The National LGBTQ Wall of Honor at the historic Stonewall Inn will add seven new names to its ranks on June 26, and for the first time, all honorees are trailblazing transgender advocates. The annual ceremony, co-hosted by the International Imperial Court Council and the National LGBTQ Task Force, is free and open to the public, though RSVPs are required due to limited space.
The induction comes at a time of heightened attacks on the transgender community, with discriminatory legislation and violence on the rise across the United States. Organizers say this year’s focus on trans honorees is both a tribute to resilience and a call to action.
Honoring a Legacy of Resistance
The National LGBTQ Wall of Honor, nestled inside the legendary Stonewall Inn, epicenter of the 1969 uprising that ignited the modern LGBTQ rights movement, is part of the Stonewall National Monument. Since its unveiling in 2019, the Wall has served as a posthumous tribute to queer pioneers such as Marsha P. Johnson, Audre Lorde, and Harvey Milk.
“This year’s focus on transgender trailblazers and changemakers underscores the importance of recognizing our history and the current climate for our trans siblings,” said Cathy Renna, Communications Director at the National LGBTQ Task Force. “Their courage inspires our ongoing fight for liberation.”
Nicole Murray Ramirez, founder of the Wall and Queen Mother of the Americas, added, “A movement that does not know where it came from, or whose shoulders it stands on, does not know where it’s going. This is a reminder that trans people have always been at the forefront of our community.”
Photo: The Stonewall In
Meet the 2025 Inductees
Ruddy Martinez Known as “Mami Ruddys,” Martinez was a beloved trans drag performer and activist in Puerto Rico. Since the 1980s, she turned her home into a sanctuary for queer youth rejected by their families.
Chili Pepper A frequent guest on 1980s talk shows like Oprah and Phil Donahue, Chili Pepper used her platform to challenge stereotypes and raise AIDS awareness.
Lynn Conway A computer science pioneer, Conway revolutionized microchip design while fighting gender discrimination in STEM. She helped pave the way for future generations of trans scientists.
Alan L. Hart One of the first people to undergo gender-affirming surgery, Hart was a physician and novelist who made groundbreaking contributions to tuberculosis research in the early 20th century.
Jiggly Caliente The beloved RuPaul’s Drag Race alum and Pose star, Jiggly (Bianca Castro-Arabejo), was a powerful force for representation until her death in April 2025 at age 44.
The Lady Chablis A charismatic entertainer and actress, Chablis broke barriers with her performance in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, becoming one of the first Black trans women to gain widespread media visibility.
Sam Nordquist A Black trans man whose brutal murder in 2025 ignited national outrage. His death exposed the ongoing crisis of violence against transgender people, especially Black trans men and women.
A Moment of Reflection and Action
This year’s induction is more than symbolic, it’s a statement against erasure. As anti-trans legislation threatens access to healthcare, safety, and freedom, remembering trans leaders past and present becomes a radical act of visibility.
The Wall of Honor, which began with 50 names on the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, continues to grow each year. With the addition of these seven names, the Wall becomes an even more inclusive testament to the diverse identities that have shaped the LGBTQ movement.
And in the words of Ramirez: “Trans people have not only always been here, they’ve led the charge.”
In a bold new move blending heart, health, and a whole lot of purpose, Pure for Men is teaming up with LGBTQIA+ icon Ts Madison, the Ts Madison Starter House, and NAESM to support Black queer wellness and leadership on a national scale.
Just in time for Pride Month, but built to last year-round, this dynamic collaboration aims to shine a much-needed spotlight on health disparities, criminalization, and underrepresentation affecting Black LGBTQIA+ communities in the U.S.
Kicking Off With Community and Care
The initiative launches June 25-29 in Los Angeles at the 21st annual NAESM National Leadership Conference on Health Disparities and Social Justice, where changemakers will come together to strategize solutions around issues like HIV criminalization, LGBTQIA+ homelessness, and systemic barriers to healthcare.
As presenting sponsor, Pure for Men is putting their money where their mission is, donating a portion of their June sales to the Ts Madison Starter House to help send residents to the conference. The support also includes funding a new national HIV/AIDS strategy focused on Black LGBTQIA+ communities and filming the finale of the Ts Madison Starter House documentary series.
“Black trans lives and rights are under attack,” said Pure for Men co-founder and CEO Lawrence Johnson. “These organizations are stepping up to amplify voices and give people the tools they need to thrive. We’re honored to stand in solidarity with them.”
Real Support for Real Change
Launched in March 2025, the Ts Madison Starter House is a safe haven and re-entry program for formerly incarcerated Black trans women. Based in Atlanta, the home accommodates five residents at a time in a 90-day program that provides job support, healthcare access, economic opportunities, and holistic resources.
“What excites me most is blending the fun and fire of PHAG Talk with the purpose and power of the NAESM Conference,” said Ts Madison. “We’re making history in L.A. and building something life-saving back home.”
And the numbers don’t lie, according to KFF, Black Americans represent just 12% of the U.S. population but account for 39% of new HIV diagnoses and 43% of HIV-related deaths. These disparities underscore the urgency behind initiatives like this.
Pure for Men partners with Ts Madison to boost Black LGBTQIA+ wellness and leadership nationwide.
Beyond Pride Month: Pure for Men’s Expanded Mission
This partnership is just one part of Pure for Men’s broader Pride and DEI strategy, which includes:
Collaborating with LGBTQIA+ creatives, like designer Adam Dalton Blake and writer Bobby Box
Supporting protests and community events advocating for trans and nonbinary rights
Sponsoring major Pride celebrations in Houston, Toronto, and Marfa
Producing educational content that highlights discriminatory laws and threats to trans healthcare
Queer art has never been just about aesthetics, it’s protest, it’s love, it’s fury, and it’s legacy. Across decades and disciplines, queer creators have made bold statements through performance, music, visual art, and stage, often at great personal cost. These works not only transformed culture but also carved out space for LGBTQ+ people to be seen, heard, and remembered.
Below, we highlight some of the most potent and pivotal queer art performances, each one a milestone in a timeline of resistance, visibility, and unapologetic expression.
Punk, Prayer, and Prison: Pussy Riot’s Sacred Rebellion
When Russian punk collective Pussy Riot stormed Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior in 2012 for a guerrilla protest, it was over in minutes. But the global conversation it ignited lasted years. Their performance-turned-music-video “Punk Prayer – Mother of God, Chase Putin Away!” condemned both Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian regime and the Orthodox Church’s complicity.
Arrested and charged with “hooliganism motivated by religious hatred,” three members, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, were thrown into a heavily publicized trial. The subsequent 2013 HBO documentary Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer spotlighted the absurdity of the state’s crackdown and became an instant rallying cry for artists, feminists, and LGBTQ+ advocates worldwide.
From Madonna to Amnesty International, support poured in. Yet in Russia, public opinion remained divided. As the band’s name surged across headlines, it served as a reminder: punk can still shake the church, and the state.
Sinéad O’Connor’s Tear Heard Around the World
Before #MeToo and well before the Catholic Church’s abuse scandals were widely acknowledged, Irish musician Sinéad O’Connor pulled no punches. On Saturday Night Live in 1992, she tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II and declared, “Fight the real enemy.”
The backlash was swift and ruthless. From celebrities to religious groups, condemnation rained down. But O’Connor stood by her act, revealing that her protest was personal, she had been a victim of abuse, and the Church, she believed, enabled it.
Years later, after her 2023 passing, many revisited the moment with fresh eyes. Time even retroactively honored her as the most influential woman of 1992. Her protest wasn’t a publicity stunt, it was prophecy.
Art on the Edge: John S. Boskovich’s Electric Fan (Feel It Motherfuckers)
When artist John S. Boskovich lost his partner Stephen Earabino to AIDS, he also lost nearly every trace of their shared life. Earabino’s family cleared out their apartment, erasing their relationship, except for a single object: an electric fan.
Boskovich transformed that object into art. Encased in Plexiglas and marked with the phrase, “Only unclaimed item from the Stephen Earabino estate,” the piece slices through grief, rage, and queer erasure. With air flowing through holes in the glass, the fan still hums with life, a stark metaphor for memory that refuses to disappear.
Lipstick and Labor Strikes: The Cockettes’ Elevator Girls in Bondage
San Francisco’s glitter-drenched drag troupe The Cockettes brought psychedelic camp to new heights in the ‘70s. But their avant-garde film Elevator Girls in Bondage was more than a spectacle, it was satire with teeth.
Framed as a low-budget protest, the film tells the story of underpaid hotel elevator girls who go on strike. The result is a technicolor fever dream of anti-capitalist, pro-queer performance art.
From Hibiscus to Sylvester, The Cockettes birthed a generation of gender-fabulous icons. Their work continues to influence drag, theater, and the joyful chaos of queer resistance.
Photo: David WisePhoto: David Wise
Kate Nash vs. TERF Island
British singer-songwriter Kate Nash doesn’t just sing about heartbreak, she takes aim at hate. In her track “GERM,” released in response to U.K. transphobic policies and rhetoric, Nash dismantles trans-exclusionary feminism with a blend of biting lyrics and bulletproof facts.
Originally drafted as an essay, the song became a musical manifesto against J.K. Rowling’s public crusade against trans rights. Nash isn’t subtle: she calls Rowling out by name and dubs her ideology “a load of bollocks.”
As far as feminist anthems go, “GERM” feels like a necessary cleanse for a movement long overdue for intersectional accountability.
Keith Haring’s Unfinished Painting: Silence and Survival
Few images capture the loss of a generation quite like Keith Haring’s Unfinished Painting. A white canvas, three-fourths blank, features just a flash of Haring’s iconic doodled figures in one corner. The rest is hauntingly untouched.
Created in 1989, the piece was among Haring’s last before his 1990 death from AIDS-related complications. The drips and smears that bleed from the finished section seem to mourn what could have been, had AIDS not stolen so many voices too soon.
In a time when lesbians were either jokes or tragedies on stage, playwright Jane Chambers did something radical: she wrote them as real people. Her 1980 play Last Summer at Bluefish Cove was the first American work to portray lesbian relationships with depth, humor, and humanity.
Set in a women-only beach retreat, the story explores love, grief, and friendship through a lens that was, at the time, unthinkably tender. Revived across decades, Chambers’ work remains a touchstone for queer theater and representation.
Photo: Last Summer at Bluefish Cove ProductionPhoto: Last Summer at Bluefish Cove ProductionPhoto: Last Summer at Bluefish Cove Production
Kissing Isn’t the Problem
In the late ’80s and early ’90s, as AIDS hysteria gripped the nation, artist collective Gran Fury launched a media-savvy art action that was impossible to ignore. Their “Kissing Doesn’t Kill: Greed and Indifference Do” campaign plastered cities with images of interracial, same-sex couples kissing, styled to look like ads from major fashion labels.
Beneath the glamour, the message was clear: the real killer wasn’t intimacy, but apathy. The art doubled as activism, turning billboards and bus ads into battlegrounds for awareness and accountability.
Photo: Gran Fury
Loie Fuller: The Original Light Show
Before Beyoncé twirled under lasers or Lady Gaga donned projection dresses, there was Loie Fuller. The late 19th-century dance pioneer fused fabric, light, and movement into her signature Serpentine Dance, dazzling audiences in France and beyond.
Working alongside her partner Gabrielle Bloch, Fuller created mesmerizing visual effects and pioneered stage lighting techniques that are still used today. Queer, collaborative, and unabashedly experimental, her work paved the way for generations of performance artists to come.
Loie Fuller in her gown equipped with concealed rods to allow her to wield a pair of enormous wings, 1901. Photo: Internet ArchiveLoie Fuller photographed by Isaiah West Taber, 1897. Photo: Internet Archive
Queer Icons in Ink: Lesley Gore and Liz Smith
Sometimes activism looks like a handwritten letter. In an affectionate note from queer gossip columnist Liz Smith to singer Lesley Gore, the two share thoughts on a film and sign off with love and laughter.
Gore, known for feminist anthem “You Don’t Own Me,” came out publicly in 2005, though she had spent decades in a devoted partnership with Lois Sasson. Together, they championed LGBTQ+ visibility and women’s rights, quietly but powerfully.
Letter to Lesley Gore from Liz Smith, c.1996. Photo: New York Public Library
For a city built by queer pioneers, it’s hard to believe it took until 2025 to open a gay-owned cannabis dispensary. But Green Qween isn’t just filling a gap, it’s rewriting the rules.
With a glimmering five-foot disco ball, a mural by queer artist Patrick Church, and signs urging customers to “Pass Joints, Not Judgment,” Green Qween’s new West Hollywood location is less dispensary, more love letter to queer joy, resilience, and high-style rebellion.
The Queer Roots of Cannabis
Green Qween co-founder Andrés Rigal is quick to remind us that the cannabis industry, now flooded with corporate interests and glossy packaging, owes everything to queer activists.
“The cannabis industry owes so much to queer activists and people living with HIV/AIDS who fought for medical access when it wasn’t safe or legal to do so,” Rigal says. “That history is often glossed over in today’s profit-driven market. It’s not a footnote. it’s the foundation.”
Rigal points to figures like Dennis Peron, founder of the San Francisco Buyers Club, who turned activism into action during the AIDS epidemic. At Green Qween, that spirit lives on in everything from brand partnerships to hiring practices.
“Equity isn’t a trend, it’s the architecture,” Rigal says. “We don’t just give shelf space to LGBTQ+ and BIPOC brands. We help them grow.”
A Love Letter in Neon and Glitter
Step inside Green Qween’s latest outpost at 802 San Vicente Boulevard and you’ll feel it immediately, the scent jars, the bold colors, the disco ball refracting sunlight onto Santa Monica Boulevard. It’s not subtle, and that’s the point.
“Green Qween was always meant to feel like a portal, a sensual escape that nods to the past, reflects the present, and invites us to imagine a more radiant future,” Rigal says. “This isn’t just about weed. It’s about the nights that saved us, the aesthetics that shaped us, and the kinship that carries us.”
Inspired by his two decades in LGBTQ+ nightlife, Rigal brought that sense of sanctuary to the dispensary’s design. “Nightlife raised me,” he adds. “From the disco ball to the lighting that shifts with the rhythm of the day, every detail tells a story. This is a sacred space.”
From The Abbey to the Apothecary
To bring Green Qween to life in West Hollywood, Rigal partnered with Tristan Schukraft, the entrepreneur behind MISTR and the new steward of legendary nightlife venue The Abbey.
“The LA Blade once called me ‘The CEO of Everything Gay.’ I just liked it and ran with it,” Schukraft laughs. “But really, everything I do comes back to uplifting the LGBTQ+ community: nightlife, healthcare, hospitality, and now cannabis.”
For Schukraft, Green Qween is more than a business, it’s about reclaiming economic power. “Visibility is important,” he says, “but ownership is power. We can’t just be the talent; we have to be the landlords, the investors, the decision-makers.”
Photo: Green QweenPhoto: Green QweenPhoto: Green QweenPhoto: Green QweenPhoto: Green Qween
Queer All Year, Not Just for Pride
With Pride Month in full swing, Green Qween could easily ride the rainbow wave. But Rigal insists their commitment to the community runs much deeper than seasonal marketing.
“‘Queer all year’ isn’t our catchphrase, it’s our commitment,” he says. “We reinvest in LGBTQ+ nonprofits year-round. We hire from our community. Rainbow capitalism thrives on performative gestures. We’re here with intention.”
That mission is visible across all three Green Qween locations, Downtown LA, Sherman Oaks, and now West Hollywood, each one a unique expression of queer culture and cannabis equity.
Why It Took Until 2025
Despite its reputation as a queer mecca, West Hollywood had never hosted a gay-owned dispensary… until now.
“It says more than we’d like to admit,” Rigal notes. “Cannabis went corporate fast. In that shift, the very communities who fought for access, queer people, BIPOC trailblazers, trans pioneers, were pushed to the margins. We lost our seat at a table we helped set.”
But now, with unanimous support from the West Hollywood Business License Commission and a chorus of community voices, Green Qween is reclaiming that legacy. “We’re not just opening a store, we’re taking our place,” Schukraft adds.
The Dream: A Queer Cannabis Ecosystem
As for what’s next? Green Qween isn’t stopping at three locations. Schukraft envisions a national network of queer-owned cannabis spaces, from the Castro to Fire Island.
“Stay at The Tryst, have a cocktail at The Abbey, get dinner at The Canteen, protect yourself with MISTR, and get your cannabis from Green Qween,” he says. “It’s not just a business plan, it’s a whole LGBTQ+ ecosystem.”
And for young queer creatives hoping to follow in their footsteps?
“Don’t wait for permission,” Schukraft advises. “Build your own table. Our community has always been made of artists, hustlers, and revolutionaries. Keep that legacy alive.”
With glitter in its roots and power in its purpose, Green Qween is more than a dispensary. It’s a movement, one joint, one disco ball, and one unapologetic act of queer ownership at a time.
Just in time for Pride Month, BAWDY Beauty, the brand that brought the world the Original Butt Mask, has announced a fabulous, year-long partnership with the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF).
From June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, BAWDY will donate $1 per sale of each limited-edition Rocket Mask to the Foundation, pledging a minimum contribution of $25,000 to support global efforts to end the AIDS epidemic.
Blast Off to Better Booty Care
The Rocket Mask isn’t your average sheet mask. This collagen-infused beauty treatment is specially designed to tone, firm, and hydrate the delicate skin of your derrière. Key ingredients like Gotu Kola and Swiss Apple promote collagen production and improve skin elasticity, while Licorice Root Extract and Rosemary Extract reduce inflammation, fade hyperpigmentation, and visibly firm the skin.
And yes, it’s made from 100% biodegradable cotton—free from parabens, sulfates, and other nasties. Because even your butt deserves clean beauty.
A Glam Rock Glow-Up
Inspired by the colorful glam rock vibes of the 1970s, the Rocket Mask comes packaged in a rainbow-hued pouch that’s as bold as the mission it supports. Founder Sylwia Wiesenberg envisioned the design as “a dynamic love for color, stars, and music, with a dreamy, almost hallucinating effect.”
“It is a dream come true to work with the Elton John AIDS Foundation,” Wiesenberg said. “Growing up watching MTV, Sir Elton John was my childhood idol. This collaboration is a perfect synergy—both BAWDY and EJAF are about freedom, fun, and fierce self-expression.”
Supporting a Legendary Cause
Founded in 1992 by Sir Elton John, the Elton John AIDS Foundation is one of the leading independent AIDS organizations in the world. The foundation works to end the AIDS epidemic by funding local experts across four continents, fighting discrimination, preventing infections, and supporting treatment access.
Through collaborations like this one, EJAF continues to raise both funds and awareness—one fabulous product at a time.
Where to Find It
The Rocket Mask will officially launch on June 1, 2025, priced at $10 each. It will be available at BawdyBeauty.com, Amazon, and Revolve. Eager fans can also shop the pre-sale now at BawdyBeauty.com.
West Hollywood is getting a little greener — and a lot queerer.
Green Qween, the beloved LGBTQ+-owned cannabis dispensary brand, is officially opening its third location at 802 San Vicente Boulevard on Friday, May 30th, making history as West Hollywood’s first queer-owned cannabis shop. Located in the heart of the city’s bustling nightlife district, the store brings bold style, community spirit, and high-quality cannabis to a neighborhood built by and for queer pioneers.
The move marks a major milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in the cannabis industry, honoring the movement’s activist roots while paving the way for a more inclusive future.
A Milestone for Cannabis and Queer Culture
“We must remember that LGBTQ+ activists created the first medical dispensaries during the AIDS epidemic of the ’80s and ’90s,” said Andrés Rigal, co-founder of Green Qween. “It’s because of queer history that we have this opportunity to make history in West Hollywood and beyond.”
Rigal and fellow co-founder Taylor Bazley partnered with Tristan Schukraft, the owner of iconic queer venues like The Abbey and founder of MISTR, to bring this vision to life in West Hollywood.
“I mean, how was there not a gay-owned dispensary in West Hollywood until now?” said Schukraft. “We had to fix that.”
Loud, Proud, and Unapologetically Queer
Green Qween isn’t just another cannabis dispensary — it’s a cultural hub. Known for prioritizing LGBTQ+ and POC-owned cannabis brands, Green Qween uplifts local artists, supports nonprofits, and aims to make meaningful change in and for the community.
“Green Qween is loud, proud, and unapologetically queer, just like our community,” Schukraft said. “This isn’t just about cannabis — it’s about claiming ownership, honoring our legacy, and making space for ourselves in every corner of culture.”
Step Inside: A Disco Dream Come True
Green Qween West Hollywood is a sensory playground. Designed in collaboration with Visual Elements, the boutique-sized shop features retro flair mixed with sleek postmodern aesthetics in vibrant neo-mint and pink hues. The showstopper? A five-foot disco ball that casts dazzling reflections through floor-to-ceiling windows and onto Santa Monica Boulevard.
Inside, a custom wall of cannabis flower welcomes guests with interactive scent jars, allowing visitors to smell and explore California-grown cultivars. Arched shelving and playful, illuminated signage greet customers with cheeky reminders like “Pass Joints, Not Judgment.”
In short, it’s part dispensary, part disco, all queer.
Photo: Green QweenPhoto: Green QweenPhoto: Green QweenPhoto: Green Qween
Art With Heart: A Mural for the Community
Outside the shop, acclaimed artist Patrick Church has painted an original mural titled “Land of My Dreams.” The vivid, expressive piece celebrates connection, humanity, and shared identity — transforming Green Qween’s storefront into a new landmark for public art in West Hollywood.
A Queer-Owned Brand With Purpose
Founded in Los Angeles, Green Qween is a queer- and POC-led social equity brand with a mission rooted in activism. Inspired by the LGBTQ+ leaders who first championed medical marijuana, the brand is committed to increasing representation in cannabis while creating economic opportunities for marginalized communities.
Beyond its new WeHo flagship, Green Qween also operates stores at 1051 S. Broadway in Downtown L.A. and 13711 Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks.
Starting May 31, Green Qween West Hollywood will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 802 San Vicente Blvd.
Tristan Schukraft, dubbed “The CEO of Everything Gay,” is more than a nightlife impresario. After launching the airline travel platform ID90.com, he founded MISTR, now the largest telemedicine platform dedicated to HIV prevention and care.
PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO – APRIL 25: Tristan Schukraft attends the Grand Opening Weekend at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta: Opening Night Party at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta on April 25, 2025 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Tryst Hotels)
He later expanded into LGBTQ+ hospitality with properties like The Tryst in Puerto Vallarta and Circo Nightclub in Puerto Rico. His recent ventures include The Blue Whale, The Pavilion, and other iconic spots in Fire Island Pines, as well as DS Tequila in Chicago.
With Green Qween, Schukraft continues his mission to build inclusive spaces that serve — and celebrate — the queer community.
Get ready for wigs, rhinestones, and a whole lot of heart. Emmy-winning media company World of Wonder is rolling out the pink carpet for a special benefit screening of its new documentary The Little Pageant That Could—and it’s all for a good cause.
The event, held Wednesday, May 21, at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, will support APLA Health’s Alliance for Housing and Healing, which provides critical services for people living with HIV/AIDS. The screening comes ahead of the documentary’s global premiere on WOW Presents Plus on May 29.
Photo: World of Wonder
A Night of Glitz and Giving
The exclusive, invite-only screening is hosted in partnership with APLA Health and features an all-star host committee that reads like a who’s who of Hollywood and drag royalty. Among those lending their names to the cause: Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato (World of Wonder co-founders), Sasha Colby, Margaret Cho, Judy Greer, Cheyenne Jackson, Michelle Visage, Ross Mathews, Carson Kressley, and Vanessa Williams—just to name a few.
MC duties will be handled by the ever-fabulous Salina Estitties, with live performances, raffle prizes, donation opportunities, and the chance to throw cash tips on stage in true drag pageant tradition.
Photo: World of Wonder
All proceeds benefit the Alliance for Housing and Healing, which has received more than $6 million from the Best in Drag Show over the decades. Funds help support emergency housing, rental assistance, and long-term housing for people living with HIV/AIDS.
From Apartment Spoof to Cultural Staple
The Little Pageant That Could tells the larger-than-life origin story of the Best in Drag Show, which began in 1990 as a tongue-in-cheek parody of Miss America staged in a cramped West Hollywood apartment. What started as a joke among friends has grown into L.A.’s longest-running drag benefit, attracting celebrity judges, sold-out crowds, and serious fundraising power.
Photo: World of Wonder
Directed by John Carlos Frey—who also served as the original stage show’s director—the film features never-before-seen footage and laugh-out-loud moments spanning the show’s 33-year history. Expect appearances from a star-studded cast of past guests, including Jennifer Coolidge, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Anna Faris, Martin Sheen, and fashion icon Bob Mackie.
Coming to WOW Presents Plus May 29
Following the benefit event, The Little Pageant That Could will premiere globally on WOW Presents Plus, joining a lineup of critically acclaimed documentaries like The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Party Monster, and Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures.
The platform has been expanding its library of original and acquired content in 2024, with notable additions like the Elvira Collection, the comedy duo specials Happily Ever Laughter and No Refunds from creators Darcy and Jer, and the upcoming scripted series I Hate People, People Hate Me.
Executive produced by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, and produced by David Neuendorff, James Cude, and Frey himself, the documentary is the latest testament to World of Wonder’s legacy of blending entertainment with activism, storytelling with sparkle.
In her new memoir Matriarch, 71-year-old designer and matriarch Tina Knowles opens up with humor, heart, and unflinching honesty about her extraordinary life — and the extraordinary people who helped shape it, particularly her beloved relative Johnny.
For longtime fans of Beyoncé, Uncle Johnny is far from a footnote. He’s the vibrant spirit honored in Renaissance, the Grammy-winning singer’s 2022 disco-infused celebration of queer Black joy and liberation. But in Matriarch, readers finally get to know the man behind the myth — through the eyes of the woman who loved him most.
“He was my best friend, my protector,” Knowles says in an interview with Out. “And I was his.”
A Southern Childhood with a Creative Spark
Knowles takes readers back to her childhood in Galveston, Texas, during the civil rights era — a place and time where being different could mean danger. Yet, even as a self-described hyperactive kid with what she now recognizes as undiagnosed ADHD, she found connection and purpose in her bond with Johnny.
“We were the two rebellious ones,” she recalls. “We didn’t fit in, and we didn’t care. One day our hair would be green, the next orange. We wore wild clothes and put on drag shows in our living room. We just existed in our own little world.”
That world blossomed into a lifelong creative partnership. Knowles credits Johnny with helping her find her calling in fashion — starting with crafting dresses for drag queens in Galveston. “That’s how I got started sewing. With him,” she writes.
Discovering Safe Spaces — and Disco Dance Floors
Knowles’ memoir also tells the story of how she helped Johnny find community at a time when queerness had to exist in the shadows. At just 17, she sought out Galveston’s gay scene so Johnny wouldn’t feel alone once she left for college. That search led them to Kon Tiki, a discreet local gay bar that became a formative experience.
“The outside looked like nothing,” she says. “But inside, it was magic — disco balls, lights, people just being free.”
Tina Knowles with ‘Uncle Johnny.’ Photo: Tina Knowles
What she didn’t notice right away? The dance floor was illuminated with neon penises.
“Johnny loved to tell that story,” she laughs. “He’d say, ‘And Mary was just dancing away, not realizing where she was!’”
A Bond That Endured — and a Legacy That Lives On
Uncle Johnny’s joy, Knowles says, was contagious — but his battle with HIV was devastating. Diagnosed in 1997 with AIDS-related dementia, Johnny passed away the following year, just as Beyoncé’s career with Destiny’s Child was taking off.
“It was one of the worst times of my life,” Knowles writes. “The stigma, the silence, the lack of access to care — it was heartbreaking.”
She recounts how Johnny, even in hospice, remained a light to those around him, while also recalling the painful reality of patients whose families had abandoned them.
“One young man thought I was his mother,” Knowles says. “Just because my voice reminded him of her. That broke me.”
His death came on July 29, 1998 — just months after Destiny’s Child dropped their debut album. Beyoncé would go on to honor his legacy in countless ways, from a shoutout in the song “Heated” to a deeply personal speech at the 2019 GLAAD Awards.
And in 2022, Renaissance was released on the 24th anniversary of his passing.
“He always used to say, ‘I deserve to be famous,’” Knowles remembers. “And he was right. He did. Now he’s finally getting his flowers.”
The Book Behind the Book — And Maybe Another?
Matriarch spans over 500 pages — pared down from Knowles’ original 1,000-page draft. But she hints there’s still more to say, especially when it comes to Johnny.
“I might have to do a whole Johnny book,” she teases. “There’s just so much love there, and so many stories that deserve to be told.”
In her writing process, Knowles says she confronted old traumas and began to heal. “I didn’t even realize some of it was trauma. I just thought it was life. But writing this helped me understand — and gave me a way to make things right.”
A Family Built on Love and Glitter
The memoir is filled with stories of laughter and resilience, including one about Johnny’s longtime partner, Peanut — “the love of his life,” Knowles says. They were never married legally, but in every other sense, they were a committed couple.
“Johnny got to experience real love,” she says. “And I thank God for that.”
In true Knowles fashion, even the light-hearted gets love. She shares behind-the-scenes moments from Beyoncé’s “Freakum Dress” music video, remembering how she sewed outfits on the spot for her daughter — all while celebrating the inclusion of queer Black men on screen.
“I didn’t even realize that was the first time a lot of people saw that representation,” she says. “It makes me proud now. And tired,” she laughs, “because Beyoncé still expects me to whip up dresses out of nowhere.”
A Call to Share Our Stories
As LGBTQ+ rights face renewed attacks across the U.S., Knowles says it’s more important than ever to document our own histories — especially those that have been ignored.
“We’re seeing our history being erased,” she says. “Write your stories. Even if it’s just for your family, your kids, your legacy. It helps you heal.”
Knowles hopes Matriarch will be part of that healing — not just for herself, but for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.
“I get messages from young men who say, ‘I never had that kind of love and protection, but it feels good to know that someone did,’” she says. “And I tell them — you deserve it, too.”
Matriarch by Tina Knowles is available now. Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour kicks off April 28 in Los Angeles.
Transgender advocate and icon Ts Madison has unveiled a new initiative aimed at providing safe housing and support for Black trans women in Atlanta. Launched in partnership with NAESM, a historic Black HIV/AIDS organization, the Starter House will serve as a vital resource for Black trans women engaged in sex work. This initiative, which coincided with the 16th annual Transgender Day of Visibility, is set to offer a range of services, including gender-affirming healthcare, economic opportunities, and holistic support for those in need.
A Safe Haven for Black Trans Women
Located in Ts Madison’s former residence, the facility offers a welcoming and secure environment for those who may be experiencing homelessness or struggling to transition out of sex work. Madison, who is known for her work as a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race and her advocacy for the trans community, expressed the emotional significance of the project during the grand opening. “This morning I was having withdrawals because this is a big thing,” Madison said. “Like, this is my house. I’m giving my house to the community. That means people are going to be transitioning in and out of this house.”
Ts Madison at the grand opening event for the Ts Madison Starter House. Photo: Lamont Baldwin for Out
Madison went on to explain that the facility would provide essential support for Black trans women, many of whom are disenfranchised and homeless. “These are girls that are trying to find another way in their life,” she said. The Starter House is set to be a key resource for these women as they begin their journey toward stability, security, and self-empowerment.
Part of a Larger Movement
The Starter House is not just a local effort; it is also part of a larger movement aimed at supporting disenfranchised individuals. The facility is affiliated with A New Way of Life’s SAFE Housing Network, a global coalition of over 30 organizations focused on providing reentry support to women who have been incarcerated. Founded in 1998, the SAFE Housing Network works to reduce U.S. incarceration rates by offering housing, healing, and leadership opportunities for individuals affected by the justice system.
Dominique Morgan, the Executive Director of the Ts Madison Starter House, emphasized the power of community support in these difficult times. “I think so many of us feel the fear of what’s happening in this climate, and so many folks feel like, ‘Are we going to make it?’” Morgan said. “But today really symbolizes for me that we have answers happening all over the place, and we have the power to decide how we show up for each other.”
A Symbol of Hope and Empowerment
The Starter House is more than just a place to live — it’s a symbol of hope and empowerment for Black trans women. It represents a crucial opportunity for healing, growth, and independence. The initiative will provide women with access to safe, affirming housing and the resources they need to thrive. Madison’s emotional connection to the project speaks to the significance it holds for both her and the broader trans community.
As the Starter House begins its journey, it stands as a vital stepping stone for many women seeking a better life. To learn more about the initiative or to make a donation, visit the official Ts Madison Starter House page.
Colton Underwood is embracing fatherhood and living his best life with his husband, Jordan C. Brown, and their five-month-old son, Bishop Colton. The former The Bachelor star, who came out as gay in 2021, shared his excitement about his new role as a dad during the 33rd annual Elton JohnAIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party in Los Angeles.
Speaking to PRIDE, Underwood reflected on the joy he’s found in fatherhood, expressing how natural it feels to raise his son with Brown. “I was born to be a dad and daddy, whatever you want to call it. We’re figuring out our titles still! Dad, daddy, pops… all of the labels,” Underwood said. “Hopefully, there’s more little ones in our future. It’s been the best thing that’s ever happened to us. It’s a dream come true.”
As Underwood and Brown navigate their new life as parents, the couple is enjoying their growing family and the new dynamic that comes with it. Despite the joys of parenthood, Underwood emphasized that he’s also making time for self-care, balancing his responsibilities as a father and husband with his own well-being.
“I have an incredible partner who loves and supports me and makes me feel good,” Underwood explained. “Then, I just find random times to take care of myself whether it’s a hot tub, a coffee, a Barry’s Bootcamp workout class, or an Equinox steam room… we’ll figure it out.”
Underwood also shared that he finds moments to unwind and focus on his physical health, which has become a priority for him. He enjoys the flexibility to fit in self-care activities, whether it’s a workout or a relaxing session in a steam room. Many fans will relate to his approach, as he highlights the importance of balancing personal wellness with the busy demands of parenting.
Notably, Underwood’s choice of the Equinox steam room is a nod to a popular self-care practice among many gay men, with its reputation as a social and relaxing space. It’s clear that Underwood is no stranger to enjoying the benefits of both physical activity and relaxation in places like the gym and spa.
Through his journey, Underwood has shown how embracing family life, health, and well-being can coexist, even as he continues to navigate his new chapter as an openly gay man. His openness about balancing his personal health with the challenges and joys of parenthood provides a relatable perspective for many.
As Underwood and Brown continue their journey with young Bishop, it’s clear that the couple is savoring every moment of their growing family while also prioritizing their own happiness and self-care.
