Gay Love, Chat and Travel Advice for Men

Troye Sivan Shuts Down Homophobic Grindr Rumor

Zayn Williams

September 16, 2024

Troye Sivan Shuts Down Homophobic Grindr Rumor

It looks like Troye Sivan is done playing nice when it comes to outlandish rumors about his latest tour with Charli XCX.

On September 14, just as their joint Sweat tour kicked off in Detroit, Michigan, a blind item made the rounds on TikTok that was more than a little ridiculous—and deeply homophobic.

The anonymous claim suggested that Troye wasn’t actually interested in touring, but was more excited about hopping on Grindr at every stop.

Cue Troye, ready to clear the air in the most Troye Sivan way possible: with a fierce and fabulous clapback.

Troye Sivan responds to blind item rumor that says he’s only touring with Charli xcx to hit Grindr at every stop:

“Straight people are getting way too comfortable […] that’s genuinely homophobic. Don’t sex shame me. I don’t need to travel the country to get laid.” pic.twitter.com/LACoxxoXGg
— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 14, 2024

Taking to his TikTok, Troye called out the baseless rumor in a video that fans are already calling iconic.

“Straight people are getting way too comfortable,” he started, setting the tone for what’s about to be a spicy roast.

And honestly, who can blame him? This is a guy who just dropped an album, Something To Give Each Other, and is now selling out venues left and right on the Sweat tour—yet here we are, dealing with some tired, sex-shaming, homophobic trope about gay men and hookup apps.

While Troye’s had plenty of mic-drop moments in his career, this one feels particularly satisfying. “I released an album. I am touring the album with Charli XCX. We are playing 22 shows across the country that are 95% sold out by the way. The only city we’re flopping in is Nashville, and it’s at 78%,” he explained, making it crystal clear that the tour isn’t struggling as the rumor suggested.

“But to say that I am touring the country to go on Grindr at every stop, like that’s genuinely homophobic. It’s a stereotype. Don’t sex shame me.”

pic.twitter.com/BGllDGHosb
— Troye Sivan Updates Media (@TSUpdatedMedia) September 15, 2024

In true Sivan style, he wasn’t about to let this rumor slide without making a strong statement.

He pointed out how problematic it is to reduce his tour—and his personal life—to something as demeaning as that Grindr narrative.

“I can get laid wherever I want. I can get laid in LA,” Troye quipped. “I’m going on tour because I released an album and because people are buying tickets to come see the show. So f**k you.” And really, could he have put it any better?

Troye also took the opportunity to address a bigger issue: how certain language is weaponized against queer people.

“If you say twink when you meant to say f****t, that’s still a slur. That’s like our word. I don’t think straight people should be using that.”

It’s not just a one-off insult—it’s part of a broader pattern of stereotypes that too often get aimed at gay men.

Troye’s message was loud and clear: the queer community isn’t here to be your punchline.

Fans, of course, were living for the clapback, with one TikTok user commenting, “Everything about this clapback is chef’s kiss.” Another added, “Genuinely so confused about the tour is flopping narrative bc my friends and I looked for tickets in 3 diff cities, and they were all sold out !!!!!”

Even Grindr got in on the fun, dropping a cheeky “period” in the comment section.

It’s been a wild ride for Troye and Charli on this tour so far.

Their Sweat tour, which features a jaw-dropping 31 tracks and 10 acts, has fans buzzing for good reason.

Troye kicks off the first half of the show, getting everyone moving with bops like ‘Rush,’ ‘One Of Your Girls,’ and ‘My My My!,’ before Charli takes over to close things out.

With a show this electric, it’s no wonder the tickets are flying off the digital shelves.

But let’s circle back to that Grindr rumor for a second.

Troye Sivan has always been open about his sexuality and his experiences, but to imply that his tour—something he’s worked so hard on—is some sort of excuse to hit up dating apps at every stop?

That’s not just lazy gossip; it’s rooted in harmful stereotypes. Troye’s not just touring for the hell of it; he’s doing what he loves, connecting with fans, and putting on a show that’s getting rave reviews.

The Sweat tour, which wraps up on October 23 in Seattle, is a reminder of what Troye Sivan stands for—authenticity, joy, and refusing to take anyone’s BS.

As for the rumor mill? Well, Troye’s got it covered. Straight people, take notes: don’t get too comfortable making assumptions about our community.

With his album topping charts, fans showing up in droves, and plenty of sold-out venues, Troye is proving that when it comes to his music, the only thing grinding is the dance floor.

Greg Berlanti: From TV’s First Gay Kiss to Red, White & Royal Blue 2

Zayn Williams

September 15, 2024

Greg Berlanti: From TV’s First Gay Kiss to Red, White & Royal Blue 2

Picture it: 1999, Wilmington, North Carolina. A young Greg Berlanti is hard at work on Dawson’s Creek, a show that defined a generation of teen TV.

He wasn’t even supposed to be the showrunner—he had turned down the offer a few times, knowing the pressure that came with guiding such a cultural phenomenon.

But, in true Greg fashion, he eventually stepped up to the plate, with one condition—Jack, the show’s gay teen character, played by Kerr Smith, needed to kiss another boy on screen without a lame camera cutaway.

You know, the kind of dodge we all rolled our eyes at back in the day.

And let’s be real—if anyone could pull off the first gay male kiss in primetime, it was Greg Berlanti.

Greg with hubby Robbie Rogers, one of the first out soccer players, and now a TV producer (Fellow Travelers). Instagram @gberlanti.

That tender moment in Dawson’s Creek Season 3 was more than just a kiss; it was a cultural shift, especially for LGBTQ+ representation on television.

It wasn’t just for us watching from the safety of our living rooms; it was for the kids who needed to see themselves on screen, for the ones wondering if they’d ever get their happy ending too.

Taylor Zakhar Perez and Nicholas Galitzine in Red, White and Royal Blue. Instagram: @amazon

Fast forward to today, and here we are—Greg Berlanti is still at the heart of our favorite queer love stories, most recently with Red, White & Royal Blue (RW&RB), the swoon-worthy, queer rom-com that’s been taking over our screens.

After the runaway success of RW&RB, fans are hungry for more, and Berlanti has dropped some delicious little hints about the sequel, which is already in the works.

While he’s keeping the major plot points locked up tight, he told Variety in a recent interview that the next chapter of Alex and Henry’s love story feels “natural,” leaving us all giddy with excitement for what’s to come.

For those not in the know, RW&RB is based on Casey McQuiston’s best-selling novel, where the son of the U.S. president falls in love with a British prince.

That’s right—a modern-day fairy tale that’s unapologetically queer and heart-stoppingly romantic.

Berlanti produced the film adaptation, and it’s clear that his influence is all over the movie’s charm and authenticity.

What’s not surprising is how Berlanti continues to shine as a champion for YA television and LGBTQ+ storytelling.

After all, he’s the same guy who made us cry during Jack’s coming-out story, created Brothers & Sisters (where Kevin Walker was a gay character who found love and faced real struggles), and, let’s not forget, gave us the Arrowverse—proof that queer heroes belong in the spotlight just as much as anyone else.

Greg’s work is a love letter to our community, and we’re all here for it.

Berlanti’s passion for young adult TV runs deep. He’s helped shape shows like Riverdale, All American, and Supergirl—series that are not just TV hits but personal lifelines for so many.

As Greg puts it, YA shows are where people discover the magic of television for the first time. He understands that when people talk about their favorite show, they’re often talking about something they loved in their teens.

Red, White and Royal Blue. Instagram: @amazon

These stories shape us, inspire us, and, for many LGBTQ+ viewers, they are the first time we see ourselves represented.

Even with all his accomplishments, including breaking records for the most shows on air at once (18 at the peak of his production company’s empire in 2019!), Greg still insists it’s not the quantity but the people that matter most.

He’s built his career on collaboration and creating spaces for new voices—especially queer and underrepresented ones. That’s why his work resonates; it’s authentic because it’s created by people who have lived those experiences.

This past weekend, Berlanti was honored with the prestigious Governors Award at the 76th Emmys.

Even though he’s not a fan of public speaking (seriously, we’d love to grab coffee and help you through those speech jitters, Greg!), he took a moment to thank the many creatives and crew members who have helped him build his legacy.

Berlanti also said he grew up without queer representation on TV: “I wanted to be a part of television even before I knew that was possible. There wasn’t a lot of gay characters on television back then, and I was a closeted gay kid, and it’s hard to describe how lonely that was at the time.”

“There was no Internet to connect with other queer kids, no LGBTQ+ advocacy groups in schools. Back then, the only way to tell if another kid might be gay was if he also watched Dynasty, Dallas and could name all four of the Golden Girls.”

His Emmy win isn’t just a career milestone for him, but for every LGBTQ+ storyteller whose stories are finally being told.

And now, with the Red, White & Royal Blue sequel on the horizon, Greg Berlanti’s magic touch is set to give us more of the romantic, funny, and deeply heartfelt moments that have become his signature.

In a world where so much of queer love has been historically sidelined or glossed over, Berlanti’s storytelling feels like a long-overdue invitation for us all to take center stage.

The future is bright, and as we watch Alex and Henry’s story unfold even further, we know Greg will continue to give us the feels. Here’s to Berlanti—still the king of YA TV, and still making us fall in love with love, one kiss at a time.

Ollie Locke Returns to Made in Chelsea with Hubby Gareth

Zayn Williams

September 12, 2024

Ollie Locke Returns to Made in Chelsea with Hubby Gareth

Hold on to your champagne flutes, darlings, because some of our favorite faces are about to make a glamorous comeback on Made in Chelsea this autumn! Yes, you heard it here – Sophie Hermann and Ollie Locke are set to return to the 27th season of the show, and let’s just say, the Kings Road is about to get a whole lot more fabulous. This season promises to be filled with all the drama, laughter, and heartwarming moments we live for – and it comes with some major life updates from our LGBTQ+ icons Ollie and Gareth Locke.

For those who’ve been following Ollie since his early days on Made in Chelsea (all the way back in 2011!), you’ll know he’s been through quite the rollercoaster. After charming us with his wit, warmth, and killer fashion sense, Ollie became one of the show’s most beloved characters. He later met the love of his life, Gareth Locke, and the two tied the knot in 2020 in a stunning ceremony that had us all reaching for the tissues – and not just because of the outfits, though, let’s be real, they were to die for.

Fast forward to now, and Ollie and Gareth have been on a very different journey – becoming fathers! After a tough three-year battle with IVF, miscarriages, and surrogacy, their patience and love were finally rewarded last year when they welcomed two gorgeous little ones: Apollo and Cosima. As if the return of these two wasn’t exciting enough, Sophie Hermann, who’s not only been a close friend but also the godmother to Cosima, is back too. The trio are practically the Avengers of Chelsea, and we can’t wait to see what antics they get up to next!

Sophie, ever the diva, teased her comeback to The Sun saying, “After years of public demand I’ve decided to bounce back to the Royal Borough to reunite with my OGs Ollie and Gareth.” Clearly, she’s bringing her signature charm and wit, along with some new beauty ventures and “anti-aging secrets” that we’ll all be desperate to hear more about.

But let’s get back to Ollie and Gareth, because their return isn’t just about rekindling old friendships – they’re stepping back into the limelight as brand new dads. “We were so overwhelmed with support going through our IVF journey on the show that we felt it only right to give everyone an insight into our life as parents,” Ollie shared. The couple’s journey to fatherhood has been deeply emotional, and for the LGBTQ+ community, it’s a beautiful reminder of how far we’ve come in celebrating queer families in all their forms.

While they’ve kept a relatively low profile in the past year, it’s no secret that parenting twins has been keeping them busy. Now, though, they’re ready to share their experience with their extended Chelsea family – and, let’s be real, with all of us who’ve been rooting for them from the start. From the tantrums to the triumphs, the Lockes are about to bring us along on their most exciting chapter yet. And if we know Ollie and Gareth, we’re sure it’ll be nothing short of fabulous.

Expect some candid moments about the ups and downs of parenting, along with plenty of laughs, as the couple adjusts to life as a family of four. As Ollie put it, “It’s an adventure,” and isn’t that exactly what we love about them?

So, whether you’re tuning in to see Sophie’s beauty secrets or to watch Ollie and Gareth embark on their next chapter as dads, one thing is certain: this season of Made in Chelsea is going to be unmissable. We’re here for the glitz, the glamour, and most importantly, the love – and this trio of Kings Road royalty is ready to deliver all of it in spades.

It’s safe to say the Chelsea set has never felt so much like home. Cheers to Ollie, Gareth, Sophie, and the next chapter of their wild, wonderful journey! See you all in Chelsea, darlings. 🥂

Jaime Lorente Kissing Boys on TV Shocks the Haters

Zayn Williams

September 11, 2024

Jaime Lorente Kissing Boys on TV Shocks the Haters

Jaime Lorente has done it again.

The 32-year-old Spanish heartthrob—best known for his iconic roles as Denver in Money Heist and the irresistibly broody Nano in Elite—is turning heads and causing a stir with his latest Netflix project, Disco, Ibiza, Locomía.

And this time, the haters can’t handle it.

Let’s back up a bit, shall we? For those who’ve somehow missed it, Lorente’s been on quite the ride these past few years.

He’s brought us all the bad-boy vibes in some of Netflix’s biggest international hits, and now, he’s taking a trip back in time to the 1980s, when Spanish queer pop band Locomía was turning heads (and spinning their signature fans) all over Ibiza.

As Lorente takes on the role of Xavier Font, the fabulous frontman of Locomía, his performance is already sending shockwaves through both the queer and non-queer communities alike—and not all for the right reasons.

Lorente’s depiction of Font in Disco, Ibiza, Locomía is as bold and beautiful as the band’s iconic, frilly costumes and massive shoulder pads.

Not only does he perfectly capture the larger-than-life energy of Locomía, but he also embraces the on-screen romance with fellow bandmate Carlos Armas (played by Mexican actor Alejandro Speitzer) with no holds barred.

The film doesn’t shy away from showcasing the queer intimacy that was so integral to the band’s identity—and thank goodness for that!

But as Lorente’s lip-locks with Speitzer and other male co-stars make waves on social media, the inevitable homophobic trolls have crawled out from their dark corners of the internet.

Despite Lorente’s long-standing support for the LGBTQ+ community (remember that steamy scene with adult star Bastian Karim in Iron Reign earlier this year?), it seems some people still have a problem with seeing two men kiss on screen.

In a passionate Instagram post, Lorente made it crystal clear that he’s not here for the hate.

“It surprises me less and less, but it hurts me more,” he said, referring to the flood of negative comments on a recent clip of the film’s intimate moments.

And in true Lorente style, he didn’t mince words when calling out the trolls: “Stop following me, and I don’t give a damn, I don’t care at all. I prefer that you are not on a place like my profile.” Mic drop.

What we love most about Jaime, though, is that he’s not just playing these queer roles—he’s advocating for love, respect, and inclusion off-screen, too.

And he’s not alone. Director Kike Maíllo, who helmed Disco, Ibiza, Locomía, echoed Lorente’s sentiments, praising the film for its celebration of the queer community and calling it “a movie about everyone, but especially those who were rarely invited to the party.”

Now that’s a message we can get behind.

And let’s not forget the real-life legacy of Locomía, the band that started it all.

Back in the ‘80s, they were unapologetically queer, challenging norms with their New Wave beats, extravagant fashion, and fierce fan choreography.

From Ibiza’s underground clubs to arenas across Latin America, Locomía was more than just a band—they were a cultural phenomenon, daring to be different in a world that wasn’t always ready for them.

Fast forward to 2024, and Lorente is breathing new life into that legacy, reminding us all of just how important it is to embrace who you are—especially when the world tells you not to.

Of course, while the movie is already out in Spain and Latin America, those of us in the U.S. are still (im)patiently waiting for a release date.

But don’t worry, we’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, if you’re looking for something to fill that Disco, Ibiza, Locomía-sized hole in your life, why not check out some of the band’s original performances?

The 1989 hit “Loco Mia” is a must-watch, and seeing Lorente recreate it will give you all the nostalgic feels.

So, yeah, the haters may be loud, but Lorente and Locomía are louder—and we’re all the better for it.

Keep slaying, Jaime. We’ve got your back.

‘Drag Race’ Pit Crew Hunk Transforms into Stunning Queen

Zayn Williams

September 10, 2024

‘Drag Race’ Pit Crew Hunk Transforms into Stunning Queen

Hold onto your wigs, because Drag Race España is about to serve up a gag worthy of its herstory books! Season 4 of the beloved Spanish spin-off hasn’t even started, and already the tea is piping hot. Over the weekend, we were introduced to a dazzling new cast of queens, each ready to slay their way to the crown. But one of them? Well, darling, we’ve actually seen her before—but not in the way you might think.

Enter Megui Yeillow, the stunning new contestant who’s about to shake things up in the Drag Race world. But what the casual viewer may not have clocked is that this queen has already spent plenty of time in the Werk Room. Not as a competitor, but as a member of the hunky Pit Crew! That’s right, before Megui was giving us body-ody-ody in a wig and heels, she was serving in nothing but a Speedo. And with that, Guillermo Flores—Megui’s out-of-drag alter ego—has become the first Pit Crew member in Drag Race history to compete as a queen on the very same stage.

I found this picture on my phone from when he was on Espain All Stars 1, can’t wait to watch him compete in drag 😁❤️😍🔥 pic.twitter.com/TJlPgJaYwN
— Chris The Water (@QueenofC75_J78) September 8, 2024

For those of us who’ve had our eyes glued to Drag Race España since its debut in 2021, Guillermo is already a familiar face—and quite the distraction, if we’re being honest! First joining the Pit Crew during the show’s inaugural season, Guillermo quickly became a fan favorite. Whether helping Supremme de Luxe with a Maxi Challenge or just being the Werk Room eye candy, he’s been there, flexing and flaunting for three whole seasons (plus España’s first All Stars earlier this year). With those muscles and a smile that could light up the entire studio, how could anyone forget him?

But Guillermo’s story is about so much more than just looking pretty in pink (or, you know, shirtless). Born in Andalusia, the southern tip of Spain, he started out as a ballet dancer and quickly found his way into the world of musical theater. That early love of performance blossomed into a full-blown career. Not only did he move to Valencia and open his own dance studio, but he also built a name as a choreographer, actor, and singer. Oh, and he’s a proud papa too! He and his partner, the ever-talented costume designer Rafa Diaz Tevar, welcomed a daughter into their fabulously creative family in 2020. Together, they make for one gorgeous—and talented—trio.

But when did the Pit Crew hunk become the fabulous queen we’re now calling Megui Yeillow? It turns out, this transformation has been a long time coming. Guillermo first teased his dream of becoming a drag performer in a 2022 interview with Instinct, and that same year, Megui made her official debut. If you take a peek at his Instagram, you’ll see that wigs, makeup, and heels have been in the picture for quite a while now. But now? The gloves—or maybe we should say, the lashes—are off, and Megui is ready to snatch her crown.

So, what can we expect from Megui in the competition? With four seasons of up-close-and-personal experience watching some of Spain’s fiercest queens battle it out, she’s had a front-row seat to the tricks of the trade. That insider knowledge could give her a serious edge. But let’s be real—Megui is more than just her Pit Crew history. According to her official bio, she’s a “complete performer, from face to tits,” and her stage experience backs that up. From lip-syncing to dancing, she’s ready to stomp that runway and leave her fellow competitors gagged.

And you know what? The Pit Crew connection is bound to come up sooner or later—imagine the drama when Megui walks into the Werk Room and runs into her old Pit Crew buddies. Will they recognize her? Will they spill the beans? We’re on the edge of our seats, waiting to see how this all plays out. If nothing else, Megui is here to prove she’s not just a pretty face; she’s a fierce competitor with her eye on the prize.

With the premiere of Drag Race España Season 4 just around the corner (September 22, darlings!), all eyes will be on Megui Yeillow. Will she be the queen to beat? One thing’s for sure—no one will be able to say she didn’t work hard to get there. After all, she’s gone from Pit Crew hunty to full-fledged queen. And we can’t wait to see her werk.

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B-GayIt\'s So You!

B-GayIt\'s So You!