Ex-Rutgers Star Jake Eldridge Gets Real About Coming Out






In a heartfelt revelation, former Rutgers University football player Jake Eldridge has shared his journey of self-discovery and the challenges he faced as a closeted athlete.

In an emotional video posted to his YouTube channel, Jake detailed how concealing his true identity led to significant stress, culminating in a hospitalization due to ulcerative colitis.

Jake’s football career began in Colleyville, Texas, where he attended a Christian private school that expelled students for coming out as gay.

To fit in and mask his true self, he immersed himself in football, a sport he believed would help him conform to societal expectations.

Instagram: @jakeeldridge_

His talent on the field did not go unnoticed; after a standout senior year at Florida’s IMG Academy, he was ranked among the top long snappers in the nation and secured a spot at Rutgers University.

However, the pressures of maintaining a facade took a toll on his mental and physical health. Jake recounted early morning practices where he would sit in the locker room, overwhelmed by the inability to be himself.

Instagram: @jakeeldridge_

The environment was further strained by the presence of anti-gay jokes among teammates, deepening his sense of isolation.

+Related: Kansas State Football Player Comes Out As Gay

The breaking point came when Jake was hospitalized due to ulcerative colitis, a condition he attributes to the immense stress of hiding his identity.

Recognizing the need to prioritize his well-being, he made the difficult decision to retire from football after the 2023 season.

Instagram: @jakeeldridge_

Embracing his true self, Jake came out publicly on National Coming Out Day, October 11, with a powerful message on TikTok: “Happy national coming out day!! Remember to F what they think and live your life for you. People will speak from their own insecurities or beliefs, but that is NOT a reason to suppress yourself. Be yourself, shine bright, spread love and spark change. Love you.”

Since then, Jake has expressed that he is the happiest he has ever been.

His social media is now filled with vibrant photos and videos showcasing his authentic self.

He also praised Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano for his unwavering support upon learning of Jake’s sexuality, describing him as “the most understanding and accepting person.”

Instagram: @jakeeldridge_

Looking ahead, Jake hopes to see more active college football players come out publicly and offers his full support to those considering it.

He stated, “If you have the courage to come out and if you want to, do it. Please do it. Because I was too scared to. I’m rooting for the person that comes out while playing college football. I’m rooting for that person. And if you’re out there and you need to talk to me, DM me. I’ll fly to you and be there when you do it to support you.”

Jake’s journey is a poignant reminder of the importance of living authentically and the profound impact that acceptance and support can have on an individual’s life.

+Related: Jake Daniels Beyond the Label of ‘The Gay Footballer’

I’m Vers, but It’s About the Person, Says David Archuleta






David Archuleta, the charming crooner who first stole our hearts on American Idol, has once again endeared himself to fans with his candidness and humor.

In a recent chat with Johnny Sibilly on Logo’s ‘Spill’, David revisited a memorable TikTok live session where he inadvertently waded into some cheeky territory.

Instagram: @davidarchie

During that TikTok Q&A, a fan’s comment about “being a full-time bottom” led to a delightful mix-up.

David, ever the innocent, responded earnestly, thinking the term referred to height.

He later realized the double entendre and took to TikTok again, laughing at his own naivety and explaining his upbringing in a “hardcore Mormon” environment, which left him a bit out of the loop on certain slang.

Instagram: @davidarchie

Fast forward to his conversation with Johnny Sibilly, David addressed the playful assumptions about his preferences.

He shared, “There are people that assume I’m like bottom, bottom, bottom. I would consider myself a vers.”

He emphasized that for him, it’s more about the connection with the person rather than specific roles, stating that he’s not so much about into a guy’s attributes as he’s into the person.

+Related: David Archuleta Says He’s NOT a ‘Full-Time Bottom’

David’s journey of self-discovery has been both touching and relatable. Since coming out as queer in 2021, he’s been open about reconciling his faith with his identity.

Instagram: @davidarchie

His recent single, “Hell Together,” delves into his relationship with his mother and their mutual departure from the Mormon church, highlighting the unconditional love and support they’ve shared.

Instagram: @davidarchie

Fans have rallied around David, celebrating his authenticity and the light-hearted way he navigates these conversations.

One fan commented, “David’s innocence and honesty are so refreshing. He’s like that friend who always makes you smile without even trying.”

As David continues to share his experiences and music, he remains a beloved figure in the LGBTQ+ community, reminding us all of the importance of being true to oneself and finding joy in the journey.

+Related: David Archuleta: Finding Joy and Gay Love

10 Ways to Keep Your Man

Gay Relationship – Keep your relationship hot, no matter how long you have been together

It starts the day you meet and, if you’re lucky, shouldn’t end until one of you is put six feet under. For most of us, our relationship with our partner is the most important one in our lives. Here is a list of tips on how you can keep your relationship hot, no matter how long you have been together.

1. Tell him you love him. Every day! Do not think that it is implied by the things you do for him or the things you do together. Take the effort to say the words until it becomes second nature. Those are magical words and it is weird how important it is to actually hear them.

2. Show him that you appreciate him by letting him know when you are proud of him and make extra care not to belittle his achievements. Remember, his achievements are also yours as long as you are a couple.

3. Take care of yourself. Spend time every day on your appearance and your physical well being. It’s important both to your confidence and for making sure that he stays attracted to you.

4. Ask your partner what the most difficult part of being in a relationship with you is. The answer may not necessarily be what you think and the first step of change is to actually know what needs changing. And even if you don’t want to change, it is always good to know.

+Related: How to Be a Better Boyfriend to Your Man

5. Make time for at least one romantic evening per week. Take turns planning the evening so you always can surprise each other. Just close out the world and make time for each other.

6. Take time to listen to his worries and problems, even if you think it’s boring, and even though you may think they are unimportant. They are important to him and that is what’s important for your relationship.

7. Count to ten when you’re angry to avoid saying something that you’ll regret. It’s better to bite your lip bloody than it is to have said something that will follow you years to come. Honesty is of course generally a good thing but even that can be used in the wrong way.

8. Let him know when something is bothering you and never go to bed angry. It’s a cliché for a reason. Unresolved issues are deadly to any relationship and have ripped apart more couples than you can count.

9. Arrange a romantic getaway for just the two of you every once in a while. It doesn’t have to be a total extravaganza, even though that doesn’t hurt either, the most important is that you get to spend time together in another setting than your everyday life.

Tom Daley and his husband Lance went on a romantic trip to Hawaii together.

10. Keep your sex life hot. Personally write him an erotic story and read it out loud to him. Go to a raunchy web site and re-enact the first scene you see there together. There are a thousand possibilities to spice things up a little.

+Related: How to Ask Him to Be Your Boyfriend

So, as you can see, a gay relationship is not that different from any other love relationship when it comes to these matters. No surprise there. The main difference is that we don’t have quite the same cultural references as straight people do. We kind of have to make our own rules. For better and for worse.

Actors Fra Fee & Declan Bennett’s Beautiful Wedding






In a heartwarming celebration of love, actors Fra Fee and Declan Bennett exchanged vows in a picturesque UK ceremony last Friday.

The intimate affair was graced by close friends, including actor Luke Evans and his partner, Fran Tomas, who shared glimpses of the joyous occasion on Instagram.

Declan & Fra. Instagram: @fra_fee

Fra Fee, 37, hails from Northern Ireland and has captivated audiences with his performances as Kazi in Disney+‘s Hawkeye and Courfeyrac in the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables.

His recent portrayal in the BBC drama Lost Boys and Fairies, which explores the journey of a gay couple adopting a child, has been particularly resonant.

Fee’s talents have also shone on both West End and Broadway stages, earning him acclaim in productions like The Ferryman and Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

Instagram: @fra_fee

Declan Bennett, 43, is an English singer and actor who first gained prominence with the boy band Point Break in the early 2000s.

He is well-known in the UK for his role as Charlie Cotton on the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders.

Bennett’s theatrical repertoire is equally impressive, with notable performances in Jesus Christ Superstar and a recent stint on Broadway in Moulin Rouge! The Musical (2022-2023).

+Related: Season 2 of Lost Boys & Fairies in Works, Confirms Creator

The couple, who have been together for around five years, have chosen to keep their relationship largely private, rarely sharing photos together on social media.

They reside in the serene countryside of rural Oxfordshire, away from the public eye.

Luke Evans & Fran Tomas. Instagram: @frantomasr

The wedding ceremony was a harmonious blend of emotion and music.

Fran Tomas captured the essence of the day in his Instagram post, describing it as “a beautiful wedding; an emotional day full of love, laughter and MUSIC.”

The couple’s shared passion for music was evident as they serenaded their guests with a heartfelt rendition of “Oh Happy Day” while dancing down the aisle.

Declan & Fra. Instagram: @frantomasr

Both Fee and Bennett have been open about their personal journeys.

In a 2022 interview with The Irish Times, Fee reflected on his experiences growing up gay in Northern Ireland, expressing hope for a more accepting environment for today’s youth.

Similarly, Bennett shared a poignant message during Pride Month, celebrating his personal growth and resilience.

As we celebrate this union, we look forward to more shared moments from the couple and wish them a lifetime of happiness and harmony.

+Related: Luke Evans on Grabbing Life and the Shame of Growing Up Gay

Movie Icon James Dean was Blackmailed by His Gay Lover






In the ever-evolving tapestry of Hollywood’s golden era, James Dean’s life continues to captivate, revealing layers that resonate deeply within our community.

Recent revelations have shed light on the complexities of his personal relationships, offering a more nuanced understanding of the man behind the legend.

James Dean and Rebel Without a Cause co-star Sal Mineo

The forthcoming adaptation of Surviving James Dean, based on William Bast’s 2006 memoir, promises to delve into the intimate bond between Dean and Bast.

Their relationship, which began during their time at UCLA, evolved from friendship to a secret romance, reflecting the challenges of navigating love in an era less accepting of LGBTQ+ identities.

Bast’s candid account provides a heartfelt glimpse into their shared experiences, from their initial meeting to Dean’s untimely death in 1955.

Adding another layer to Dean’s narrative is James Colavito’s biography, Jimmy: The Secret Life of James Dean.

Rogers Brackett & James Dean

Released on November 19, 2024, this work uncovers Dean’s tumultuous relationship with Rogers Brackett, a radio director and TV producer.

Their connection began when Dean, then a parking attendant at CBS Studios, caught Brackett’s attention. Brackett offered Dean a role on the radio drama Alias Jane Doe and later provided him with a place to stay, marking the start of a complex mentor-mentee relationship that was both paternal and sexual.

+Related: Matt Bomer: The Rise of a Gay Icon

As Dean’s star began to rise, tensions with Brackett escalated.

In 1955, just before the premiere of East of Eden, Brackett, facing financial difficulties, demanded repayment for his past support, threatening to expose their relationship—a revelation that could have jeopardized Dean’s burgeoning career in the homophobic climate of the 1950s.

To avoid scandal, Dean agreed to a settlement of $800, a significant sum at the time, to be paid in weekly installments.

These stories highlight the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Hollywood’s past, where personal relationships were often shrouded in secrecy due to societal pressures.

Dean’s experiences with Bast and Brackett underscore the complexities of navigating love, ambition, and identity in an industry—and era—that demanded conformity.

As we reflect on these revelations, it’s evident that Dean’s legacy is not just that of a cinematic icon but also of a man who grappled with his identity in a world that was not ready to accept it.

His story serves as a poignant reminder of the progress we’ve made and the importance of continuing to share and honor the diverse narratives within our community.

+Related: Gay Icon Ian McKellen Falls Off Stage, Rushed to Hospital