Gayety

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  • Seven Trans Icons Join Stonewall’s LGBTQ Wall of Honor in Powerful Pride Tribute

    Seven Trans Icons Join Stonewall’s LGBTQ Wall of Honor in Powerful Pride Tribute

    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.”

    The National LGBTQ Wall of Honor at Stonewall will induct seven trans advocates this Pride Month. Here's why it matters more than ever.
    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.”

  • Elliot Page Producing Powerful Doc on ‘Drag Race’ Star Peppermint

    Elliot Page Producing Powerful Doc on ‘Drag Race’ Star Peppermint

    Elliot Page and his production company, Pageboy Productions, have signed on as executive producers of A Deeper Love: The Story of Miss Peppermint, a new feature documentary spotlighting trans icon and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Peppermint. The 80-minute film is set to premiere June 26 at Frameline49, San Francisco’s landmark LGBTQ+ film festival.

    Directed by Oriel Pe’er, the documentary offers a deep and personal look at Peppermint’s rise to stardom and activism. Known for breaking barriers in the drag and trans communities, Peppermint made television history as the first openly trans woman to compete on Drag Race and later made her mark on Broadway, becoming the first out trans woman to originate a principal role in a musical with Head Over Heels.

    A Personal Story with a Broader Message

    The film takes viewers beyond the stage lights, chronicling Peppermint’s early years navigating the New York nightlife scene and surviving through sex work and late-night gigs to fund her transition. Unreleased footage and candid interviews reveal the challenges she faced before her life-changing run on Drag Race Season 9.

    Peppermint shared her excitement about the film’s long-awaited debut, telling The Hollywood Reporter, “This film has been nearly a decade in the making. Trans issues are in the zeitgeist, yet our full humanity is so often left out of the conversation. This film aims to offer something more honest and personal.”

     

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    Pageboy Productions Steps In

    Page, who came out as trans in 2020 and has since become a leading advocate for trans representation in media, described the project as “powerful, urgent and deeply human.”

    “Her artistry, courage, and advocacy have changed the landscape for trans performers and inspired so many of us,” Page said. “This documentary captures the full complexity of her experience in a way that feels both intimate and universal.”

    Founded in 2021, Pageboy Productions has backed several projects centering trans and queer voices, including upcoming films, series, and documentaries. Page’s latest turn behind the scenes follows his producing and co-writing role in Close to You, a 2023 drama he also starred in.

    A Cast of Champions

    Page isn’t the only Drag Race royalty supporting the project. Fellow queen Bob the Drag Queen, best known for We’re Here and The Traitors, is also on board as a producer through his company Purse First Studios. The film will also feature appearances from queer trailblazers including Laverne Cox (Orange Is the New Black), Michaela Jaé Rodriguez (Pose), and Drag Race legends Sasha Velour and Shea Couleé.

    The film’s title, A Deeper Love, is a nod to both Peppermint’s resilience and her commitment to uplifting her community through performance and activism.

    Why Peppermint’s Story Matters

    Peppermint made her debut on Drag Race Season 9 in 2017 and became the first contestant to compete as openly trans from the start. She quickly won the hearts of fans and judges, landing in the finale alongside Sasha Velour, Shea Couleé, and Trinity the Tuck. While she has yet to claim a Drag Race crown, she remains a fan favorite and an essential voice in conversations about trans visibility and equity.

    @juliantoni0_

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    ♬ Music – Madonna

    Since her time on the show, Peppermint has released music, advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, and built a legacy as one of the most influential trans performers working today. This documentary aims to cement that legacy, and bring her full, unfiltered story to the screen.

    A Festival Debut with Heart

    A Deeper Love: The Story of Miss Peppermint premieres June 26 at Frameline49. With names like Elliot Page and Bob the Drag Queen attached, and with a story as rich and real as Peppermint’s, the film is already generating buzz in both queer and mainstream media circles.

    As Page summed it up: “Pageboy is honored to bring her story to audiences everywhere.”

  • Dylan O’Brien Praises Queer Community and Sibling, Stars in Upcoming LGBTQ+ Dramas ‘Ponyboi’ and ‘Twinless’

    Dylan O’Brien Praises Queer Community and Sibling, Stars in Upcoming LGBTQ+ Dramas ‘Ponyboi’ and ‘Twinless’

    Actor Dylan O’Brien is stepping into bold new territory this year with not one, but two LGBTQ+ films—and he’s doing it with heartfelt purpose and pride.

    The Teen Wolf and Maze Runner alum will appear in the upcoming queer drama Ponyboi, a groundbreaking feature starring and co-written by intersex actor and filmmaker River Gallo. O’Brien plays Vinny, a shady drug dealer entangled in a secret affair with the film’s title character, all while dating Ponyboi’s best friend Angel—played by The Haunting of Bly Manor star Victoria Pedretti.

    Set in gritty New Jersey and bursting with heart, Ponyboi follows a young intersex sex worker and laundromat employee who is forced to go on the run after a drug deal goes sideways. What follows is a surreal journey of self-discovery and survival, all underpinned by the film’s unapologetically queer lens.

    “I have a trans, nonbinary sibling and I know people in my personal life who are queer, and I am so grateful for how much it deepens my experience in this world,” O’Brien told Vulture in a recent joint interview with Gallo and other cast members. “It was really important to me to be a part of something like this as an ally.”

    O’Brien’s sibling, Julz O’Brien, is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns. On social media, Julz often shares moments with their brother, calling Dylan their “very first best friend” and proudly celebrating their LGBTQIA+ identity.

    In a separate interview with Adobe, O’Brien admitted that working on Ponyboi opened his eyes to the lived experiences of intersex people, a community he previously knew little about. “Going in, I was extremely uneducated on intersex and the intersex community,” he said. “This was such an enlightening experience to me. River is someone I’ll carry with me for life.”

    Ponyboi made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2024, earning critical acclaim for its bold storytelling and Gallo’s standout performance. The cast also includes Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus) as a mysterious cowboy and Indya Moore (Pose) as Charlie.

    For Gallo, the film marks a historic milestone. “Girl, Ponyboi prevailed,” they wrote in a statement. “We made this movie for the intersex baddies, dolls, misfits, and outsiders, and for it to finally be out in the world is nothing less than revolutionary.”

    Ponyboi opens in theaters June 27, distributed by Fox Entertainment Studios and Gathr.

    But O’Brien’s queer cinema journey doesn’t end there. Later this year, he also stars in Twinless, a tender, offbeat drama from James Sweeney (Straight Up), who writes, directs, and co-stars in the film.

    Twinless follows two young men who meet in a support group for people grieving the loss of a twin. As they navigate sorrow and identity, their bond evolves into a deep and unexpected connection.

    The film is set for theatrical release on September 5.

    Whether he’s playing a sleazy drug dealer or a grieving twin-seeker, O’Brien’s commitment to queer storytelling—and his personal connection to the LGBTQIA+ community—has never been clearer.

    For updates on Ponyboi, visit ponyboifilm.com, and for more on Twinless, check out twinlessfilm.com.

  • ‘Drag Race’ Star Jiggly Caliente Undergoes Leg Amputation Following Severe Health Complication

    ‘Drag Race’ Star Jiggly Caliente Undergoes Leg Amputation Following Severe Health Complication

    Jiggly Caliente, a beloved performer known for her appearances on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and as a co-host on “Drag Race Philippines,” has undergone a partial leg amputation following a serious medical emergency, her family announced.

    Caliente, whose real name is Bianca Castro, experienced a “severe infection” that led to hospitalization and the subsequent loss of most of her right leg, according to a statement shared by her family on Instagram.

    “The family of Bianca Castro, known to many as the beloved drag performer Jiggly Caliente, is heartbroken to share that over the last month Bianca has experienced a serious health setback,” the post read. “Due to a severe infection, she was hospitalized and, as a result, has undergone the loss of most of her right leg.”

    The statement also confirmed that Caliente will not appear in the upcoming season of “Drag Race Philippines” and will not be participating in any public engagements for the foreseeable future. “Her recovery will be extensive,” the family wrote.

    Fans and fellow performers have been asked to respect Caliente’s privacy during this time. “While Jiggly concentrates on healing, we invite her friends, fans, and community to uplift her with messages of hope and love on her social media channels,” the statement said. “Bianca’s family and drag house are deeply grateful for the continued outpouring of support, strength, and prayers.”

    Support has poured in from across the drag and LGBTQ+ community. Fellow “Drag Race” alum Manila Luzon commented, “Praying for you, sister,” while Jujubee added, “I love you so much. Can’t wait to see you again.”

    Other well-wishers included Hannah Conda from “Drag Race Down Under,” who wrote, “Sending so much love my angel,” and Spankie Jackzon, who added, “Thinking of you… take it as it comes.” Comments of love and encouragement also came from Raja, Kween Kong, Marina Summers, Pangina Heals, and Morphine Love Dion, among others.

    Jiggly Caliente rose to fame after competing on Season 4 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2012, and later returned for “All Stars” Season 6 in 2021. In 2016, she publicly came out as a transgender woman and has since become a prominent voice and advocate for trans visibility in the entertainment industry.

    Beyond reality television, Caliente has appeared on FX’s acclaimed series “Pose,” which explores the underground ballroom culture of 1980s New York City and features a predominantly LGBTQ+ cast. Her absence in the upcoming season of the popular franchise will be deeply felt by fans, many of whom credit Caliente with providing authentic representation and heartfelt mentorship on the show.

    For those wishing to send encouragement, Caliente’s family encourages fans to leave messages on her official social media pages.

  • Laith Ashley Embraces the Joy of the Journey in New Revry Series ‘Unconventional’

    Laith Ashley Embraces the Joy of the Journey in New Revry Series ‘Unconventional’

    Laith Ashley is continuing to make waves in Hollywood—not just as a model and actor, but as one of the most prominent transgender voices in the entertainment industry. Known for standout roles in Pose, Strut, and Wicked City, Ashley recently reached a massive global audience playing the dreamy love interest opposite Taylor Swift in the music video for her hit single “Lavender Haze.” Now, he’s channeling his talent into something a little different: a comedy series that goes deep on love, identity, and the glorious chaos of chosen family.

    A Decade In, and Still Breaking New Ground

    In an interview with Out, After more than 10 years in the industry, Ashley is taking a moment to reflect. For much of his career, he admits he was focused on hustling to the next big opportunity, without pausing to enjoy the ride.

    “The 10 years I’ve been in this industry, I haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy the journey because I was so focused on the next thing that I didn’t appreciate the gifts that I was experiencing throughout,” Ashley says. “Now that I’m a little bit older and I’m looking back at my trajectory, I’m just grateful that I got the opportunity to do what I’ve been able to do.”

    And what he’s doing now is arguably his boldest move yet.

    Meet Dell: Laith Ashley’s Most Honest Role Yet

    Ashley stars in Unconventional, a boundary-pushing comedy series now streaming on LGBTQ+ platform Revry. The series boasts a powerhouse ensemble cast, including Kit Williamson, James Bland, Kathy Griffin, Beau Bridges, and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Willam Belli.

     

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    The show centers around two queer siblings and their partners—one of whom is the sperm donor for the other’s wife—and isn’t afraid to lean into the messy beauty of modern queer life. Ashley plays Dell, a trans man grappling with self-worth and substance use, in what may be his most emotionally layered role to date.

    “I think it goes there,” Ashley says. “This is a very, very gay story. Something like this in mainstream television might feel like too much for folks. Even talking about substance abuse is sometimes taboo within our community. But it’s important—we’re not here to shame anyone. We’re here to tell the truth.”

    Chosen Family and Queer Joy—With a Side of Chaos

    At the heart of Unconventional is the concept of chosen family, something Ashley—and many LGBTQ+ viewers—know deeply.

    “A lot of us, as queer people, have been pushed to the margins, ostracized from the families that were supposed to love us unconditionally,” Ashley says. “So we create chosen families, which can be beautiful… but let’s be real, they can also be a hot mess.”

    That emotional honesty, paired with sharp writing and a fearless ensemble, makes Unconventional a rare gem in the world of queer media: it’s funny, it’s messy, and it’s unapologetically real.

    Unconventional is now streaming exclusively on Revry.

  • Trailer for ‘Ponyboi’ Reveals Gripping Thriller Starring River Gallo and Dylan O’Brien

    Trailer for ‘Ponyboi’ Reveals Gripping Thriller Starring River Gallo and Dylan O’Brien

    The trailer for Ponyboi, River Gallo’s highly anticipated thriller, has been released, giving viewers a glimpse of what promises to be one of the most compelling LGBTQIA+ stories of the year. Written by and starring Gallo, the film is based on their 2019 short film of the same name and delves into the complex life of an intersex sex worker on the run from a botched drug deal.

    A Gripping Story of Identity and Survival

    Ponyboi follows the title character, a laundromat clerk and young intersex sex worker, who is forced to confront their past after a failed drug deal sends them fleeing. As the protagonist navigates a perilous journey through New Jersey’s underground world, the film explores themes of self-identity, survival, and the search for freedom.

    Dylan O’Brien, known for his role in Teen Wolf, co-stars as Vinny, a drug dealer caught in an affair with Ponyboi, unbeknownst to his pregnant girlfriend and Ponyboi’s best friend, Angel, played by Victoria Pedretti of The Haunting of Bly Manor fame.

    All-Star Cast and Critical Acclaim

    Murray Bartlett, who gained fame through his role in The White Lotus, appears in the film as an alluring cowboy who helps Ponyboi navigate their treacherous path. Indya Moore, star of Pose, also stars as Charlie, rounding out a diverse and talented cast that adds depth to this dramatic thriller.

    Ahead of Ponyboi’s world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, Gallo expressed their gratitude and excitement for the project. In a heartfelt statement, Gallo said, “From the pandemic to strikes to personal loss and transition—like a true Jersey girl, Ponyboi prevailed. I couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible cast and crew who became my Ponyboi family and made this movie a reality.”

    Gallo also praised the film’s director, Esteban Arango, for his bold and fearless vision. “We made this movie for the intersex baddies, dolls, misfits, and outsiders,” Gallo added. “And for it to finally be out in the world is nothing less than revolutionary.”

    Critical Success at Sundance

    Following its premiere at Sundance, Ponyboi received widespread critical acclaim for its gripping storytelling, Gallo’s standout performance, and O’Brien’s surprising shift into a darker, more dramatic role. The film has been hailed as a groundbreaking portrayal of the intersex experience, offering a fresh perspective on LGBTQIA+ narratives.

    Ponyboi is set to hit cinemas on June 27, 2024, through Fox Entertainment Studios and Gathr. Fans can now watch the official trailer to get a first look at the film’s captivating visuals and intense storyline.

     

  • How Celebrities are Honoring the Death of Roberta Flack, Iconic R&B Singer and Longtime LGBTQ+ Ally

    How Celebrities are Honoring the Death of Roberta Flack, Iconic R&B Singer and Longtime LGBTQ+ Ally

    Roberta Flack, the iconic R&B singer best known for hits like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” has passed away Monday morning (Feb. 24) at age 88. Her representatives confirmed her death in a statement released on February 24, 2025, noting that Flack died peacefully at home surrounded by her family.

    “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning,” the statement read. “Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”

    Flack scored major chart successes with songs such as “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which became a No. 1 hit, and the unforgettable “Killing Me Softly With His Song.” Other hits included “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Where Is The Love,” and “The Closer I Get To You.” The Fugees famously covered “Killing Me Softly,” introducing the classic track to a new generation.

    Following the news of Roberta Flack’s passing, several celebrities paid tribute to the music legend on social media. Questlove of The Roots shared a black-and-white photo of Flack on Instagram, captioning it, “Thank You Roberta Flack. Rest In Melody.”

     

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    Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers also honored Flack, writing simply on his page, “Roberta Forever.”

    Kelly Rowland expressed her deep sorrow on X, formerly known as Twitter: “My heart just sank!! Our Dear Ms. Roberta Flack has ascended beyond but what beauty she has left us with!! THANK YOU for your effortless, most beautiful gift! THANK YOU for being a part of the soundtrack to the most tender moments in my life! So Grateful for you!”

    Jennifer Hudson, another powerhouse singer, added, “So sad to hear of Roberta Flack’s passing. One of the great soul singers of all time. Rest well, Ms. Flack. Your legacy lives on!!!”

    In addition to her storied musical career, Flack was also a committed ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Her support for LGBTQ+ rights and causes began early in her career. In the late 1960s, she performed in a Georgetown restaurant that catered to a gay clientele. She often spoke about the impact this had on her and the awareness it gave her about LGBTQ+ culture.

    In a 1979 interview, Flack recalled that performing for a gay audience opened up “a whole new world” for her. She later dedicated songs to the community, including her 1969 cover of “Ballad of the Sad Young Men,” which she said resonated deeply with gay men. “I sang [‘Ballad of the Sad Young Men’] about soldiers, then, later, about gay men. It touches me deeply every time,” she told The Guardian.

    Flack’s commitment to LGBTQ+ causes continued throughout her career. In 1982, she sang the theme song for Making Love, a controversial film that depicted a romance between two men, further solidifying her role as an ally. More recently, her music was featured on the soundtrack of the FX series Pose, which spotlighted the lives of queer and trans communities in the 1980s.

    Flack shared her excitement on social media when her music appeared on the Pose soundtrack, writing: “Celebrating #Pride with a look back at this touching scene in the groundbreaking TV series Pose… I am thrilled to be featured in the soundtrack of a show that spotlights the triumphs and trials of ‘80s queer and trans communities and culture. #Love is beautiful in all forms!”

     

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    Roberta Flack’s legacy as both a musical icon and a staunch ally to the LGBTQ+ community leaves an indelible mark on both the entertainment world and beyond.

  • Angelica Ross is the Next Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway

    Angelica Ross is the Next Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway

    Angelica Ross will make history as the first Black trans woman to play the lead in Chicago.

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  • The 10 Most Famous Trans Actors In Hollywood

    The 10 Most Famous Trans Actors In Hollywood

    These are the most prominent Trans actors in Hollywood and their stories

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