LGBTQ news and entertainment
Some news items you might have missed: • Buzzfeed: Out actors Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey, currently starring in Showtime’s Fellow Travelers, stopped by Buzzfeed to talk about their acclaimed series all while cuddling up to some of the cutest little dogs. Continue reading “Matt Bomer, Jonathan Bailey & Puppies + More News”
Some news items you might have missed: • Instinct Magazine: Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend (above), better known as MAL Weekend, an event that attracts thousands from all over the world, returns to Washington, D.C in 2022. Continue reading “News Round-Up: December 16, 2021”
Catchy up on the day’s headlines: • Calendar Season: You know what November means – calendar time! Check out this year’s edition of shirtless, hunky Australian Firefighters doing their part for charity. Continue reading “News Round-Up: November 11, 2021”
Some news items you might have missed: • GQ Magazine UK: Billy Porter on the Actors Fund of America when he found out he was HIV positive: “They showed up for me and saved my life. I’m so grateful that there was some place for me to go where I was not shamed but instead lifted up and supported so I could get back on my feet. And now look at what has happened, all because someone cared enough to help.” Continue reading “News Round-Up: October 8, 2021”
There was a lot in 2020 that was just heinous and I’m happy to leave it behind. But I did want to take a pause to look at some of the good news and big moments of the past year in this ‘Best of 2020 – LGBTQ edition.’ Continue reading “Podcast: The Best of 2020 – LGBTQ Edition”
L-R Ben Lewis, Blake Lee in ‘The Christmas Setup’ (screen capture)
• New York Times: More than one million people were screened by the TSA on Sunday – more than on any day since the pandemic took hold in March. That number is about half of what it was in 2019, but experts are concerned that people flying to visit their families for Thanksgiving could increase the spread of the coronavirus. • Mediaite: Far-right nutjob Dan Bongino floated on his podcast Monday that he would consider running for president of the United States in 2024. Bongo has previously run for Congress three times – in Maryland and Florida – and failed each time. • Twitter: Donald Trump Jr., currently quarantining in a private cabin somewhere due to testing positive for the coronavirus, is becoming more and more erratic on social media. In this recent tweet, he asks about burning down the house for Thanksgiving…? #NotFunny
Asking for a friend: If you burn your house down after having more than six people over for Thanksgiving can that be considered a “peaceful protest” rather than an illegal gathering? #Thanksgiving
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) November 23, 2020
In this week’s podcast: • HIV diagnoses in the UK drop to their lowest levels in 20 years • Norway expands hate speech laws to protect all LGBTQ citizens • Lawmakers in Hungary have drafted a constitutional change that effectively prohibits same-sex couples from adopting • A citizens’ petition in Poland proposes banning Pride parades • Sarah McBride is set to become the highest-ranking transgender legislator in the country • Out political journalist Steve Kornacki shines on Election Night on social media as ‘Korsnacki’ and ‘Map Daddy’ • Don’t miss the upcoming gay holiday romance movie Dashing in December on Paramount TV All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Peter Porte and Juan Pablo Di Pace in Dashing in December (screen capture/Paramount)
L-R Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis (image via Hulu)
Meeting your girlfriend’s family for the first time can be tough. Planning to propose at her family’s annual Christmas dinner — until you realize that they don’t even know she’s gay — is even harder. When Abby (Kristen Stewart) learns that Harper (Mackenzie Davis) has kept their relationship a secret from her family, she begins to question the girlfriend she thought she knew.
When the couple arrives at Harper’s parent’s house, she’s introduced as that go-to status of ‘orphan roommate.’
Abby calls her bestie, played by Levy, who finds it difficult to believe folks aren’t picking up on the truth:
Levy: So her parents believe she brought home her lesbian friend for Christmas? Stewart: Not exactly. They also think that I’m straight. Levy: Have they ever MET a lesbian?
With fresh and funny performances, Happiest Season combines all too familiar issues like balancing your family’s acceptance, being true to yourself, and trying not to ruin Christmas. Look for Happiest Season to premiere on Hulu on November 25. Plus, the movie features a soundtrack with LGBTQ artists like Tegan and Sara, Shea Diamond, and more. And don’t forget the Lifetime Channel and the Hallmark Channel are also sending us LGBTQ-themed romantic comedies, so expect your holiday to even more merry and bright!
Out actor Jonathan Bennett (photo: Sonny Tong)
“Working through some difficult decisions, Mitchell family matriarch Phylis (Sharon Lawrence) and patriarch Bill (Treat Williams), have summoned their two grown sons — Mike (Robert Buckley) and Brandon (Bennett) — home for the holidays. It is their hope that bringing the family together to recreate the Christmas house will help them find resolution and make a memorable holiday for the entire family and community. As Brandon and his husband, Jake (Brad Harder), make the trip home, they are anxiously awaiting a call about the adoption of their first child. Meanwhile, Mike reconnects with Andi (Ana Ayora), his high school sweetheart.”
Hallmark Channel faced serious backlash last December when the network pulled a commercial that featured same-sex weddings. While the cable channel quickly reversed course and began airing the spot again, the criticism led to an announcement in July that the Hallmark Channel would be announcing “LGBTQ storylines, characters and actors” in upcoming projects. In August, Hallmark aired “Wedding Every Weekend” that included a same-sex wedding. Michelle Vicary, executive vice president of programming for Crown Media Family Network (Hallmark Channel’s parent company) said in a statement, “Our holiday table is bigger and more welcoming than ever.” “This year’s movies reflect our most diverse representation of talent, narratives and families,” Vicary added. “Our movies are rooted in warmth and positivity, meaningful connections, family gatherings and seasonal traditions — a winning formula we hope will bring our millions of viewers much-needed levity and holiday cheer at the end of a tough year.”