Nico Young Prepares for Debut as First Out Gay U.S. Track Star

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As the buzz for the 2024 Paris Olympics builds, our friend and inspiring athlete Nico Young has been hitting new milestones. On June 21, 2024, in Eugene, Oregon, Nico secured his spot on Team USA by finishing third in the men’s 10,000 meters at the U.S. Olympic trials, clocking a remarkable 27:52.40. This achievement not only marks his first Olympic appearance but also cements his place in history as the first openly gay male U.S. track and field athlete to qualify for the Olympics, according to OutSports.

Instagram: @nico__young__

Nico, who publicly came out as gay in 2022, has been an inspiration both on and off the track. His journey from a standout high school athlete in Southern California to a collegiate record-setter at Northern Arizona University has been marked by resilience and authenticity. Nico’s decision to live openly has resonated deeply within the LGBTQ+ community, offering a beacon of hope and representation. As he shared, hearing from others about the impact of his visibility is profoundly meaningful, reinforcing the importance of representation in sports.

Instagram: @nico__young__

“I am living proof that it is not a choice,” Young wrote in his coming out post on Instagram. “It is something I have always known and been aware of, but have kept silent out of fear of rejection. I have struggled to accept myself, but I am becoming more proud and happy with who I am.”

Instagram: @nico__young__

Currently training in Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via, France, a favorite high-altitude spot for elite athletes, Nico is gearing up for the 10,000 meters in Paris on August 2. This opportunity is an exciting prospect for fans and fellow athletes alike, showcasing his versatility and dedication to his sport .

+Related: Gay Diver Tom Daley Tests “Anti-Sex” Beds at Paris Olympics

Beyond his athletic prowess, Nico has embraced new opportunities under the NCAA’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules, recently partnering with Adidas. This partnership highlights a broader acceptance and celebration of openly LGBTQ+ athletes in major sports brands, which is a significant shift from the past .

As Nico prepares to compete on one of the world’s biggest stages, his journey continues to inspire. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity and the impact one individual can have on a global community. We’re all rooting for Nico and can’t wait to see him shine in Paris! 🌈🏃‍♂️

+Related: Jack Woolley to Paris Olympics for Ireland & His Boyfriend 

First Look at Matt Bomer & Nathan Lane in New Sitcom

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In a delightful blend of classic charm and modern humor, Matt Bomer and Nathan Lane are teaming up for a new sitcom that’s already creating quite the buzz in the LGBTQ+ community.

The duo will lead “Mid-Century Modern,” a Hulu series inspired by the iconic “Golden Girls,” with a fabulous twist.

Produced by the ever-inventive Ryan Murphy and brought to life by the creative minds of Max Mutchnick and David Kohan, the show promises to be a fresh take on friendship, aging, and fabulous living.

Mid-Century Modern cast. Instagram: @linda_lavin

Yesterday, Broadway legend Linda Lavin, who plays a central role in the show, shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse on Instagram that has fans buzzing.

Lavin, in her characteristically warm and witty style, posted a photo of the cast on set and a video clip of them receiving applause from a live audience.

“Throwback to last Thursday night when we filmed this fabulous pilot, ‘Mid-Century Modern’ for @hulu at 20th Century Fox!!” Lavin captioned the post.

She praised her co-stars Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, Nathan Lee Graham, and Miss Coco Peru, and expressed excitement about working with the iconic director James Burrows.

Instagram: @linda_lavin

The sitcom, set in the sun-soaked paradise of Palm Springs, follows three best friends—gay gentlemen of a certain age—navigating life together after a sudden loss prompts them to cohabitate in the lavish home of the wealthiest among them.

Lane takes on the role of Bunny Schneiderman, a charmingly neurotic businessman who is perpetually on a quest for love and validation.

Lavin plays his sharp-tongued yet endearing mother, Sybil, whose wisdom is matched only by her tendency to meddle.

Bomer, channeling the endearing ditziness of “Golden Girls” Rose, stars as Jerry Frank, a former Mormon who embraced his true self and left his previous life behind, emerging as a pure-hearted, if slightly naive, figure.

+Related: New Gay “Golden Girls” with Matt Bomer & Nathan Lane 

With such a powerhouse of talent both on-screen and behind the scenes, “Mid-Century Modern” is shaping up to be a must-watch.

The cast’s chemistry, evident even in behind-the-scenes snapshots, hints at a show filled with heart, humor, and a lot of sass—exactly the kind of content our community loves and deserves.

Instagram: @linda_lavin

As fans eagerly await more news, the excitement surrounding the pilot is palpable.

Lavin’s Instagram post has already garnered a flood of supportive comments, with many hoping for a full-season order.

Given the track record of everyone involved, it seems likely that “Mid-Century Modern” will be more than just a pilot—it could become a beloved fixture in the lives of its viewers, much like “Will & Grace” and “The Golden Girls” before it.

So, dear friends, keep your eyes peeled and your Hulu accounts ready. “Mid-Century Modern” is coming, and if the first look is any indication, it’s going to be a golden (and fabulously gay) ride!

+Related: Matt Bomer & Jonathan Bailey: Emmy Nods for Fellow Travelers

‘The Groomsmen’ to Feature Gay Wedding as Main Storyline

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Hallmark’s upcoming trilogy, “The Groomsmen,” is set to break new ground by featuring a gay wedding as the central storyline. Starring Jonathan Bennett, Tyler Hynes, and B.J. Britt, this trilogy is a fresh take from the network, known for its romantic tales that often adhere to traditional formulas .

The Trilogy’s Plot and Locations

“The Groomsmen” follows the lives of three best friends—Pete, Danny, and Jackson—each navigating love and relationships. What’s particularly exciting is that Pete, played by B.J. Britt, is a kind-hearted pediatrician, and his story includes a gay romance that culminates in a wedding. The films are set against stunning backdrops in Greece, Italy, and Bulgaria, providing a picturesque setting for these love stories to unfold.

“We got to shoot my character Danny’s storyline in Greece,” Bennett told PEOPLE. “And when you put me Tyler Hynes and B.J. Britt in Santorini, jumping off cliffs, it’s literally like paradise, and a dream come true because we got to film a gay love story in Santorini for Hallmark Channel.”

“It’s all the things that we love. We love destinations, we love friendship, we love romance, and we love Greece. So, like all those things combined for my movie, it blew it out of the water,” he adds.

Jonathan Bennett with hubby Jaymes Vaughan in Santorini. Instagram: @JonathanBennett

A Milestone in Representation

Jonathan Bennett, who also serves as an executive producer, has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in media. He expressed his excitement about the project, noting its significance as Hallmark’s first film trilogy to feature a gay couple as the main focus. This marks a significant shift for the network, which has been gradually expanding its scope to include more diverse stories.

+Related: Watch Hubby’s Super Cute Reaction to Jonathan Bennett’s First Role

More Than Just a Wedding Story

The trilogy isn’t just about romance; it’s a celebration of friendship and love in all its forms. The films are directed by Ron Oliver and promise to blend humor, warmth, and heartfelt moments, characteristic of Hallmark’s signature style . Bennett’s involvement as both actor and producer highlights his commitment to bringing authentic LGBTQ+ stories to the screen.

Instagram: @JonathanBennett

When to Watch

“The Groomsmen” will premiere this fall on Hallmark’s new streaming service, Hallmark+, with the first movie titled “First Look.” This is just one of several new offerings from the network, which also includes other reality and scripted content aimed at diversifying its lineup.

Instagram: @JonathanBennett

In the Spirit of Inclusivity

This move by Hallmark is part of a broader trend towards inclusivity, reflecting a growing recognition that love stories come in many forms. As Bennett aptly put it, “It’s not just straight couples. It’s not just white couples. Everyone gets their love story”.

For those planning to tune in, “The Groomsmen” offers not just a romantic escape but a meaningful step forward in representation and inclusivity. And if you’re as excited as we are, you’ll want to mark your calendars for this groundbreaking series!

+Related: Jonathan Bennet to Glitter Broadway in ‘Spamalot’

Gay Diver Tom Daley Tests “Anti-Sex” Beds at Paris Olympics

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Tom Daley, our beloved diving champion and LGBTQ+ icon, is back in the spotlight as he gears up for his fifth Olympic appearance in Paris.

While most athletes are focused on their training regimes, Tom took some time to address a peculiar rumor making waves in the Olympic Village: the infamous “anti-sex” beds.

Instagram: @tomdaley

These beds, introduced during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and now making a reappearance in Paris, are constructed from cardboard and recyclable materials.

The initial buzz was that these beds were designed to discourage athletes from engaging in intimate activities, a claim that has caused quite the stir.

Tom, never one to shy away from a bit of fun, decided to put these beds to the test. In a cheeky video set to Charli XCX’s “Apple,” Daley demonstrated the beds’ sturdiness by jumping on one, landing in a suggestive pose.

He humorously assured his followers that the beds are indeed “pretty sturdy,” debunking the myth that they could not withstand much activity.

+Related: Gay Swimmer Tom Daley Stuns Fans in Team UK Speedos

While the term “anti-sex” has been thrown around, the actual purpose of these beds seems to be more about sustainability than abstinence.

According to Olympic organizers, the primary goal is to promote environmental responsibility by using recyclable materials.

This eco-friendly initiative includes distributing a whopping 300,000 condoms, ensuring athletes have safe options should the spirit of the games inspire more than just athletic competition.

Instagram: @tomdaley

As the LGBTQ+ community and allies cheer on their favorite athletes, Pride House Paris will be celebrating queer athletes and fans throughout the Games, offering a safe space for everyone to come together.

Tom Daley, always the trailblazer, not only showcases his athletic prowess but also his flair for keeping things light-hearted and inclusive.

With his husband Dustin Lance Black and their growing family cheering him on, it’s clear that Tom is not just competing for medals but also for hearts.

Instagram: @tomdaley

So, whether you’re watching for the sports or the stories, the Paris Olympics promise a vibrant mix of athletic excellence and human connection.

And rest assured, those cardboard beds? They’re not going anywhere!

+Related: Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black Mark 7 Years of Marriage

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

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Omar Apollo is set to make a significant leap from the music studio to the big screen, joining the cast of Luca Guadagnino‘s highly anticipated film “Queer.”

This adaptation of William S. Burroughs‘ 1985 novel, known for its dark humor and exploration of complex queer themes, has been generating buzz, especially with Daniel Craig in the lead role as Lee.

Deadline asked Venice Film Festival director Alberto Barbera to elaborate on his remark that Craig “put himself on the line” with his performance in Queer. Barbera said that that was the case “in terms of him portraying a gay man in a very direct and brave way, including a couple of sex scenes that are quite full-on.”

“I think it’s the performance of his life so far,” Barbera added.

Instagram: @omar.apollo

Omar Apollo, who has been candid about his own sexuality and experiences growing up as a gay man, brings a fresh energy to the film.

Known for his smooth voice and genre-blending musical style, he has quickly become a notable figure in the music industry, with hits like “Evergreen” and “Want U Around.”

His involvement in “Queer” marks his first foray into acting, adding another layer to his versatile career.

The film also features hottie Drew Starkey as Allerton, a young discharged Navy serviceman who becomes the object of Lee’s obsessive affection.

This role follows Starkey’s success in the popular series “Outer Banks.”

The casting of Apollo alongside seasoned actors like Jason Schwartzman, Lesley Manville, and Henrique Zaga underscores Guadagnino’s commitment to creating a diverse and compelling ensemble.

+Related: Troye Sivan’s Pantless Meet with Omar Apollo

“Queer” has been noted for its intense and sometimes provocative portrayal of queer relationships, something Guadagnino is well-known for, following his critically acclaimed works like “Call Me By Your Name.”

The film’s costume design is helmed by Jonathan Anderson, with a score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, promising a visually and sonically immersive experience.

(c) The Royal Navy

As the film prepares for its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, the excitement among fans and critics alike is palpable.

Apollo’s transition into acting is eagerly anticipated, as it represents not just a personal milestone for the artist but also a cultural moment for LGBTQ+ representation in film.

+Related: Pedro Pascal on Friendship with Gay Singer Omar Apollo