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Nick Grimshaw, affectionately known as Grimmy, has always been one to bring joy, laughter, and a bit of sass into our lives, both on and off the airwaves.
But his recent 40th birthday trip to Ibiza took an unexpected and rather frightening turn, leaving fans and friends alike rattled.
The former BBC Radio 1 host, who has long been a fixture in the UK’s LGBTQ+ scene, had set off for the sunny island to celebrate his milestone birthday with loved ones, including his fiancé Mesh Henry and his dear mum, Eileen.
What was meant to be a sun-soaked getaway quickly became the stuff of nightmares, The Independent reports.
Nick & Mesh. Instagram: @meshhenry
Just imagine: You’re lounging in a gorgeous Ibiza villa, the sea breeze in your hair, surrounded by the people you love most.
Suddenly, your holiday bliss is shattered by a gang of thieves who seem straight out of a heist movie, complete with hazmat suits and sedative gas.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a blockbuster flick but a harrowing reality that Nick and his family had to endure.
The gang reportedly targeted high-end villas across Ibiza this summer, hitting the very spot where Nick and his crew were staying.
Thankfully, no one was physically harmed, but the incident surely shook the group, prompting them to cut their holiday short and return to the UK.
And while we all love a juicy social media post from Nick, this time he’s chosen to keep things private, undoubtedly focusing on keeping his family safe and sound away from the public eye.
Instagram: @meshhenry
The news comes as a stark reminder that even in a place as idyllic as Ibiza, where so many of our LGBTQ+ faves flock for a bit of fun under the sun, there are still shadows lurking.
It’s a strange juxtaposition—Grimmy’s infectious energy and the dark turn his holiday took.
But perhaps it’s his experience, from the unpredictable world of live radio to now navigating life after the airwaves, that allows him to handle such situations with grace.
Let’s not forget, Grimmy’s been a constant in our lives, from his early days on BBC Radio 1 to his newer ventures like the “Sidelined” podcast with Annie Mac.
He’s the kind of guy who can make you feel like you’re his best mate even if you’ve never met him—a rare gift, indeed.
And while this recent ordeal might have knocked anyone else off their feet, we know Grimmy will bounce back, possibly with an even cheekier smile and a story or two up his sleeve.
Instagram: @NickGrimshaw
For now, let’s all raise a glass to Nick’s safe return and hope that the authorities in Ibiza catch up with those responsible for this frightening raid.
And to Nick, Mesh, Eileen, and the rest of the crew—sending love and light your way from all your friends and fans in the LGBTQ+ family. We’re just glad you’re all okay!
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It’s been 14 years since that life-changing night when Thomas McKay first spent the night at PJ’s house, but for Thomas, the memories are as vivid as ever.
Four years ago today, on their 10th anniversary, Thomas opened up in a heartfelt post about that unforgettable night—the night that marked the beginning of a love story that has since become an inspiration to so many of us in the LGBTQ+ community.
“I was a nervous wreck,” he admitted. “I had never told anyone I was gay before, and I had no idea how PJ would react.”
Instagram: @pjandthomas
In his post, Thomas described the anxiety that filled his stomach with knots as he made the decision to spend the night at PJ’s house.
“We’d been texting nonstop for two days, and I just kept wondering, ‘Is this really happening? Does he even like me, or am I just setting myself up for heartbreak?’” he recalled.
“But there was something about PJ—something about the way he made me feel like it was okay to be myself—that made me take the risk.”
Instagram: @pjandthomas
And what a risk it was. That night, in PJ’s cozy little house, they talked for hours, sharing stories and dreams, getting to know each other in a way that felt so natural, yet so new.
“We didn’t even finish the movie we started,” Thomas laughed. “I think we were both too caught up in the moment to care.”
For many of us, Thomas and PJ’s story is deeply relatable—the fear, the excitement, the uncertainty of opening up to someone for the first time.
Thomas confessed that he was terrified PJ might not feel the same way, or worse, that he was just being kind out of pity.
“I kept thinking, ‘What does this successful, confident guy see in me, a skinny 19-year-old still living at home with his mom?’ It felt too good to be true.”
But it wasn’t. As Thomas discovered the next morning, PJ felt just as strongly.
“I woke up to an empty house and thought I’d blown it,” Thomas remembered. “But then I saw this note he left for me on the back of an envelope, and all those doubts I had just disappeared. That note—it gave me hope.”
Over the next few days, their connection only deepened.
They texted constantly, met up in secret, and slowly but surely, their bond grew stronger.
“Those early days were exhilarating and scary all at once,” Thomas said. “But looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. PJ gave me the courage to be who I really was—to come out to my family and friends and start living the life I’d always dreamed of.”
Instagram: @pjandthomas
Now, as they celebrate 14 years together, Thomas and PJ are still the couple that so many of us admire.
They’ve built a life in the small Southern town that once felt suffocating but has now become their haven.
“PJ helped me see this place in a different light,” Thomas reflected. “He made me realize that it’s not where you are, but who you’re with, that really matters.”
Their journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but through it all, they’ve remained each other’s rock.
“I’m just so grateful for him,” Thomas said, his voice full of emotion. “PJ showed me what it means to love and be loved fully. He’s my helper, my partner, my best friend.”
Instagram: @pjandthomas
Here’s to Thomas and PJ—14 years of love, growth, and countless memories.
Their story is a reminder that love can be found in the most unexpected places, and sometimes, all it takes is a little courage to step out of the shadows and into the light.
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At the stunning rooftop of the Wit Hotel, amid the hustle and bustle of the Democratic National Convention, a truly heartwarming and historic moment took place.
On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg—affectionately known as “Mayor Pete” to his friends and admirers—was inducted into the LGBTQ+ Political Hall of Fame during the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s “Victory at the DNC” event.
With a room full of friends, allies, and trailblazers in attendance, the occasion felt less like a formal ceremony and more like a family reunion, where laughter, pride, and a sense of shared history were in abundance.
Pete Buttigieg while being inducted into the LGBTQ+ Political Hall of Fame this week at a DNC event:
Pete Buttigieg’s political journey is one that many in our community have followed closely.
From his days as the whip-smart mayor of South Bend, Indiana, to his run for the presidency, and now as the first openly gay Cabinet secretary, Pete has consistently pushed the envelope on what’s possible for LGBTQ+ individuals in public service.
He’s been a guiding light—not just because of his political acumen but because of the authentic way he’s navigated his identity in a world that hasn’t always been kind to people like us.
And it was clear on Tuesday night that this journey has resonated with so many.
Taking the stage to thunderous applause, Pete humbly acknowledged the honor. “Thank you so much.
Thank you for humbling me with this honor,” he began, his voice tinged with the kind of emotion that only comes from deep reflection on how far we’ve all come.
Chasten & Pete. Instagram: @pete.buttigieg
A Night of Celebrating Our Own
The event itself was a star-studded affair, yet it felt intimate, thanks to the familiar faces that filled the room.
Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, a stalwart of LGBTQ+ rights in her own right, and Annise Parker, former Houston Mayor and current CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, were among those cheering Pete on.
“Thank you, Lori, for your leadership of Chicago and for welcoming us to this town,” Pete said, his words punctuated by smiles and knowing nods.
When he spoke of Annise Parker, his admiration was palpable: “Let’s just say that Annise Parker has been a pillar of leadership for the LGBTQ+ community, for the community of mayors, for the American people.”
It was a night of recognizing not just Pete’s achievements, but the collective progress we’ve made as a community.
With his induction, Pete joined the ranks of LGBTQ+ political titans like Senator Tammy Baldwin and the legendary Harvey Milk.
For those of us in the room—or watching from afar—it was a reminder that our victories are hard-fought, deeply personal, and profoundly meaningful.
Pete’s speech was a masterclass in balancing the joy of the moment with a sobering reminder of the challenges still ahead.
“Everything that I’ve had a chance to do, not just in politics but in life, is possible because of the committed activism of people like the people in this room and people who came before us,” he said, drawing a direct line from the activists of yesteryear to the leaders of today.
He reflected on the fact that not so long ago, being openly gay was a barrier to even the most basic of government jobs.
“It wasn’t that long ago you couldn’t be a geographer in the federal government if you were gay. Think about how much has changed in one short lifetime,” he mused.
Instagram: @pete.buttigieg
But Pete was quick to point out that the fight is far from over. In a powerful moment, he addressed the wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation sweeping the nation.
“Just because we have gained some ground does not mean we’ll ever get comfortable with the gains that have been made or the work that lies in front of us,” he asserted, his words a rallying cry for continued vigilance and activism.
Family and the Future
One of the most touching parts of the night came when Pete, with his signature blend of humor and sincerity, shared a glimpse into his home life.
“Just so you know what wake-up is like for us, it used to be we woke up to an alarm clock. Now we wake up to a three-year-old… who will disappear downstairs and reemerge exactly one minute later with a tambourine in his hand,” he said, drawing laughs and knowing smiles from parents in the crowd.
In his address at the Democratic National Convention later that week, Pete connected the dots between his personal experiences and the broader fight for equality.
“The existence of my family is just one example of something that was literally impossible as recently as 25 years ago,” he said, reflecting on his journey from a closeted teenager in Indiana to one of the most visible queer politicians in America.
“This kind of life went from impossible to possible, from possible to real, from real to almost ordinary in less than half a lifetime.”
Instagram: @pete.buttigieg
A Moment of Pride and Purpose
As Pete Buttigieg stepped down from the stage, the applause lingered, not just for him, but for all of us who have fought, in ways big and small, to make this world a bit more inclusive, a bit more just.
His induction into the LGBTQ+ Political Hall of Fame wasn’t just about celebrating his achievements—it was about recognizing that every step forward in our community’s journey is a shared victory.
And as Pete left the rooftop of the Wit Hotel, the Chicago skyline twinkling in the background, there was a sense of renewed purpose in the air.
We’ve come a long way, but as Pete reminded us, the road ahead is still long.
But with leaders like him at the forefront, and with the strength of our community behind them, there’s no doubt we’ll keep marching forward.
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It’s been nearly two years since August Alsina, the soulful crooner who gave us hits like “No Love” and “Myself,” seemingly introduced the world to his new love—a man—on VH1’s The Surreal Life. The scene, which left fans buzzing with questions and excitement, was a bold move in the unpredictable world of celebrity romance, especially for someone like Alsina, who’s always marched to the beat of his own drum. And now, he’s addressing that speculation head-on, while continuing to live life unapologetically and on his own terms.
Instagram: @AugustAlsina
Alsina, a two-time BET Award-winner, has always been a bit of an enigma—open in his music, but often guarded when it comes to his personal life. That all changed last week when he sat down with Nick Cannon on Counsel Culture, where the conversation quickly turned to the topic of love and relationships. When Cannon, known for his candid interview style, asked about the shift in Alsina’s romantic life, the singer responded with a refreshing honesty that left no room for tabloid-style scandal.
Instagram: @AugustAlsina
“To be honest with you, it’s not even me that’s opening my heart. It’s that power that’s higher than myself,” Alsina shared. He described his newfound love as a “gift from God,” emphasizing that his journey wasn’t about conforming to societal expectations but about embracing the beauty of what love can be, in all its forms. For Alsina, love isn’t something that can be boxed into neat categories like “gay,” “straight,” or “bisexual.” It’s a language, he says, and one that he’s “fluent in when it speaks” to him.
It’s not hard to see why Alsina’s words resonate so deeply with so many of us. In a world that’s quick to label and define, he’s choosing instead to simply live his truth. He’s made it clear that he doesn’t feel the need to give “direct answers” about his sexuality, and why should he? Alsina’s message is one of freedom—freedom to love, freedom to express, and freedom to live authentically, no matter what that looks like.
Instagram: @AugustAlsina
Reflecting on that pivotal moment in 2022 when he introduced his partner on The Surreal Life, Alsina said, “Love showed up but in a new way.” It was a powerful statement, made even more impactful by his decision to share it with the world. “I want to share that and really honour the person I love and [who] loves me back, and teaching me so much about love and healing,” he explained at the time. That decision to share his love was more than just a public declaration—it was a defiant stand against the outdated constructs of what love “should” be.
While Alsina remains reluctant to label his sexuality, his openness is a breath of fresh air. He’s not just sharing a part of himself with us; he’s inviting us into his journey—a journey that many in the LGBTQ+ community can relate to, where love doesn’t always fit into the labels society tries to impose. And in doing so, Alsina has become a bit of a role model, even if he didn’t set out to be one.
In the end, August Alsina’s story is a reminder that love, in all its complexities, doesn’t need to be defined. It just needs to be felt. And as long as it’s real, as long as it’s true, that’s all that really matters. So here’s to living life authentically, embracing love in all its forms, and never letting anyone tell us how or who to love.
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Brace yourselves, darlings! Netflix has officially declared that we’re about to enter the coziest, queerest season of the year: Heartstopper Autumn. As if we needed any more reasons to swoon over our favorite teen romance, the streaming giant just announced on Monday (August 19) that the official Heartstopper podcast is dropping this fall, and guess who’s hosting? None other than the fabulous Tia Kofi, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World season two. Talk about an iconic pairing!
Instagram: @heartstopper
The Scoop on the Podcast
Set to launch on September 2, Heartstopper: The Official Netflix Podcast will be dishing out weekly episodes all month long. Netflix’s 40-second teaser clip has already sent fans into a frenzy, promising exclusive interviews with the show’s stars—including our beloved Kit Connor (Nick Nelson) and Joe Locke (Charlie Spring)—and tantalizing tidbits about what’s to come in the highly anticipated third season.
Instagram: @heartstopper
Now, we all know that Heartstopper isn’t just a show; it’s a whole mood, a warm hug in the form of a TV series. And if you’re anything like us, you’re already counting down the days until October 3, when season three officially drops. But until then, Tia Kofi’s podcast promises to be the perfect companion to tide us over. In the teaser, Tia teases all the “behind-the-scenes goss, loads of laughs, and all the feels” that we’ve come to expect from Heartstopper.
🍂 We've got some news 🍂 The first episode of Heartstopper: The Official Netflix Podcast drops on 2 September, with new episodes every Monday throughout the month.
Hosted by Tia Kofi it's packed full of exclusive interviews with the cast as we dig in on what you can expect from… pic.twitter.com/EIWtftQpJx
It’s no surprise that Tia Kofi was chosen to host this new venture. Since snatching the crown on Drag Race, she’s been a rising star, bringing her unique blend of charm, wit, and undeniable talent to every project she touches. Tia’s been a regular in our timelines, whether she’s dropping a new single, slaying a performance, or, now, taking on the podcasting world.
Instagram: @heartstopper
On Twitter (or should we say X?), Tia shared her excitement: “Super excited to announce that I am the host of the @NetflixUK Official Heartstopper Podcast. Get [for] all things Heartstopper.” And judging by the fans’ responses, they’re just as thrilled as she is. One fan summed it up perfectly, saying, “This is the best thing that’s ever happened since Heartstopper s1 premiered. I am so f*cking excited.” Same, bestie, same.
For those of us who’ve been eagerly flipping through Alice Oseman’s graphic novels, we know that season three is going to be a wild ride. Drawing from volumes four and five, the new season will tackle some heavy themes, including Charlie’s struggle with an eating disorder and Nick’s internal debate over his future. But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom—the season also promises to be “raunchier” and more “mature” as our favorite couple navigates their evolving relationship.
And in true Heartstopper fashion, it’ll be full of those heartwarming moments that remind us why we fell in love with Nick and Charlie in the first place. We can expect to see our other faves, like Yasmin Finney, William Gao, Kizzy Edgell, and more, as they share the highs and lows of the series in the podcast.
Instagram: @heartstopper
The Ultimate Heartstopper Experience
If you’re anything like us, you’ll want to fully immerse yourself in all things Heartstopper this fall. Luckily, full video episodes of Heartstopper: The Official Netflix Podcast will be available on the Still Watching Netflix channel, while audio episodes can be streamed on Spotify, Apple, and other podcast platforms.
So grab your favorite sweater, brew some tea, and settle in with Tia Kofi as she spills all the season three tea with the cast we adore. Trust us, this is going to be the ultimate way to get your Heartstopper fix before the new season drops. And who knows, you might just find yourself laughing, crying, and falling in love with these characters all over again.
What are you most excited to hear about on the podcast? Share your thoughts below, and let’s keep this Heartstopper love fest going strong—just like our favorite queer couple, Nick and Charlie.
