefront at a time it's needed most.With multiple Pride activations, iconic music sets, drag brunches, immersive art installations, and thousands of queer people dancing all weekend long... Electric Forest is undeniably a can't-miss event that everyone in the LGBTQ+ community should experience at least one time in their lives. See on Instagram It's actually quite shocking just how gay this festival is. As I ventured through the breathtaking forest every single day, I was overwhelmed with all of the queer love that made Electric Forest feel like such a safe space.Let's be clear... I'm not just referring to all of the rainbow colors that beautifully lit up the forest each night. For this year's programming, Electric Forest recruited Jake Resnicow to take over the festival's Pride stage that featured legendary sets from The Knocks x Dragonette, Confidence Man, BAMBII, TAAHLIAH, and a slew of drag performers.However, the fun wasn't just limited to the Pride stage. One of the major things I personally love about Electric Forest is that the queer activations take place at every corner of this stunning festival.Throughout the spectacular meadow, it's likely you'll witness a queer couple getting married on-site at The Chapel or you'll see a group of gays rocking eccentric outfits as they venture from stage to stage. Plus, let's not forget that this year's festival literally had a gay soire that even had the headliner, Wreckno, propose to their partner! Talk about gay rights! See on Instagram There's so much political discourse surrounding LGBTQ+ equality today, so it's very inspiring and comforting that Electric Forest prioritizes queer acceptance in these challenging times.Electric Forest made history as the first major music festival to feature a Pride parade back in 2018 and the momentum has only grown since then. At a time where it feels like queer acceptance is regressing, this special festival is quite literally doing the exact opposite.In many ways, it feels like Electric Forest is embracing a future that many close-minded people are too afraid to embrace. As a proud gay man myself, I find myself struggling to accept where we are as a society today. That's why music festivals like Electric Forest are the medicine needed to keep up the good fight.I found myself saying, "I wish life was like this all the time" to many new members of my chosen family throughout the weekend. The real world may not be up to par with where Electric Forest is at, but thankfully, this very beautiful festival isn't going anywhere anytime soon.Trust me when I say Electric Forest is the escapism you just may need during these uncertain moments in history. To learn more about this exceptional festival and plan your once-in-a-lifetime trip, check out the official website here. You won't regret it! See on Instagram This extraordinary trip was provided by Electric Forest.

Maisie Richardson-Sellers has long made a name for herself through grounded, magnetic performances across genres from playing Amaya Jiwe on DC's Legends of Tomorrow to embodying a queens cunning in The Originals.With each role, shes carved out a space for complex, emotionally rich Black women on screen. Now, she brings that same depth to Hulus Nine Perfect Strangers, portraying Wolfie, whose exterior slowly unravels to reveal pain, resilience, and growth. Its in episode 4 where Wolfies story truly breaks open, offering a layered look at her past and peeling back the quiet survival shes been operating in since her arrival at Tranquillum House.In her conversation with Out, Richardson-Sellers shares how she fought to ensure Wolfies backstory felt full and authentic, not just a passing detail. She also revealed she had to unlearn an emotional habit of staying silent in moments of pain, a personal breakthrough that deeply informed her performance. Maisie Richardson-Sellers in Nine Perfect StrangersHuluYouve played everything from time travelers to psychological thrill leads, but in Nine Perfect Strangers, we meet Wolfie through her relationship. How much of her identity did you build from who she loves versus what shes survived?Maisie Richardson-Sellers: Wow, that's a good question. What I love about Wolfie is she is such a collage of things. She's the onion right at the heart of everything. Shes this beautiful, powerful, dedicated spirit. As the years have gone on, she's been covered, cloaked, dimmed, and sort of trapped largely by herself in this sort of toxic relationship. Also, the fact that she didn't have the finances to afford going to school to study to be a violinist, which was her passion, is one of the things that kind of dampened her magical spirit. Shes free falling at the moment when you meet her. I think she's trying to find some kind of a lifeline to grab onto and at the moment, its Tina. We go on a journey throughout the season of her trying to figure out who she is independently and how she can survive. In episode 4, we get to see her beforehand, which is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time because you see who she was and who she's become and it gives you hope of who she could be.Whats a version of yourself that only shows up on set, and what part of you never makes it to camera?Thats a smart question, Ty. I think the best version of me that shows up on set is I'm extremely professional and careful in my work and the way I present myself because I think respect, discipline, and commitment are sort of my pillars of the way I work. I'd say the part that shows up least is actually the cheeky, spontaneous, slightly more erratic and mischievous side as that one stays in the streets I'd say. [laughs] King Princess, Dolly de Leon, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, Murray Bartlett in Nine Perfect StrangersHuluYouve been in front of the camera and behind it, so when you direct, do you ever find yourself protecting your actors in ways you wish someone had protected you when you were just starting out?One-hundred [percent]. My main thing as a director is to listen, provide, and create a safe environment where people feel safe to play, to share, and to be vulnerable. Quite often, those things get lost in the madness and chaos of the set. I've seen it happen too many times. Ive seen people do things that they later regret because they felt pressured to do it, or they'll hide something during their scene when I know they could have gone deeper or pushed themselves harder or be challenged because they feel insecure or unsafe. My first priority is creating a bubble of protection so they can be the best versions of themselves on my set. Its collaboration, with making sure that everyone feels like their voices matter and everyone's also listening to each other as well as listening to myself and themselves.If you could teach a master class for young, queer creatives of color but you could only teach it through storytelling no advice, no lecture what scene from your real life would you use to educate them?The first thing that's coming to my mind is an audition. I was auditioning for Legends of Tomorrow. I hadn't had much experience and I was 23 years old at the time in Los Angeles. Ive never been a series regular before. Everyone was looking glam and glitzy and gorgeous. Back in the day, you used to have to wait and see all your competition [laughs] and I came in a tank top and jeans. Everyones kind of like looking at me and everyone's chit chatting. They all know each other. I felt so small and I just sat there. I was like, no, I refused to question myself by asking, why not me? I gathered myself and got my self motivation and power together. I went in and I smashed it. I gave my best, and I gave my true self. I didn't try to be like any of the other women. I just was like, this is me and it was a very honest performance. I was the underdog. I was the misfit. I use those things to my advantage and as a result, I won. I think especially as queer people, as people of color, often we are not the dominant voice in the room. We're not the one who's necessarily given the microphone. We're not the most numbered. I think it's even more important to lean into what makes you an individual and not try to blend in or try to dim light for the comfort of others in that space. King Princess and Maisie Richardson-Sellers in Nine Perfect StrangersHuluA lot of queer love on screen still feel like it needs to be explained for a mainstream audience. How intentional were you on Nine Perfect Strangers about showing the different perspectives and challenges of love with your character?One thing that was really important to me and in the work I create as well, is that queerness is not the center of that storyline. I think we need to move beyond that. It's one facet of our many, many faceted identities, right? I think what's good about this relationship between Wolfie and Tina is it's not about them being queer. It's about them being a couple who are struggling, who happen to be queer, and that's a part of their storyline, but it's not the main story and it's not about their queer sorrow or their queer trauma. One thing that was really important to me, which did not exist in the early scripts, was that Wolfie had a clear backstory. Why is she who she is? I fought really hard with the producers and the writers, and they wrote it. I'm so glad they did because now you understand her.In Nine Perfect Strangers, Wolfie is in a relationship that isnt built on fantasy, but its layered, its heavy, and its real. What did you learn about emotional intimacy by stepping into Wolfie?Emotional intimacy for me is intrinsically linked with a sense of safety. The safer that I feel, the more vulnerable and intimate I can be. I think with Wolfie, that's what she's craving. That's all she wants from Tina, which is to gain emotional intimacy. Tina's refusing her at every point, and that's making her feel starved. Its almost like her food sources being cut off by Tina denying this. It showed me just how someone can slip into survival mode when they're not being fed and stimulated and allowed to feel safe emotionally. She doesn't recognize herself. You see her just spiraling because a lot of the time you see Wolfie just acting on impulse and not being true to herself. Thats such a disorienting experience. Maisie Richardson-Sellers in Nine Perfect StrangersHuluWhats one emotional habit Wolfie has in her relationship that youve either unlearned in your own life or are still working through?I'm working through and have made huge progress on sometimes putting other people's comfort before my own. So therefore, not saying the thing I really want to say because I'm worried about sort of disrupting the peace or upsetting someone or making them feel a certain way. Sometimes I'll just swallow it. I think seeing that Wolfie does that to the extreme made me realize that that's not productive for anyone. It's not productive for me because then I build resentment and it's not productive for the person because they're never going to learn. It taught me to take more power over my voice and more autonomy over the way I feel, and to refuse to be treated in any way other than the way that I feel is just and fair for myself.Nine Perfect Strangers is now streaming on Hulu.

Queer as Folk may have broken barriers by featuring a rimming scene 26 years ago, but there is still a lot of stigma around this taboo sex actprobably because homophobes have linked it to anal sex and therefore gay men and consider it dirtywhich means that you while youve likely heard of it, you may have never given it a try.Ok, so there was also an analingus scene in White Lotus a few years ago and one in Euphoria, but its still a taboo subject that most people wont talk about in polite society. But rimming can be a fun, extremely pleasurable, and normal part of your sex life, regardless of you sexual orientation or gender identity. Everyone has nerve endings back there, so why not explore them?So, whether youre still a newbie and dont really know what youre doing, or youre a salad tossing virgin, dont worry because weve reached out to sex and sexual health experts who will have you looking like an ass eating veteran in no time!So youre curious about rimming, but should you give it a try?If youre curious at all, then its worth giving it a try. You may discover that you enjoy giving, receiving, or both! According to Birna Gustafsson, a sex educator and public health advocate who focuses on queer pleasure, STIs, and contraception myths, if youve ever explored your own anus with your fingers while masturbating or if the idea of licking your partner or being licked by them has you quaking with desire, then eating ass may be for you. If you notice that adding some pressure to the outside of the anal area heightens your sensation during sex or masturbation, rimming can be exactly what takes your pleasure to the next level, she tells PRIDE.Analingus can also be incredibly pleasurable and a great way to start exploring anal play, renowned anal surgeon Dr. Evan Goldstein, who is also the Founder and CEO of Bespoke Surgical and Future Method, explains. The anus is rich with nerve endings, and when stimulatedespecially with the warmth and softness of a tongueit can trigger full-body pleasure, even intensifying orgasm by activating the pelvic floor muscles that also wrap around the penis and prostate, he says. "For many, rimming can be the perfect gateway to anal play: external, non-penetrative, and deeply erotic in its own right.How do you bring it up to your partner or hookup?Communication is key when you want to try something new in bed and rim jobs are no different. Be honest about your interest, and stay open to their response. If theyre hesitant, thats okayits not everyones go-to (youre licking someones asshole after all). Respect their boundaries, just as youd want yours respected, Dr. Goldstein says.Gustafsson agrees and says that if you want to munch on your partner or hookups peach, you can ask how comfortable they are with exploring anal play and then explain how much youre looking forward to trying this with them. You can also ensure your pleasure by letting them know how much the idea excites you or how curious you are to see how they like it, she says.Our experts also provided some suggested questions you can ask to get the conversation started:Hey, Ive been curious about trying somethingcan I run it by you?Ive been exploring more down there on my own, and I want to know how it feels with a mouth. Im so curious, but Ill take your lead. How do you feel about that?I love the way your mouth makes me feel. Ive noticed youre going a little more south, do you ever think about going further? Id like to know how it feels, are you into that?What should you do to prep?Since were talking about eating ass, good hygiene is going to be your best friend here. If you think youre going to get some backdoor action, make sure you shower and clean your anus and the surrounding skin with warm water and a mild soap. You might want to go ahead and douche beforehand too so that if your partner has an impressively adventurous tongue, or rimming leads to anal sex, youre already ready to go, Dr. Goldstein says.You may also want to do a little landscaping before someone sticks their face back there, but it really depends on your preference and that of your sex partner. Its all about preferencesome folks love it natural, others want a smooth landscape, he explains. If hair removals on the table, we recommend laser over shaving, waxing, or depilatories. Those methods can cause microtears, irritation, and even trigger dormant HPV.How can you try analingus safely?Whether youre a salad tossing newbie or it makes a regular rotation in your sexual repertoire, you should be practicing safe sex. But what does that mean when it comes to analingus?Like all sex acts, analingus has its risksmostly related to STIs (like Hepatitis A, Herpes, HPV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and others), as well as bacterial infections (like e.coli and salmonella). Giardia, a microscopic parasite that is passed through feces, and other parasites can also be present, Dr. Goldstein warns. Luckily, there are things you can do to help reduce this risk.Apparently, cleanliness is next to godliness even when talking about rim jobs! Its important to make sure youre clean before you get started, and then once everyone has come, you should hop back in the shower to clean off again. Dr. Goldstein also recommends avoiding playtime if either partner is under the weather or has an active STI, getting regular checkups with your healthcare provider (including oral and anal screenings), and rinsing your mouth with mouthwash once playtime is over because micro-scratches on your gums can allow bacteria in.You can also use dental dams or single-use latex underwear like Lorals to provide added protection and peace of mind. These thin barrier methods are surprisingly pleasurable, dont knock it til you try it! They can transfer even feather-like, barely there sensations or tongue-flicks, Gustafsson says.But even if both you and your sex partner have clean STI panels, you still want to take precautions because fecal bacteria can still cause infection or illness. After rimming someone, avoid licking their vulva/vagina or tip of their penis. Bacteria from the rectum should avoid coming into contact with the urethra or the vagina to prevent infection, she recommends.5 tips and tricks for getting the most out of rimmingTry different positions Variety is the spice of life, so try different positions like doggy style, with the receiver on their back, or face sitting. You can also try having the giver kneel on the floor at the foot of the bed with the receiver on their hands and knees on the bed with their butt facing you so that they can grind against your mouth or they can hover over your mouth while youre lying down. For those into power play, this position is a great way of being a receiver while maintaining control, Gustafsson says.Use your tongue like a proUse the the tip of your tongue to create a firm point to stimulate your partner, but avoid dating motions. Instead, create feather-like, barely there strokes in one direction, Gustafsson explains. Start slow, this is a great way to tease the area and get a sense for how much pressure they enjoy. Since it is such a delicate area, less is more! Try light flicks, firm strokes, breath play, gentle sucking, and circling their anus with your tongue. You can also use the middle part of your tongue to create firm pressure. But if youre tongue starts getting tired, press your tongue against them and move your whole head up and down to lap at them. This way, your jaw and neck are doing the bulk of the work while your tongue gets a break.Lend a handWhen youre rimming, you mouth isnt the only thing that should be getting in on the action. To take you and your partner from a normal orgasm to fireworks exploding behind your eyes, add in other forms of stimulation. While youre licking and sucking on your partners peach or their doing it to you, add in a hand job, fingering, or using a vibrator. The receiver can also masturbate while getting rimmed.Spreading your own cheeks can give your partner direct access to your hole (and signal youre into it), Dr. Goldstein recommends.Explore the surrounding areasNo need to stick to just the anus, try licking and touching the taint, balls, inner thighs, or even hips, which Dr. Goldstein says are extra-sensitive and crave attention too.Keep it wetA wet tongue feels better than a dry one, and dont be shy about using your own spit. You can also use lube to make things extra slippery. Adding a drop of silicone lubricant can make things go smoother, especially if youre adding fingers to the mix while rimming them, Gustafsson says. Keep in mind, though, that too much lube or wetness from saliva can saturate the nerves and actually make it more difficult for the receiver to feel what youre doing.Is it normal to feel shame?Its common to feel shame about wanting to explore anal play, especially because your mouth is involved in analingus and society has conditioned us to view it as dirty or taboo since its associated with queer pleasure and submission. Some people dont enjoy rimming, but for others it is a primary source of sexual pleasureboth are ok.But heres the thing: pleasure isnt shameful, Dr. Goldstein says. The anus is packed with pleasure potential, and theres nothing dirty about being curious or wanting more sensation. If someone makes you feel judged for wanting to explore, thats a red flagnot a reflection of your desires. The right partner will meet your curiosity with respect, not shame.Gustafsson also says that some people dont get down with rim jobs until they are horny, For many people, they dont feel much of anything until theyre aroused, so rimming is enjoyable after theyve already started touching themselves or each other. But if you are flooded with shame before or after the act itself, you can overcome this by owning and embodying your pleasure, she explains.Is rimming just for gay men?No, rimming is for everyone. The popular imagination may associate all butt stuff with gay men, but anyone can enjoy anal sex and analingus. Many vulva owners love it as the area is sensitive on its own, and the legs of the clitoris are nearby, Gustafsson says. "Many people also enjoy the taboo aspect of the act, regardless of their sexual orientation. While we all differ in our sexual preferences, everyone has an anus, so it is a universal experience to explore and seek pleasure in such a sensitive, erogenous zone.Dr. Goldstein couldnt agree more, Analingus is for anyone with a buttwhich is, well, everyone. Regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, rimming can be a powerful, pleasurable part of intimacy. It relaxes the body, builds trust, and for many, feels amazing with or without penetration. Think of it as the warm-up act that can also steal the hole show. Pun intended!Experts cited:Dr. Evan Goldstein, a renowned anal surgeon who is also the Founder and CEO of Bespoke Surgical and Future Method.Birna Gustafsson, a sex educator and public health advocate who focuses on queer pleasure, STIs, and contraception myths.

Fans can't quit this epic love story.The 20th anniversary rerelease of Brokeback Mountain in theaters has both new and returning audiences seeing the Ang Lee-directed film on the big screen since it first premiered in 2005. Unsurprisingly, viewers are experiencing all kinds of visceral, emotional, personal, and nostalgic feelings while watching this epic love story between Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal).Even 20 years later, it's clear that Hollywood and moviegoers still don't know how to quit Brokeback Mountain And they don't want to, either.Scroll through to see reactions from new and returning audiences of Brokeback Mountain in theaters. Tickets and more information about this 20th anniversary theatrical release are available through Focus Features. (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) X post translated into English:"I just heard my mom tell my dad (after watching Brokeback Mountain) that the two weren't gay but were just cowboys, and that's what brought them closer together."108. #BrokebackMountain (2005) One of the best movies ever made. It's so beautiful and heartbreaking. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal are just phenomenal. They have fantastic chemistry together. As every rewatch, this broke my heart to a million pieces. pic.twitter.com/mNB2qydO1D Mody (@modytalkmovies) June 22, 2025 (@) (@) (@)

Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBTQ-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend. 1.) Ponyboi, the first feature written by and starring an intersex person, Salvadorian-American filmmaker and activist River Gallo, hit select theaters today! Set over the course of a [...]The post The GLAAD Wrap: Ponyboi and Hot Milk in Theaters, Trailer for Lurker, New Music by Susannah Joffe, Rene Rapp and More! first appeared on GLAAD.

By Quintay Knight, Communities of Color & Media Consultant On June 19th 2025 THERA Thursdays hosted a webinar entitled They Aint Coming To Save US featuring guest presenter Ian L. Haddock speaker, writer, author, advocate and the host Mable Taplin global patient advocate, strategic leader, author and keynote speaker. The webinar explores discussions emphasizing [...]The post They Aint Coming To Save Us first appeared on GLAAD.