Cynthia Erivo, the powerhouse actress and musician, is stepping into a new chapter with the announcement of her upcoming single, “Replay.” The 2024 Out100 Icon of the Year, known for her roles in Wicked, The Color Purple, and Harriet, revealed that the highly anticipated track will drop on Friday, February 28.
Erivo has been teasing her fans with hints about new original music for months, and now the wait is almost over. On Instagram, the singer shared the official artwork for “Replay,” accompanied by a message confirming the release date: “Replay artwork confirmed đ Out this Friday!!!”
To build excitement, Erivo also posted a short clip on social media, offering a sneak peek of the song and what appears to be a music video or visualizer for the track. Fans are eagerly anticipating the new single, which is already available for pre-save on all major streaming platforms.
The announcement follows Erivoâs ongoing journey in music, which has garnered attention for its emotional depth and powerful vocal delivery. Ariana Grande, who stars alongside Erivo in the upcoming Wicked film adaptation, recently shared her admiration for the new music in an interview with Out. Grande, who has had a chance to hear some of Erivoâs unreleased tracks, couldnât contain her excitement about the upcoming album.
“I keep doing this really bad thing where I tease what’s coming, but all of my favorites are on her upcoming album⊠and I’m not kidding,” Grande said. “Itâs un-f*cking-believable.”
The only witches we can think about. Cynthia & Ariana stopped to chat with Outs @raffyermac at the #Wicked premiere & we are GAGGED. #cynthiaerivo#arianagrande#wickedmovie @wickedmovie @cynthiaerivo @arianagrande
Erivo herself has described the music as deeply personal, revealing that parts of the album are autobiographical. “Some of it is autobiographical. Some of it is a train of thought. I love the music that we’ve made; most of it is very much just me and my voice,” she shared.
The new album is expected to drop later this year, making “Replay” the first taste of whatâs to come. Fans of Erivoâs soaring vocals and emotionally charged performances are eagerly awaiting more music from the multi-talented artist.
As Erivo moves forward in this new musical era, Replay promises to be the anthem that will keep fans hitting “repeat.”
Rising pop star Tate McRae is opening up about her strong bond with her LGBTQ+ fans, admitting they are her “favorite” and sharing that her entire team is LGBTQ+. In an interview with Pride on Tuesday, February 25, McRae, 21, expressed how much she values the support from her queer audience, calling them her “number ones.”
“They’re my favorite. No one beats them. Nobody is better than them,” McRae said. “My whole team is gay! That’s the only opinion I really want when I’m releasing music. I feel lucky to have their advice. We want to do the most and push the boundaries, but it’s also the most brutally honest advice.”
McRae went on to praise her LGBTQ+ fans for their loyalty and support, saying, “You know that as much as you guys ride for me, I ride for you. I feel very grateful to have you guys in my life and surrounding me.”
The Canadian singer-songwriter has quickly gained popularity with hits like “Sports Car” and “She’s All I Wanna Be.” Her connection with the LGBTQ+ community has played a significant role in shaping her artistic journey, and she is unapologetically vocal about her appreciation for them.
Elsewhere in the interview, McRae shared her dream collaboration, revealing she would love to write with Grammy-winning artist SZA. “My dream is to write with SZA. She’s one of the coolest and best writers ever. I love her,” McRae said. When asked about what kind of music their collaboration would produce, she described it as a “mix of pop and R&B.”
“I’d let her take the charge!” McRae added. “I just want to always keep pushing my comfort zone. I never want to recycle and do the same things. As an artist, I want to be uncomfortable and shock myself sometimes.”
McRae also reflected on the pressure of being compared to pop legends, including Britney Spears, a comparison she called “flattering and scary.” Her comments come amid the release of her third studio album So Close to What on February 21, which includes the song “I Know Love,” a collaboration with her boyfriend, The Kid LAROI.
Tate Mcrae & The Kid LAROI Performing ‘Without You’ at Madison Square Garden. Photo: YouTube
Discussing the dynamics of working with a romantic partner, McRae shared that the creative process was “a little stressful” but ultimately rewarding. “It was a really funny process because me and Laroi have never really taken each other seriously,” she said. “You know when youâre in a relationship, and you sing around each other, you don’t really sing. So, it’s a little stressful being in the studio, singing and writing in front of him, but it was a cool experience to watch him in his process.”
As her music continues to gain traction, McRaeâs openness about her LGBTQ+ fandom and her creative aspirations are making her one of the most relatable stars in pop music today.
Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gossip Girl, and Harriet the Spy, has tragically passed away at the age of 39, according to a report from the New York Post.
Trachtenberg was found dead by her mother around 8 a.m. Wednesday at One Columbus Place, a luxury apartment building in Manhattan’s Central Park South neighborhood. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, where the actress was discovered unconscious and unresponsive. The report also noted that Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant.
A New York City native, Trachtenberg began her acting career as a child star, with early roles in Nickelodeon projects such as The Adventures of Pete & Pete and the film Harriet the Spy. She gained widespread recognition when she was cast as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Sarah Michelle Gellarâs titular character, on Buffy the Vampire Slayer from 2000 to 2003. Her role earned her a Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice TV Sidekick in 2001.
Trachtenbergâs career continued to thrive after Buffy, and she became a prominent figure in pop culture. She played the role of Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl from 2008 to 2012, earning a nomination for Choice TV Villain at the Teen Choice Awards in 2012. The actress expressed her enjoyment of portraying the show’s villain, telling Seventeen in 2009, “It’s definitely a lot more fun than playing the good girl. I love the reaction you get. I never understood why some actors don’t want to play villains or evil characters.”
In addition to her iconic television roles, Trachtenberg made a cameo appearance in Fall Out Boy’s music video for their hit song “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race” in 2007. She also appeared in a range of television series, including Mercy, Weeds, and the 2022 Gossip Girl reboot.
Trachtenberg also had a successful film career, with notable roles in EuroTrip, 17 Again, and The Scribbler.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer remains a show beloved by many, particularly for its groundbreaking LGBTQ+ representation. The showâs portrayal of Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan) and her lesbian relationship with Tara (Amber Benson) marked an important moment for queer visibility on mainstream television.
Further details surrounding Trachtenberg’s death have not yet been released. This story is still developing.
Cooper Koch, who gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Erik Menendez in Ryan MurphyâsMonsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, is setting his sights on his next big project. Following his Golden Globe nomination for the role, Koch revealed that heâs eager to star in adaptations of several notable queer novels.
In a recent cover story for VMan magazine, Koch shared his “fantasy list” of literary works he would love to bring to the big screen. âYes: Giovanni’s Room, All Fours, and A Little Life,â Koch said, emphasizing that his interest is driven by a desire to engage with projects that hold personal meaning. âI just want to do things that I feel have meaning and purpose that Iâm passionate about,â he added.
All three novels Koch named are centered around queer themes, reflecting his commitment to meaningful roles that resonate with him personally.
Giovanni’s Room, written by the iconic James Baldwin in 1956, explores the story of an American man living in Paris who embarks on a passionate love affair with Giovanni, an Italian bartender. The novel is widely regarded as a classic in LGBTQ+ literature and continues to influence readers and artists alike.
All Fours, the 2024 novel by writer and filmmaker Miranda July, centers on a middle-aged woman who embarks on a sexual awakening, navigating complex emotions and desires. The novel is expected to draw significant attention for its exploration of identity and self-discovery in a queer context.
Another major work on Kochâs list is A Little Life, Hanya Yanagiharaâs modern queer masterpiece, first published in 2015. The novel follows the lives of four college friends as they navigate love, trauma, and their personal struggles in New York City. A 2025 audiobook version, narrated by actor Matt Bomer, will further extend the novelâs reach to audiences.
While Koch is passionate about these literary works, his commitment to telling meaningful stories extends beyond the world of fiction. He also continues to advocate for the Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle, whom he portrayed in Monsters. In the interview, Koch expressed his support for their ongoing efforts to be released from prison, highlighting the personal growth the brothers have experienced while incarcerated.
âErik teaches speech classes, yoga, and meditation, and they help people who have been through sexual abuse,â Koch explained. âTheyâve gotten college degrees. Theyâve found a life in prison because theyâve accepted what happened to them, and they accepted what they did. That takes such courage and bravery and strength and time. I think for that reason they deserve to come home.â
As Koch looks to the future, itâs clear that he is committed to projects that challenge societal norms and tackle important LGBTQ+ issues, both on and off the screen. Whether itâs bringing iconic queer literature to life or supporting the fight for justice, the actor is focused on using his platform to advocate for meaningful change.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has updated its intelligence policy, removing restrictions that previously prohibited staff from gathering intelligence on individuals or groups based solely on their LGBTQ+ status. The change was made public last week, with the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) posting the new policy manual.
The DHS, created in 2003 following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, is responsible for safeguarding the nationâs security. The recent revision, which eliminates protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, follows an executive order from President Donald Trump aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies within federal agencies.
The updated policy manual states that I&A personnel are prohibited from engaging in intelligence activities based solely on factors such as race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, and now, sexual orientation or gender identity. These characteristics can only be used in conjunction with other information and when reasonably believed to support DHS’s national or departmental missions.
A cached version of the previous policy, stored on the internet archive, showed that protections for LGBTQ+ individuals were explicitly included. The earlier manual barred intelligence activities based solely on âsexual orientation, gender identity,â alongside race, ethnicity, and other characteristics.
The revision has raised concerns, particularly among LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue that this change may allow for targeted surveillance based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Others questioned the rationale behind investigating individuals solely on their LGBTQ+ status, pointing out that the revised policy was not directly related to DEI reforms.
The I&A has faced criticism in recent years for its surveillance practices, particularly its targeting of political activists and citizens based on their political views. The Brennan Center for Justice, a progressive nonprofit, has accused the agency of conducting domestic intelligence activities that infringe on constitutional rights. These include monitoring journalists, surveilling racial justice demonstrators, and tracking public political opinions on topics like abortion and elections.
The policy change also coincides with broader political shifts, especially following former President Trump’s executive orders. In November 2024, Trumpâs election victory led to the appointment of Kristi Noem as head of the DHS. Noem, a vocal opponent of LGBTQ+ rights, has long been criticized for her stance on LGBTQ+ issues. As Governor of South Dakota, Noem signed legislation banning transgender student-athletes from competing in sports leagues based on their gender identity. She also faced backlash for her 2022 anti-trans ad campaign, which was widely condemned as discriminatory.
Photo: ABC News
In addition, Noem has been involved in several legal disputes related to LGBTQ+ issues. In 2023, the state of South Dakota was sued by The Transformation Project, a transgender advocacy group, after a contract with the Department of Health was canceled. The group claimed that the termination was a direct result of the stateâs hostility toward the transgender community. The lawsuit resulted in a settlement and a public apology from the state.
The new policy by the DHS is seen by many as part of a broader trend of reducing protections for LGBTQ+ individuals under the Trump administration and its appointees. Critics fear that this will lead to further surveillance and harassment of LGBTQ+ people, who already face significant challenges in many parts of the U.S.
The full implications of the policy change are still unfolding, and LGBTQ+ advocates are closely monitoring the situation. Some argue that this is a dangerous precedent, while others remain hopeful that public outcry will prompt a reversal of the decision. As of now, the policy change continues to raise concerns about civil liberties and the future of LGBTQ+ protections in federal agencies.
Drag star Shangela, also known as DJ Pierce, issued a statement on social media this Tuesday, defending herself against recent sexual assault accusations and expressing gratitude to fans who have continued to support her.
In the post, the performer addressed the allegations, which have surfaced in recent months, and explained the emotional toll of being falsely accused.
“Hi y’all. I started off my week super grateful for life, texted with my mom, repacked my drag bag, and just been minding my own lil gay business. Then here comes some BS,” she wrote, referencing the accusations. “Being falsely accused in the most heinous ways is very difficult to endure. I’m advised to stay silent, and I’m doing my best to continue on without engaging in a back-and-forth with dishonest people seeking money or a moment. ‘It’s not worth it,’ I tell myself.”
Shangela emphasized that the accusations against her have never held up and that, despite this, her career, reputation, and family have been negatively impacted. She expressed her appreciation for fans who have reached out and supported her during these difficult times.
“Even though NONE of these false claims have ever prevailed against me… my career, my character and even my family have suffered. I appreciate all y’all who see through this type of mess, and have even checked on me during dark times. Honestly, my heart thanks you,” she continued in the post.
In a follow-up message, Shangela shared her thoughts on the challenges she has faced while pursuing her dreams. “Growing up in a small town, my dream was always to entertain people, and hopefully make a positive impact on the world. I worked nonstop publicly and privately to achieve this,” she wrote. “I never imagined, though, that fulfilling my dream would also come with shocking betrayals and slanderous attacks.”
Shangela also acknowledged the challenges of being a successful Black, gay drag queen, stating that those who want to see her fail have targeted her with such accusations. “It seems like the farther you go, the more some people want to see you fail. But I won’t give up. I hope none of you ever have to go through this. It hurts.”
The performer vowed to continue fighting against the allegations, stating that her commitment to the truth would ultimately prevail. “Their goal is to characterize a successful Black, gay drag queen as a threat. But my goal is to never let evil win,” she said. “I will continue to fight back with the truth, and with time, I know the truth will prevail. Still grateful for life and sending love always… xo, Shangie.”
Credit: Instagram/@itsshangela
The statement comes amid an exclusive interview published by Out with Eric Poff, who has recently accused DJ Pierce, also known as Shangela, of sexual assault. The investigation into these allegations is ongoing, and the story continues to develop.
Shangela has yet to provide further public comment on the specifics of the accusations.
Tech entrepreneur Tristan Schukraft, known for his string of successful ventures, has made a bold move into the world of hospitality by acquiring a significant portion of Fire Islandâs Pines district. The $17 million deal, announced in May 2024, includes the purchase of key venues such as a hotel, nightclub, restaurant, and the iconic Blue Whale bar, a central hub of the islandâs gay community.
Schukraft, who has lived in Los Angeles and Puerto Rico, was initially hesitant to visit Fire Island 12 years ago, despite the islandâs reputation as a sought-after gay vacation destination. He was invited by friends to stay in the Pines, a secluded area of the island known for its lack of cars and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.
In an article with The Wall Street Journal, Schukraft said âMy friend hit me up and said, âYou should come to Fire Islandâyou can sleep on the sofa,ââ Schukraft recalled. âI was like, âThatâs not really my thing.ââ But after borrowing money for the ferry ride and experiencing the island for himself, Schukraft was hooked. âI ended up loving it,â he said, describing the rustic charm and unique atmosphere of the destination.
Despite his early fondness for Fire Island, Schukraft visited only once more in the following decade. It wasnât until 2024 that he decided to invest in the islandâs storied history, purchasing the majority of the Pinesâ commercial district. His acquisition is part of a broader effort to preserve gay cultural landmarks, which includes the $45 million purchase of the Abbey Food & Bar in West Hollywood, an iconic gay bar that had recently been plagued by allegations of drug-related incidents.
Schukraftâs push to revitalize historic LGBTQ+ spaces extends beyond West Hollywood. He is also reopening the legendary nightclub Circo in Puerto Rico and purchasing the D.S. Tequila Co. nightclub in Chicagoâs Boystown neighborhood.
While Schukraft has earned praise for his vision, his plans for Fire Islandâs Pines district have sparked skepticism from some community members. Fire Island, particularly the Pines and nearby Cherry Grove, holds deep cultural significance for the LGBTQ+ community, having long provided a refuge for gay individuals. It is home to the famous âtea danceâ party, which was founded in the 1960s, and other cherished traditions like the annual Fourth of July drag queen âInvasion.â
A tea dance at the Blue Whale, 1981. Credit: Fire Island Pines Historical Society
âWe have a very opinionated, critical community who all have something to say,â said Bobby Bonanno, founder of the Fire Island Pines Historical Society. Bonanno emphasized that Fire Islandâs significance has only grown in the current political climate, where LGBTQ+ rights are under constant threat.
Despite the pushback, Schukraft remains confident in his ability to breathe new life into the Pines. âI think weâre going to bring a breath of fresh air into Fire IslandâI think people are really going to like it,â he said. Schukraftâs confidence stems from his track record of overcoming challenges in business, a skill he attributes to his sales background.
However, Schukraftâs lack of experience in the hospitality industry has raised questions about his ability to successfully manage such a high-profile project. As the founder of tech companies like the HIV telemedicine platform Mistr and the e-ticketing company ID90.com, Schukraft is taking a bold step into hotel and nightlife ownership with plans for an outpost of Tryst Hotels in the Pines. The hotel is set to be the first luxury gay hotel brand, with other locations opening in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
In Puerto Vallarta, Schukraft has already made waves with the opening of the Tryst hotel, which has quickly become a hotspot for the local LGBTQ+ community. âOn Sunday, Iâm even more exhausted from partying all weekend,â Schukraft admitted, reflecting on his work-hard, play-hard lifestyle.
While his luxurious lifestyle may seem at odds with the laid-back vibe that Fire Island is known for, Schukraft is determined to leave his mark on the island and the larger LGBTQ+ community. âThere are gays that want the five-star experience where they can be true and authentic to themselves,â he said. âWhy do we have to settle for a four-star?â
Schukraftâs dedication to the project extends beyond business interests. He acknowledges the challenges of Fire Islandâs remote location, noting that building on the island can be difficult and expensive. âItâs a very punishing environment,â said Andrew Kirtzman, a former owner of the Pines commercial district.
Even with his financial commitment, Schukraft is realistic about the potential for profitability. He openly admits that his investments in LGBTQ+ spaces, including the Pines, are more about preserving a legacy than maximizing profit. âServing the gay community is a passion project,â he said. âAt the end of the day, my name is on it.â
As Fire Islandâs Pines district undergoes renovations, Schukraft is working to preserve its history while modernizing the area. One of his first changes is rebranding the district, which he says currently sounds too âboringâ and impersonal. âWeâre going to rename it âthe Waterfront,ââ he revealed.
For Schukraft, the journey to preserve Fire Islandâs cultural legacy is just beginning. Whether or not his investment pays off financially, he is focused on securing the future of iconic gay institutions, ensuring they remain vibrant and relevant for generations to come.
Schafer, who attended the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards after earning a nomination for Best Lead Performance for her role in the horror film Cuckoo, shared her thoughts on the fan-casting rumors. When asked about the possibility of portraying the shape-shifting supervillain (and sometimes hero), Schafer confirmed she had seen the buzz.
“I did see [it]. My dad texted me about that,” Schafer told Entertainment Tonight while walking the red carpet. “Yeah, that would be cool! These fancasts come around every once in a while and it’s very sweet, and always for characters that I really like.”
The fan excitement surrounding Schaferâs potential casting as Mystique began circulating online, with many fans expressing their interest in seeing her take on the iconic character. Mystique, known for her ability to transform into anyone she chooses, has long been a fan-favorite in the X-Men comics and films, with previous portrayals by Rebecca Romijn and Jennifer Lawrence in earlier X-Men movie iterations.
Schafer, who is widely recognized for her groundbreaking role as Jules Vaughn in HBOâs Euphoria, emphasized that while the fan-casting rumors were flattering, she was focused on her current work and the upcoming season of Euphoria. She mentioned that the cast had recently resumed filming after a long hiatus, marking the first time in years they had been back on set.
In addition to discussing her acting career, Schafer also reflected on a viral moment from last week when she posted about receiving a renewed passport that now lists her gender marker as male. Schafer, who is a transgender woman, said she hadnât expected such a positive response to the post but was deeply appreciative of the support she received.
“Honestly, I wasn’t really looking for support when I made that post, but it was really sweet,” Schafer shared. “You know, I have a really wonderful community that surrounded me. And I felt very supported before then and since that happened. So, I feel really lucky and great.”
Schaferâs openness about her gender identity and experiences has made her an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and her recent announcement was met with overwhelming support from fans and allies alike. The actress has become a prominent voice in both the entertainment industry and the transgender community.
As for the fan-casting, while Schafer remains modest about the buzz, itâs clear that her star is continuing to rise in Hollywood, with fans eager to see her take on more iconic roles in the future.
Roberta Flack, the iconic R&B singer best known for hits like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” has passed away Monday morning (Feb. 24) at age 88. Her representatives confirmed her death in a statement released on February 24, 2025, noting that Flack died peacefully at home surrounded by her family.
“We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning,” the statement read. “Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”
Flack scored major chart successes with songs such as “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which became a No. 1 hit, and the unforgettable “Killing Me Softly With His Song.” Other hits included âFeel Like Makinâ Love,â âWhere Is The Love,â and âThe Closer I Get To You.â The Fugees famously covered âKilling Me Softly,â introducing the classic track to a new generation.
Following the news of Roberta Flackâs passing, several celebrities paid tribute to the music legend on social media. Questlove of The Roots shared a black-and-white photo of Flack on Instagram, captioning it, “Thank You Roberta Flack. Rest In Melody.”
Kelly Rowland expressed her deep sorrow on X, formerly known as Twitter: “My heart just sank!! Our Dear Ms. Roberta Flack has ascended beyond but what beauty she has left us with!! THANK YOU for your effortless, most beautiful gift! THANK YOU for being a part of the soundtrack to the most tender moments in my life! So Grateful for you!”
My heart just sank!! Our Dear Ms.Roberta Flack has ascended beyond but what beauty she has left us with!! THANK YOU for your effortless, most beautiful gift!
THANK YOU for being apart of the soundtrack to the most tender moments in my life! So Grateful for you!
â„ïžâ„ïžâ„ïžâ„ïžâ„ïž pic.twitter.com/z3x6BFInCv
Jennifer Hudson, another powerhouse singer, added, “So sad to hear of Roberta Flackâs passing. One of the great soul singers of all time. Rest well, Ms. Flack. Your legacy lives on!!!”
In addition to her storied musical career, Flack was also a committed ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Her support for LGBTQ+ rights and causes began early in her career. In the late 1960s, she performed in a Georgetown restaurant that catered to a gay clientele. She often spoke about the impact this had on her and the awareness it gave her about LGBTQ+ culture.
In a 1979 interview, Flack recalled that performing for a gay audience opened up “a whole new world” for her. She later dedicated songs to the community, including her 1969 cover of “Ballad of the Sad Young Men,” which she said resonated deeply with gay men. “I sang [âBallad of the Sad Young Menâ] about soldiers, then, later, about gay men. It touches me deeply every time,” she told The Guardian.
Flackâs commitment to LGBTQ+ causes continued throughout her career. In 1982, she sang the theme song for Making Love, a controversial film that depicted a romance between two men, further solidifying her role as an ally. More recently, her music was featured on the soundtrack of the FX series Pose, which spotlighted the lives of queer and trans communities in the 1980s.
Flack shared her excitement on social media when her music appeared on the Pose soundtrack, writing: “Celebrating #Pride with a look back at this touching scene in the groundbreaking TV series Pose… I am thrilled to be featured in the soundtrack of a show that spotlights the triumphs and trials of â80s queer and trans communities and culture. #Love is beautiful in all forms!”
Roberta Flackâs legacy as both a musical icon and a staunch ally to the LGBTQ+ community leaves an indelible mark on both the entertainment world and beyond.
While details of her attendance are still being finalized, it remains unclear whether Gascón will walk the red carpet, participate in interviews, or sit with her co-stars Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and director Jacques Audiard.
The 2023 awards season for GascĂłn, however, has been clouded by controversy. The actress came under intense scrutiny after social media posts on X (formerly Twitter) surfaced, in which she made inflammatory comments about Muslims, George Floyd, and diversity at the Oscars. In response to the backlash, GascĂłn skipped several major award events, including the Critics Choice Awards, the BAFTA Film Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, despite being nominated at each.
In the aftermath, GascĂłn issued an apology, acknowledging the harm caused by her past social media activity. “I want to acknowledge the conversation around my past social media posts that have caused hurt,” she said in a statement to Variety. “As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well, and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain. All my life I have fought for a better world. I believe light will always triumph over darkness.”
On February 1, Gascón participated in a nearly hour-long interview with CNN en Español, where she stated that she would no longer comment publicly on the controversy.
GascĂłnâs Oscar nomination is a historic achievement, making her the first openly trans actor to be recognized in the Best Actress category. She previously made history as the first transgender woman to win the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, a recognition she shared with Saldaña, Gomez, and Adriana Paz. GascĂłn was also the first trans woman nominated for acting at the Golden Globes. She is represented by UTA.
