Olly Alexander Close to Breakdown Over Eurovision Feud

Zayn Williams
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Olly Alexander Close to Breakdown Over Eurovision Feud 
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As the vibrant Eurovision Song Contest draws near, Olly Alexander, the charismatic voice behind the former Years & Years, finds himself in a tempest of emotion and controversy. Representing the United Kingdom with his spirited single “Dizzy,” Alexander has been ensnared in a challenging situation, as the event faces intense scrutiny over its location in Israel amidst ongoing conflicts with Palestine.

In an emotionally charged interview with The Times at a Eurovision pre-party in London, Alexander opened up about his struggles. “Yes, I struggled that day. I was holed up in a room trying not to have a breakdown,” he confessed. The pressure of the situation weighed heavily on him, making it difficult to maintain his usual stage-ready composure. “Normally, you get on stage and turn it on, but I felt really unable to do that,” he added, his voice tinged with distress.

The calls for Alexander to withdraw from Eurovision stemmed from concerns about Israel’s involvement in the show during such tumultuous times. The singer expressed his deep empathy for the broader humanitarian issues at play. “Obviously, I wish there wasn’t a war or this insane humanitarian crisis. I wish for peace and I have found this experience, at times, extremely… I’ve just felt really sad and distressed,” he revealed.

Related: Olly Alexander Asked to Withdraw from Eurovision

Despite these challenges, Alexander holds onto the belief that bringing people together through entertainment can be a force for good. “That’s why I wanted to do Eurovision,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of unity and communication in times of crisis.

The backlash has not only affected Alexander but also resonated throughout the Eurovision community. In response to the mounting pressure, several performers from different countries, including Denmark’s SABA, Finland’s Windows95Man, and Ireland’s Bambie Thug, released a joint statement. They expressed their solidarity with the oppressed and their commitment to fostering an environment of peace and understanding. “We stand united against all forms of hate, including antisemitism and islamophobia,” the statement read, underlining the transformative power of music to bridge divides.

For Olly Alexander, this year’s Eurovision is more than a competition; it’s a profound journey through personal and political landscapes, reminding us all of the resilience required to navigate the complex realities of our world. As he steps onto the Eurovision stage, he carries not just the hopes of his fans but also a heartfelt desire to contribute to a world that cherishes peace over conflict and unity over division.

Related: Olly Alexander and Graham Norton Dish on Eurovision’s High Stakes

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1.6 Million Fans at Madonna’s Epic Love Fest in Rio

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1.6 Million Fans at Madonna’s Epic Love Fest in Rio 
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Madonna has always been a fierce ally of the LGBTQ+ community, and her latest performance has set the internet ablaze! The Queen of Pop hosted a monumental free concert on Copacabana Beach in Brazil, where an astonishing 1.6 million fans gathered to dance the night away. This event wasn’t just a concert; it was a vibrant celebration of music, love, and community solidarity.

Lately, Madonna has been as much in the headlines for her musical milestones as for her intriguing love life. Known for her fearless spirit and continuous reinvention, she has been a figure of fascination and admiration within the LGBTQ+ circles. Her support for the community and her own fluid expressions of identity and love resonate deeply with her fans.

At this stage in her career, Madonna is not just performing; she’s living out loud, embracing and advocating for love in all its forms. Her presence at pride events and her outspoken support for gay rights remind us why she remains an enduring icon in our community.

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

The Copacabana event itself was a spectacular showcase of inclusivity, with Madonna performing some of her biggest hits that have become anthems in the gay community. Her energy and commitment to human rights, especially her call for equality and acceptance, made the night unforgettable.

Madonna’s continual engagement with LGBTQ+ issues, coupled with her dynamic personal life, keeps her as relevant and beloved today as ever. Each performance is not just a concert but a rallying point for those who cherish diversity and strength in unity. This beach party was no exception, proving that love and music are powerful forces that unite us all.

Related: Gayest Tour Ever: Troye Sivan, Charli XCX Pair Up

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Silvester Belt: A Lithuanian LGBTQ+ Trailblazer at Eurovision

Zayn Williams
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Silvester Belt: A Lithuanian LGBTQ+ Trailblazer at Eurovision 
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Silvester Belt is buzzing through the Eurovision Song Contest circles this year, not just for his hypnotic eurobanger “Luktelk,” but for making history as the first openly LGBTQ+ artist to represent Lithuania in the competition. With over five million Spotify streams worldwide and dominating the Lithuanian charts, Belt’s musical influence is undeniable. But it’s his outspoken nature and advocacy for LGBTQ+ visibility that’s capturing hearts beyond the music.

Belt’s journey to Eurovision is as much about talent as it is about bravery. From his early days as a 12-year-old finalist in Lithuania’s preselection for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest to winning the music show Aš – superhitas in 2017, Belt has consistently risen above challenges. Yet, despite his success, he has confronted significant resistance and homophobia within Lithuania—a country where being out and proud carries substantial risks.

Discussing the sparse LGBTQ+ representation in Lithuania’s music scene with PinkNews, Belt expressed frustration, highlighting the prevalent culture of fear among artists. He noted, “Everyone is pretending to be what they’re not, and it p***es me off so much.” This culture stems partly from legal and societal pressures; same-sex marriage remains illegal in Lithuania, and a 2020 survey revealed that 60% of LGBTQ+ Lithuanians never disclose their identity publicly.

Despite these challenges, Belt’s appearance at Eurovision as an out bisexual man is a significant step towards change. His candidness about his identity is a refreshing departure from the norm. He likens being open about one’s sexuality to stating a simple fact, like having blue eyes, and insists it shouldn’t be relegated to the realm of the private or taboo.

Related: Olly Alexander Asked to Withdraw from Eurovision

At Eurovision, Belt has found solidarity with other LGBTQ+ artists, forging what he calls his “LGBTQ+ gang,” which includes notables like the UK’s Olly Alexander and Ireland’s Bambie Thug. This support network has turned the competition into a safer and more welcoming space for him, illustrating the power of community.

Belt doesn’t aim to be a poster child for LGBTQ+ representation, but he recognizes the impact of his visibility. “As much as I’m probably gonna trigger a lot of people with just my being, I feel like at the same time, it is a big thing for the rest of us,” he shared. For many young LGBTQ+ individuals in Lithuania and beyond, seeing Belt on such a prominent platform offers hope and encouragement—a sentiment that can spark much-needed conversations and, ideally, foster acceptance.

As Eurovision 2024 approaches, with Belt set to perform in the first semi-final on May 7, all eyes will be on him—not just for his musical performance but for his role in advancing LGBTQ+ visibility on an international stage. His journey is a vivid illustration of the challenges and triumphs faced by LGBTQ+ artists globally, and a reminder of the transformative power of representation in popular culture.

Related: Olly Alexander: Shining Bright on Eurovision

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“Dead Boy Detectives” Spin a Ghostly Gay Tale on Netflix

Zayn Williams
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“Dead Boy Detectives” Spin a Ghostly Gay Tale on Netflix 
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As Netflix unearths a fantastical new series with “Dead Boy Detectives,” the ghostly duo of Edwin Payne and Charles Rowland are enchanting viewers with their spectral sleuthing and a heartwarming gay narrative. The series, released just last week, has already become a hotspot for fans of ghostly mysteries and LGBTQ+ storytelling.

Based on characters by Neil Gaiman from DC Comics’ “The Sandman,” the show features the adventures of two deceased British teens who turn their afterlives into an escapade of solving spooky mysteries. Edwin (George Rexstrew) died in 1916 and Charles (Jayden Revri) in 1989 at a London boarding school. Bound by their untimely demises, they opt out of the afterlife to tackle earthly troubles involving the supernatural.

Edwin, the self-proclaimed “brains,” and Charles, the so-called “brawn,” are joined by a psychic teen, Crystal (Kassius Nelson), and an offbeat neighbor, Niko (Yuyu Kitamura), enhancing the show’s quirky and otherworldly charm.

Co-showrunner Steve Yockey, known for his work on “Supernatural” and “The Flight Attendant,” has infused the show with a unique blend of youth and nostalgia. He describes the series as “The Hardy Boys on acid,” a nod to its psychedelic twists and its roots in teen detective tales.

The real draw, however, is the delicate exploration of Edwin’s burgeoning queer identity, sparked by his interactions with the sinister Cat King (Lucas Gage) and his deepening feelings for Charles. This narrative thread weaves a subtle yet poignant exploration of gay themes into the fabric of the series, making it resonate with LGBTQ+ viewers and allies alike.

Related: Jonathan Bailey Joins Cast of Fan Favorite ‘Heartstopper’

Critics have applauded the series for its fresh take on the ghost story genre, with Angie Han of The Hollywood Reporter calling it an “appealingly kooky supernatural adventure.” While it caters to a young adult audience, the charm and depth of “Dead Boy Detectives” promise to captivate a broader audience.

Much like their characters in the series, Rexstrew and Revri fell in love at first sight.

“A lot of people said to us, ‘It must be a lot of pressure to represent these two characters who have been best friends for such a long time,’ and the irony of it was that I think for both of us, that was literally the easiest part of the whole thing,” Revri told Teen Vogue. “[Our] chemistry, I can guarantee, was something that neither of us even thought about the whole time.”

As fans eagerly await news on a potential second season, Yockey teases possibilities for Edwin’s character development. Now that Edwin is embracing his gay identity, the show hints at exploring more of his emotional and romantic journey, promising even more thrills and personal revelations in the spectral world of “Dead Boy Detectives.”

Whether you’re here for the spooks, the laughs, or the heartfelt moments, “Dead Boy Detectives” offers a fresh take on coming-of-age by blending the supernatural with the all-too-human journey of discovering oneself.

Related: Heartbreak High Stars Hope for More Queer Love

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New ‘Hacks’ Star Jordan Gavaris’ Sweet Love Story

Zayn Williams
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New ‘Hacks’ Star Jordan Gavaris’ Sweet Love Story 
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Jordan Gavaris, the endearingly talented Canadian actor best known for his breakout role as Felix in the hit sci-fi series Orphan Black, is stealing scenes again in the latest season of Hacks. As the comedy about comedians hits its third season on Max, it’s sharper and, yes, gayer than ever.

In the dazzling world of Hacks, the sharp-witted and often poignant script has taken a new turn by introducing Gavaris as Logan, alongside Dylan Gelula’s Miria. Fans of Gavaris will remember his nuanced portrayal of Felix, a role that resonated deeply within the LGBTQ+ community, not just for the character’s fearless authenticity but also because Felix was a rare representation of a queer main character who was both complex and central to the storyline.

Gavaris, who came out publicly after the conclusion of Orphan Black, has often discussed the nuances of being an out actor in an industry that’s still learning to embrace diversity fully. In a 2017 interview with Vulture, he reflected on his decision to come out, noting that it was never a topic of discussion until after the series ended. His coming out was a significant moment for fans and the industry, highlighting the ongoing conversation about visibility and the types of roles open to queer actors.

Since then, Gavaris hasn’t shied away from roles that speak to his identity. His portrayal of a gay father in the Canadian dramedy The Lake showcased his ability to take on characters that challenge the periphery status of queer roles in mainstream media. In The Lake, his character is not just part of the story—he is the story, offering a fresh narrative perspective that’s both engaging and essential.

Gavaris left, Graye right.

Related: Neil Patrick & David’s 20y Ignite a Chorus of Gay Love Stories

Now, as Logan in Hacks, Gavaris brings his charm and depth to a role that, while its details are still unfolding, promises to add layers to the show’s already rich tapestry. The dynamic between his character and the main protagonists will undoubtedly offer both tension and humor, staples of the show that have drawn viewers in for three seasons.

Off-screen, Gavaris’s life reads like a sweet romantic comedy. He met his husband, actor Devon Graye, in 2013, and their story is one of adorable tweets, long-distance romance, and ultimate commitment. They’ve been married for several years now, and their relationship continues to be a heartwarming chapter in Gavaris’s public life.

Hacks continues to deliver laughs and insights with each episode, and with Gavaris’s addition, it’s set to become an even bigger hit among audiences who appreciate its witty commentary on comedy and life. For those who want to catch up with Gavaris’s earlier work, Orphan Black is available on AMC+, and The Lake can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video. Get ready to binge-watch and fall in love with Jordan Gavaris all over again. Whether he’s weaving through the complexities of a queer narrative or lighting up the screen in comedic roles, Gavaris is a talent that keeps on giving.

Gavaris to the left. Instagram

Related: 10 Years of Love: Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent Celebrate

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