Gayety

Category: TV

Stay updated with the latest in LGBTQ+ entertainment through Gayety’s comprehensive coverage of television news and features.

  • Francesca Bridgerton Finds Queer Love in Season Four of ‘Bridgerton’

    Francesca Bridgerton Finds Queer Love in Season Four of ‘Bridgerton’

    Brace yourselves, Bridgerton fans! Season four is set to turn up the romance and representation.

    WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

    Francesca Bridgerton, the often-overlooked sibling, is finally getting her time in the spotlight. In a thrilling twist, she’s set to embark on a queer romance with Michaela Stirling in an upcoming season. Showrunner Jess Brownell has spilled the beans, and we couldn’t be more excited!

    Related | ‘Bridgerton’ Star Jessica Madsen Proudly Declares Her Love for a Woman in Pride Post

    A Love Blooms

    Francesca, played by the talented Hannah Dodd, has always been a bit of a mystery. Fans speculated about her asexuality due to her hesitance in finding a partner. However, season three changed the game when she married the charming bachelor John Stirling. But this isn’t the end of her story. Brownell has revealed that Francesca will fall in love with John’s cousin, Michaela, in the upcoming season.

    “Francesca’s book talks a lot about how different she feels, and I think Julia Quinn’s intention is that Fran feels different because she’s introverted. But for many of us in the queer community, that sense of feeling different is a part of our stories,” Brownell shared.

    “I felt there was fertile ground thematically to nod toward telling a queer story.”

    Sparks Fly

    At the end of season three, we saw Francesca meet her new husband John’s cousin, Michaela Stirling, played by Masali Baduza. The instant connection was undeniable, with Francesca stumbling over her words and avoiding eye contact. Fans were quick to pick up on the sparks flying between the two.

    Netflix

    In the Bridgerton books, Francesca’s love interest is Michael Stirling. After John’s tragic death, they fall in love and marry. The show has cleverly gender-swapped Michael to Michaela, making Francesca’s story even more compelling.

    A Queer Happy Ending

    Brownell, a queer woman herself, wanted to ensure Francesca’s story resonated with the queer community.

    “When approaching a queer story, it’s very important to me that we are able to see a queer happily-ever-after and not let it be queer trauma,” she told Deadline.

    Fans can look forward to a beautiful and heartfelt love story between Francesca and Michaela. The series promises to handle their relationship with the care and respect it deserves, aiming for a happy ending that celebrates queer love.

    Streaming Now

    Bridgerton season three is already available for streaming on Netflix. If you haven’t caught up yet, now’s the perfect time. Season four is gearing up to be even more inclusive, romantic, and downright entertaining. Get ready for all the drama, romance, and now, a queer love story that’s bound to make waves.

  • Kristen Stewart to Star as Queer Astronaut Sally Ride in ‘The Challenger’

    Kristen Stewart to Star as Queer Astronaut Sally Ride in ‘The Challenger’

    Get ready for some out-of-this-world queer representation! Kristen Stewart is set to star in the upcoming limited series The Challenger, where she’ll portray the real-life trailblazer and queer icon, astronaut Sally Ride. Known for her roles in Twilight and Spencer, Stewart is now bringing her talents to the small screen in a role that’s sure to inspire.

    Related | Kristen Stewart is Starring in a New Vampire Thriller With Oscar Isaac

    Sally Ride: A Pioneer in Space

    Sally Ride made history in 1983 as the first American woman to go into space. She was part of NASA’s 1978 astronaut class, the first to include women and people of color. Although Ride was a private person, her sexuality became public knowledge when her obituary in 2012 revealed her 27-year relationship with Tam O’Shaughnessy.

    Kristen Stewart Takes on TV

    In The Challenger, Kristen Stewart will star as Sally Ride and executive produce the series. She’ll work alongside actress Kyra Sedgwick and Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Partners. Amazon MGM is reportedly close to acquiring the rights for this hotly anticipated show.

    Kyra Sedgwick, who has been developing the series since 2017, shared her excitement about Stewart’s involvement. “Kristen has never done television, but when she read The Challenger, she became obsessed with telling the story of Sally Ride from her own unique perspective that I won’t even try to paraphrase because she is so eloquent about it,” Sedgwick told Deadline.

    A Stellar Production Team

    Maggie Cohn, known for her work on American Crime Story, The Staircase, and Narcos: Mexico, will write the story. Based on Meredith E. Bagby’s book The New Guys, the show will delve into the lives of the diverse group of astronauts from NASA’s 1978 class, famously nicknamed “The F*cking New Guys.”

    More Than Just a Space Story

    The show aims to capture Ride’s historic flight and her role in the Rogers Commission, which investigated the Challenger disaster. Ride’s contributions were pivotal, as she identified the O-ring problem that led to the tragic explosion. This series will highlight her brilliance and the challenges she faced as a queer woman in a male-dominated field.

    Ready for Lift-Off

    Kyra Sedgwick emphasized the collaborative effort that brought The Challenger to life. “This is something we’ve worked on at Big Swing since 2017, me, Meredith, and Valerie Stadler,” she said. “Sally Ride was among them, and the focus is this newly recruited wild, feral group of astronauts who were all very diverse.”

    With Stewart’s passion and the powerhouse team behind her, The Challenger is poised to be a groundbreaking series celebrating a true American hero and the diverse team that helped shape NASA’s history. As Sedgwick puts it, “Who better to play Sally Ride than one of the great actors of her generation? As they say in Hollywood, passion wins the day.”

    Buckle up, folks. Kristen Stewart will take us on an unforgettable journey to the stars.

  • Chris Colfer Almost Didn’t Do ‘Glee’ Because the Character Was Gay – “I Was Terrified”

    Chris Colfer Almost Didn’t Do ‘Glee’ Because the Character Was Gay – “I Was Terrified”

    Chris Colfer, who stole our hearts as Kurt Hummel on Glee, recently dished on the wild journey of being one of Hollywood’s few openly gay actors. On the And That’s What You REALLY Missed podcast, Colfer revealed that the role of Kurt was tailor-made for him, but discovering the character was gay left him a bit shaken. “When I finally got the script is when I realized it was the gay character, and I was terrified,” he said.

    Small-Town Boy, Big Dreams

    Colfer grew up in Clovis, California, where being openly gay was downright dangerous. “Kids would get beat up. On one occasion, someone got stabbed on their way to school. Being out and proud was not an option,” he shared. Despite warnings from all sides, including family members who told him taking the role could “ruin” his life, Chris took the plunge.

    Instagram/@gleeofficial

    Coming Out in Hollywood

    “When I started filming the show, I had a lot of people tell me: ‘Do not come out whatever you do because it will ruin your career.’ So I hid for a little bit,” Chris told The View. “But I also told them: ‘I can’t hide it with my voice, I’m more effeminate than most people, I can’t hide it.’ And they said: ‘Don’t worry. As long as you never address it, you’ll be rewarded for it in the end.’” 

    At just 19, Colfer came out on Chelsea Lately in 2009, making headlines as one of Hollywood’s youngest openly gay actors. “I would get called a faggot at auditions,” he recalled. “People would say, ‘What do you expect? You’re an openly gay actor in Hollywood.’”

    Related | Kevin McHale is Talking About that Horrible ‘Glee’ Docuseries

    A Rainbow Note Changed Everything

    Just before Glee hit the airwaves, a young boy handed Chris a secret note and a rainbow-colored paperclip chain during a poster signing tour. “In that moment, I knew I have to come out,” Chris said. It was a turning point, proving to him that being a role model was more important than anything else.

    Embracing the Real Chris

    Industry insiders advised Chris to keep his sexuality under wraps to avoid career pitfalls. But Colfer knew better. “I can’t hide it with my voice, I’m more effeminate than most people, I can’t hide it,” he said. Choosing authenticity over everything, he realized, “Being a beacon of positivity and providing that comfort for people is way more important than attention.”

    Sparkling Success

    Chris’s decision to be true to himself led to incredible success. He snagged a Golden Globe in 2011 and three consecutive People’s Choice Awards for his role on Glee. Colfer is now a bestselling author off-screen, continuing to inspire fans with his realness and talent.

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  • Trans Star Abigail Thorn Joins ‘House of the Dragon’: New Role, New Drama

    Trans Star Abigail Thorn Joins ‘House of the Dragon’: New Role, New Drama

    Abigail Thorn will play Sharako Lohar, the new commander of the Triarchy.

    Exciting news for fans of House of the Dragon! Trans actor and YouTuber Abigail Thorn is joining the cast of HBO’s hit series.

    She shared her excitement on Instagram, saying, “I LOVE Sharako, she’s an ass-kicking action babe in the biggest show in the world — a dream come true!” Thorn also mentioned, “The reason I got so buff last year is because I have an ass-kicking action role in the biggest show in the world!”

    Rising Star

    Credit: Instagram/@theabigailthorn

    Thorn is best known for her famous “PhilosophyTube” YouTube series, where she creates engaging video essays. She publicly came out as transgender in 2021 and has since been making waves in the acting world. Last year, she wrote and starred in the Nebula original film The Prince. She also played Nocturne in the popular video game Baldur’s Gate 3 and will appear as Ensign Eurus in the new Star Wars spinoff, The Acolyte.

    Fans React

    Fans and fellow creators are thrilled about Thorn’s casting.

    Queer Representation in House of the Dragon

    House of the Dragon has been a significant platform for queer representation. The series stars nonbinary actor Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen. In season one, the intense relationship between Rhaenyra and Alicent Hightower, played by Olivia Cooke, had LGBTQ+ fans eagerly watching. Despite some controversy, the show continues to push boundaries.

    Get Ready for More Drama

    House of the Dragon season two premieres on HBO Max on June 16. Don’t miss the return of the dragonfire-fueled drama in Westeros!

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  • Jessica Gunning Proudly Comes Out: “I’m a Big, Old Gay”

    Jessica Gunning Proudly Comes Out: “I’m a Big, Old Gay”

    British actress Jessica Gunning, star of Netflix’s Baby Reindeer, has come out publicly as gay. The 38-year-old actress, who plays the character Martha in the hit thriller-comedy series, shared her personal story during a recent podcast interview.

    A Personal Revelation

    Speaking with journalist Josh Rein on his podcast Reign with Josh Smith, Gunning marked Pride Month by discussing her journey to self-discovery. “I came out in November 2022. And that was a mega, mega thing for me,” she revealed. “I am surrounded by gays, like all my friends are gay, so it wasn’t that I was repressing anything, it was just that I didn’t think that I could be.

    She continued, “I still can’t articulate it in the best way. But I realized I was a big, old gay. I was like, ‘That’s what it’s been, that’s what it is’. And that was like a massive moment where everything kind of clicked and I made sense of myself then.”

    Signs Along the Way

    Gunning mentioned that she had noticed signs about her sexuality throughout her life. One of the most memorable moments was kissing Cate Blanchet in 2019. Yup, that’ll do it. She starred in the National Theatre production of When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other, where she shared a stage smooch with Blanchett. “I should have known then. All these signs from pre-Reindeer staring me in the face.”

    She also played a role in the 2014 film Pride, which told the true story of LGBTQ+ activists supporting the miners’ strike in the UK.

    Feeling Like an Outsider

    Before coming out, Gunning admitted she felt out of place. “For so long, I’d thought, ‘I know I’m a bigger woman,’ and I thought that maybe it was to do with my size that I felt a bit like almost alien or like I was tagging along,” she explained. “But as soon as I realized, I was like, ‘No, it’s that,’ and that was like the most liberating thing.”

    Celebrating Authenticity

    Netflix

    Baby Reindeer, which tells the harrowing true story of a comedian stalked by a woman named Martha, features Gunning in a standout role. The show, written by and starring LGBTQ+ comedian Richard Gadd, showcases a wealth of queer talent. Gadd, who Martha stalked after offering her a cup of tea, portrays his experiences through the character Donny Dunn. The show also features trans actress Nava Mau, who plays Donny’s girlfriend Teri.

    Living Her Truth

    Gunning’s story is a testament to the power of living one’s truth. As she continues to shine on and off the screen, she inspires others to embrace their true selves. Happy Pride Month to Jessica Gunning and everyone celebrating their unique identities!

  • ‘Bridgerton’ Star Jessica Madsen Proudly Declares Her Love for a Woman in Pride Post

    ‘Bridgerton’ Star Jessica Madsen Proudly Declares Her Love for a Woman in Pride Post

    Loud and Proud: Jessica Madsen Celebrates Love and Pride

    Pride Month is kicking off with a bang, thanks to Bridgerton star Jessica Madsen. The actress, known for her role as Cressida Cowper on the hit show, has just revealed the leading lady in her life.

    Madsen posted a joyful video on her Instagram stories, featuring herself adorned in rainbow-colored face jewels with her hair blowing in the wind. Her caption read, “In love with a woman, loud about it and proud about it!”

    Related | Celebrate Pride Month with New LGBTQ+ Shows and Specials

    Sharing the Love

    But she didn’t stop there. In true Pride Month spirit, Madsen followed up with two more Instagram stories declaring, “News flash: I’m queer” and “Don’t interact with me in June unless this is the vibe you’re bringing.”

    Last year, Madsen first opened up about her identity, sharing a post that read, “Bi the way…. Happy Pride month.” This year, her announcement about being in love with a woman received an outpouring of support, especially from her Bridgerton co-stars. Nicola Coughlin and Jonathan Bailey each showed their love with a flurry of heart emojis. Co-star Hannah Dodd and Bridgerton author Julia Quinn also shared heartfelt responses.

    Instagram/@jess_mads

    In response to the overwhelming support, Madsen commented on her own post, saying, “WOW thank you all for your beautiful messages.”

    Related | Is Benedict Bridgerton Bisexual? Here’s What the Fan Theories Say

    The Bridgerton Buzz

    Madsen’s latest revelation isn’t just a personal victory but also adds to the excitement for Bridgerton fans eagerly awaiting part two of season three, which drops on June 13. Fans are already buzzing to see what awaits Cressida in Part 2, and what will happen to her relationship with Eloise Bridgerton.

    Netflix

    While we’re all buzzing about what’s next for Cressida Cowper, Madsen’s openness about her love life is a beautiful reminder of the importance of living authentically.

    Happy Pride Month to everyone, especially Jessica Madsen, who shows us what it means to be loud, proud, and in love.

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  • ‘The Ultimatum: Queer Love’ Is Back – Get Ready for Some Juicy Drama!

    ‘The Ultimatum: Queer Love’ Is Back – Get Ready for Some Juicy Drama!

    Netflix’s wild social experiment, The Ultimatum: Queer Love, is making a comeback, promising more delicious drama and heart-wrenching moments. Both the queer and straight versions are getting fresh seasons, and we’re here for all the couple-swapping chaos.

    What’s the Buzz About The Ultimatum?

    If you haven’t been sucked into the madness yet, here’s the scoop. The Ultimatum puts couples together at a standstill: one’s ready to say “I do,” and the other has cold feet. The solution? Split up and enter a “trial marriage” with someone else from the cast. Three weeks of living together – what could possibly go wrong?

    Miami Heat: New Season, New Shenanigans

    This time around, The Ultimatum: Queer Love is turning up the heat in Miami with ten sizzling episodes. While Netflix keeps the cast under wraps, we know the couples will be a mix of women and nonbinary folks. Our fearless host, JoAnn Garcia Swisher, is returning for season two.

    When to Tune In?

    Netflix hasn’t spilled the tea on the release date for season two of The Ultimatum: Queer Love just yet, but you bet we’ll be front and center when it drops. In the meantime, if you need a dose of relationship drama, the second season of The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On (yes, the straight version) is coming soon. Episodes 1-8 hit Netflix on August 23, with the grand finale episodes 9 and 10 airing on August 30.

    So, grab your popcorn, cancel your plans, and get ready for a wild ride with The Ultimatum: Queer Love. It’s going to be a hot, dramatic mess, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

  • Netflix Unveils First Teaser for ‘The Umbrella Academy’ Final Season

    Netflix Unveils First Teaser for ‘The Umbrella Academy’ Final Season

    Viktor Hargreeves is back!

    The Umbrella Academy is back for its fourth and final season, and the Hargreeves siblings have never been less powerful. Netflix dropped the first teaser on Wednesday, giving fans a sneak peek into the chaos and excitement awaiting their favorite dysfunctional family.

    Netflix

    A World in Change

    The teaser kicks off with a booming voice declaring, “Our world is changing, has changed.” Quick glimpses of the Hargreeves Home for Wayward Boys and a bustling subway station flash by before the camera settles on Elliot Page’s Viktor taking a call at a bar. The voice continues, “Gifted with abilities far beyond the ordinary,” as familiar faces like Number Five, Luther, and the rest of the crew come into view.

    “I give you the inaugural class of The Umbrella Academy,” the voice proclaims as the team begrudgingly gathers for a group photo. The trailer then dives into various perilous scenarios, showcasing the siblings back in action.

    A Journey Through Time

    The showrunner, Steve Blackman, has promised “madness and chaos” in this final season. Since its debut in 2019, The Umbrella Academy has taken viewers on a wild ride. The first season saw the superpowered siblings reunite for their adoptive father’s funeral and attempt to stop the apocalypse. In 2020, season two scattered the siblings across the early 1960s, where they worked to prevent John F. Kennedy’s assassination. By 2022, season three brought them back to the present day, but facing off against the Sparrow Academy in an alternate timeline.

    Netflix

    New Faces and Challenges

    Fans can also look forward to some fresh faces. Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally join the cast as married professors. Blackman teased in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that the timeline issues from season three will have significant repercussions. “Fans may remember that at the end of season 3, Hargreeves wasn’t able to finish programming the Universe Machine, and Allison still pressed the button anyway,” he said. “So we’re definitely in an altered version of our now. We’re back to the period they’ve always wanted to return to! At least they start in the right year, but we know that something isn’t right.”

    Stripped of Powers

    One of the final season’s most intriguing aspects is the Hargreeves siblings losing their powers. “What does that do to you? As an individual, what is the family dynamic when suddenly they find themselves normal?” Blackman pondered. “I think it’s a challenge for all of them. What might’ve brought them together initially is that, as a dysfunctional family, they found some connection in their abilities. With those superpowers stripped away, who are they as a family?”

    The final season of The Umbrella Academy premieres on Netflix on Aug. 8. Watch the full teaser above and prepare for one last adventure with the Hargreeves siblings.

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  • ‘Heartstopper’ Update: Nick & Charlie’s Story is Coming to an End

    ‘Heartstopper’ Update: Nick & Charlie’s Story is Coming to an End

    Alice Oseman has released an update on the final volume of the Heartstopper graphic novel.

    It’s been a year since Alice Oseman announced that her beloved Heartstopper graphic novels would wrap up with the upcoming sixth volume. Over the weekend, Oseman gave fans an exciting update on the progress.

    First Draft Fun

    “I think I have a first draft of vol 6!!!! (Just the writing, haven’t started drawing yet),” Oseman, who also serves as the showrunner on the Netflix series, shared on Instagram Stories.

    Oseman feels “pretty good” about the draft, though she acknowledges it needs some trimming before finalization.

    “Gonna share with some friends & colleagues and get some opinions, then make some tweaks probably. Hoping to start drawing in June,” she added.

    Earlier this year, Oseman admitted to struggling with ideas for the final installment but now seems to have smashed through her writer’s block. She even teased fans with a photo of her computer screen showing the words “The End.”

    Netflix

    From Web Comic to Netflix Hit

    Heartstopper started as a web comic in 2016, quickly gaining a dedicated following. The Netflix adaptation premiered in 2022, with a second season following in 2023.

    Due to Oseman’s involvement, the series closely follows the graphic novels. The first season covered volumes one and two, while the second season tackled volume three.

    Heartstopper is renewed for a third season, aligning with volume four of the graphic novel, and it premieres on 3 October. The future of the show beyond that remains uncertain, but fans hope for at least two more seasons to cover volumes five and six.

    According to Joe Locke, who plays Charlie, season three is set to be “darker” and “raunchier” than the first two seasons. This suggests that the contents of volume five, which focuses on Charlie’s recovery from an eating disorder and the gang’s scramble for university places, will be included in the plot.

    Netflix

    The End is Near, But Not Too Near

    The reality that Nick and Charlie’s story will come to an end, whether the Netflix series reaches that point or not, seemed to hit fans hard after Oseman’s update. Luckily, we still have time before the final chapter finishes.

    “I still have to draw it,” she wrote, “Which will take me at least 18 months, if not longer. We’ve got some time before the comics end, lads. I’m very excited to have a complete story mapped out and cannot wait to start drawing.”

    It seems fans will have to wait until at least the end of 2025, and possibly until 2026, to get their hands on the next comic.

    Fans Brace for Impact

    Fans are bracing for the emotional impact of Heartstopper’s conclusion. While the end may be in sight, Oseman’s reminder that there’s still a long road ahead has provided some comfort.

    So, while we eagerly await the final volume and upcoming seasons, let’s take a moment to appreciate the journey of Nick and Charlie. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the graphic novels or a newcomer through the Netflix series, Heartstopper has touched hearts worldwide. And as we gear up for the grand finale, one thing’s for sure—this love story will continue to captivate us until the very end.

    Stay tuned for more updates on Heartstopper, and get ready for an emotional rollercoaster as Nick and Charlie’s journey unfolds.

  • See Dylan O’Brien Wear Nothing But Red Lingerie in New Trailer

    See Dylan O’Brien Wear Nothing But Red Lingerie in New Trailer

    Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?

    Dylan O’Brien makes a jaw-dropping cameo appearance in the trailer for the upcoming new series Fantasmas! The 32-year-old actor is one of many guest stars on the show, and in the trailer, he can be seen making quite an entrance in nothing but some red lingerie. No, Gay Twitter is not okay right now. 

    Related | Watch Dylan O’Brien Read Thirst Tweets

    A Fantastical New Series

    Fantasmas comes from the creative mind of writer, director, and comedian Julio Torres. He spins a fantastical six-part tale about the time he lost a gold oyster earring. And let’s just say, it’s not your average lost-and-found story.

    In his search for the precious earring, Julio reflects on the quirky characters he meets. These encounters are introspective, often eerie, and always comedic, set in a dreamy, alternate version of New York City. With a kaleidoscope of color and surrealism, Fantasmas weaves together stories of people searching for meaning, purpose, and connection in an increasingly isolating world.

    Star-Studded Cast

    The series features an impressive lineup of stars. Along with Julio Torres, the main cast includes Martine Gutierrez as Vanesja, Tomas Matos as Chester, and Joe Rumrill as the voice of Bibo. But that’s not all! Over twenty guest stars will appear throughout the six episodes, including:

    • Dylan O’Brien
    • Steve Buscemi
    • Paul Dano
    • Julia Fox
    • Alexa Demie
    • Emma Stone
    • Aidy Bryant
    • Bowen Yang
    • Kim Petras
    • Ziwe

    With such a stellar cast, each episode promises a delightful surprise!

    Executive Producers

    Emma Stone and her husband Dave McCary are executive producing Fantasmas alongside Julio Torres. With their combined talent and vision, this series will surely be a hit.

    Mark Your Calendars

    Fantasmas will premiere on Friday, June 7th, on HBO with new episodes released weekly. Don’t miss out on this unique and captivating show. Check out the trailer now and get ready for a wild, whimsical ride!