Tag: Poppers

Play Pride Bingo With These Hilarious Cards for Queers and Allies
Whether you’re a rainbow-clad ally, a demon twink on a mission, or somewhere in between, Pride Month is officially here, and so is your chance to get very judged in the most fabulous way possible.

Introducing: Pride Bingo, the ultimate way to call out (and lovingly roast) the people around you at your next Pride parade, festival, or street fair. These two freshly made cards, one for Straight People at Pride and one for Queer People at Pride, are filled with hilariously specific moments you’re guaranteed to witness before you even make it to the port-a-potties.

Let’s take a tour, shall we?

Straight People at Pride: The Tank Top Chronicles

We’re all about allyship, but this bingo card goes there. Picture it: someone screams “Yaaas queen!” at a cop in leather, takes selfies in the middle of the parade route, then loudly announces, “I’m basically bisexual after two drinks!” It’s bingo gold.

Other free-space contenders include:
- “OMG I love RuPaul!!” (can’t name a queen)
- Touching a drag queen’s wig (without consent, of course)
- Asking if the glitter is biodegradable (valid, but still)
- Bringing a dog in a rainbow tutu and a baby in matching overalls
If you hear “Love Wins!” yelled from a float while someone in a Target tank top spills a White Claw on their crochet rainbow bucket hat… congrats, you’re almost there.

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Queer People at Pride: Glitter, Drama, and Power Moves

The queer version of the card reads like the script of the gayest indie movie never made. From poppers breaks mid-conversation to full Sailor Moon cosplay to someone absolutely losing it during a Robyn ballad, it’s an unapologetic celebration of queer chaos and magic.

Key square highlights:
- “This is my villain era” crop top
- Lost their friends, gained 3 new ones
- Pole dancer on a moving platform
- Queer elder holding a sign: “I fought for this”
- Full mesh look at 2 p.m. (no SPF, just vibes)
And if you don’t see a glitter flask by sundown, check your location. You might not be at real Pride.

Photo: Gayety Staff

How to Play (and Slay)

Bring a few printed cards, screenshot them to your group chat, or turn them into a TikTok challenge. Mark off your squares as you go, and see who gets bingo first, ideally while ducking a confetti cannon or mid-fan snap to Beyoncé’s “Heated.”

The beauty of Pride is that there’s space for everyone: the chaotic, the sentimental, the sweaty, and the sparkly. These cards are just a cheeky way to laugh together while we take up space, spread joy, and remember why we gather in the first place.

So whether you’re screaming “Work!” at every performer or sobbing through “Dancing On My Own,” play with pride, and remember to hydrate, reapply your glitter, and maybe don’t touch that queen’s wig.
June 18, 2025
Electric Daisy Carnival 2025: A Queer Wonderland of Beats, Unity, and Totems

At Electric Daisy Carnival 2025, the energy was electric, the vibes were high, and the queerness was unmistakably fabulous. As the desert lit up with strobing lasers and basslines that shook the ground, EDC reaffirmed its place as not just the biggest electronic music festival in North America—but also one of the most inclusive and welcoming events on the planet.

A Safe Space Under the Electric Sky

More than 500,000 attendees poured into the Las Vegas Motor Speedway over the weekend, and it wasn’t just the music pulling them in. EDC is built on values that champion love, positivity, and connection. “All Are Welcome Here” banners waved proudly above the crowds, a bold and beautiful reminder that LGBTQ+ ravers weren’t just tolerated—they were celebrated.

Photo: Instagram (@ghettohouseradio)

Across the neon-drenched stages, drag queens vogued under fireworks, queer DJs dropped euphoric house anthems, and groups of friends hugged strangers-turned-family. The festival felt like a sanctuary in sequins, where you could be whoever you wanted—no questions asked.

“We create unforgettable experiences driven by imagination and positivity,” Insomniac proclaims, and the crowd lived that motto with every beat.

The Soundtrack to Self-Expression

The sheer size of EDC is staggering. With multiple stages like kineticFIELD, circuitGROUNDS, neonGARDEN, and bassPOD, each offering its own flavor of EDM—from trance to techno to dubstep—the festival felt like a choose-your-own-adventure story set to a beat.

Photo: Insomniac

Photo: Insomniac

Photo: Insomniac

Photo: Insomniac

Whether dancing under the towering owl guardians of kineticFIELD or finding intimacy at the art cars, attendees found pockets of sound and space that fit their vibe. For many queer ravers, the music became a catalyst for catharsis, euphoria, and community.

Totems: The Queer Icons of the Night

Amid the sea of kandi and LED-lit outfits, one festival fixture stood tall—literally. Totems, homemade signs hoisted high on poles, are an essential part of EDC’s culture. Funny, weird, heartfelt, and wildly queer, they help friends find each other and strangers connect over shared laughs.

From a poppers logos to signs readying “Him Homie Was Hotter,” the creativity knew no bounds. Totems often made political statements too—supporting trans rights, calling out anti-drag laws, or just reminding everyone to hydrate.

These ten-foot icons weren’t just silly—they were statements. They embodied the spirit of EDC: free expression, acceptance, and a whole lot of glitter.

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Unity in Every Beat

What makes EDC special isn’t just its size or production value. It’s the atmosphere of radical inclusion. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, this is the one weekend a year where they can be completely free—dancing in daylight or under the stars without fear or judgment.

From strangers offering hugs to spontaneous voguing circles, every interaction is steeped in the values EDC stands by: positivity, love, care, and connection.

So yes, the music is great. The stages are dazzling. But for queer ravers, the true headliner is community—and at EDC, that always steals the show.

May 28, 2025
Mark Indelicato Shines in ‘Hacks’ Season 4 with Poppers, WeHo, and Work-Life Woes in the Mix

Things get unexpectedly personal—and hilariously unhinged—in the latest episode of Hacks as Jean Smart’s Deborah Vance finds herself abandoned on premiere night and turns to a very familiar face: her longtime assistant, Damien, played by Mark Indelicato.

In Season 4, Episode 4, titled “I Love LA,” Deborah’s big debut as a late-night host is off to a rough start. Her staff is too exhausted to celebrate, her musical guest Randy Newman is a no-show, and the network stands her up at dinner. Left with a fully booked reservation and an empty chair, Deborah dials the one person she knows will answer: Damien.

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What follows is an unexpectedly heartfelt—and laugh-out-loud—episode that finally gives Indelicato the spotlight. While Damien has been a key background player since Hacks began, this episode cracks open his world. Over a slightly awkward dinner and a wild night out in West Hollywood, viewers get a peek at Damien’s vulnerability, his thirst for approval, and his conflicted relationship with LA gay culture.

“I was very jazzed that no one really knew about Damien’s personal life,” Indelicato told Queerty in a recent interview. “I kind of liked him being this enigma—this workhorse. And then in Episode 4, we get to see him wiggling!”

And wiggle he does. Damien drags Deborah to a silent disco-style gay club in WeHo, surrounded by shirtless men, flashing lights, and a very accidental poppers moment. (Yes, that kind of poppers.) It’s peak Hacks chaos—absurd, poignant, and somehow deeply relatable.

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Filming the scene was just as surreal as it sounds. “It’s so weird to shoot those because they’re like, ‘Okay, dance!’ and there’s no music,” Indelicato said. “Thank God I had the great Jean Smart just wiggling beside me.” He also couldn’t help but recognize some of the background extras. “They were like, ‘You’re going to dance with this guy,’ and I was like, ‘I’ve seen too much of you…’” he joked, referencing a few ahem familiar faces from the adult film world.

The real heart of the episode, though, is the dinner scene between Damien and Deborah—a rare moment where the two get to interact without any distractions. For Indelicato, it was actually his first scene filmed this season, which helped him tap into Damien’s anxiety.

“I was nervous! When you go on hiatus and come back, you’re like, ‘Do I remember how to act?’” he said. “But Jean is such an easy scene partner. She plays with you, sets you up for every laugh—it’s such a gift.”

Later in the episode, Damien spills his thoughts about trying to fit into LA’s image-obsessed gay scene. “There is definitely an industry standard of what a desirable archetype is in Los Angeles cis-gay culture,” Indelicato shared. “I’m just really happy that I don’t have to subscribe to it anymore.” Cue a flash of his engagement ring: “Bling, bling, bling!”

And yes, the infamous poppers moment—Deborah sniffing them mid-dance floor—is already a standout in the show’s legacy of chaotic brilliance. “If you told me a few years ago that Jean Smart would be in a go-go cage sniffing poppers, I would’ve said you’re insane,” Indelicato said. “And yet, here we are.”

In a recent interview, Smart herself leaned into the absurdity. Asked what she’s learned from the queer community, she answered simply: “Poppers.”

Fans have already declared the episode a standout, and Indelicato’s performance is earning plenty of praise for adding depth and nuance to a character often relegated to comic relief.

Hacks Season 4 is currently streaming on Max, with new episodes dropping every Thursday.

April 25, 2025
Everything You Need Know About Poppers: The Good, Bad, and Everything in Between

Poppers have been a staple in the gay community for decades, often used to enhance sexual experiences and provide a quick rush of euphoria. But what exactly are poppers? Here’s what you need to know about this widely used, yet misunderstood, substance.

What Are Poppers?

Poppers is the slang term for alkyl nitrites, a class of chemicals used primarily for recreational purposes. Though often associated with the LGBTQ+ community, especially within sexual contexts, poppers have gained wider recognition in some straight clubs as well. It’s important to understand exactly what you’re inhaling when using poppers.

Photo: Alamy

How Do Poppers Work?

Poppers work by relaxing smooth muscles in the body, including the sphincter muscles in the anus, which is why many people use them during sex. When you inhale poppers, they cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to an increase in heart rate and blood flow, which in turn creates the euphoric feeling associated with their use.

A Cultural Staple Since the 1970s

The use of poppers has deep ties to the gay disco scene of the 1970s. Many gay men would sniff poppers while dancing at clubs to enhance the music and create a heightened sense of pleasure. By the 1990s, poppers became a popular accessory at gay raves. Over time, their use expanded beyond LGBTQ+ spaces, and now some straight individuals use them recreationally in non-sexual settings, especially in club environments.

Photo: Disco Delivery

The Danger of Mixing Poppers and Viagra

It’s crucial to be cautious when using poppers in combination with other substances. Poppers and Viagra both cause a drop in blood pressure, which can be dangerous when used together. This dangerous combination can result in fainting, stroke, or even heart attack or death, according to the LGBT Foundation. Always be aware of the risks when using poppers.

Ingestion of Poppers Can Be Deadly

While inhaling poppers is relatively safe in moderation, ingesting them can have lethal consequences. The U.S. National Library of Medicine warns that ingestion, whether intentional or accidental, can result in death. Poppers are meant to be inhaled through the nose, not consumed.

Who Uses Poppers?

Though poppers have been popular in certain communities, they’re not as widely used as other recreational drugs. Only about 3 percent of the population reports using poppers. This is a much smaller percentage compared to the 10 percent of U.S. adults who have smoked marijuana within the past year. Poppers’ popularity is predominantly confined to gay men, reflecting the demographic most likely to use them.

Legal Controversies: The UK’s Attempt to Ban Poppers

In early 2023, the UK nearly banned poppers, citing concerns over safety. However, the move failed due to a technicality, as reported by The Guardian. While poppers remain legal in many countries, their regulation is often contentious.

Canada’s Ban on Poppers

In 2013, Canada moved to ban the sale of poppers, warning that selling them could lead to a three-year jail sentence or a $5,000 fine. This was part of a broader effort to regulate substances associated with recreational drug use.

Health Risks of Poppers

Like any substance, poppers come with potential health risks. Short-term effects can include lightheadedness, headaches, dizziness, and fainting. Long-term use can lead to eye damage, including a condition known as “Poppers Maculopathy,” which can cause vision loss. High doses of poppers can also lead to methaemoglobinaemia, a condition in which blood cells lose the ability to carry oxygen, similar to carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the LGBT Foundation.

The Prescription History of Amyl Nitrite

Amyl nitrite, a type of alkyl nitrite, was originally sold as a prescription drug in the U.S. in 1937 for the treatment of chest pain. However, it was taken off the prescription list in 1960 due to its relatively low risk of harm. By 1969, it was reinstated as a prescription drug. Despite this, you can still find other alkyl nitrites, which are marketed under different names such as “nail polish remover,” in sex shops. These versions are typically available legally for recreational use.

April 2, 2025