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Lorde’s Sister Indy Yelich Unveils Fame Is a Bedroom, an Intimate EP on Love and Queer Identity (Exclusive)

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Indie-pop singer and songwriter Indy Yelich is preparing to share a side of herself few have heard before. Her forthcoming EP, Fame Is a Bedroom, set for release on August 1, captures deeply personal stories of identity, relationships and growing up in the long shadow of fame.

Yelich, known as Lorde’s younger sister, took Gayety by the hand this week to reflect on what inspired this candid collection of songs. In an exclusive interview, she revealed that she composed much of the EP in real time, documenting experiences as they were unfolding.

“This is my most personal record yet,” Yelich said. “I wrote these tracks while living them. It feels like a sonic goodbye to big relationships and past parts of myself. Releasing it now just feels right.”

Indy Yelich for 'Fame Is A Bedroom.'
Indy Yelich for ‘Fame Is A Bedroom.’

Sail Away: A Song of Queer Friendship and Lost Love

One of the most compelling tracks, “Sail Away,” delves into the complexity of a queer relationship that blurred the line between friendship and romance. Yelich says she drew on her own experiences—sharing beds, heartfelt conversations and an unspoken longing.

“It’s about someone I was very close to, maybe even in love with, and those feelings were never mutual,” she explained. “Queer friendships like that can be haunting. You lose a friend, a lover and a confidante all at once.”

Inspired partly by Chappell Roan’s Good Luck Babe, “Sail Away” explores the uncharted emotional terrain of female intimacy and same-sex longing. Through its haunting melody and reflective lyrics, the song captures the push and pull of bonds that are difficult to define.

Indy Yelich for 'Fame Is A Bedroom.'
Indy Yelich for ‘Fame Is A Bedroom.’

A Bedroom Full of Memories

The EP’s title, Fame Is a Bedroom, echoes its intimate tone. Yelich describes the bedroom as her creative cocoon – a space for writing, crying, healing and self-reflection.

“My bedroom is where I do everything—rest, dream, talk on the phone. It’s private, messy and sacred all at once,” she said. “These songs are conversations I’ve had behind closed doors.”

Each song unpacks a piece of her story, from her first move to New York at 18 to coming to terms with her queer identity and navigating emotional entanglements.

Influences That Shaped the Sound

Musically, Fame Is a Bedroom features lush, atmospheric production guided by influences like Mk.gee, Holly Humberstone, Ethel Cain, Bon Iver, Billie Marten, Gigi Perez and Chappell Roan. Yelich aimed for songs that breathed – where lyrics and arrangement had room to evoke mood and memory.

“These artists inspired me to make space in my music for vulnerability,” she said. “I wanted the EP to feel moody, emotional and human.”

Queer Voice Center Stage

Fame Is a Bedroom speaks to queer audiences through its exploration of female friendship, longing and the evolving understanding of sexuality. Yelich, who came out at age 19, says her identity is inseparable from her creative expression.

Indy Yelich for 'Fame Is A Bedroom.'
EP Artwork for ‘Fame is a Bedroom.’

“These songs are rooted in women’s lives—my own, my sisters’ and friends’. I often write to figure things out,” she said.

She hopes listeners will find resonance in the silences, the questions and the spaces between words—moments where identity forms and fractures.

Lessons Learned Through Heartbreak

Yelich says emotional honesty and self-awareness were essential to writing this EP. She credits painful breakups and friendships for prompting personal growth.

“Loss demands introspection. I had to own my part in letting go. Working on attachment and setting boundaries has helped me develop stronger relationships.”

On emotional boundaries, she admits it’s a work in progress. Communication and self-care, she says, are ongoing practices.

Growing Up as Lorde’s Sister

The shadow of fame has shaped Yelich’s life from a young age. As Lorde’s sister, she faced inevitable public scrutiny—search engines knew her address and her family biography.

“It’s weird to be a teenager with your life already cataloged online,” she recalled. “You learn to develop thick skin early. Fame opened doors for my music, and I’m grateful. Still, this EP was about being heard for myself.”

She acknowledges the challenge of carving a creative identity that stands apart from her famous sibling.

“I come from a family of writers. Music was always in me. Trusting my own voice—without comparison—became my North Star.”

A Farewell and a Beginning

Fame Is a Bedroom wraps up a chapter in Yelich’s life, offering a space to process and let go. At the same time, it serves as a bold announcement of her artistic independence and personal evolution.

With songs about codependency, heartbreak and sisterhood, Yelich has created a collection that is vulnerable, relatable and emotionally rich. Her voice, both lyrical and literal, asserts itself with quiet power.

The EP will be available August 1 across all streaming platforms. For queer pop and intimate storytelling that resonates with real lived experience, Fame Is a Bedroom is poised to be a landmark moment.

Jinkx Monsoon Drags J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Views—and the Internet Is Living

In a viral clip from her upcoming Ziwe interview, Broadway powerhouse and RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon delivered a savage—and hilarious—takedown of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. The read? Immaculate. The shade? Pulitzer-worthy.

When asked if Rowling would make a good Roxie Hart in Chicago, Jinkx played coy, clutching a cocktail and replying with theatrical confusion:

“Who is Jake? Who is he? Jake Hay Rowling?”

Ziwe gently corrected her, “She.”

To which Jinkx snapped back without missing a beat:

“Oh, dear. That is not a feminine name in the slightest.”

The queen of camp then got real, dragging Rowling’s own gender presentation into the spotlight. “I know that oftentimes, female authors use initials so that people assume it’s a male writer,” Jinkx said. “I have to presume that J.K. Rowling was unsatisfied with the way that the world saw her, and then she transitioned herself into a new personality so that the world would perceive her the way she wanted to be perceived.”

Cue Ziwe gagging. Literally.

While Jinkx served her signature satire, the underlying point was deadly serious: Rowling has spent the past few years actively campaigning against trans rights in the U.K., including celebrating anti-trans legal decisions on social media with cocktails and cigars. Meanwhile, the irony of her writing under both a gender-neutral name (J.K.) and a full male pseudonym (Robert Galbraith) hasn’t gone unnoticed—especially by Monsoon.

The clip has already lit up queer Twitter, with fans applauding Jinkx’s brilliant use of wit to expose Rowling’s hypocrisy.

Jinkx, who recently wrapped her run as Ruth in Pirates! A Penzance Musical, will return to Broadway August 4 to take over as Mary Todd Lincoln in the hit play Oh, Mary! She also starred in the recent season of Doctor Who.

Ziwe’s full interview with Monsoon will premiere on YouTube Thursday at 5 p.m. PST.

Alexandra Shipp Says ‘Love, Simon’ Inspired Young Fans to Come Out—and Taught Parents How to Love Them

At a recent Collider Ladies Night After Dark panel at San Diego Comic-Con, Alexandra Shipp opened up about the lasting legacy of Love, Simon and how it helped shape a more inclusive future for LGBTQ+ storytelling on screen.

The actress first made waves in Hollywood with standout performances in biopics like Straight Outta Compton and blockbusters like X-Men: Apocalypse, where she portrayed a young Storm. But it was her role as Abby Suso in the 2018 teen rom-com Love, Simon that cemented her place in the hearts of queer audiences everywhere.

In the film, Shipp played one of Simon Spier’s close friends, offering support, sass, and vulnerability as Simon navigated his journey of coming out. While the story centered on Simon (played by Nick Robinson), it was the cast’s ensemble dynamic that made the film feel like a warm hug to so many viewers.

The Impact of Love, Simon

During the SDCC panel, Shipp was asked to recall the first time she felt the true power of her work. Without hesitation, she pointed to Love, Simon.

“I did a little movie called Love, Simon, and I remember when we were doing the press tour for it, how many young kids were coming up and saying that it was inspiring for them to come out to their families,” she said. “And what was also beautiful was parents who came up to us and said, You showed us how to accept our child the right way.

Shipp emphasized how powerful media can be in shaping how people treat one another. “With TV and film, we have this finite amount of time to set the bar for human beings and how we should act through representation,” she explained. “For people to see something and go, Oh, that’s how you tell someone I love you the right way—it really kind of makes a difference.”

@perrinemiroff

I think about (and rewatch) Love, Simon regularly. So glad Alexandra Shipp highlighted it on this panel … “With TV and film, we have this finite amount of time to set the bar for human beings in how we should act through representation, and for people to see something and go, ‘Oh, that’s how you tell someone I love you the right way,’ it really makes a difference.” Watch the full Collider Ladies Night After Dark panel from SDCC on the Collider Ladies Night YouTube channel now! #alexandrashipp #interview #lovesimon #sdcc #film #filmtok #movie

♬ original sound – Perri Nemiroff

A Domino Effect in Queer Storytelling

Since the film’s release, Shipp says she’s seen a noticeable ripple effect in how queer stories are told. “I was able to kind of feel that, and since that movie, see kind of a domino effect when it comes to queer representation in TV and film. So I was like, Oh hell yeah. That’s what we do.

Following Love, Simon’s success, the Love, Victor spinoff series launched on Hulu, bringing even more queer love stories to the forefront. And Shipp herself has continued to support LGBTQ+ narratives, both on screen and off, as an openly queer actress using her platform to push for authentic, joyful representation.

Coming Out at 28

In a deeply personal Instagram post, she shared her own coming out journey—one marked by fear, pressure, and ultimately, self-love.

“Hi. I didn’t come out until I was 28,” she wrote. “Though I don’t believe in regrets, this would definitely be #1 for myself. I denied denied denied. I struggled with not only my sexuality, but my femininity. I was scared it was too late. I was scared I wasn’t going to be able to get work. I was scared no one would ever love me. Scared. Scared. Scared.”

Her honesty resonated with many. “It’s exhausting being scared all the time. It’s exhausting chasing other people’s ideas and opinions of who you should be,” she wrote. “Today I’m happy in ways I don’t think my kid self could imagine. I get to be exactly who I want to be EVERY F*CKING DAY and it feels incredible!! It’s never too late to be you.”

In the face of industry pressure, Shipp has chosen authenticity over fear. “If I don’t work because of a flawed, racist and homophobic system, then it was never the right thing for me,” she stated. “I’m not denying anything anymore. I’m not scared anymore. I have #pride in who I am and what I’m doing on this planet. I am myself and I love LOVE.”

Laverne Cox Makes History with First All-Trans Team on ‘Celebrity Family Feud’

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Laverne Cox is once again making television history—this time, on the game show stage. The Emmy-nominated actress, producer, and LGBTQ+ advocate will appear on ABC’s Celebrity Family Feud on Thursday, July 31, 2025, leading the first all-transgender team to ever compete on the show.

Cox’s team, known as “Team Laverne,” features a dynamic group of trans entertainers and activists, including media mogul TS Madison, pop artist Mila Jam, and several other prominent figures from the LGBTQ+ community. The team will face off against Grammy-winning DJ Diplo and the casts of the long-running soap operas General Hospital and The Young and the Restless in the episode, which is part of Celebrity Family Feud‘s 11th season.

“Team @lavernecox is here to have fun and look good doing it!” the official Family Feud Instagram account posted on Wednesday. “✨ Watch them on #CelebrityFamilyFeud as they play for @tsmadisonstarterhouse tomorrow at 8/7c on ABC! Stream on Hulu.”

Cox’s episode marks a major moment for representation on prime-time television, showcasing a joyful celebration of transgender talent and solidarity. Airing at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC, the episode will also be available to stream on Hulu.

“This was a beautiful moment of chosen family and sisterhood,” Cox wrote on Instagram. “We need each other now more than ever. We are all we have.”

The energy online has been celebratory. TS Madison shared her excitement with fans via Instagram, writing: “Anywayzzzzzzzzzzzz. Catch us on CELEBRITY FAMILY FEUD this week @abc @hulu @familyfeudabc.”

She added, with her signature humor and charm, “I kno some of y’all ain’t got much to do. Let us kno in the comments the answers we missed ON TV 📺 see you Thurs—ohhhh I mean see US Thurs 🩷”

The team is playing for a cause close to their hearts: TS Madison’s nonprofit, the TS Madison Starter House Foundation, which supports LGBTQ+ individuals in need of housing and essential resources. The nonprofit works to help trans people, especially Black trans women, gain stability and safety in a world that too often leaves them behind.

Celebrity Family Feud, hosted by Steve Harvey, has featured a wide variety of celebrity contestants since it premiered in 2008. While the show has had LGBTQ+ celebrities in the past, this is the first time an all-trans team has taken the buzzer. The milestone arrives during a time when transgender representation in media continues to face political backlash—but also when the call for visibility, joy, and support has never been louder.

The format of the episode will feature multiple rounds. Team Laverne will go head-to-head with Team Diplo in the first segment, while the casts of General Hospital and The Young and the Restless battle it out in the second. The winners of each round typically proceed to the Fast Money round, where they compete for a cash prize to donate to their chosen charity.

While the competition is a fun-filled display of quick-thinking and comedic answers, the cultural impact of this particular episode runs much deeper. Cox and her teammates are not only representing themselves—they’re shining a light on a community that continues to fight for equity and inclusion in all spaces, including entertainment.

Whether they walk away with the top prize or not, Team Laverne is already victorious in many ways: They’ve made history, had fun doing it, and brought a necessary spotlight to trans joy, love, and unity.

Don’t miss the historic episode of Celebrity Family Feud on Thursday, July 31 at 8/7c on ABC, and streaming next day on Hulu.

Miley Cyrus Teases Big Plans for Hannah Montana’s 20th Anniversary

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It’s been nearly 20 years since Hannah Montana first hit Disney Channel, and Miley Cyrus says she’s ready to mark the occasion in a big way.

During a recent appearance on SiriusXM’s TikTok Radio, the 32-year-old singer and actress revealed she has something “really, really special” in mind for the beloved character’s milestone anniversary.

Miley Cyrus performs during her "Best of Both Worlds" tour at Nassau Coliseum on December 27, 2007 in Uniondale, New York.
Miley Cyrus performs during her “Best of Both Worlds” tour at Nassau Coliseum on December 27, 2007 in Uniondale, New York. Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

A Role That Changed Everything

Cyrus rose to fame playing Miley Stewart, a teenager leading a double life as a regular high schooler by day and global pop star Hannah Montana by night. The series ran from 2006 to 2011 and quickly became a pop culture phenomenon, launching Cyrus into global superstardom.

Reflecting on the role, Cyrus said, “Without Hannah, there really wouldn’t be this kind of… this me,” acknowledging just how foundational the show was to her current career.

Last year, she became the youngest person ever named a Disney Legend, a rare honor that recognizes individuals who’ve made an enduring impact on the company’s legacy. Naturally, the role of Hannah played a big part in that.

From Teen Icon to Timeless Nostalgia

In her SiriusXM interview, Cyrus expressed genuine excitement about revisiting the world of Hannah Montana. “It’s so crazy to think I started as a character that I thought would be impossible to shed,” she said. “Now, she’s become a part of so many people’s childhoods, something nostalgic rather than limiting.”

Cyrus said she’s looking forward to celebrating the character, especially as so many fans who grew up with Hannah Montana are now adults. “I’ve now been kind of integrated into everyone’s life as the character itself. So that’s exciting to get to celebrate that.”

Singer Hannah Montana performs at a promotional concert for the release of her new DVD "Hannah Montana 2" at Hollywood & Highland on June 26, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.
Singer Hannah Montana performs at a promotional concert for the release of her new DVD “Hannah Montana 2” at Hollywood & Highland on June 26, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Noel Vasquez/Getty Images

“This Is the Life”

While accepting her Disney Legend award in 2024, Cyrus dedicated the honor to her iconic alter ego and her fans. “In so many ways, this award is dedicated to Hannah and all of her amazing, loyal fans… To quote the legend herself, ‘This is the life.’”

Cyrus previously told fans she’s open to revisiting the character, saying in a 2020 interview, “I try to put that wig on all the time… She’s just in storage collecting dust, and I’m ready to whip her out.”

She added that if Hannah were to return, she’d definitely need a style upgrade: “She’s kinda stuck in 2008, so we’ll need to go shopping with Miss Montana.”

Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus performs during the Disney Channel Games 2007 Concert at The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex on April 27, 2007 in Kissimmee, Florida.
Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus performs during the Disney Channel Games 2007 Concert at The Ballpark at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex on April 27, 2007 in Kissimmee, Florida. Photo: Gerardo Mora/Getty Images

What’s Next for Hannah?

Cyrus hasn’t confirmed any official plans, but her remarks suggest fans should keep their eyes peeled for a heartfelt, possibly glamorously chaotic tribute to the girl who gave them the best of both worlds.

Whether it’s a one-off reunion, a musical tribute, or even a full-fledged reboot, one thing is clear: Miley is ready to shine that spotlight on Hannah once again.

Demi Lovato Teases ‘Fast’ Music Video, Promises a High-Speed Return to Pop Perfection

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Demi Lovato’s pop resurgence is racing toward us, and it’s dressed in full glam.

The Grammy-nominated singer just shared a tantalizing teaser for her new single “Fast,” a punchy pop-dance fusion that might just clinch the title of Song of the Summer. The track drops Friday, August 1, but fans already got a first look at the upcoming music video, and it’s giving main pop girl energy in every frame.

Lights, Camera, Velocity

In a sleek teaser video posted to TikTok on July 31, Lovato struts down a street like she owns it (because she kind of does), before a rapid-fire montage cycles through scenes of her in various fierce ensembles. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it preview, but it delivers just enough drama to have fans furiously refreshing their feeds.

“FAST TONIGHT -> 9PM PT” Lovato captioned the post, along with behind-the-scenes photos that hint at a slick and stylish visual rollout.

Sonic Shift Back to Pop

Lovato’s new track marks a full-speed shift from the grungy, guitar-driven energy of 2022’s Holy Fvck and 2023’s Revamped, which reimagined her classic hits with a punk edge. But this year, she’s racing back to her pop roots with a more celebratory, dance-forward sound.

“I wanna go fast / I wanna go hard / I wanna go anywhere, anywhere you are,” Lovato sings in the track’s preview, set against an electrified, club-ready beat that’s equal parts emotional and euphoric. According to a recent Billboard feature, the track was co-produced by Zhone, who describes the upcoming album as “a celebration of letting go of inhibitions.”

A Visual and Sonic Reboot

Lovato’s Instagram lately has looked more like a fashion editorial than a feed. The comeback rollout began with a stunning shot of her in a backless black dress and Louboutins, her gaze locked with the camera. “I’m not so sure I’ve ever felt like this before,” she wrote, later revealed as a lyric from “Fast.”

Another caption read, “I can’t deny, it feels so right,” giving fans even more lyrical breadcrumbs to follow.

@ddlovato

told y’all i’ve been cooking

♬ Fast – Demi Lovato

Ready, Set, Lovato

With a sizzling new single, eye-catching visuals, and a bold return to dance-pop, Demi Lovato is not easing back into the spotlight, she’s flooring it.

“Fast” drops August 1, and if the teaser is any indication, we’re in for a glittering, high-speed joyride.

Kylie Minogue Launches Romantic New Fragrance Duo Inspired by Her Fans

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Pop icon and fragrance aficionado Kylie Minogue has unveiled her latest olfactory venture, and it’s nothing short of a love letter to her fans. The newly launched Lovers by Kylie Minogue fragrance collection introduces two complementary scents: Lovers Fleur and Lovers Noir, designed to reflect the highs, depths, and delicate nuances of romance.

This marks the latest addition to Minogue’s ever-growing lifestyle empire, which already includes everything from rosé wine to home décor. With Lovers, she returns to fragrance, a world she’s long embraced, with a duo that’s as expressive and multifaceted as her decades-spanning career.

Kylie Minogue unveils Lovers Fleur and Lovers Noir, two romantic new fragrances inspired by her fans and the many forms of love.
Photo: Kylie Minogue Parfums

A Fragrant Ode to Love in All Forms

According to Minogue, the Lovers collection is all about celebrating the vast emotional spectrum of love. “Lovers is a celebration of love in all its forms, the thrill of connection, the comfort of knowing, and the magic in between. It’s intimate, playful, and deeply personal,” she said in a press release.

Crafted in collaboration with Scent Beauty and renowned perfumer Ilias Ermenidis, the duo of scents was designed to be worn either individually or layered together, like two lovers in harmony or dancing apart.

Ermenidis, who has worked with Minogue for years and also helped refresh her original Darling scent in 2021, described the pair as “a dual fragrance that could be worn apart or together, reflecting the magnetic pull between lovers.”

Meet the Scents: Fleur & Noir

The Lovers collection includes two Eau de Parfums that transport wearers from sunlit flirtations to nighttime allure.

Lovers Fleur ($68)
An amber-white floral that evokes softness, warmth, and sensuality.

  • Top notes: Leafy greens, honeysuckle, coconut milk
  • Heart notes: Tuberose India, ylang ylang, handpicked jasmine
  • Base notes: Sandalwood, white musk, amber woods

Lovers Noir ($68)
A bold, aromatic woody scent with spicy undertones and an irresistible trail.

  • Top notes: Green apple, sage, pink pepper
  • Heart notes: French lavender, artemisia, cacao absolute
  • Base notes: Cashmere woods, tonka bean, patchouli

Early reviews praise Fleur as “sweet and long-lasting without being overpowering,” while Noir has been described as “amazing and fresh with serious staying power.”

Kylie Minogue unveils Lovers Fleur and Lovers Noir, two romantic new fragrances inspired by her fans and the many forms of love.
Photo: Kylie Minogue Parfums

A Legacy of Scent

This isn’t Minogue’s first foray into the fragrance world. She launched her debut perfume Darling in 2006, which was updated and re-released in 2021. More recently, she introduced Disco Darling in December 2022, a glamorous scent inspired by her 2020 album Disco.

With Lovers, Minogue continues to evolve her scent portfolio while staying deeply connected to the emotions that inspire her art. Available now via KylieMinogueParfums.com, this latest release invites fans old and new to lean into love, in all its many moods.

Doja Cat Roasts Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Ad in Viral TikTok

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Doja Cat is back in her trolling era, and this time her target is Sydney Sweeney’s much-discussed American Eagle campaign. The rapper and pop provocateur recently posted a TikTok video poking fun at Sweeney’s commercial, which has come under fire for what some are calling subtle nods to eugenics.

In the now-viral clip, Doja Cat mimics the ad’s script nearly word-for-word, but with a twist. Using a dramatic Southern accent, she recites:
“Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color… my jeans are blue.”

That final word, “blue,” is drawled as “blee,” driving the parody home and prompting viewers to both laugh and cringe in equal measure. Doja even confirmed in the video description that her pronunciation was fully intentional.

The Ad That Sparked It All

In the original American Eagle ad, Sweeney, known for her role on Euphoria, is shown lounging on a couch, buttoning up her jeans while softly delivering the same line. The ad ends with a narrator declaring, “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.”

Another ad in the campaign takes things a step further. Sweeney is seen walking past a billboard that reads “Sydney Sweeney has great genes,” which is then altered to say “jeans.” Critics were quick to point out the not-so-subtle pun and its potentially unsettling implications.

The campaign quickly caught flak online for playing into language associated with eugenics, the outdated and dangerous pseudoscience that falsely claims some people are genetically superior to others. The blowback prompted American Eagle to quietly remove some of the campaign content from its platforms.

Doja’s TikTok: Satire or Shade?

Doja Cat’s parody, which has racked up over 22 million views and counting, adds fuel to the ongoing backlash. Many fans praised her for lampooning the tone-deaf campaign, while others questioned whether she was the right person to throw stones, given her own history of internet controversies.

Still, the moment reminded fans of the artist’s razor-sharp wit and unpredictable humor. Whether the video is a pure joke, a critique, or a mix of both, it’s clearly resonating.

Neither Sweeney nor American Eagle has publicly responded to Doja Cat’s take.

The Internet Reacts

Across TikTok, X, and Instagram, fans and critics alike are sounding off. Some are calling Doja’s video the “perfect response” to a misstep in marketing. Others are more skeptical, suggesting her motivations might be less about social commentary and more about stirring the pot.

Regardless of intent, Doja Cat’s parody has become the internet’s latest obsession, and yet another example of how quickly a few words (or blee) can snowball into cultural critique.

Lime Green Sex Toy Halts WNBA Game in Bizarre Fourth-Quarter Interruption

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Tuesday night’s WNBA game between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries delivered more than just buzzer-beater excitement, it also served up a surprise prop straight out of an adult novelty shop.

With the score tied at 75-75 and less than a minute left in regulation, play was suddenly interrupted when an unexpected object, a lime green dildo, sailed onto the court at Gateway Center Arena. The item, seemingly tossed from the stands, landed on the free throw line and bounced across the hardwood, halting the game as stunned fans and broadcasters tried to make sense of what had just happened.

Announcers Keep It Professional… Sort Of

The broadcast team, led by Jacob Tobey and Morgan Ragan, reacted with a mix of amusement and confusion.

“Something flies on the court, I think there was something that flew from a fan on the court,” Tobey said as the camera panned to the scene.

“This has been one of a kind… can they figure out who did that and get ’em out?” he added, clearly doing his best to stay composed.

Ragan chimed in with her own assessment: “Even so, when you have a lime green item just kind of fly… that’s when the whistle should be blown because as a player you want to feel protected… and then there’s confusion on that final possession.”

Security Steps In

The game was promptly paused as police and arena security made their way onto the court to remove the item and investigate the incident. Cameras caught fans pointing toward various sections of the arena, likely trying to help authorities identify the culprit, or just enjoy the chaos.

“Police and security are headed to the area where they’re going to try and figure out the fan,” Tobey said, noting that many in the crowd were quick to “nominate” suspects.

Ragan’s final on-air word on the matter? “Oh my gosh, OK, inappropriate. Get ’em out of here, whoever it is.”

A Game to Remember

The object was eventually removed, and the game resumed. The Valkyries clinched the win in dramatic fashion, edging out the Dream 77-75.

As of press time, it remains unclear whether police identified or took action against the fan responsible for the rogue airborne accessory.

What’s certain, though, is that this game will be remembered not just for its nail-biting finish, but for a surreal moment that belongs in the WNBA’s blooper reel hall of fame.

There’s a Book Devoted to The Art of Butts You Absolutely Need To Check Out

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In a world saturated with digital imagery, photographer Ashton Jay is making a compelling case for the artistic and intellectual value of erotic photography. Jay, a photographer who has recently published two premium hardback coffee table books, “Portraits of the Penis” and “The Book of Butts,” is challenging traditional notions of art by capturing the human form’s most intimate areas with a focus on beauty, composition, and historical context.

Jay recently sat down with Gayety to discuss the motivation and process behind his unique portfolio, revealing that his work aims to evoke a range of emotions, from arousal to a sense of peace. “If there’s an arousal, fantastic. If you feel a sense of peace, wonderful. If both happened at the same time. Even better,” he said, speaking to the nuanced reception he hopes his art receives. This duality is central to his work, which he insists is an exploration of the human form as fine art, not pornography.

The inspiration for this bold creative direction stemmed from organic, positive feedback he received on his initial erotic photography work. “I think what happened for me was I was creating this sort of erotic portfolio and sometimes working with people who are particularly proud of certain areas of their body and wanted to showcase them anyways,”

Jay explained. This encouragement from his subjects led him to recognize a space for an artistic celebration of these often-sexualized but rarely artistically-documented body parts.

To set his work apart and add an intellectual layer, Jay incorporates historical and cultural references throughout his books. A key feature of “Portraits of the Penis” is the inclusion of Shakespearean quotes and nicknames for the male member. This clever juxtaposition of classical literature with contemporary erotic imagery serves as a winking nod to history, reminding viewers that the fascination with the human body is timeless.

Similarly, “The Book of Butts” draws inspiration from ancient sculptures and the art of the Renaissance, playfully crowning Michelangelo as the “Master of the Butts” for his refined skill in sculpting the male derriere.

The books also sprinkle in humorous and unexpected quotes from figures like Mozart and even Betty White, adding a lighthearted and conversational tone to the work. One such quote, attributed to Betty White, reads, “If the guy’s a cutie, you’ve got to tap that booty.”

The Book of Butts
The Book of Butts by Ashton Jay.

Jay’s artistic approach is meticulous and intentional, with every photograph designed to create a sense of artistry and intimacy. He puts great thought into the lighting, composition, and layout of each image, often using techniques like backlighting and out-of-focus shots to draw the viewer in. This careful craftsmanship is evident in the quality of the books themselves, which are printed on high-quality 100lb paper and designed to be premium hardback coffee table books. This physical format is crucial to Jay, as it positions his work as a tangible, lasting piece of art meant for display and contemplation.

The photographer also places a great deal of importance on the emotional experience of his subjects. Jay aims to make them feel comfortable and empowered during the photoshoots, creating a dynamic where the models are active collaborators in the creative process, not just passive subjects. This focus on collaboration and consent ensures that the final images are a true reflection of a “moment that they share,” as he puts it, rather than a forced or impersonal expression.

For Jay, the project is a deep dive into the unique aspects of the male body. He believes that just like a fingerprint, “everybody’s penis is kind of like a fingerprint – it’s like everybody’s different in some way or another.” This sentiment of celebrating diversity and uniqueness is a core theme in his work, which features a wide array of models with different shades, shapes, and sizes, all in a variety of states.

As his portfolio grows, so does his ambition. Jay is already considering expanding his artistic exploration to include other body parts, such as hands and feet. This ongoing journey is a testament to his belief that art can be found in every part of the human form, and that an artistic lens can transform the intimate into something universally beautiful.

Ultimately, Ashton Jay’s “Portraits of the Penis” and “The Book of Butts” are more than just collections of erotic photographs. They are a statement about the nature of art, the power of context, and the beauty of the human body in all its forms. By blending artistic composition with a sense of humor and historical reverence, Jay is creating work that is both thought-provoking and visually stunning, inviting audiences to reconsider what they define as art and, perhaps, to find a sense of peace and wonder in the most unexpected of places.

Grab your copy of the books by visiting Ashton Jay’s site.