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Loren Ruch, HGTV Executive and Proud Gay Trailblazer, Dies at 55

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June 20, 2025

Loren Ruch, HGTV Executive and Proud Gay Trailblazer, Dies at 55

Loren Ruch, co-host of the 2021 series HGTV House Party and Head of Content at HGTV, passed away on June 12, 2025.

Loren (r) with husband David Salas. Instagram: @lorenruch

He died at age 55 after a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia, as reported by Variety and confirmed by People.

Ruch had been a cornerstone at HGTV since 2008, overseeing beloved series such as HGTV Dream Home, White House Christmas, and A Very Brady Renovation throughout his tenure as a top programming executive.

In a memo shared by Warner Bros. Television Group chair Channing Dungey, Ruch was lauded as “known for his unwavering dedication, endless kindness and unshakeable integrity.”

Dungey described him as “the rare leader who lifted everyone around him … the connective tissue of every room he entered … the glue that bound teams” and praised his ability to “make people feel seen, valued, and inspired.”

Colleagues across HGTV and beyond flooded social media with heartfelt tributes.

Bobby Berk, star of Queer Eye, shared on Instagram: “RIP my friend. You were always such a warm light in a dark world and will be missed by so many 💔.”

Jasmine Roth of Help! I Wrecked My House remembered him fondly, writing, “To know Loren was to love him. He had one of those personalities that people gravitate towards. He was fun loving and one of the most creative people I’ve met.”

Roth added, “He relished the idea of trying new things … He believed in people. He found the best in everyone. He was a storyteller. He was a dreamer. He was the real deal.”

Christina Haack also posted a tribute, calling Loren “one of the rare ones and the real ones” and said “Everyone adored you.”

Jonathan Scott shared that he’s “struggling with the loss of my friend tonight” and expressed deep sadness at his passing.

Before his influential years at HGTV, Ruch began his career in Los Angeles at Fox’s KTTV-TV, working on programs like Good Day L.A. and Good Day Live.

He was also a proud advocate for LGBTQ+ causes, supporting organizations such as Live Out Loud—even before many executives had begun publicly championing LGBTQ+ visibility in the industry.

Loren is survived by his husband of 21 years, David Salas, with whom he shared 27 years together, as well as his mother, father, and brother.

On June 5, Salas marked their anniversary with an Instagram post featuring vintage wedding photos, affectionately referring to Loren as his best friend and expressing enduring love.

Ruch’s legacy transcends television programming; he leaves behind a legacy of mentorship, creativity, teamwork, warmth, and unwavering integrity.

His work shaped some of HGTV’s most iconic events and holiday specials, and his spirit inspired colleagues and viewers alike.

Though the stage lights have dimmed on Loren’s career, his influence and the hearts he touched will continue to shine.

X Factor’s David Heath & Boyfriend Welcome Baby #2

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June 19, 2025

X Factor’s David Heath & Boyfriend Welcome Baby #2

David Heath, famed for his time on The X Factor with boyband Eton Road in 2006, and his partner Samuel Paul have just announced the birth of their second child together.

Their daughter, Honey Arblaster Heath, arrived slightly ahead of schedule on June 16, 2025, weighing in at 6lb 10oz, and both she and their surrogate, Sarah, are healthy and thriving.

This joyful news follows the couple’s first parenting journey with their son, Jude, who was born via the same surrogate in July 2023.

A Love Story Unfolding on Social Media

The announcement was made via a heartfelt video shared on social media, featuring the family together and a glimpse of baby Honey’s sweet face.

David and Samuel’s caption read, “Welcome to the world… OUR DAUGHTER! Honey Arblaster Heath. 16/06/25. 6lb 10oz. 13:07pm.”

They also added, “She entered the world four days earlier than planned but Sarah & Honey are doing absolutely fine.”

From Gender Reveal to Gratitude

Back in March, the couple revealed that they were expecting via surrogate, posting, “Chapter 2… June 2025. The secret is finally out and baby number 2 is on their way, we couldn’t be happier! Your dads and big brother can’t wait to meet you.”

They celebrated with a vibrant gender-reveal party surrounded by friends and family, bursting pink confetti to declare their excitement for a baby girl.

Their message was full of appreciation: “As always, we couldn’t have done this without Sarah, our absolute rock in all of this and the selfless choice her and her family made when they offered to help us have a family of our own.”

Building a Family, Step by Beautiful Step

The couple first embarked on their fatherhood journey in 2023, when they shared a touching black-and-white birth announcement for baby Jude, writing, “Our miracle entered the world on 23.07.23 weighing 7.6 lbs. You’re everything and more we could have dreamed of.”

They’ve documented the entire process—from home renovations and nursery prep during Jude’s pregnancy to sharing emotional milestones and updates with their online community.

In the lead-up to Jude’s arrival, they posted about “nesting” and preparation, noting “It’s become very real with the house renovation and deep clean all done … baby clothes all washed ready to style it out. July is going to be the best month for the rest of our lives xx.”

Life Beyond the Spotlight

Post-X Factor, David turned his energy into family-centric ventures, founding Attitude Dance, a dance and fitness studio in Bootle.

He also co-hosts the popular Scouse Dads podcast, where he and Samuel share insights on fatherhood, LGBTQ+ parenting, and parenting in general—all of which they say deepens their journey as a family.

Fans, fellow celebrities, and friends from the LGBTQ+ community have flooded social platforms with congratulations, celebrating the growth of their beautiful queer family.

The X Factor Legacy Lives On

For those who remember Eton Road, the band was mentored by Louis Walsh on The X Factor in 2006 and reached the live shows before being eliminated in week 7, just before Leona Lewis’ iconic win.

Bandmates Anthony Hannah, Danny Morris, and Jay Edwards may have moved on to other things, but David’s journey into parenthood shows he’s still leaving an unforgettable legacy—just this time, it’s in diapers instead of microphones.

Jonathan Bailey: As an Out Gay Actor ‘You Have to Be Excellent’

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June 19, 2025

Jonathan Bailey: As an Out Gay Actor ‘You Have to Be Excellent’

Jonathan Bailey is stepping into cinematic history—and doing so proudly as an out gay actor.

The Bridgerton and Fellow Travelers star headlines this summer’s blockbuster Jurassic World Rebirth, and he’s been refreshingly candid about the responsibility he feels in that role.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Bailey said he felt the “weight of history” in leading the franchise, not just as a talented performer, but as someone carrying forward the progress of LGBTQ+ visibility in Hollywood.

“There’s a moment where you have to be excellent to prove that you can do it,” he said. “There’s the weight of history, and there’s endless brilliant people who have come before you who have changed the way that people see sexuality.”

Bailey stars as Dr. Henry Loomis, a paleontologist thrust into a new prehistoric chaos alongside Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Rupert Friend.

Jonathan with friend and Fellow Travelers co-star Matt Bomer. Instagram: @jbayleaf

Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film marks a return to practical effects, an emphasis on tension over spectacle, and a fresh cast that’s been praised for its chemistry and heart.

While he’s previously earned rave reviews on stage and screen—most recently in Wicked and the political drama Fellow Travelers—Bailey says this role carries unique cultural weight.

“Being an out gay actor, historically, meant you couldn’t play straight,” he explained. “That’s obviously changed massively, but the pressure to represent still lingers.”

Bailey has also been vocal about industry challenges. He previously told Attitude that some of the most conservative responses to his sexuality came from within the gay community itself.

But now, he says, he feels freer than ever, and is using his platform to advocate for authenticity.

“You have to be comfortable with talking about sexuality,” he said. “But also, we shouldn’t make it a commodity. We’re people, not just marketable traits.”

Offscreen, Bailey has become a leading voice for LGBTQ+ rights.

He co-founded The Shameless Fund, a Loewe-backed initiative supporting queer individuals globally, and is active with youth charities like Just Like Us.

He’s also something of a fitness icon, running marathons and scaling mountains—literally.

Jurassic World Rebirth premieres July 2 and is already generating serious buzz, with early reviews applauding its fresh direction and inclusive cast.

For Bailey, though, the biggest victory may be simply showing up as his whole self—and delivering a performance that’s both fierce and heartfelt.

“This is about making space,” Bailey said. “And I hope that people watching will feel seen, too.”

Jordan Tannahill’s Daring Queer Royal Drama Earns Rave Reviews

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June 18, 2025

Jordan Tannahill’s Daring Queer Royal Drama Earns Rave Reviews

Jordan Tannahill has ignited Off-Broadway with his latest play, Prince Faggot, a bold, genre-bending fantasia that’s not just making waves—it’s making headlines.

The show imagines a fictional Prince of England coming out as queer, navigating identity, monarchy, and modern masculinity under the sharp glare of the public eye.

Critics aren’t just impressed—they’re enraptured.

The New York Times named it a “Critic’s Pick,” with Jesse Green raving that the play “aims to shock” but surprises instead with just how “good it is anyway.”

The Wrap called it “one of the year’s best new plays,” describing it as a “wild royal family portrait” and applauding its emotional depth beneath the glitter and subversion.

New York Theatre Guide praised it as a “thought-provoking examination of queerness within the Royal Family,” highlighting its ability to balance spectacle with sincerity.

Meanwhile, Front Row Center gave the show a glowing five-star review, with critic Tulis McCall calling it “a dense tapestry of wonder, imagination, sexuality, humor and stinging observation.”

Tannahill has long been a boundary-pushing voice in queer theatre, but this latest production feels like a defining moment.

With co-production support from Playwrights Horizons and Soho Rep, Prince Faggot is not only resonating with critics—it’s striking an emotional chord with audiences eager for fearless, high-caliber queer storytelling.

Off stage, Tannahill’s personal life is just as inspiring.

He married actor Brandon Flynn in October 2024, forming one of the queer creative world’s most compelling power couples.

Flynn, known for his breakout roles in 13 Reasons Why and Hellraiser, has been a vocal supporter of Tannahill’s work and was seen celebrating opening night alongside him.

Their partnership brings added depth to the play’s themes of visibility, vulnerability, and love in the spotlight.

Jordan Tannahill has always infused his work with elements of autobiography, activism, and art-as-intervention, but Prince Faggot may be his most emotionally layered and culturally resonant piece yet.

While the title may raise eyebrows, the storytelling elevates expectations, proving that radical queer theatre can be both provocative and profoundly moving.

With standing ovations, glowing reviews, and a clear cultural moment underway, Prince Faggot is not just a hit—it’s a triumph.

And at its center stands Tannahill, a playwright in love, on fire, and entirely in his element.

Erik Shoji, Team USA Volleyball Captain, Comes Out as Queer

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June 17, 2025

Erik Shoji, Team USA Volleyball Captain, Comes Out as Queer

In a heartfelt and powerful video shared across TikTok and Instagram, U.S. men’s national volleyball team captain Erik Shoji came out publicly as queer on June 16, 2025.

The announcement was met with widespread support and celebration online, especially from fans and fellow athletes in the LGBTQ+ community.

Shoji, 35, is already a three-time Olympian and widely respected in the volleyball world.

But this announcement marked a deeply personal milestone for the athlete.

In the video, he shared, “I’m here to tell the world today that I am queer.”

The statement, though simple, carried tremendous emotional weight and was met with an outpouring of love and admiration.

Shoji admitted that the decision was both scary and freeing, emphasizing that personal acceptance has been a long journey.

“It took a long time and I’m working through that still every day,” he said.

His openness struck a chord in a sports world where male athletes still rarely come out publicly.

Team USA’s libero, Erik Shoji. 🫡

Happy Pride! 🌈

🔗 https://t.co/DwyBYX3sYk pic.twitter.com/muNAveOgJb
— K 💫 (@keifornal) June 14, 2025

Erik’s volleyball roots run deep, Outsports reports.

Raised in Honolulu in a family of volleyball legends, his father Dave Shoji is a coaching icon at the University of Hawaii, and his brother Kawika Shoji is an Olympic medalist.

Erik himself made NCAA history as the first-ever four-time AVCA All-American and recorded an astounding 1,402 digs during his college career at Stanford.

Since then, Shoji has become an international volleyball star, collecting titles in countries like Germany and Poland.

And yes, he looks good doing it — the cheekbones alone deserve their own medal.

Support came in fast.

USA Volleyball released a statement saying, “Proud of you, Erik. Your courage, authenticity, and leadership continues to inspire us all.”

Fellow out teammate Merrick McHenry added, “Erik! Thank you for being you!”

Other volleyball stars like Cody Kessel, Aleksander Sliwka, Bartosz Kurek, Jordan Larson, and Kelsey Robinson also publicly shared their support.

Even Curt Miller, the out GM of the WNBA’s Dallas Wings, sent his congrats, praising Shoji’s authenticity and leadership.

Shoji reflected, “I want my life to feel like I have one life.”

For him, being open about who he is means no longer living in halves.

“Part of me hopes that the world keeps spinning, and the volleyball community stays amazing, accepting and growing.”

He is set to return to the court on June 25 in Chicago against China — his first match since coming out.

“I’m hoping to be almost the same person moving forward, hopefully better,” he said.

“And I hope to just inspire people to be themselves and to be personable, be kind, be nice and to love life.”

Shoji’s story is not just about volleyball.

It’s also about legacy, courage, and family resilience.

His grandparents met in a Japanese American internment camp during WWII, and his grandfather later served in the 442nd Infantry Regiment, one of the most decorated U.S. military units.

Now, Erik Shoji adds a new layer to that family story — one filled with pride, truth, and representation.

From his powerful coming out to the sea of support that followed, Erik Shoji reminds us that visibility in sports matters — and that authenticity, even when scary, can be a radical and beautiful act of strength.

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B-GayIt\'s So You!

B-GayIt\'s So You!

A Love Story Unfolding on Social Media

From Gender Reveal to Gratitude

Building a Family, Step by Beautiful Step

Life Beyond the Spotlight

The X Factor Legacy Lives On