Author: Caitlynn McDaniel
-
Watch the Full Trailer for S2 of ‘Heartstopper’
It’s time to say hi, again!
The first full-length trailer for Netflix’s adorable Heartstopper series is here and we could not be more excited for what season two has in store.
Nick and Charlie are navigating their new relationship while Nick still struggles to come out. In case you forgot, he came out as bisexual to his mom (Olivia Coleman) during the season one finale. But is he ready to tell anyone else?
One thing is for sure; there is A LOT of kissing this season!
Tao and Elle are also exploring their relationship, AKA figuring out if they will ever be more than friends.
“I’ve liked him for so long. Sometimes I think he might like me back,” Elle says in the trailer.
“If this doesn’t work out then I lose my best friend in the whole world,” Tao confesses to Charlie and Isaac. Queue the drama!
Bonus: Tao haircut!
Tara and Darcy are also facing new challenges, but luckily, they have a great friend group to lean on when they need advice.
Isaac also seems to be figuring out his sexuality.
Plus, the entire group is off to Paris! And book readers know what that means (truth or dare time!).
Heartstopper stars Kit Connor (Nick), Joe Locke (Charlie), Yasmin Finney (Elle), William Gao (Tao), and Tobie Donovan (Isaac). Other returning actors include Corinna Brown, Kizzy Edgell, Sebastian Croft, and Rhea Norwood. Jenny Walser, Cormac Hyde-Corrin, and Olivia Colman will also star. A few new faces will join them, like Leila Khan as Sahar Zahid, Jack Barton as Nick’s older brother David, Bradley Riches as James McEwan, and Nima Taleghani as school teacher Mr. Farouk.
Season two of Heartstopper will premiere on Netflix on August 3.
More Stories:
- Lorde’s Sister Indy Yelich Unveils Fame Is a Bedroom, an Intimate EP on Love and Queer Identity (Exclusive)
- Jinkx Monsoon Drags J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Views—and the Internet Is Living
- Alexandra Shipp Says ‘Love, Simon’ Inspired Young Fans to Come Out—and Taught Parents How to Love Them
- Laverne Cox Makes History with First All-Trans Team on ‘Celebrity Family Feud’
- Miley Cyrus Teases Big Plans for Hannah Montana’s 20th Anniversary
-
‘Drag Race’ and ‘American Idol’ Alum Adore Delano Comes Out as Trans
“It’s time we have ‘the talk.’”
Adore Delano is opening up about her gender identity. In an emotional 10-minute video shared on Instagram, Delano revealed she is trans.
“There’s been a lot of talk about my body and questions about my gender going around the internet and in my comment sections and stuff,” Delano said. “But yeah I just want to explain everything that’s been happening these last few months.”
“So yeah, I wanted to let everyone know that I am transitioning,” she continued. Delano said she kept her journey pretty “hush-hush” for the first three months to experience the beginning stages of puberty on her own terms. Ultimately she is “the happiest I’ve ever been in my adult life.”
Who is Adore Delano?
Delano first rose to fame for competing on television reality shows like American Idol and RuPaul’s Drag Race. She placed second in season six of Drag Race after Bianca Del Rio. Her drag persona exudes a perfect fusion of punk rock edge and glamorous allure, setting her apart in the drag world. Beyond her drag career, she has also found success as a recording artist, releasing albums that showcase her powerful, expressive voice and songwriting prowess.
Delano shared that she decided to go sober two years ago, opting to confront her feelings rather than drown them in alcohol, which allowed her to move from dysphoria to euphoria.
“I looked at videos of myself and I would just drink my days away because these emotions that I didn’t want to deal with were on the backseat.”
Since beginning hormone therapy, Delano has experienced a new lease on life, feeling empowered and liberated in her true identity. She also shared her plans to undergo gender-affirming surgery in November and expressed her intention to take a step back from the spotlight at the beginning of 2024 to focus on her recovery.
“I’m probably going to look a little different. Not too different. But I’m, I’m gonna be moving into the euphoric parts of the book. You know, she’s a hardcover. But we’re, we’re going to be a New York bestseller with this body,” she said.
Feeling the Love
Delano then thanked her devoted followers for their endless support, which was seen in the comment section of the post. Drag Queens also flooded her comment section, praising her for her courage and congratulating her on coming out.
“My love! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you,” wrote Kornbread Jeté. “Enjoy this journey! And remember… warn ya friends that’s the mood swings are normal lol. It’s a right of passage and they should be honored to experience it.”
“I’m so happy for you could BURST,” added Drag Race judge Michelle Visage.
At the end of the video, Delano declared, “I am transgender, my pronouns moving from me not wanting to like offend anybody and be like, you can call me whatever you want. No, I’m taking the goddamn chariot right now. I’m going by she/her.”
Watch Delano’s full coming out video here.
More Stories:
- Lorde’s Sister Indy Yelich Unveils Fame Is a Bedroom, an Intimate EP on Love and Queer Identity (Exclusive)
- Jinkx Monsoon Drags J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Views—and the Internet Is Living
- Alexandra Shipp Says ‘Love, Simon’ Inspired Young Fans to Come Out—and Taught Parents How to Love Them
- Laverne Cox Makes History with First All-Trans Team on ‘Celebrity Family Feud’
- Miley Cyrus Teases Big Plans for Hannah Montana’s 20th Anniversary
-
Ryan Evans is Officially Gay – Watch the Clip of Him Kissing His Partner Here
In a new clip from season four of Disney’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Ryan East High is revisited by Ryan Evans, and his new partner (hi Scott Hoying!) is accompanying him.
The Wildcats are back in the halls of East High in the new season of the Disney+ original series, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. This includes Taylor McKessie (Monique Coleman), Chad Danforth (Corbin Bleu), Martha Cox (Kaycee Stroh) and the now out and proud Ryan Evans (Lucas Grabeel). That’s right, Ryan is queer (not that this is a surprise to anyone).
Credit: Disney Plus Audiences first encountered Ryan in 2006 when Disney Channel aired Kenny Ortega’s musical drama High School Musical. Ryan Evans, formerly recognized as the hat-wearing, theater-loving twin brother of Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale), has an alluded romance with composer Kelsi Nielsen, but the series never directly addresses his sexuality. But that did not stop fans from speculating!
In an interview with Variety, Ortega said he did not feel like Disney was ready for a queer storyline.
“I was concerned because it was family and kids, that Disney might not be ready to cross that line and move into that territory yet,” Ortega said. “So, I just took it upon myself to make choices that I felt that those who were watching would grab. They would see it, they would feel it, they would know it and they would identify with it. And that is what happened.”
Luckily, Disney is getting queer Ryan now, ready or not!
Ryan Kisses Partner in New Disney Clip
In a clip shared by Disney on Tuesday, the OG cast of HSM appears on stage and kicks off the fourth and final season of the spin-off series with a much-needed reunion.
As the four are performing on stage, Ryan runs off to give his partner, played by Hoying, a quick smooch.
After Hoying’s character gushes about how cool it is to be there, Ryan tells him, “it means so much to me that you are here,” before going back to join his friends. Don’t mind us, we are just squealing into our pillows.
HSMTMTS Tackles Queer Stories
This is not the first queer storyline to come from the new series, but it is one many fans have been waiting for. In a previous interview with Gayety, openly gay showrunner Tim Federle said it was very important to him to bring representation into the show.
“I think one of the fundamental experiences, especially of Gen Z and the modern experience growing up, is that identity is broadening, and that’s a beautiful thing. And I think our show really tries to tell that story proudly.”
HSMTMTS is a mockumentary drama. It sees a new set of Wildcats who actually go to East High perform High School Musical for their spring musical. The show will wrap after the fourth season premieres on Disney+ on August 9. Read the official synopsis below.
“After an epic summer at Camp Shallow Lake, the Wildcats return to East High where they prepare a stage production of High School Musical 3: Senior Year. But plans are disrupted when Principal Gutierrez announces that Disney has decided to make the long-awaited High School Musical 4: The Reunion movie on location at their beloved high school.”
More Stories:
- Lorde’s Sister Indy Yelich Unveils Fame Is a Bedroom, an Intimate EP on Love and Queer Identity (Exclusive)
- Jinkx Monsoon Drags J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Views—and the Internet Is Living
- Alexandra Shipp Says ‘Love, Simon’ Inspired Young Fans to Come Out—and Taught Parents How to Love Them
- Laverne Cox Makes History with First All-Trans Team on ‘Celebrity Family Feud’
- Miley Cyrus Teases Big Plans for Hannah Montana’s 20th Anniversary
-
MrBeast YouTube Collaborator Kris Tyson Comes Out as Trans
YouTube star Kris Tyson, known for her appearances in YouTube videos with MrBeast, has come out as transgender.
(more…) -
7 Gay Anthems to Listen to This Summer
Get ready to add some vibrant and empowering tunes to your summer playlist with this collection of gay songs! From Troye Sivan’s infectious pop anthems to Demi Lovato’s powerful vocals, and Sam Smith’s soul-stirring ballads, this list has something for everyone. These artists have fearlessly shared their authentic experiences and emotions through their music, celebrating love, self-acceptance, and pride. So, whether you’re dancing poolside or soaking up the sun at the beach, let these gay artists and their captivating songs be the soundtrack to your unforgettable summer adventures.
1. Troye Sivan – Rush
Troye Sivan has edged us long enough. The “Angel Baby” singer has finally released his new single and music video for his highly anticipated track, “Rush.” Fans have already named it the gay bop anthem of the summer. We second that.
Along with the video and single release, Sivan announced the title and release date of his new album, Something to Give Each Other. It will be available to purchase and stream on Friday, October 13. This is the 28-year-olds third studio album, following Blue Neighborhood and Bloom.
2. Renee Rapp – Talk Too Much
You may know Renee Rapp as Leighton Murray on The Sex Lives of College Girls or as Regina George in the Broadway production of Mean Girls. Rapp recently announced her departure from the Max drama series to focus on her music and is now gearing up to release her debut album, Snow Angel. The singer also released the second single from the album, “Talk Too Much.”
While speaking to Apple Music, Rapp gushed about the opportunity to create her own sound. “God, I love it so much. It’s like, I don’t even care,” she said. “And I don’t know if that’s because I’ve had different experiences on the other side because I’ve also had amazing experiences on the other side, but it just doesn’t f–king matter to me in music.”
3. Idman – Beach
Rising R&B sensation Idman has unveiled their highly anticipated debut EP, Risk, under the esteemed label Arista Records. The seven-track masterpiece, executive produced by the renowned Khris Riddick-Tynes from The Rascals production duo, delves into themes of heartbreak and self-discovery.
The flirtatious vibes of “Beach” explore lust and temptation, with Idman acknowledging the complexities of attraction, even when it’s not entirely appropriate.
4. Greta Van Fleet – Starscratcher
Greta Van Fleet, the rock band made up of brothers Jake, Josh and Sam Kiszka along with Danny Wagner, released its third studio album on July 21. Speaking to Billboard, Jake said the album Starscratcher is about reverting” back to rock ‘n’ roll, and what does this [genre] truly mean for our generation.”
5. Demi Lovato – Sorry Not Sorry (Rock Version)
Get ready for a whole new Demi Lovato album, the rock version. The “Still Alive” singer has recently been recording and releasing a new version of their top tracks with a more rockin’ sound. Now, the artist has announced an entire album filled with remixes titled, Revamped.
So far, Lovato has released “Cool for the Summer,” “Heart Attack,” and a killer version of “Sorry Not Sorry” featuring a guitar solo from Slash.
6. MUNA – One That Got Away
MUNA is an electrifying band delivering powerful and thought-provoking dark pop and synth-driven anthems. With deeply introspective lyrics and captivating melodies, this trio resonates with listeners worldwide, inspiring and uplifting others through their music.
Earlier this year, the band performed a new danceable, disco-pop track during their Coachella performance. Band member Katie Gavin said the song, “One That Got Away,” is about “rubbing your hot ass in the face of someone who messed up their chance of being with you.”
7. Sam Smith – Man I Am
Along with the release of the highly anticipated Barbie movie to theaters, director Greta Gerwig also helped coordinate what could be the summer album, Barbie the Album. The album contains 16 tracks all created by talented pop music icons like Charlie XCX, Dominic Fike and Lizzo.
Sam Smith’s contribution to the album is a song called “Man I Am,” which appears to be a song from the Kens perspective. In it, the doll sings about being a, “super sleazy, sexy and freaky Ken.”
More Stories:
- Lorde’s Sister Indy Yelich Unveils Fame Is a Bedroom, an Intimate EP on Love and Queer Identity (Exclusive)
- Jinkx Monsoon Drags J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Views—and the Internet Is Living
- Alexandra Shipp Says ‘Love, Simon’ Inspired Young Fans to Come Out—and Taught Parents How to Love Them
- Laverne Cox Makes History with First All-Trans Team on ‘Celebrity Family Feud’
- Miley Cyrus Teases Big Plans for Hannah Montana’s 20th Anniversary
-
Heartstopper’s Yasmin Finney Opens Up About Love & Dating: “Men Let Me Down All the Time”
Yasmine Finney, known for her role as Elle on Netflix’s teen drama, Heartstopper, says she may never fall in love.
(more…) -
NFL’s Kevin Maxen: First Openly Gay Coach
Kevin Maxen, an associate strength coach for the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, is bravely stepping into the spotlight to make history as the first publicly out gay male coach in the league and, seemingly, in men’s professional sports.
In a candid interview with Outsports, Maxen shared the driving force behind his decision to be open about his sexuality. “I don’t want to feel like I have to think about it anymore.” he expressed. “I don’t want to feel like I have to lie about who I am seeing or why I am living with someone else.”
Hiding His Truth
Maxen said he loathed feeling like he needed to lie about the gender of his partner because of how his peers and the media might react to it. He has been in a loving relationship with his boyfriend Nick for two years.
Credit: Instagram/@kmax3824 “You have other coaches who have significant others, and they’re talking about their significant others,” he explained. “And I felt guilty that I couldn’t do the same thing, that I was letting myself down.
“I want to be vocal in support of people living how they want to live, but I also want to just live and not feel fear about how people will react.”
Maxen’s journey to self-acceptance and his desire to live without fear of judgment have led him to share his truth. “It wasn’t until recently – and with the immense love and support of my family, my friends, colleagues and peers, and the courage and sacrifice from my partner – that I realized I have the right and responsibility to love and be loved, and that maybe sharing this will hopefully give someone else the strength to accept their own life and take control of their own story.”
Maxen’s College Years
Maxen said he struggled with his sexuality even in college but did not feel ready to come out to his teammates. Before becoming a coach for the Jaguars, he played as a linebacker for Western Connecticut State University, a Division III program. He was team captain for three seasons.
He hopes his coming out will encourage others to not determine someone’s values based on their looks, beliefs, or emotional attractions.
“As a Black Jew who has dated both men and women, who has been a strength coach at the highest level of professional football, I’ve learned that how I look, what I believe in, and especially who I am physically or emotionally attracted to should not impact the way I or other people view my worth,” he said. “And It should certainly not dictate what I feel I am capable of accomplishing.”
Though Maxen is the first male coach to come out, he is not the first player in the NFL to come out as queer. In 2021, Carl Nassib became the first active player in the league to come out as LGBTQ+. At the time, he played for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Congratulations Kevin! We wish you all the best.
More Stories:
- Lorde’s Sister Indy Yelich Unveils Fame Is a Bedroom, an Intimate EP on Love and Queer Identity (Exclusive)
- Jinkx Monsoon Drags J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Views—and the Internet Is Living
- Alexandra Shipp Says ‘Love, Simon’ Inspired Young Fans to Come Out—and Taught Parents How to Love Them
- Laverne Cox Makes History with First All-Trans Team on ‘Celebrity Family Feud’
- Miley Cyrus Teases Big Plans for Hannah Montana’s 20th Anniversary
-
Gay Footballer Josh Cavallo is ‘Drag Race’s Next Guest Judge
Australian footballer Josh Cavallo is making history (AGAIN) as the first gay footballer to judge the reality series.
(more…) -
A Bookstore Was Fined For Selling ‘Heartstopper’ – Alice Oseman Responds
Alice Oseman, the author of the adored queer book series Heartstopper, expressed her outrage of laws limiting youth’s access to LGBTQIA+ novels.
(more…)