Author: Josh Azevedo

Buckle Up: Red Hot Roadtrip Delivers Ginger Hunks, Motel Mischief and Nude Americana Fantasy

Fasten your seatbelt and ditch your clothes, Red Hot Roadtrip is revving its engine and ready to ride.

The latest edition of Thomas Knights’ beloved all-nude ginger calendar has arrived, and it’s a high-octane visual feast. Known for transforming redheaded men from punchlines to pin-ups, Knights is back with a cinematic journey through dusty highways, neon-lit pit stops, and sun-soaked motel rooms. Red Hot Roadtrip is the calendar’s most daring chapter yet, and it’s already got fans hot under the collar.

Photo: Thomas Knights

Photo: Thomas Knights

From Fire Island to the Fast Lane

After the runaway success of Red Hot Fire Island, the best-selling calendar in the series’ 10-year history, Knights knew he needed to up the stakes.

“Roadtrip is a total departure from what we’ve done before,” he told us in an exclusive interview. “It’s Americana meets erotic fantasy. Think redheaded rebels in the desert, cowboy mischief, motel lust. It’s sweaty, sexy, and it doesn’t hold back.”

The calendar features a brand-new cast of ginger heartthrobs in editorial-style shoots that blur the line between fashion and fantasy. There’s story in every frame, and the visuals feel straight out of a sun-faded road movie with a very NSFW twist.

“I wanted this one to feel like a film,” said Knights. “You flip the pages and get pulled deeper into this world of freedom, rebellion, and temptation. It’s about capturing that electric moment when you’re young, wild, and on the edge of something dangerous.”

Photo: Thomas Knights

Photo: Thomas Knights

A Decade of Red Hot and Still Blazing

What started as a bold art project to reframe the narrative around redheaded men has grown into an international sensation. Red Hot has spawned exhibitions, books, and a loyal fanbase who fund and preorder every new release with unwavering enthusiasm.

“The Kickstarter hit its goal in under 48 hours,” Knights said, still slightly in awe. “It feels… amazing! I’m not gonna lie. To have built a brand where our fans support our Kickstarters and buy our calendars every year is just incredible. I didn’t expect to be in this position 10 years later.”

Redheaded men, long mocked in pop culture and media, have become icons of desire thanks to Knights’ lens. “The goal from day one was to flip the stereotype,” he said. “People used to laugh at gingers. We wanted to make them the fantasy. Now people get it, and they want more.”

Beyond the Calendar: Red Hot XXL

As Roadtrip barrels toward an October 2025 ship date, Knights is already preparing to launch his most provocative project yet: Red Hot XXL. Part art book, part calendar, part gallery exhibition, XXL explores the cultural fixation on endowment—and fuses it with the allure of the ginger mythos.

“We’re combining two queer obsessions: redheads and size,” said Knights. “It’s not just shock value. It’s art, it’s history, it’s sex, and it’s smart. We’re bringing together Red Hot alumni, porn stars, fresh amateurs, and a few surprise names. It’s going to be big in every way.”

The project includes 100 full-frontal images and will feature essays from queer writers, adult film legends, and art historians exploring the role of size in gay culture.

“For centuries, well-endowed men have held this almost mythic status,” Knights said. “And gingers are already rare and fetishized. So combining the two, it’s this perfect storm of fantasy and representation.”

Photo: Thomas Knights

Photo: Thomas Knights

Why It Still Matters

For Knights, the art has always had a mission. Yes, it’s sexy, bold, and often outrageous—but at its core, Red Hot is about visibility.

“It’s about making people feel seen and sexy,” he said. “There’s power in celebrating bodies that the world once told us weren’t desirable. If you can take someone who’s been bullied for their freckles or skin tone, and put them on a pedestal—that changes something. It did for me, and I know it has for others.”

Whether you’re in it for the gingers, the art, or just the thrill of watching taboo turned into beauty, Red Hot Roadtrip is more than just a calendar—it’s an ode to freedom, eroticism, and unapologetic self-expression.

Preorders are now open, with calendars set to ship in late October. As Knights puts it, “Buckle up. This one’s going to be wild.”

July 14, 2025
Rita Ora Sets Fire Island Ablaze With Surprise Pool Party Performance

The Pines just got hotter, thanks to Rita Ora.

The British pop sensation made an unannounced appearance at Fire Island’s Tryst Pool Club on Saturday, July 12, turning an already sun-soaked weekend into a full-blown pop spectacle. In celebration of her latest single “HEAT,” Rita brought fire to the Pines.

Clad in a black leather poolside ensemble that screamed rockstar-meets-beach babe, Ora stunned an unsuspecting crowd as she stepped into the DJ booth with Sakalem. Together, they hyped the crowd with a pulsating remix of “Anywhere” and the high-octane GSP & Jace remix of “HEAT.”

Photo: Julian Lazaro for Tryst Hospitality

Photo: Julian Lazaro for Tryst Hospitality

Shots, Vocals, and a Go-Go Box Moment

Rita wasn’t just there to pose for a few photos, she owned the party. She belted out lyrics, danced with fans, and turned the DJ booth into her own pop diva platform. At one point, she poured shots from above and mounted a glittery dancing merman for a moment that was equal parts camp and chaos, in the best way possible.

It was the kind of Fire Island moment that attendees will be talking about for summers to come.

Photo: Julian Lazaro for Tryst Hospitality

Photo: Julian Lazaro for Tryst Hospitality

Photo: Julian Lazaro for Tryst Hospitality

Drag Royalty and Poolside Shenanigans

As if Rita’s appearance wasn’t legendary enough, the party leveled up when Fire Island drag legends Pixie Aventura, Missleidy Rodriguez, and Bubbles D’Boob took the stage. The trio slayed a performance of Ora’s anthem “DRINKIN’,” with Rita gleefully cheering them on from the sidelines.

Fans got selfies, cheers, and plenty of crowd interaction as Rita made the most of her unexpected visit, embodying the spirit of queer celebration that Fire Island is famous for.

Photo: Julian Lazaro for Tryst Hospitality

Bringing the “HEAT” to the Pines

The Tryst Pool Club, known for its sexy summer vibes and buzzy events, may have just hosted the party of the season. With “HEAT” echoing through the speakers, drag queens dazzling, and mermen twirling in the pool, Rita Ora reminded everyone that queer nightlife is alive, thriving, and full of joyful surprises.

If this was just a promo stop, we can’t wait to see what she does next.

For more updates on Tryst Pool Club and upcoming events in Fire Island Pines, follow @thepinesfireisland and @trysthotels.

July 14, 2025
Kim Petras Teases New Banger ‘Freak It’ at Balenciaga’s Wild Couture After-Party

Pop princess Kim Petras is officially in her “main character at the rave” era. The Grammy winner caused a frenzy online after debuting a snippet of her unreleased song “Freak It” at the Balenciaga Couture after-party in Paris, and the internet is already begging for the full version.

Hosted in the intimate salon on Avenue George V, the celebration marked a symbolic final bow for designer Demna’s tenure at Balenciaga. Naturally, the guest list was stacked: Naomi Campbell and Margo XS hit the decks, and The Cobrasnake was on hand to document the haze of fashion, sweat, and cigarette smoke. But it was Kim who stole the spotlight, not with a runway walk, but with a surprise banger that had the crowd, and fans online, going feral.

Photo: The Cobrasnake/Nylon Magazine

Welcome to the Freak Show

While spinning tracks and working the mic, Kim dropped an exclusive preview of “Freak It,” a sultry, bass-heavy cut that hints at a return to the unapologetic, body-moving sound that helped make her a queer icon. The snippet doesn’t give away much lyrically, but the thumping beat, distorted synths, and provocative energy had the party crowd visibly shook, and phones flying up to capture the moment.

Kim Petras teases new song “Freak It” at the Balenciaga Couture after party in Paris. pic.twitter.com/y8DxAQMHD3
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 11, 2025

In true Petras fashion, it was sexy, chaotic, and totally euphoric. The kind of song you hear once and already picture on the setlist of a sweaty Pride performance or blasting from a Fire Island cabana.

Fans React: “We Need It Yesterday”

After clips of “Freak It” began circulating on social media, fans wasted no time sounding off:

“I need it! Song of the summer!!” one user tweeted.
“Release Freak It before I lose my mind,” wrote another, alongside a clip from the party.
“Between ‘Polo’ and this? She’s cooking!!” commented a fan on TikTok.

oh this SMASH HIT
— jimmy (@jimmysoldout) July 11, 2025

Many noted that the new snippet, combined with her just-released single “Polo,” signals a bold new chapter for Petras, one defined by cheeky club bangers, glitchy pop production, and full-throttle queer energy.

The “Polo” Era Is Just Getting Started

“Polo,” Petras’ most recent single, dropped ahead of her latest Pride performances and served as a sonic reset for the artist. “It makes me feel cute and like a bitch!” she said, explaining the track’s playful but confident energy. Created alongside collaborators Margo XS, Nightfeelings, and atlgrandma, the song is layered with distorted synths and a flirty hook that begs to be danced to.

If this Balenciaga after-party moment was any indication, the new era of Kim Petras is hot, unfiltered, and built for the club. We’re more than ready to freak out.

July 11, 2025
Caster Semenya Scores Legal Win in Ongoing Fight for Athlete Rights

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Caster Semenya has scored a significant, though partial, victory in her long legal battle against discriminatory regulations targeting athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD).

On July 10, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that Switzerland’s top court had denied Semenya a fair hearing when she appealed a decision upholding World Athletics’ testosterone regulations. These rules, which she has long argued are unfair, have kept her from competing in her signature 800-meter race since 2019.

Caster Semenya of South Africa competes in the heats of the women’s 800m, during the 2012 London Olympics at The Olympic Stadium on August 09, 2012 in London, England. Photo: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Background: A Champion Sidelined

Semenya, a South African middle-distance runner, burst onto the international scene with her gold medal wins in the 800m at both the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio Games. However, her athletic career was thrown into turmoil in 2018, when World Athletics implemented regulations requiring women with certain DSD conditions to lower their naturally occurring testosterone levels in order to compete in certain races.

These regulations apply to events ranging from 400 meters to one mile, precisely the distances where Semenya dominated. Rather than take testosterone-reducing medication, she chose to sit out those events entirely.

The Long Road to Strasbourg

After unsuccessfully challenging the rules in 2020 at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland, Semenya escalated her case to the European Court of Human Rights. In 2023, the ECHR ruled that Switzerland had failed to uphold her rights during the CAS appeal. That decision was further reviewed by the ECHR’s Grand Chamber, which issued this week’s ruling.

According to the Grand Chamber, the CAS had “fallen short” of its obligations under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees the right to a fair trial. However, the court also determined that some of Semenya’s other complaints, including concerns about her private life, were inadmissible because they fell outside of Swiss jurisdiction.

Gold medalist Caster Semenya of South Africa stands on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women’s 800 meter on Day 15 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on August 20, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Athlete Reactions and What Comes Next

In a statement to the BBC, Semenya welcomed the ruling as “great for me, great for athletes,” adding, “This is a reminder to the leaders [that] athletes need to be protected. Before we can regulate, we have to respect athletes and put their rights first.”

While this decision does not directly overturn World Athletics’ regulations, it sets a precedent that could open the door for future legal challenges, and adds a powerful voice to the ongoing conversation about fairness, inclusion, and bodily autonomy in international sport.

For now, Semenya remains benched from her best events, but this victory reinforces her status not just as a world-class athlete, but as a fierce advocate for the dignity and rights of all athletes.

July 11, 2025
Inside ‘The Queen of My Dreams’: A Joyous Queer Muslim Tale Across Generations

In her vibrant and genre-bending feature debut The Queen of My Dreams, writer-director Fawzia Mirza delivers a time-hopping tale of love, legacy, and queer Muslim joy. Seamlessly blending Bollywood melodrama with indie film grit, the film explores the fractured relationship between a Pakistani Canadian daughter and her mother with both tenderness and playfulness.

Amrit Kaur (Sex Lives of College Girls) stuns in a dual role, playing both Azra, a queer actor grieving the sudden death of her father, and young Mariam, her conservative mother in 1969 Karachi. With Mirza’s signature wit and deeply felt storytelling, The Queen of My Dreams becomes more than a coming-of-age film, it’s a celebration of generations of women trying to carve out space for themselves in worlds that often tell them not to exist.

Queer, Muslim, and Full of Life

At its heart, the film is a mother-daughter love story. After Azra’s father dies, she returns to Pakistan and is forced to confront not just her strained bond with Mariam but also the ghosts of her family’s past. Through inventive narrative shifts and bold cinematic flourishes, including fantasy sequences and clever casting choices, the film travels through three decades and two continents to illustrate how much history repeats itself.

“Joy is revolution,” Mirza said in a interview with Gay Times. “If we don’t see our joy on screens, if we’re only watching our demise, how can we imagine any other future?”

In an era where DEI programs are under threat and queer stories are often reduced to trauma, The Queen of My Dreams flips the script. Mirza centers connection, comedy, and possibility. And yes, there’s a deleted phone book scene and a symbolic clip-clopping horse walk to prove it.

@productofculture
“A stylish medley of generations and dreams.” – @Deadline Don’t miss the film critics are celebrating. The Queen of My Dreams is lighting up theaters nationwide with its vibrant storytelling and unforgettable performances. 🎟️ Get your tickets today: thequeenofmydreams.com Come see why audiences everywhere are falling in love. @thefawz #Amritkaur #TheQueenOfMyDreams #NowPlaying #SouthAsianCinema #QueerJoy
♬ original sound – Product of Culture

A Conversation With Fawzia Mirza and Amrit Kaur

During that same interview with Gay Times, Mirza and Kaur unpack the layers behind the film’s universal appeal and rich cultural specificity.

“The truths of pain and joy are the same across generations,” says Kaur. To create distinct identities for Azra and Mariam, she dove into physicality and movement. For Azra, she mirrored someone she knows. For Mariam, she embodied a Māori horse, yes, really. “She’s regal, always moving forward,” Kaur explains.

The casting of trans actress Zara Usman as Rani, a character in 1969 Karachi, also reflects Mirza’s commitment to authentic representation. “The subcontinent has always had trans people,” Mirza says. “The point is: we have always been here.”

Why Now, and Why This Story?

The film’s release comes amid renewed global tensions and rising bigotry, which both artists acknowledge as part of the film’s relevance. “I feel proud to be Indian playing a Pakistani role,” Kaur says. “It’s a representation of love between borders.”

As for Mirza, she’s proud to offer something that reflects what queer life can be. “I’m happy to be not everyone’s cup of chai,” she quips.

Still, she’s hopeful. “We’ve got to bring the same manifesting energy to storytelling,” Mirza says. “If that means rom-coms and queer joy, then that’s the future I’m working for.”

July 11, 2025
Conan Gray’s ‘Vodka Cranberry’ Is a Queer Heartbreak Anthem Wrapped in Cinematic Romance

Conan Gray is serving heartbreak with a splash of queer longing in his brand-new single, “Vodka Cranberry.”

Released today via Republic Records and Universal Music Canada, the track marks the second single from his upcoming album Wishbone, out August 15. Teaming up once again with acclaimed producer Dan Nigro, Gray crafts a delicate and devastating portrait of love lost, with vocals that drip with sorrow and songwriting sharp enough to cut glass.

“Vodka Cranberry” isn’t just a song, it’s a slow burn of emotion that builds until it bursts, capturing the ache of a breakup that refuses to fully break.

A Love Story Told in Film Grain

The song’s emotional weight is amplified by a cinematic music video that continues the story introduced in “This Song.” Directed by Danica Kleinknecht (Mk.gee) and shot on Kodak 35mm film in Gray’s home state of Texas, the video co-stars Girl Meets World actor Corey Fogelmanis in a quietly powerful queer romance.

Gray plays one-half of a couple, Wilson and Brandon, embarking on a road trip across the American Southwest. From gas station snack runs to playful lake swims and intimate tent cuddles, the video paints a dreamy, Brokeback Mountain-esque picture of two boys in love beneath endless skies.

But as the trip unfolds, the tension simmers. In a dimly lit dive bar, Conan’s character reaches for his partner’s hand, only to be met with silence and retreat. The music swells as we watch a montage of their happiest moments together, including a tender kiss in the lake. Then, in a gut-punch of a twist, the video flashes forward. As Gray’s character sleeps, his lover quietly slips away, eyes full of regret and tears. The keys jingle, the door opens, and just like that, he’s gone.

Fans Are Feeling It…Hard

Conan’s fans wasted no time flooding social media with emotional reactions.

“album of the year already…” one user posted on X.

Another wrote, “this mv completely destroyed me. i love you conan gray.”

pic.twitter.com/LYszY62TS7
— Love, Danny (@DannyWxo) July 11, 2025

Many praised the video’s authenticity, emotional resonance, and commitment to telling queer stories with tenderness and truth. And yes, a few admitted they’ve already added “Vodka Cranberry” to their “cry in the shower” playlists.

Wishbone on the Horizon

With Wishbone on the way this August, Gray seems to be leaning even further into cinematic storytelling, emotional vulnerability, and lush queer imagery. If “Vodka Cranberry” is any indication, the full album is shaping up to be both a sonic and visual heartbreaker—in the best way possible.

July 11, 2025
Demi Lovato Drops Surprise TikTok Teaser and Fans Are Losing It

Demi Lovato just hit post on a TikTok that’s setting the internet ablaze. On July 10, the singer and actress shared a cryptic music teaser with a haunting new sound, and her fans are not okay. The teaser marks a thrilling kickoff to what appears to be her next music era, and the response has been nothing short of explosive.

@ddlovato
it feels so right
♬ original sound – Demi Lovato

A Mysterious TikTok With a Lot to Say

The 15-second teaser, posted to Lovato’s TikTok, features moody visuals and a cinematic new track that no one had heard before. Set against the backdrop of her bold new black-dress photoshoot (also now her only Instagram post), the snippet sent fans into detective mode. The clip is emotionally charged, with layered synths, an aching vocal line, and a sense of mystery that screams: something big is coming.

Lovato, 32, captioned the teaser: “i’m not so sure, i’ve ever felt like this before”—echoing the same line from her recent Instagram post. The cryptic repetition, along with the sudden purge of her entire feed, suggests a carefully crafted rollout for a new project.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato)

Fans Are Spiraling (And Rightfully So)

Within minutes of the teaser drop, fans flooded TikTok and X with emotional reactions. Comments like “ITS HAPPENING EVERYBODY STAY CALM” and “SHE’S COMING BACK Y’ALL” filled the thread.

Photo: TikTok (@ddlovato)

Some pointed out similarities to past pop girl rebrands, while others speculated this could be a pivot to a darker, more vulnerable sound.

The Clues Keep Piling Up

The TikTok teaser wasn’t the only surprise. Lovato also changed her Spotify profile photo and wiped her social media clean. Her official website is currently down, and she’s removed all external links from her Linktree.

Adding fuel to the fire, she resurfaced a tweet from June 2016 that read: “F–k this.. I’m back b—–s. And I’m coming back more honest than ever.” Paired with the emotional tone of the teaser, fans suspect her new material could dive deeper into personal storytelling than ever before.

Demi Lovato teases new era by retweeting 2016 tweet:

“F*ck this.. I’m back b*tches. And I’m coming back more honest than ever.” pic.twitter.com/Hsl8B11p52
— Pop Base (@PopBase) July 9, 2025

A New Era in the Making

Lovato’s last album of original material was 2022’s HOLY FVCK, followed by REVAMPED, where she reimagined past hits with a gritty rock edge. But this latest tease feels like a new genre altogether, perhaps something cinematic, confessional, and rooted in healing.

The TikTok teaser may have been short, but it’s loud and clear: Demi Lovato is about to enter a whole new phase of artistry.

And if this is just the beginning, fans better buckle up.

July 10, 2025
Justin Bieber Teases Surprise Album ‘Swag’ Dropping Tonight
After a years-long musical break, Justin Bieber is back to stirring the pop pot, and this time, it’s with billboards, bold fonts, and a whole lot of “Swag.”

The Canadian superstar ignited fan frenzy on Thursday with a string of Instagram posts teasing a brand-new album. Titled Swag, yes, really, Bieber’s seventh studio album is reportedly dropping this Friday, marking his first full-length release since 2021’s Justice.

Billboard Takeover and Tracklist Teasers

The rollout for Swag is anything but subtle. The first billboard appeared in Reykjavik, Iceland (because apparently that’s the new Beverly Hills?), followed by splashy displays in New York’s Times Square and across Los Angeles. Each digital display teased cryptic black-and-white photos and what appeared to be song titles, prompting fans to speculate: Is this a full album drop, or is Bieber just soft-launching his Tumblr era?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Justin Bieber (@lilbieber)

Soon after the billboards surfaced, Bieber confirmed the hype by sharing a video from Times Square featuring the rumored tracklist. Among the 20 song titles: “Go Baby,” “Devotion,” “Therapy Session,” and the ultra-meta “Swag.”

Big-Name Collaborations on the Horizon?

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Swag may feature verses from Gunna, Sexyy Red, and Cash Cobain. Sources say Bieber has been quietly hosting jam sessions at his L.A. home, bringing in collaborators like Carter Lang, Eddie Benjamin, and DJ Tay James.

Fans got a rare behind-the-scenes peek into the process when Bieber recently posted a studio photo alongside his 10-month-old son, Jack Blues Bieber. While no official album announcement has come from Bieber himself, the clues, and the tracklist, are stacking up fast.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Justin Bieber (@lilbieber)

A Comeback Years in the Making

Bieber’s return to the music scene comes after a relatively quiet period. In 2023, he sold the rights to his music catalog to Hipgnosis Songs Capital for a reported $200 million. Later that year, he split from longtime manager Scooter Braun amid financial disputes related to the canceled Justice World Tour.

Hints of a comeback have been bubbling for a while. Singer-songwriter Mk.gee mentioned last year that Bieber had been back in the studio, crafting what would be his first album in four years.

What’s on Swag?

Here’s the full rumored tracklist:
- All I Can Take
- Daisies
- Yukon
- Go Baby
- Things You Do
- Butterflies
- Way It Is
- First Place
- Soulful
- Walking Away
- Glory Voice Memo
- Devotion
- Dadz Love
- Therapy Session
- Sweet Spot
- 405
- Swag
- Zuma House
- Too Long
- Forgiveness
Whether Swag turns out to be a sonic reinvention or a nod to early 2010s Bieber, one thing’s clear: the Biebs is back—and he’s bringing the drama, the features, and maybe even the daisy chains.
July 10, 2025
Tryst’s Poolside Hotties Stole the Show at Fire Island’s Iconic Invasion Afterparty

At this year’s Fire Island Invasion, the real show wasn’t just on the harbor stage, it was at The Tryst Pool Deck, where abs, cocktails, and charisma collided under the summer sun. While drag royalty like Violet Chachki turned it out on the DJ deck, the Tryst team served something even more unforgettable: themselves.

Dancers at The Tryst Pool Deck as Tryst Hospitality celebrates the 50th Invasion of Fire Island Pines on July 04, 2025 in Sayville, New York. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality)

Bartenders at The Blue Whale attend as Tryst Hospitality celebrates the 50th Invasion of Fire Island Pines on July 04, 2025 in Sayville, New York. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality)

Guests at The Tryst Pool Deck as Tryst Hospitality celebrates the 50th Invasion of Fire Island Pines on July 04, 2025 in Sayville, New York. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality)

A Post-Invasion Pool Party to Remember

After the last queen sashayed off the ferry and legend Panzi closed the historic harbor ceremony, the crowd flocked to The Tryst for a post-Invasion splashdown. Violet spun a soundtrack of queer liberation, but it was the poolside staff, equal parts boy band fantasy and Greek god, that truly kept the crowd thirsty.

Tryst’s bartenders, each hotter than the last, served up icy drinks with devilish smirks and perfectly timed winks. Glistening in the Fire Island heat, these hunks made ordering a margarita feel like an erotic experience. And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, the go-go dancers hit the pole. Yes, there was a pole. Yes, someone climbed it. Yes, your jaw dropped.

A dancer at The Tryst Pool Deck as Tryst Hospitality celebrates the 50th Invasion of Fire Island Pines on July 04, 2025 in Sayville, New York. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality)

Templo performs at The Tryst Pool Deck as Tryst Hospitality celebrates the 50th Invasion of Fire Island Pines on July 04, 2025 in Sayville, New York. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality)

A guest at The Tryst Pool Deck as Tryst Hospitality celebrates the 50th Invasion of Fire Island Pines on July 04, 2025 in Sayville, New York. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality)

Hotel Upgrade, Same Hot Staff Energy

This wasn’t just a party, it was also a preview of what’s to come for The Tryst Fire Island. Currently undergoing a major refresh, the new Tryst hotel is staying true to its sexy roots while upgrading its offerings. Think sleek rooms, ensuite bathrooms (farewell, shared showers), and design straight from their award-winning Puerto Vallarta location.

And don’t worry—those poolside bombshells aren’t going anywhere.

Staff Glow-Up Behind the Scenes, Too

Tryst is also leveling up how it treats its team, which makes sense considering how much joy they bring to guests. Over $3 million is being poured into upgraded staff housing, complete with air conditioning, WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and shared lounges. So yes, the men serving you that tequila sunrise are not only hot, they’re living well.

The investment also includes upgraded plumbing and infrastructure to support the Pines community at large, showing that this is a party with purpose.

A guest at The Tryst Pool Deck as Tryst Hospitality celebrates the 50th Invasion of Fire Island Pines on July 04, 2025 in Sayville, New York. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality)

A dancer (C) at The Tryst Pool Deck as Tryst Hospitality celebrates the 50th Invasion of Fire Island Pines on July 04, 2025 in Sayville, New York. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality)

The Real Attraction? The People Who Serve It.

Sure, Fire Island is iconic for its queer history, beach views, and drag theatrics, but let’s be honest, the Tryst team has become a local landmark of its own. Whether you’re here for the beats, the boys, or the buzz, this pool party proves the staff is just as much a part of the experience as the venue itself.

So next summer, when you hear the call of the Invasion, don’t forget to bring your best swimsuit, a camera roll with plenty of storage, and a deep appreciation for the fine art of poolside service.

July 10, 2025
TV’s Non-Binary Icons: The Characters Changing Queer Representation on Screen

When it comes to queer representation on television, non-binary characters are finally stepping into the frame, not just as sidekicks or stereotypes, but as fully realized leads, heroes, and scene-stealers. In the last several years, we’ve seen an inspiring shift as shows across genres have introduced groundbreaking non-binary roles, many portrayed by non-binary actors themselves.

These characters are not only providing representation but actively helping viewers explore and understand the diverse experiences of gender-nonconforming people. Here’s a round-up of standout non-binary characters who are pushing television into a more inclusive future.

Cal Bowman – Sex Education

Cal crashed into Sex Education’s third season with confidence, clarity, and a mission. Played by non-binary artist Dua Saleh, Cal immediately challenged the show’s new gendered dress code, mentored the shy and questioning Layla, and served as a vibrant symbol of self-assured identity.
Despite facing pushback at school, Cal never backs down from expressing who they are, making them not just a character, but a guidepost for queer youth still figuring things out.

Photo: Netflix

Jerrie Kennedy – Big Sky

Jesse James Keitel made history as the first non-binary actor to play a non-binary series regular on primetime TV with their role as Jerrie in Big Sky. In a show packed with danger and intrigue, Jerrie held her own while navigating a storyline that never reduced her character to her gender identity.

Photo: ABC

Bishop – Deputy

Fox’s short-lived Deputy gave us Bishop, played by Bex Taylor-Klaus, a sarcastic and whip-smart officer who called the shots without needing validation. Though the series only lasted one season, Bishop marked a major moment for non-binary representation on network television, and proved that genderqueer characters can be tough, funny, and authoritative all at once.

Photo: Fox

Mae – Feel Good

Mae Martin’s semi-autobiographical series Feel Good may have started with stand-up comedy and awkward romance, but its second season took a deeper dive into gender identity. As Mae explored being “trans or non-binary or whatever,” the show charted a raw, honest journey, one that mirrors many real-world experiences.

Photo: Netflix

Taylor Mason – Billions

Billions didn’t just break the mold, it rewrote it. Taylor Mason, played by Asia Kate Dillon, introduced themself with their pronouns and proceeded to outsmart every suit in the room. As a high-powered financial wizard, Taylor showed that non-binary characters don’t just belong in emotional dramas—they can thrive in cutthroat business environments, too.

Photo: Showtime

Adira Tal – Star Trek: Discovery

A non-binary character in the Star Trek universe was long overdue, and Adira Tal delivered. Portrayed by Blu del Barrio, Adira is a cerebral and compassionate addition to Discovery’s crew. The role also marked a personal turning point for del Barrio, who used the opportunity to come out publicly. Sci-fi just got a whole lot more inclusive.

Photo: Paramount+

Mo – Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist

Mo doesn’t just steal the scene, they belt it. Played by Alex Newell, Mo is a genderfluid neighbor with a powerhouse voice and a heart to match. Through song, sass, and serious growth, Mo shows that gender-nonconforming characters can carry joy, struggle, and glam all in one performance.

Photo: NBC

Kai Bartley – Grey’s Anatomy

With Grey’s Anatomy embracing its first non-binary doctor, the medical drama continues its tradition of queer inclusion. E.R. Fightmaster plays Kai Bartley, a brilliant neuroscientist who quickly captured fans’ hearts, especially with their chemistry alongside Amelia Shepherd. Kai’s presence proves that even long-running shows can evolve with the times.

Photo: ABC

Klaus Hargreeves – The Umbrella Academy

Klaus is chaos incarnate, and we love him for it. Played with magnetic energy by Robert Sheehan, Klaus uses both they/them and he/him pronouns, floats between timelines, communes with the dead, and rocks a wardrobe that screams queer liberation. Amid the weirdness, their relationship with Dave added a layer of emotional depth that hit fans right in the feels.

Photo: Netflix

Why This Representation Matters

What ties all these characters together is not just their non-binary identity, but the fact that they’re written as complex, vibrant people. They fall in love, mess up, lead revolutions, crack jokes, and save lives. In other words, they reflect real people.

With more shows spotlighting non-binary characters and hiring non-binary talent, the small screen is becoming a more honest mirror of the world we live in, and that’s something worth binge-watching.

July 10, 2025