Gay Army Vet and Firefighter Chris Gallant Says It’s Time to Flip NY-1

If you think Long Island politics is all golf courses and garden parties, think again—because Chris Gallant is striding onto the scene with a résumé that could double as a movie script and a mission to turn New York’s 1st Congressional District a little bluer.

Instagram: @quicksilver7148
Instagram: @quicksilver7148

The 36-year-old Army veteran, Black Hawk pilot, former air traffic controller, union leader, and volunteer firefighter isn’t shy about his background—or the fact that he’s a proud gay man ready to take on Republican incumbent Nick LaLota in one of the state’s more conservative-leaning districts.

Gallant grew up in Suffolk County, and if you ask him, he’s as “blue-collar” as they come, the kind of neighbor who’ll help shovel your driveway and then stick around to talk local politics over coffee from the deli on the corner.

Instagram: @quicksilver7148
Instagram: @quicksilver7148

In his campaign launch, he talked about coming back from deployment in 2023, remembering when $150 could fill a grocery cart, and seeing that same amount barely cover the basics today—something he says is hitting working families hard while billionaires get tax breaks.

He’s quick to call out LaLota for backing what he labels the “Big Beautiful Bill,” a piece of legislation Gallant says strips Medicaid from some residents and hands the wealthy an even fatter wallet.

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Politically, Gallant isn’t playing purity games—he’s voted for both parties and says he doesn’t care what letter is next to your name as long as you have the backbone to do right by Long Island families.

Instagram: @quicksilver7148
Instagram: @quicksilver7148

Before politics, Gallant spent years protecting airspace, flying missions to Kuwait, and working alongside his neighbors as a union advocate and firefighter, which he says taught him to make quick decisions and stick by his team when it matters most.

NY-1 is a tough district to flip, stretching from the Hamptons’ windswept beaches to the bustling streets of Huntington, but Gallant’s betting that a mix of service credentials, local roots, and straight-talking common sense will turn some heads—and maybe some votes.

Instagram: @quicksilver7148
Instagram: @quicksilver7148

And yes, he’s leaning into his identity without making it the whole story, reminding voters that leadership isn’t about fitting a mold, it’s about showing up for the people you represent, whether that’s in a flight suit, turnout gear, or a suit and tie on Capitol Hill.

As Gallant puts it, “I’ve always put service first in every chapter of my life—this one’s no different.”

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Whether Gallant ends up in Congress or not, one thing’s for sure—Long Island hasn’t seen a campaign quite like this in a while, and it’s already giving voters something fresh to talk about between sips of their morning coffee.

Fitness Guru Jorge Cruise Finds Love Again with Young Boyfriend

Jorge Cruise, the 54-year-old celebrity fitness guru and best-selling author of more than 10 books, has officially gone public with his new boyfriend, Wyatt Ford, in a heartwarming and heartfelt relationship announcement.

Instagram: @cruisewithford
Instagram: @cruisewithford

Known for hits like 8 Minutes in the Morning, The Belly Fat Cure Diet, and The 3-Hour Diet, Cruise took to social media to share a vulnerable message about love, healing, and timing.

Describing the relationship as a turning point, Cruise said, “Three years ago today, my heart was bruised, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if love was meant for me. Then Wyatt Ford showed up—and slowly, everything changed.”

Ford, who recently graduated from San Diego State University in 2024, is about 30 years younger than Cruise. While it’s not confirmed whether the couple has been together for the full three years, they appear to be celebrating a third anniversary in recent posts that include photos with a large gold number “3” balloon.

Instagram: @cruisewithford
Instagram: @cruisewithford

“Now at 54, having come out at 39, I’ve learned one incredible truth: it’s never too late. Never too late for love, for joy, or for living your most authentic life,” Cruise shared.

He added a simple but powerful message: “I trusted my heart, and I found Wyatt. Trust yours.”

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The couple has launched a joint Instagram account, @CruiseWithFord, and debuted it with posts of themselves hanging out with Ford’s family at Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. In his caption, Cruise wrote, “Join us as we cruise through life.”

Instagram: @cruisewithford
Instagram: @cruisewithford

Prior to this relationship, Cruise was married twice. After coming out as gay in 2010, he divorced his wife amicably and co-parents their two sons, Parker and Owen. Now young men, Parker is 20 and in college, and Owen, 18, graduated high school in May and will attend Chapman University.

In 2015, Cruise married marketing executive Sam Ayers, but the marriage ended in 2019 after less than three years.

Cruise’s message struck a chord with many fans who found his story inspiring. His openness about vulnerability, aging, and finding love again has served as a reminder that romance and joy are not reserved for the young.

Instagram: @cruisewithford
Instagram: @cruisewithford

“You just never know when love is going to show up in your life,” he said.

As followers continue to cheer them on, Cruise and Ford’s budding romance is a sunny reminder that new chapters can begin at any age—and love may show up in unexpected and beautiful ways.

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Norwegian Decathlete Opens Up About Being Gay in Sports

Jonathan Hertwig-Ødegaard, Norway’s rising decathlon star, is making headlines for more than just his athletic performance.

In a recent interview with Norway’s public broadcaster NRK, the 20-year-old athlete opened up about his journey as an openly gay sportsman and why he believes being queer in athletics shouldn’t be treated as something extraordinary.

Instagram: @jonherodegaard
Instagram: @jonherodegaard

“I think it’s great that you can be a role model,” he said, “but at the same time, I hope in the long run that it doesn’t have to be necessary, and that it gets so much publicity and attention.”

Hertwig-Ødegaard explained that while visibility is important, he’s concerned about the way media and society place excessive emphasis on athletes’ sexuality, often labeling coming out as “brave” or “tough.”

Instagram: @jonherodegaard
Instagram: @jonherodegaard

“The problem is perhaps that among athletes, people talk about ‘it’s so brave and tough’ when people come forward,” he said. “I feel that there is a bit of a wrong focus, that the responsibility should not lie with individuals.”

He argued that it should be society’s responsibility—not just the individual’s—to create inclusive environments where people feel safe and comfortable being open about their sexuality, especially in competitive sports.

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Reflecting on his own experience growing up, he added, “I think it would have helped me as a young boy or young athlete. Not necessarily to have someone to look up to, but just to see that it is completely normal to be gay and be a top athlete. Because it is.”

He concluded the interview with a confident affirmation: “I’m proud and happy to be gay, and if others have an issue with my sexuality, it’s their problem.”

Instagram: @jonherodegaard
Instagram: @jonherodegaard

Just two weeks prior to this interview, Hertwig-Ødegaard turned heads at the European Athletics U23 Championships by dominating six out of ten decathlon events and achieving a personal best of 8,002 points.

He is currently ranked 81st in the world in the decathlon rankings, is a three-time Norwegian Under-20 champion, and is preparing to attend the University of Texas, where he’ll compete in NCAA athletics.

Instagram: @jonherodegaard
Instagram: @jonherodegaard

Jonathan Hertwig-Ødegaard is not only raising the bar in sports but also helping to break down barriers in the world of LGBTQ+ representation in athletics. With every hurdle he clears—both literal and symbolic—he’s proving that pride and performance go hand in hand.

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Gay Influencer Arrested After Husband Found Stabbed to Death

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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
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
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.

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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
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
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.

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Soccer Ref Pascal Kaiser Isn’t Hiding, Kissing Boyfriend on the Pitch

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
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
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
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.’”

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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
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.”

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