Johann Vera Comes Out with Ricky Martin’s Heartfelt Support

Zayn Williams
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Johann Vera Comes Out with Ricky Martin’s Heartfelt Support 
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Johann Vera just gifted us all with a fresh new track that’s hitting all the right notes – especially for those of us who have been through the trials and triumphs of coming out.

And guess what? He’s getting some major love from none other than Latin pop royalty, Ricky Martin!

Instagram: @johannvera

Let’s set the scene. Johann Vera, now 28, first graced our screens as a preteen on The X Factor in Colombia, but many of us really got to know him when he appeared on the Spanish-language music competition show La Banda, which was co-created by Simon Cowell and our forever favorite Ricky Martin.

Since then, Johann’s been sprinkling us with hits like “Donde Naci,” “Vuelo a Paris,” and “Astronauta,” showing off his unique style and voice.

But it’s his latest single, “Closet,” that’s making waves for a whole new reason.

In the song, Johann opens up about his sexuality – something that he’s kept private until now.

The release of this deeply personal track not only marks a significant moment in his career but also in his life as he steps into the light with authenticity and courage.

Instagram: @johannvera

The backstory? Johann penned this emotional ballad two years ago after his psychologist suggested he write a letter to his younger self. Imagine being in a songwriting session where the focus is on crafting a love song about “that girl, that woman,” only for Johann to find himself agreeing half-heartedly, hiding a part of who he really is.

That tension reached a breaking point when Johann walked out, needing a moment to gather his thoughts.

When he returned, he channeled all those pent-up feelings into a song that practically wrote itself.

+Related: Ricky Martin Got a Boner At Madonna’s Show and We Get Why

And when “Closet” finally dropped, Johann found himself basking in the love and support of his fans – and also of someone who knows a thing or two about navigating the pressures of the spotlight while staying true to yourself.

Ricky Martin, who has been a trailblazer in the Latin music scene for decades, surprised Johann with a heartfelt message on Univision’s Despierta América.

Ricky’s words were full of admiration and encouragement: “From the first moment we saw you in La Banda, we knew that you had a lot of talent and you were very special,” Ricky said. He continued with, “I think it is extremely important that you are mentally well in your heart to be able to achieve many things… I think you are on the right path, just surround yourself with positive people.”

Can you imagine receiving such a message from someone like Ricky Martin?

We’re talking about a man who, after publicly coming out in 2010, became a pillar of strength and inspiration for so many in our community.

Ricky’s journey has given so many of us the courage to embrace our truth, and now he’s passing that torch to Johann.

The video message ended with a warm embrace – albeit virtual – from Ricky, who sent “lots of love, always lots of light, lots of strength moving forward, brother.”

Instagram: @johannvera

For Johann, “Closet” isn’t just a song about coming out. It’s a celebration of living your life authentically, regardless of societal expectations.

He shared that the song’s message “goes beyond your sexual preference, it’s about living lives that aren’t yours to make others happy.”

And here’s the best part: while Johann admits to re-recording the track three times to get it just right, he also says it was the “least difficult song to write” because it was the truest to his heart.

And isn’t that the beauty of coming out? Once you embrace your truth, everything else starts to fall into place.

Johann’s journey, supported by the kind words of Ricky Martin, is a reminder that while the path to self-acceptance can be challenging, it’s also one of the most rewarding.

With his new single, Johann Vera isn’t just stepping out of the closet; he’s stepping into his power, and we couldn’t be prouder to witness it.

Here’s to Johann’s courage, Ricky’s wisdom, and all of us who continue to write our own stories with love, light, and a little bit of Latin flair!

+Related: Ricky Martin: Let Your Husbands Fantasize About Me

Tia Kofi Debuts Dreamy Queer Pop for ‘Heartstopper’

Zayn Williams
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Tia Kofi Debuts Dreamy Queer Pop for ‘Heartstopper’ 
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Well, darlings, our beloved Tia Kofi has done it again! The Drag Race UK superstar just dropped her latest single, “The First Time,” and it’s as dreamy as the title suggests.

If you’ve been swooning over Heartstopper since it first graced our screens, then buckle up, because Tia’s new track is about to become your latest obsession.

Instagram: @Netflix

This isn’t just any single; “The First Time” is the official theme for the upcoming Heartstopper: The Official Netflix Podcast, and it’s giving us all the feels.

With lyrics like “I don’t wanna hide. Made myself afraid to be alone. With you, you there by my side, I know I can find my way back home,” Tia channels the intense emotions of falling in love—something every queer person can relate to, especially in those first heart-stopping moments.

Instagram: @Netflix

If you remember, Tia Kofi made history earlier this year as Drag Race UK’s first POC champion when she stole the show on UK vs the World.

Her victory was a triumph that had all of us gagging, and it seems Tia’s momentum is only picking up speed.

Now, she’s stepping into an entirely new spotlight as the host of the Heartstopper podcast, which launches on September 2.

Instagram: @Netflix

+Related: Heartstopper: Nick & Charlie Melt Hearts in New Teaser

When Tia chatted with our friends over at GAY TIMES, she couldn’t hide her excitement about this latest venture.

“I’ve been a massive fan of Heartstopper ever since it debuted on Netflix, so I am blown away that I’m now the host of the Heartstopper Official Podcast! Not only that, but I also get my ‘write the theme tune, sing the theme tune’ moment, as well,” Tia shared, barely able to contain her glee.

Instagram: @Netflix

And honestly, who could blame her?

As for the podcast itself, it’s bound to be a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes gossip and exclusive interviews.

Tia will be sitting down with all your faves, from Joe Locke and Kit Connor to Yasmin Finney and Corinna Brown.

Instagram: @Netflix

She teased that it’s going to be packed with “scoop on all things season three, behind-the-scenes gossip, and some camp fun.”

And let’s not forget about the third season of Heartstopper itself, which drops on Netflix on October 3.

Instagram: @Netflix

We’ll see Charlie (Joe Locke) muster the courage to tell Nick (Kit Connor) that he loves him—something that every fan has been eagerly waiting for.

But, as always, it won’t be all sunshine and rainbows; our gang will face some tough challenges as they navigate their relationships and the pressures of the school year.

So, if you’re as obsessed with Heartstopper as we are, this podcast—and Tia’s new single—are going to be your go-to companions as we countdown to the season three premiere.

Whether you’re tuning in to hear Tia spill the tea with the cast or just getting lost in the synthpop magic of “The First Time,” this is the queer content we need right now.

Get ready, loves, because Tia Kofi is here to remind us all what it feels like to fall in love for the first time—again and again.

+Related: Gay Fave ‘Heartstopper’ is Going on Pride Tour

Daniel Craig Dives Deep in ‘Queer,’ A24 Secures U.S. Rights

Zayn Williams
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Daniel Craig Dives Deep in ‘Queer,’ A24 Secures U.S. Rights 
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Well, darlings, it’s official—Luca Guadagnino’s latest cinematic creation, Queer, has found its perfect home with none other than A24, the indie darling we all know and love.

Fresh off the press, we’ve just learned that the deal is sealed, ensuring that this intriguing adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novel will soon be gracing our theaters.

Daniel Craig in ‘Queer’ (Yannis Drakoulidis)

For those who’ve been keeping an eye on Guadagnino’s career—and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?—this partnership was almost inevitable.

After all, A24 has a reputation for shepherding bold, edgy fare into the cultural zeitgeist, making it the ideal distributor for a film like Queer, which is already generating quite the buzz ahead of its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival.

‘Queer’ (Yannis Drakoulidis)

The distributor has a track record of handling daring, often unconventional films with the kind of care and savvy that sets them apart.

Think Moonlight, The Florida Project, and Uncut Gems.

It’s no surprise they were “kicking the tires,” as industry insiders put it, once Queer began screening to distributors in late June.

There were other suitors in the mix, but A24 came through, and we couldn’t be happier.

+Related: New Film ‘Queer’ Set to Shock with Scandalous Scenes

Now, let’s talk about the film itself. Set in the 1950s in Mexico City, Queer follows William Lee, played by none other than Daniel Craig—yes, the same man who gave James Bond a whole new edge, is breaking yet another mold.

Craig’s William is an American expat in his late 40s, living a solitary life amidst a small American community.

Enter Eugene Allerton, played by Drew Starkey, a young student whose arrival in town stirs something deep within William.

What follows is an exploration of connection, desire, and the search for meaning—a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable, especially within our LGBTQ+ circles.

And if that’s not enough to pique your interest, let’s not forget the stellar supporting cast: the ever-amazing Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, Andra Ursuta, Michael Borremans, and David Lowery.

This ensemble, combined with Guadagnino’s direction and a script by Challengers scribe Justin Kuritzkes, is shaping up to be nothing short of cinematic magic.

Speaking of Guadagnino, his star has only continued to rise since the Call Me By Your Name days.

Remember Challengers? That sexy, romantic tennis drama starring Zendaya?

It shot straight to number one at the box office in late April, pulling in a cool $15 million domestically in its opening weekend and eventually grossing over $94 million worldwide.

Queer was shot right on the heels of Challengers in Rome’s legendary Cinecittà studios, with Guadagnino recreating a multi-colored Mexico in the heart of Italy.

It’s clear that Guadagnino is on a roll, and we’re all here for it.

With Queer set to make its North American debut at TIFF and even landing a Spotlight Gala at the New York Film Festival, this is a film that’s about to become the talk of the town.

And, let’s face it, it’s about time we had another movie that speaks to our experiences, our loves, and our struggles—one that isn’t afraid to be both beautiful and raw.

So, mark your calendars, sweethearts. Luca Guadagnino and Daniel Craig are about to take us on a journey that promises to be as introspective as it is visually stunning.

And with A24 at the helm, we can be sure that Queer will be given the platform it deserves—a film that, like its title, embraces the complexities of identity, love, and belonging.

Here’s to another win for LGBTQ+ cinema. Cheers!

+Related: Omar Apollo Joins Daniel Craig & Drew Starkey in ‘Queer’

The Voice’s Billy Gilman & Boyfriend’s Dream Wedding

Zayn Williams
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The Voice’s Billy Gilman & Boyfriend’s Dream Wedding 
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Billy Gilman, the former child country star and The Voice alum, has found his forever duet partner in Anthony Carbone.

The two lovebirds tied the knot in an intimate ceremony on a stunning 45-acre horse farm in their home state of Rhode Island.

The wedding was a beautiful and deeply personal affair, full of love, laughter, and—unsurprisingly for these two—plenty of great music.

Instagram: @billygilmanofficial

Billy, 36, and Anthony, 32, wanted their big day to be more about meaning than spectacle. And honestly, isn’t that what it’s all about?

The couple kept things simple and heartfelt, focusing on the essentials: good people, great food, and, of course, a killer playlist.

They said “I do” in front of 115 close family members and friends, with Billy’s best friend of 20 years, Kim Bruna, officiating the ceremony.

A deeply emotional moment, no doubt—these two have been through it all together.

Instagram: @billygilmanofficial

Their choice of venue wasn’t just a pretty backdrop, though it was that, too.

The horse farm held special significance for both Billy and Anthony.

For Billy, it echoed the childhood memories of visiting his grandparents’ farm—a place where he first learned to appreciate the simple joys of life.

Anthony, who also grew up around horses, told People the venue “just felt like home.”

And isn’t that what finding your person is all about? Finding that place where your souls just click?

+Related: The 10-Point Gay Wedding Checklist

The couple’s story is as sweet as their wedding day.

Billy and Anthony first met at a Providence bar in late 2022, introduced by mutual friends.

That first night was all it took—they clicked immediately. Billy knew he had to follow his heart and asked Anthony out on a date shortly after.

The two have been inseparable ever since, with life seemingly determined to keep bringing them together.

Instagram: @billygilmanofficial

Their engagement was nothing short of cinematic.

Picture it: a rainy September night in 2023, fresh from a Pam Tillis concert in Rhode Island, and there’s Anthony, down on one knee.

The rain may have disguised Billy’s tears, but there’s no hiding the love these two share.

Of course, the music at their wedding was as eclectic and heartfelt as the couple themselves.

During cocktail hour, guests were treated to a blend of European jazz fusion, Motown, and feel-good tunes—perfect for setting the mood.

And when it was time to party? They amped it up with hits like the “Cha Cha Slide” and The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back.”

Naturally, Billy took the mic to serenade his new husband with a touching rendition of “My Love” from Star—a moment that surely had everyone reaching for the tissues.

Instagram: @billygilmanofficial

Billy’s journey from country music’s young prodigy to The Voice star—and now, happily married man—has been one of evolution, both personally and professionally.

After his breakout as a tween with “One Voice,” Billy bravely came out as gay in 2014, embracing his true self in the spotlight.

Since then, he’s been an advocate for living authentically—a role that’s clearly led him to this moment of pure joy.

Their wedding wasn’t just a celebration of their love but a reminder to everyone that love truly does win.

As we all watched this beautiful story unfold, it’s a reminder of what really matters: love, honesty, and finding that one person who feels like home.

So here’s to Billy and Anthony—may your life together be filled with more unforgettable moments and lots of love.

+Related: Neil Patrick and David Celebrate 20 Year Anniversary

Jonathan Bailey & Matt Bomer’s Steamy ‘Fellow Travelers’ Secrets

Zayn Williams
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Jonathan Bailey & Matt Bomer’s Steamy ‘Fellow Travelers’ Secrets 
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In the glitzy and often chaotic world of Hollywood, it’s not every day that we get a show like Fellow Travelers—a historical romance that’s not just telling a story but living and breathing the LGBTQ+ experience with authenticity.

And who better to lead this charge than the dazzling Jonathan Bailey and the effortlessly charming Matt Bomer?

These two heartthrobs didn’t just bring their A-game to the screen; they laid their hearts bare, and honey, we are living for it.

Instagram: @mattbomer

In a candid chat on Entertainment Weekly’s “The Awardist” podcast, Bailey and Bomer got real about what it took to bring their characters’ love story to life in the Emmy-nominated Showtime limited series.

Set against the backdrop of the McCarthy-era ‘50s and the AIDS crisis of the ‘80s, Fellow Travelers isn’t just a love story; it’s a bold statement.

And trust me, it’s the kind of show that makes you sit up, lean in, and maybe clutch your pearls—because, yes, there’s that much heat.

Bomer, who plays the enigmatic Hawk Fuller, admits that a show like this wouldn’t have even been on his radar a decade ago.

He points to the series’ production team for giving them the green light to really dig deep—emotionally and physically.

“From the beginning, [they] were giving us notes that weren’t constricting at all,” Bomer shared.

“They were actually really liberating. They were saying, ‘No, go farther. Embarrass yourself. Go too far. Try to scare us. Try to see how far you can push it.’”

Now, if you’ve seen Fellow Travelers—and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?—you’ll know exactly what Bomer means.

The intimacy and raw emotion in those scenes? That’s not just acting; that’s the real deal.

Whether it’s a stolen glance or a more intense moment (we’re looking at you, “foot-licking sequence”), you can feel the energy, the passion, and yes, the horniness, that makes this series so unforgettable.

Instagram: @mattbomer

+Related: Jonathan Bailey Tells His Deepest, Darkest Secrets

But let’s not just talk about the heat; let’s talk about the heart. Jonathan Bailey, who plays Tim Laughlin, an idealistic congressional staffer, opened up about the significance of queer representation in the industry.

“The majority of awards go to straight actors playing gay because there’s this sense that that means that they’re somehow brave or that they’re mixing it up,” Bailey reflected.

He pointed out the painful reality that, historically, out gay men haven’t had the same opportunities to portray their own stories on screen.

Instagram: @mattbomer

Bailey’s words hit hard, especially when you consider the emotional weight of Fellow Travelers.

The series isn’t just about love; it’s about resilience, spirit, and the often complicated, painful journey that so many in the LGBTQ+ community have walked.

And Bailey, along with Bomer, makes sure those stories are told with the authenticity they deserve.

As Emmy voting enters its final stages, it’s clear that Fellow Travelers has more than earned its place in the spotlight.

Bomer is up for Outstanding Lead Actor, and Bailey is vying for Outstanding Supporting Actor—a nod that’s especially sweet after he was shockingly snubbed at the Golden Globes.

And while we’re all rooting for a win for LGBTQ+ representation, Bailey knows just how to seal the deal: behind-the-scenes pics of his costume fittings.

Yes, Emmy voters, those thighs deserve some gold too!

So, as we wait with bated breath for the September 15 ceremony, we can’t help but feel a sense of pride.

Not just because Fellow Travelers is a show that tells our stories, but because it’s a show that’s paving the way for more.

And if Bomer and Bailey have taught us anything, it’s that sometimes, you’ve got to “go too far” to make something truly spectacular.

+Related: Matt Bomer Nominated for SAG Award

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