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Tom Daley Announces he’s Diving into Retirement with Pride

August 12, 2024

Tom Daley Announces he’s Diving into Retirement with Pride

Our beloved Olympic hero, Tom Daley, has officially hung up his Speedo and retired from competitive diving after a dazzling career that has spanned five Olympic Games. The 30-year-old British diver, who has become nothing short of a household name since his debut at the tender age of 14, leaves behind a legacy of glittering medals and a trail of inspiration for future generations.

At the 2024 Paris Games, Tom secured his fifth and final Olympic medal— a silver in the men’s 10m synchronized platform with his dive partner Noah Williams. This final flourish was witnessed by an emotional audience, but none more so than by Tom’s husband, Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, and their two adorable sons, Robbie and Phoenix, who were right there in the stands to cheer him on.

In an intimate announcement with Vogue, Tom revealed that he knew this was his last dive even before stepping onto the platform in Paris. “It was emotional at the end, up there on the platform, knowing it was going to be my last competitive dive,” he shared. And who could blame him for getting a bit misty-eyed? After all, this was the final bow of a career that began in Beijing in 2008 when he was just a wide-eyed teen.

Now, Tom is far from just a diving superstar; he’s become a beloved figure in the LGBTQ+ community, a fashion icon, and a symbol of queer joy, all while balancing fatherhood and an enviable marriage. The diving world might miss him, but he’s not disappearing from our lives any time soon. His Instagram is still where you’ll find your daily dose of knitting, dad jokes, and the occasional glimpse of those fab abs—because some things should never change.

Tom’s journey hasn’t been just about medals, though. It’s been a voyage of self-discovery, coming out, and embracing his identity in front of the world. He’s shown that being an out and proud gay man is not just compatible with elite sports; it’s a strength. His marriage to Lance and their beautiful family is proof positive that queer love is powerful, resilient, and worth celebrating.

Reflecting on his final Olympics, Tom said, “I was eager for it to be done… but when I walked out, and saw my husband [Lance] and kids [Robbie and Phoenix] and my friends and family in the audience, I was like, ‘you know what? This is exactly why I did this.’” In the end, it wasn’t just about the medals or the records; it was about the love and support that lifted him to those dizzying heights.

So, what’s next for Tom? Well, the sky’s the limit. Whether he’s designing new knits, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, or just being a full-time dad, you can bet we’ll all be watching—and cheering him on every step of the way.

To Tom, we say thank you. Thank you for the dives, the courage, the representation, and for being one of us. We’re thrilled to see where you’ll go next—whatever it is, we know it’ll be fabulous.

+Related: Tom Daley’s Triumphant Return

Hollywood’s Next Wave: Young Stars from Queer Shows

Zayn Williams

August 11, 2024

Hollywood’s Next Wave: Young Stars from Queer Shows

Ah, the glitz and glamor of Hollywood’s new wave, where the next generation of stars is shining brighter than ever.

It’s no surprise that Variety’s Young Hollywood Impact Report just had to spotlight these incredible talents who’ve not only captured our screens but also our hearts.

Let’s start with our favorite Brits from “Heartstopper,” Joe Locke and Kit Connor.

Now, these two have been on quite the journey since the Netflix series catapulted them into the limelight.

The show, with its tender portrayal of young LGBTQ+ love, became an instant hit, and its stars were thrust into the kind of fame that most actors only dream of.

Joe and Kit have embraced it with a charm and grace that only makes us love them more.

"Hug first" 😭 🍂 pic.twitter.com/DErGrHL2cg
— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) August 3, 2024

Kit Connor, who’s as versatile as they come, is proving his range by jumping from the small screen to the big stage.

And when I say big stage, I mean Broadway, darling.

He’s set to play none other than Romeo in the classic “Romeo & Juliet,” starring opposite Rachel Zegler.

But that’s not all; Kit’s got a full plate with upcoming projects including A24’s much-anticipated film “Warfare” and the DreamWorks animation “The Wild Robot,” where he’s rubbing shoulders (or should I say vocal cords?) with Lupita Nyong’o.

Kit’s enthusiasm for theater is palpable, and he’s been quoted saying how much he’s looking forward to returning to the stage because it’s “very creatively fulfilling.”

And honestly, who could disagree? Live theater has a magic all its own.

Joe Locke isn’t letting his “Heartstopper” success define him either.

After his stellar performance as Tobias Ragg in “Sweeney Todd” on Broadway, he’s now stepping into the world of Disney+ with “Agatha All Along,” a spinoff of “WandaVision” that already has fans buzzing.

Joe’s love for the stage shines through when he talks about how theater is acting in its purest form. No retakes, no camera tricks—just raw talent.

Meanwhile, across the pond, our Swedish sensations Omar Rudberg and Edvin Ryding have been making waves of their own. “Young Royals,” the Netflix series that explores royal life and queer love, has been nothing short of a global phenomenon.

Edvin, who plays the conflicted Prince Wilhelm, is gearing up for a completely different role in Danny Boyle’s “28 Years Later.”

Acting alongside legends like Cillian Murphy and Jodie Comer, Edvin’s taking his career to thrilling new heights.

It seems he’s a fan of well-crafted drama himself, as he’s been binging “The Bear” and loving every intense minute of it.

And then there’s Omar Rudberg, who’s showing us all that there’s life beyond boy bands.

Once a member of FO&O, Omar has transitioned seamlessly into a solo career, making music that’s as stylish as he is.

Oh, and did I mention he’s now dabbling in the beauty world?

Omar recently launched a unisex fragrance under his brand OMR, adding “entrepreneur” to his already impressive resume.

For his TV binges, Omar’s been into “Threesome,” a Swedish drama with chemistry so electric, it’s no wonder he’s hooked.

These stars, celebrated at Variety’s Young Hollywood event on August 8, are more than just names on a list—they’re a force of nature, representing the future of entertainment.

After the turmoil of last year’s strikes, it’s clear that they’re thrilled to be back in action, doing what they do best: captivating us all with their talent.

It’s hard not to feel a sense of camaraderie with these rising stars, like we’re all part of the same wide circle of friends.

Watching their journeys unfold feels personal, like we’ve been cheering them on from the very beginning.

And in a way, we have. Their successes are our joys, their challenges our concerns, and their stories—whether on stage, screen, or in the studio—are ones we can’t wait to continue following.

Meet the New Gay Chaplain on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’

Zayn Williams

August 10, 2024

Meet the New Gay Chaplain on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’

Oh, darlings, get ready for a splash of new queer energy in the hallowed halls of Grey Sloan Memorial! Michael Thomas Grant, the ever-charming talent we loved as Leif on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, is making a grand entrance into our Thursday night favorite, Grey’s Anatomy. In the upcoming 21st season, Grant will step into the role of James, the hospital’s new “openly gay Episcopal” chaplain, and honey, he’s about to bring both spirit and heart to the mix.

We got the scoop thanks to TVLine, and our hearts haven’t stopped racing! James is described as a chaplain with a special soft spot for the younger patients. With his warmth, training, and spiritual depth, he’s the kind of guy who’s ready to offer comfort in the most challenging situations—and let’s be real, that’s exactly what you need at Grey Sloan! But here’s the kicker, my loves: James isn’t just about tending to others. He’s at a crossroads in his life, open to love and possibly ready to take some leaps of faith. Oh, the romance potential is palpable!

Michael took to Instagram to share his excitement, and in true Grey’s style, he paired his announcement with The Fray’s “How to Save a Life.” (Could there be a more iconic song for this show?) “Hey, it’s me!” he exclaimed, brimming with enthusiasm. And really, how could he not be? Joining this cast is practically a rite of passage in the TV world, especially when stepping into a role that’s not only groundbreaking but also incredibly relevant.

Now, for those of you who might have been in a bubble the past few years, Grant isn’t just some new face. He was an absolute delight on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, where he brought us joy and some serious feels as Leif, alongside Jane Levy and Skylar Astin. And let’s not forget that unforgettable duet with Alex Newell—talk about making our hearts sing! Even after the show’s abrupt end in 2021, he blessed us one last time with Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas.

But back to Grey’s. We know that our beloved Dr. Levi Schmitt (played by Jake Borelli) is taking a step back this season, which, let’s be honest, is still a bit of a heartbreaker. Jake’s portrayal of Levi gave us one of the most genuine, emotional LGBTQ+ storylines on TV, and we’ll miss seeing him scrub in regularly. Thankfully, Jake will be around for a few more episodes in season 21 to give Levi the send-off he deserves. And while his exit leaves some big shoes to fill, we can’t help but feel that Michael Thomas Grant is ready to step up and bring something fresh and wonderful to the table.

In other big Grey’s news, can we talk about Jason George’s return? After a fiery stint (pun intended) on Station 19, he’s coming back to the OG show as Dr. Ben Warren, and we’re already planning our watch parties for his reunion with Miranda Bailey (the iconic Chandra Wilson). And if that weren’t enough, Ellen Pompeo is set to grace our screens more frequently this season, which means more Meredith Grey wisdom to keep us going.

So, mark your calendars for September 26 at 10 p.m. ET because Grey’s Anatomy season 21 is gearing up to be one for the books. With Michael Thomas Grant bringing his warmth and charm as James, the new gay chaplain, and all the other surprises in store, we’re in for an emotional rollercoaster—and we can’t wait to get on board!

Joaquin Phoenix Abruptly Exits Todd Haynes’ Gay Drama

Zayn Williams

August 9, 2024

Joaquin Phoenix Abruptly Exits Todd Haynes’ Gay Drama

In a surprising twist, just as we were all gearing up for Todd Haynes’ next daring cinematic venture—a 1930s gay romance that promised to be as provocative as it was poignant—Joaquin Phoenix has abruptly exited the project. This shocking news comes from IndieWire mere days before filming was set to begin in Guadalajara, Mexico, leaving the entire production in a precarious state.

Phoenix, who was not only the film’s star but also deeply involved in developing its story, had been pushing Haynes to explore even more explicit and challenging themes. The film was set to carry an NC-17 rating, largely due to its explicit portrayal of the central romance between Phoenix’s character and that of Danny Ramirez, the rising star from Top Gun: Maverick.

Haynes had been full of praise for Phoenix’s commitment to pushing boundaries, noting that it was Phoenix who encouraged him to delve deeper into the “dangerous territory” of their narrative. It’s a real blow, not just to the film’s progress but to those of us eagerly awaiting another groundbreaking exploration of queer love from a director who has never shied away from the complex intersections of identity and desire.

As of now, the future of the project remains uncertain. With Phoenix’s departure, the film has lost not just its lead but also much of its financial backing—secured largely on the strength of Phoenix’s involvement. While Haynes shifts his focus to a new project with Kate Winslet for HBO, there’s no word yet on whether the gay romance will be revived with a new lead or shelved indefinitely.

For those of us who have followed Haynes from Poison to Carol, this was set to be another landmark in queer cinema, and the disappointment is palpable. Here’s hoping this isn’t the last we hear of this intriguing project, even if it now faces an uphill battle .

Will Young: ‘Pop Idol’ Tried to Silence My Sexuality

Zayn Williams

August 9, 2024

Will Young: ‘Pop Idol’ Tried to Silence My Sexuality

It’s hard to believe that it’s been over two decades since Will Young burst onto our screens as the winner of Pop Idol, a defining moment for both his career and for LGBTQ+ visibility in the mainstream music industry.

But now, even in 2024, Will’s revelations about what happened behind the scenes are still shaking up conversations about the struggles LGBTQ+ celebrities faced—and continue to face—in the spotlight.

In a candid chat with fellow openly gay star Rylan Clark on his BBC Sounds podcast How To Be In The Spotlight, Will, now 45, didn’t hold back about the pressures he faced as a young gay man fresh off his Pop Idol victory.

Winning such a high-profile show at just 23 should’ve been the highlight of his life, but instead, he was met with some not-so-friendly advice from show bosses: stay in the closet.

Now, for those of us who’ve followed Will’s career, this probably comes as a mix of anger and vindication.

We all know how, back in 2002, Will bravely came out to the public almost immediately after his win—before anyone else could make that decision for him.

It was a move that was as bold as it was necessary, particularly after rumors swirled that a tabloid was gearing up to out him.

With his characteristic calm, he stated at the time, “For me, it’s normal and nothing to be ashamed about. I’m gay and I’m comfortable with that.”

But, as Will revealed to Rylan, the folks behind Pop Idol were apparently more comfortable with his talent than his truth.

He said, “I was told not to say anything. I just told them I wasn’t going to do that. Basically told them to ‘f**k off.’”

That fierce honesty and refusal to be pushed back into the closet is something many of us remember and admire Will for.

And it wasn’t just the show’s bosses who tried to tamp down his authenticity.

As Will recounted, even in the years that followed, attempts were made to “straighten up” his image.

This included a record company executive insisting he re-record his hit Leave Right Now because, according to them, he “sounded too gay.”

With a cheeky nod to defiance, Will and producer Stephen Lipson sent back the exact same vocal track, and—surprise!—the exec loved it.

Let’s also not forget that Will’s visibility as an openly gay man in the public eye wasn’t just a battle against industry pressures but also against the very real threat of homophobia.

He spoke openly with Rylan about the terrifying experience of being chased by people threatening violence because of his sexuality, a grim reminder that fame doesn’t shield you from hatred.

But, as he firmly put it, he was “not going to live a lie.”

Will’s story resonates deeply, especially now when LGBTQ+ representation in media is better than it was in the early 2000s, but still far from where it needs to be.

His refusal to compromise his identity for fame, and his insistence on being true to himself, is a reminder that coming out is never just a personal decision—it’s a powerful statement.

And as we look at the progress that’s been made, we’re also reminded of the work that’s left to do.

Will’s journey, shared with Rylan in a podcast filled with both laughter and somber moments, underscores the reality that being out and proud in the entertainment industry is still an act of courage.

It’s a story that many of us in the LGBTQ+ community relate to, whether we’re in the limelight or not.

So here’s to Will—still as brave and unapologetic as ever.

In a world that often tries to fit us into boxes, it’s good to have someone like him who’s been refusing to fit into those boxes for over twenty years.

Let’s raise a glass (or three) to that and listen to Will’s new album LIGHT IT UP that is out now!

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B-GayIt\'s So You!

B-GayIt\'s So You!