Iowa School District Unhires Trans Band Teacher + More News

Some news items for you as we head over Hump Day:

• Erin in the Morning: An Iowa school district chose to start the school year without the new band teacher instead of allowing a trans educator to take on the role he was offered, following protests from parents.

• Gay City News: Rhinestones, glitter, sequins, a plethora of feathers, and the best lip-syncing performances in Harlem were all featured at the fifth annual Mr. and Miss Black Pride International pageant on August 21 as part of the 29th annual edition of NYC Black Pride.

Rhinestones, glitter, sequins, a plethora of feathers, and the best lip-syncing performances in Harlem were all featured at the fifth annual Mr. and Miss Black Pride International pageant on Aug. 21 https://t.co/9hE2APS3iK pic.twitter.com/Nj17JJf5Nz

— Gay City News (@GayCityNews) August 25, 2026

• The Guardian: Sen. Malcolm Roberts, of Australia’s right-wing One Nation party, told a conference earlier this year that he was of “two minds” about whether gay people should have equal rights.

• WABE: Atlanta’s Out On Film, one of the longest-running LGBTQ film festivals in the United States, returns next month for its 39th year with 150+ screenings. If you’re not in the area, the festival offers a curated selection of films to viewers across the U.S. to stream.

Atlanta’s Out On Film, one of the longest-running LGBTQ film festivals in the United States, returns next month for its 39th year.

The 11-day festival takes place Sept. 24 to Oct. 4 and will include 155 films, including 38 features, 108 shorts, three music videos and 10 world…

— WABE News (@wabenews) August 25, 2026

• Boy Culture: Check out Matt Rettenmund’s terrific exploration of the late Tim Curry’s life and  expansive career.

• HBO Max: Season 4 of HBO’s acclaimed drama The Gilded Age arrives November 1, and you can be sure there’s lots more period drama to come. Check out the teaser video below with drop-dead lines from Cynthia Nixon, Christine Baranski, Audra McDonald and Felecia Rashad.

• TMZ: Dolly Parton’s mega-hit “Jolene” has soared to the top of Apple Music’s U.S. songs chart as fans (including me) stream the late superstar’s rich catalog.

Speaking of ‘Jolene,” check out this all-star rendition by Dolly and a gaggle of massive music stars (including Pink, Simon Lebon, Sheryl Crow, Annie Lennox, Pat Benatar, and Brandi Carlisle) from her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.