Tag: coming out

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News Round-Up: June 26, 2018

Sexy hunks Brett Miles and Alex Abramov enjoy NYC Pride 2018

Some news items you might have missed:

• Looks like InstaHunks Brett Miles and Alex Abramov (above) had a great time at NYC Pride this weekend 🙂

• A jury sentenced a gay man to death rather than life in prison because he’s gay and “we’d be sending him where he wants to go.” #Homophobes

• CBS News reporter David Begnaud, who has received widespread praise for his extensive coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, quietly came out publicly on Sunday tweeting a picture at a dinner with his partner, Jeremy: “Reporting the truth includes my own.”

• A new bill in Ohio would require teachers, doctors and government officials to notify parents if a child ever acts “in a manner opposite of the child’s biological sex.”

• NBC News reports that Defense Secretary James “Mad Dog” Mattis is on the outs with Donald Trump because the Donald thinks Mattis “looks down on him.”

• Cher snuck into Chicago this past weekend to check out preview performances of the upcoming Broadway musical based on her life, The Cher Show.

What did she think? Always a straight-shooter, the Oscar winner said, “Some parts of it are really fabulous. We’re going to work on the other parts. In many parts, it was much, much better than I thought it would be. And there were no parts where I wanted to gouge my eyes out.”

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Queer Eye Fashion Guru’s Family Thought The Show Converted Straight Men To Gay

Queer Eye’s fashion guru, Tan France, revealed recently that his family originally refused to watch the ‘make better’ reality series because they thought it was a ‘gay conversion program.’
Tan France, fashion expert for Netlflix’s ‘Queer Eye’
(image via Instagram)


Queer Eye’s fashion guru, Tan France, revealed recently that his family originally refused to watch the ‘make better’ reality series because they thought it was a ‘gay conversion program.’

Speaking on fellow QE cast member Jonathan Van Ness’ Getting Curious podcast, the fashion expert explained the tensions Tan has had with his family since coming out.

His family didn’t approve of homosexuality and refused to attend his wedding 10 years ago. When he shared the happy news of his impending nuptials, his family didn’t even want to know his fiancé’s name.

Coming from a very religious Pakistani-Muslim family – he attended mosque every day from the time he was 4-years-old until he was 15 – Tan says coming out had a huge impact on his life.

“When I came out, I did feel somewhat relieved because I don’t think I’d have the life I would have now,” says the 35-year-old.

The cast of Netflix's 'Queer Eye'
The cast of ‘Queer Eye’ 

It was when Queer Eye was about to air that he informed them, “You’re going to see what my life is.”

But his mother and siblings didn’t initially watch the program thinking it about converting straight men to gay. “They thought I was going around the country and encouraging people to be homosexual,” shared Tan.

But once they began watching they said, “Oh my gosh, it’s so much better than we ever expected. You made us so proud. You’re just who you are”.

Tan now credits the series with helping to improve his relationship with his family. “Every time we Skype now, they ask about [husband] Robin,” says Tan. “For 10 years, they’ve literally never said his name.”

Chalk up one more success story for the ‘Fab 5.’

Season 2 of Queer Eye is now streaming on Netflix.

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Ricky Martin: “I Wish I Could Come Out Again”

Pop star Ricky Martin says he wishes he could come out as gay again because "it felt amazing."
Ricky Martin

Stopping by ABC’s Popcorn with Peter Travers, pop superstar Ricky Martin chatted about his recent acting turn as Gianni Versace’s boyfriend Antonio D’Amico in FX’s “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” series which could earn the 46-year-old his first Emmy Award nomination.

Along the way, the subject turned to Martin’s positive outlook on life and the “Shake Your Bon-Bon” singer became effusive about how liberating coming out as gay was for him.

In fact, he says he wishes he could come out again.

“I always say this, I wish I could come out again. Because it felt amazing,” Martin said. “The freedom, the feeling of liberation was so powerful, that’s what I mean by saying I wish I could come out again because it just felt amazing. And then after that, people coming to me and saying thank you so much for coming out. Because of you, I understand my father better. I understand my sister better. So it’s an important thing to do.”

With LGBT Pride celebrations in full swing, the Latin hunk beamed with his message of self-acceptance.

“For those out there that are struggling with their identity, everything is going to be fine,” Martin said. “Just be yourself. Love yourself.”

The 46-year-old father of two also discussed how he’d feel if his kids were to come out.

“I don’t know, my kids are too young, but I wish they were gay,” he said. “It is a very special thing. The sensitivity, the way I see now, that I don’t have to hide in any way shape or form. I see colors. And then you see the rainbow. I understand why the symbol is the rainbow. It’s just real. Everything is tangible. It makes me a stronger person.”

Watch below:

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New Book: Explaining To Kids Why Their Uncle Has A Boyfriend ‘Rainbow Relatives’

Whether you have your own questions as you prepare to come out to your kids, or you aren’t sure how to explain to nieces and nephews why their uncle has a boyfriend, or why their friend has two mommies, author Sudi (Rick) Karatas’ new book Rainbow Relatives can help. With an entertaining approach to educating yourself and your peers about the issues and topics surrounding the LGBTQ community, Rainbow Relatives will help in prepping for the answers to kids’ questions and help adults raise kids to be open-minded and accepting adults. This is the book that will help you approach those vitally important conversations and predict what you can expect from them. The idea for the book came from a real-life phone call between Karatas and his sister. He asked if his niece and nephew knew that their uncle was gay. Her response? “I’m not sure; I think so. I don’t know how to talk to them about it, I wish there was a book on that…” Ding ding ding! Karatas shares a variety of stories, such as that of a Mormon woman’s transition from fighting against gay rights to becoming a crusader for them. Also included are the voices of filmmakers, actors, musicians, mental health professionals, and more. Through Rainbow Relatives, Karatas helps parents support, advocate for, and educate their children, relatives, and family friends. Check out author Sudi (Rick) Karatas and Rainbow Relatives below:

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Coming Out At 85, This Senior Attends His First Pride

Martin

Martin waited 85 years to come out and live his authentic life.

In the short video “Live True To Yourself,” Martin teams up with 5 Gum for their #NoRegrets campaign.

“It’s not the things we do we regret. It’s the things we didn’t do.”

Speaking to the camera, Martin shares, “It’s tough to be an outsider.”

“I regret being such a sissy. So nervous. So bloody shy.

“I’ve left it until 85 years old to really, basically, come out. I’ve missed the boat in regards to finding a lovely partner. A soul mate that I could love, live with.

“If you want to set up, date a young guy – go ahead. Do it. You’ve got it. You owe it to yourself. And to him.”

Martin’s message touched teenagers and young adults who shared with him how his story inspired them to be who they truly are. They made a short film capturing important, authentic moments in their lives, like marriage proposals and coming out, for the 85-year-young Martin.

And, they took Martin to his first Pride Festival. Check out his face – pure joy.

Martin’s final piece of wisdom?

“Go to it. Be together. It’s wonderful.”

#NoRegrets

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Pop Star Troye Sivan Cried When He Realized How Hot Zac Efron Is

Zac Efron (L) and Troye Sivan (R)

In the June issue of Attitude Magazine, gay pop star Troye Sivan shares how Zac Efron was a part of his journey to self-acceptance. The 23-year-old, who’s new album Bloom is set to drop this summer, says it was a slow evolution to accepting his authentic self. “When I was about five, I remember feeling like I was scared because I knew something was different about me,” says Sivan. That fear surprised young Troye since he grew up in a cool household. “My parents were always really open-minded, I didn’t grow up in a homophobic household at all, but even so, somehow I knew that it was not the norm and I thought that it was not OK,” says the Aussie popster. “Even at a really young age, I don’t know where that influence came from but it was there,” he added. And then came the day that the feelings about being ‘different’ turned sexual as he gazed upon Zac Efron: “I remember I cried when I realized that I thought Zac Efron was really hot. I cried. And felt really sick.” I don’t know about feeling “sick” but I do remember when I realized Zac is hot. I might have cried, too. It was only after confiding in a close friend at the age of 15 that Sivan began to be comfortable with who he is. And in a Google kind of world, Sivan had a galaxy to turn to for help. “I went away and started doing my research, that was when I started to become a lot more comfortable,” he says. “I watched coming out videos on YouTube and heard people speaking about their experiences and realized that I wasn’t a freak.” No, you’re not a freak at all, Troye. Trust and believe, you’re great exactly as you are. And so is Zac… (sigh)… https://www.instagram.com/p/BCma0nYG888/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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Trailer: Netflix’s New Teen Comedy “Alex Strangelove”

Just as we come off our Love, Simon high, Netflix steps up to the plate with their own take on questioning high schoolers.

In the new coming-of-age film Alex Strangelove, produced by Ben Stiller, we meet way-cute, wide-eyed high school senior “Alex Truelove” (played by Daniel Downey) who seems to have it all.

Life seems pretty sweet for young Alex until his girlfriend (Madeline Weinstein of Beach Rats) begins to pressure him about that major teen milestone – losing his virginity. Suddenly, Alex isn’t so sure about which team he plays for.

Adding to the confusion is “Elliott,” a gay teen (played by out actor Antonio Marziale) who clearly sparks an interest in Alex.

Here’s the official synopsis:

High school senior Alex Truelove (Daniel Doheny) has it all – the grades, the girlfriend (Madeline Weinstein), and the motley crew of hilarious friends. Everything is smooth sailing until Alex shares that he’s decided to part ways with his virginity – and meets Elliott (Antonio Marziale), a sweet and confident gay boy who isn’t shy about his instant crush on Alex…who may or may not feel the same. Rocketed into a endearing and amusing journey of sexual and self-exploration, Alex ultimately learns that like so much of growing up, love can be confusing. And that’s okay.

Director Craig Johnson (The Skeleton Twins) recently told Entertainment Weekly that he’s thrilled the film landed at Netflix, “because you can be a closeted kid in rural Wyoming and access it, where you might not have gone to it were it playing in the theater.”

The film feels very much in the same vein as recent hit Love, Simon, and we couldn’t be happier. More gay rom-coms!

Alex Strangelove premieres on Netflix June 8. Watch the trailer below.

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News Round-Up: April 20, 2018

(Image via Instagram)

Some news items you might have missed:

• My totes woofy pal in the South, handsome Joe Woolley (above), is giving you full-on gay rainbow action as he looks to the weekend. Joe and his hubby Jim are big deal LGBTQ activists in Nashville, TN, where we can always use the help.

• Openly gay teacher Michael Hill began receiving threatening letters after coming out last fall. “You need to be fired and you can take your gay ideas with you. Fags are not welcome in our schools.”

• It looks like GLEE alum Kevin McHale finally came out via a tweet about Ariana Grande’s new single, “No Tears Left To Cry.”

• The Democratic Party has filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against the Russian government, the Trump campaign and the WikiLeaks organization alleging a far-reaching conspiracy to disrupt the 2016 campaign and tilt the election to Donald Trump. #TooLate

• Out journalist Thomas Roberts has announced he is donating $25,000 – his fee for hosting the 2013 Miss Universe Pageant in Russia – to the Human Rights Campaign.

• The White House has revealed no Democrats or members of the media will be invited to Donald Trump’s first state dinner hosting French President Emmanuel Macron. #NoSoupForYou!

• Where The Bears Are star Ian Parks reminded me of his admittedly “gratuitous” video from a few years ago. I can watch a few times 🙂

Happy Friday!

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2014 Eurovision Winner Conchita Wurst Comes Out As HIV+

Conchita Wurst (image via Instagram)

Austrian recording artist and drag queen Conchita Wurst, who triumphed as the Eurovision winner in 2014, has come out as HIV positive, acknowledging regular treatment for “several years.”

From The BBC:

The 29-year-old star said she had intended to keep the information private, but an ex-boyfriend had “threatened to go public.”

“I will not give anyone the right to frighten me and influence my life,” she wrote on Instagram.

“Coming out is better than being outed by a third party.”

Wurst added that regular treatment had suppressed the virus to the extent it could no longer be detected in her blood – and could no longer be passed on.

“I hope to give others courage and to take another step against the stigmatization of people who, through their own behaviour or that of others, have become infected with HIV,” she added.

Needless to say, going public with one’s HIV status is a deeply personal issue that has to be determined by each person who faces HIV.

Hideous to think Wurst’s former boyfriend would make such a threat.

Below is Wurst’s Instagram post (in German) regarding the news.

heute ist der tag gekommen, mich für den rest meines lebens von einem damoklesschwert zu befreien: ich bin seit vielen jahren hiv-positiv. das ist für die öffentlichkeit eigentlich irrelevant, aber ein ex-freund droht mir, mit dieser privaten information an die öffentlichkeit zu gehen, und ich gebe auch in zukunft niemandem das recht, mir angst zu machen und mein leben derart zu beeinflussen. seit ich die diagnose erhalten habe, bin ich in medizinischer behandlung, und seit vielen jahren unterbrechungsfrei unter der nachweisgrenze, damit also nicht in der lage, den virus weiter zu geben. ich wollte aus mehreren gründen bisher nicht damit an die öffentlichkeit gehen, nur zwei davon will ich hier nennen: der wichtigste war mir meine familie, die seit dem ersten tag bescheid weiss und mich bedingungslos unterstützt hat. ihnen hätte ich die aufmerksamkeit für den hiv-status ihres sohnes, enkels und bruders gerne erspart. genauso wissen meine freunde seit geraumer zeit bescheid und gehen in einer unbefangenheit damit um, die ich jeder und jedem betroffenen wünschen würde. zweitens ist es eine information, die meiner meinung nach hauptsächlich für diejenigen menschen von relevanz ist, mit denen sexueller kontakt infrage kommt. coming out ist besser als von dritten geoutet zu werden. ich hoffe, mut zu machen und einen weiteren schritt zu setzen gegen die stigmatisierung von menschen, die sich durch ihr eigenes verhalten oder aber unverschuldet mit hiv infiziert haben. an meine fans: die information über meinen hiv-status mag neu für euch sein – mein status ist es nicht! es geht mir gesundheitlich gut, und ich bin stärker, motivierter und befreiter denn je. danke für eure unterstützung!
A post shared by conchita (@conchitawurst) on Apr 15, 2018 at 12:01pm PDT