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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.
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!
Netflix is celebrating Pride Month by launching its PRIDE collection, showcasing a wide range of LGBTQ+ titles. This collection is perfect for anyone looking to dive into stories that highlight queer experiences, love, and identity. With a mix of nostalgic gems and new additions, there’s something for everyone.
Nostalgic Queer Classics and New Releases
Check out the exciting new titles being added throughout the month. Here are some must-watch films coming to Netflix’s Pride collection:
This cult classic comedy revolves around a quirky Texan family dealing with the fallout of a matriarch’s death. The film explores themes of acceptance and features memorable performances from its ensemble cast.
A heartwarming romantic drama about a successful gay artist who returns to his small Montana hometown to care for his ailing grandfather. While there, he rekindles old friendships and finds unexpected love.
A poignant coming-of-age story about a Korean-American teenager who discovers his sexuality while working at a spa in Los Angeles. The film beautifully captures the tension between cultural expectations and personal identity.
A charming indie film about the budding romance between two high school girls from different social backgrounds. Their relationship faces challenges, but the film highlights the beauty of first love and self-discovery.
“The intelligent Annabelle starts in an elite Catholic girls’ boarding high school after being expelled from the previous 2 schools. She’s open about being lesbian. She’s attracted to her teacher, Simone.”
A romantic comedy about two women who find love later in life. The film showcases the challenges and joys of starting over and the importance of embracing one’s true self.
A tender drama that follows two best friends who reconnect during a road trip. As they spend time together, hidden feelings and unresolved issues emerge, creating a poignant exploration of friendship and love.
Discover More Queer Gems in Netflix’s Pride Collection
Netflix’s Pride collection offers a fabulous variety of queer projects across several fun categories. Explore LGBTQ+ Stories that highlight diverse experiences, Critically Acclaimed films and series, and works by LGBTQ+ Directors. Enjoy GLAAD Award Nominees, LGBTQ+ Docs, and the fabulous world of Drag Excellence. There’s also LGBTQ+ Stories for Families for all ages, Diva Worship featuring iconic performances, and Cult + Camp Classics for some nostalgic fun.
Halsey Reveals Lupus and Rare T-Cell Disorder Diagnosis, Announces New Music
Halsey, the artist who never shies away from real talk, opened up to their fans online while announcing their new single, The End. The singer shared an intimate glimpse into their health struggles on Instagram, captioning, “Long story short, I’m lucky to be alive. Short story long, I wrote an album. It begins with The End. Out now.”
Raw and Real: Inside Halsey’s Health Struggles
Halsey revealed snippets of their medical journey in a series of heartfelt videos and photos. While they didn’t disclose their exact diagnosis right away, they tagged The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Lupus Research Alliance.
One poignant clip shows Halsey, who uses she/they pronouns, massaging their legs and admitting, “I feel like an old lady.” Talking to someone off-camera, they said, “I told myself I’m giving myself two more years to be sick. At 30, I’m having a rebirth, and I’m not going to be sick, and I’m going to look super hot and have lots of energy and I’m just going to get to redo my twenties in my thirties.”
Instagram/@iamhalsey
A Song from the Heart
Halsey’s new track, The End, dives deep into their health journey. The lyrics pull no punches: “Every couple of years now, a doctor says I’m sick / Pulls out a brand new bag of tricks / And then they lay it on me / And at first, it was my brain, then a skeleton in pain.” The song’s raw honesty reflects their ongoing battles and determination.
Halsey’s Health Update
Today, Halsey took to Instagram again to share more about her journey and the overwhelming support from fans. “Thank you guys for the unbelievable amount of love for The End and the support you’ve shown me since its release,” she wrote. “I realize everyone is catching up with news I’ve held in for a very long time, and I wasn’t sure how much I wanted to share.
“In 2022, I was first diagnosed with Lupus SLE and then a rare T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. Both of which are currently being managed or in remission; and both of which I will likely have for the duration of my life.”
Despite the rocky start, Halsey has managed to get their health under control with the help of dedicated doctors. They shared, “After 2 years, I’m feeling better and I’m more grateful than ever to have music to turn to.”
Halsey ended the update with a heartfelt message to her fans, expressing their eagerness to return to the stage. “I can’t wait to get back where I belong: With you all. Singing and screaming my heart out.”
Openness Through the Years
Halsey has always been transparent about their health. Back in 2016, they opened up about their endometriosis diagnosis. Fast forward to 2022, and they revealed they were also dealing with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).
“I’ve learned that if I want to speak about something going on in my life, to make the narrative positive rather than negative,” Halsey shared with Entertainment Weekly in 2017. “So rather than being like, ‘My life sucks because I had to have surgery for my endometriosis,’ [I should] be like, ‘Hey, guys, I’m recovering from my surgery, and how cool is it that I still get to be a performer?’”
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!
Adele proved she’s not just a powerhouse vocalist but also a fierce defender of love and equality. During her Weekends With Adele concert on June 1, kicking off Pride Month, a rude audience member decided to shout, “Pride sucks.” Big mistake.
A Fiery Response
In a fan-captured video, Adele stopped mid-performance at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum to address the heckler. With the poise of a queen, she snapped back, “Did you come to my f—ing show to say ‘Pride sucks?’ Are you f—ing stupid? Don’t be so f—ing ridiculous.” Her words hit harder than her high notes.
Adele didn’t just stop at that. She threw in, “If you’ve got nothing nice to say, shut up, alright?” The crowd erupted in cheers, showing just how much they appreciated her standing up for what’s right.
Adele goes off on audience member who yelled “Pride sucks” at her concert tonight:
“Did you come to my f*cking show and just say that Pride sucks? Are you f*cking stupid? Don’t be so f*cking ridiculous. If you have nothing nice to say, shut up, alright?” pic.twitter.com/M3yl2mdzLV
Adele has always waved the rainbow flag high. Last year, she wowed her audience in Las Vegas by wearing a rainbow flag dress for Pride Month. She declared, “I’ll be celebrating it all month long. Happy Pride!” In 2022, she added extra flair to her London Hyde Park show by waving a Pride flag, much to the delight of her fans.
Her support goes back even further. In June 2016, Adele dedicated a heartfelt performance at Belgium’s Sportpaleis to the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Fla. The horrific attack on the LGBTQ+ club left 49 dead and 53 injured. Adele told her fans, “The LGBTQA community, they’re like my soulmates since I was really young, so I’m really moved by it.”
The show must go on, and Adele’s Las Vegas residency is set to continue through June 15. After a summer break with concerts in Munich, she’ll be back in Vegas for five more weekends starting in late October.
Adele’s no-nonsense takedown of hate at her show is just another reason to adore her. Here’s to a fabulous Pride Month!
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!”
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.”
Madsen’s latest revelation isn’t just a personal victory but also adds to the excitement for Bridgertonfans 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.
— hazel ☆ is seeing ariana (@atwellshepherds) June 3, 2024
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.
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!
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 Academypremieres on Netflix on Aug. 8. Watch the full teaser above and prepare for one last adventure with the Hargreeves siblings.
2024 has been a landmark year in LGBTQ+ representation, with a stunning array of celebrities coming out. These inspiring disclosures across entertainment, sports, and public life have boosted visibility, shattered stereotypes, and expanded societal acceptance.
As we close out this year, here’s a look at some of the trailblazers who’ve stepped into the light, showcasing the power of living authentically.
Bethany Antonia
Credit: Instagram/@bethanyantonia
Bethany Antonia, known for playing Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon, was responding to racist trolls online when she decided to open up about her sexuality.
“Wait till they find out I’m gay too.”
Parvati Shallow
Credit: Instagram/@pshallow
Parvati Shallow, famed Survivor contestant, rang in the New Year by publicly coming out and announcing her relationship with comedian Mae Martin. The couple shared their joy through a charming photo booth strip and a lively beachside Ferris wheel video, both embracing the caption: “We’re here. We’re queer. Happy new year.”
Tom Hollander
The versatile actor described his sexuality as “sufficiently liberal,” sparking discussions on sexual fluidity and personal identity.
“My own sexuality is sufficiently liberal to have encompassed many different experiences, which are not anyone’s business.”
Zoe Lister-Jones
Best known for her roles in Life in Pieces and Confirmation, Zoe took a significant step by openly identifying as queer.
“I’m here, I’m queer, I have some fear but I’m working through it.”
She arrived at the Spirit Awards in February with her partner, filmmaker Sammi Cohen.
Sophia Bush
Sophia Bush, famed for her role on One Tree Hill, openly shares her queer identity and her relationship with soccer star Ashlyn Harris in Glamour. At 41, Bush describes feeling a profound sense of freedom and joy, marking a fresh start and a new chapter in her life.
Reneé Rapp
Star Reneé Rapp made a bold statement on Saturday Night Live, proudly announcing she’s lesbian, after previously identifying as bisexual. This revelation sparked immense support from fans and a candid discussion about embracing one’s true self in the face of skepticism and challenges.
However, Reneé does not care about what the haters have to say. “If I say I’m a lesbian, I am a lesbian,” she tweeted, adding a sprinkle of sass to ward off the doubters, “I’ve had enough of you witches.”
This singer proudly declared his LGBTQIA+ identity, adding a vibrant note to the symphony of queer voices in the music industry.
Amanda Tori Meating
Credit: Instagram/@amandatorimeating
This charismatic star from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 16 came out as a trans woman, becoming a beacon of hope for the transgender community.
“[I was] in this environment for the first time where everyone’s calling me Amanda and not my government name, and realizing how good that felt, and I started to feel a bit more comfortable in the reformation of my identity.”
Madame LaQueer
Also from RuPaul’s Drag Race (season 4), she embraced her identity as a trans woman, using her platform to champion transgender visibility. She now goes by the name Cassie when outside of drag.
“It’s something I’ve been pondering for myself for years,” she told Entertainment Weekly. “It’s now or never…It’s never too late to come out and live your true experience and be yourself and be authentic. There’s nothing like feeling loved in your own skin.”
Colin Grafton
Credit: Instagram/@colin_grafton
Known for his graceful moves on Dancing On Ice, Colin skated into the spotlight of queer representation by coming out as gay.
Erika Casupana
Credit: Instagram/@Erika_cas
Erika Casupanan, the first Filipino Canadian Survivor winner, came out as a lesbian in a playful Instagram video. Fans and the LGBTQ+ community celebrated her, marking another first in her trailblazing journey. Fellow contestants and fans expressed joy and support for her revelation.
Grace Wilson
This Australian soccer powerhouse came out as non-binary, challenging traditional gender norms in sports. They became the first A-League soccer player in the country to come out as nonbinary. “It simply just means that my gender, and my perception of gender doesn’t fit into the Western standards of man or woman. And so, for me, personally, I don’t really feel like I’m anywhere near that.”
Sean Gunn
Credit: Instagram/@seangunnnn
Zimbabwean Olympic swimmer Sean Gunn, 30, has courageously shared his journey of coming out as gay, admitting he struggled with telling his family for a long time. Gunn revealed that he first came out to his teammates at the University of Kentucky in the United States, where he moved in 2012 to study and compete in swimming. He found acceptance and support from his team and felt his friendships grew stronger. Gunn, who now lives in South Africa with his boyfriend, expressed gratitude for the love and acceptance he’s received from friends and family since coming out at age 27.
Daniel Bedingfield
Credit: Instagram/@danielbedingfld
Daniel Bedingfield, brother of Natasha Bedingfield, made a candid revelation during a recent performance at London Palladium on April 23, where he disclosed that his song ‘Borderline’ was penned about a former male love interest. The British singer-songwriter, known for hits like ‘Gotta Get Thru This,’ shared, “I wrote this song with a man I loved about a girl we both loved.”
Taylor Tomlinson
Credit: Instagram/@TaylorTomlinson
Comedian and late-night host Taylor Tomlinson recently came out as bisexual during her stand-up special “Taylor Tomlinson: Have It All.”
“So, anyway, I’ve been trying to figure out if I’m bisexual, or if I just binged Euphoria too fast,” she shared with her audience. Addressing the challenges of dating women, she humorously admitted, “I’ve been trying to date women, but it is so hard. I don’t know how to get women to like me.”
Jessica Madsen
Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Netflix)
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!”
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.
Jessica Gunning
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.
“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.”
Chappell Roan
Credit: Instagram/@ChappellRoan
Chappell Roan, one of pop music’s freshest talents in recent years, delighted her fans with a bold update: “I’m a lesbian now,” she proudly declared in a video reposted by @subwaymp3. Formerly identifying as queer, Roan’s announcement sparked joy and celebration among her supporters.
“Some sh*t’s changed… but, b*tch, I hope you’re happy, cause I’m a lesbian now!”
Maren Morris
On June 9, the Grammy-winning artist took to Instagram, sharing photos from her Phoenix stop on the RSVP Redux Tour. Among the snaps was a picture of Morris waving a Pride Progress flag, accompanied by the caption: “Happy to be the B in LGBTQ+. Happy pride.”
Deshawn Radden
Credit: Instagram/@DeshawnRadden
Survivor 41 runner-up Deshawn Radden celebrated Pride Month by coming out as a “queer Black man,” sharing, “I came out to my family and a few close friends a few years ago.” Reflecting on his journey, he navigated challenges reconciling his identity with faith but found strength in loved ones’ unconditional support. Overcoming fears of rejection, Radden now embraces his authentic self, grateful for the chance to live openly and wholly.
Nick Dumont
Credit: Instagram/@emmadumont
In early December, Oppenheimer star Nick Dumont publicly embraced their identity as transmasculine and non-binary, announcing their pronouns as they/them.
Julia Fox
Julia Fox, known for her bold personality and iconic role in Uncut Gems, hinted at coming out as a lesbian in a cheeky TikTok this July.
In the clip, Fox responded to a TikToker’s comment: “I love when I see a lesbian with their boyfriend. It’s like, ‘Aww, you hate that man.’” With her signature wit, Fox replied, “That was me. I was that lesbian. So sorry boys, won’t happen again.”
Bruce Joel Rubin
Oscar-winning screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin, best known for the 90s classic Ghost, came out as gay in a May interview with The Guardian. At 81, Rubin shared that he has “always known” he was “fully gay” and revealed that his wife has been aware of his sexuality for over 50 years.
Lauv
Credit: Instagram/@lauvsongs
“I’m So Tired” singer Lauv revisited the topic of his sexuality, building on his “gay but not gay” remark from last August.
In a March TikTok, he shared, “I feel like I’m gay, OK. I’ve said this so many times and still not claimed to actually ‘be,’ because I’ve not had enough experience to actually say.”
Jinkx Monsoon
Credit: Instagram/@thejinkx
In March, Jinkx Monsoon, a two-time RuPaul’s Drag Race champion and Doctor Who star, opened up to fans about her gender identity, sharing that she is trans-femme and now uses she/her pronouns.
In a heartfelt social media post, she discussed her decision to undergo facial feminization surgery, expressing that it’s “never too late” to live authentically. Jinkx also revealed her new personal name, Hera Hoffer, and spoke about how portraying Audrey in the Off-Broadway run of Little Shop of Horrors helped affirm her gender identity in a meaningful way.
Louisa Jacobson
Actress Louisa Jacobson, the talented daughter of Meryl Streep, chose Pride Month to share her LGBTQ+ identity with the world proudly. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Jacobson declared she is “blessed to be entering the Joyful New Era bb,” accompanied by a pride flag emoji. The 33-year-old actress, known for her role in HBO’s The Gilded Age, embraced this special month to celebrate her true self in a vibrant and public way.
Sasha Colby
The RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15 winner revealed she is polyamorous, sharing that she was romantically involved with three people.
“I have three partners! I have two partners and someone else I’m dating,” she explained.
Johann Vera
Credit: Instagram/@johannvera
In August, a rising Latin pop star opened up about his sexuality through a heartfelt new song, earning widespread support from fans. Known for his early start on The X Factor in Colombia as a preteen and later competing on Ricky Martin and Simon Cowell’s La Banda, the singer even received encouraging words from Ricky Martin himself following the announcement.
Sasheer Zamata
In a September interview with Them, comedian and actress Sasheer Zamata, known for her time on Saturday Night Live and her role in Agatha All Along, shared that while she’s been out in her personal life, she’s now ready to embrace her identity publicly. “I guess I’m one of those late-in-life lesbians,” she said, adding that she feels “very comfortable and confident” in who she is. Fans have celebrated her openness and authenticity, praising her for living unapologetically.
Dwyane Wade, the former NBA superstar and husband of Gabrielle Union, continues to be one of our favorite celebrity dads. His daughter, Zaya Wade, who came out as trans in 2020, is about to turn 17. Together, they are embarking on an inspiring new project: a non-profit called Translatable, aimed at helping LGBTQ+ youth of color and their families.
Translatable is a non-profit organization supported by the Human Rights Campaign and the Trevor Project. It aims to support and educate LGBTQ+ youth of color, as well as their families and support systems. Zaya’s vision for the organization stemmed from a simple question: “If you have one thing that you want to see change in this community, what would it be?”
Focusing on Parents and Families
Dwyane shared Zaya’s thoughts on the project, stating, “For her, it goes right to parents. It goes right to the adults. It goes right to us. It’s not the kids. It’s us. And so she wanted to create a space that felt safe for parents and their kids. That’s what Translatable is, and it’s her baby.”
Creating a Safe Space
In a promotional video, Zaya explained, “Translatable aims to serve as a community safe space for youth to express themselves through a number of creative outlets. Here at Translatable, we focus on communities of color, center the most marginalized, and emphasize the importance of parents and family.”
A Resource Hub for Families
Dwyane highlighted the importance of resources and support for families. “For our family, we were blessed to have a community of supporters and knowledgeable experts who could swiftly arm us with the tools we needed to help Zaya in her journey. We recognize the lack of digestible and relatable information for youth and families, especially in communities of color. And to this day, we are still learning.”
Pride in Zaya
Dwyane’s pride in Zaya is evident. “I’m so very proud of the daughter that I’ve had the opportunity to raise. She has been my biggest educator and inspiration for what it means to be true to you. That’s why it’s so important to create a collaborative space for the community to participate in the conversation and express themselves freely.”
What’s Next for Translatable?
Zaya announced that Translatable will roll out content, resource guides, and interactive features over the next few months. “Make sure to sign up for email updates. We’re just getting started,” she added.
Dwyane and Zaya Wade are making a significant impact with Translatable, offering a beacon of hope and support for LGBTQ+ youth of color and their families. Their dedication to creating a safe and informative space is truly inspiring.
