Gay Adult Film Icon Colton Ford Dies in Tragic Hiking Accident

Glenn Soukesian, widely known by his stage name Colton Ford, passed away on May 19, 2025, at the age of 62 following a hiking accident in Palm Springs, California.

His death was confirmed by friends and colleagues, including adult film director Chi Chi LaRue, who expressed shock and sadness over the sudden loss, Out reports.

Ford’s friend Tim Wood also confirmed the news, stating that the accident occurred over the weekend during a hike.

Born in Pasadena, California, in 1962, Ford began his career in the gay adult film industry at the age of 40, quickly becoming a prominent figure and earning the title of “Gay Performer of the Year” at the 2003 GayVN Awards.

He appeared in several notable films and was known for his embodiment of the “muscle daddy” archetype.

Transitioning from adult films, Ford pursued a successful music career, releasing his debut album Tug of War in 2008, followed by Under the Covers in 2009 and The Way I Am in 2013.

His music, characterized by dance and pop influences, resonated with many, and he collaborated with artists like Frankie Knuckles and Pepper Mashay.

Related: Damien Stone, Beloved Gay Adult Performer, Dies Unexpectedly at 32

Ford’s rendition of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” peaked at No. 9 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart.

In addition to his music, Ford ventured into acting, starring as Sheriff Trout in the gay-themed TV series The Lair and appearing in films like Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild!

He also made his off-Broadway debut in 2011 in the musical Little House on the Ferry.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ford was known for his warmth, kindness, and authenticity.

Fellow performer Dallas Steele remembered him as “an amazing spirit” who was always optimistic and full of plans for the future.

Ford’s presence in the LGBTQ+ community was significant, and he was admired for living openly and honestly, inspiring many through his work and personal journey.

His legacy as a trailblazer in both the adult film and music industries, as well as his contributions to theater and television, will be remembered fondly by fans and peers alike.

Colton Ford’s life was a testament to the power of reinvention and the importance of living authentically.

He leaves behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire and resonate within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

Related: Adult Film Star Roman Mercury Has Passed Away

‘Overcompensating’: Queer Comedy #1 on Amazon Prime

Overcompensating, the new semi-autobiographical comedy series created by and starring Benito Skinner, has taken Prime Video by storm since its premiere on May 15, 2025.

Instagram: @bennydrama7
Instagram: @bennydrama7

The show has quickly climbed to the top of streaming charts in the U.S., Canada, and Brazil, resonating with audiences for its heartfelt and hilarious exploration of queer identity and college life.

Skinner, known for his viral persona @bennydrama7, plays Benny, a closeted former high school football star navigating the complexities of freshman year alongside his new best friend, Carmen (played by Wally Baram).

The series delves into themes of performative masculinity, self-discovery, and the deep bonds of friendship, all set against the backdrop of chaotic campus life.

Produced by A24 and Jonah Hill’s Strong Baby, with original music by Charli XCX, Overcompensating boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Mary Beth Barone, Adam DiMarco, and Rish Shah.

Instagram: @bennydrama7
Instagram: @bennydrama7

Guest appearances by Connie Britton, Kyle MacLachlan, Bowen Yang, and Megan Fox add to the show’s appeal.

Critics have lauded the series for its blend of sharp humor and emotional depth, with The Guardian describing it as “an exquisite frat bro orgy of shirt-ripping, chest-thumping… and self-love.”

Related: Coming-Out Comedy: Closeted Footballer & Wild Freshman Nights

The New Yorker praised its fresh take on the coming-out narrative, highlighting the show’s ability to balance satire with sincere storytelling.

Skinner has expressed his hope that the series will make closeted viewers feel “a little less alone,” drawing from his own experiences growing up in Boise, Idaho.

With Lucas Gage. Instagram: @bennydrama7
With Lucas Gage. Instagram: @bennydrama7

He began writing the show six years ago, aiming to create a narrative that reflects the complexities of queer youth and the journey toward self-acceptance.

With its success, fans are eagerly anticipating a second season.

While Amazon has yet to officially announce a renewal, Skinner has revealed that he already has plans for a follow-up, promising an even more “insane and unhinged” continuation of Benny’s story.

For those seeking a comedy that combines laugh-out-loud moments with poignant reflections on identity, Overcompensating is a must-watch.

All eight episodes are now streaming on Prime Video.

Related: New ‘Overcompensating’ Trailer Teases Some Steamy Gay Drama

David Geffen Files for Divorce from Husband David Armstrong

Entertainment mogul David Geffen, 82, has filed for divorce from his 32-year-old husband, David Armstrong, also known as Donovan Michaels, after nearly two years of marriage.

Instagram: @donovan\_michaels
Instagram: @donovan_michaels

The couple, who married in March 2023 without a prenuptial agreement, cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their separation, which was officially marked on February 22, 2025.

Geffen has enlisted high-profile divorce attorney Laura Wasser to represent him in the proceedings.

Despite the absence of a prenup, Armstrong’s financial gain from the divorce may be limited due to California laws that consider stock dividends—Geffen’s primary source of income since his retirement 15 years ago—as separate property.

Under state law, Armstrong is entitled to spousal support for half the length of the marriage, equating to approximately one year, and Geffen has agreed to cover his attorney’s fees.

Related: Ricky Martin Says Tough Divorce Has Rocket Fueled His Life

The pair reportedly met in 2020 when Armstrong was working as Geffen’s personal trainer.

Armstrong, who has a background as a go-go dancer and model, transitioned into high society through his relationship with Geffen, a co-founder of major record labels such as Asylum Records, Geffen Records, and DreamWorks Records.

Instagram: @donovan\_michaels
Instagram: @donovan_michaels

While the couple maintained a relatively private relationship, they were occasionally seen together, including a notable appearance on Geffen’s $400 million yacht, the Rising Sun.

Geffen, who publicly came out as gay in 1992, has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and a significant philanthropist, with substantial contributions to institutions like UCLA and Lincoln Center.

The divorce filing marks the end of a high-profile union that garnered public attention due to the couple’s significant age difference and contrasting backgrounds.

Instagram: @donovan\_michaels
Instagram: @donovan_michaels

As the proceedings unfold, the settlement is expected to be straightforward, given the short duration of the marriage and the legal distinctions regarding Geffen’s assets.

Geffen’s representatives have not released further comments on the matter.

Related: Lukas Gage and Chris Appleton Finalize Divorce Settlement

Joe Exotic’s Husband Arrested by ICE After Prison Wedding

Joe Exotic, the flamboyant star of Netflix’s Tiger King, is once again in the headlines—this time over the deportation of his husband, Jorge Marquez Flores.

Instagram:@joe\_exotic
Instagram:@joe_exotic

The couple, who met while incarcerated at the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, tied the knot behind bars in April 2025, just weeks before Flores was transferred to an ICE detention center and deported to Mexico.

Flores, 33, had been serving time for illegally reentering the U.S. after a prior deportation and for allegedly transporting undocumented immigrants across the border.

According to reports, he was taken into ICE custody on May 15 and deported within hours of his hearing, despite Exotic’s public pleas for mercy directed at former President Donald Trump and White House adviser Stephen Miller.

Instagram:@joe\_exotic
Instagram:@joe_exotic

Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage, posted a photo of himself and Flores on Instagram, writing, “They have officially taken him to an ICE detention Center for his hearing to either stay in America or go back to Mexico. @potus @stephenm don’t you think between losing my life’s work, my parents and now this that I’ve suffered enough?”

The marriage was Exotic’s sixth and came after a whirlwind engagement announced in October 2024.

Instagram:@joe\_exotic
Instagram:@joe_exotic

The couple even tattooed wedding bands on their fingers to symbolize their commitment.

Exotic had expressed hope that the union would help Flores gain U.S. citizenship or at least allow them to build a life together upon release.

However, with Flores now deported, Exotic has stated he’s willing to move to Mexico to be with his husband once he’s released from prison.

Instagram:@joe\_exotic
Instagram:@joe_exotic

Related: Joe Exotic Drops Love Song, Fans Dub It ‘Kid Rock for the Gays’

Exotic is currently serving a 21-year sentence for a murder-for-hire plot against animal rights activist Carole Baskin and multiple wildlife violations.

He gained international fame in 2020 when Tiger King became a viral sensation during the COVID-19 lockdowns, turning his feud with Baskin and his eccentric lifestyle into pop culture phenomena.

Despite his incarceration, Exotic has remained active on social media, sharing updates about his legal battles, health issues, and personal life.

His latest posts about Flores’s deportation have sparked renewed interest in his story and the ongoing saga of the “Tiger King.”

While ICE has not commented on the deportation, Exotic’s public appeals and the couple’s unconventional love story continue to capture public attention.

As Exotic continues to serve his sentence, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to reunite with Flores in Mexico or if further legal challenges await.

One thing is certain: the drama surrounding Joe Exotic shows no signs of ending anytime soon.

Related: Joe Exotic’s New Love: Tiger Tyrant Engaged to Fellow Inmate!

Day Against Homophobia: LGBTQ+ Visibility, Advocacy, and Progress

May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, and it remains a vital date in the global LGBTQ+ calendar.

Josh Cavallo and his fiancée. Instagram: @joshua.cavallo
Josh Cavallo and his fiancée. Instagram: @joshua.cavallo

Across the world, activists, allies, and communities come together to push back against hate and celebrate queer resilience, visibility, and love.

While some may think the fight is over, we know better—and so do some of our favorite LGBTQ+ celebrities who’ve used their platforms to speak up and inspire change.

Instagram: @joshua.cavallo
Instagram: @joshua.cavallo

Josh Cavallo, the Australian professional footballer who made history in 2021 as the first top-tier male footballer to come out while still playing, has been a vocal advocate ever since.

He’s bravely shared the homophobia he still faces and has called for football to be a safer, more inclusive space for everyone.

Related: Josh Cavallo’s Battle Against Homophobia in Pro Football

Gus Kenworthy with fellow gay Olympian Adam Rippon. Instagram: @guskenworthy
Gus Kenworthy with fellow gay Olympian Adam Rippon. Instagram: @guskenworthy

Gus Kenworthy, the Olympic skier turned actor, has long used his fame to challenge homophobia in sports and beyond.

Whether it’s teaming up with fellow queer athletes or pushing for better LGBTQ+ representation on screen, Gus continues to be a beacon of pride and progress.

Related: Gus Kenworthy’s Inspiring Letter to Gay Paris Olympians

Rylan Clark posted against homophobic online and irl. Instagram: @rylan
Rylan Clark posted against homophobic online and irl. Instagram: @rylan

Rylan Clark, the TV host, singer, and all-around glam icon, has never shied away from calling out anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.

From openly discussing his personal journey to defending queer rights on national television, Rylan uses his signature wit and warmth to speak out against prejudice and support those who feel unseen.

Related: Rylan Clark Was Horribly Attacked, Confronts Soccer Homophobia

All three show us that being out and proud is powerful—and political.

This day also marks a significant historical shift: on May 17, 1990, the World Health Organization finally removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders.

It wasn’t that long ago, and it’s a stark reminder that many LGBTQ+ people still face discrimination, violence, and rejection just for existing.

From schoolyards to stadiums, boardrooms to ballrooms, the fight against queerphobia continues—and it needs all of us.

So today, whether you’re marching in the streets, posting online, or just taking a moment to reflect—know that you’re part of something bigger.

We honor the past, fight for the present, and dream of a future where love is never something to hide.

Because while hate may still linger, our pride shines brighter every year.