LGBTQ news and entertainment
Wishing everyone a fun, frolicsome, and happy Independence Day as the country recognizes the birth of our nation.
Here are some Independence Day factoids (via NPR) to share during your July 4th conversations. Continue reading “Happy Independence Day 2025”
Davide Zongoli (photo: Higor Aleida)
Jonathan Groff in Hamilton (screen capture)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ3SQ1UjkFA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday weekend as the U.S. celebrates its birth. Checking in with some of our favorite Instagram accounts, we begin with Las Vegas entertainer Davide Zongoli (above) who sent his July 4th greetings from the desert. Next, David Torres shared the spirit of the Independence Day in his own unique way: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CQ6RQeXAWS0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Hunter Harden shared his favorite red, white and blue outfit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ5Vu_BteIK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Writer in Red spent Friday night freeing the fur: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ1NK4yhmM-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Fitness guy Ramses Principe is “living not wishing” at the Éteka Slow Beach in Colombia: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ4ZPdGDn-S/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Max Emerson got pumped up on his new patio: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQwJgAhlB1i/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Nyle DiMarco did what he does best: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ3zkxLsl5R/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Matthew Camp was being a #hornylittledevil. By the way, when visiting Camp’s Instagram account, make sure you read the hashtags… 😉 https://www.instagram.com/p/CQrNNQ9p7A6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Thanks to Instinct writer Corey Andrew for this live clip of Spiderman in action in NYC: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ4023JhKOj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Antonio (aka fitnesspapi_) struck a pose: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ6lqp3JTqV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Ignacio Pérez Rey got all kissy face with blogger Pepê Oliveira: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ58GWHHgH4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Jett Hallum hung up his gas station uniform: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQtshwVsoHC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Steve_in_LA with his guy Tobi is a definite smile-maker: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ1W39yB9oh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link If you haven’t been to Palace South Beach – what are you waiting for? https://www.instagram.com/reel/CQ3j7RTJfWj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Wishing everyone a fun and frolicsome 4th of July as the country recognizes the birth of our nation. We’ve come a ways from last July 4th, when travel was way down and gatherings were – at least supposed to be – kept within our pandemic bubbles. This year, thanks to COVID vaccines, holiday celebrations can be safer and larger. Here’s some stats on how far we’ve come: • According to the CDC, 67% of U.S. adults have gotten at least one vaccine dose. Among Americans 12 and older, 64% have gotten at least one shot. • According to the results of the Axios-Ipsos Coronavirus Index a year ago versus today in regard to how folks feel about returning to pre-coronavirus lives:
June 26-29, 2020: Large to moderate risk – 70%, Small to no risk – 29%
June 25-28, 2021: Large to moderate risk – 28%, Small to no risk – 72%
• AAA projected holiday travel this weekend will be almost back to pre-pandemic levels — just 2.5% lower than in 2019. • An expected 43.6 million Americans will drive to their destinations, the highest on record for this holiday and 5% more than the previous record set in 2019. • And air travel is definitely bouncing back – TSA reports it screened more people on July 1 and 2 than it did on those dates in 2019! Have an awesome holiday and make sure you tune in for PBS’ A Capitol Fourth tonight! 
I’ll be holding down the fort at my backyard today 🙂
Make sure to tune in tonight, July 4 at 8/7c on PBS for a special presentation of A Capitol Fourth hosted by Vanessa Williams! The acclaimed extravaganza features coverage from 20 cameras positioned around Washington, D.C., ensuring viewers are front and center for the greatest display of fireworks in the nation. Featured performances include Jimmy Buffett, Gladys Knight, Alan Jackson, Cynthia Erivo, Pentatonix, Renee Fleming, Train, Jennifer Nettles, Mickey Guyton, Jimmie Allen, Auli’i Cravalho, Laura Osnes, Ali Stroker, and Maestro Jack Everly conducting the NSO. This will mark 41 years of the PBS celebration of Independence Day. A Capitol Fourth is broadcast to millions of viewers on PBS and streaming platforms as well as to our troops watching around the world on the American Forces Network. In the four decades since the humble beginning of A Capitol Fourth, a parade of superstars — including Frankie Valli, Patti LaBelle, John Williams, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Reba McEntire, Carole King, Neil Diamond, Dolly Parton, Steve Martin, Josh Groban, Gloria Estefan, Huey Lewis and the News, Little Richard, Tony Bennett, Faith Hill, Ray Charles, the Bee Gees, Kenny G, Aaron Neville, Kenny Rogers and the Muppets from Sesame Street — has offered the best in American entertainment and helped set the tone for a spectacular American birthday party. There aren’t many TV events I can honestly say I call “must see TV.” But for years I’ve celebrated this TV presentation of diversity, inclusion, class, and a healthy helping of patriotism. Tune in to your local PBS station tonight for the terrific performances and amazing fireworks.
Happy 4th of July! Here’s hoping everyone has a safe, socially-distanced Independence Day!
Happy 4th of July to all. Celebrate Independence Day with pride. pic.twitter.com/KxCLEU9Xkd
— All Black Lives Matter. (@samkalidi) July 4, 2016
Liberace vs Elton John celebrating July 4th. pic.twitter.com/7Mq2PesaUG
— All Black Lives Matter. (@samkalidi) July 4, 2016
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| Donald Trump at his 4th of July ‘ego rally’ |
Donald Trump’s water-logged July 4th extravaganza cost the D.C. government $1.7 million, an amount that has bankrupted a special fund used to protect the city from terrorist threats and provide security at events such as rallies and state funerals.
From the Washington Post:
President Trump’s overhauled July Fourth celebration cost the D.C. government $1.7 million, an amount that — combined with police expenses for demonstrations through the weekend — has bankrupted a special fund used to protect the nation’s capital from terrorist threats and provide security at events such as rallies and state funerals.
In a letter to the president Tuesday, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) warned that the fund has now been depleted and is estimated to be running a $6 million deficit by Sept. 30. The mayor also noted that the account was never reimbursed for $7.3 million in expenses from Trump’s 2017 inauguration.
“We ask for your help with ensuring the residents of the District of Columbia are not asked to cover millions of dollars of federal expenses and are able to maintain our high standards of protection for federal events,” she wrote.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Lou Moreira (via Instagram)
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| Donald Trump |
When someone does you a favor, it is appropriate to send a gift, I guess.
From ABC News:
President Donald Trump’s Fourth of July celebration will feature $750,000 of donated fireworks from an Ohio retailer who has lobbied the White House against expanded tariffs on Chinese imports.
And last week, the same day the donation was announced, the company — Phantom Fireworks of Youngstown, Ohio — got what it wanted: Trump decided to hold off on his threatened $300 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods, which include fireworks.
“This is another example of how private companies attempt use their money to influence the government by stroking the president’s ego,” said Jordan Libowitz with Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a nonpartisan watchdog group.
The cost of our great Salute to America tomorrow will be very little compared to what it is worth. We own the planes, we have the pilots, the airport is right next door (Andrews), all we need is the fuel. We own the tanks and all. Fireworks are donated by two of the greats. Nice!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 3, 2019
Newsweek reports the owners of Phantom Fireworks, the largest consumer fireworks retailer in the country, are registered Democrats but voted in the 2016 Ohio Republican primary.
That said, they got their reprieve from tariffs, and are now donating to Trump’s ego rally.
You do the math.