Gio Benitez (image via Instagram)Some news items you might have missed:
• The Advocate: ABC News has announced out correspondent Gio Benitez will become a permanent co-anchor of GMA Weekends. For young gay people of color everywhere, Benitez’s elevation to co-anchor of a network morning show is inspiring for the representation.
Benitez’s husband, ExtraTV correspondent Tommy DiDario shared a joyful pic of the moment Benitez signed the contract for his new position.
The moment @giobenitez signed his contract to become the new Co-anchor of @GMA Saturday and Sunday. It’s been hard keeping this secret because I’ve been bursting with pride. The size of your talent is matched by the size of your heart. Congratulations, my anchorman. pic.twitter.com/5lIGJSM8Ri
— Tommy DiDario (@tommydidario) May 11, 2023
• LGBTQ Nation: So-called ‘Gays Against Groomers’ say Target is “grooming” children with Pride t-shirts.
• Playbill: Tony nominee Rob McClure celebrates 50 years of Broadway musicals in the upcoming PBS concert, Great Performances: Celebrating 50 Years of Broadway’s Best. The episode debuts on PBS Friday, May 12.
• Gr8erDays: The Hollywood nostalgia site remembers longtime General Hospital star Jacklyn Zemen (“Nurse Bobbie Spencer”) who died unexpectedly on Wednesday at the age of 70.
• JoeMyGod: Former New York state Senator Anna Kaplan (D) has announced she will challenge professional liar Rep. George Santos (R-NY) for reelection. Note in her announcement video she mentions officiating same-sex weddings.
🚨 My name is Anna Kaplan, and I am proud to announce my campaign to defeat George Santos.
As a mother, former child refugee, and proud Democrat, I am ready to restore honest leadership in Congress.
Join me and let's defeat Santos. pic.twitter.com/eIRVop5gts
— Anna M. Kaplan (@AnnaMKaplan) May 11, 2023
• New York Times: Daniel Penny, the 24-year-old Marine veteran who choked Jordan Neely on the subway for several minutes last week leading to Neely’s death, will face a charge of second-degree manslaughter and is expected to appear in Manhattan Criminal Court on Friday.
• New Music: Out recording artist/actor Janelle Monáe drops her scintillating new single, “Lipstick Lover.” The music video for the new track, directed by Monáe and Alan Ferguson, is pretty much the pool party we ALL want to attend.
“Lipstick Lover” arrives in advance of Monáe’s hugely anticipated new album, THE AGE OF PLEASURE, due out June 9th.