Heartbreak High Stars Hope for More Queer Love

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In the ever-evolving landscape of teen drama, Netflix’s “Heartbreak High” has been a fresh gust of air, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. The show, a reboot of the iconic 1994 series, made a splash with its debut in 2022 and just concluded a roller-coaster second season this April. Heartthrob duo James Majoos and Will McDonald, who bring life to Darren Rivers and Douglas “Ca$h” Pigott respectively, have quickly become fan favorites.

The pair recently shared their hopes for more “stability” for Darren and Ca$h in a potential third season, which remains tantalizingly unconfirmed. During a candid chat with GAY TIMES, the actors delved into the complexities of their characters’ lives at Hartley High—a school that’s as much a battleground for social issues as it is a melting pot of young aspirations.

Season two threw its fair share of curveballs at Darren and Ca$h. Ca$h wrestled with the repercussions of a jail sentence linked to a peer’s assault, while Darren navigated the relationship waters, which were made tumultuous by Ca$h’s asexuality. This narrative stride was lauded for its heartfelt portrayal of asexuality, a rare focus in today’s media landscape.

Related: Jonathan Bailey Joins Cast of Fan Favorite ‘Heartstopper’

Reflecting on the intense emotional arcs of the past season, McDonald expressed a desire for a less chaotic future for the couple. “It’s been pretty tumultuous sometimes, and there was even more tension we filmed that got cut—more fights, more dramatic blow-ups. If they could find a bit of stability, find their rhythm, that would be really good,” he explained. His longing for the characters to be “endgame” echoed a sentiment of permanence and growth.

As for the personal evolution of Ca$h, McDonald is eager to explore new dimensions, hinting at potential makeovers and deeper connections within the school community, steering away from his troubled past with the local eshay group. Meanwhile, Majoos hopes for Darren to explore new hobbies and future aspirations beyond the school’s corridors, adding layers to their non-binary character’s life.

The actors also highlighted the impact their characters have had on viewers, especially those from the non-binary and asexual communities, underscoring the importance of representation in media. As fans of Darren and Ca$h, both Majoos and McDonald hold a tender spot for their roles and the message they carry.

While the fate of “Heartbreak High” Season 3 hangs in the balance, the enthusiasm and love the actors hold for their characters promise more heartfelt storytelling. Their portrayal not only entertains but also educates and sparks discussions on topics often left untouched. With the series now streaming worldwide, the duo’s reflections offer a deeper insight into the challenges and triumphs of portraying such dynamic characters. Here’s hoping Netflix doesn’t keep us waiting too long for more from Hartley High!

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LGBT Stars Light Up Washington D.C.

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Yesterday marked a memorable day in Washington as it played host to a star-studded lineup of gay celebrities. The global gay icon, Billy Porter, known for his gender-fluid fashion statements and the former ‘Star Trek’ actor, Wilson Cruz, were spotted gracing the main event.

Billy Porter, a Tony Award-winning performer, gained fame for his role as Pray Tell in ‘Pose’. Porter’s talent does not stop at acting, as he’s also a recognized singer. His vitality as a performer and openness about his sexual orientation has help shape the narrative of the LGBTQ+ community in Hollywood.

Likewise, Wilson Cruz, a vocal advocate for gay rights, has been in the public eye since his groundbreaking portrayal of Rickie Vasquez on ‘My So-Called Life’. More recently, Cruz made headlines as he took up the role of Dr. Hugh Culber on ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, making LGBTQ+ history by depicting a gay character in a relationship within the sci-fi franchise.

Related: Coachella Robs Gay Skier Gus Kenworthy, But Not His Joy

Also showcasing their support, we saw Olympic freestyle skier, Gus Kenworthy and ‘Glee’ star, Kevin McHale making their presence felt. Kenworthy, a consistent advocate for LGBTQ+ athletics, famously kissed his boyfriend on live television during the 2018 Olympics, shattering norms. McHale, on the other hand, has been in a relationship with actor Austin McKenzie since 2018, and the duo has constantly shown their affection publically, working to normalize gay relationships.

These four individuals, with their charisma and advocacy, have worked tirelessly to uplift and represent the LGBT community. Their mere appearance in Washington is a step forward in the political visibility of the LGBTQ+ community. Their love lives have been inspirational to millions and they continue to stride across the spectrum of love and acceptance, proving that love knows no gender. Stay tuned for more updates on your favorite gay celebs and how they continue to color the canvas of the world with their love.

Related: Billy Porter & Luke Evans’ Magical Duet

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Lauv Debuts His First Queer Love Song About a Boy

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Ari Staprans Leff, best known as Lauv, has taken a significant step towards his authentic self. For a while now, the fiercely talented singer-songwriter has been dropping subtle hints, making fans speculate about his sexuality. Well, the speculations can rest because Lauv has officially debuted his first queer love song, a beautiful display of his embrace of the LGBTQ+ community.

Lauv writes on Instagram, “i don’t wanna say too much about this but it’s genuinely a big deal to me, i’ve been writing songs for so long and have always seen myself as someone who was only allowed to be into girls. and then i started opening that up and now i feel just so so so much. and this song is the first one im gonna put out about a boy. so yeah, hope u love x”

Lauv has always been one to wrestle his feelings into art, with chart-topping hits like “I Like Me Better” and “Never Not.” These tracks have revealed an artist who wears his heart on his sleeve, and has been maturing in both his personal life and his career. His sincerity has earned him not just a faithful fan base, but also respect from the music industry.

Related: Pop Star Lauv Reveals: ‘I Feel Like I’m Gay’

Lauv’s name has been synonymous with meaningful songs about love and its complications. Now, Lauv is stepping out of his comfort zone, and has begun what he himself termed as a “more authentic chapter” of his life. He recently shared the exciting news on social media, with fans applauding his courageous step forward.

The brave, bold, and beautiful singer has always been a talented songwriter who pours his heart out, and his first queer love song is no different. It blends his signature sound with thoughtful, meaningful lyrics that tug at your heartstrings. Whether you’re in love, out of love, looking for love, or healing from lost love, Lauv’s music has a way of resonating with any love experience you’re going through, and his latest release is no different.

Regarding his personal life, Lauv has always played his cards close to his chest. However, as he welcomes this new chapter, we celebrate his continuous efforts towards embracing his true self and being a role model for many. Through his music, Lauv not only tells his personal journey but also gives palatable representation to the LGBTQ+ community.

Despite the challenges of the music industry, Lauv has managed to carve out a space for himself. This latest queer love song is another feather in his cap, indicating his fearless creativity and dedication to authentic self-expression. With this move, Lauv is certainly not only helping to move the needle forward for visibility and representation but also inspiring others to live their truths fearlessly. Let’s tune in, celebrate, and dance along to Lauv’s queer love anthem – it’s undoubtedly a hit in the making!

Related: David Archuleta’s New Music Video About Gay Journey

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Stark: Attraction Spurred Buck’s ‘9-1-1’ Tension with Eddie

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After a roller-coaster of emotions portrayed in the popular television Show “9-1-1” when the charming firefighter Evan “Buck” Buckley (played by Oliver Stark) came out as bisexual, the fans were left begging: What’s truly going on between Buck and his charismatic partner Eddie Diaz (played by Ryan Guzman)?

Buck, known for his winning smile and courageous spirit, emerged as a crowd-favorite right from the start of the series. His antics, coupled with undying loyalty towards his team, made him an endearing figure. He’s also cemented as an LGBTQ+ icon after bravely coming out as bisexual, becoming an inspiration for many.

Recently, Buck has found himself involved in a tense romance with Tommy (played by Lou Ferrigno Jr.). Despite this, many fans have wanted Buck to end up in a relationship with Eddie and have been speculating that the real reason Buck didn’t get along with Eddie back in Season 2 was because of a deep-down attraction.

Related: Oliver Stark on ‘9-1-1’ Anti-Gays: ‘I Hope They’re Dying Out’

In a soon-to-be-released interview on the podcast I’ve Never Said This Before With Tommy DiDario, Stark confirms this.

“I think that’s probably quite a wise way to look at it,” Stark said. “Eddie — and Ryan, who plays him — is obviously an attractive man … The introduction of his character is literally Buck turning in slow motion, and ‘What a Man’ is the soundtrack that’s playing, so I think if we look back at that moment, yes, there is definitely an element of that.”

Stark continues: “Not knowing how to how to deal and process those feelings, [Buck] kind of sectioned [them] off into some kind of jealousy and insecurity about himself. Look, Buck was the young, gung-ho, action-hero-y kind of guy of the 118, and then suddenly there was Eddie, who could do everything he could do and was also a single father and an Army vet and was all these really cool things. So yeah, I could absolutely [in] see some of those early moments where they were butting heads, that there was some kind of feeling there that Buck didn’t quite understand … and obviously, they’ve grown so much closer now.”

So may there be a romance between Buck and Eddie later in the show? “Who knows?” Stark answers.

Fan art on Twitter

The potential romance between Buck and Eddie has indeed set the pace for more comprehensive love representation. While the tension between them continues to leave fans on the edge of their seats, this captivating storyline might pave the way for more nuanced portrayals in the future. Until then, fans eagerly wait to see how this intense relationship unfolds. 

Related: Oliver Stark on Possible ‘9-1-1’ Romance Between Buck & Eddie

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NFL Hope Byron Perkins and BF Prove Love is the Best Play

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Out athlete Byron Perkins, a promising figure in the world of football and the only open gay player in the 2024 NFL draft, has been tipping hearts and sparking interests not just because of his talent, but also due to his heart-warming relationship with boyfriend James Dunn.

Perkins, who has been playing football since high school, came out to the public a few years ago, proving that dedication and a loving support system can go hand in hand with being authentic, even during the most challenging times. Ever since, Perkins has been challenging stereotypes and busting barriers on the field, all while proudly bearing his identity.

Unfortunately Perkins status as an HBCU player, makes it quite unlikely that he will advance to NFL as only six HBCU players have made it over the last four drafts.

“I just want a fair shot,” Perkins told OutSports. “I can only hope to have a sliver of an opportunity. If I go to a free agency situation, even uttering ‘National Football League,’ that’s a privilege. These guys dedicate their lives to being excellent every day. I’ll let the cards fall how they fall and let God lead me in the direction I need to go to be successful.”

Related: NFL Star Ryan O’Callaghan Comes out as Gay

Apart from his sports prowess, Perkins and Dunn’s social media PDA has been gaining attention lately, with cute photos on Instagram charming all their followers. Captioned endearingly, their posts evidently depict a couple blissfully in love. On the last Valentine’s Day, Dunn posted a photo of them together, writing, “With you, every day feels like Valentine’s Day, my Tesoro!” And who could forget the romantic photo of them watching the eclipse together, the love between them as palpable as the moon in the sky?

As the NFL draft draws nearer, it’s certain that Perkins’ talent, character and authenticity will inspire many, both on and off the field. Regardless of where his career heads, his journey affirms that love knows no bounds. His story will continue to touch hearts, and we can’t wait to see where it leads next. In the meantime, we’ll tune in to his social media for more adorable romantic moments between him and Dunn. After all, Perkins isn’t just winning at the game of football; he’s also triumphing at the game of love!

Related: Gay Athlete Power Couple Breaks Up?

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