Gay Skier Gus Kenworthy Comes Out of Retirement for 2026 Olympics

Olympic silver medalist and LGBTQ+ trailblazer Gus Kenworthy has announced his return to competitive skiing, setting his sights on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina.

Gus with boyfriend Andrew Rigby. Instagram: @guskenworthy @ariggers
Gus with boyfriend Andrew Rigby. Instagram: @guskenworthy @ariggers

Kenworthy, who previously retired after the 2022 Beijing Games, cited a renewed passion for the sport as his motivation for the comeback.

“After taking a step away, I realized I miss skiing and I really want to compete again,” Kenworthy told ESPN.

He added, “I didn’t know if I would be able to come back after three and a half years, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to after seven and a half. So it’s this Olympics or nothing.”

Kenworthy, now 33, began training again earlier this year, starting with a pro camp in Mammoth Lakes, California.

Related: Olympian Gus Kenworthy’s Love Tribute to Aussie Boyfriend

He plans to compete in four World Cup events before the Olympic team is named in January, aiming to meet Team GB’s qualification criteria.

Born in Chelmsford, England, and raised in Colorado, Kenworthy holds dual citizenship and will represent Great Britain, as he did in 2022.

Instagram: @guskenworthy
Instagram: @guskenworthy

His return is not just about athletic ambition but also about personal fulfillment.

“I don’t feel like I’m going back into it because I don’t know who I am otherwise,” he said. “I’m going back into it because I can still do it, and because I want to.”

Instagram: @guskenworthy
Instagram: @guskenworthy

Kenworthy’s comeback adds both athletic and symbolic weight to the upcoming Games—a reminder of the persistence, talent, and trailblazing identity that have defined his career.

As one of the first openly gay male athletes to compete at the Olympic level, his return is significant for fans who have followed his journey on and off the slopes.

Instagram: @guskenworthy @ariggers
Instagram: @guskenworthy @ariggers

Kenworthy’s story continues to inspire, blending sportsmanship with advocacy and resilience.

With the 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon, all eyes will be on Kenworthy as he aims for a triumphant return to the podium.

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

‘Bridgerton’ Teaser & Renewal: Benedict’s Queer Journey Continues

Netflix has officially renewed Bridgerton for Seasons 5 and 6, ensuring that the beloved Regency-era drama will continue to captivate audiences beyond its upcoming fourth season.

Instagram: @netflix
Instagram: @netflix

Season 4, slated for a 2026 release, will center on Benedict Bridgerton, portrayed by Luke Thompson, as he embarks on a romantic journey with Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha.

This storyline draws inspiration from Julia Quinn’s novel An Offer from a Gentleman, reimagined with a fresh perspective for the screen.

While the series has previously followed the romantic escapades of Benedict’s siblings, this season promises to delve deeper into Benedict’s personal growth and exploration of identity.

In Season 3, Benedict’s character began to explore his sexuality, engaging in a polyamorous relationship with Lady Tilley Arnold and Paul Suarez.

Instagram: @netflix
Instagram: @netflix

This development marked a significant step in the series’ commitment to LGBTQ+ representation.

Showrunner Jess Brownell has emphasized that Benedict’s journey is about “learning how to subvert the rules of society,” highlighting his fluid approach to relationships and identity.

Related: Bridgerton Just Got a Lot Gayer and We’re Loving It

Brownell noted that Benedict’s character is “really about spirit, energy, and a connection of minds and interests,” suggesting a focus on emotional connections over traditional societal norms.

Fans have long speculated about Benedict’s sexuality, with earlier seasons hinting at his attraction to both men and women.

Season 1 featured a notable moment where Benedict observed a same-sex encounter at an art party, sparking discussions among viewers about his potential queerness.

These subtle cues have now evolved into more explicit narratives, aligning with the show’s broader efforts to diversify its storytelling.

Instagram: @netflix
Instagram: @netflix

As Bridgerton continues to adapt and expand upon its source material, the inclusion of queer storylines reflects a modern sensibility and a dedication to inclusivity.

With Seasons 5 and 6 on the horizon, audiences can anticipate further exploration of complex characters and relationships within the ton.

Netflix’s commitment to extending the series underscores its popularity and the demand for progressive narratives in period dramas.

As the Bridgerton family’s tales unfold, viewers can look forward to a blend of romance, scandal, and societal challenges that resonate with contemporary themes.

Instagram: @netflix
Instagram: @netflix

Season 4’s focus on Benedict’s evolving identity sets the stage for rich storytelling in the seasons to come.

Stay tuned for more updates as the world of Bridgerton continues to enchant and surprise its audience.

Related: Netflix Says ‘Queer’ Benedict Leads in ‘Bridgerton’ S4

Jude Law & Andrew Garfield to Play Gay Icons Siegfried & Roy

Apple TV+ has officially announced Wild Things, an eight-episode limited series that will chronicle the extraordinary lives of legendary illusionists Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn.

Siegfried and Roy
Siegfried and Roy

Set to begin production this fall, Variety writes, the series will star Jude Law as Siegfried and Andrew Garfield as Roy. Both will also serve as executive producers.

Based on the 2022 Apple Original Podcast Wild Things: Siegfried & Roy, the series promises to delve into the duo’s meteoric rise in Las Vegas, their groundbreaking performances with white tigers, and the tragic 2003 incident that ended their stage careers.

Described as a “wild ride relationship tale,” the show will explore how Siegfried and Roy transformed Las Vegas into a family-friendly destination through their mesmerizing illusions and exotic animal acts.

The narrative will examine the blurred lines between illusion and reality, both in their performances and personal lives, culminating in the fateful night when Roy was critically injured by a tiger during a live show.

Andrew Garfield
Andrew Garfield

John Hoffman, known for co-creating Only Murders in the Building, will serve as the series’ writer, showrunner, and executive producer.

Matt Shakman, acclaimed for his work on WandaVision, will direct the pilot and also executive produce.

Related: Watch Zane Phillips & Jelani Alladin in ‘Strangers on a Beach’

The production is a collaboration between Apple Studios and Imagine Entertainment, with industry veterans Brian Grazer, Kristen Zolner, and Natalie Berkus among the executive producers.

Law and Garfield bring significant star power to the project.

Law has recently been seen in Star Wars: Skeleton Crew and the upcoming film Black Rabbit, while Garfield earned critical acclaim for his roles in tick, tick… BOOM! and Under the Banner of Heaven.

Jude Law
Jude Law

The real-life Siegfried & Roy were a German-American magician duo who captivated audiences with their elaborate shows featuring white lions and tigers at the Mirage Hotel and Casino from 1990 until 2003.

Their act came to an abrupt end when Roy was attacked on stage by a tiger, leading to severe injuries and their eventual retirement in 2010.

Roy Horn passed away in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19, and Siegfried Fischbacher died in 2021 from pancreatic cancer.

Wild Things aims to provide an intimate look into their complex relationship, the grandeur of their performances, and the events that led to their tragic downfall.

With a stellar cast and creative team, the series is poised to be a compelling addition to Apple TV+’s lineup.

Stay tuned for more updates as production progresses.

Related: 15 Unforgettable Gay Kissing Scenes From TV & Movies

Meet Manúk: The New Pit Crew Heating Up ‘Drag Race All Stars 10’

RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 just got a whole lot steamier with the introduction of a fresh face in the Pit Crew: Manuel Kornisiuk, known in the music world as Manúk.

Instagram: @manuelkornisiuk
Instagram: @manuelkornisiuk

Hailing from the small city of Santa Rosa in Argentina, Manuel felt a longing for something more from an early age.

“For a long time, I felt like something was missing and that I didn’t quite fit in,” he shared in a January 2025 interview with DA MAN.

This internal drive led him to explore new horizons, eventually settling in Sydney, Australia, where he now thrives as a model, actor, and musician.

Manuel’s acting chops were showcased in the 2023 film The Winner Takes It All, where he played Hunter Rodriguez, and in 2024’s Perfect Boy Next Door.

Instagram: @manuelkornisiuk
Instagram: @manuelkornisiuk

However, it’s his musical persona, Manúk, that’s capturing hearts globally.

With over 21,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, his tracks like “Overstimulated,” “Follow Me,” “Hawái,” and “Love Letters” blend smooth R&B rhythms with Latin flair, creating a sound that’s both sultry and authentic.

Related: Asaf Goren: RPDR Pit Crew to OF, Life’s a Stage!

His latest single, “No Brainer,” released in late April 2025, delves into the complexities of love and vulnerability.

“It’s about falling in love and jumping into something super scary, like how it is when you give yourself to a new person,” Manuel explained.

The accompanying music video further showcases his artistic depth and charisma.

Instagram: @manuelkornisiuk
Instagram: @manuelkornisiuk

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Manuel’s inclusion in the Pit Crew signifies a broader representation within the LGBTQ+ community.

While he hasn’t publicly labeled his sexuality, his involvement in queer-centric projects and his expressive artistry resonate deeply with fans.

Instagram: @manuelkornisiuk
Instagram: @manuelkornisiuk

His presence on Drag Race isn’t just eye candy; it’s a testament to the diverse narratives and talents within the queer community.

For those eager to follow his journey, Manuel is active on Instagram under @manuelkornisiuk and shares his musical ventures on TikTok as @manukmusic_.

Instagram: @manuelkornisiuk
Instagram: @manuelkornisiuk

With his multifaceted talents and undeniable charm, Manúk is poised to become a standout figure in both the entertainment and LGBTQ+ spheres.

Related: ‘Drag Race’ Pit Crew Hunk Transforms into Stunning Queen

Russell Tovey: In the Shadow of Aids, I Mixed Sex and Death

Russell Tovey doesn’t consider himself a “role model.” Instead, he prefers the term “possibility model,” a phrase he credits to Laverne Cox.

Instagram: @russeltovey
Instagram: @russeltovey

For Tovey, the idea of being a possibility model is rooted in showing others—especially young queer people—that there are many ways to live authentically and proudly.

As a boy growing up in Essex in the 1990s, Tovey says in an interview with iPaper that he looked for signs that someone like him could exist in the world.

One of those signs was Brian Paddick, a senior police officer who was publicly out and unapologetically proud, despite being a tabloid target.

“When you come out, you look to see who’s around,” Tovey said. “He was someone I looked up to for being out and proud.”

Instagram: @russeltovey
Instagram: @russeltovey

Decades later, their lives would intersect when Tovey portrayed Paddick in the Disney+ miniseries Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes.

But the emotional heart of Tovey’s story lies in his reflections on what it meant to grow up during the AIDS crisis and under the shadow of Section 28, the UK’s infamous anti-gay legislation.

Russel and Plainclothes co-star Tom Blyth. Instagram: @russeltovey
Russel and Plainclothes co-star Tom Blyth. Instagram: @russeltovey

Related: Russell Tovey Is Starry-Eyed for Tom Blyth in New Gay Romance

“Coming of age, realising that I liked men at the same time as AIDS, I would constantly mix sex and death,” he admitted.

“To have a generation that doesn’t even consider death around sex blows my mind.”

Tovey describes himself as lucky to have missed the worst of the AIDS epidemic, but he acknowledges the trauma that lingered in his psyche.

He also pays tribute to artists like David Robilliard and Derek Jarman, whose defiant queer expression during the darkest times inspires his work today.

“They were out there, protesting, making art, singing songs, writing books,” Tovey said. “I find that so moving.”

Russel Tovey with Jonathan Geoff in Looking (c) HBO
Russel Tovey with Jonathan Geoff in Looking (c) HBO

Today, he feels a responsibility to honour those who didn’t survive—and to create stories that help others feel seen.

“If I can give just a nudge in the more loving direction, it’s a privilege,” he said.

Tovey calls the current generation the “Heartstopper generation,” marveling at how freely many young people now express their identities.

“How lucky they are!” he said. “How wonderful that is!”

He insists that visibility remains vital, no matter the era or progress made.

“We have to prove existence,” he said. “If you see yourself on a gallery wall, then you exist. If you see yourself in a film, then you exist.”

Russell Tovey’s voice is a reminder that queer history is never far behind us—and that queer futures are still being written.

Related: Who’s Your Daddies? Pedro Pascal & Russel Tovey’s Big Date