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Zane Phillips and Jelani Alladin Star in Queer 1980s Thriller ‘Strangers on a Beach’

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Get ready for sun, suspense, and steamy secrets. Fire Island star Zane Phillips and Fellow Travelers breakout Jelani Alladin are set to headline Strangers on a Beach, a queer erotic thriller set in 1980s San Francisco, premiering this June at the Big Apple Film Festival.

A Queer Thriller With a Vintage Edge

Set in 1983, Strangers on a Beach follows Calvin, a man trying to survive—and maybe fall in love—in a city where queer desire is being stalked by something far more dangerous. The official logline reads: “It’s 1983 in San Francisco and a mysterious killer is targeting homosexual men. But Calvin just wants to kiss that handsome stranger.”

Written and directed by Michael Schwartz (Snatched), the film draws inspiration from the stylized suspense of David Lynch and Brian De Palma. But unlike the coded queerness of many thrillers from that era, Strangers on a Beach brings queer identity and desire front and center.

Sexy, Scary, and Unapologetically Queer

In a statement, Schwartz explained the film’s ethos:

“Studio films of that era often reveled in queer subtext. But even between the lines, queerness was frequently coded as danger. That kind of projection carried difficult consequences, as did the concealment of identity. By centering authentically queer voices—all while keeping things scary, sexy, and strange—we set out to challenge the biases of both the characters and the audience who watch them.”

Alongside Phillips and Alladin, the film stars Juliana Aidén Martinez (Griselda), Jack Falahee (How to Get Away With Murder), Nancy Lam (Miss Saigon), and Perry Young (In the Heights).

The film is produced by Andrew Carlberg (Skin) and Nilou Safinya (Julia Blue), marking their third collaboration under Safinya’s Eyes Up Here Productions and Schwartz’s Boat Ashore Productions.

Rising Stars and Veteran Talent

Alladin, fresh off his acclaimed performance opposite Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey in Fellow Travelers, also appeared in Tick, Tick…Boom with Andrew Garfield. Phillips, who rose to fame in Fire Island, recently appeared on the Hulu sitcom Mid-Century Modern.

When he’s not behind the camera, Schwartz also co-created That’s a Gay Ass Live Show, a variety game show that opened the NY Comedy Festival and appeared at Netflix Is a Joke, featuring stars like Bowen Yang, Matt Rogers, and Margaret Cho.

Strangers on a Beach is set to make its world premiere at the Big Apple Film Festival in June—just in time for Pride Month. Don’t miss this thrilling dive into queer danger, desire, and identity, wrapped in the dreamy haze of a bygone era.

‘Las Culturistas’ Culture Awards to Air on Bravo and Peacock This August Celebrating Pop Culture’s Most Iconic and Outrageous Moments

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Get ready to scream “Culture!” from the rooftops. The Las Culturistas Culture Awards, hosted by podcast royalty Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, are headed to television for the first time—airing Tuesday, Aug. 5 on Bravo and streaming the next day on Peacock.

A Cultural Phenomenon Takes the Stage

Originally born from their beloved podcast Las Culturistas, Yang and Rogers’ awards show has become a celebration of pop culture’s most iconic, bizarre, and unforgettable moments. The show, now in its fourth year, isn’t just a niche fan favorite—it’s a full-blown cultural event.

Taped live in Los Angeles on July 17 and produced by Lionsgate Alternative Television, the 2025 ceremony promises over 100 gloriously absurd and oddly specific categories, live musical performances, and a star-studded lineup of presenters and guests. A full list of this year’s categories is still under wraps—but fans can expect the same witty chaos that’s made the podcast a cult hit since its 2016 debut.

 

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Big Names, Big Laughs, Big Culture

In a joint statement, Rogers and Yang poked fun at the lofty definition of culture while perfectly capturing the show’s self-aware spirit:

“The word ‘culture’ is defined as ‘the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively,’” they said. “We are so thrilled to eliminate that whole ‘intellectual’ part entirely with the LCCAs airing on Bravo and Peacock this August… Because while what the world needs now might be love sweet love, it also needs to see an Oscar-winning actress and a Real Housewife come together to present a very heavy award to Oprah, if we can book her. Oprah, u up?!”

From Podcast to Pop Culture Powerhouse

Las Culturistas, known for its hilarious and high-low takes on everything from Tony Awards to TikTok trends, has featured guests like Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Ariana Grande. With its rapid-fire segments, unfiltered opinions, and endless quotables, the podcast has redefined how queer voices celebrate pop culture—and now it’s bringing that chaotic joy to a wider TV audience.

NBCUniversal’s EVP of live events and specials, Jen Neal, called the awards show “vibrant and whimsical,” adding, “Matt and Bowen’s undeniable chemistry, playful humor and love of pop culture’s big and small moments have shaped this spirited award show, redefining what it means to celebrate culture.”

The Las Culturistas Culture Awards will air on Bravo on Tuesday, Aug. 5, and stream on Peacock the following day.

‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ Season 2 Trailer Teases Nicole Kidman’s Return and Star-Studded LGBTQ Representation

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Nicole Kidman is back in retreat leader mode, and this time she’s taking her signature brand of spiritual chaos to the Austrian Alps. The first trailer for Nine Perfect Strangers season two has dropped ahead of its May 22 premiere on Prime Video—and it’s packed with familiar faces, fresh queer talent, and plenty of cryptic intensity.

A Return to Healing… or Chaos?

Kidman reprises her role as Masha, the mysterious, zen-meets-zany wellness guru who leads a group of nine strangers through a transformative retreat. According to Prime Video’s official synopsis, the guests are “connected in ways they could never imagine” and are pushed to their limits by Masha over the course of one mind-bending week.

Photo: Prime Video
Photo: Prime Video
Photo: Prime Video
Photo: Prime Video
Photo: Prime Video
Photo: Prime Video

“Will they make it? Will she?” the trailer asks, as glimpses of emotional breakthroughs, dramatic showdowns, and possibly supernatural twists flash across the screen. One thing’s clear: healing at this retreat is not for the faint of heart.

Queer Talent Takes Center Stage

This season brings a welcome wave of LGBTQIA+ representation with a dynamic cast that includes:

They’re joined by LGBTQ+ favorites like Henry Golding, who starred in the gay drama Monsoon; Annie Murphy of Schitt’s Creek fame (and “A Little Bit Alexis” glory); and queer icon Christine Baranski, bringing her signature wit and razor-sharp delivery.

In a brief but memorable moment from the trailer, Bartlett, Richardson-Sellers, and King Princess appear to share a vulnerable exchange that hints at the deep emotional layers this season promises.

A Record-Breaking Legacy

Created by David E. Kelley and based on the bestselling novel by Liane Moriarty, the first season of Nine Perfect Strangers premiered in 2021 and became Hulu’s most-watched original series at the time. With its dreamy visuals, psychological twists, and now a more globally diverse and LGBTQIA+ cast, season two looks to expand the series’ impact and reach.

Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2 premieres May 22 on Prime Video. Watch the official trailer now and prepare to question everything you thought you knew about wellness.

Laverne Cox Opens Up About ‘Clean Slate’ Cancellation And New Path Forward: ‘I Was Gutted and Devastated’ (Exclusive)

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Laverne Cox is opening up about the emotional impact of Clean Slate’s cancellation, calling the end of the series “gutting” and a “devastating” loss—not just for her as an actor, but for the fans who embraced the show.

In a candid moment with Gayety at the opening of The Tryst Hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Cox reflected on how she first felt upon hearing the news that Clean Slate, the Freevee comedy starring Cox and George Wallace, would not be moving forward after its first season. Despite the heartbreak, the Emmy-nominated star made it clear that she’s choosing gratitude over regret.

“I was gutted and devastated,” the ‘Orange Is The New Black‘ alum admitted. “But moving forward is the fans—and how we’ve already, with that one season, touched people and made a difference. The love that we gave and put into it, I’ve gotten it back ten times, and I keefep getting it.”

‘Clean Slate’ Promised Representation, Then Vanished

Clean Slate premiered to buzz for its fresh premise: Henry, a conservative Alabama car wash owner, is forced to reconcile with his estranged child Desiree (played by Cox), who returns home as a proud trans woman. The series was praised for tackling themes of identity, family, and generational acceptance with humor and heart.

Laverne Cox for 'Clean Slate.'
Laverne Cox for ‘Clean Slate.’

Cox’s casting was hailed as groundbreaking. For many trans viewers, seeing a Black trans woman co-lead a sitcom wasn’t just exciting—it was revolutionary. That’s part of why the cancellation hit so hard.

“Whether it’s one season, six seasons—that relationship between us and the fans is everything,” Cox said. “Thank you to the fans who watched and are continuing to watch and love our show.”

While Freevee and Amazon did not release detailed reasons behind the cancellation, industry insiders cited strategic shifts in programming and viewership data as contributing factors. Still, the sudden end left many questioning what space, if any, streaming platforms are truly making for stories led by and centered on trans characters.

Demi Lovato and Laverne Cox attend the Pool Party during the Grand Opening Weekend at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta on April 26, 2025 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Demi Lovato and Laverne Cox attend the Pool Party during the Grand Opening Weekend at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta on April 26, 2025 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Tryst Hotels)

Beyond the Red Carpet

The end of Clean Slate isn’t the only shift in Cox’s professional life. She also recently stepped away from her high-profile red carpet hosting duties at E!, where she served as a dynamic, stylish, and deeply thoughtful interviewer.

“Deep respect to anyone who works the red carpet,” Cox said. “It was so much work. And I always hold myself to a very high standard.”

Known for her sharp questions, affirming energy, and undeniable fashion presence, Cox made a mark on the carpets. But she also revealed how emotionally and mentally taxing the job could be.

“It was so much work, and it was stressful,” she said. “And I’m an artist. I needed to step away.”

 

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“The ratings were through the roof at E! when we were there,” Cox added. “I’m proud of that. I think we elevated the conversation, and we made the artists feel good and the audience feel good.”

What’s Next for Laverne Cox?

Even as she steps away from two major platforms, Cox is far from done. Known for blazing trails and setting new standards in both Hollywood and media, she’s made it clear that she’s ready for the next chapter—whatever it may be.

“I just always want to do my best,” she said, thanking Lalwani and fans for their support. “And now—onto the next thing.”

With Clean Slate behind her, the red carpet in the rearview, and a career that’s always evolving, Cox remains a defining voice in trans visibility, intersectional storytelling, and authentic representation in Hollywood.

For fans still mourning Clean Slate, Cox’s message is simple but powerful: the work mattered—and it still does.

‘White Lotus’ Star Jon Gries Gets Playful — and Shirtless — in New Jacquemus Campaign

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You’ve never seen Greg from The White Lotus like this.

Jon Gries, best known for his role as the scheming Greg Hunt (aka “Gary”) in HBO’s The White Lotus, is turning heads in a way fans didn’t see coming. At 67, the veteran actor has stripped down — literally — for a vibrant and cheeky new fashion campaign by Jacquemus, and let’s just say… he’s giving “daddy” in a way that even Tanya McQuoid might appreciate.

The French label, known for its surrealist flair and viral runway moments, tapped Gries for a campaign that feels like a crossover between high fashion and a quirky daydream. In the photos, Gries is seen shirtless, banana-print boxers peeking out from under his low-rise jeans, topped with a Jacquemus jacket and a bold sunhat. He’s serving laid-back louche meets European vacation dad — and it works.

In another image, he’s seen golfing in loungewear, nibbling on an actual banana, or lounging while fully suited. It’s an unexpected, joyful twist on masculinity, and Gries leans into the moment with a confidence and charm that reminds us: aging is not the enemy — especially not in fashion.

 

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A Gay Icon in the Making?

While Greg Hunt may not have officially come out on The White Lotus, queer fans of the show have long speculated about his sexuality — and his motivations. In season two, his relationship with the flamboyant Quentin (played by Tom Hollander) raised more than a few eyebrows. By season three, Greg is reportedly dating a young model named Chloe (played by Charlotte Le Bon) while engaging in voyeuristic fantasies involving other men.

Is Greg queer? The show doesn’t give us a straight answer (no pun intended), but Jon Gries has acknowledged that Greg is complex and morally gray. “He has no interest in having friendships,” Gries said in a previous interview. “Everything was on a contract basis with him. He wants control.”

Queer-coded villain? Repressed bisexual? Emotionally unavailable straight man? Whatever Greg is, he’s messy — and we love that for him.

And while Gries isn’t explicitly discussing sexuality in this campaign, the visual language is deeply queer. Banana motifs? A little skin? Gender play with clothing and presentation? Check, check, and check. In fact, the shoot feels like a wink to queer fans who’ve had their eye on Greg (or at least his motives) since season one.

Jacquemus Knows the Gays Are Watching

Jacquemus, founded by Simon Porte Jacquemus in 2009, has long drawn inspiration from queer culture and art. The label blends high fashion with humor, minimalism with excess, and classic French silhouettes with Mediterranean warmth. Think: camp meets couture. Past campaigns have included same-sex couples, sensuality across the gender spectrum, and a healthy dose of absurdity — so casting Jon Gries? Inspired.

According to Jacquemus’ official brand description, the label “references a French way of life and universal gestures of beauty: from fine art photography to the decorative arts, cinema, painting, and sculpture.” The Gries campaign adds a dose of generational appeal and an “older man chic” energy that’s often missing from mainstream fashion campaigns.

It’s refreshing to see a brand so openly embrace an unconventional muse, especially one who defies the usual standards of youth, abs, and influencer clout. Gries may not be the first person who comes to mind when you think of high fashion — but maybe that’s the point.

Greg Is the Only Constant in ‘The White Lotus’ Universe

Gries remains the only actor to appear in all three seasons of The White Lotus, and his character’s evolution (or, arguably, unraveling) has become one of the show’s juiciest subplots. His first-season arc saw him fall into a whirlwind romance with Tanya McQuoid (Jennifer Coolidge, in her Emmy-winning role). Season two pulled back the curtain to reveal something far more sinister — and possibly queer — beneath the surface.

Season three, which premieres later this year, promises even more twists. Rumor has it Greg is dating a model and exploring a cuckolding kink that involves watching her with other men. Honestly? That’s growth — in a very White Lotus kind of way.

Queer Aging, Reframed

Gries’ campaign arrives at a time when conversations around aging — particularly in queer and fashion spaces — are becoming more visible. There’s often a toxic emphasis on youth in both industries, but campaigns like this one help shift the narrative. You don’t have to be 25 with a six-pack to be sexy, stylish, or subversive.

In fact, Gries’ presence in the campaign challenges outdated standards of desirability. He’s not the punchline — he’s the look. And that, especially for queer audiences who are used to seeing older men erased or mocked, feels radical.

Whether or not Greg Hunt is gay, and whether or not Jon Gries is on your fashion radar, one thing is clear: the man knows how to serve a look. And in the world of Jacquemus, that’s more than enough.

In the words of Tanya McQuoid: “You’re not just a pretty face… but you’re definitely not boring.”

Lorde Announces Fourth Studio Album ‘Virgin’ Set for June 27 Release

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Lorde has unveiled the title and release date of her highly anticipated fourth studio album, Virgin, scheduled for release on June 27, 2025. The announcement marks her first full-length project since 2021’s Solar Power.

In a newsletter to fans, Lorde described Virgin as “100% written in blood,” emphasizing its raw and emotionally transparent nature. She further elaborated on the album’s themes, stating, “The color of the album is clear. Like bathwater, windows, ice, spit. Full transparency. The language is plain and unsentimental. The sounds are the same wherever possible. I was trying to see myself, all the way through. I was trying to make … openhearted, spiritual, masc.”

Album Details and Collaborations

The record was written with Grammy producer of the Year Dan Nigro (Chappell Roan/ Olivia Rodrigo), Blood Orange’s Devonté Hynes, Fabiana Palladino, Andrew Aged and Buddy Ross. On Apple Music, the album appears to have 11 tracks, including her latest single, “What Was That.”

Album Artwork and Symbolism

The album’s cover art features a blue-tinted X-ray of a pelvis adorned with a zipper, belt buckle, and the outline of an intrauterine device (IUD). This provocative imagery aligns with the album’s themes of transparency and introspection. Lorde described the cover as reflecting the era’s “clear” color, symbolizing the album’s commitment to openness and vulnerability.

Lead Single: ‘What Was That’

Released on April 24, 2025, “What Was That” serves as the lead single from Virgin. The track marks a return to the synth-pop style reminiscent of Lorde’s Melodrama era. The accompanying music video, filmed in New York City, features Lorde wandering through the city before culminating in a spontaneous dance performance at Washington Square Park. The impromptu event attracted a large crowd, leading to the song’s early release following its viral reception.

Anticipation and Future Plans

The announcement of Virgin follows a period of creative exploration for Lorde. Since the release of Solar Power, she has remained active with various projects, including re-recorded songs in Māori, launching her Sonos Radio station Solarsystym, and collaborating with artists such as Charli XCX and Marlon Williams. Virgin represents a deeply personal creative return for the artist, emphasizing vulnerability and self-expression.

As fans eagerly await the album’s release, Lorde’s commitment to transparency and emotional honesty continues to resonate, positioning Virgin as a significant chapter in her musical journey.

Netflix Drops Steamy First Teaser for ‘Olympo,’ the New Drama from the Creators of ‘Élite’

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Netflix is turning up the heat this summer with Olympo, its latest Spanish-language series from the team behind Élite. On Monday, the streamer unveiled the first teaser for the highly anticipated young adult drama—and it’s already making waves for its sweaty, shirtless intensity.

I would like to call your attention to OLYMPO, a new Spanish series coming to Netflix this year that’s set at a school for elite athletes

[image or embed]

— Jarett Wieselman (@jarettsays.bsky.social) February 3, 2025 at 11:55 AM

Created by Jan Matheu, Laia Foguet and Ibai Abad, Olympo follows a group of elite young athletes training at the fictional CAR Pirineos, a prestigious high-performance sports center nestled in the mountains. Part drama, part thriller, the series explores the physical, emotional, and moral trials faced by a generation determined to win—no matter the cost.

According to Netflix’s official synopsis, the story centers on Amaia, the captain of Spain’s national artistic swimming team. Driven, disciplined and relentlessly hard on herself, Amaia is shaken when her best friend and teammate, Núria, suddenly outperforms her. As whispers of “inexplicable” improvements spread through the training center, Amaia and her peers are forced to confront the darker side of ambition. The question at the heart of the series: how far will they go to reach the top?

Though Netflix has kept details tightly under wraps since the project’s announcement in July 2024, Monday’s teaser finally gives fans a glimpse into the world of Olympo. The short trailer doesn’t offer dialogue or direct scenes from the series, but instead features the cast—sweaty, intense, and impossibly toned—competing to climb a human pyramid. The imagery is symbolic, seemingly representing the brutal hierarchy and rivalries brewing at CAR Pirineos.

The teaser also hints at some steamy interpersonal drama, setting the stage for the kind of high-stakes, emotionally charged storytelling that Élite fans have come to expect.

The ensemble cast includes rising Spanish stars Clara Galle, Nira Osahia, Agustín Della Corte, Nuno Gallego, María Romanillos, Martí Cordero, Juan Perales, Andy Duato and Najwa Khliwa.

First-look photos released in February sparked excitement online, but the trailer’s release has officially kicked anticipation into overdrive.

Olympo is set to premiere globally on Netflix on June 20, just in time to heat up your summer watchlist.

Focus Features Announces 20th Anniversary Theatrical Re-Release of ‘Brokeback Mountain’

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Focus Features is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Ang Lee’s groundbreaking film Brokeback Mountain with a limited theatrical re-release. The film will return to select theaters nationwide on June 22 and 25, 2025, offering audiences a chance to experience the poignant love story on the big screen once again Focus Features.

Brokeback Mountain, released in 2005, stars Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, two young men who form a complex romantic relationship while working together on Brokeback Mountain in the 1960s. The film explores themes of love, identity, and societal expectations, set against the backdrop of the American West.

Directed by Ang Lee, the film was adapted from Annie Proulx’s 1997 short story by Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana. It received widespread critical acclaim for its storytelling, direction, and performances, particularly those of Ledger and Gyllenhaal. The film grossed over $178 million worldwide and won three Academy Awards: Best Director for Lee, Best Adapted Screenplay for McMurtry and Ossana, and Best Original Score for Gustavo Santaolalla.

In addition to its box office success and critical acclaim, Brokeback Mountain had a significant cultural impact. It was hailed as a landmark in LGBTQ+ cinema, contributing to broader acceptance and visibility of LGBTQ+ relationships in mainstream media. The film challenged stereotypes and opened up conversations about the complexities of love and identity. In 2018, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

To commemorate the film’s 20th anniversary, Focus Features is offering special screenings in select theaters. Tickets for these limited engagements are now available through Focus Features and participating theater chains. Additionally, the studio has released a new commemorative trailer and poster to accompany the re-release, allowing fans to relive the emotional journey of Ennis and Jack.

This re-release provides both longtime fans and new viewers an opportunity to experience Brokeback Mountain in theaters once again. Whether revisiting the film or discovering it for the first time, audiences can expect a powerful and moving cinematic experience that continues to resonate two decades after its original release.

Madison Beer Gets Candid About Being Bisexual: ‘I’ve Never Understood Homophobic People’

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Pop artist Madison Beer is ready to speak her truth — and she’s doing it on her own terms. In a recent interview with Cosmopolitan, the 26-year-old singer-songwriter opened up about her bisexuality, her complicated relationship with the music industry, and how she’s approaching the next phase of her career with a renewed sense of authenticity.

Beer, who first gained public attention at just 12 years old when Justin Bieber shared a video of her singing on YouTube, has long been a favorite in LGBTQ+ spaces. Despite this devoted fan base, she says she’s still surprised by the level of scrutiny her sexuality receives in media interviews.

“I’m just like, ‘Yeah, I don’t really know why you give a [expletive] that I want to date a girl,’” Beer told Cosmopolitan. “I’ve never understood homophobic people, because I’m just like, ‘Why are you affected by someone else’s sexual preference?’ It doesn’t affect me unless I’m trying to sleep with you and you don’t want to sleep with me.”

Beer emphasized that her decision to speak openly about her sexuality comes from a place of solidarity and compassion for the queer community.

“I like to speak about it because I know how much the gay community has been through,” she said. “My grandfather married a woman and had three children with her because he was trying to convert himself. It makes me so upset that we live in this world where you can’t just be who you are.”

Her comments come amid growing conversations about queer representation in pop culture and the often performative nature of allyship in the entertainment industry. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Beer appears committed to a message of genuine inclusion, rooted in personal and family history.

Beer’s reflections on her sexuality are deeply intertwined with the pressures she faced growing up in the spotlight. Signed to a major label before she became a teenager, Beer recalled disturbing experiences involving the sexualization and objectification of her image by adult men in the industry.

“There was a conversation around me when I was 14,” she shared. “I remember people being like, ‘She’s too sexy’ and ‘We can’t sell the sex because she’s so young, so we’d have to wait.’ This was a real conversation — grown men talking about how I was too sexy. I was 14.”

Beer was eventually dropped from her first label, a move she attributes to the industry’s confusion over how to market her as an artist. But instead of letting it define her, she used the experience as motivation to reclaim her voice and creative direction.

Now, more than a decade after her discovery, Beer is preparing to release her third studio album, which she says is a culmination of both personal growth and professional evolution.

“I have the highest goals,” Beer said of the upcoming project, slated for release later this year. “This is hopefully what solidifies everything for me, whatever that means. That’s why it’s been hard to make — there’s a lot of pressure I’m putting on myself. So it’s taking me a second, but it feels exciting.”

For Beer, authenticity is key. She noted that she doesn’t want success if it comes at the cost of her identity or self-expression.

“I don’t want to succeed if it means not being who I am,” she said. “I don’t need people to love me. And I don’t want people to listen to my music if it’s not real.”

Beer’s comments underscore the growing demand for transparency and integrity in the entertainment industry, especially among younger artists navigating fame in the social media age. Her willingness to address issues like homophobia, industry sexism, and personal identity marks her as part of a new generation of pop stars using their platforms to foster connection, not just celebrity.

With the upcoming album, Beer is hoping to make a lasting impression — not just on the charts, but on fans who value vulnerability and truth.

“Whatever this next chapter holds,” she said, “I just want it to feel real. I want to look back and say I was proud of what I put out into the world.”

As she continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and call out systemic flaws in the music business, Beer remains a compelling voice in both pop culture and queer representation. And if her fans have anything to say about it, the world is finally catching up.

Bret LaBelle and Chris Stanley Announce Breakup After Two Years Together

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Bret LaBelle, best known for his appearance on Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X, has announced the end of his relationship with social media star Chris Stanley. The couple, whose 27-year age difference often sparked conversation online, had been dating since 2022.

The breakup was revealed in an Instagram post shared by LaBelle on Monday, April 28. The 51-year-old Boston police lieutenant wrote, “Sometimes love means letting go,” in a heartfelt caption alongside a photo carousel featuring the former couple.

“Chris and I have shared so many memories, laughter, and growth together, and I will always be grateful for that. While our paths are now going in different directions, the care and respect remain. Wishing him nothing but happiness, love, and success on his journey. Thank you for the memories.”

Reality TV and TikTok Collide

LaBelle first rose to fame on the 33rd season of CBS’s Survivor in 2016. Competing as part of the Gen X tribe, he advanced to the final five before being voted out on Day 37. He returned to reality TV in 2019 to compete on The Amazing Race 31 alongside fellow Survivor contestant Chris Hammons. The pair finished in sixth place.

 

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Stanley, 25, is a prominent gay content creator on TikTok, where he boasts more than 1 million followers and over 64 million likes. Known to fans as @stanchris, he also has a strong presence on YouTube (468,000 subscribers) and Instagram (368,000 followers).

Together, LaBelle and Stanley shared their lives publicly, frequently appearing in each other’s content and showcasing their relationship milestones—including a few uncomfortable public moments.

A Relationship That Sparked Headlines—and Judgment

In an August 2023 interview with The Advocate, LaBelle and Stanley opened up about how they met online during the later stages of the pandemic. LaBelle, then 49, reached out to Stanley after seeing his content. Stanley, who was 23 at the time, recalled watching Survivor afterward and being charmed by LaBelle’s personality on and off screen.

@stanchrissss

showing my short boyfriend places he’s never seen before! #boyfriend #short #couple #funny #gaytiktok (ib: @GayFatFriend)

♬ Love Letter – Cavendish Music

The couple addressed frequent questions and misconceptions about their dynamic, including confusion about whether they were father and son.

“Sometimes people make the outrageous claim that I was ‘groomed’ or something,” Stanley said. “But I was the one who pursued [LaBelle].”

The duo frequently brushed off external judgment. In one viral story reported by Page Six, Stanley described a Christmas tree shopping experience where a cashier assumed LaBelle was his father. Rather than correct her, LaBelle simply shook his head. “So I’m just like, ‘Yeah, yeah. That’s my dad,’” Stanley recalled.

Support From Fellow Reality Stars

Fans and friends from the reality TV world quickly expressed their support in the comments section of LaBelle’s announcement post. Big Brother 23 runner-up Derek Frazier wrote, “I love you both,” while Squid Game: The Challenge contestant Dash Katz added, “Love y’all.”

Despite the breakup, LaBelle’s message emphasized mutual respect and continued admiration. As both he and Stanley move forward, their fans remain hopeful they’ll continue to thrive—individually and online.

 

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