Sebastian Croft & Connor Jessup’s Pop-Up for Queer Refugees

Sebastian Croft and Connor Jessup are turning Pride season into a full-on mission of queer empowerment with their powerful initiative Queer Was Always Here.

Connor & Sebastian. Instagram: @connorwjessup
Connor & Sebastian. Instagram: @connorwjessup

Created in 2023 by the two actors—Croft, known for his emotional turn in Netflix’s Heartstopper, and Jessup, the breakout star of Locke & Key—the project is more than just a fashion statement.

It’s a movement dedicated to queer lives, queer art, and queer history, with a laser-sharp focus on helping LGBTQIA+ refugees and displaced people around the world.

The community-driven platform works in partnership with the nonprofit Choose Love to secure safer futures for queer people fleeing conflict and persecution.

This year’s Pride campaign saw the two actors launching a bold pop-up shop at Selfridges in London, offering a striking new collection of merch designed by queer artist Jack Taylor Lovatt.

Instagram: @connorwjessup
Instagram: @connorwjessup

100% of proceeds go to grassroots organizations offering essential support for vulnerable LGBTQ+ individuals globally.

From the catchy “Queer Past” t-shirts worn by Croft to the Instagram-worthy visuals flooding Gay Twitter, the campaign has captured attention not just for its aesthetics but for its purpose.

Instagram: @connorwjessup
Instagram: @connorwjessup

Queer Was Always Here is not just a clever name—it’s a defiant reminder that queer people have always existed, loved, created, and resisted.

And now, with stars like Croft and Jessup leading the charge, that legacy continues to shine in the mainstream spotlight.

Both actors have long been vocal about queer visibility and inclusion in media, but this project elevates their activism to a new level.

It’s about tangible impact, not just online likes.

Instagram: @connorwjessup
Instagram: @connorwjessup

With hundreds of thousands of pounds already raised since the initiative’s launch, Queer Was Always Here proves what happens when queer creativity meets compassionate action.

So whether you’re a fan of Heartstopper or Locke & Key, or just someone who believes in equality and inclusion, this is the kind of Pride campaign that deserves your attention—and your coin.

The pop-up may be temporary, but its message is timeless: queer lives matter, queer history is rich, and yes—queer was always here.

Eliad Cohen & Luke Evans Team Up for the Ultimate Gay Summer Anthem

If Pride Month needed an official anthem this year, look no further than the sun-drenched collaboration between Israeli party icon Eliad Cohen and Welsh actor-singer Luke Evans.

Luke Evans with his boyfriend Fran Tomas & Eliad Cohen. Instagram: @eliad\_cohen @thereallukeevans
Luke Evans with his boyfriend Fran Tomas & Eliad Cohen. Instagram: @eliad_cohen @thereallukeevans

On June 28, the dynamic duo dropped a sizzling remix of Evans’ track Only One of You, now transformed by Cohen into a full-blown beach party bop.

The track has already taken over LGBTQ+ playlists and Miami beach Instagram stories, thanks to a steamy promo campaign and the undeniable chemistry between the two gay icons.

Pictured lounging in the Miami sun like tanned Greek gods, Cohen and Evans are the visual embodiment of Pride energy—confident, sexy, and unapologetically joyful.

Instagram: @eliad\_cohen
Instagram: @eliad_cohen

Eliad Cohen, known for his global Papa Party series, has built a brand out of electrifying dance floors and shirtless charisma.

With a background in modeling and a business savvy that’s matched only by his biceps, Cohen has become a staple of queer nightlife and festival culture worldwide.

His remix of Evans’ song comes with a promise: “The remix you didn’t know your summer needed,” he teased on Instagram.

Instagram: @thereallukeevans
Instagram: @thereallukeevans

Luke Evans, meanwhile, has been gracefully balancing a successful Hollywood career with his musical passions and advocacy for LGBTQ+ visibility.

Best known for roles in The Hobbit, Beauty and the Beast, and Nine Perfect Strangers, Evans is one of the rare out gay actors leading blockbusters, and now he’s stepping further into the pop spotlight.

Luke for his clothing brand BDXY. Instagram: @thereallukeevans
Luke for his clothing brand BDXY. Instagram: @thereallukeevans

Their remix isn’t just a song—it’s a serotonin-soaked Pride moment, the kind of euphoric beat drop you didn’t see coming but now can’t stop playing.

Gay Twitter has already started speculating whether this is the start of a new musical duo or something even more fabulous.

Fans are also taking notice of the visuals, with Cohen flaunting his famously furry chest and signature black speedos, and Evans oozing dad-energy in a tank top and luxury beachwear from BDXY, a brand he’s frequently tagged in on Instagram.

The buzz isn’t just about music, either.

Both men are known for using their platforms for LGBTQ+ causes, and this team-up feels as much like a celebration of queer joy as it does a savvy pop culture moment.

So whether this is a one-time remix or the first of many collaborations, one thing is certain: summer 2025 just got a lot hotter.

Grab your tequila soda, press play, and let Eliad and Luke take you all the way from Pride weekend to Labor Day with arms raised and glitter flying.

Neil Patrick Harris to Host Netflix’s New Game Show

Neil Patrick Harris is returning to the small screen in a major way as the host of Netflix’s upcoming game show What’s in the Box, set to premiere in December 2025.

Neil Patrick Harris. Instagram: @nph
Neil Patrick Harris. Instagram: @nph

The new series is described by Netflix as a “massive guessing game” filled with suspense, twists, and the potential for life-changing rewards.

The format centers around giant mystery boxes that conceal high-stakes prizes.

Pairs of contestants will battle through fast-paced trivia rounds before attempting to guess what lies inside each box.

According to Netflix, the stakes go far beyond just winning a prize.

“Winning a prize is just the beginning,” the streamer says, teasing dramatic twists, shifting alliances, and a format that rewards sharp instincts and a little bit of luck.

Only those with keen decision-making skills will walk away victorious.

Netflix has ordered six 45-minute episodes of What’s in the Box, produced by Rollercoaster Television, which is part of ITV Studios.

The series is executive produced by James Fox, Dom Waugh, Wes Kauble, and Leanne Witcoop.

With hubby David Burtka. Instagram: @nph
With hubby David Burtka. Instagram: @nph

Neil Patrick Harris: A Perfect Fit

Harris is a five-time Emmy Award winner and one of the most versatile entertainers in the business.

He is perhaps best known for his iconic role as Barney Stinson in CBS’s How I Met Your Mother and for playing the title role in ABC’s Doogie Howser, M.D.

For Netflix viewers, he may also be familiar as the villainous Count Olaf in A Series of Unfortunate Events.

On Broadway, Harris won a Tony Award for his critically acclaimed performance in Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

He has also made memorable appearances in Gone Girl, Glee, the Harold & Kumar franchise, and more.

Instagram: @nph
Instagram: @nph

As a host, he previously led NBC’s game show Genius Junior and has hosted several major awards shows including the Tonys, Emmys, and Oscars.

A New Addition to Netflix’s Game Show Slate

What’s in the Box joins a growing lineup of competition series on Netflix, including Is It Cake?, The Circle, Squid Game: The Challenge, Million Dollar Secret, and the upcoming revival of Star Search.

Easter with the Harris-Burtka family. Instagram: @nph
Easter with the Harris-Burtka family. Instagram: @nph

This move reflects Netflix’s continued investment in high-energy, binge-worthy reality and game content aimed at global audiences.

With Harris at the helm, What’s in the Box is already drawing attention as a must-watch event heading into the winter season.

Whether you’re a trivia buff, a fan of high-stakes twists, or just love seeing Harris on screen, this show promises to deliver both thrills and surprises.

Reviews: Our Jonathan Bailey Shines in ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’

The upcoming film Jurassic World: Rebirth has garnered generally positive reviews with notable praise for its cast.

Instagram: @jbayleaf @universalpictures
Instagram: @jbayleaf @universalpictures

Entertainment Weekly describes it as a “solid B+” entry that “helps the franchise roar back to life” with its strength stemming from Scarlett Johansson’s dynamic lead and Jonathan Bailey’s “endearing portrayal” of paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis.

The Times calls the film “the strongest installment since the original Jurassic Park,” crediting its synthesis of Gareth Edwards’ direction and David Koepp’s return as screenwriter.

Instagram: @jbayleaf @universalpictures
Instagram: @jbayleaf @universalpictures

In contrast, Vanity Fair takes a more critical view, noting that while performances are strong, the film wrestles with narrative urgency and redundancy.

Overall, early reaction suggests that Rebirth is a visual spectacle anchored by actors, with Bailey standing out for bringing charm and intellect to his role.

Jonathan Bailey’s Unique Musical Contribution

An unexpected highlight is Jonathan Bailey’s contribution to the film’s score as a clarinet soloist.

During a recording session at London’s Abbey Road Studios, Bailey—who played clarinet as a child—boldly asked composer Alexandre Desplat if he could perform.

Bailey was initially hesitant, fearing his playing wasn’t up to professional standards—but Desplat encouraged him to play, offering him a solo that aligns with an emotionally resonant on-screen moment.

Jonathan & Jimmy’s tease on Jimmy Fallon Live.
Jonathan & Jimmy’s tease on Jimmy Fallon Live.

Bailey told Jimmy Fallon that this experience was “the highlight of my career,” emotionally remarking that “the nerd in me erupted like Vesuvius.”

Critical Response to Bailey’s Performance

Beyond his musical cameo, Jonathan Bailey has drawn praise as a credible successor to Sam Neill’s Dr. Alan Grant, offering a warm and grounded performance.

Entertainment Weekly notes Bailey’s pure, joyful reaction when his character first touches a dinosaur, calling it “the purest, most moving moment in the film.”

GamesRadar+ agrees, stating that “Jonathan Bailey and Scarlett Johansson stand out in this unscary sequel that needed a little more time in amber.”

Jonathan Bailey’s Rising Profile and Advocacy

The buzz surrounding Bailey’s Jurassic role arrives at a pivotal career moment as he cements himself as a new Hollywood face.

The 37-year-old British actor has emerged as an influential LGBTQ+ figure following breakout roles in Bridgerton and Wicked, where he has challenged stereotypes and championed queer representation.

Bailey’s involvement in his own musical performance underscores his multi-talented background and creative versatility, reinforcing his status beyond acting fame.

Looking Ahead

Jurassic World: Rebirth is scheduled to premiere July 2, 2025.

The film is already stirring headlines not only for its visual effects and sequel-worthy storylines but also for Bailey’s rare and personal contribution.

Jonathan with Matt Bomer in ‘Fellow Travelers’. Instagram: @netflix
Jonathan with Matt Bomer in ‘Fellow Travelers’. Instagram: @netflix

For fans of both dinosaur thrillers and Jonathan Bailey, this film promises a blend of blockbuster spectacle and heartfelt performance—centered around an actor who keeps pushing his creative boundaries and public impact.

Conclusion

Early reviews suggest Jurassic World: Rebirth revitalizes the franchise with striking effects and a strong cast, especially Jonathan Bailey.

Critics commend Bailey’s sincerity as a scientist and paleontologist, recalling the wonder of Spielberg’s original films.

His clarinet solo—an authentic, self-chosen addition to the score—adds a deeply personal flourish rarely seen in blockbuster cinema.

With this unique combination of on-screen passion and off-screen artistry, Jonathan Bailey is poised to emerge not just as a star of the franchise but as a multi-dimensional creative force in modern Hollywood.

Streaming Gets Queerer: Top LGBTQ+ Titles for Pride 2025

The world’s largest streaming guide has just released its annual report spotlighting LGBTQ+ streaming trends across the U.S. during Pride Month 2025, and honey, the queer content is thriving.

Saltburn
Saltburn

JustWatch’ report draws from over 1,700 titles with LGBTQ+ protagonists or storylines and analyzes user interaction data from June 2024 to June 2025 to determine the hottest shows and films making waves in the community.

Kanopy Leads the Streaming Charge

If you’re wondering where to find the best LGBTQ+ content, look no further than Kanopy, which tops the list with a whopping 25% of the total LGBTQ+ streaming titles in the U.S.

Other standout platforms include Hoopla with 17.3%, Prime Video at 15.6%, and queer-favorite Dekkoo with 9.4%—all far ahead of mainstream players like Netflix, which trails behind at 7.9%.

The takeaway? Libraries and niche services are killing it when it comes to inclusive content.

Top LGBTQ+ Films: From Courtrooms to Courtside Romance

Anatomy of a Fall (2023) claimed the top spot for most popular LGBTQ+ film this year, streaming on Hulu and Kanopy.

American Fiction
American Fiction

Close behind were American Fiction and Challengers, both on Amazon, with the dreamy queer horror I Saw the TV Glow ranked fourth (Max).

Other buzzy titles include Saltburn (Amazon), Love Lies Bleeding (Viaplay), Drive-Away Dolls (Viaplay), and The Whale (Viaplay), proving that queer storytelling is not just visible but vital across multiple genres.

Small Screen Royalty: The Most-Watched LGBTQ+ Shows

On the TV side, Only Murders in the Building (Disney+) reigned supreme, followed by Interview with the Vampire (Amazon) and the Star Wars spinoff The Acolyte (Disney).

Old favorites like Schitt’s Creek and Doctor Who (Disney+) continue to shine, while newcomers like Agatha All Along (Disney+) and Baby Reindeer (Netflix) broke into the top ten with strong queer resonance.

Agatha All Along
Agatha All Along

Streaming availability spans Disney+, Amazon Prime, Hulu, AMC+, Netflix, and even Pluto TV, so there’s no excuse not to binge some fabulous representation this month.

What’s Next: Queer Film Festivals Around the Corner

If you’re still thirsty for more queer content, JustWatch recommends checking out upcoming LGBTQ+ film festivals like Frameline in San Francisco (June 18–28), the Seattle Queer Film Festival (July 10–12), and Reeling in Chicago (Sept 18–Oct 5).

These festivals are gold mines for emerging queer voices and will likely feed next year’s most-watched lists.

A Rainbow Future for Streaming

The 2025 JustWatch report is a glittery reminder that queer stories are not only in demand but leading the streaming conversation.

JustWatch’ report
JustWatch’ report

From intimate dramas to hilarious whodunits, LGBTQ+ narratives are richer and more accessible than ever before.

And with libraries and indie streamers offering some of the best catalogs around, this Pride Month might just be your cue to try something new and beautifully queer.