Gayety

Author: Josh Azevedo

  • Transgender Rights Protesters Rally at U.S. Capitol Against Trump Administration’s Policies

    Transgender Rights Protesters Rally at U.S. Capitol Against Trump Administration’s Policies

    Hundreds of transgender individuals and their allies gathered at the U.S. Capitol on Saturday for a powerful protest against what they see as a widening assault on the transgender community under the Trump administration.

    Hope Giselle-Godsey, the director of communications for the GSA Network, which supports trans and queer youth, spoke passionately about the ongoing fight for transgender rights. “Too many of us have come here today in an effort to protest for things that we should not have to beg for: our civil rights, our children, our medical care, access and resources, and the ability to fight for a country that doesn’t give a damn about us,” she said, according to The Washington Blade.

    Giselle-Godsey’s comments were met with cheers from the crowd, as she emphasized that transgender people would continue to fight for their rights. “We have been here, we will always be here,” she declared. “And there is no legislation, there is no piece of paper, document, or thing that ‘that Orange’ can sign that is going to make us disappear.”

    The rally was in response to a series of controversial actions taken by the Trump administration in recent weeks. Among the most notable were executive orders aimed at banning healthcare for transgender youth, barring transgender athletes from competing in school sports, and blocking changes to gender markers on U.S. passports. The administration also moved to expel transgender service members from the military and shut down critical programs like USAID, which provides life-saving medications to vulnerable communities globally.

    The Transgender Unity Rally, organized by the Transgender Unity Coalition, began at the Capitol and proceeded with a march to the Ellipse, a large park located at the southern end of the White House. Participants, holding handmade signs and waving trans and rainbow Pride flags, chanted, “Out of the closets and into the streets!” as they made their way along Constitution Avenue.

    One of the rally’s speakers, Georgetown University professor Chloe Schwenke, who previously served as an Obama appointee to USAID, condemned the administration’s actions, particularly the closure of USAID, which provides critical aid to LGBTQIA communities worldwide. “USAID has been destroyed, and with it, the aid that goes out to LGBTQIA people around the world,” Schwenke said. “Some of that aid is literally there to keep them alive—the women, the children, the men who have AIDS—they will not get their medication. They will die. And this administration is okay with that policy.”

    Schwenke also expressed concern over Trump’s State Department policies, saying, “They are now deciding how to deny visas to people who want to come to World Pride here in Washington, D.C.” She added that the administration is working to prevent transgender people from participating in future international events, including the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

    D.C. resident Emmett Livingstone spoke to the crowd with an impassioned call for resistance. “As individuals in our various communities and workplaces, I encourage you all to be as irritating and hard to remove as a pebble in their shoe, a grain of sand in their eye, or even better — be glitter,” Livingstone said. “Everyone, let’s race to support each other and grind their efforts to deny us to a halt. Do not go quietly. Correct misinformation when you hear it. Even a simple, ‘Hey man, that’s not okay.’”

    Livingstone urged the protesters to continue fighting back against discrimination, asserting, “Trump is not a king, Elon is not our president. I call on all of you to resist in any way you can, big or small. Be the glitter they cannot get rid of and never let anyone dull your shine.”

    “We’re here, we’re queer. They will get used to it,” Livingstone added, emphasizing that the transgender community will not be silenced.

    In a positive development prior to the march, a federal judge in Seattle issued a preliminary injunction late Friday blocking the Trump administration’s effort to withhold federal funds from hospitals in four states that offer gender-related healthcare for transgender youth. Judge Lauren J. King ruled that the administration’s order likely violated the separation of powers between the executive branch and Congress, as well as the Fifth Amendment’s equal protection guarantees for youth seeking gender-affirming care.

    The ruling was seen as a significant victory for transgender advocates, as it prevents the administration from immediately enforcing policies that could restrict access to necessary healthcare for transgender individuals.

    The rally at the U.S. Capitol underscored the growing resistance against the Trump administration’s policies targeting the transgender community. Despite the challenges they face, protesters sent a clear message: they will continue to fight for their rights, and they are determined to ensure that transgender individuals are treated with dignity and respect in the U.S. and beyond.

  • Chappell Roan Joins Elton John for Duet at Oscars Viewing Party

    Chappell Roan Joins Elton John for Duet at Oscars Viewing Party

    Pop music icon Sir Elton John and rising star Chappell Roan shared an unforgettable moment Sunday night at his annual Oscars viewing party, which raised over $8.6 million for his AIDS Foundation.

    Roan, a Midwest native and a rising force in pop music, was the special guest at this year’s event, held in West Hollywood Park. The night, dedicated to supporting HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and mental health services, saw Roan perform several songs, including her hit “Hot To Go,” as well as a cover of John’s classic ballad “Your Song.”

    John, who was also nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, joined Roan for a heartfelt duet of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” a highlight of the evening. Before the performance ended, Roan presented John with a pink cowboy hat, expressing her gratitude for his longstanding support of the queer community.

    “You have sacrificed so much for the queer community, and you made it so I can be the artist I can be,” Roan said, as captured in video from the event. “So thank you so much.”

    John shared a clip of the duet on his Instagram, calling the performance “nothing short of magical.” He reflected on the spirit of the night, writing, “For one night, we transformed West Hollywood Park into our own Pink Pony Club — a space filled with love and community, where everyone can be unapologetically themselves.”

     

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    A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn)

    The event, which brought together stars from the music, film, and fashion industries, was a major fundraising success, raising over $8.6 million, according to the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The funds will go toward providing life-saving HIV prevention, treatment, and mental health support to vulnerable communities worldwide.

    David Furnish, John’s husband and the chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, praised the event’s success, thanking attendees and donors for their generosity. “Because of your generosity, we were able to celebrate with purpose, helping communities around the world access life-saving HIV prevention, treatment, and mental health support,” Furnish said in a statement.

    Roan’s performance with John marked a powerful moment for both artists, who share a deep connection to the LGBTQ community. Fans took to social media, sharing their emotional reactions to the duet, particularly highlighting the significance of the two artists—one a veteran of the industry and the other an emerging talent—coming together for a shared cause.

    One fan on TikTok expressed admiration for the moment, writing, “The way he’s watching her with so much pride—like, yeah, dude, you helped pave the way for this. Can’t imagine how emotional he must feel.”

    Another Twitter user, posting on X, wrote, “You just know as a queer elder, Elton John is so happy to see how far our community has come since he was her age, and to see Chappell dominating music makes his heart so happy.”

    The event, which featured performances, celebrity appearances, and an auction, underscored the ongoing need for support and awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS. John’s annual viewing party continues to be one of the most significant fundraising events in the entertainment world, combining star power with a powerful cause.

    As Roan continues to rise in the music world, her duet with Elton John serves as a poignant reminder of the progress made by the LGBTQ community, while also honoring the trailblazers who paved the way for future generations.

  • Tim Kruger, Gay Adult Film Actor and Entrepreneur, Dies at 44

    Tim Kruger, Gay Adult Film Actor and Entrepreneur, Dies at 44

    Tim Kruger, the gay pornographic actor and entrepreneur known legally as Marcel Bonn, has died at the age of 44. The news was confirmed by his partner in a heartfelt post shared on social media and on the adult film website TimTales, which Kruger founded in 2009.

    In the post, Kruger’s partner described him as a “sweet, caring” individual and expressed deep sorrow over his death, which was reportedly the result of a “tragic accident” at his home. Kruger, who was born in Dusseldorf, Germany, was a well-known figure in the gay adult film industry.

    “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share the news of the passing of our beloved Marcel, the man you all knew and loved as Tim Kruger,” the post began.

    Photo: X/@timtales_com

    The partner described Kruger as not only a cherished public figure but also a lifelong companion. “To the public, he was the ultimate ginger pornstar; to me, he was a sweet, caring partner of over 20 years. He was also my best friend. He touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” the post read.

    Kruger’s death has sparked a wave of tributes from fans and industry colleagues, with many remembering him for his contributions to the adult entertainment world and his kindness off-camera.

    The post also sought to address speculation surrounding Kruger’s death, noting that there were no drugs involved, nor any signs of foul play. “I am very aware of the stigma that surrounds deaths in the porn industry, so let me make this very clear to hopefully cut down on the inevitable speculation: Tim’s death was a tragic, yet simple accident at home. There were no drugs involved, nor was there any indication of foul play or suicide,” the statement clarified.

    The message went on to reflect on Kruger’s legacy, noting that while his partner’s heart was broken, they found comfort in the memories Kruger had left behind. “Though my heart is broken into pieces, I find solace in the countless memories he gifted us. And I know that he died knowing he was loved. Tim’s legacy of compassion, love, and joy will live on in all who knew him,” the post continued.

    Although the statement was not signed by a named individual, the mention of the long-term partnership suggests it was authored by Kruger’s partner, Grobes Geraet. The post concluded by requesting privacy for Kruger’s family and loved ones during this difficult time, and it added that no further details would be shared for now.

    Kruger’s death has left a significant mark on the gay adult entertainment industry, where he was highly regarded not only as a performer but also as a director and producer. TimTales, the adult site Kruger founded, became one of the largest and most influential gay porn platforms in the world.

    Over the course of his career, Kruger became a beloved figure among fans, celebrated for his work and for his authenticity. His tragic passing marks the end of an era in the industry, where he is remembered for his contributions both in front of and behind the camera.

    Fans and industry figures alike are mourning the loss of Tim Kruger, remembering him for the joy, love, and compassion he shared with those who knew him.

  • Maryland Couple Becomes Inspiration in New Short Film ‘The Aunties’

    Maryland Couple Becomes Inspiration in New Short Film ‘The Aunties’

    Paulette Green and Donna Dear, a married couple living on a 111-acre farm in Maryland, have become the subjects of a new short film that highlights their enduring love and commitment to their land and community. In 1994, the couple purchased Mt. Pleasant Acres Farms, located between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The farm is believed to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad, and for the past 30 years, the couple has dedicated themselves to conservation and cultivating the land.

    The film, The Aunties, created by married filmmakers Charlyn Griffith-Oro and Jeannine Kayembe-Oro, follows the couple’s inspiring journey as queer elders and mentors to younger generations. The filmmakers, who met Green and Dear in 2016, view them as role models and have developed a deep connection with them. Griffith-Oro described the couple’s relationship as one rooted in love and respect, rejecting both heteronormativity and systemic racism while embracing lifelong partnerships.

    Kayembe-Oro emphasized the importance of seeing queer Black elders represented in media. “Everyone loves it because they’re like, ‘oh my gosh, I really needed these Black queer elders in my life to see,’” she told LGBTQ Nation. The filmmakers believe that The Aunties offers a rare and transformative blueprint for Black queer people, showing them the power of mentorship, love, and freedom from societal expectations.

    The relationship between Griffith-Oro, Kayembe-Oro, and Green and Dear deepened during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Newly married themselves, the filmmakers felt a stronger bond with the couple, which ultimately led to the idea for the short film. Griffith-Oro explained that The Aunties serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of intergenerational friendships and the strength that comes from embracing one’s elders.

    Green and Dear’s connection to history is also a key theme of the film. Their farm is a living testament to Harriet Tubman’s legacy, with the couple naming their miniature poodle Araminta, after Tubman’s birth name, and their cat Rit, in honor of Tubman’s mother. However, beyond their historical ties, Green and Dear’s role as queer elders has been a source of inspiration for both the filmmakers and the broader queer community.

    Greene, a native of The Bronx and Harlem, recalls a story from her past when she took her grandmother to a gay party. The experience was life-changing for her grandmother, who remarked, “If I had known that this life could be like this, you may not have ever made it.” Dear, who spent 27 years in the military, has her own transformative journey, with Greene jokingly saying that the military “turned her out” as she rose to the highest ranks during her service.

    Now, after decades of commitment to their farm, Green and Dear show no signs of slowing down. Their dedication to both the land and their community has inspired Griffith-Oro and Kayembe-Oro to consider expanding The Aunties into a feature film. However, the filmmakers insist that the story must be told in a way that celebrates triumph, rather than focusing on the disenfranchisement often experienced by queer people in media.

    “The Aunties” is now available for streaming on the Black Public Media YouTube channel, offering a powerful, uplifting narrative that celebrates love, resilience, and the importance of queer mentorship across generations.

  • Iowa Residents Protest Anti-Trans Bill at State Capitol as Governor Prepares to Sign

    Iowa Residents Protest Anti-Trans Bill at State Capitol as Governor Prepares to Sign

    Hundreds of Iowa residents gathered at the state Capitol Thursday, waving Pride flags in protest of a controversial bill that seeks to remove gender identity as a protected class under Iowa’s Civil Rights Act. The bill, which passed both the Iowa House and Senate, is now in the hands of Governor Kim Reynolds, who is expected to sign it into law, eliminating protections for transgender individuals in the state.

    The Iowa House voted 60-36 in favor of Senate File 418, while Senate Republicans approved it 33-15, mostly along party lines. The bill would strip gender identity protections from the Civil Rights Act, which has been in place since 1965 and expanded in 2007 to include sexual orientation and gender identity. The new legislation also mandates that birth certificates reflect a person’s sex at birth, either male or female, and redefines “sex” as “the state of being either male or female as observed or clinically verified at birth.”

    The protests erupted as lawmakers cast their votes, with the public gallery loudly booing and shouting “shame!” Some protesters even directed expletives at Republican lawmakers who supported the bill. Democratic lawmakers voiced strong opposition, warning that history would not look kindly on the decision. Only five Republicans voted against the bill.

    Rep. Aime Wichtendahl, Iowa’s first openly transgender legislator, passionately condemned the bill, arguing that it would strip transgender people of their rights to employment, housing, and other basic protections. “The purpose of this bill is to further erase us from public life and to stigmatize our existence,” Wichtendahl said. “The sum total of every anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ bill is to make our existence illegal.”

    On the other side, Republican Rep. Steven Holt defended the bill, claiming it would not affect the rights of transgender individuals. “Transgender Iowans will have the same rights and protections as everyone else, as they should,” Holt said, adding that the bill would prevent the “infringement on the rights of others, particularly women.” He also pointed to federal protections, like the Fair Housing Act and the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2020 Bostock decision, which extended protections to transgender people in employment and housing.

    However, critics worry that these federal protections could be undermined by future legal challenges, including anti-trans executive orders signed by former President Donald Trump. Iowa House Minority Leader Jennifer Knofrst echoed these concerns, stating, “Do not tell me the federal government will save us because they’re already attacking the communities we’re attacking today as well.”

    The proposed legislation has left many transgender Iowans fearful for their future in the state. One resident, speaking to the Des Moines Register, said they were considering leaving Iowa due to the bill’s passage. However, the outpouring of support at the Capitol gave some comfort, with several cisgender Iowans also attending the protest in solidarity with the transgender community.

    Rachel Gulick, a longtime Iowa resident, shared their concerns about the broader implications of the bill. “It feels like I’m watching the murder of America by Americans,” Gulick said.

    This is not the first time Iowa has proposed anti-trans legislation. In 2023, the state’s Republican-led legislature introduced a bill that would have allowed the bullying of transgender students by permitting the “deadnaming” of trans individuals in schools. Governor Reynolds and GOP lawmakers have also proposed numerous anti-LGBTQ+ bills, with 21 such bills tabled in 2023 alone.

    As the bill heads to Governor Reynolds’ desk, the fight over transgender rights in Iowa continues, and many residents fear the state may soon be a more hostile environment for its transgender population.

  • Rebecca Black Embraces Her Queer Identity and Personal Growth with New Dance Pop Project ‘SALVATION’

    Rebecca Black Embraces Her Queer Identity and Personal Growth with New Dance Pop Project ‘SALVATION’

    Rebecca Black is no longer the 13-year-old who went viral with “Friday.” Now, at 27, the queer pop artist is confidently embracing her identity and celebrating her growth with the release of SALVATION, her first new music since 2023’s Let Her Burn. The seven-song dance-pop project marks a bold step forward for Black, showcasing her evolution both as an artist and an individual.

    Black has long been a champion of queer pop, and she’s thrilled to see more queer artists like Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, and Doechii reaching mainstream success. In an interview with Out Magazine, “I definitely have a gay superiority complex myself, so I’ve always known there was so much potential in these artists,” Black says. “It would be really depressing if you were only digestible to other gay people because gay people have digested so much hetero content over the years and found so much resonance within it.”

    With SALVATION, Black aims to create the kind of party music any 27-year-old would dream of. The tracks are brash, cocky, fun, and full of energy—perfect for listeners looking for an escape in a world that can often feel joyless. Yet, there’s a maturity to the project as well, with introspective songs like “Salvation” and “Do You Even Think About Me” reflecting on Black’s personal journey.

     

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    For Black, this project represents a new chapter in her career, one where she can unapologetically own who she is. “I actually felt like I knew so many people so well because of whatever imperfections they allowed me to see,” she shares. “I realized how little I was allowing everybody else to see [me]. So, really it’s just a matter of taking the leash off of myself… and allowing myself to act like a 27-year-old for the first time in my life.”

    After years of dealing with public scrutiny over her body and sexuality, Black now fully embraces her identity. Early in her career, as a teenager, she was forced to navigate online body-shaming and unrealistic expectations. But now, with SALVATION, Black has found a new level of comfort in her body and sexuality. “Once I started doing it on my terms in a way that I felt really beautiful and in a way that was sometimes even outlandishly sexy or campy, that was where I started to find a comfortability in my body that I’d never had before,” she says. “That has become such a source of power for me.”

    This newfound confidence shines through on tracks like “TRUST!” and “Sugar Water Cyanide,” which exude a sense of empowerment. Black’s journey to self-acceptance also informs the emotional depth of SALVATION, as she reflects on her past while looking toward the future.

    Having spent over a decade in the music industry, Black is no longer constrained by other people’s expectations. She cherishes the opportunity to experiment with her music and lyrics, relishing the feeling of starting anew. “I really cherish the feeling of starting over, or learning again,” she says. “There’s a whole new book to this that I haven’t really come across yet.”

    This new chapter is not just about the music, but about Black’s personal evolution. She’s no longer prioritizing others’ opinions over her own. “I’ve, for so long, felt so comfortable in prioritizing other people’s opinions of me above my own,” she admits. “This album really was me… starting to confront that and allow myself the freedom to fail and flail.”

    Despite her transformation, Black isn’t ready to let go of the song that made her famous. When asked about whether she’ll retire “Friday” from her live shows, she teases, “This year I have plans for it that I think will be a little bit different from what people might expect.”

    With SALVATION and her continued personal growth, Black is poised to leave her viral past behind and embrace a future that is unapologetically her own.

  • Paul Feig Donates $300,000 to LGBTQ+ Youth Advocacy Groups Amid Rising Anti-Trans Policies

    Paul Feig Donates $300,000 to LGBTQ+ Youth Advocacy Groups Amid Rising Anti-Trans Policies

    Paul Feig, the director of A Simple Favor and Bridesmaids, along with his wife Laurie, has donated $300,000 to three major LGBTQ+ youth advocacy organizations: The Trevor Project, Trans Lifeline, and It Gets Better. The donation comes at a time when the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender individuals, is facing increasing threats to their rights and protections.

    In an exclusive statement to Variety, Feig expressed his concern over recent attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender people. “In recent weeks we have witnessed the dismantling of crucial protections for the health and safety of the LGBTQ+ community and, particularly, the transgender community,” Feig said. “I can’t sit idly by and watch as my friends, colleagues and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole — our fellow citizens — are stripped of their rights.”

    The donation follows reports that the Trump administration is enforcing policies that remove transgender troops from the U.S. military and has eliminated references to transgender people and gender-affirming care from official government websites and databases. LGBTQ+ rights organizations and activists have filed legal challenges to these policies.

    The Trevor Project, one of the organizations benefiting from the donation, provides a suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ+ youth, while Trans Lifeline offers emotional and financial support to transgender individuals in crisis. It Gets Better works to uplift and empower LGBTQ+ youth by amplifying stories of queer adults and providing resources for young people worldwide.

    Myles Markham, Director of Development at Trans Lifeline, emphasized the significance of Feig’s donation, especially given the current climate. “In a year where anti-trans sentiment and federal marginalization is at an all-time high, support and generosity for our community from powerful storytellers like Paul couldn’t be more timely or valuable,” Markham said. “Contributions like this not only mean critical services will reach more folks in need, but they also send a message of hope and possibility.”

    Kevin Wong, Senior Vice President of Marketing at The Trevor Project, highlighted the urgency of the donation. “Every 45 seconds, at least one LGBTQ+ young person in the U.S. attempts suicide. This gift will bolster our crisis counselors’ ability to support the increase in young people who are reaching out with fears about how the current barrage of negative political news will impact their lives,” Wong said.

    It Gets Better’s Executive Director, Brian Wenke, also expressed gratitude, noting that Feig’s contribution would further their mission to support LGBTQ+ youth. “Paul’s storytelling has long resonated with our community, a reminder that representation isn’t just visibility — it’s power,” Wenke said. “With this support, we remain focused on building a world where LGBTQ+ young people feel seen, supported, and can recognize their own limitless potential.”

    Feig’s recent contributions come as he prepares for the release of his latest film, Another Simple Favor, which will premiere at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin on March 7. The film will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video starting May 1. Feig also has another project, The Housemaid, starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, set for release during the holiday season.

  • Pentagon Memo Orders Identification and Separation of Transgender Service Members, Sparks Legal Battle

    Pentagon Memo Orders Identification and Separation of Transgender Service Members, Sparks Legal Battle

    A Pentagon memo issued on Wednesday (Feb. 26) mandates the identification and separation of transgender service members unless they qualify for an exemption. This new directive follows the recent announcement by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who implemented a ban on transgender individuals enlisting in the U.S. military earlier this month.

    According to Reuters, the memo outlines a procedure to identify transgender personnel within the next 30 days and begins the process of removing them from military service within 60 days. The policy cites concerns about the readiness, cohesion, and overall integrity of military personnel, particularly those with gender dysphoria or a diagnosis related to gender identity issues.

    “It is the policy of the United States government to establish high standards for service member readiness, lethality, cohesion, honesty, humility, uniformity and integrity,” the memo states. “This policy is inconsistent with the medical, surgical, and mental health constraints on individuals with gender dysphoria or who have a current diagnosis, or history, of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria.”

    Exemptions to the separation rule could be granted only if there is a “compelling government interest” in retaining the service member, such as direct support to military capabilities. To qualify for an exemption, service members must demonstrate “36 consecutive months of stability in the service member’s sex without clinically significant distress.”

    The memo was filed as part of a court case challenging the military’s trans exclusionary policies. The lawsuit, spearheaded by The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), aims to block the implementation of former President Donald Trump’s 2017 ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. The lawsuit argues that the ban violates constitutional principles of equality and merit-based judgment.

     

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    “The initial ban was found unconstitutional,” the lawsuit states. “This new directive continues to undermine the fundamental American values of equal opportunity, focusing on individual qualifications rather than personal characteristics.”

    Nicolas Talbott, a transgender U.S. Army second lieutenant and one of the plaintiffs in the case, shared his personal experience in the ongoing legal battle. “When you put on the uniform, differences fall away, and what matters is your ability to do the job,” Talbott said. “My being transgender has no bearing on my dedication to the mission or my ability to perform the duties expected of me.”

    A recent survey revealed that 58% of Americans support the inclusion of openly transgender men and women in the armed forces, signaling public backing for more inclusive military policies.

    The new Pentagon directive marks the latest chapter in the ongoing legal and political conflict surrounding transgender service members. Proponents of the policy argue that it is necessary to maintain military readiness, while opponents contend that the policy discriminates against capable individuals based on their gender identity. The outcome of the court case remains to be seen, as legal challenges to the transgender military ban continue to unfold.

  • Alan Cumming to Bring Chaos and Terror to ‘Doctor Who’ as Animated Villain

    Alan Cumming to Bring Chaos and Terror to ‘Doctor Who’ as Animated Villain

    Alan Cumming is set to appear in the upcoming season of Doctor Who, marking his return to the beloved sci-fi series. The BBC announced on Thursday that Cumming, 60, will voice an animated character named Mr. Ring-a-Ding in the second episode of the new season, which is set to air on April 19.

    In a press statement, the BBC described Mr. Ring-a-Ding as “a happy, funny, singalong cartoon” who lives in Sunny Town with his friend Sunshine Sally. However, after years of being confined to the screen in 1952, Mr. Ring-a-Ding suddenly becomes aware of the real world outside — and the consequences of this realization are “terrifying.”

    In a press statement, the BBC described Mr. Ring-a-Ding as “a happy, funny, singalong cartoon” who lives in Sunny Town with his friend Sunshine Sally.
    Photo: BBC

    Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies, known for his work on Queer As Folk and It’s a Sin, praised Cumming’s casting, calling him the perfect fit for the role. “Only Alan Cumming could give a runaway cartoon so much wit, malice, danger, and fun,” Davies said. “He makes the whole universe of Doctor Who wilder and madder than ever, and it’s an absolute honour to welcome him on board the TARDIS.”

    Davies also teased on Instagram that Mr. Ring-a-Ding will bring “terror to 1950s Miami” in the episode, adding an exciting twist to the show’s upcoming storyline.

    This will be Cumming’s second appearance on Doctor Who. In 2018, he portrayed King James I in the episode The Witchfinders, when Jodie Whittaker was playing the Doctor.

    Currently, the lead role of the Doctor is played by Ncuti Gatwa, who is gearing up for his second full season as the iconic Time Lord. Gatwa shared the exciting news of Cumming’s casting on Instagram, expressing his gratitude to work alongside the acclaimed actor. “So blessed to have Alan Cumming joining the new season of Doctor Who,” Gatwa wrote, calling Cumming a “legend.”

    Currently, the lead role of the Doctor is played by Ncuti Gatwa, who is gearing up for his second full season as the iconic Time Lord.
    Photo: Instagram/@ncutigatwa

    In addition to his Doctor Who role, Cumming recently won his first Emmy for hosting the reality competition The Traitors. He also confirmed that he is in talks to reprise his role in the long-awaited Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion sequel, with hopes to begin filming this summer.

    Fans of Doctor Who can catch Cumming’s animated debut as Mr. Ring-a-Ding in the highly anticipated second episode of the season, which will air on BBC1 in the UK and on Disney+ globally.

     

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  • Report: Books Featuring People of Color and LGBTQ Characters Targeted in Surge of School Bans

    Report: Books Featuring People of Color and LGBTQ Characters Targeted in Surge of School Bans

    A new report by PEN America reveals that more than half of the books banned in U.S. schools last year focused on people of color or members of the LGBTQ community, highlighting a disturbing trend of targeted censorship against marginalized groups.

    Released on Thursday, the analysis found that more than 10,000 instances of book removals took place across schools and districts last year, impacting a total of 4,218 titles. Of those banned books, 36% featured characters or themes related to people of color, while 25% included LGBTQ characters or narratives. Additionally, 28% of the books with LGBTQ themes centered on transgender and/or genderqueer characters.

    “This targeted censorship amounts to a harmful assault on historically marginalized and underrepresented populations — a dangerous effort to erase their stories, achievements, and history from schools,” Sabrina Baêta, senior manager for PEN America’s Freedom to Read program, said in a statement. “When we strip library shelves of books about particular groups, we defeat the purpose of a library collection that is supposed to reflect the lives of all people. The damaging consequences to young people are real.”

    The report sheds light on the genres most affected by the bans, revealing that realistic fiction, dystopia/sci-fi/fantasy, history, biography, mystery, thriller, educational books, and memoirs were among the top targets. Picture books and graphic novels, which often tackle sensitive topics, made up nearly 17% of the banned titles.

    Notably, books that address history and biography were especially targeted, with 44% of these works featuring people of color and 26% specifically focusing on Black individuals. Additionally, 25% of history and biography books dealt with LGBTQ themes, and 9% featured transgender or genderqueer characters.

    The analysis also emphasized that book bans frequently affect works featuring multiple marginalized identities. More than half (54%) of all banned books with LGBTQ characters also included people of color, showing how these intersecting identities are disproportionately targeted.

    The report comes amid a broader wave of book bans, often spearheaded by parents and conservative activists who claim that such content makes students uncomfortable or is sexually explicit. In Florida, for example, the state’s Department of Education released a list of books removed from some schools, including classics like The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison and Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut. The department has defended these actions, arguing that no books are being banned but rather removed due to their perceived sexual content.

    Critics, however, argue that these restrictions limit students’ access to vital information, stifling their ability to engage with diverse perspectives and preventing LGBTQ and students of color from seeing themselves represented in literature. PEN America noted that over half of U.S. schoolchildren are students of color, and younger generations are increasingly identifying as LGBTQ, with nearly one-quarter (23.1%) of Gen Z identifying as LGBTQ according to a Gallup survey.

    The analysis also took aim at the rhetoric surrounding books deemed “explicit.” While 31% of the banned books included minimal references to sexual experiences, only 13% featured more descriptive depictions of sex. PEN America’s analysis argued that such content, often cited as problematic, can serve as a valuable resource for students to better understand human experiences, including complex topics like death, violence, and mental health.

    In the face of mounting book bans, PEN America continues to advocate for the right to free expression in literature, urging educational institutions to resist efforts to restrict access to diverse stories and perspectives. The nonprofit warns that these bans are not just an attack on specific books but on the broader ideals of education, diversity, and inclusion.