Matt Bomer & Ricky Martin Light Up CCA LGBTQ+ Gala

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On June 7th, the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles was ablaze with pride and excitement as the Critics Choice Association (CCA) hosted its inaugural Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema and Television. This star-studded event, hosted by the hilarious Sherry Cola, aimed to honor the best of LGBTQ+ talent both in front of and behind the camera. Among the illustrious attendees were none other than Matt Bomer and Ricky Martin, who were spotted hanging out backstage and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the night.

Ricky Martin & Matt Bomer. Instagram: @criticschoice

The event, a first in its series dedicated to celebrating underrepresented communities in cinema and television, was a historic moment. It follows the CCA’s other celebrations, such as those for Latino, Asian Pacific, and Black Cinema and Television, continuing the association’s commitment to shining a light on diverse talents.

The night was a whirlwind of accolades, with honorees including Carl Clemons-Hopkins, who received the Supporting Performance Award for Television – Series, and Chris Perfetti, who took home the Breakthrough Performance Award for Television – Series. Fernando Carsa was recognized as a Rising Star, while the legendary George Takei was honored with the Social Justice Award. Kristen Kish’s contributions were acknowledged with the TV Host Award.

The Fellow Travelers gang. Instagram: @criticschoice

Matt Bomer, celebrated for his role in “Fellow Travelers,” was among the night’s notable honorees. Alongside producers Ron Nyswaner, Daniel Minahan, and Robbie Rogers, Bomer received accolades for the impactful limited series. Meanwhile, Ricky Martin, always a beloved figure in the LGBTQ+ community, added his star power to the event, mingling with fellow celebrities and fans alike.

Related: White Collar Reboot in the Works with Out & Proud Matt Bomer

One of the evening’s highlights was the presence of Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, who was awarded the Vanguard Award, and Henry R. Muñoz III, who received the Industry Leadership Award. The awards didn’t stop there, with Nava Mau being recognized for her breakthrough performance in a limited series, and the teams behind “We’re Here” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” also taking home honors.

Ricky Martin. Instagram: @criticschoice

Backstage, Bomer and Martin were the picture of camaraderie. Bomer, known for his roles in “White Collar” and “The Normal Heart,” has long been a fixture in LGBTQ+ advocacy, using his platform to champion equality and representation. Martin, a music icon whose coming out in 2010 was a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ visibility, continues to be an inspirational figure in the community.

Their presence at the Critics Choice Celebration was more than just a nod to their contributions to entertainment; it was a reminder of the progress made and the work still ahead. The night celebrated not only their achievements but also those of countless others who have paved the way for authentic and diverse storytelling in Hollywood.

The inaugural Critics Choice Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema and Television was more than just an awards night—it was a powerful affirmation of the community’s talent and resilience. With the show set to stream on June 21st, audiences everywhere will have the chance to relive this unforgettable evening.

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


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Inside Bretman Rock’s Fairytale Love Story with Justice Fester

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Bretman Rock has given his fans the romantic comedy moment they never knew they needed. The beauty influencer recently opened up about his enchanting love story with Justice Fester, which began with a chance encounter six years ago and rekindled through a serendipitous scroll on TikTok.

Instagram: @BretmanRock

Back in May, Bretman surprised his millions of followers by hard-launching his relationship with Justice on TikTok and Instagram, sharing adorable snapshots and videos that left fans swooning. During a recent appearance on Quenlin Blackwell’s YouTube channel, Bretman divulged the full story, which feels straight out of a movie.

Their story began six years ago at a club, where Bretman first noticed Justice but didn’t make a move, assuming Justice was straight. “Basically, I met this man six years ago [at a club]. I had no business being in the club,” he explained. It wasn’t until Bretman’s cousin, Miss K, confirmed otherwise that Bretman finally approached Justice. “I slid in there and I was like, ‘What are we drinking?’ We took a shot, and then I put lip gloss on and he was like, ‘You’re making me self-conscious like I feel like my lips are dry,’” Bretman recounted. This bold move led to a kiss and a dinner date, which ended awkwardly due to a misunderstanding about Justice’s relationship status .

Instagram: @justiceisking

Related: Bretman Rock Just Hard-Launched His New Boyfriend

Fast forward to six years later, while taking a break from watching “Fallout,” Bretman stumbled upon Justice’s TikTok profile. “I went scrolling on TikTok, and I saw this man’s [profile],” he said. “And I’m just staring at it, and I’m like, ‘Why does this man look so familiar?’” This discovery led him to find an old message from Justice, apologizing for their past awkward dinner and suggesting they try again. Bretman seized the opportunity, and their date that very day reignited their connection. “So I was like, ‘Is that date still on the table?’ and that very day we went on a date,” he shared with a smile .

Instagram: @justiceisking

Since going public, Bretman has been joyously sharing snippets of their relationship. On Instagram, he celebrated Pride Month with heartfelt posts, declaring, “I do have a man! We out here.” Bretman also hinted at more personal revelations to come on his upcoming podcast, “Da Baddest Radio” .

Bretman’s fans have eagerly embraced Justice, and their story has become a highlight of Pride Month celebrations. This romantic tale of reconnection and serendipity continues to inspire, showcasing the beautiful unpredictability of love in the digital age.

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Gatwa and Groff’s Gay Romance Makes ‘Doctor Who’ History

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In a groundbreaking moment for the iconic series “Doctor Who,” the latest episode titled “Rogue,” which premiered on June 8, 2024, has introduced the Doctor’s first fully-fledged gay romance. Ncuti Gatwa, playing the Fifteenth Doctor, shared a passionate kiss with Jonathan Groff’s character, Rogue, marking a historic milestone for the show.

Under the creative vision of Russell T Davies, known for his LGBTQ+ inclusive storytelling, this episode sets the stage for a more explicitly queer narrative. Gatwa, the first openly queer actor to portray the Doctor, brings a fresh and vibrant energy to the role, perfectly matched by Groff’s enigmatic and charming Rogue .

BBC

The episode’s setting in a Regency-era ball adds a dash of Bridgerton-style elegance to the sci-fi series, enhancing the palpable homoerotic tension between the Doctor and Rogue. As they navigate their blossoming relationship amidst space adventures, the Doctor’s spaceship even features a nod to queer culture with a Kylie Minogue hit blaring on the sound system .

Related: Gay Doctor Who Star Ncuti Gatwa Fires Back at Haters

This isn’t the first time the Doctor has shared a kiss with a man—Captain Jack Harkness, played by John Barrowman, kissed the Doctor in 2005. However, this episode of “Doctor Who” is pioneering in developing the Time Lord’s first substantial same-sex romance, a significant step forward in representation for the long-running series .

BBC

The episode also teases the Doctor’s deeper exploration of his queer identity, hinted at in previous specials, where the Doctor mentioned a summer fling with Harry Houdini and a crush on Isaac Newton. This progression is a testament to Davies’ commitment to showcasing diverse and inclusive stories within mainstream media .

BBC

“Doctor Who” continues to air on BBC1 in the UK and is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer and Disney+ internationally. With this new era of storytelling, the series is set to resonate even more profoundly with its LGBTQ+ audience, offering both thrilling adventures and heartfelt moments .

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Lukas Gage and Chris Appleton Finalize Divorce Settlement

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In a significant step forward, Lukas Gage and Chris Appleton have reached a divorce settlement, finalizing the end of their brief but high-profile marriage. The couple has signed an agreement waiving spousal support, as confirmed by Us Weekly. This comes after a declaration of default was filed earlier this week in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County.

Instagram: @LukasGage

Back in March, court documents revealed that Appleton, 40, provided his financial statements in a bid to expedite the divorce process. An insider shared with Us Weekly that Appleton was eager to move on, stating, “Chris has moved on and doesn’t want to keep talking about it. He has exciting projects coming up and is looking forward to the future. Chris wants to wrap up the divorce soon.”

Instagram: @ChrisAppleton1

The whirlwind romance between the celebrity hairstylist and the Euphoria actor, 29, began to capture public attention in February 2023. The pair sparked romance rumors with a trip to Mexico and solidified their relationship status with a red carpet debut at the Vanity Fair Campaign Hollywood and TikTok Celebrate Vanities: A Night For Young Hollywood event in March 2023. Appleton expressed his joy on The Drew Barrymore Show, saying, “I’m very happy and very much in love. I’m very grateful to be able to share my time with someone very special. Love is a really special thing, and I think meeting someone that you really connect with is really, really special.”

Related: Lukas Gage Fell in Love with the Boy Next Door

Their love story took a significant turn in April 2023 when they decided to get married, with none other than Kim Kardashian officiating the ceremony. The intimate and surprising nuptials were later discussed on an episode of The Kardashians, where Kardashian shared her delight at seeing Appleton so happy. “I have never really seen Chris this smitten and happy,” she said. “It’s just like a whole different situation for him. I love giving surprises, and I love making people happy, and to see them in tears and so happy and so genuinely surprised makes me so happy.”

Despite the seemingly fairytale romance, things took a different turn in November 2023 when Appleton filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. By March, Gage was already looking forward, telling People magazine at the SXSW premiere of Road House, “It’s been a year of learning, growing, changing — yeah, just constant change. Life’s always changing.”

Instagram: @LukasGage

As both Gage and Appleton move on from this chapter of their lives, they do so with new perspectives and plans. Appleton is diving into his upcoming projects with renewed focus, while Gage continues to embrace the changes in his life. This settlement marks a definitive end to their shared journey, allowing them both to look ahead to future opportunities and growth.

Related: Chris Appleton Finds Hunky Man to Love Post-Divorce


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Glee’s Kevin McHale Heats Up Pride in BF’s Music Video

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It’s a sizzling start to Pride Month as “Glee” alum Kevin McHale joins his boyfriend Austin P. McKenzie in a vibrant new music video for McKenzie’s song “Special.” The video, released just in time for Pride, is a joyful celebration of love and inclusivity, featuring McKenzie and McHale alongside a host of friends. They dance, kiss, and revel in the spirit of Pride, creating a visual feast that’s both heartwarming and energizing.

Instagram: @kevinmchale

In the video, McKenzie and McHale are seen sharing affectionate moments and lively dance sequences with their friends, capturing the essence of Pride’s joyous and inclusive nature. The YouTube caption reads, “Special out now everywhere from Austin’s new album ‘In Living Colour’.”

Kevin McHale, best known for his role as Artie Abrams on “Glee,” has been living his best life post-show. Since coming out in 2018, McHale has become an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a beloved figure in the community. His relationship with McKenzie, a fellow actor and musician, has been a highlight for fans, with the couple often sharing glimpses of their life together on social media .

Related: Kevin McHale: Guiding Light in David Archuleta’s Coming Out Journey

Austin P. McKenzie, known for his work in theater and music, brings his artistic talents to the forefront in “Special.” The song and its accompanying video are part of his latest album, “In Living Colour,” which promises to be a hit with its blend of emotional depth and catchy melodies.

Instagram: @kevinmchale

This collaboration is more than just a music video; it’s a celebration of love and identity, perfectly timed for Pride Month. It shows the power of visibility and the importance of celebrating who we are, especially in a world that often challenges our right to do so. Kevin and Austin’s public display of affection and joy serves as a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the love we continue to fight for.

Related: Gay Actor Kevin McHale Loves the Cutest Boy in the World


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