Pedro Pascal continues to reign as Hollywood’s favorite effortlessly cool zaddy—and he just gave fans another reason to adore him. The beloved actor made headlines again after his delightfully relatable quip at the premiere of From the World of John Wick: Ballerina quickly went viral.
A Red Carpet, A Viral Moment
At the buzzy Los Angeles premiere of Ballerina, the newest spin-off in the John Wick universe, Pascal stole the show without even trying. Influencer Sam Cornforth captured the viral clip as Pascal walked through the theater. When asked something off-camera, he responded—without missing a beat—“Hell no! I’m a lazy 50-year-old bougie b*tch…”
And just like that, the Internet had its next catchphrase.
It’s unclear exactly what sparked the comment, but one thing’s for sure: the delivery, the timing, the vibe? 10/10. The moment served as yet another reminder that Pedro Pascal is not only supremely talented but also hilariously self-aware—and deeply relatable.
An Unexpected Reunion on the Carpet
Pascal didn’t stop at the viral one-liner. Inside the premiere, he shared warm moments with Ballerina lead Ana de Armas and longtime franchise favorite Keanu Reeves. Cameras caught Pascal surprising de Armas and enthusiastically greeting Reeves, who seemed equally delighted by the encounter.
The actor’s laid-back look—a khaki jacket paired with his signature easy confidence—stood out among the sea of black ties, adding to his ever-growing list of “cool uncle” fashion moments.
What to Expect From Ballerina
Slated for release on June 6, 2025, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina follows the story of Eve Macarro (played by de Armas), a ballerina-turned-assassin on a mission of vengeance. The film marks the first female-led entry in the action-packed John Wick universe, and yes—Keanu Reeves is back as the iconic Mr. Wick.
While Pascal’s involvement with Ballerina remains unconfirmed, his premiere appearance certainly stirred excitement among fans of both him and the franchise. Could he be making a cameo? Only time will tell.
Pedro Pascal: Internet’s Forever Favorite
From Narcos to The Last of Us, Pedro Pascal’s rise has been meteoric, and his off-screen personality continues to capture hearts. Whether he’s making audiences cry on screen or cracking up red carpets, one thing remains clear: the world is still deeply obsessed with Pedro Pascal.
And if being a “lazy 50-year-old bougie b*tch” is the vibe of 2025, we’re absolutely here for it.
At Electric Daisy Carnival 2025, the energy was electric, the vibes were high, and the queerness was unmistakably fabulous. As the desert lit up with strobing lasers and basslines that shook the ground, EDC reaffirmed its place as not just the biggest electronic music festival in North America—but also one of the most inclusive and welcoming events on the planet.
A Safe Space Under the Electric Sky
More than 500,000 attendees poured into the Las Vegas Motor Speedway over the weekend, and it wasn’t just the music pulling them in. EDC is built on values that champion love, positivity, and connection. “All Are Welcome Here” banners waved proudly above the crowds, a bold and beautiful reminder that LGBTQ+ ravers weren’t just tolerated—they were celebrated.
Photo: Instagram (@ghettohouseradio)
Across the neon-drenched stages, drag queens vogued under fireworks, queer DJs dropped euphoric house anthems, and groups of friends hugged strangers-turned-family. The festival felt like a sanctuary in sequins, where you could be whoever you wanted—no questions asked.
“We create unforgettable experiences driven by imagination and positivity,” Insomniac proclaims, and the crowd lived that motto with every beat.
The Soundtrack to Self-Expression
The sheer size of EDC is staggering. With multiple stages like kineticFIELD, circuitGROUNDS, neonGARDEN, and bassPOD, each offering its own flavor of EDM—from trance to techno to dubstep—the festival felt like a choose-your-own-adventure story set to a beat.
Whether dancing under the towering owl guardians of kineticFIELD or finding intimacy at the art cars, attendees found pockets of sound and space that fit their vibe. For many queer ravers, the music became a catalyst for catharsis, euphoria, and community.
Totems: The Queer Icons of the Night
Amid the sea of kandi and LED-lit outfits, one festival fixture stood tall—literally. Totems, homemade signs hoisted high on poles, are an essential part of EDC’s culture. Funny, weird, heartfelt, and wildly queer, they help friends find each other and strangers connect over shared laughs.
From a poppers logos to signs readying “Him Homie Was Hotter,” the creativity knew no bounds. Totems often made political statements too—supporting trans rights, calling out anti-drag laws, or just reminding everyone to hydrate.
These ten-foot icons weren’t just silly—they were statements. They embodied the spirit of EDC: free expression, acceptance, and a whole lot of glitter.
What makes EDC special isn’t just its size or production value. It’s the atmosphere of radical inclusion. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, this is the one weekend a year where they can be completely free—dancing in daylight or under the stars without fear or judgment.
From strangers offering hugs to spontaneous voguing circles, every interaction is steeped in the values EDC stands by: positivity, love, care, and connection.
So yes, the music is great. The stages are dazzling. But for queer ravers, the true headliner is community—and at EDC, that always steals the show.
Netflix’s queerest, most chaotic relationship experiment is back — and no one is safe.
If you thought season one of The Ultimatum: Queer Love was a rollercoaster, brace yourself. Netflix just dropped the trailer for season two, and it promises higher stakes, deeper heartbreak, and even more explosive drama.
This time around, five couples are once again putting their relationships to the test. The setup? One partner issues an ultimatum: get engaged or walk away. But first, each person has to date someone new. What could possibly go wrong? (Spoiler: everything.)
Love on the Line
The trailer opens with a tearful Pilar, grappling with the very thing she feared most.
“My worst fear was that I would get to a point where I was ready and you were falling in love with someone else—now it’s happening,” she says.
It’s an emotional gut punch — and just the beginning.
Family Pressure and Fractured Bonds
While some couples struggle with trust, others are navigating external pressures. Magan reveals that her family disapproves of her relationship.
“My family doesn’t want me to be with a woman,” she confesses. “You’re so confident in so many areas of your life,” her partner Dayna responds. “I just want you to be brave.”
But things quickly unravel. Later, Magan turns to Dayna and declares, “I can’t believe I wanted to marry you.”
Ouch.
Cheating Accusations and Explosive Fights
As the couples date new partners, feelings inevitably develop—and boundaries blur. The result? Jealousy, betrayal, and some major confrontations.
Marie, who gave partner Mel the ultimatum, confronts her in one of the trailer’s most intense moments:
“There’s proof,” she snaps, “that you were f–king.”
Say what you want about reality TV, but The Ultimatum knows how to deliver the drama.
The Countdown to Forever (or Goodbye)
Host JoAnna Garcia Swisher lays it all out during the first group meeting:
“Will you leave here alone? Will you leave here engaged? Or will you leave here with someone new?”
For many of the contestants, marriage isn’t just a goal—it’s the only acceptable outcome.
“I don’t want to waste any more time,” Britney says. “You’re it, let’s do this. Either you want to marry me or you don’t.”
As intense as it sounds, that’s the magic of The Ultimatum: watching people navigate the chaos of love, identity, and commitment—with cameras rolling.
Mark Your Calendars
The drama kicks off June 25, when the first half of The Ultimatum: Queer Love season two premieres on Netflix. Whether you’re rooting for love, heartbreak, or just a really good reality binge, this one’s going to be unmissable.
Jake Williamson isn’t just training for gold — he’s sprinting toward Pride Month with a purpose. The 26-year-old British HYROX athlete and proud gay trailblazer recently shattered another world record in Berlin, teaming up with Fabi Eisenlauer in the Men’s Open Doubles to become the first-ever duo to break the 48-minute barrier. Their blistering 47:57 finish made history — and made clear that Williamson is a force to be reckoned with.
From Warehouse Worker to World-Class Athlete
It’s hard to believe that just a few years ago, Williamson was selling lights in a warehouse while hustling as a personal trainer and chasing soccer dreams. Now, he’s a globally ranked fitness competitor, an out LGBTQ+ role model, and part of Instagram’s high-profile “Athletes for Purpose” program, alongside elite names like Lewis Hamilton and Emma Raducanu.
His rise has been anything but conventional — and that’s exactly what makes it so inspiring.
“It sometimes feels like yesterday that I was working selling lights for a living! I was still playing grassroots football then too,” he said in an interview with Outsports. “I had no idea at that time that life would have turned out the way it has.”
HYROX Heat Ahead: Eyes on Chicago
HYROX, a global fitness race that blends running with functional workouts, is exploding in popularity. In 2024–25 alone, over half a million athletes across 11 countries entered events. But only the top 1% qualify for the World Championships, set for June 12–15 at Navy Pier in Chicago.
After clinching a spot in the Elite 15 Pro Doubles category with a strong second-place finish in London alongside former pro soccer player Alen Ploj, Williamson is heading into the final showdown with more than medals on his mind.
“In Chicago, I’ll be competing in the Elite doubles, and my ambition — as always — will be to win. But if I have a ‘B’ goal, it’s to get on the podium.”
He may have missed out on the solo elite category, but his doubles record proves he’s not backing down anytime soon.
Pride on the Podium
Williamson doesn’t just race — he represents. His openness about being gay in the hypermasculine world of fitness racing is powerful, especially as he uses his platform to challenge stereotypes and uplift others.
When Jake Daniels came out as England’s first openly gay men’s soccer player in over 30 years, Williamson appeared on national TV to discuss the significance. And when he came out himself, a teammate removed him from the group chat — an all-too-common story that’s only strengthened his resolve to be unapologetically authentic.
“I feel HYROX is a super inclusive space,” he said. “Although I’m unsure if they will do anything to celebrate Pride Month in June, I’d like to think that by having me on the Elite doubles start line in Chicago, and breaking a world record, I can play a small part in making people feel like it’s a space for them.”
A Legacy Beyond the Finish Line
In 2023, Williamson helped England win gold in the mixed relay at HYROX Worlds in Nice. Now, as HYROX’s profile grows — with an estimated value of $140 million — so does Williamson’s. More than just an athlete, he’s a symbol of pride, perseverance, and power.
And as the final sprint to Navy Pier approaches, one thing’s certain: Jake Williamson isn’t just racing for records. He’s racing for representation.
At the heart of EDC Las Vegas’ sprawling desert playground lies something unexpected, delicious, and delightfully dystopian: Salvage City, an underground-style supper club that turns fine dining into a post-apocalyptic performance art. Equal parts culinary experience and immersive show, Salvage City invites guests to feast like royalty in a world that looks like it’s already ended.
Beyond the Barricades: What Salvage City Actually Is
Forget your usual VIP lounges and luxury lounges—Salvage City offers a one-of-a-kind, 60-minute experience that blends immersive storytelling with a five-course gourmet meal and free-flowing cocktails and wines. Set in the rugged landscape of Nomads Land, this dining journey transports festivalgoers into a rustic, theatrical oasis where elegance and anarchy co-exist.
It’s not just a meal. It’s a narrative. A dreamlike, dusty fever dream.
Whether you’re plant-based or carnivorous, Salvage City’s culinary offerings deliver. Guests are treated to an exclusive five-course tasting menu crafted by world-renowned chefs. Previous menus have leaned into themes of survival and indulgence—earthy textures, smoky flavor profiles, and dishes that look like they’ve been unearthed from a post-civilization banquet.
Expect mushroom tartlets that melt on your tongue, ember-grilled proteins with dramatic flair, and decadent desserts plated in salvaged-style dishware. While the 2025 menu remains under wraps, we’re told it will continue to elevate the contrast between luxury and decay.
Every dish is a story. Every bite, a plot twist.
Raise a Glass to the End of the World
The cocktails? Free-flowing and fabulous. Smoky mezcals, deep reds, and botanical mixes are served with flair—sometimes by acrobats dangling overhead. Each libation is tailored to enhance the ambiance and culinary journey, with garnishes that feel foraged from another world.
You’ll never see your glass bottom—or the next surprise coming.
Performance Meets Plate
The immersive show element elevates the entire experience. Guests dine among contortionists, dancers, fire breathers, and aerialists, all clad in distressed couture that belongs on both a runway and a war rig. This isn’t theater you sit and watch—this is theater that walks past your table, makes direct eye contact, and maybe even shares a toast.
The show has a wondrous underlying flare of queer love and self expression, ebbing and flowing around you as if the entire world of Salvage City is alive—burned down, reborn, and ready to party.
Come Hungry. Leave Hypnotized.
More than a meal and more than a show, Salvage City is an invitation to let go of reality and lean into a world where chaos becomes comfort, and fine dining survives the fallout. Whether you’re a foodie, a festival freak, or just a sucker for spectacle, this is one reservation you won’t want to miss.
Last year, fans rejoiced when director Matthew López and author Casey McQuiston officially confirmed that Red, White & Royal Blue 2 was in the works. The announcement came during a fan screening of the first film, where López declared, “Yes, there’s gonna be a sequel,” and added that he and McQuiston were co-writing it. Beyond that, lips have been sealed.
Well, mostly.
Taylor’s Spoiler-Free Strategy
In a recent interview with Elle, Zakhar Perez revealed that he’s deliberately staying in the dark about the sequel’s storyline—yes, by choice.
Photo: Justin French/Elle
“I purposely said, ‘Please do not share with me anything until we are ready to prep it, because I want plausible deniability,’” he told the magazine.
Even though the 1Up star is keeping plot details at arm’s length, he did let one nugget slip: “I hear the script is very good.”
Honestly? Same energy as dodging group chats before you’ve seen the finale of your favorite show.
Royal Speculation and Sequel Hopes
While Zakhar Perez hasn’t read the script, he’s not above speculation. Speaking to Variety’s Marc Malkin at the 2024 Emmy Awards, the actor hinted that the sequel might take inspiration from the special edition of the novel—known affectionately to fans as “the blue book.”
Taylor Zakhar Perez purposefully knows nothing about “Red, White & Royal Blue 2” as to not risk spoiling it.
“I think it’s just continuing to grow these two characters,” he said, referring to Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry. “We just saw a nice little slice of who these guys are and what they’re able to do now.”
Let’s be honest—we’re all here for more slices. Or an entire cake.
A Queer Love Story Worth Revisiting
The original Red, White & Royal Blue film premiered on Prime Video in August 2023 and quickly became a queer rom-com classic. Zakhar Perez stars as Alex, the magnetic son of America’s first female president (played by Uma Thurman), while Nicholas Galitzine plays Henry, Britain’s buttoned-up prince with a heart of gold.
Photo: Prime Video
The movie received widespread praise for staying true to its source material and delivering electric chemistry between the leads. It even earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Television Movie.
With LGBTQ+ stories under increasing pressure, the return of Alex and Henry couldn’t come at a better time. Until we get more royal tea, we’ll just have to keep speculating—and maybe rewatching.
Just in time for Pride Month, BAWDY Beauty, the brand that brought the world the Original Butt Mask, has announced a fabulous, year-long partnership with the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF).
From June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, BAWDY will donate $1 per sale of each limited-edition Rocket Mask to the Foundation, pledging a minimum contribution of $25,000 to support global efforts to end the AIDS epidemic.
Blast Off to Better Booty Care
The Rocket Mask isn’t your average sheet mask. This collagen-infused beauty treatment is specially designed to tone, firm, and hydrate the delicate skin of your derrière. Key ingredients like Gotu Kola and Swiss Apple promote collagen production and improve skin elasticity, while Licorice Root Extract and Rosemary Extract reduce inflammation, fade hyperpigmentation, and visibly firm the skin.
And yes, it’s made from 100% biodegradable cotton—free from parabens, sulfates, and other nasties. Because even your butt deserves clean beauty.
A Glam Rock Glow-Up
Inspired by the colorful glam rock vibes of the 1970s, the Rocket Mask comes packaged in a rainbow-hued pouch that’s as bold as the mission it supports. Founder Sylwia Wiesenberg envisioned the design as “a dynamic love for color, stars, and music, with a dreamy, almost hallucinating effect.”
“It is a dream come true to work with the Elton John AIDS Foundation,” Wiesenberg said. “Growing up watching MTV, Sir Elton John was my childhood idol. This collaboration is a perfect synergy—both BAWDY and EJAF are about freedom, fun, and fierce self-expression.”
Supporting a Legendary Cause
Founded in 1992 by Sir Elton John, the Elton John AIDS Foundation is one of the leading independent AIDS organizations in the world. The foundation works to end the AIDS epidemic by funding local experts across four continents, fighting discrimination, preventing infections, and supporting treatment access.
Through collaborations like this one, EJAF continues to raise both funds and awareness—one fabulous product at a time.
Where to Find It
The Rocket Mask will officially launch on June 1, 2025, priced at $10 each. It will be available at BawdyBeauty.com, Amazon, and Revolve. Eager fans can also shop the pre-sale now at BawdyBeauty.com.
“Queer Eye” food and wine expert Antoni Porowski offered a deeply personal and candid account of his coming out experience to his father, alongside insights into his complicated family life, during an emotional interview on “Your Mama’s Kitchen,” the Audible podcast hosted by award-winning journalist Michele Norris and produced by Higher Ground, Barack and Michelle Obama’s media company. The episode, which premiered Tuesday, May 27, provides a rare glimpse into the private world of the Emmy Award-winning television personality.
Porowski’s discussion with Norris delved into the complexities of his familial relationships, including a decade-long estrangement from his mother and the profound impact of his father’s past affairs on the family dynamic. His honesty marks a significant moment, particularly as the LGBTQ+ community celebrates Pride Month, emphasizing the diverse and often challenging journeys individuals undertake to embrace their authentic selves.
A Flight, an Email, and a Father’s Quiet Love
Porowski revealed that he never officially came out to his mother and shared how a fear of flying led him to tell his father he was in a gay realtionship.
“I’ve dated men and women on and off,” Porowski said, reflecting on a relationship he had before Queer Eye. “As I was heading to the airport, I was thinking, ‘If this plane crashes, he’s not going to know this really important part of my life.’ So I sent him an email.”
The email was brief but heartfelt: “Hey, I just wanted to thank you for a really lovely weekend. About to take off. I just want you to know that I love and I am loved,” Porowski recalled writing, adding that he also shared his then-partner’s name.
Antoni Porowski and Eva Longoria attend the CNN ‘Searching for Spain with Eva Longoria’ Screening and Reception in New York City. (Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Porowski didn’t hear from his father for nearly two weeks. When he finally called, his dad casually described his day before addressing the email: “Oh yeah, I think that’s great. I can’t wait to meet him. Let me know when you guys want to come to Vermont,” his father said.
“He’s an onion,” Porowski said affectionately. “It takes a while. I always joke that he’s like a fully baked cake—I’m not going to change him. I just need to accept him and embrace that bit of frosting.”
A Childhood Marked by Chaos and Silence
Porowski also shared how his upbringing in a perfectionist household left emotional scars. “There were several affairs, before and after I was born,” he said. “It wasn’t a house where I could bring friends over after a bike ride. The house was too stressful. It had to stay immaculate.”
He and his sister avoided bringing significant others home, regardless of gender. “We always went to someone else’s house who had a candy drawer and cozy music. My house—you could eat off the floors.”
Antoni Porowski attends the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024 on October 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret)
Porowski described how this domestic “perfection” masked deeper dysfunction. “My mom tried to control the chaos in the home by keeping everything pristine,” he explained.
When his parents divorced, he refused to take sides. “That’s kind of at the core of why I was cut off by my mother,” he said. “There are other reasons, I’m sure, but I stayed in touch with my dad. And later I realized both of them had been unfaithful. It’s never black and white in relationships.”
Today, his contact with his mother is minimal: “I reach out to her at Christmas and on her birthday. Just a little email or text—and that’s it.”
Therapy, Self-Forgiveness, and Cultural Shifts
Porowski, who began therapy at 17, spoke openly about the emotional work he’s done to reach a place of healing. “Cutoffs are such a massive part of culture right now,” he said. “It’s something more than one therapist has told me is happening across society. I think we do need to talk about it.”
He also shared a deeply personal realization from therapy: “It’s like that Good Will Hunting scene—‘It’s not your fault.’ It took me 20 years of work to be able to say, ‘I didn’t do anything wrong. I’m not a bad person.’”
A Mother’s Lost Dreams and the Power of Food
Reflecting on his love of cooking, Porowski said the kitchen was the one place his mother found joy. “She was clearly in her element,” he recalled. “It was chaotic at home, but when she cooked, she was focused and happiest. It’s the same for me.”
Porowski believes his mother’s creativity was rooted in unfulfilled ambition. “She was in med school in Poland, but she got pregnant young and left her dreams behind. She had to put that energy somewhere—and she put it toward food.”
Though their relationship remains fractured, Porowski’s empathy endures. “She came from a very toxic upbringing, a lot of abuse, a lot of betrayal. It couldn’t have been easy. What you said kind of winded me a little emotionally,” he told host Michele Norris.
Antoni Porowski’s full interview is available now on Your Mama’s Kitchen via Audible and other podcast platforms. His honesty offers a powerful message of resilience, identity, and healing—just in time to honor Pride.
Actress Tommy Dorfman is offering a candid look back at her unexpected rise to fame following her breakthrough role as high school student Ryan Shaver in Netflix’s critically acclaimed series “13 Reasons Why,” which aired from 2017 to 2020. In an exclusive interview, Dorfman, 33, shared the invaluable advice she would impart to her younger self about navigating the often overwhelming world of celebrity: “Just don’t take it so seriously.”
The sentiment, simple yet profound, stems from Dorfman’s personal experience with instant global recognition. “It’s not real. It’s seasonal. It comes in waves. It ebbs and flows,” she told PEOPLE, a sentiment that resonates with many in the entertainment industry who experience the cyclical nature of public attention.
Dorfman recalled feeling profoundly unprepared for the success of “13 Reasons Why,” a show based on Jay Asher’s 2007 novel that tackled sensitive and pressing issues for young adults. “I had no media training. I had no idea what was going on,” she admitted, reflecting on the period immediately following the series’ release. The sheer scale of the show’s impact caught everyone involved by surprise. “Nobody told us that they thought the show would be as successful as it was,” she explained. “Nobody could have predicted how successful that show was.”
The rapid onset of fame proved to be a challenging experience for Dorfman. “It’s such a scary thing to be thrown into,” she shared, acknowledging that many of her peers in the industry can relate to the disorienting nature of sudden widespread recognition. This raw honesty offers a glimpse into the often-unseen struggles behind the glamorous facade of Hollywood.
However, with the wisdom of hindsight, Dorfman’s perspective has evolved, leaving her feeling less jaded and more at peace with her past. “I wish I could have told her that it’s temporary,” she conveyed, speaking of her younger self. “I thought that was gonna be my life forever. That’s where the fear came from, and it’s so not true, thank God!” This revelation underscores the emotional toll that the perception of perpetual fame can inflict on young actors.
‘Maybe This Will Save Me’ by Tommy Dorfman. Photo: Hanover Square Press
Dorfman’s journey through fame and self-discovery is intimately detailed in her debut memoir, “Maybe This Will Save Me,” which provides a deeply personal account of her childhood, young adulthood, and how “13 Reasons Why” irrevocably altered the trajectory of her life. She was 24 years old when she secured the role of Ryan Shaver, a pivotal character in the series’ initial seasons. Dorfman had a recurring role for the first two seasons and later returned for a guest appearance in the fourth and final season.
In her memoir, Dorfman vividly describes moments of discomfort and fear associated with public recognition. She recounted a particularly unsettling incident on a New York City subway train where she was suddenly “swarmed by a group of teenagers.” This experience led her to retreat. “When I got home, I locked myself in my apartment for a few days,” she wrote, expressing a profound sense of terror and even “shame.” She confessed, “Sure, I’d dream of a moment like that for my whole life. Only now that it’d come, I was utterly terrified, f—— ashamed even, because I didn’t feel deserving, like my work hasn’t qualified me for that attention.”
She further elaborated on the feeling of vulnerability that came with losing her anonymity. “And, on that train, it felt like a violation, as if the comforting cloak of anonymity had been stripped off my back and thrown to the ground.” This powerful description paints a picture of the profound shift in personal space and privacy that often accompanies celebrity.
Today, Dorfman approaches public attention with a remarkably different and positive mindset. “I will hug anyone,” she tells PEOPLE. “I’ll take any photo somebody wants me to take. I have no problem with any of that.” This transformation from fear to acceptance is a testament to her personal growth. “I think it’s so cool now, I’m not scared of it. I’m like, ‘Wow! How cool is it that I get to meet this kid or adult who is impacted in this way?’ What a gift that is.”
In her advice to her younger self, Dorfman would also emphasize the importance of internal focus. “Have fun with it and don’t get too caught up in what other people are doing,” she would advise, stressing the need to avoid comparison and maintain a sense of personal joy in her work.
Significantly, Dorfman publicly came out as transgender after the conclusion of “13 Reasons Why.” In her memoir, she shared the powerful experience of revisiting her role in the series through the lens of her identity. She wrote that she “so clearly saw a girl trapped” in her character, a realization that undoubtedly deepened her understanding of her own journey.
Since her time on the Netflix series, Dorfman has continued to build a diverse and fulfilling career in entertainment. She made her Broadway debut in the 2024 production of “Romeo and Juliet” and showcased her talents on screen in Lena Dunham’s 2022 comedy-drama “Sharp Stick.”
Looking to the future, Dorfman expresses immense satisfaction with her current career trajectory. “I love my career right now,” she shared. “I’m in no rush to do anything. I do a lot. I work a lot. I have a lot that I develop and produce.” She teased exciting upcoming announcements, stating, “And there are gonna be a good amount of announcements over the next few months about a lot of projects that have been in the pipeline.”
The stability and creative fulfillment she now experiences are a welcome change. “My career feels exactly where it’s supposed to be right now,” Dorfman affirmed. “I know what I’m doing for the next 12 months. That’s the gift of all gifts. It’s very rare that I get to have that.”
Tommy Dorfman’s memoir, “Maybe This Will Save Me,” offering a poignant and honest reflection on fame, identity, and personal evolution, is available now wherever books are sold. Her story serves as a powerful testament to finding authenticity and peace amidst the swirling currents of public life.
Converse has launched its eleventh annual “Proud to Be” collection, just in time for Pride Month 2025, with a powerful tagline: “For those prouder than ever to be themselves.” The collection and accompanying campaign reaffirm the brand’s long-standing commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community, showcasing vibrant designs and highlighting personal stories of self-acceptance and love.
Converse has unveiled its brand-new 2025 Pride collection (Photo: Converse.com)
The iconic footwear brand emphasizes its consistent support for the community. “Converse has always stood with the proud, the daring and the unapologetic,” the Converse Pride website states. For the 2025 iteration, the brand looks forward, declaring, “For our 2025 ‘Proud To Be’ celebration, we’re not looking back, we’re lighting the way forward towards a future of love and joy for everyone.” This forward-looking message aligns with the ongoing progress and aspirations of the LGBTQIA+ movement globally.
The 2025 “Proud to Be” footwear collection boldly incorporates the iconic rainbow colors of the Pride flag, integrated into dynamic flame and animal print designs. This artistic approach offers a fresh take on traditional Pride motifs, blending a sense of fierce individuality with celebratory themes.
Leading the collection are new silhouettes designed to make a statement. The Chuck Taylor All Star Lift Double Stack, a chunky platform style, offers an elevated look, while the Chuck Taylor All Star XXHi introduces a distinctive knee-high option, providing diverse choices for personal expression. In addition to these new styles, the classic Chuck Taylor All Star high, low, and platform designs are also part of the collection.
Converse further empowers individual expression through its “Converse By You” customization experience. This platform allows customers to personalize their Chuck Taylor All Star high, low, and platform styles with a variety of patches, prints, colors, trims, and unique flourishes. This bespoke approach encourages consumers to create footwear that truly reflects their unique identities and pride.
The beloved Chuck 70 silhouette, known for its premium craftsmanship and vintage details, has also received the “Pride treatment,” integrating the collection’s themes into its classic design. Complementing the footwear, the brand has released two Converse Pride T-shirts, featuring designs that echo the collection’s aesthetic, including rainbow animal print, a stark black-and-white zebra print, and vibrant rainbow flames.
Beyond the fashion statement, Converse reiterates its significant financial commitment to LGBTQIA+ organizations. The brand has publicly stated that, through annual grants, it has “pledged and donated nearly $3.4M to local, national, and international organizations since we first launched our annual Pride campaign and collection in 2015.” This consistent philanthropic effort underscores the brand’s dedication to supporting initiatives that foster equality and well-being within the LGBTQIA+ community.
A powerful component of the 2025 “Proud to Be” campaign extends beyond product offerings, featuring seven “All Stars” — individuals from past “Proud to Be” campaigns – who have penned deeply personal “love letters to their future selves.” Converse emphasizes the significance of these narratives, stating, “We welcome back our LGBTQIA+ community from past Pride campaigns to share their stories — love letters to their future selves – each a testament to the enduring power of love.” This initiative aims to highlight the journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the evolving nature of identity within the LGBTQIA+ experience.
Among these inspiring individuals is Allié, a multidisciplinary artist based in Melbourne, Australia, with Vietnamese heritage. Her biography, as detailed by Converse, notes: “Through her work, she explores the complexities of identity, drawing from her lived experience as a trans woman of color.” Allié’s art, according to her bio, “reflects the intersections of culture, gender, and self-expression, offering a deeply personal yet universally resonant perspective.” For her poignant letter to her future self, Allié writes: “Dear future me, in ten years, I hope to look back and see a world where I no longer need to justify my existence.”
Another compelling participant is Ayo, a visual artist, writer, researcher, and award-winning filmmaker hailing from Ghana and Lesotho, currently based in Toronto. Their artistic endeavors span various mediums, including film, photography, and illustration. Ayo’s bio explains: “Their work explores questions of home, (in)visibility, liminality and (un)belonging as they relate to Black queer and trans* African diasporic subjectivity.” In their heartfelt letter, Ayo imparts a powerful message: “Dear future me, I hope that you never forget the magic of Black queer and trans existence and that you use it to propel yourself and others towards a future (and present) that is hospitable and loving.”
The “Converse By You” experience and the complete “Proud to Be” 2025 collection are now available for purchase on converse.com, inviting individuals to celebrate Pride Month by embracing self-expression and supporting a brand committed to the LGBTQIA+ community. The campaign’s fusion of vibrant fashion, artistic expression, and meaningful advocacy aims to foster a sense of pride and collective progress during this significant month and beyond.
