Alberto Lejarraga is scoring wins both on and off the pitch. The Spanish goalkeeper, who plays in the country’s semi-professional men’s soccer league, recently tied the knot with his longtime partner, actor and musician Rubén Fernández, in a heartwarming wedding ceremony on Spain’s Costa del Sol.
The wedding was more than just a romantic milestone, it was a bold moment of LGBTQ visibility in a sport still grappling with inclusion.
Lejarraga, 30, made headlines in April 2023 when he casually came out on Instagram by posting a kiss with Fernández and thanking him for his support during a promotion campaign with Marbella FC. The moment marked the team’s rise to Spain’s Segunda B division and unexpectedly made Lejarraga a media figure in and beyond the soccer world.
While former U.S. pro Robbie Rogers came out and later married producer Greg Berlanti, Lejarraga is widely believed to be the first active male professional or semi-pro soccer player to marry a same-sex partner while still playing.
What started as a joyful social media post quickly evolved into international recognition, and, eventually, a shared wedding album celebrated around the world.
“A Great, Great Day”
The newlyweds recently jetted off to Japan for their honeymoon, but the buzz around their big day hasn’t quieted.
“It was a great, great day,” Lejarraga told Outsports, reflecting on the outpouring of love from family, friends, and fans.
Lejarraga emphasized that his coming out was never part of a formal plan, but that hiding no longer felt right. “It wouldn’t be fair to myself, and especially to my partner,” he told TVE. “I wanted to take the step.”
Career Milestones and a New Chapter
Lejarraga’s soccer journey hasn’t slowed either. At the end of the 2023–24 season, he celebrated another promotion with Marbella FC, this time to the third-tier Primera Federación. After signing a one-year contract extension and hitting his 100th appearance (with over 50 clean sheets to his name), Lejarraga transferred back to his hometown club, UD San Sebastián de los Reyes.
Though now playing again in Spain’s fourth tier, his impact continues to rise. In June, he appeared in The Courage to Be Visible, a Pride Month documentary spotlighting LGBTQ athletes in Spain. He joined fellow sports figures including Olympic figure skater Javier Raya, water polo player Víctor Gutiérrez, and race walking champion María Pérez to share candid stories of courage and representation.
Making Space for the Future
With a wedding album full of joy and a career rooted in both athleticism and advocacy, Lejarraga hopes his visibility inspires others in the soccer world.
“There has still never been an out gay or bisexual male player in Spain’s top divisions,” he said, acknowledging the long road ahead.
“But hopefully, one day, this won’t even be news anymore.”
Until then, Lejarraga’s love story stands as a powerful reminder: being out and proud can be just as game-changing as any goal.
An extremely scientific investigation of your taste in video game furniture.
You’ve dated twinks, you’ve dated otters, you’ve dated bears, but have you ever dated a couch? Date Everything asks the eternal question: what if the objects in your house were hot, emotionally complex, and down to vibe? Finally, you no longer have to feel shame for your emotional attachment to a refrigerator. Shout it from the rooftops, people—you’re in love with a curtain rod and you don’t care who knows it!
If you’re new here: Date Everything is a surreal dating sim where you romance the personified versions of household objects—think: couches, toilets, doors, and mirrors, all with fully voiced dialogue and surprisingly complex emotional arcs. Yes, it’s deeply weird. At this point, I need this level of departure from reality to effectively dissociate, okay?
The characters are funny, flirtatious, and packed with more red flags than your last group chat. Whether you’re into strong, silent types or chaotic charmers, there’s someone (or something?) for everyone. So in the spirit of introspection (and public shaming), we’ve compiled this definitive list of what your favorite Date Everything man says about you.
Spoiler: it’s not flattering.
What Your Favorite Man in Date Everything Says About You
Abel from Date Everyting via Sassy Chap Games
Abel
You’re a sucker for the emotionally constipated. You want a loyal man who smells like sawdust and repressed feelings. A man who’ll fix your wobbly chair but not talk about his trauma until year three. You fantasize about slow-dancing in a quiet kitchen, maybe while healing his wooden heart with homemade pie.
Sign: Taurus
Favorite Food: Biscuits and gravy
Hobby: Several, but none you stick with
Green Flag: Always ready for a cozy night in
Red Flag: Chronic red-flag-blindness
Amir from Date Everyting via Sassy Chap Games
Amir
You want to be courted. You’re drawn to big feelings, poetic texts, and men who’ll “read your aura” on the second date. You’ve definitely trauma-bonded with someone in a bathroom. People think you have main character syndrome—and you do—but it’s not your fault that you’re a deeply interesting person.
Sign: Libra
Favorite Food: Grapes, fed to you by hand
Hobby: Crying to voice memos you sent yourself
Green Flag: Deep believer in words of affirmation
Red Flag: Low-key delulu
Barry from Date Everyting via Sassy Chap Games
Barry
You don’t need attention from everyone, just from the people who matter most. You’re drawn to charmers who talk a mile a minute, have five side quests at once, and still remember to tell you you’re beautiful. You want a partner who turns heads but only has eyes for you. Bonus points if they smell like a Sephora.
Sign: Virgo
Favorite Food: Something you split with someone
Hobby: Reorganizing everything you own
Green Flag: Shows up without keeping score
Red Flag: Currently rethinking everything you’ve ever text
You say you’re looking for something real, but who are you kidding? You want someone hot, charming, and just mysterious enough to project your entire romantic fantasy onto. You love a smooth talker who knows wine pairings and how to make you feel like the most interesting person in the room. Oh, and they should be a good person too, I guess.
Sign: Sagittarius
Favorite Food: Pasta made with way too much butter
Hobby: Romanticizing your own life in 4K
Green Flag: Being around you is free entertainment
Red Flag: Has never sat still
Cam from Date Everyting via Sassy Chap Games
Cam
You fall for men who are prickly, scruffy, and emotionally under construction. Cam’s not warm, not charming, not even trying to impress you, and somehow those are all pluses to you? You think being chosen by someone who trusts no one is the highest romantic honor. You’re either the softest soul alive or fully in your self-sabotage era. Sidenote: Are you okay?
Sign: Scorpio
Favorite Food: Big leftover eater
Hobby: Projecting onto emotionally unavailable people
Green Flag: Funny, because trauma
Red Flag: Gets jealous, stays jealous
Chance from Date Everyting via Sassy Chap Games
Chance
You want someone who plans dates like side quests and kisses like it’s a critical hit. You’re drawn to the kind of chaos that kicks the door in first and rolls initiative later. You don’t mind a little awkwardness, as long as they light up when they talk about their latest hyperfixation. You’re not just looking for love. You’re looking for a companion.
Sign: Gemini
Favorite Food: Trail mix (but it’s mostly M&Ms)
Hobby: Your 10-year-old DnD campaign
Green Flag: Down for literally anything
Red Flag: Starts fights over niche lore and wins
Curt and Rod from Date Everyting via Sassy Chap Games
Curt & Rod
Why date one person when you could date two who already have amazing taste and impeccable banter? You want to be adored, entertained, and occasionally dragged in matching outfits. You live for drama, chaos, and being at the center of the best tea in the neighborhood. If love isn’t a three-person production with outfit changes and whispered insults, what’s the point?
Sign: Leo
Favorite Food: A martini you didn’t pay for
Hobby: Eavesdropping, but make it fashion
Green Flag: Keeps receipts
Red Flag: Reads them out loud
Daisuke from Date Everyting via Sassy Chap Games
Daisuke
You don’t need chatter. You need competence, calm, and someone who can stack emotions as neatly as they stack plates. You fall for the serious ones—the ones who won’t open up to just anyone, and definitely not right away. You say you’re low-maintenance, but what you really are is patient.
Sign: Capricorn
Favorite Food: Black coffee “with no sugar,” you exclaim
Hobby: Telling people about Kintsugi
Green Flag: Deeply curious
Red Flag: “Um, actually…”
Dorian from Date Everyting via Sassy Chap Games
Dorian
You fall for the strong, silent type. The one who never opens up, never makes the first move, and somehow still has you thinking, “He’s just scared to love.” You say you’re emotionally mature, but you’re really just deeply committed to unlocking his tragic backstory. The suit? Immaculate. The build? Unholy. The emotional repression? A project.
Sign: Cancer
Favorite Food: Something you cooked and he complimented once
Hobby: Holding a cup of tea for emotional support
Green Flag: Honestly? You might actually fix him
Red Flag: Thinks no texts for two hours is “giving him space”
Jean Loo Pissoir from Date Everyting via Sassy Chap Games
Jean Loo Pissoir
You’re not intimidated by confidence. You’re turned on by it. Jean Loo is loud, rhyming, vaguely damp, and literally a toilet, but that just makes you want him more. You’re pathologically drawn to the one person no one else would ever date. Not because you’re desperate, but because you’re different. You don’t fall in love. It’s all for the bit, right? Right!?
Sign: Aquarius
Favorite Food: Sushi in bed, like a weirdo
Hobby: Weaponizing irony
Green Flag: Unshakable confidence
Red Flag: So, um, you’re definitely dating a toilet!
Koa from Date Everyting via Sassy Chap Games
Koa
You’re soft. Too soft. A human onesie, even. You fall for gentle giants with extra cushion for pushin. Love to you is being swaddled in a warm blanket after crying in the bath, listening to Enya, and that’s valid! You think silence is romantic and physical touch is a personality trait.
Sign: Pisces
Favorite Food: Chips and too much dip
Hobby: Projecting your feelings onto inanimate objects
Green Flag: Deeply intuitive, genuinely caring
Red Flag: Will trauma-bond with a couch
Teddy from Date Everyting via Sassy Chap Games
Teddy
You burn bright, move fast, and fall hard. That’s why you need someone soft to land on. You’re drawn to quiet strength, calm voices, and bear-shaped men who radiate dad energy. Teddy doesn’t just hug, he heals. You say you want emotional growth, but what you really want someone to listen to your chaos, validate your pain, and hand you a warm beverage before you finish ranting. Is that so much to ask?
Sign: Aries
Favorite Food: Melted cheese in all its forms
Hobby: Talking at all possible times
Green Flag: Down for literally anything
Red Flag: Desperately needs fixing
Vaughn from Date Everyting via Sassy Chap Games
Vaughn
Nurse, the patient is escaping!
Buy Date Everything Today
Whether you saw yourself dating the main character, the quiet fixer, or the literal toilet, one thing’s clear: your taste in men is as complex (and chaotic) as ever. But hey, we’re not here to judge. We’re here to enable. If you haven’t already fallen headfirst into the weird, tender, and unhinged world of Date Everything, now’s your chance.
Date Everything is out now on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo.
Charli XCX is officially a married woman, and she did it with style, sass, and a sprinkle of silver-plattered cigarettes. The “Brat” pop provocateur tied the knot with The 1975 drummer George Daniel on Saturday, July 19, in a low-key yet effortlessly cool ceremony at Hackney Town Hall in London.
A Wedding as Stylish as the Bride Herself
The nuptials were an intimate affair, with just close family and friends in attendance, including Daniel’s bandmates Ross MacDonald and Adam Hann. Notably missing was frontman Matty Healy, who was attending the premiere of I Know What You Did Last Summer, starring his fiancée (and Charli’s “360” video muse) Gabbriette Bechtel.
Charli, whose real name is Charlotte Aitchison, wore a draped ivory satin Vivienne Westwood mini dress paired with Jimmy Choo slingback heels and a fingertip veil. Naturally, she accessorized with her signature oversized black sunglasses for a fashion-forward edge. Daniel kept things sleek in a classic suit, letting his bride steal the show.
TikToks, Teacups, and a Touch of Brat
The bride wasted no time in turning her big day into viral content. Charli posted a TikTok the day after the wedding, showing off her gown to the sound of her own song “Girl, So Confusing.” The caption? “When George isn’t crying when he sees me walking down the aisle.” (Spoiler: he did cry. Lucky him.)
Later, she posted another clip from the after-party, revealing a second look, a Saint Laurent white baby doll dress with long sleeves, as she danced with her friends to Far East Movement’s club banger “Like a G6.” George, ever the supportive husband, joined in on the fun, playfully wearing her veil and smoking a cigarette shirtless in front of a fan. Very on brand.
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds and guests headed to the nearby Italian hotspot Dalla for a family-style meal complete with pasta, bubbly, and paparazzi-worthy street style. According to The Sun, they skipped the limos and walked down Hackney High Street instead, with pedestrians doing double takes.
And yes, they did follow through with their now-iconic wedding plan: silver trays filled with skinny cigarettes for guests. The idea, originally revealed on the Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain podcast, added an extra layer of brat-chic flair to the evening. Instagram Stories from DJ Alex Chapman confirmed the luxurious detail.
Charli xcx and George Daniel served a tray of cigarettes to their wedding guests pic.twitter.com/SPTL8pfz1G
Charli and George first met in 2021 while collaborating on the song “Spinning.” Their creative chemistry soon turned into a real-life relationship. By November 2023, Charli announced their engagement with a cheeky Instagram caption:
“charli xcx and george daniel f—ing for life!!!”
With the wedding behind them, the couple seems poised to ride the high of Brat summer well into a bratty honeymoon season. Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. XCX, we wouldn’t expect anything less than maximalist minimalism from pop’s most chaotic-cool bride.
When a Coldplay concert turned into an HR nightmare, the internet couldn’t look away.
Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and his Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot, sparked a frenzy online after they appeared together on the kiss cam during Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres tour stop in Boston. The camera found them mid-snuggle, until Byron, who is married, panicked and dropped his arm faster than a bad stock. Cabot spun away awkwardly, and the moment quickly became internet gold.
Chris Martin tried to lighten the mood with a cheeky “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy,” but the damage was done. The couple’s dodgy reaction only fanned the flames, and within hours, the footage had gone viral across X, TikTok, and Instagram. Commenters pointed out the poor judgment, the irony of the HR chief being involved, and expressed sympathy for Byron’s wife, who has since removed his last name from her social media accounts.
What could’ve been a cute concert moment became a case study in how not to handle PDA. And while the straights spiral in scandal, we’d like to redirect your attention to the kiss cam moments that actually make us smile: the queer ones.
Kiss Cams That Got It Right (AKA: Not an HR Violation in Sight)
While that Coldplay kiss cam gave us viral chaos, the LGBTQ+ community has long been delivering public affection that’s joyful, affirming, and drama-free. Sports arenas and concerts across the country have slowly but surely started reflecting that reality, placing queer couples front and center in kiss cam traditions once reserved for hetero PDA.
Over the past few years, teams like the St. Louis Cardinals, LA Dodgers, New York Knicks, and even the Lakers have featured same-sex couples on the big screen, often during Pride Nights. And unlike that awkward Coldplay footage, these moments are met with cheers, not cringes.
What sets these moments apart isn’t just the lack of scandal. It’s that they’re about actual love, not secrecy. There’s no PR fallout, no LinkedIn damage control, and certainly no HR chief looking like they just saw a ghost. It’s just people being seen, and celebrated, for who they are and who they love.
In a world where straight people keep getting caught in 4K doing the absolute most, queer couples are showing how it’s done. Public affection doesn’t need to end in a breakup, or a board meeting. Sometimes, it just ends with applause from the crowd and a few happy tears.
So while the Coldplay tour rolls on, and the internet continues to roast one CEO’s decision-making skills, we’re keeping our eyes on the jumbotrons lighting up with actual heart. The kind that doesn’t go viral for the wrong reasons.
Scroll down to see the kiss cam photos that actually gave us joy.
Dodgers Pride Night. Photo: Dodgers StadiumDodgers Pride Night. Photo: Dodgers StadiumLA Clippers Kiss Cam Photo: Crypto.com ArenaLA Lakers Kiss Cam. Photo: Crypto.com ArenaLA Lakers Kiss Cam. Photo: Crypto.com ArenaDodgers Pride Night. Photo: Dodgers StadiumTarjei Sandvik Moe and Henrik Holm caught on Kiss Cam during Norwegian TV Awards. Photo: Norwegian TV Awards
JoJo Siwa has never been one to shy away from the spotlight, or her truth. But after her stint on Celebrity Big Brother UK, her evolving identity and new romance with fellow contestant Chris Hughes have stirred up more than just headlines. Thankfully, Hughes is stepping in to clap back at critics questioning Siwa’s place in the LGBTQ+ community.
From Labels to Liberation
During her time on Big Brother, Siwa had a heartfelt conversation with Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard about how her understanding of herself has shifted. The 22-year-old performer, once a self-described lesbian, shared that “queer” now feels like the more accurate label.
“I feel, like, so queer,” Siwa said on the show. “I’ve always told myself I’m a lesbian, and I think being here I’ve realised, ‘Oh, I’m not a lesbian, I’m queer.’ I’ve dropped the L and gone to the Q, baby!”
It wasn’t just about who she loves. Siwa also cracked open her thoughts on gender identity, hinting at a deeper exploration that’s still in process.
“I don’t know… it’s confusing,” she told Hughes at one point. “I’ve met people in my life that are non-binary, and these beautiful non-binary people are who I feel the most like.”
A New Chapter and A New Love
Amid the self-discovery came something else unexpected: a budding romance with Hughes, the 32-year-old reality TV personality best known from Love Island. After weeks of speculation, Siwa confirmed to The Guardian in June that their connection had turned romantic.
“It’s not platonic anymore,” she said. “It’s a beautiful development… I’m absolutely head over heels for him.”
But not everyone celebrated the news. The internet, as it often does, had opinions—many of them biphobic. Some critics even accused Siwa of “turning straight,” despite her very public queerness.
Chris Hughes Isn’t Having It
In a recent interview with The Sun’sFabulous magazine, Hughes directly addressed the backlash, and firmly defended Siwa.
“She is bisexual. She’s not now straight because she’s with me,” he said. “She’s still part of the LGBTQ+ community; she always will be.”
He also shared how upsetting it’s been to see his partner face online hate.
“I do feel a sense of responsibility that being with me has led to her getting hate,” Hughes admitted. “But I don’t understand how anyone could be mean to someone as caring as her.”
Age Is Just a Number and So Is the Gender of Who You Love
Hughes also opened up about their 10-year age gap, brushing it off with a bit of humor: “She’s one of the most mature people I’ve ever met, and I’m very immature. But it works.”
“I’d love to marry her,” he added. “I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you I run through scenarios of our wedding day.”
JoJo Siwa’s journey, like anyone else’s, isn’t up for public approval. Whether she’s dropping letters from the LGBTQ+ acronym or dancing her way through new chapters, she remains proudly, unapologetically queer. And with Hughes by her side, she’s not backing down anytime soon.
After nearly six years of marriage and a highly public love story, Gigi Gorgeous and Nats Getty have officially ended their relationship. The couple, who married in 2019, confirmed their amicable split in a joint statement shared with People on July 2.
“Gigi Gorgeous and Nats Getty confirm they have amicably decided to part ways and officially file for divorce,” their rep shared. “While they have decided to end their marriage, they remain friends and have the utmost love and respect for each other.”
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Getty cited “irreconcilable differences” and listed February 27, 2025, as the date of separation.
A Romance That Inspired Millions
Gigi Gorgeous (née Giselle Loren Lazzarato) and Nats Getty became a power couple within the LGBTQ+ community. Their whirlwind romance began in 2016, and they tied the knot in a lavish ceremony three years later. Throughout their relationship, they were candid about both their personal transformations and their desire to build a family.
Gigi, 33, opened up about their IVF journey during the 2024 People’s Choice Awards, telling E! News’ Laverne Cox, “We have six embryos that are on ice, and we could technically have six kids tomorrow, which is crazy.” Ever the humorist, she quickly added, “I think we’re maybe gonna do, like, four kids tomorrow.”
Personal Growth and Shared Courage
For Nats, the divorce comes on the heels of several life milestones, including publicly coming out as transgender and non-binary in January 2021. In a heartfelt Instagram post shared at the time, the 32-year-old explained, “I have spent my entire life not in sync with the body I was born with… It wasn’t until recently that I was even comfortable admitting this to myself.”
They also detailed their decision to undergo top surgery, describing it as something they had dreamed about for years. “I know it’s a privilege that I’m even able to move forward with this when for many it’s an impossible option due to their circumstance,” they wrote.
Their post ended with a message to others navigating gender identity and self-discovery: “There is no need to rush it. Allow yourself the time and space to find who you truly are.”
Parting, Not Breaking
Though their romantic chapter has ended, both Gigi and Nats continue to stand as examples of authenticity, resilience, and love, just in a new form. Their separation marks not a failure, but a turning point, rooted in mutual respect and a continued commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
HER, the leading sapphic dating app for queer women, nonbinary, and trans sapphics, has rolled out an exciting new feature aimed at amplifying emotional authenticity in queer connections. Called “Feelings,” the update allows users to select short, mood-based tags to signal their current vibe—removing guesswork and enhancing emotional clarity in conversations.
A New Era of Emotional Honesty
Gone are the days of generic bios and awkward first messages. Now, users can pick from expressive tags like “Just talking,” “Go on a date,” “Flirty,” or “Hook up.” These mood indicators help spark intentional connections at a glance.
By auto-expiring after 48 hours, Feelings keeps things fluid—reflecting the changing tides of queer emotions without cluttering profiles. Users can even stack tags and personalize them with flirty notes, infusing personality into every interaction.
Why HER Is Poised for Innovation
Founded in 2015 by Robyn Exton, HER was created to serve a community often overlooked by mainstream apps. With over 15 million users and 300 million matches to date, HER has consistently ranked as a top LGBTQIA+ platform. The app stands apart for its community focus, Pride Pins, and support for nonbinary and trans users.
As part of Match Group, HER maintains its queer leadership and identity-driven design while benefiting from enhanced safety tools and technical infrastructure.
A Response to Real User Needs
In today’s fast-paced and often transient world, queerness thrives on nuance. Feelings are not always binary—they’re messy, shifting, and deeply personal. By letting users express their intentions transparently, HER empowers connections that start with emotional resonance rather than guesswork.
Features That Prioritize Safety and Self
HER already allows users to customize profiles with pronouns, gender identity, orientation, Pride Pins, and lifestyle filters—free of charge. Communities and events keep the platform social, not just transactional. Feelings adds another layer of nuance—letting users share in-the-moment intentions without oversharing or locking in long-term labels. It’s a safer way to flirt, date, or chill on one’s own terms.
A Growing Movement Toward Queer-Sourced Solutions
As sapphic dating gains popularity, users increasingly seek platforms built with queer sensibility at the core. HER’s innovations—like Pride Pins, community-driven content, and now Feelings—reflect a cultural shift toward more expressive, less constrained digital spaces.
“This is a bold move away from binary thinking,” Kaye said. The goal? A queer dating app that’s as emotionally agile as the users it serves.
Feelings is rolling out now on HER across iOS and Android. While the feature is optional, its uptake may redefine how queer communities connect online—making mood-based authenticity a standard rather than a luxury.
At a Glance: HER + Feelings Feature
Feature
Description
Feelings Tags
Mood indicators like “Flirty,” “Hook up,” “Just talking”
Auto-Expiry
Tags disappear after 48 hours for fluid expression
Notes
Add a personal touch with custom mood notes
Community Focus
Builds on existing features (Pride Pins, Events)
Emotional Alignment
Sparks genuine, mood-based connections
Why This Matters
In a landscape where queer connections can be fraught with awkward conversations and misreads, HER’s new feature encourages honesty and mutual understanding. It’s not just a dating app update—it’s a cultural signal that queer spaces online can evolve beyond static profiles and into living expressions of identity and desire.
Ten years after Obergefell, Darnell Lamont and Chris Hill remind us that intimacy is its own kind of rebellion.
Darnell and Chris are the kind of people you talk to and feel like you’ve known them for years. After two conversations, I’ve already divulged my entire life story and invited them to stay with my husband and me in Ireland. I meant it, too. It’s rare to feel that kind of genuine warmth through a computer screen, but that’s just the kind of people they are. As I reflect on our conversation, their story makes a lot of sense. As I see it, they are the product of two people growing together out of instinct.
Photos by Chris Behroozian
The Beginning of a Queer Love Story
For two talented creatives who put so much intention into their work, it’s funny how incidental their relationship has been. Not without care and tenderness, but seemingly without needless anxiety. “We met on Scruff,” Chris says with a cheeky grin.
Chris, a talented hair stylist, is a self-described “Chatty-Cathy,” and it tracks. One flash of his pearly whites and a flick of his long hair, and it’s easy to see why Darnell was so drawn to him. “It was probably like three or four attempts of me trying to get you to hang out,” Darnell says playfully. Darnell, a brilliant art director, is quieter and more reserved, yet deeply contemplative. His beard and glasses give him a professorial look, even when paired with a baseball cap. Coupled with his deep voice and thoughtful cadence, talking to him is a tonic. They complement each other perfectly. They just fit.
Chris described their first date, at a sports bar in Philly, as “easy.” Despite the first-date jitters, a combination of liquid courage and Chris’ charm got them gabbing all evening like old friends. “We had a couple of shots, and we just had the best time. […] We hung out almost every day since.”
The Proposal That Wasn’t
As our conversation turned to weddings, the theme of ease kept coming back. Marriage wasn’t on either of their radars. “I never really had a picturesque idea of getting married or anything like that,” says Darnell. “I think we talked about it, but it was never anything super serious or anything.”
Circumstance Without the Pomp
Like many queer people, a traditional marriage wasn’t something they ever expected for themselves. “It wasn’t a realistic thought, kind of growing up gay, you know? It just wasn’t really part of it,” says Chris. “Even when we started talking about marriage, we didn’t even want to do the proposal thing.” Their actual “proposal,” if you want to call it that, was an impromptu trip to the jewelry store. “We went to our favorite jewelry store, it’s called Halloween, and we were just kind of shopping around.”
“We were there for like maybe an hour or something, and we both kind of just found rings that we loved. And then we were like, should we just do it?” I could see the excitement on their faces as they remembered this moment. I got the sense that their relationship was a constant process of discovery, filled with little moments just like this one.
Originally, the couple toyed with the idea of a black-tie affair. Something gay and grand. “I think just naturally, when you get engaged, the kind of hype of it felt like we needed to do something grand, and then we were like, we actually don’t really want any part of that.”
Letting Go of the Big Wedding Pressure
Instead, they gave themselves time, two full years in fact. And in that time, they let the idea of a big wedding fade. What emerged was something much closer to the truth: a private, deeply intentional celebration. It’s not an easy decision to make. Anyone who has planned a wedding can tell you that sooner or later, the expectations of friends, parents, in-laws, and family friends start to weigh on you. Before you know it, the whole affair can quickly spiral out of your control.
This was something Chris and Darnell were very intentional about. “We kind of just kept our plans to ourselves, and that helped us just be really clear about what we wanted.”
An Intimate Wedding Day in LA
The night before they tied the knot, Darnell and Chris checked themselves into Chateau Marmont. Perched above Sunset Boulevard, this century-old Gothic Revival building is like something out of a fairy tale. Chic, storied, and effortlessly romantic, I can’t think of a more perfect setting for these two. “It’s such a magical place,” says Chris. The rest of their stay sounds like a dream. They ordered room service, went down to the pool, took a little dip, and sat in the sun. While most people are panicking about the weather and writing last-minute table-seating labels (yours truly), Darnell and Chris were soaking in the entire thing. “It truly felt like a staycation because it was like something we were doing that no one else knew,” says Chris.
A Wedding Ceremony Without the Spectacle
There is also actual wedding business to attend to here. The couple, of course, had to go through the legal motions, and they wanted to document everything along the way. “The photos were really the most important part, just so we can have [them] as a keepsake,” says Chris. They met their photographer, Chris Behroozian, a few times before for a vibe check. “We just wanted to feel really chill with them,” says Chris. “Especially getting your photo taken for hours is kind of a vulnerable experience.” Not to mention, Chris Behroozian’s work is intimate, timeless, and somewhat cinematic; the ideal complement to both the couple and the setting.
Capturing the Day with Intention
Given how stunning and editorial the photos look, I had to ask them how they achieved it. “We really did a lot of work in the preparation so that on the day, we weren’t micromanaging anyone, you know?” says Chris. “It felt so easy because [Darnell] and the photographer had done so much back and forth to prepare. So on the day it was decisive, it was clean, it was respectful.” It can’t hurt if one of you is an art director.
After their photos were taken in the morning, the couple headed to the courthouse. According to them, it was quick and easy. “We loved our judge. She was so cute and sweet.” They even had their photographer as their witness. Two birds with one stone.
FaceTime, Dive Bars, and Two Dinners
Once they finished up at the courthouse, it was over to West Hollywood for some photos and shots at a dive bar. There, they gave their family a quick heads up to answer the phone when they call, and they broke the good news over FaceTime. If there was one thing that made them reconsider eloping, it was not having family there. I reminded them that there will be plenty of opportunities to do exactly that in the future—who says you even need an excuse?
When you’ve broken the conventions, you get to do things like planning two dinners instead of one. And that’s exactly what they did. First, they had dinner at Horses in West Hollywood, where they hung out and did some people watching. Then they headed back to their hotel for a second dinner. “That was really sweet because when we got to the table, friends and family had sent us bottles to the table.”
They even got a celebratory welcome. An older couple sitting next to them somehow got wind of their story and their arrival. “They freaked out when we got to the table,” says Chris. “It was so cute. They were screaming and clapping.” This was the point when the emotions of the day began to set in. Seeing their families, getting that welcome, and then processing it together sounds like the kind of shared, intimate experience that fuels a marriage. After dinner, the couple had cake in their hotel room, took some Polaroids, and watched cable TV, which is one of their favorite things to do together.
This sort of low-key experience certainly isn’t for everyone, but I can’t help but wonder how many people would choose this if it felt more accessible to them. Without the external burdens of familial and societal expectations, weddings can be like a secret shared between lovers. Something that belongs to just the two of you.
10 Years After Obergefell
It’s not lost on me that my conversation with Darnell and Chris is occurring almost exactly 10 years after the Obergefell v. Hodges decision in 2015. Nor is it lost on Darnell and Chris that the current political landscape has us wondering just how safe our right to marry is. “The political climate definitely informed our sense of urgency,” says Chris. “In November, with the new administration, […] we felt pretty vulnerable.”
The Political Reality of Queer Marriage in 2025
No queer couple needs the government to validate their relationship, but the rights afforded to those who marry are deeply impactful. Regardless, no matter what happens, Darnell and Chris’ relationship is built on something stronger. If they did see their rights roll back, “it would be a sad thing, but it wouldn’t break us,” says Chris.
So, 10 years after Obergefell, perhaps it’s time that some of us reexamine our relationship with weddings and marriage in general. Ask yourself, how can they best serve your needs as a family, rather than falling into the same conveyor belt as everyone else? While certainly not for everyone, Chris and Darnell chose to skip the spectacle and, in doing so, they found something far more personal.
Life After the Ceremony
True to form, the couple says they are looking for some consistency for a while. “We’ve been in Los Angeles now for six years, and it’s just feeling like we can breathe a little bit.” According to Darnell, they’re in their nesting period.
Photos by Chris Behroozian
Marriage as Intention
Now that they’re married, I couldn’t help but wonder if life feels different for Darnell and Chris. In many ways, this is a natural continuation of their story, but in others, this has made them feel more solid as a couple. “I feel like we’re quicker to say sorry,” says Darnell. “You’re more intentional about each other’s feelings […] because you plan to spend a lifetime together, you know?”
My mother-in-law likes to tell me, “What’s meant for you will come easily.” It always struck me as a platitude you tell yourself when you lose something you worked hard for. Perhaps I would amend the statement just a bit: “What’s meant for you will come naturally.” With a little intention and a dash of preparation, it might even come together with relative ease. When I look at relationships like Darnell and Chris’, I am reminded of how many great things can — and should — come easily.
Things like love. Intimacy. And watching cable TV with your husband.
Keep scrolling for more stunning shots of Darnell and Chris’ special day.
Anna Camp is glowing, in love, and not here for your unsolicited opinions.
The Pitch Perfect star made her red carpet debut with partner Jade Whipkey this week, confirming their relationship with a splashy, sequin-filled appearance at the premiere of Bride Hard, Camp’s latest action-comedy co-starring Rebel Wilson. Their joint appearance marked a bold and joyful new chapter for Camp, who publicly came out earlier this year.
A Picture-Perfect Premiere
Camp, 42, lit up the DGA Theater Complex in a shimmering light blue sequin gown styled by Annabelle Harron, her own cheeky version of “something blue.” Beside her, Whipkey, 24, served sleek power suit energy in a beige oversized blazer and coordinating trousers.
The couple posed hand-in-hand, exchanging affectionate glances and unapologetic joy in front of photographers. “Thank you @rebelwilson for being my bride or die and to my girlfriend @jadewhipkey for being my date and for making me glow,” Camp shared on Instagram. Whipkey replied, “You crushed it honey, congrats. I’m so lucky to be by your side.”
Their premiere moment comes just weeks after the couple was spotted in a PDA-heavy moment in Los Angeles, making headlines and stirring fan excitement.
‘Pride Hard’ for Pride Month! 🌈 Anna Camp makes her red carpet debut with her girlfriend, Jade Whipkey, at the ‘Bride Hard’ premiere. #bridehard#annacamp#pride
Not all the reaction was celebratory. Following the red carpet event, online discourse sparked over the couple’s 18-year age gap. But Camp didn’t stay silent for long.
“I’ve dated men exactly my age and Jade is far more mature than any of them,” she wrote in a June 20 Instagram comment. “We have more in common than anyone else I’ve ever dated and can literally talk about anything and everything.”
She added with poise, “Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I’m wishing everyone well, especially this Pride Month.”
A Love That Blossomed Publicly
Camp and Whipkey confirmed their romance in May, when the actress reshared a poetic tribute from Whipkey: “Her smile is a poem… her eyes are roses, her laugh is music for dancing.” Around the same time, Camp posted a romantic dinner date photo with the caption, “Date night.”
Camp previously opened up about her 2019 divorce from Pitch Perfect co-star Skylar Astin, describing the aftermath as both “scary and liberating.” Speaking at a Television Critics Association panel that year, she said, “I feel more me than I ever, ever have… It’s a vulnerable place to be, but it’s also really empowering.”
The True Blood actress added, “You can go through a life change and remain positive… I’ve learned that in the face of a challenge, I can rise above it and even be better for it.”
Now, as she steps into her queer identity and embraces a new love, Camp seems ready to let joy (and sequins) lead the way.
Chrishell Stause and G Flip brought queer joy and a kiss-cam-worthy moment to centerfield at the Los Angeles Dodgers Pride Night, where the couple celebrated community, visibility and each other. Their PDA-packed appearance wasn’t just a show of affection, it was a celebration of love and unapologetic self-expression.
While G Flip rides high on their new era of music (think disco cowgirl meets queer line dancing), it was their moment at Pride Night with Chrishell that had fans buzzing across the internet.
The “Selling Sunset” star and the Aussie pop-punk cowboi made their affection loud and clear with a string of photos from the Dodgers’ annual Pride Night, which took place June 14. In snapshots posted Thursday, the couple shared kisses and grins on the field, surrounded by friends, fans and a glowing rainbow-lit stadium.
Chrishell made sure to give a nod to GLAAD in her post and shared a message from the Dodgers highlighting their commitment to inclusivity, even noting the organization’s pushback against federal agents attempting to access the stadium’s parking lots. It was clear her Pride post had extra punch.
A Weekend of Pride and Power Suits
Before hitting the stadium, Chrishell turned heads at the L.A. Pride Parade in a dazzling pink sequin mini, giving full “Barbiecore realness meets real estate mogul” energy. Meanwhile, G Flip was riding the momentum of their latest music drop, performing “Big Ol’ Hammer,” a cheeky, sapphic country-pop anthem, across Europe and Pride events throughout the month.
G Flip’s Big Ol’ Gay Era
In true Yeehaw Agenda fashion, G Flip’s newest single, “Big Ol’ Hammer,” is an ode to gender euphoria, sapphic swagger and unapologetic queerness. Lyrics like “I can be any size that you like” are campy, confident and made to be screamed in a crowd of fans waving fans, bandanas and cowboy hats.
The music video, inspired by Grease Lightnin’, is set in a sweaty auto shop packed with queer icons like The L Word: Generation Q’s Jacqueline Toboni and comedian Fortune Feimster, all grinding, wrench-turning, and body-rolling in perfect choreography.
For G Flip, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, the project represents a joyful rebellion.
Mighty Hoopla and a Mighty Cry
G Flip’s recent performance at Mighty Hoopla in London brought the crowd, and the artist to tears. Despite not playing the main stage, they were stunned by the sea of fans screaming their name and waving their arms to a track that hadn’t even been released.
“I’m really soft, and cry really easily,” they said. “When everyone cheers your name non-stop… my eyes water and then I cry.”
The crowd felt like a queer utopia, a contrast to the harsh realities trans and non-binary people face daily. That visibility, they stressed, is vital.
“I never had that representation when I was growing up,” they said. “So I always want to be that for other people.”
Fan Reactions
On social media, fans flooded Chrishell’s and G Flip’s comment sections with hearts, flames and cries of “Such a beautiful couple. Happy pride babes!” One fan commented, “Keep living life with beautiful happiness.” Another wrote, “You two are the CUTEST!!”
A Queer Home Run
From choreographed grease-stained dance numbers to a full-on makeout sesh at a baseball game, Chrishell and G Flip are redefining what queer joy looks like in public spaces. And if their Pride month plans are any indication, the rest of us are just lucky to be watching from the bleachers.
