LGBTQ news and entertainment
Some news stories as we get over Hump Day:
• Variety: Grammy Award winner Lil Nas X took to Instagram today to share with fans that he’s doing better since his arrest in Los Angeles in August including stays in rehab following being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Continue reading “Lil Nas X Updates Fans + Facial Scanning At SF Gay Bars + More”
Lawmakers in The Netherlands have approved a new law banning the harmful practice of so-called “conversion therapy,”which attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Continue reading “The Netherlands Bans Harmful ‘Conversion Therapy’”
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) is the latest GOP lawmaker to slam the deal between the Trump administration and Iran, two days before the two sides are set to sign it. Continue reading “GOP Senator: Trump’s Iran Deal Is ‘Tremendous Policy Blunder’”
Happy Tuesday! Some news stories I thought worth your time:
• Variety: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is coming to the Sphere in Las Vegas sometime in 2027. Sphere Studios will use its signature immersive technology to enhance the 1975 cult classic as it did with “The Wizard of Oz,” which has sold more than 3 million tickets since opening in 2025.
• New Music: Out country music artist Chris Housman makes it clear with his fun new music video – he doesn’t want a cowboy, he wants a “Cowman.” Continue reading “‘Rocky Horror’ Coming To Sphere Las Vegas + New Music From Chris Housman + More”
A federal judge today granted a request to temporarily block enforcement of a new state law that prohibits transgender people from using public restrooms consistent with their gender identity.
H.B. 752, which could punish trans people with up to five years in prison for using a gender-aligned restroom, was set to go into effect on July 1. Continue reading “Judge (Partially) Blocks Idaho Anti-Trans Bathroom Law”
Happy Monday! Some news items for you as we head into the new week:
• BayNews9: The steps of City Hall in St. Petersburg, Florida, have been transformed into an art installation showcasing the colors of the rainbow flag for Pride Month (above).
St. Pete Pride worked with the mayor’s office for months brainstorming ideas after the rainbow crosswalk in the city’s grand central district was painted over last summer.
• New Music: Madonna has released the official music video for “Bring Your Love,” her duet with Sabrina Carpenter. Continue reading “St. Pete Honors Pride Month + New Madonna/Sabrina Carpenter Video + More”
After winning his bout at Donald Trump’s birthday party “UFC Freedom 250” event at the White House Sunday night, heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit used his post-match interview to attack former First Lady Michelle Obama. #lame
🚨OMG. A fighter just declared “Michelle Obama is a man” on the White House lawn as Joe Rogan chuckles.
Tonight is a DISGRACE to our country, not a celebration. pic.twitter.com/VdtMtA5UKa
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) June 15, 2026
From the Washington Post:
In a post-fight interview, the heavyweight fighter praised President Donald Trump for hosting the event, which was intended to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
He then insulted the mother of one of his rivals, thanked Jesus and ended by shouting: “And lastly — Michelle Obama is a man! Am I right, America?” [note – no, he is not right]
Some in the audience laughed at Hokit’s remark, which is rooted in a baseless far-right conspiracy theory.
Right-wing podcaster Joe Rogan, who was conducting the post-fight interview, did not follow up with Hokit on the comment.
I know MAGA folks like to disparage the Obamas, but what kind of lame insult is this? The White House predictably dodged when asked about the remark.
It turns out this isn’t Hokit’s first brush with transphobic statements.
From Erin in the Morning:
After beating Eric Lunsford at in May 2025, before he was even in the UFC, Hokit ended his interview with the same line: “Michelle Obama is a man.”
In January 2026, after beating Denzel Freeman, he ended a post-fight speech by calling WNBA legend and 10-time All-Star Brittney Griner “a man”—during the same speech in which he also used the N-word. No consequences followed.
Hokit has also posted an Instagram video in which he explicitly threatened violence against transgender women, stating: “If you’re a man and you identify as a woman, you don’t belong in women’s sports, women’s restrooms, or women’s prisons. You belong in this Octagon with me, cause you need to get your ass whooped.”
When asked: “The WH understandably protests when people insult First Lady Trump. How does your refusal to criticize Hokit for his remarks about First Lady Obama square with that?” the WH would not directly answer the question. https://t.co/TFmmCTsOCE
— Jake Tapper 🦅 (@jaketapper) June 15, 2026
The Obama’s live rent free in these idiots heads pic.twitter.com/yyq8ohj1NR
— Mitch Moolah 🎯 (@TruePain747) June 15, 2026
The U.S. and Iran have reportedly signed a “framework” agreement for peace although the actual text of the agreement hasn’t been made public by either side.
The immediate scope of the agreement seems focused primarily on ending military attacks and allowing traffic to resume through the Strait of Hormuz. Continue reading “Trump Announces ‘Framework’ Agreement For Peace With Iran”
Donald Trump’s UFC Freedom 250 birthday party mixed‑martial‑arts event scheduled for tonight at the White House could get an unexpected guest in the form of severe thunderstorms.
UPDATE: As of just after 7pm ET, The Weather Channel predicts a 91% chance of thunderstorms at 9pm tonight – right in the middle of the event. Continue reading “High Chance Of Thunderstorms Predicted For White House UFC Event”
Some news items you might have missed:
• The Advocate: The Department of Veterans Affairs has ordered health facilities nationwide to eliminate healthcare programs created to help LGBTQ veterans.
• NBC News: Longtime entertainment critic Gene Shalit passed away yesterday at the age of 100. I know a lot of you grew up watching him as I did. Here’s a clip with my dear Carol Channing reducing Gene to tears with a story about Lady Astor and Sir Benjamin back in the day. Continue reading “TV Critic Gene Shalit Dead At 100 + VA Eliminates Programs For LGBTQ Veterans + More”