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King Charles’ Gay Cousin Joins ‘The Traitors’

Zayn Williams

June 6, 2024

King Charles’ Gay Cousin Joins ‘The Traitors’

Lord Ivar Mountbatten, the trailblazing royal known for making history as the first extended member of the British royal family to have a same-sex wedding, is stepping into the reality TV spotlight. On June 5, Peacock’s Emmy-nominated series The Traitors announced its star-studded Season 3 lineup, which features Ivar alongside 20 other contestants, including The Bachelorette star Wells Adams, Zac Efron’s brother Dylan Efron, and Selling Sunset’s Chrishell Stause. Hosted by Alan Cumming, the show challenges participants in a game of social strategy akin to Mafia, with a grand prize on the line.

A Royal Connection

Born in March 1963, Lord Ivar Mountbatten is the second cousin of King Charles. His lineage traces back to Queen Victoria through his father, David Mountbatten, 3rd Marquess of Milford Haven. Ivar shares a unique bond with the royal family, having attended Gordonstoun School in Scotland alongside Prince Philip and King Charles. After the tragic loss of his father in 1970, Prince Philip became a father figure to Ivar and his brother George, offering guidance and support during their formative years.

A Historic Wedding

In 2016, Ivar came out as gay and introduced the world to his partner, James Coyle. Two years later, they made history with their wedding, marking the royal family’s first same-sex marriage. The ceremony was a groundbreaking moment, symbolizing a significant shift towards acceptance and inclusivity within the often-traditional confines of royal society. Ivar’s former wife, Penelope Anne Vere Thompson, walked him down the aisle, showcasing a beautiful display of love and support.

Advocacy and Impact

Since his coming out, Lord Ivar has become a prominent figure in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. In a 2023 essay for The Independent, he reflected on the overwhelming media attention following his revelation. Despite initial fears about societal reactions, he found immense support from his family and friends, underscoring that “your sexuality is of no significance to others.”

Ivar’s journey has not only been personal but also public, using his platform to fight against LGBTQ+ discrimination. His involvement in The Traitors aligns with this mission, aiming to bring greater visibility to LGBTQ+ individuals and their stories. By stepping into the reality TV arena, Ivar continues to challenge norms and inspire many within the LGBTQ+ community.

A Shift from Royal Duties

Though Ivar’s connection to the royal family remains strong, he has distanced himself from active involvement in royal duties. As he explained to Tatler, the expanding royal family and its changing dynamics have naturally led to fewer official engagements. Nonetheless, he maintains close ties with certain members, such as Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, who are godparents to two of his children. Ivar also serves as a godfather to their daughter, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor.

From Nobility to Reality TV

Lord Ivar Mountbatten’s participation in The Traitors represents a significant step in blending his royal heritage with his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. His journey from being a relatively private royal to a public figure championing inclusivity is both inspiring and courageous.

Lord Mountbatten has previously partaken in the ITV show ‘Keeping up with the Aristocrats ‘ with his husband.

As viewers tune into The Traitors, they will not only witness the strategic gameplay but also the ongoing narrative of a man who continues to break barriers and foster change within and beyond the royal family.

In embracing his identity and advocating for others, Lord Ivar Mountbatten embodies the spirit of resilience and the importance of living authentically. His story is a powerful reminder that progress often comes from within, and visibility can lead to meaningful societal change.

Chris Colfer Warned Not to Come Out as Gay During ‘Glee’

Zayn Williams

June 5, 2024

Chris Colfer Warned Not to Come Out as Gay During ‘Glee’

Chris Colfer, beloved for his portrayal of Kurt Hummel on the hit TV show “Glee,” recently opened up about the intense pressure he faced to remain closeted while playing an openly gay character. In a candid interview on “The View,” Colfer shared that he was advised against coming out, with industry insiders warning that revealing his true self could sabotage his burgeoning career .

Colfer’s role as Kurt Hummel, a groundbreaking character for LGBTQ+ representation on mainstream television, was not just a professional milestone but a deeply personal journey. Initially, Colfer kept his sexual orientation private, even as Kurt’s story resonated with countless viewers. The actor recalled receiving a heartfelt letter from a fan who found solace and inspiration in Kurt’s character. This letter became a turning point for Colfer, highlighting the importance of visibility and representation .

Despite the fear and warnings, Colfer came out publicly in 2009, during an appearance on “Chelsea Lately.” Reflecting on his decision, he acknowledged that while it was terrifying, it ultimately pushed him towards greater honesty with himself and his fans. His courage not only helped him grow personally but also provided a much-needed role model for young LGBTQ+ individuals navigating their own identities in often unwelcoming environments .

Colfer’s journey didn’t end with “Glee.” He has since become an accomplished author and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, using his platform to fight discrimination and promote inclusivity. His relationship with partner Will Sherrod, which has spanned over a decade, is another testament to living authentically and with pride .

This revelation comes at a poignant time, coinciding with Pride Month and ongoing discussions about the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face in the entertainment industry. Chris Colfer’s story is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and the work that still needs to be done to ensure that everyone can live openly and without fear.

Chris Colfer also just gave out a new book, ‘Roswell Johnson Saves The World!’, which is available on Amazon.

Why ‘Bachelor’ Colton Underwood Went to His First Pride

Zayn Williams

June 4, 2024

Why ‘Bachelor’ Colton Underwood Went to His First Pride

Three years after bravely coming out as gay, former Bachelor star Colton Underwood finally attended his first-ever Pride celebration. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Underwood, 32, shared his thoughts on taking this monumental step at West Hollywood’s Pride celebration over the weekend.

“Not that I didn’t feel qualified, I just wasn’t ready yet,” Underwood told Us Weekly while promoting his partnership with Pressed Juicery. “It’s taken me a few years to really put the work in. To learn and advocate and fight next to our community and understand where I fit in in all of that.”

Underwood, who became a household name through his reality TV appearances, acknowledged the mixed reactions he faced during his journey. “I was likely celebrating alongside people who maybe had judged me in the past or had things to say when my Netflix show was coming out or even still might not totally agree with how I’ve handled everything,” he admitted. Despite this, his experience at Pride underscored a message of unity and support. “We’re all part of the same community. We have each other’s backs and nobody can get in between us.”

His journey to self-acceptance and public celebration has been anything but simple. Underwood’s public coming out journey began during an April 2021 interview on Good Morning America. Later that year, he starred in the Netflix reality series Coming Out Colton, which detailed his struggles and triumphs as he navigated his newfound identity in the public eye.

Attending Pride for the first time was particularly poignant for Underwood and his husband, Jordan Brown, as they are expecting their first baby via surrogacy. “I’ve been on a rollercoaster now for almost two years going through this process with Jordan,” Underwood shared. “We’re at a place now where we’re just so overwhelmed with joy and excitement. There aren’t really nerves. When you’ve tried for two years, you’re kind of ready for it.”

Underwood also spoke about the outpouring of support they’ve received as they prepare for their son’s arrival in early October. “It’s been so cool to have so many people in our lives send us products, tips, books, all of these different things,” he said. “We’ve felt so supported and so loved. That’s felt really good.”

Underwood’s Pride debut wasn’t just a personal celebration; it was also a professional highlight. He partnered with Pressed Juicery for the event, meeting fans outside their West Hollywood location, mere steps from the famous West Hollywood Pride Parade on Sunday, June 2. The collaboration featured Pressed Juicery’s limited edition PRIDE Pack, which includes custom labels on three of their best-selling juices, designed by talented LGBTQIA+ artists.

“I’m very excited to be involved with a company that supports the LGBTQ+ organization on a year-round basis,” Underwood emphasized. “That’s always really important to me in everything I do, to make sure that the companies and the people I work with during the month of Pride actually work with organizations on a consistent basis and not ones that just put up a symbol and a flag for the month.”

The proceeds from the PRIDE Pack help benefit PFLAG, the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQIA+ people. Through this partnership and his presence at Pride, Underwood continues to demonstrate his commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, blending personal joy with purposeful activism.

As he steps more confidently into his role as an advocate, Colton Underwood’s journey reminds us all of the power of visibility, the importance of support, and the unifying spirit of Pride.

B-GayIt\'s So You!

B-GayIt\'s So You!