Gayety

Tag: LGBTQ News

  • WorldPride 2025 in D.C. Promises Dazzling Nights, Inclusive Beats, and Unforgettable Vibes

    WorldPride 2025 in D.C. Promises Dazzling Nights, Inclusive Beats, and Unforgettable Vibes

    From underground raves to glitter-drenched disco, here’s your ultimate guide to Pride party season in the nation’s capital.

    The rainbow is rising over Washington, D.C., as WorldPride 2025 prepares to transform the city into the epicenter of LGBTQ+ celebration. With parades, protests, and panels on the horizon, the nightlife is bringing the pulse—and these official events offer unforgettable nights of joy, identity, and high-voltage pride.

    May 17 – MAYHEM: The Rave World Tour

    Things kick off with chaos—in the best way. On Saturday, May 17, New York nightlife producer Luis Fernando unleashes MAYHEM: The Rave World Tour in D.C. at a secret warehouse location disclosed only to ticket holders. Headlined by Lady Gaga impersonator Nick Gaga, and featuring Drag Race alum Daya Betty, Miss Paradise 2025 Venus Mystique, and a stacked roster of drag stars and DJs, this late-night rave promises a full sensory overload. Expect top-tier lighting, massive art installations, and beats that don’t quit until 3:30 a.m.

    May 23 – CLUB KERRI at BUNKER

    On Friday, May 23, party with purpose at CLUB KERRI at BUNKER, a benefit bash supporting Whitman-Walker Health. Hosted by the iconic Kerri Colby of RuPaul’s Drag Race, the night includes performances by local star Cake Pop and a DJ lineup that will keep you moving. Half of all door proceeds will go directly to support inclusive healthcare initiatives. Doors open at 10 p.m. for this can’t-miss night of glam, community, and giving.

    May 31 – Shakira Tribute After-Party

    The hips won’t lie at AI Warehouse on Friday, May 31, as the official Shakira Tribute After-Party ignites following the pop star’s world tour stop. Presented by the LatinX History Project, the event features Medellín’s DJ Daiky Gamboa and Adobo DMV’s DJ Pedro Night. Proceeds support storytelling and empowerment for the Latinx LGBTQ+ community. The music is hot, the cause is real, and the vibes are electric.

    June 5 – Yes to All: WorldPride Kick-Off

    • Thursday, June 5 | 10 PM – 3 AM
    • Live performances by Wendy Guevara and music by Leo Blanco and Onyx
    • To purchase tickets (LINK)

    KINETIC and El Mozo set the stage for Pride’s biggest week on Thursday, June 5 with Yes to All, a global dance celebration featuring Wendy Guevara—the first trans woman to win a reality show in Latin America. With DJs Leo Blanco and Onyx at the helm, this late-night spectacle invites guests to say yes to music, pride, and unfiltered joy.

    June 6 – FULL BLOOM: A Night in Technicolor

    When the moon rises on Friday, June 6, the garden gates swing open. Full Bloom isn’t just a party — it’s a call to transformation. Taking over 100,000 square feet of immersive indoor and outdoor space in Northeast D.C., this WorldPride main event brings together the East Coast’s most electric queer nightlife crews for a night where every beat is a blossom and every body is a bouquet.

    From the legendary The Carry Nation (NYC) to the dreamy decadence of Flower Factory (DC) and the sweet seduction of Sweet Spot (BAL), three stages will pulse with rhythm and reverie. The DJ lineup — including Ed Bailey, WessTheDJ, Lemz, and Fish House Funk — promises a soundscape blooming with everything from hard house to disco-laced euphoria. And that’s just the beginning.

    Sip, sway, and sweat beneath the stars and strobes. With performers, pop-up vendors, and surprises yet to be announced, Full Bloom is your invitation to dance in full color and live out loud under the night sky. Don’t forget: petals are mandatory, shame is not on the guest list, and the dress code is “unapologetically more.”

    June 7 – Fabric of Freedom: WorldPride Main Event

    Saturday night’s crown jewel arrives June 7 with Fabric of Freedom, an expansive dance festival hosted by KINETIC and Capital Pride Alliance. With three immersive stages across 100,000 square feet, this all-night extravaganza features DJ sets from Kevin Aviance, Dan Slater, GSP, Micky Friedmann, and more. From circuit anthems to funky soul, it’s the heartbeat of WorldPride D.C.

    June 7 – 140+ X FWB X XUNT X GW (World DC Pride) (21+)

    Also on June 7, head to 1309 5th Street NE for XXL: Pride Warehouse Rave, a boundary-pushing event centering queer and trans joy. With a cutting-edge lineup including Juliana Huxtable, Sukubratz, and Nomiii, this party is split into two waves: the first for the 21–30 crowd, the second for a more seasoned (and spicy) 30+ audience.

    June 8 – Horse Meat Disco

    WorldPride closes out with glitter and grooves on Sunday, June 8, as Horse Meat Disco returns to D.C. Known for its sweaty, soulful energy and radically inclusive ethos, the night features Dangerous Rose, Coach Chris, and more. A portion of ticket sales supports the Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend Travel Fund.

    With fierce performances, international DJs, and a joyful spirit pulsing through every event, WorldPride 2025 in Washington, D.C., is set to be a celebration of love, community, and liberation like no other!

  • Could Cardinal Pietro Parolin Be the Next Pope And Will He Support LGBTQ+ Rights?

    Could Cardinal Pietro Parolin Be the Next Pope And Will He Support LGBTQ+ Rights?

    Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday (April 21), speculation has surged around who might be the next leader of the Catholic Church. According to bookmakers, one man is emerging as the front-runner: 70-year-old Cardinal Pietro Parolin, hailing from the Veneto region of Italy.

    But as buzz builds around his potential papacy, one question looms large—where does he stand on LGBTQ+ rights?

    Betting on the Next Pope

    Parolin leads the papal race with 11/4 odds, translating to a 26.7% chance, according to major betting platforms. He’s closely followed by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, who sits at 7/2 odds (a 22.2% chance). Cardinals Peter Turkson of Ghana and Matteo Zuppi of Italy trail slightly, each holding 7/1 odds, or a 12.5% probability.

    While placing bets on who becomes pope might seem irreverent, it has long been a niche tradition for gamblers and religious watchers alike. But this year, the political and social implications of the decision have never felt more pressing.

    Pope Francis’ LGBTQ+ Legacy

    Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, was widely viewed as a bridge-builder between tradition and progress. Though still bound by Church doctrine, he made several groundbreaking statements in support of LGBTQ+ people.

    “Being gay is not a crime,” he famously said, denouncing anti-LGBTQ+ laws worldwide. He also publicly opposed Uganda’s harsh Anti-Homosexuality Act, stating, “Discrimination is a sin, and violence against the LGBTIQ communities is unacceptable.”

    While he stopped short of endorsing marriage equality, Francis encouraged parents to love their LGBTQ+ children and repeatedly affirmed the dignity of queer people.

    Is Parolin Progressive—or Playing It Safe?

    So, where does Cardinal Parolin fit into this picture?

    Parolin has served as the Vatican’s Secretary of State since 2013, a role akin to the Church’s prime minister. Known for his diplomatic finesse, Parolin has negotiated with communist governments, championed nuclear disarmament, and worked to mediate global conflicts.

    Cardinal Pietro Parolin attends the celebration of the second vespers on the occasion of the solemnity of the conversion of St. Paul led by Pope Francis at St Paul's Basilica outside the Walls on January 25, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Alessandra Benedetti - Corbis/Getty Images)
    Cardinal Pietro Parolin attends the celebration of the second vespers on the occasion of the solemnity of the conversion of St. Paul led by Pope Francis at St Paul’s Basilica outside the Walls on January 25, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Alessandra Benedetti – Corbis/Getty Images)

    But politically, Parolin remains a bit of an enigma.

    “He’s not easily boxed in as left or right,” The Independent reported. Newsweek has described him as a centrist figure seen as a “safe pair of hands” who could continue Francis’ more moderate path.

    Some within the College of Cardinals have labeled him a “modernist progressive with a globalist vision,” while others praise his diplomatic cool-headedness and commitment to peace.

    What Has He Said About LGBTQ+ Rights?

    Parolin’s record on LGBTQ+ issues is mixed—and relatively quiet.

    In April 2019, he met with international legal experts calling for the Vatican to denounce conversion therapy, but he stopped short of explicitly condemning the criminalization of same-sex relationships.

    Parolin has voiced concern about “gender ideology,” calling it “extremely dangerous,” a stance that aligns with conservative elements in the Church. However, he firmly rejected the idea that homosexuality causes clergy sexual abuse, calling such claims “scientifically untenable.”

    “Homosexual orientation cannot be considered a typical cause or trait of abusers,” he said at the time.

    Still, his public statements on LGBTQ+ topics have been limited. That could soon change if he becomes pope, as he would be expected to take a clear stance on the ongoing cultural and political battles surrounding queer rights—especially in a world where LGBTQ+ communities are increasingly under attack.

    What’s Next?

    For now, all eyes are on the College of Cardinals as they prepare to enter the conclave to elect the next pope. Whether Parolin steps into the white robes remains to be seen—but if he does, he’ll inherit a Church at a cultural crossroads.

    Will he follow in Francis’ footsteps, cautiously nudging the Church toward inclusion? Or will he lean more conservative under pressure from traditionalist factions?

    One thing is certain: whoever takes up the papal mantle will have no shortage of challenges ahead—and LGBTQ+ issues will be among them.

  • Dylan O’Brien’s Sibling Claims Estrangement Despite Actor’s Public LGBTQ+ Support

    Dylan O’Brien’s Sibling Claims Estrangement Despite Actor’s Public LGBTQ+ Support

    Dylan O’Brien’s younger sibling, Julz O’Brien, has publicly alleged that the two have been estranged for over a year—despite the actor’s previously public support of the LGBTQ+ community, including praise for his trans sibling in a resurfaced 2024 interview.

    Julz O’Brien, who identifies as transmasculine and uses he/they pronouns, made the claims on May 1 in response to an Instagram post shared by Gay Times. The post highlighted Dylan’s supportive remarks about queer and trans communities, which he made during a 2024 interview with Vulture while promoting his queer-themed film Ponyboi.

    Supportive Words Resurface—And Spark Reaction

    In the 2024 Vulture interview, Dylan O’Brien said: “I have a trans, nonbinary sibling and I know people in my personal life as well who are queer, and I am so grateful for how much it deepens my experience in this world.”

    The quote was widely praised at the time and resurfaced again this week. But according to Julz, the reality of their relationship with Dylan paints a different picture.

    Julz Responds: ‘He Didn’t Even Wish Me Happy Birthday’

    In a comment under the Gay Times Instagram post [the post has since been deleted], Julz wrote: “He didn’t check in when I had top surgery. He didn’t even wish me happy bday last week! But glad I could deepen his experience in this world and make the world love him that much more.”

    Julz also clarified that they do not identify as nonbinary, as Dylan had stated in his interview, but as transmasculine.

    Photo: Julz O'Brien/Instagram
    Photo: Julz O’Brien/Instagram

    “Transmasculine,” according to Healthline, refers to individuals assigned female at birth who identify more with a masculine gender identity.

    While it is unclear when communication between the siblings ceased, Julz last posted a photo with Dylan in 2023, alongside a heartfelt birthday message that read: “I love you so much.”

    The public shift in tone has left fans surprised, as previous social media posts suggested a loving relationship.

    No Comment From Dylan’s Team

    As of press time, representatives for Dylan O’Brien have not responded to requests for comment regarding Julz’s statements. However, in past interviews, Dylan has spoken candidly about his learning process when it comes to gender identity and inclusion.

    In a 2024 interview with Adobe, O’Brien said working on Ponyboi—a film about a gender-nonconforming sex worker—was “enlightening.” “This was such an enlightening experience for me,” he said. “I’ll have [co-star River Gallo] with me for the rest of my life as a friend.”

    While the actor’s remarks about queer inclusion were previously met with praise, Julz’s allegations highlight the tension that can exist between public support and personal relationships.

    As of now, Dylan has not addressed the comment or Julz’s clarification about their identity.

  • Kamala Harris Goes Viral at Emerge Gala for Pride Fan Whip and Surprise Dance With LGBTQ+ Influencer

    Kamala Harris Goes Viral at Emerge Gala for Pride Fan Whip and Surprise Dance With LGBTQ+ Influencer

    Kamala Harris made a high-profile return to the national spotlight Wednesday night, delivering a pointed political speech—and creating a few meme-worthy moments—at the Emerge Gala in San Francisco.

    Held to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Emerge, a group that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office, the event saw Harris call out the current presidential administration and double down on key progressive issues. But it was her rainbow-flag moment with a gay influencer that had the internet buzzing.

    Politics Meets Pop Culture (and a Bit of Line Dancing)

    Offstage, Harris took time to chat with LGBTQ+ content creators, including social media personality Kenneth Walden. One short clip of the vice president gleefully flipping open a Pride flag has already been memed across TikTok and Instagram, with fans dubbing it “Politics, but make it gay.”

    Another viral moment came when Harris and Walden broke into a few moves from the “Boots On the Ground” viral line dance—reminding everyone that she’s still got rhythm and political relevance.

    “She Did Tell Us So…”

    In a brief but buzzy exchange, Walden told Harris he didn’t want to say “I told you so” about her early warnings regarding a potential second Trump presidency—but as he added with a laugh, “She did tell us so.”

    Harris responded by calling the current state of U.S. politics a “high-velocity implementation of a long-standing plan.” She stressed the urgent need for a counter-plan: one rooted in defending public education, protecting Medicare and Medicaid, and showing up to vote.

    Taking Aim From the Podium

    Later that night, Harris addressed the Emerge crowd with a blistering critique of the current administration.

    “Instead of an administration working to advance our highest ideals,” she said, “we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals.”

    She accused Trump—referred to by many Democrats as the “Chaos-in-Chief”—of orchestrating “the greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history.” She slammed what she described as an agenda to slash education, shrink government, and privatize public services while rewarding the wealthy with tax breaks.

    “We are living in their vision of America,” Harris said. “And this is not a vision Americans want.”

    What’s Next for Kamala?

    Harris has kept a relatively low profile since the 2024 election, where she and President Biden lost to the Trump ticket. But Wednesday’s appearance signaled that she may be gearing up for something bigger.

    Political observers speculate that Harris could run for governor of California in 2026—or even launch a second presidential campaign in 2028. While no announcements have been made, her fiery tone and renewed public presence suggest she’s not stepping away from politics anytime soon.

  • Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor Bring Tender Queer Romance to WWI in ‘The History of Sound’

    Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor Bring Tender Queer Romance to WWI in ‘The History of Sound’

    Love, loss, and longing take center stage in The History of Sound, a sweeping queer period drama starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor that’s already generating major buzz ahead of its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

    Directed by Oliver Hermanus (Mary & George), the film tells a story of connection between two men at a time when being seen—let alone loved—was a risk in itself. And yet, The History of Sound deliberately shifts away from clichés of fear or shame, choosing instead to celebrate intimacy, curiosity, and emotional truth between two queer characters in the early 20th century.

    A Queer Love Story Told Through Sound

    Adapted from Ben Shattuck’s Pushcart Prize-winning short story, The History of Sound follows Lionel (Mescal) and David (O’Connor), two young men traveling across the United States during World War I to record the voices, songs, and stories of Americans whose lives are shaped by the war.

    📸 [Space for image: Mescal shirtless in water; O’Connor smoking alone; the pair laughing over coffee]

    Their journey becomes more than just a mission of documentation—it becomes a tender romance.

    “There’s a real sense of companionship, and the joy and loss that comes with the presence and absence of that,” Mescal told Vanity Fair. “It’s not just about sex or falling in love. It’s deeper.”

    Director Hermanus intentionally avoids the tragic framing often associated with historical queer love stories.

    “I didn’t want it to feel like a transgression,” Hermanus said. “Ben wrote it in a way where there was no hesitation, no moment of fear. It’s not about them risking being sexual—it’s just love.”

    Chemistry in Every Frame

    The casting of Mescal and O’Connor—both coming off acclaimed queer roles in All of Us Strangers and Challengers, respectively—felt like kismet, though the production nearly missed its moment.

    “We probably couldn’t have made this in 2022,” Hermanus said. “They weren’t the Paul and Josh we now know.”

    Mescal called the experience “lucky” and praised O’Connor for unlocking a side of him he hadn’t felt in years.

    “He brought out this childlike version of me,” Mescal said. “That kind of boyishness—I hadn’t felt that in a long time.”

    Their on-screen connection radiates not just romance, but vulnerability—a central part of what makes The History of Sound such a refreshing entry in the queer film canon.

    Photo: Vanity Fair
    Photo: Vanity Fair
    Photo: Vanity Fair
    Photo: Vanity Fair

    Minimal Sex, Maximum Intimacy

    Unlike many queer dramas that either skirt around or overemphasize sex, The History of Sound keeps physical moments quiet and natural. Hermanus said the most intimate scene isn’t even in bed.

    “It’s when Lionel is wandering through David’s apartment the next morning,” he said. “He’s smelling everything, sitting everywhere—absorbing the energy of someone he loves.”

    The choice reinforces the emotional depth of their relationship without relying on spectacle.

    A Cannes Contender With Queer Heart

    The History of Sound will premiere at Cannes 2025, where it will compete for the Palme d’Or. The film joins a strong wave of queer storytelling that pushes beyond pain and shame, and instead honors love in all its layered complexity.

    The supporting cast includes Chris Cooper, Molly Price, Raphael Sbarge, Hadley Robinson, Emma Canning, Brianna Middleton and Gary Raymond.

    As Hermanus puts it, The History of Sound is “a film about queer love, but it’s also a film about feeling seen, and hearing each other—even in silence.”

    Photo: Vanity Fair
    Photo: Vanity Fair
    Photo: Vanity Fair
    Photo: Vanity Fair
  • Dylan O’Brien Praises Queer Community and Sibling, Stars in Upcoming LGBTQ+ Dramas ‘Ponyboi’ and ‘Twinless’

    Dylan O’Brien Praises Queer Community and Sibling, Stars in Upcoming LGBTQ+ Dramas ‘Ponyboi’ and ‘Twinless’

    Actor Dylan O’Brien is stepping into bold new territory this year with not one, but two LGBTQ+ films—and he’s doing it with heartfelt purpose and pride.

    The Teen Wolf and Maze Runner alum will appear in the upcoming queer drama Ponyboi, a groundbreaking feature starring and co-written by intersex actor and filmmaker River Gallo. O’Brien plays Vinny, a shady drug dealer entangled in a secret affair with the film’s title character, all while dating Ponyboi’s best friend Angel—played by The Haunting of Bly Manor star Victoria Pedretti.

    Set in gritty New Jersey and bursting with heart, Ponyboi follows a young intersex sex worker and laundromat employee who is forced to go on the run after a drug deal goes sideways. What follows is a surreal journey of self-discovery and survival, all underpinned by the film’s unapologetically queer lens.

    “I have a trans, nonbinary sibling and I know people in my personal life who are queer, and I am so grateful for how much it deepens my experience in this world,” O’Brien told Vulture in a recent joint interview with Gallo and other cast members. “It was really important to me to be a part of something like this as an ally.”

    O’Brien’s sibling, Julz O’Brien, is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns. On social media, Julz often shares moments with their brother, calling Dylan their “very first best friend” and proudly celebrating their LGBTQIA+ identity.

    In a separate interview with Adobe, O’Brien admitted that working on Ponyboi opened his eyes to the lived experiences of intersex people, a community he previously knew little about. “Going in, I was extremely uneducated on intersex and the intersex community,” he said. “This was such an enlightening experience to me. River is someone I’ll carry with me for life.”

    Ponyboi made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2024, earning critical acclaim for its bold storytelling and Gallo’s standout performance. The cast also includes Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus) as a mysterious cowboy and Indya Moore (Pose) as Charlie.

    For Gallo, the film marks a historic milestone. “Girl, Ponyboi prevailed,” they wrote in a statement. “We made this movie for the intersex baddies, dolls, misfits, and outsiders, and for it to finally be out in the world is nothing less than revolutionary.”

    Ponyboi opens in theaters June 27, distributed by Fox Entertainment Studios and Gathr.

    But O’Brien’s queer cinema journey doesn’t end there. Later this year, he also stars in Twinless, a tender, offbeat drama from James Sweeney (Straight Up), who writes, directs, and co-stars in the film.

    Twinless follows two young men who meet in a support group for people grieving the loss of a twin. As they navigate sorrow and identity, their bond evolves into a deep and unexpected connection.

    The film is set for theatrical release on September 5.

    Whether he’s playing a sleazy drug dealer or a grieving twin-seeker, O’Brien’s commitment to queer storytelling—and his personal connection to the LGBTQIA+ community—has never been clearer.

    For updates on Ponyboi, visit ponyboifilm.com, and for more on Twinless, check out twinlessfilm.com.

  • Pabllo Vittar to Headline ‘Fabric of Freedom’ at WorldPride DC 2025

    Pabllo Vittar to Headline ‘Fabric of Freedom’ at WorldPride DC 2025

    Get ready, Pride fans—international pop sensation and LGBTQ+ icon Pabllo Vittar is bringing her signature sparkle and electric energy to WorldPride DC 2025.

    Organizers announced Thursday that Vittar will headline Fabric of Freedom, one of the festival’s marquee events, taking place Saturday, June 7 at 1235 W Street NE. Presented in partnership with KINETIC Presents, the massive celebration will span more than 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor dance floors, with three high-energy stages set to light up the night.

    The event takes its name from this year’s official WorldPride theme, The Fabric of Freedom, which honors the resilience, diversity, and unity of the global LGBTQ+ community.

    “Pabllo Vittar is a dynamic performer who unites communities around the world through her music and message,” said Ryan Bos, executive director of the Capital Pride Alliance. “She’s the perfect artist to take the stage for this momentous occasion.”

    Known for her genre-blending hits, fierce performances, and unapologetically queer presence, Vittar has built a loyal international following. Her shows are known to turn into full-on celebrations, and Fabric of Freedom promises to be no exception.

    Tickets for the event are on sale now, and they’re expected to move fast.

    But Vittar’s performance is just the beginning. WorldPride DC 2025 is curating a full weekend of nightlife events that showcase queer joy, creativity, and community from every corner of the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

    On Friday, June 6, the weekend kicks off with WOVEN TOGETHER, a mega Pride party hosted by Daryl Wilson Promotions and the Capital Pride Alliance at The Park at 14th. Designed as the ultimate party for men, the event blends fashion, music, and nightlife in a space dedicated to community connection.

    That same night, over at 1235 W Street NE, FULL BLOOM will take over with a stacked lineup of DJs and performances. Featuring queer nightlife collectives Flower Factory, Sweet Spot, and NYC’s The Carry Nation, the party will span three stages and offer a vibrant, inclusive dance floor for all.

    On Saturday night, the spotlight turns to UNRAVELED: The Official Women’s Party. Also hosted at The Park at 14th, the event will feature four floors, five bars, and an all-female DJ lineup, celebrating queer women, femmes, non-binary folks, and trans baddies in a HER-storic night of music and connection.

    Together, these events mark a powerful and playful expression of what WorldPride DC is all about: unity, celebration, and visibility for all identities under the rainbow.

    For tickets and the latest updates on WorldPride DC 2025 programming, visit WorldPrideDC.org. Additional performer announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

  • BBC Unveils Sizzling Season 2 Cast for ‘I Kissed a Boy’

    BBC Unveils Sizzling Season 2 Cast for ‘I Kissed a Boy’

    BBC Three is turning up the heat this spring with the return of its groundbreaking queer dating show I Kissed a Boy. The second season debuts May 11 on BBC Three and will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

    Hosted once again by pop icon Dannii Minogue, the show sends a group of single gay men to a stunning Italian masseria—think rustic villa meets summer love island. The twist? They’re matched up before they’ve even said hello. Expect sparks, awkward kisses, and plenty of romantic (and dramatic) detours along the way.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by BBC Three (@bbcthree)

    Season 1 launched in 2023 and later streamed on Hulu in the U.S., where it quickly found an international fanbase. No word yet on a global release for Season 2, but we’ll update as soon as the BBC spills the tea.

    Ready to meet the new cast of kiss-ready contenders? Say hello to 12 fabulous singles looking for love, lust, or maybe just a really good tan.

    Adam

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 27 | From: Reading | Marketing and Brand Manager
    A self-proclaimed “career gal,” Adam lives for the buzz of the beauty industry and East London’s disco scene. “If I could visit another era,” he says, “the ‘70s would be it.”

    Aron

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 27 | From: Croydon | Civil Servant & Cheer Coach
    This two-time world champion cheerleader is flipping into the villa and hoping to stick the landing—with a boyfriend this time.

    Callum

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 27 | From: Hastings | Administrator
    Chaotic, cheeky, and unfiltered, Callum says he doesn’t follow the rules—especially when it comes to love.

    Jack D

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 26 | From: Glasgow | Hospital Pharmacist
    He’s ready to trade solo pastries and pints for someone to share them with. Call him the lovable Glaswegian dater-next-door.

    Jack S

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 22 | From: Wigan | Banking Advisor
    Tattooed with his nan’s name and repping his rap alter ego “Jack Maniac,” he’s androgynous, fierce, and here for romance.

    Jas

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 27 | From: Glasgow | Finance Analyst
    A proud Scottish Punjabi man, Jas says his family’s support is his superpower—and he’s not afraid to use it.

    Jordan B

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 25 | From: Lake District | Retail Manager
    From herding sheep to hunting hearts, Jordan’s ready to swap farm life for fiery flirtation in the masseria.

    Jordon R

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 27 | From: Leeds | Sales Manager
    He’s done with emotionally unavailable guys. Can the masseria help him open up and find something real?

    Lars

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 23 | From: Wolverhampton | Hotel Receptionist
    Football fan and cheeky chappy Lars has fully embraced his transition—and now he’s chasing the missing puzzle piece: love.

    Rory

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 22 | From: Galway, Ireland | Mental Health Support Worker
    He keeps his cool around drama but admits it takes a lot to steal his heart. His celeb crushes? Michael B. Jordan, Joey Essex and Troye Sivan.

    Ruben

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 24 | From: London | Artist & Designer
    A soft-spoken creative with a self-confessed fear of vulnerability, Ruben is hoping the Italian sun will warm up his heart.

    Get ready for sun-drenched smooches, messy love triangles, and fierce friendships when I Kissed a Boy returns. Could one of these hopefuls kiss—and tell—their way into your heart?

  • LGBTQ+ Artists Shine in 2025 Tony Award Nominations, with Cole Escola and Queer Playwrights Leading the Pack

    LGBTQ+ Artists Shine in 2025 Tony Award Nominations, with Cole Escola and Queer Playwrights Leading the Pack

    The 2025 Tony Award nominations were announced this week, and LGBTQ+ talent is taking center stage in one of the most diverse and queer-inclusive lineups in Broadway history.

    Among the biggest standouts is Oh, Mary!, the offbeat historical comedy written by and starring Cole Escola. The play, which imagines Mary Todd Lincoln as a chaotic figure on the edge of emotional collapse, earned five Tony nominations. Escola received dual nods as both the playwright and lead actor, while director Sam Pinkleton and featured actor Conrad Ricamora picked one up as well.

    Escola, who is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, is nominated in the category of Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play. According to a November 2024 decision by the Tony Awards Administration Committee, Escola was deemed eligible in a male-designated category despite portraying a female character. The decision echoes recent developments around gendered award categories and the growing calls to make room for nonbinary and trans performers.

    If Escola wins, they would become the third nonbinary performer to take home a Tony in a male-designated category, following Shucked‘s Alex Newell and Some Like It Hot‘s J. Harrison Ghee, who made history in 2023. That same year, nonbinary performer Justin David Sullivan withdrew from Tony consideration over the gendered structure of the categories, calling for meaningful change in how the American Theatre Wing recognizes gender-diverse talent.

    Queer Voices Dominate Best Play Category

    This year’s Best Play category is a triumph for queer representation. Alongside Escola, playwrights Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Purpose) and Kimberly Belflower (John Proctor Is the Villain) received nominations for their groundbreaking works.

    Jacobs-Jenkins’ Purpose explores themes of legacy, identity, and generational tension within a prominent Black family in Chicago. The play earned a total of six nominations, including Best Play and acting nods for Jon Michael Hill and LaTanya Richardson Jackson in the lead roles. Supporting actors Glenn Davis, and Tony Award-winner Kara Young also received nominations.

    Belflower’s John Proctor Is the Villain reimagines Arthur Miller’s The Crucible through the lens of a modern-day high school English class, tackling issues of consent, power, and patriarchy. The production tied for the most nominations of any play this year, earning seven in total. Sadie Sink, known for her role in Netflix’s Stranger Things, was nominated for Best Leading Actress in a Play for her performance in John Proctor. Gabriel Ebert, who previously starred alongside Harvey Fierstein in Gently Down the Stream, also picked up a nomination for his work in the show.

    More Queer and Trans Talent Recognized

    Jonathan Groff, a recent Tony winner and longtime Broadway favorite, is nominated again for his portrayal of singer Bobby Darin in the new jukebox musical Just In Time. Out actor Grey Henson also joins the leading actor category for his performance as Buddy in the revival of Elf the Musical.

    In the featured acting categories, Brooks Ashmanskas was recognized for his comedic work in Smash!, the Broadway adaptation of the NBC series. Francis Jue was nominated for his role in Yellow Face, which revisits the debate around racial representation in casting through a semi-autobiographical lens.

    Audra McDonald Breaks Records

    While not part of the LGBTQ+ community herself, Broadway icon and queer favorite Audra McDonald made history this year by becoming the most Tony-nominated performer of all time. She picked up her 11th nomination for her portrayal of Mama Rose in a bold new production of Gypsy. McDonald will compete in the Lead Actress in a Musical category against other queer fan favorites, including Megan Hilty (Death Becomes Her) and Nicole Scherzinger (Sunset Boulevard).

    Calls for Inclusivity in Awards

    The continued use of gendered acting categories has sparked ongoing debate within the theater industry. Advocates are calling on the American Theatre Wing and Tony Awards producers to reimagine the awards structure in a way that recognizes nonbinary and trans performers without forcing them into binary categories.

    While some progress has been made in allowing nonbinary performers to choose which category they wish to compete in, critics argue this solution still reinforces outdated binaries. For Escola and others, their nominations signal both a celebration and a call to action for a more inclusive future.

    “I’m honored and also very aware of how much further we still need to go,” Escola said in a recent interview. “I want everyone—no matter how they identify—to feel seen, valued, and represented on stage and in recognition.”

    What’s Next

    The 2025 Tony Awards will be broadcast live on Sunday, June 8, on CBS. For a complete list of nominees and ticketing information, visit TonyAwards.com.

    The stage is set, the curtains are drawn, and one thing is clear: the future of Broadway is queer, bold, and unapologetically creative.

    Correction: A previous version of this article did not include Harry Lennix’s nomination, and stated that Michael Urie, Jim Parsons, and Grey Henson received nominations.

  • Netflix Drops Steamy First Teaser for ‘Olympo,’ the New Drama from the Creators of ‘Élite’

    Netflix Drops Steamy First Teaser for ‘Olympo,’ the New Drama from the Creators of ‘Élite’

    Netflix is turning up the heat this summer with Olympo, its latest Spanish-language series from the team behind Élite. On Monday, the streamer unveiled the first teaser for the highly anticipated young adult drama—and it’s already making waves for its sweaty, shirtless intensity.

    I would like to call your attention to OLYMPO, a new Spanish series coming to Netflix this year that’s set at a school for elite athletes

    [image or embed]

    — Jarett Wieselman (@jarettsays.bsky.social) February 3, 2025 at 11:55 AM

    Created by Jan Matheu, Laia Foguet and Ibai Abad, Olympo follows a group of elite young athletes training at the fictional CAR Pirineos, a prestigious high-performance sports center nestled in the mountains. Part drama, part thriller, the series explores the physical, emotional, and moral trials faced by a generation determined to win—no matter the cost.

    According to Netflix’s official synopsis, the story centers on Amaia, the captain of Spain’s national artistic swimming team. Driven, disciplined and relentlessly hard on herself, Amaia is shaken when her best friend and teammate, Núria, suddenly outperforms her. As whispers of “inexplicable” improvements spread through the training center, Amaia and her peers are forced to confront the darker side of ambition. The question at the heart of the series: how far will they go to reach the top?

    Though Netflix has kept details tightly under wraps since the project’s announcement in July 2024, Monday’s teaser finally gives fans a glimpse into the world of Olympo. The short trailer doesn’t offer dialogue or direct scenes from the series, but instead features the cast—sweaty, intense, and impossibly toned—competing to climb a human pyramid. The imagery is symbolic, seemingly representing the brutal hierarchy and rivalries brewing at CAR Pirineos.

    The teaser also hints at some steamy interpersonal drama, setting the stage for the kind of high-stakes, emotionally charged storytelling that Élite fans have come to expect.

    The ensemble cast includes rising Spanish stars Clara Galle, Nira Osahia, Agustín Della Corte, Nuno Gallego, María Romanillos, Martí Cordero, Juan Perales, Andy Duato and Najwa Khliwa.

    First-look photos released in February sparked excitement online, but the trailer’s release has officially kicked anticipation into overdrive.

    Olympo is set to premiere globally on Netflix on June 20, just in time to heat up your summer watchlist.