Gayety

Author: Josh Azevedo

  • ‘South Park’ Skewers Trump and Paramount in Blistering Season 27 Premiere

    ‘South Park’ Skewers Trump and Paramount in Blistering Season 27 Premiere

    Trey Parker and Matt Stone aren’t pulling punches. The creators of South Park returned for the animated show’s 27th season with a scorched-earth takedown of Donald Trump, their own corporate bosses at Paramount, and the media landscape at large.

    Airing just hours after Paramount announced a $1.5 billion renewal deal with the duo, the episode, titled “Sermon on the ‘Mount,” is less a comeback and more a satirical firestorm aimed at everyone from Jesus to the FCC.

    Trump, Satan, and South Park

    The episode kicks off with Trump, crudely animated using real photos, literally in bed with Satan, echoing the show’s 1999 depiction of Saddam Hussein. Satan even remarks, “You’re just like Saddam,” underlining the creators’ not-so-subtle point.

    https://www.tiktok.com/@morethanlaughspodcast/video/7530588997194714398?q=south%20park%20trump%20parody&t=1753384345277

    Trump is portrayed as a lawsuit-happy authoritarian, suing the town of South Park for $5 billion after parents protest his push to install Christian teachings, and a physical Jesus, into their children’s school. When Jesus shows up at a town protest, he admits he’s only there because “it was part of a lawsuit and the agreement with Paramount.”

    “You saw what happened to CBS? Guess who owns CBS? Paramount,” Jesus says through gritted teeth. “Do you want to end up like Colbert?”

    The Colbert Cancellation Conspiracy

    The episode doesn’t shy away from the timing of Stephen Colbert’s Late Show cancellation, an event that, while publicly attributed to budget cuts, has sparked speculation that it was political. Colbert, a vocal critic of Trump, was axed shortly after Paramount paid $16 million to settle with the former president over a 60 Minutes interview he claimed was deceptively edited.

    In the episode, fictional 60 Minutes anchors nervously report on the town’s turmoil, praising Trump mid-broadcast like they’re afraid of triggering another lawsuit. “He’s a great man,” one anchor stammers. “We know he’s probably watching.”

    A Corporate Parody With Real Stakes

    All this satire comes as Paramount prepares for a high-stakes merger with Skydance Media, a deal that must be greenlit by a Trump-appointed FCC. The show pokes fun at the tension by including FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who in real life said he doesn’t watch South Park but believes a handful of media companies shouldn’t “control the narrative.”

    @9tailedslvrfox

    South Park aint making it the whole season😂🤣😂😂 This was greatness if I ever saw it. #southparkseason27 #tariffs #trumpisontheepstienlist #southpark #southparkfunnymoments

    ♬ original sound – 9tailedsilverfox

    The episode ends with the town agreeing to pro-Trump messaging in a legal settlement, cutting to a bizarre, AI-style PSA of a nude Trump crawling through the desert.

    White House Fires Back

    The White House wasted no time issuing a response to the episode. Spokeswoman Taylor Rogers dismissed the show as “fourth-rate” and “desperate for attention.”

    “This show hasn’t been relevant for over 20 years,” she said, “and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas. President Trump has delivered on more promises in six months than any other president in history. and no cartoon can derail that.”

    Rogers also criticized the left for what she described as hypocrisy: “For years they’ve attacked South Park for being offensive. Now they celebrate it? Pick a side.”

    A New Era of South Park?

    Despite the controversy, or perhaps because of it, South Park seems poised for another headline-grabbing run. The new five-year deal with Paramount calls for 50 more episodes, virtually guaranteeing that Parker and Stone will keep poking the bear, even if the bear is their own network.

    If the premiere is any indication, the creators aren’t shying away from controversy, they’re embracing it, flamethrowers and all.

  • MANÚ Drops Steamy New Single ‘Dirty Laundry’ and Talks Joining ‘Drag Race’ Pit Crew

    MANÚ Drops Steamy New Single ‘Dirty Laundry’ and Talks Joining ‘Drag Race’ Pit Crew

    If you’ve been watching RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and caught yourself doing a double take at the pit crew, you’re not alone. The newest addition? Rising pop and R&B artist MANÚ, who’s as much a musical force as he is a jaw-dropping presence in red briefs. But don’t let the abs distract you too much, this artist has something to say.

    In an exclusive chat with Gayety, MANÚ opened up about his sultry new single, the toxic relationships that inspired it, and what it’s really like behind the scenes on Drag Race. Spoiler alert: there’s trivia, tears, and a whole lot of sweat.

    From Sydney With Soul

    MANÚ didn’t plan on living in Sydney forever. The plan was Europe, maybe a year tops in Australia. But five years later, they’re still soaking up the Southern Hemisphere sun, and crafting a unique blend of pop and R&B that’s both intimate and infectious.

    “I’ve always wanted to do pop music,” MANÚ shared. “But it felt limiting to pick just one genre. I lean into R&B a lot because it gives room for nuance and emotion.”

    That emotional depth is on full display in their new single, Dirty Laundry.

     
     
     
     
     
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    A post shared by | • M A N Ú • | (@manuelkornisiuk)

    Spinning Breakup Blues Into Gold

    With Dirty Laundry, MANÚ is turning heartbreak into high art. The track unpacks the “toxic” side of love, a deliberate departure from their usual uplifting tone.

    “I wanted to explore that darker part of a relationship, the stuff that sticks to you,” they said. “It’s about letting it go and owning your part of the mess.”

    The visuals, like the song, pack a punch. Set in a stylized boxing ring, the video channels raw emotion through sleek choreography and solo performance.

     
     
     
     
     
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    A post shared by | • M A N Ú • | (@manuelkornisiuk)

    “My videographer, Taj, said, ‘What if you fight yourself?’ And that was it. It clicked,” MANÚ said. “I wanted the visuals to feel sweaty and sexy, like you’re working out the pain.”

    In the Studio: From Bedroom Demos to Big Pop Sound

    Behind the scenes, MANÚ’s not doing it alone. Their go-to producer and creative partner, Miggy, helps bring each track to life.

    “I’ll write a melody and lyrics at home, then bring it to Migi,” MANÚ explained. “We build the track together. It’s a real collaboration, we’re always on the same wavelength.”

    That shared vision is powering an upcoming six-song EP, which is being distributed through ADA, a Warner affiliate.

    “Dirty Laundry is actually the chillest track,” he teased. “The rest is full-on pop. Big sounds, big emotions.”

    A Dream in Red Briefs: Behind the Drag Race Glow-Up

    Of course, we couldn’t skip over the other major moment: becoming a member of the RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars pit crew.

    “I totally manifested it,” MANÚ laughed. “I tried out for the New Zealand pit crew and didn’t get it. But then All Stars came calling.”

    And yes, the behind-the-scenes vibes are just as fab as you’d hope.

    “It was beautiful. The energy on set was so warm and welcoming,” they shared. “Backstage, we’d play trivia with the queens. It wasn’t just glam, it was community.”

    As a longtime fan of the show, the moment was surreal. “RuPaul is a dream. Just a beautiful person, on and off camera.”

    Will we be seeing MANÚ again in future episodes? “Hopefully,” they said with a wink. We’re manifesting that too.

    What’s Next for MANÚ

    Beyond the glitter and the glow-ups, MANÚ is keeping his focus on the music.

    A full video for Dirty Laundry is on the way, and the rest of the year is stacked with releases, and maybe even some international performances.

     
     
     
     
     
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    A post shared by | • M A N Ú • | (@manuelkornisiuk)

    “It’s going to be a year full of music,” they said. “This EP is just the start.”

    With charisma, vulnerability, and a killer flow with lyrics, MANÚ is proving he’s got the chops to go the distance and can do it with looks like Hercules (Disney reference fully intentional). They’re a powerhouse in the making, and we’re here for every beat of it.

    Want more MANÚ?
    Keep an eye out for the Dirty Laundry music video dropping soon, and follow MANÚ on Instagram for updates on new music and future appearances. Trust us, you won’t want to miss what he does next.

  • Chappell Roan Teases ‘The Subway’ with Breakup Bangs, Beards and NYC Posters

    Chappell Roan Teases ‘The Subway’ with Breakup Bangs, Beards and NYC Posters

    Chappell Roan may not be a subway regular, but she’s certainly taking over New York’s streets in the lead-up to what looks like the long-awaited release of her next single, “The Subway.” After months of fan buzz and live performances of the song, Roan has launched a teaser campaign across Manhattan that’s as theatrical and offbeat as she is.

    “The Subway” Is (Finally) Leaving the Station

    First debuted during her Statue of Liberty-clad performance at last year’s Governors Ball, “The Subway” has become a staple in Roan’s live shows. It’s raw, catchy, and soaked in that signature heartbreak-meets-camp vibe Roan fans love. But while the artist has kept the studio version under wraps, until now, recent signs suggest we won’t be waiting much longer.

    Across New York City, posters have begun popping up featuring Roan in two eccentric looks: one with lopsided, self-inflicted bangs and another where she sports a long wig and beard. The tagline? “Going through a breakup? Get Bangs!” A closer look reveals a clue tucked in her hair, a bread tag reading “Best before August 1st.” Fans are taking that as a not-so-subtle hint that “The Subway” drops on that date.

    From Street Art to Saskatchewan?

    Roan isn’t stopping at cryptic posters. A sneak peek of the track has landed on her official YouTube channel, complete with what looks like cover art and the same rough-edged glamor that’s become her calling card. To top it all off, she’s also been spotted filming in New York this month, prompting speculation that a full music video is incoming.

    One of the most eyebrow-raising teasers? A video clip of Roan driving away in a truck with a Saskatchewan license plate. While the Canadian reference remains delightfully unexplained, it’s only added fuel to the fan frenzy, and memes, online.

    All Aboard the “Subway” Hype Train

    As the presumed August 1 release date approaches, all signs suggest that “The Subway” will be Roan’s next big pop moment. Her last release, “The Giver,” followed a similarly artsy breadcrumb trail that culminated in a triumphant drop. If history repeats, fans are in for something bold, theatrical, and a little unhinged, just how Roan likes it.

    Until then, fans are on high alert for more clues, content, or possibly even Chappell Roan herself prowling NYC in another wig. Whether you’re in the depths of heartbreak or just along for the ride, “The Subway” promises a trip worth taking.

  • Confidence Man and JADE’s ‘Gossip’ Is a Sexy, Chaotic Summer Anthem

    Confidence Man and JADE’s ‘Gossip’ Is a Sexy, Chaotic Summer Anthem

    What happens when two genre-bending pop provocateurs team up? Pure, unfiltered dance floor chaos. Confidence Man and JADE’s new collaboration “Gossip” isn’t just a song, it’s a theatrical, synth-drenched fever dream designed to hypnotize your hips and hijack your summer playlists. And if you’re looking for sultry vocals, twisted visuals, and a dash of dance floor destruction, look no further.

    A Soundtrack for the Flirtatious and the Ferocious

    “Gossip” oozes attitude from the very first breathy lyric. Built around a grungy, bass-heavy rhythm with seductive talk-singing from both Confidence Man and JADE, the track is a slow-burning, pulsating ride through the underbelly of nightlife. The vocals? Sultry and unapologetic. The energy? Equal parts unhinged and irresistible.

    Lyrically, it’s all about drama and deception, exactly the kind of messy fun you want playing while you stir up trouble on a steamy night out. “It’s important, get it right, put yourself in my shoes, maybe tell a simple lie, but it’s partly true,” JADE sings, before launching into a chorus that chants “Gossip, oh my god, alright, alright, alright” like a spiritual mantra drenched in addictive guitar strums.

    A Dive Bar Descent Into Madness

    If the song is a banger, the music video is an operatic breakdown in a smoky dive bar. We open on a mysterious man playing a dangerous knife game, until he stabs himself. Meanwhile, Confidence Man’s frontwoman croons on a payphone as JADE smolders nearby. When the beat drops, the two descend into synchronized dance moves that feel like a cross between a seance and a pop concert in the seventh circle of hell (and we mean that as a compliment).

    Each visual moment is a statement, head bops, robotic thrusts, and sensual strutting. The second verse dives deeper into the chaos: “You only get what you deserve, you only reap what you sow. Every detail is a blur, broken bones, sticks and stones,” they chant, as bodies move with mechanical precision.

    Russian Roulette and Resurrected Revelry

    Just when you think things can’t get more chaotic, the duo finds themselves seated at a table with masked strangers passing around a gun. Yep, Russian Roulette. As JADE and Confidence Man exchange whispery gossip, the tension builds until someone pulls the trigger.

    What follows is cinematic insanity: a bullet POV careens through the bar, ricocheting and making its way out the window but not without bringing down every person inside. But in true dance floor resurrection fashion, no one stays down for long.

    The outro kicks in, “And the girls go, and the boys go…”—and suddenly everyone is gyrating on the floor, bumping and grinding to every entrancing beat of the outro. It’s provocative, gorgeous, and totally iconic.

    “Gossip” isn’t just the song of the summer, it’s the drama, the danger, and the dance all in one. Watch the video, learn the moves, and spread the word. After all, what’s summer without a little scandal?

  • Charli XCX Drops Punk-Inspired Converse Collab That Screams BRAT Energy

    Charli XCX Drops Punk-Inspired Converse Collab That Screams BRAT Energy

    Charli XCX is stomping into fashion with serious attitude. The pop provocateur has officially teamed up with Converse to launch a limited-edition line of customizable shoes that blend punk chaos with DIY couture. In true BRAT fashion, it’s messy, bold, and unapologetically Charli.

    The “Von dutch” singer revealed the capsule on Instagram, showcasing multiple designs that instantly feel like must-haves for every party girl, or brat, on the go.

    Introducing BRAT-core Footwear

    For her first look, Charli serves angelic-meets-anarchic energy. She sports a frilly white tank and skirt set, exuding early-2000s innocence, but the shoes steal the show. Her custom Converse high-tops are intentionally distressed in a faded gray-white hue, with heavy scuffing and tears. Scribbled on the sole? One powerful four-letter word: BRAT, a tribute to her critically acclaimed, era-defining album.

    These are not your average fresh-out-the-box kicks. They’re battle-worn, rebellious, and ready for the pit (or the dancefloor).

     
     
     
     
     
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    A post shared by Charli (@charli_xcx)

    Party Girl Essentials

    Charli’s second look leans into laid-back cool. She pairs a gauzy white T-shirt dress with high-top Converse in a charcoal shade, this time bearing the phrase “PARTY GIRL” across the soles. It’s the kind of shoe built for long nights and louder music—practical, stylish, and not afraid to get a little dirty.

    “I’ve always worn Converse,” Charli told NYLON. “I have an old pair of Converse that I got, God, I don’t even know, 10 years ago that have holes in them, and I love wearing them. It’s a classic, timeless shoe… I love pairing it with a classic item, whether that is a classic leather jacket or so mething that is a staple piece that doesn’t follow any type of trend cycle.”

     
     
     
     
     
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    A post shared by Converse (@converse)

    Customizable Chaos

    This isn’t just a drop, it’s a playground. Fans can build their own Charli-approved sneaker by swapping out colors, swapping text on the soles and sides, and choosing from hues like brown rice, gray lilac, and blue flower. Every pair comes with a lock-and-key charm on the heel tab for that extra touch of bratty flair.

    Charli said the inspiration came from her deep-rooted love of Converse and desire to leave a personal stamp on something timeless. “It’s always reliable and always there. I have a few items like that in my wardrobe… and I wanted to have my own shoe. I wanted to make it more about me. Obviously.”

    Designed with BRAT DNA

    The sneakers are more than just merch, they’re an extension of Charli’s BRAT aesthetic. Subtle but powerful design details carry the chaotic spirit of the album, including the placement of slogans on the soles rather than the sides.

    “It’s a continuation of the language of BRAT,” she explained. “The whole beginning of the campaign was following the Brat ethos: having a private Instagram, leaving hints, not putting something totally in your face.”

    She continued, “With the design of the shoe… the fact that it is on the sole, it’s this hidden little thing. I like that the logo is being walked through the dark; that feels very inherently Brat. There’s an element of destruction to the placement, which I really like.”

    Mark Your Calendar

    The Charli XCX x Converse collab officially drops Tuesday, Aug. 5, but don’t drag your feet, it’s only available for three days. After that, the BRAT dream shoes vanish just as mysteriously as they arrived.

  • Queer Photographer John Andrus Captures the Soul of DTLA in Stunning Coffee Table Book

    Queer Photographer John Andrus Captures the Soul of DTLA in Stunning Coffee Table Book

    For photographer John Andrus, a portrait is never just a picture. It’s an emotional exchange, an act of trust, and especially for queer subjects, a quiet form of resistance. With his coffee table book dtla, Andrus invites us into that deeply intimate world, showcasing more than four years of photography featuring over 50 models set against the electric, evolving backdrop of downtown Los Angeles.

    “Every time a person sits for a portrait, it’s an opportunity,” Andrus says in his artist statement. “A chance to capture the beauty in you that, for whatever reason, you might not see.”

    That guiding philosophy is at the heart of dtla, which blends lush cityscapes with evocative portraits of queer people from 2020 to 2024. The images document not only a city in flux, but a community reclaiming its joy and visibility.

    Creating a Space for Trust and Great Photos

    “It can be incredibly vulnerable and nerve-wracking for someone to step in front of a camera,” Andrus explains. “So for me, trust between a photographer and subject is sacred.”

    He emphasizes the importance of atmosphere, music, and intention. “If I’ve done my job right, I’ve fostered a comfortable space where they feel they can trust me to make them look incredible.”

    A glimpse into photographer John Andrus' coffee table book, dtla.
    Photo: John Andrus
    A glimpse into photographer John Andrus' coffee table book, dtla.
    Photo: John Andrus
    A glimpse into photographer John Andrus' coffee table book, dtla.
    Photo: John Andrus

    That ease is what transforms a good photo into something more profound. “A good photo has great lighting and composition and all of the technical perfections you strive for,” he says. “A meaningful portrait… draws you in, tells a story, it makes you feel.”

    A Time Capsule of Queer Life in the City

    Andrus moved into his DTLA studio in July 2020, during what he thought was the tail end of the pandemic. “In hindsight, it was obviously still early days, so in those first months DTLA felt like a ghost of its former self,” he says. “Over the years, getting to see the city slowly come back to life and to be a part of that community has been really exciting.”

    The book is as much a reflection of his personal growth as it is a showcase of Los Angeles. “Almost every facet, from personal, to professional, and everything in-between, changed,” he says. “Every portrait, a mile marker; every building, a milestone.”

    Photography as Visibility and Community Care

    Andrus doesn’t shy away from the political and emotional power of his work. “In this present climate, visibility and representation matter now more than ever before,” he says. “I have the privilege of photographing queer people, every day. I hope in documenting the queer people who lived and loved today, I am able to contribute to our community’s resistance and resilience.”

    For him, dtla is more than art, it’s memory, identity, and survival.

    A glimpse into photographer John Andrus' coffee table book, dtla.
    Photo: John Andrus
    A glimpse into photographer John Andrus' coffee table book, dtla.
    Photo: John Andrus

    What’s Next? Think Bigger Cities, Bigger Dreams

    While dtla is rooted in Los Angeles, Andrus has his eyes set on the East Coast next. “I’ve been spending more and more time in New York, so creatively I feel drawn there,” he shares. “I would love to focus on a book featuring models from the East Coast with New York’s cityscape as the backdrop.”

    And, of course, a magazine cover is on the vision board. “It is my dream to shoot an editorial cover. GQ… hit me up!”

    Advice to Young Queer Creatives

    To queer photographers just starting out, Andrus offers this: “Shoot what you love. Cliché, maybe, but your joy will come through in your images. Be curious, try what’s exciting to you. You can study technique (and you should), but there’s no better way to learn and create your own artistic identity than by picking up your camera and shooting.”

    In dtla, that passion is visible on every page. It’s a love letter to a city, a community, and a moment in time. But more than that, it’s a reminder: everyone deserves that photo, the one where you see yourself and think, I was beautiful all along.

    To see more of John’s work or pick up a copy of dtla, visit misterandrus.com and follow him on Instagram at @misterandrus.

    A glimpse into photographer John Andrus' coffee table book, dtla.
    Photo: John Andrus
    A glimpse into photographer John Andrus' coffee table book, dtla.
    Photo: John Andrus
  • Queer Cyclists, Designer Jerseys, and a 275-Mile Ride to Save Lives

    Queer Cyclists, Designer Jerseys, and a 275-Mile Ride to Save Lives

    Team ANIMAL partners with Willie Norris to support HIV care through Cycle for the Cause

    As LGBTQ+ rights face renewed challenges across the U.S., one team of queer cyclists is turning resistance into movement, literally. Team ANIMAL Cycling, a bold collective of riders rooted in queer joy, visibility, and purpose, is gearing up for Cycle for the Cause 2025, a 275-mile ride from Boston to New York that funds lifesaving HIV services at the NYC LGBT Center.

    And this year, they’re doing it in style, with exclusive gear designed by none other than fashion’s favorite queer disruptor, Willie Norris.

    From Brooklyn to Boston: Why This Ride Matters More Than Ever

    With the beloved AIDS/LifeCycle sunsetted, Cycle for the Cause is poised to become the largest AIDS ride in the country. That puts even more weight, and momentum, behind Team ANIMAL’s efforts.

    Riders are pushing themselves across three states, not for sport, but for survival. In 2024, the ride raised over $2 million to support testing, prevention, and care for people living with HIV/AIDS. In 2025, Team ANIMAL hopes to pedal that number even higher.

    Team ANIMAL Cycling teams up with queer designer Willie Norris for a bold AIDS ride benefiting the NYC LGBT Center’s lifesaving HIV care.
    Photo: Team ANIMAL x Willie Norris

    “It’s a really scary, precarious time for queer people,” says Team Captain Forrest Wu. “This ride is about visibility and connection. You can’t miss a swarm of visibly queer cyclists, some in drag, racing through the countryside. It’s part protest, part pride, all heart.”

    Fashion Meets Function: The Willie Norris x VERGE Sport Collab

    If you spot a pack of cyclists looking like they just stepped off a runway, well, they kind of did. Team ANIMAL’s jerseys and caps were designed by acclaimed queer fashion artist Willie Norris. Known for fusing activism with avant-garde aesthetics, Norris has worked with brands like Helmut Lang, Away, and G.L.I.T.S., with her designs appearing in Vogue multiple times.

    Team ANIMAL Cycling teams up with queer designer Willie Norris for a bold AIDS ride benefiting the NYC LGBT Center’s lifesaving HIV care.
    Photo: Team ANIMAL x Willie Norris
    Team ANIMAL Cycling teams up with queer designer Willie Norris for a bold AIDS ride benefiting the NYC LGBT Center’s lifesaving HIV care.
    Photo: Team ANIMAL x Willie Norris

    Now, she’s bringing her boundary-pushing vision to the cycling world. Produced in partnership with VERGE Sport, the gear isn’t just a look, it’s a fundraising tool. Fans and allies can purchase the kits, with proceeds going to the cause.

    Pedaling With Purpose: The People Behind the Ride

    Beneath the fashion and fanfare are deeply personal stories. One standout rider is Chris Brand, who’s taking on the grueling 275 miles alongside his father, a Mormon minister. Their journey is one of healing, love, and proving that allyship can come from unexpected places.

    Then there’s the team itself, proudly backed by Brooklyn’s queer nightlife darling, ANIMAL. Since opening in April 2024, the bar has become a vital space for community, creativity, and now, charity. The venue’s name lives on in the cycling team it champions, turning Saturday night dance floor energy into Sunday morning purpose.

    More Than a Ride: A Queer Tradition in the Making

    Cycle for the Cause isn’t a race, it’s a ride. But for Team ANIMAL, it’s also a rolling celebration of resilience. Expect themed rest stops staffed by glittering volunteers, cheers from the Sirens (a legendary lesbian motorcycle club), and maybe even a cyclist lip-syncing in full glam under a bike helmet.

    It’s camp. It’s cardio. It’s community.

    And it’s working.

    Want to Support?
    Learn more about Team ANIMAL’s mission, shop the Willie Norris x VERGE gear, or donate directly at gaycenter.org/cycle.

  • Jim Parsons Slams Shutdown of LGBTQ Suicide Hotline: ‘It’s Quite Literally Criminal’

    Jim Parsons Slams Shutdown of LGBTQ Suicide Hotline: ‘It’s Quite Literally Criminal’

    Jim Parsons is speaking out after the Trump administration shut down a lifeline for LGBTQ youth in crisis. The Emmy-winning Big Bang Theory star criticized the decision to quietly eliminate a specialized LGBTQ support option on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, an action that has sparked backlash among advocates, mental health professionals, and queer communities across the country.

    A Hotline That Made a Difference

    Launched in September 2022, the LGBTQ-specific option allowed callers to “Press 3” when contacting the 988 Lifeline to reach counselors trained in LGBTQ-specific issues, including identity-related distress, family rejection, and mental health struggles tied to discrimination. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 1.4 million people used the service since its launch.

    That option is no longer available as of July 17, following a rollback announced under the direction of former President Donald Trump’s administration.

    SAMHSA issued a statement promising that all callers will still be met with “skilled, caring, culturally competent crisis counselors.” However, the removal of specialized care for LGBTQ youth, one of the demographics most at risk for suicide, has sparked widespread concern.

    “There’s No Justification”

    During a recent appearance on MSNBC’s The Weekend, Parsons didn’t hold back.

    “I think it’s quite literally criminal,” the actor said, visibly frustrated. “It’s one of the kinds of decisions that, no matter what excuse you put forward, it’s never going to be justified.”

    Parsons, who has long been an advocate for LGBTQ rights and mental health awareness, emphasized the harm the decision causes.

    “It is only hurtful,” he continued. “It feels like it’s being done to make a point, to say, ‘You’re not welcome here.’”

    Cutting Care for the Most Vulnerable

    For LGBTQ youth, especially those in unsupportive households or living in areas with limited access to affirming services, the removal of this option can mean the difference between life and death. According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their non-LGBTQ peers.

    Parsons’ comments underscore a growing fear that the erasure of specialized services signals a broader rollback of queer-inclusive policies under a potential second Trump term.

    Community Pushback Grows

    Mental health experts, LGBTQ organizations, and everyday Americans have taken to social media to express outrage. Many are urging voters to stay engaged, donate to LGBTQ-affirming organizations, and demand accountability from lawmakers and federal agencies.

  • David Corenswet’s Sweet ‘Superman’ Pickup Line Has the Internet Swooning

    David Corenswet’s Sweet ‘Superman’ Pickup Line Has the Internet Swooning

    David Corenswet might be playing the Man of Steel on screen, but in real life, he’s melting hearts with wholesome awkwardness.

    During a promo segment with Silverspot Films for the new Superman film, Corenswet and co-star Rachel Brosnahan took turns reading cheesy pickup lines. But one particular line had the internet collectively swooning, and giggling.

    “Is your outfit the square root of 64? Because it’s an 8… it ate,” Corenswet read, stumbling over the punchline. Realizing what he said, he paused and innocently added, “That’s so mean. I think it’s a 10.” Brosnahan immediately chimed in, laughing, “It ate… you are too pure for this!”

    The brief moment, both awkward and adorable, quickly went viral, turning Corenswet into the internet’s favorite himbo. Fans across social media praised the actor for his sweet demeanor and comic timing, dubbing him the most “earnest Superman since Christopher Reeve.”

    A Hero at the Box Office, Too

    Corenswet’s off-screen charm isn’t the only thing winning over audiences. Superman, directed by James Gunn and produced alongside Peter Safran under the revitalized DC Studios banner, is proving to be a major summer success.

    In its second weekend, Superman added $57.2 million domestically, bringing its North American total to $235 million, a promising hold with just a 54% drop, particularly for the often-volatile superhero genre. The film has soared past Marvel’s Thunderbolts’ entire run and is closing in on Captain America: Brave New World‘s global total of $415 million.

    David Corenswet charmed fans with a hilarious pickup line during the Superman press tour as the film soars past box office expectations.
    Photo: Warner Bros.

    Worldwide, Superman has now earned $406.8 million, including $171.8 million from international markets, despite the character’s traditionally lukewarm overseas performance. The strong global showing marks a much-needed win for Warner Bros., which now leads in domestic market share for 2025.

    Corenswet’s Moment in the Sun

    The actor’s viral pickup line moment arrives on the heels of a steamy GQ spread that reintroduced Corenswet as Hollywood’s new leading man. The photoshoot, filled with tailored suits, tousled hair, and smoldering stares, has only cemented his status as a sex symbol, albeit one who blushes over a math joke.

    Starring alongside Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Corenswet leads a stacked ensemble that includes Skyler Gisondo, Isabela Merced, Nathan Fillion, and Edi Gathegi.

    But with Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps arriving in theaters on July 25, Superman will soon face stiffer competition and lose out on Imax and premium format screens. Still, with its viral press tour moments and steady momentum, the film, and its endearingly dorky star, may just fly a little higher.

  • Leaked Cast List for ‘All Stars 11’ Teases Surprising Queens and a Fan-Favorite Return

    Leaked Cast List for ‘All Stars 11’ Teases Surprising Queens and a Fan-Favorite Return

    We may have just finished the chaos of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars 10, but superfans are already shifting their wigs toward Season 11. And if the online tea is to be believed, a rumored cast leak has revealed eight queens reportedly set to return, and the lineup is anything but predictable.

    A recently updated IMDB page for All Stars 11 has Drag Race fans buzzing, as it quietly listed a batch of returning contestants, some expected, some wild-card surprises. While production for the upcoming season is rumored to have started in late May, speculation has only intensified thanks to sleuths on social media and Reddit’s ever-reliable “Drag Race Tea” subreddit.

    Let’s break down the eight queens reportedly set to sashay back into the All Stars spotlight.

    Queens Allegedly Cast for “All Stars 11”

    According to IMDB and fan forums, these eight queens are currently listed as part of the All Stars 11 lineup:

    Cast Listing of 'All Stars 11' on IMDB
    Cast Listing of ‘All Stars 11’ on IMDB. Photo: IMDB

    This mix spans nearly every era of Drag Race, from early legends like Morgan and Vivacious to more recent breakout stars like Dawn and Morphine. The combination hints at a season filled with charisma, legacy, and some serious fashion whiplash.

    A Tournament Twist?

    Sources also suggest that All Stars 11 will continue the “Tournament of All Stars” structure introduced in Season 10. If true, we might once again see queens competing in bracket-style matchups, building toward a final showdown instead of the traditional elimination format.

    Though not officially confirmed, the return of this format could give underdog queens more room to shine and shake up fan expectations. Plus, it lends itself perfectly to gag-worthy rivalries and redemption arcs, and who doesn’t love a good bracket with their brunch?

    When Could the Season Air?

    If filming is already underway, All Stars 11 could premiere as early as mid-2025, depending on post-production schedules and Paramount+’s programming slate. Until then, fans will be combing every tweet, TikTok, and tour date for clues about who else might join the cast.

    While nothing is set in stone, this leaked cast has already ignited chatter online, and we’re more than ready for the drama, the lip-syncs, and the legacy queens to light up the werkroom once again.