Donald Zieben‑Hood is at the center of a tragic and disturbing case that unfolded in the early hours of August 1 in their Harlem apartment. What appeared as a glamorous life online ended in gruesome reality.
Instagram: @jzieben
The preserved image of picture‑perfect couples posting loving travel shots and glossy fashion images hid a dark dynamic behind closed doors. Jacob Zieben‑Hood, a 34‑year‑old personal trainer and medical student, was found dead on their bathroom floor, slumped over on the toilet with multiple stab wounds, including one that severed an artery and caused fatal blood loss, NY Post reports.
Instagram: @jzieben
Just hours before his death, Jacob phoned his father in panic. He said Donald was “coming after him” and preventing his exit from the apartment. He even sent a photo of a bleeding wound on his leg. During the call, Jacob’s father heard Donald yelling insults and abusive language at his son.
When police arrived, Donald had cuts on his arms that required stitches. Donald told officers he had had a knife fight with Jacob the night before, fell asleep afterward, and woke around 4 a.m. to discover his husband dead.
Prosecutors are investigating the death as a homicide, though formal murder charges have not yet been filed pending autopsy results. Donald has been charged with first‑degree burglary, weapons possession, and aggravated criminal contempt for violating court protection orders that were put in place to keep him from contacting or approaching Jacob.
This arrest was not the first brush with the law. Since 2022 there have been nine documented domestic incidents involving the couple. Allegations include choking, head injuries, threats with a knife, and physical assaults. Despite multiple arrests and protection orders, Donald repeatedly posted bail—sometimes for as little as $5,000 despite prosecutors seeking $20,000 or more.
In February, Donald was accused of strangling Jacob. In June, he allegedly threatened him with a knife outside their apartment while invoking “I will attack you.” Each time, bail was granted even as prosecutors warned of the dangerous pattern unfolding.
Instagram: @jzieben
Neighbors described increasingly intense and loud fights, with slamming doors and emotional outbursts. One neighbor confessed to calling 911 in June as arguments escalated. They expressed regret, saying they “knew something bad was going to happen.”
The case is chilling in its contrast between the glossy online brand the couple maintained and the retaliatory, violent behavior documented in official records.
Instagram: @jzieben
Donald was denied bail at his arraignment and remains in custody as the medical examiner’s report will determine whether Jacob’s death will result in homicide charges.
The tragedy reminds us that behind curated feeds and glamorous partnerships, there can be hidden toxicity, intense power dynamics, and escalating violence.
Pascal Kaiser, a bisexual assistant soccer referee in Germany, has become one of the most visible LGBTQ+ figures in global football—and he’s doing it proudly with a kiss, a boyfriend, and a mission.
Instagramh: @pascalkaiser98
Since coming out in 2021, Kaiser has become a vocal advocate for visibility and representation in a sport where gay and bi men are still largely underrepresented, especially on the pitch.
The 27-year-old, who officiates in the fifth-tier Oberliga Niederrhein, may not be a household name on the international stage, but with over 170,000 followers on social media and a deeply personal story, he’s one of the most popular match officials in the world.
Instagramh: @pascalkaiser98
In a now-viral Instagram post for Pride Month, Kaiser shared a video of himself kissing his boyfriend, Moritz, pitchside at FC Köln’s RheinEnergieStadion—a bold and beautiful moment that reminded fans what queer joy and love can look like in the world of sport.
Instagramh: @pascalkaiser98
Kaiser, who lives in Cologne and proudly sports a tattoo of his favorite team’s crest, sees his presence on the touchline as an act of quiet revolution.
“I see this as my mission: to create visibility. To be a voice. And to encourage people who aren’t yet brave enough to speak up,” he told German gay media outlet Schwulissimo.
He acknowledges that coming out wasn’t easy, especially when no other LGBTQ+ referees were visible in German soccer at the time. But a local newspaper profile—and the applause he received afterward—helped him embrace his growing public platform.
When asked why he’s so open about his relationship, Kaiser fires back with grace and conviction. “When a heterosexual player talks about his girlfriend, no one asks, ‘What does that have to do with football?’ But when I talk about my partner, they suddenly say, ‘It’s a private matter.’”
Since coming out, he says he’s felt stronger, more present, and more connected with fans—even when facing homophobia from the sidelines or online trolls. He’s heard from several other queer referees and players who are still afraid to live openly, including some from the Bundesliga.
Instagramh: @pascalkaiser98
One moment of particular disappointment came last year when a much-anticipated “coming out day” in German soccer passed without a single male player stepping forward. But Kaiser isn’t discouraged.
“You don’t just have a place—you change the place,” he says, urging young LGBTQ+ players and officials to take the pitch regardless of fear.
“It might not always be easy. You might hear things that hurt. But you will also experience how strong you really are.”
And if anyone questions why he’s chosen this path, his answer is simple and powerful: “Because my heart beats for football—and my love for myself is greater than the hatred of others.”
Nico Young just sprinted into the record books — and into our hearts — with a groundbreaking victory that’s both athletic and historic.
At the USATF Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, the 23-year-old distance runner became the first publicly out gay man to win a U.S. national title in track and field, securing gold in the men’s 10,000-meter race.
Instagram: @nico__young__ @citiusmag
Young’s dramatic late surge helped him overtake Olympic medalist Grant Fisher and rising star Graham Blanks, finishing with a time of 29:02.12 — just a quarter of a second ahead of Fisher.
It wasn’t just about the time on the clock but the milestone for representation in American sports.
“I want to be a representative and advocate for others like me,” Young said in his coming out post back in August 2022, and that promise just got a powerful follow-through on the track.
Instagram: @nico__young__ @citiusmag
This victory came nearly a year after Young helped make history at the 2023 Paris Olympics, where his participation marked another LGBTQ+ milestone for American male athletes.
He’s also the current U.S. outdoor record holder for the 5,000 meters, a title he claimed in June at the Diamond League meet in Oslo, and he’s aiming for another breakthrough at the upcoming World Athletics Championships.
Though the pace in Eugene was slower than some of his past personal bests — his P.B. stands at an impressive 26:52.72 — Young’s strategy and finishing kick were flawless, covering the final four laps in just under four minutes.
Instagram: @nico__young__
With reigning Olympic champ Joseph Cheptegei unlikely to compete in Tokyo, Young’s path to Olympic glory seems more realistic than ever.
And while other LGBTQ+ athletes like Kerron Clement, Nikki Hiltz, and Sha’Carri Richardson have made headlines in recent years, Young now becomes a symbol for gay men in men’s track competitions — not after the fact, but right in the moment of his crowning achievement.
Instagram: @nico__young__
Despite being somewhat reserved about his identity publicly, Young told Runner’s World that he draws strength from standing out.
“It means a lot to me,” he said. “I hoped to be a voice for people who are struggling.”
And now, with a medal around his neck and a growing legacy in both athletics and representation, that voice is impossible to ignore.
When celebrities use their voices to stand up for LGBTQ+ people, it can change hearts and culture. Here are some inspiring moments where straight allies stood up for equality – and why they still matter today, especially in troubled times:
💖 Elizabeth Taylor fights for love during the AIDS crisis (1980s)
In the darkest days of the 1980s AIDS epidemic, Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor took a stand when almost no one else would. She spoke out loudly for people with HIV/AIDS – a group mostly made up of gay men then – at a time when even saying “AIDS” was taboo. Taylor helped found amfAR in 1985 and raised millions for research, fearlessly fighting stigma “when so many living with HIV/AIDS were invisible” . Her compassion gave dignity to those whom society shunned. As she famously said in her GLAAD Award speech, “There is no gay agenda; it’s a human agenda… What it comes down to, ultimately, is love… The bad stuff comes out of hate and ignorance” . 💕 Taylor’s courage helped change attitudes, and her legacy of love still inspires allies to speak up today.
📺 Oprah Winfrey stands with Ellen (1997)
In 1997, talk-show icon Oprah Winfrey put her reputation on the line to support Ellen DeGeneres’ groundbreaking coming-out. Oprah guest-starred as the therapist in Ellen’s famous “Puppy Episode,” which 42 million viewers tuned in to see – a mainstream TV first for gay visibility . By simply sitting beside Ellen on that sitcom, Oprah sent a powerful message that being gay is nothing to fear. The backlash was intense: Oprah was inundated with nearly a thousand hate calls (many laced with racist, vitriolic slurs) for supporting Ellen . But she didn’t back down ✊. Years later, Oprah told Ellen that without that brave step, “you wouldn’t be able to… change people’s minds and make a difference… had you not had the courage to do that” . Oprah’s steadfast allyship – in the face of hate – helped open hearts and pave the way for more LGBTQ stories on TV. 🌈
🍔 Guy Fieri’s 101 Gay Weddings (2015)
He might be known for diners and drive-ins, but in 2015 celebrity chef Guy Fieri showed a heart of gold in spectacular fashion 😃. Guy volunteered to officiate a mass wedding for 101 same-sex couples on a Miami beach – trading his usual bowling shirt for a bright purple suit and a smile, as he led dozens of LGBTQ pairs in saying “I do” . Even more touching, he did it to honor his late sister, who was a lesbian , turning personal loss into an outpouring of love. The event (organized by chef Art Smith) was a joyous celebration of marriage equality, complete with a giant seven-tier rainbow cake and cheering crowds . Guy’s very public show of support – at a time when many were still fighting for the right to marry – sent a simple, powerful message: love is love, and everyone deserves to celebrate it. 🎂🌈 His allyship, filled with positivity and fun, helped normalize LGBTQ weddings in pop culture and warmed countless hearts.
🎸 Bruce Springsteen’s stand against an anti-LGBTQ law (2016)
In 2016, rock icon Bruce Springsteen took a bold stand for transgender rights 🎶. When North Carolina passed a harsh anti-LGBTQ “bathroom bill” (HB2) targeting trans people, Springsteen did more than issue a statement – he canceled his concert in the state to protest the injustice . This was no small gesture: it meant disappointing fans and losing income, but The Boss put principles first. Bruce declared “Some things are more important than a rock show” , showing solidarity with those whose rights and dignity were under attack. His surprise cancellation made national headlines and put a spotlight on the discriminatory law, pressuring others to speak out. In fact, Springsteen’s advocacy was praised for giving “voice… to those who struggle against injustice” on behalf of citizens whose “fundamental dignity” was being trampled . 💪🏳️🌈 Even today, his message resonates: no concert or business is more important than standing up for people’s equal rights. Springsteen’s courageous allyship inspired other artists to take action and reminded LGBTQ folks they weren’t alone.
🏆 Taylor Swift champions Equality Act (2019)
Pop superstar Taylor Swift used her voice for change at a critical moment 🌈. In 2019 – amid a rising tide of divisive politics – Taylor stepped forward as an LGBTQ ally, despite having stayed apolitical before. She wrote open letters and donated money, urging lawmakers to protect LGBTQ rights. That summer, she launched a petition and urged her millions of fans to support the Equality Act (a federal law to ban LGBTQ discrimination) – gathering over 500,000 signatures in just weeks . At the MTV VMAs, after winning Video of the Year for her Pride-themed song “You Need to Calm Down,” Taylor used her live speech to call out those in power for inaction and implored everyone to support equality under the law . She later explained her motivation: seeing that “rights are being stripped from basically everyone who isn’t a straight white cisgender male” in America pushed her to speak up . 💖 By bravely taking a public stand in an era of culture wars, Taylor showed millions of young fans what true allyship looks like. Her influence made LGBTQ issues impossible to ignore in the pop mainstream, and it still matters – she proved that even superstars can use their platform to demand justice, helping shift the culture toward acceptance. ✊🌈
🏀 Dwyane Wade & Gabrielle Union defend their transgender daughter (2020s)
NBA legend Dwyane Wade and actress Gabrielle Union have shown fearless love for their child – and for all LGBTQ+ youth – even as political winds turn hostile. 💕 When their daughter Zaya came out as transgender, Wade didn’t hide it; instead he went on national TV to proudly proclaim that he and Gabrielle are “proud parents of a child in the LGBTQ+ community” and equally “proud allies” . In recent years, as their home state of Florida passed a wave of anti-LGBTQ laws (from “Don’t Say Gay” to bans on trans healthcare), Wade and Union made the painful decision to move their family out of Florida so that Zaya could live safely and authentically . They acknowledge that many families can’t just relocate, so this power couple uses every platform they have to fight for those who can’t leave – vowing “we are going to be fighting till we are out of breath to protect all kids who are oppressed. That is our responsibility… as people with large platforms” . Their courage as parents and allies sends hope to countless LGBTQ families. In a time when transgender youth are under attack in many places, Wade and Union’s outspoken support shows that love will always have our backs, even when the law doesn’t. 🌟👨👩👧🌈
🎬 Pedro Pascal proudly strutting the red carpets with his transgender sister Lux (2020’s)
Sometimes allyship means putting family — and values — first.
When The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal speaks out, he doesn’t hold back.
In 2023, as anti-trans laws surged across the U.S., Pedro shared a fierce, unapologetic message of support for his trans sister Lux Pascal, posting simply:
“Mi hermana, mi corazón, our hearts are with you.”
❤️ But this wasn’t just a sweet gesture — it was a powerful statement seen by millions, during a time when trans voices were being erased.
Pedro used his fame not to protect himself, but to protect others.
For LGBTQ+ people — especially trans youth — it meant the world.
When you’re an ally, silence is not an option.
—
These moments show how one bold act of allyship can ripple out and change culture. Straight allies – whether a classic Hollywood icon or a superstar athlete – make a difference by standing up publicly for the LGBTQ+ community. Their support has brought comfort, sparked conversations, and even changed policies. In today’s challenging climate, their example reminds us that we all have the power to fight for what’s right. When allies speak out with love and courage, hearts open, hate shrinks, and the world moves a little closer to equality. 💞 Together, we can get through the darkest times – because real love and solidarity never back down.
Paul Poirier, the Canadian Olympic figure skater who dazzled us on the ice, just added some serious sparkle to his personal life.
The 33-year-old athlete took to Instagram to share that he’s officially engaged to his long-term boyfriend, Kevin.
Instagram: @pauldpoirier @kevsta
In a sweet, understated post on July 30, the couple flaunted their silver rings with the caption: “We did a thing (he said yes).”
It turns out the proposal was just as low-key and lovely as the couple themselves.
According to an interview with Outsports, Poirier popped the question during one of their evening routines at home, making it intimate, quiet, and full of heart.
“It was really nice to share that quiet moment together,” Poirier said, “and then to share the news with our families and closest friends.”
He met Kevin back in 2020, and he’s described his fiancé as his “favourite person and biggest source of support in all facets of life.”
Instagram: @pauldpoirier @kevsta
Among the many well-wishers was his skating partner Piper Gilles, who commented with a glowing “You’ve deserved all the love.”
Poirier, who came out publicly ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, said he wanted to be a role model for young queer athletes.
“[Being a gay athlete] hasn’t been something that I’ve really talked about very much, especially in a public setting,” he shared at the time.
But in recent years, Poirier has opened up more, explaining that he sees the importance of letting people see who he really is — on and off the rink.
Instagram: @pauldpoirier @kevsta
“I’ve had this attitude that my private life is my private life,” he said, “but I definitely see opportunities to share what we do and who we are to a much wider audience, and that opportunity is not lost on me.”
During Pride Month, he reflected even deeper, noting how his sexuality helped shape both the person and athlete he is today.
Instagram: @pauldpoirier @kevsta
“Perhaps I can be a role model for so many young queer athletes who are growing up and not really sure how to navigate that,” he said.
With this joyful engagement, Poirier isn’t just celebrating love — he’s continuing to break barriers with every graceful glide, every silver ring, and every heartfelt moment shared with the world.
