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Robert De Niro Supports Daughter Airyn After She Comes Out as Trans

Josh Azevedo
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Robert De Niro Supports Daughter Airyn After She Comes Out as Trans

Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro has expressed his full support for his daughter Airyn after she publicly came out as a transgender woman this week.

The 29-year-old shared her story in an interview published Tuesday, April 29, marking the first time she has spoken publicly about her journey. De Niro, known for his iconic roles in Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Killers of the Flower Moon, had nothing but love and pride for his daughter.

“I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter,” De Niro told The Hollywood Reporter. “I don’t know what the big deal is. I love all my children.”

A Personal Journey Made Public

@pinknews

Robert De Niro has spoken out in support of his trans daughter 🏳️‍⚧️ In a statement to People on Wednesday 30 April, the actor said: “I love and support Arun as my daughter. I don’t know what the big deal is, I love all my children”. Airyn came out publicly as trans in a feature with Them magazine early this week. She is one of De Niro’s seven children. #robertdeniro #transwoman #protecttranskids #transrights #parents #lgbtqia

♬ Epic Music(863502) – Draganov89

Airyn is one of De Niro’s seven children and shares a close bond with her twin brother, Julian. Their mother is model and actress Toukie Smith.

In her interview with Them, Airyn opened up about the emotional complexity of living authentically in the public eye.

“There’s a difference between being visible and being seen,” she said. “I’ve been visible—I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.”

She credited other trans women sharing their lives online and in the media with helping her take the leap toward living openly.

“Seeing trans women be honest and open, especially in public spaces like social media and getting to see them in their success, made me realize: maybe it’s not too late for me.”

A Family Rooted in LGBTQ+ History

Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro, Sr. Photo: HBO Documentary Films
Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro, Sr. Photo: HBO Documentary Films

De Niro has long spoken about his connection to the LGBTQ+ community, both through family and personal reflection. In 2014, he publicly discussed his late father, artist Robert De Niro Sr., who was gay, and shared regrets about not having deeper conversations with him during his lifetime.

In a 2019 interview with The Guardian, during Donald Trump’s presidency, De Niro also voiced concern for the safety and well-being of one of his sons who is gay, amid rising political and social tensions.

Support That Speaks Volumes

While De Niro is famously private about his personal life, his public support of Airyn adds to a growing wave of Hollywood parents standing by their trans children with love and pride.

From Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union to Charlize Theron, celebrity families showing up for their LGBTQ+ kids are helping to shift the public narrative—and De Niro is the latest to remind the world: love is love.

Kamala Harris Goes Viral at Emerge Gala for Pride Fan Whip and Surprise Dance With LGBTQ+ Influencer

Josh Azevedo
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Kamala Harris Goes Viral at Emerge Gala for Pride Fan Whip and Surprise Dance With LGBTQ+ Influencer

Kamala Harris made a high-profile return to the national spotlight Wednesday night, delivering a pointed political speech—and creating a few meme-worthy moments—at the Emerge Gala in San Francisco.

Held to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Emerge, a group that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office, the event saw Harris call out the current presidential administration and double down on key progressive issues. But it was her rainbow-flag moment with a gay influencer that had the internet buzzing.

Politics Meets Pop Culture (and a Bit of Line Dancing)

Offstage, Harris took time to chat with LGBTQ+ content creators, including social media personality Kenneth Walden. One short clip of the vice president gleefully flipping open a Pride flag has already been memed across TikTok and Instagram, with fans dubbing it “Politics, but make it gay.”

Another viral moment came when Harris and Walden broke into a few moves from the “Boots On the Ground” viral line dance—reminding everyone that she’s still got rhythm and political relevance.

“She Did Tell Us So…”

In a brief but buzzy exchange, Walden told Harris he didn’t want to say “I told you so” about her early warnings regarding a potential second Trump presidency—but as he added with a laugh, “She did tell us so.”

Harris responded by calling the current state of U.S. politics a “high-velocity implementation of a long-standing plan.” She stressed the urgent need for a counter-plan: one rooted in defending public education, protecting Medicare and Medicaid, and showing up to vote.

Taking Aim From the Podium

Later that night, Harris addressed the Emerge crowd with a blistering critique of the current administration.

“Instead of an administration working to advance our highest ideals,” she said, “we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals.”

She accused Trump—referred to by many Democrats as the “Chaos-in-Chief”—of orchestrating “the greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history.” She slammed what she described as an agenda to slash education, shrink government, and privatize public services while rewarding the wealthy with tax breaks.

“We are living in their vision of America,” Harris said. “And this is not a vision Americans want.”

What’s Next for Kamala?

Harris has kept a relatively low profile since the 2024 election, where she and President Biden lost to the Trump ticket. But Wednesday’s appearance signaled that she may be gearing up for something bigger.

Political observers speculate that Harris could run for governor of California in 2026—or even launch a second presidential campaign in 2028. While no announcements have been made, her fiery tone and renewed public presence suggest she’s not stepping away from politics anytime soon.

Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor Bring Tender Queer Romance to WWI in ‘The History of Sound’

Josh Azevedo
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Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor Bring Tender Queer Romance to WWI in ‘The History of Sound’

Love, loss, and longing take center stage in The History of Sound, a sweeping queer period drama starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor that’s already generating major buzz ahead of its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

Directed by Oliver Hermanus (Mary & George), the film tells a story of connection between two men at a time when being seen—let alone loved—was a risk in itself. And yet, The History of Sound deliberately shifts away from clichés of fear or shame, choosing instead to celebrate intimacy, curiosity, and emotional truth between two queer characters in the early 20th century.

A Queer Love Story Told Through Sound

Adapted from Ben Shattuck’s Pushcart Prize-winning short story, The History of Sound follows Lionel (Mescal) and David (O’Connor), two young men traveling across the United States during World War I to record the voices, songs, and stories of Americans whose lives are shaped by the war.

📸 [Space for image: Mescal shirtless in water; O’Connor smoking alone; the pair laughing over coffee]

Their journey becomes more than just a mission of documentation—it becomes a tender romance.

“There’s a real sense of companionship, and the joy and loss that comes with the presence and absence of that,” Mescal told Vanity Fair. “It’s not just about sex or falling in love. It’s deeper.”

Director Hermanus intentionally avoids the tragic framing often associated with historical queer love stories.

“I didn’t want it to feel like a transgression,” Hermanus said. “Ben wrote it in a way where there was no hesitation, no moment of fear. It’s not about them risking being sexual—it’s just love.”

Chemistry in Every Frame

The casting of Mescal and O’Connor—both coming off acclaimed queer roles in All of Us Strangers and Challengers, respectively—felt like kismet, though the production nearly missed its moment.

“We probably couldn’t have made this in 2022,” Hermanus said. “They weren’t the Paul and Josh we now know.”

Mescal called the experience “lucky” and praised O’Connor for unlocking a side of him he hadn’t felt in years.

“He brought out this childlike version of me,” Mescal said. “That kind of boyishness—I hadn’t felt that in a long time.”

Their on-screen connection radiates not just romance, but vulnerability—a central part of what makes The History of Sound such a refreshing entry in the queer film canon.

Photo: Vanity Fair
Photo: Vanity Fair
Photo: Vanity Fair
Photo: Vanity Fair

Minimal Sex, Maximum Intimacy

Unlike many queer dramas that either skirt around or overemphasize sex, The History of Sound keeps physical moments quiet and natural. Hermanus said the most intimate scene isn’t even in bed.

“It’s when Lionel is wandering through David’s apartment the next morning,” he said. “He’s smelling everything, sitting everywhere—absorbing the energy of someone he loves.”

The choice reinforces the emotional depth of their relationship without relying on spectacle.

A Cannes Contender With Queer Heart

The History of Sound will premiere at Cannes 2025, where it will compete for the Palme d’Or. The film joins a strong wave of queer storytelling that pushes beyond pain and shame, and instead honors love in all its layered complexity.

The supporting cast includes Chris Cooper, Molly Price, Raphael Sbarge, Hadley Robinson, Emma Canning, Brianna Middleton and Gary Raymond.

As Hermanus puts it, The History of Sound is “a film about queer love, but it’s also a film about feeling seen, and hearing each other—even in silence.”

Photo: Vanity Fair
Photo: Vanity Fair
Photo: Vanity Fair
Photo: Vanity Fair

Lorde Enters a New Era With ‘Virgin’ Exploring Femininity, Masculinity and Everything in Between

Josh Azevedo
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Lorde Enters a New Era With ‘Virgin’ Exploring Femininity, Masculinity and Everything in Between

Pop visionary Lorde is ready to reveal her rawest self yet.

In April, the New Zealand singer-songwriter dropped “What Was That,” the lead single from her upcoming fourth album, Virgin, out June 27. As fans scrambled to decipher the meaning behind the haunting, introspective track, Lorde sent out a clear message: This new era is about shedding illusions—and maybe even shedding skin.

 

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With Virgin, Lorde isn’t just releasing another album. She’s exploring her femininity, embracing aspects of masculinity, and reflecting on 14 years of being in the public eye. The journey back to herself is messy, beautiful, and unmistakably hers.

A Career Marked by Four-Year Intervals—and Deep Self-Reflection

If you’ve followed Lorde’s career, you might have noticed something oddly symmetrical. Every four years, almost like clockwork, she emerges with a new sound and a new lens.

  • 2013: Pure Heroine (age 16)
  • 2017: Melodrama (age 21)
  • 2021: Solar Power (age 25)
  • 2025: Virgin (age 29)

But maybe it’s not just a tidy release schedule. What if each era is more like a personal term in office—four years to process, govern, and make peace with herself before reporting back to the world?

“The Color of the Album Is Clear”

In a move that felt more intimate than industry-standard, Lorde announced Virgin not just via a press release but through a direct email to fans titled “From the desk of Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor.”

Her words were stark, poetic, and revealing:

“The color of the album is clear. Like bathwater, windows, ice, spit. Full transparency… I was trying to make a document that reflected my femininity: raw, primal, innocent, elegant, openhearted, spiritual, masc.”

That last word—masc—got people talking. But the bigger picture Lorde is painting is one of fluidity, contradiction, and transformation. There’s no tight genre label for Virgin, just as there’s no single definition of femininity or masculinity.

Transparency as a Theme—Literally and Metaphorically

Even the album cover echoes this ethos: it’s an X-ray. The idea of being seen fully, of making visible what’s hidden beneath the surface, carries throughout her creative choices.

Photo: Universal Music
Photo: Universal Music

This theme also appears in her recent collaborations, like the song “Kāhore He Manu E” with fellow New Zealander Marlon Williams. Lorde praised Williams for creating music with “X-ray vision,” drawing a clear parallel to her own work on Virgin.

Transparency, for Lorde, is about more than honesty. It’s about the courage to be fully exposed—even if it scares her.

“I’m proud and scared of this album,” she wrote. “There’s nowhere to hide.”

A Remix, a Voicemail, and a Moment of Truth

Fans also got a surprise taste of Lorde’s vulnerability through a remix of Charli XCX’s viral song “Girl, so confusing.” Lorde’s verse felt more like a confession than a collaboration.

“I was at war with my body,” she sang. “So lost in my head.”

The verse touched on identity, self-perception, and the disorienting effects of fame. In her words, “self-defense” can turn into “building a weapon”—a brutal acknowledgment of how even protection can distort who we are.

Reading, Writing, and Reclaiming the Body

In a wide-ranging interview with artist Martine Syms for Document Journal, Lorde discussed the intellectual and emotional groundwork behind Virgin. The time between Solar Power and now involved the end of a seven-year relationship, rethinking her gender expression, and—perhaps most profoundly—reclaiming her relationship with her body.

“I read a lot about the body in different ways,” she told Syms. “I read a lot of queer writers. I just read all of Annie Ernaux.”

One anecdote stood out: a young girl describing beauty as being “your most self.” That stuck with Lorde.

“That’s been my mission,” she said. “But it came out of many years of putting something on and being like, ‘What am I doing wearing this?’”

The artist who once sang “We live in cities you’ll never see on screen” is now zooming inward, focusing less on myth and more on identity, embodiment, and healing.

“What Was That”: A Song Born From Turbulence

The single “What Was That” was written in the midst of what Lorde called “a period of great turbulence.”

“I was becoming single, facing my body stuff head-on, and starting to feel my gender broadening a little bit,” she said. “I just kept thinking, ‘What was all of that?’ Whether it was my relationship, the pandemic, or sacrificing my body to my career.”

In a rare move, she improvised the song in the studio—walking around with a mic and speaking her truth, unscripted.

A New Chapter Begins June 27

Virgin arrives June 27, and it’s already available for pre-save and pre-order on all major streaming platforms and music retailers. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just tuning in, Lorde’s latest body of work promises something deeper than just new tracks—it’s a reckoning, a revelation, and a rebirth.

If each Lorde album has marked a rite of passage, Virgin might just be her most unfiltered, unapologetic chapter yet.

Colton Haynes Says Dream Role Would Be in ‘CSI: West Hollywood’ If There Ever Was One (Exclusive)

Andy Lalwani
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Colton Haynes Says Dream Role Would Be in ‘CSI: West Hollywood’ If There Ever Was One (Exclusive)

Colton Haynes has a bold new idea for the small screen—one that would mix high drama, queer visibility, and a whole lot of West Hollywood flair.

In a recent conversation with Gayety at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta opening, the Teen Wolf and Arrow star hinted at his desire to return to television in a fresh and fabulous way. The concept? A queer-centric spinoff of one of TV’s most iconic crime franchises.

“I want to create a show called CSI: West Hollywood,” Haynes said with a laugh. “I’m serious—it’d be fierce. All queer investigators solving fabulous crimes. Give me glitter, high heels, and murder mysteries.”

While the pitch was made with a dose of humor, it’s clear Haynes is thinking creatively about how LGBTQ+ stories can evolve in mainstream entertainment. The actor, who has built a career on genre-defining roles, is ready for his next chapter—and he’s hoping it includes storytelling that puts queer characters at the center of the action.

From Teen Wolf to Hollywood Visionary

Colton Haynes first broke into the spotlight over a decade ago, but he still looks back on Teen Wolf as the launchpad that changed his life.

“It’s crazy to think Teen Wolf was 16 years ago,” Haynes shared. “We even recently did the movie. It’s the show that never dies.”

Now, Haynes is ready to step behind the camera—and maybe into a producing or creative lead role—hoping to shape a series that reflects the vibrancy of the LGBTQ+ community. While CSI: West Hollywood is still just an idea, it taps into a broader movement of queer creatives reclaiming space in crime procedurals, thrillers, and genre TV that has long lacked LGBTQ+ representation.

Colton Haynes attends the Grand Opening Weekend at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta: Opening Night Party at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta on April 25, 2025 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Colton Haynes attends the Grand Opening Weekend at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta: Opening Night Party at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta on April 25, 2025 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Tryst Hotels)

Crime Drama, but Make It Queer

The idea of a show like CSI: West Hollywood resonates because it blends familiar television tropes with fresh representation. With crime dramas like Law & Order and CSI dominating airwaves for decades, there’s room—and growing demand—for a reinvention that reflects modern queer life.

“People want to see themselves on screen,” Haynes said. “Why not have queer detectives with backstories, relationships, heartbreak, and humor—just like everyone else?”

Haynes’ concept comes at a time when LGBTQ+ representation in media is being reexamined. Despite progress, queer characters—especially in crime and procedural dramas—often remain sidelined or tokenized. A show led by a predominantly queer cast in a campy, dramatic, and genuinely entertaining setting like West Hollywood could be the cultural reset television needs.

Fond Memories and Future Dreams

Haynes also spoke warmly about his previous roles, including his time on American Horror Story, where he formed close friendships and memorable on-set experiences.

“Working with Ryan Murphy was a dream,” he said. “It felt like an instant family. We even went on vacation together—saw Cher in Vegas. It was special.”

That sense of community is something Haynes wants to recreate in his future projects. Whether acting, producing, or both, his vision for the future of queer television includes collaborative, joyful environments—and projects that push boundaries while making viewers feel seen.

What’s Next for Colton Haynes?

While CSI: West Hollywood is still in the idea stage, Haynes has made it clear he’s serious about expanding queer narratives in television. He’s not just looking for another acting gig—he’s looking to tell new stories that reflect the community he belongs to.

As fans eagerly await his next move, Haynes is embracing a creative renaissance—one fueled by a decade of experience, Hollywood wisdom, and a desire to make TV a little more glittery, a little more inclusive, and a lot more fabulous.

“You never know what’s next,” he said with a smile. “But I’m excited to find out.”

Plastique Tiara Spills Wedding Dreams: Destination Vibes, Glamour, and a Whole Lot of Food (Exclusive)

Andy Lalwani
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Plastique Tiara Spills Wedding Dreams: Destination Vibes, Glamour, and a Whole Lot of Food (Exclusive)

Plastique Tiara is engaged, glowing, and already dreaming up her perfect wedding. The RuPaul’s Drag Race star recently spilled some tea with Gayety, sharing what fans can expect from her upcoming nuptials—and trust us, it’s going to be nothing short of iconic.

In true Plastique fashion, the queen didn’t hold back her excitement at The Tryst Hotel Puerto Vallarta launch saying. “I’m good. It’s hot, but I’m excited,” she said, grinning as her fiancé filmed her off-camera. With the engagement still fresh, Plastique is basking in the love—and fielding one question over and over again: When’s the wedding? “We’re planning. We’re pitching, but it’s really, really fun,” she shared. “I love being engaged.”

Plastique Tiara’s Wedding Plans: Glamorous, Delicious, and Definitely Not Tropical

While a date hasn’t been set, Plastique has some clear priorities when it comes to her big day. First on the list? Food. Lots of it. And the good kind. “You remember the wedding by the food and the location. Everything else is a blur,” she said. “I’m looking forward to the food—and maybe a destination wedding would be nice.”

Plastique Tiara attends the Grand Opening Weekend at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta: Opening Night Party at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta on April 25, 2025 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO – APRIL 25: Plastique Tiara attends the Grand Opening Weekend at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta: Opening Night Party at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta on April 25, 2025 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Tryst Hotels)

When asked to dish more details on a possible destination, Plastique kept things cheeky and mysterious. “You’ll just have to find out,” she teased.

But one thing’s for sure: it won’t be a sweaty beach wedding. “Girl, no, not tropical. I am sweating my ass off,” she joked. “Maybe somewhere with air conditioning.”

So, what do we know so far? A glamorous venue with full climate control, a mouthwatering menu, and all the flair you’d expect from one of Drag Race’s most fashion-forward queens.

What Fans Can Expect from Plastique Tiara’s Wedding

Given Plastique’s high-glam aesthetic, it’s safe to say her wedding will be a visual fantasy. Whether she opts for an opulent ballroom or a modern luxe cityscape, fans can expect couture-level wedding fashion, perfectly curated décor, and a guest list that reads like a who’s-who of queer royalty.

While she’s staying tight-lipped about specific details like the wedding date, dress designer, or location, it’s clear Plastique is embracing every moment of this chapter. As someone who built her brand on beauty, elegance, and authenticity, her celebration of love is sure to reflect the same.

And yes—expect a ton of photo ops. This is Plastique Tiara, after all.

Why Her Wedding Matters to the LGBTQ+ Community

Plastique Tiara’s engagement—and soon, her wedding—is more than just a personal milestone. For fans in the LGBTQ+ community, it’s also a joyful reminder of queer love in full celebration. Weddings like hers serve as powerful, glamorous affirmations that queer couples deserve not just acceptance but admiration, fanfare, and spotlighted love stories.

With anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric making headlines, moments like this matter. They provide visibility, joy, and inspiration for queer individuals dreaming of their own fairy tale endings.

What’s Next for the Bride-to-Be?

While she keeps the details under wraps (for now), we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for sneak peeks—from dress fittings to cake tastings and venue reveals. And knowing Plastique, she’ll drop the info when it’s most aesthetically pleasing.

Until then, we’ll just be over here, dreaming of an invite and mentally preparing for what’s bound to be the most fashionable LGBTQ+ wedding of the year.

Dylan O’Brien Praises Queer Community and Sibling, Stars in Upcoming LGBTQ+ Dramas ‘Ponyboi’ and ‘Twinless’

Josh Azevedo
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Dylan O’Brien Praises Queer Community and Sibling, Stars in Upcoming LGBTQ+ Dramas ‘Ponyboi’ and ‘Twinless’

Actor Dylan O’Brien is stepping into bold new territory this year with not one, but two LGBTQ+ films—and he’s doing it with heartfelt purpose and pride.

The Teen Wolf and Maze Runner alum will appear in the upcoming queer drama Ponyboi, a groundbreaking feature starring and co-written by intersex actor and filmmaker River Gallo. O’Brien plays Vinny, a shady drug dealer entangled in a secret affair with the film’s title character, all while dating Ponyboi’s best friend Angel—played by The Haunting of Bly Manor star Victoria Pedretti.

Set in gritty New Jersey and bursting with heart, Ponyboi follows a young intersex sex worker and laundromat employee who is forced to go on the run after a drug deal goes sideways. What follows is a surreal journey of self-discovery and survival, all underpinned by the film’s unapologetically queer lens.

“I have a trans, nonbinary sibling and I know people in my personal life who are queer, and I am so grateful for how much it deepens my experience in this world,” O’Brien told Vulture in a recent joint interview with Gallo and other cast members. “It was really important to me to be a part of something like this as an ally.”

O’Brien’s sibling, Julz O’Brien, is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns. On social media, Julz often shares moments with their brother, calling Dylan their “very first best friend” and proudly celebrating their LGBTQIA+ identity.

In a separate interview with Adobe, O’Brien admitted that working on Ponyboi opened his eyes to the lived experiences of intersex people, a community he previously knew little about. “Going in, I was extremely uneducated on intersex and the intersex community,” he said. “This was such an enlightening experience to me. River is someone I’ll carry with me for life.”

Ponyboi made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2024, earning critical acclaim for its bold storytelling and Gallo’s standout performance. The cast also includes Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus) as a mysterious cowboy and Indya Moore (Pose) as Charlie.

For Gallo, the film marks a historic milestone. “Girl, Ponyboi prevailed,” they wrote in a statement. “We made this movie for the intersex baddies, dolls, misfits, and outsiders, and for it to finally be out in the world is nothing less than revolutionary.”

Ponyboi opens in theaters June 27, distributed by Fox Entertainment Studios and Gathr.

But O’Brien’s queer cinema journey doesn’t end there. Later this year, he also stars in Twinless, a tender, offbeat drama from James Sweeney (Straight Up), who writes, directs, and co-stars in the film.

Twinless follows two young men who meet in a support group for people grieving the loss of a twin. As they navigate sorrow and identity, their bond evolves into a deep and unexpected connection.

The film is set for theatrical release on September 5.

Whether he’s playing a sleazy drug dealer or a grieving twin-seeker, O’Brien’s commitment to queer storytelling—and his personal connection to the LGBTQIA+ community—has never been clearer.

For updates on Ponyboi, visit ponyboifilm.com, and for more on Twinless, check out twinlessfilm.com.

WorldPride Music Festival Still On, Separate From Kennedy Center Pride Cancellations

Andy Lalwani
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WorldPride Music Festival Still On, Separate From Kennedy Center Pride Cancellations

While recent political shakeups at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts have cast a shadow over WorldPride 2025 in Washington, D.C., the heart of the celebration—the WorldPride Music Festival—is forging ahead as planned.

The festival shared on Instagram, “📍The WorldPride Music Festival and all 10 official after-parties are ON. Everyone’s coming.
 📅 June 6–7 in DC — let’s dance, unite, and make history. 🌈🎶✨”

Despite the Kennedy Center’s abrupt cancellation of over 20 LGBTQ+ events, including its signature Tapestry of Pride series, organizers of the WorldPride Music Festival, which is entirely separate from the center, are reaffirming their commitment to celebration, resistance, and unity. The festival will take place June 6–7, culminating one of the largest Pride events the capital has ever seen.

Kennedy Center Fallout

The turbulence began in February 2025, when former President Donald Trump installed political allies, including himself as chairman and Richard Grenell as interim executive director, at the Kennedy Center. This leadership overhaul led to the cancellation of numerous Pride-related performances, including shows by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and the International Pride Orchestra. Official explanations cited financial and scheduling constraints, though many artists have decried the move as politically motivated.

A Festival That Won’t Be Silenced

Still, the WorldPride Music Festival has become a beacon of defiance and joy amid the disruption. Organizers are doubling down on the event’s original mission—to bring people together through music, visibility, and celebration. All ten official after-parties are still happening, promising a vibrant, high-energy weekend that unites queer communities from around the globe.

This historic event will bring together a diverse array of iconic performers, including Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, RuPaul, Paris Hilton, Tinashe, Kim Petras, Zedd, Rita Ora, Marina, Sofi Tukker, Galantis, and Purple Disco Machine. The festival’s two-day schedule will span across three immersive stages, featuring an eclectic mix of genres ranging from pop and house to EDM, techno, and drag performances.

RuPaul, the drag legend known for his groundbreaking contributions to LGBTQ+ visibility, will be taking the stage for a DJ set, as well as Paris Hilton, whose impact on pop culture and LGBTQ+ communities has been felt for decades. Kim Petras, the transgender pop star who has become a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in music, will also perform, along with Tinashe, Zedd, Rita Ora, Slayyyter and Marina.

“WorldPride Music Festival is a moment the world will remember,” said Jake Resnicow, Executive Producer of the festival and Dreamland founder, earlier this year. “With legendary artists and our global community coming together, we’re creating an electrifying celebration that unites, uplifts, and amplifies LGBTQ+ voices like never before. Hosting this festival in our nation’s capital makes it even more powerful—it’s not just a party, it’s a global movement.”

The Beat Goes On

Even as political winds shift, the WorldPride Music Festival promises to be a cultural and emotional high point of the international LGBTQ+ calendar. The music, the parties, and the people are still coming—and the message is louder than ever: Pride will not be canceled.

Pabllo Vittar to Headline ‘Fabric of Freedom’ at WorldPride DC 2025

Josh Azevedo
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Pabllo Vittar to Headline ‘Fabric of Freedom’ at WorldPride DC 2025

Get ready, Pride fans—international pop sensation and LGBTQ+ icon Pabllo Vittar is bringing her signature sparkle and electric energy to WorldPride DC 2025.

Organizers announced Thursday that Vittar will headline Fabric of Freedom, one of the festival’s marquee events, taking place Saturday, June 7 at 1235 W Street NE. Presented in partnership with KINETIC Presents, the massive celebration will span more than 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor dance floors, with three high-energy stages set to light up the night.

The event takes its name from this year’s official WorldPride theme, The Fabric of Freedom, which honors the resilience, diversity, and unity of the global LGBTQ+ community.

“Pabllo Vittar is a dynamic performer who unites communities around the world through her music and message,” said Ryan Bos, executive director of the Capital Pride Alliance. “She’s the perfect artist to take the stage for this momentous occasion.”

Known for her genre-blending hits, fierce performances, and unapologetically queer presence, Vittar has built a loyal international following. Her shows are known to turn into full-on celebrations, and Fabric of Freedom promises to be no exception.

Tickets for the event are on sale now, and they’re expected to move fast.

But Vittar’s performance is just the beginning. WorldPride DC 2025 is curating a full weekend of nightlife events that showcase queer joy, creativity, and community from every corner of the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

On Friday, June 6, the weekend kicks off with WOVEN TOGETHER, a mega Pride party hosted by Daryl Wilson Promotions and the Capital Pride Alliance at The Park at 14th. Designed as the ultimate party for men, the event blends fashion, music, and nightlife in a space dedicated to community connection.

That same night, over at 1235 W Street NE, FULL BLOOM will take over with a stacked lineup of DJs and performances. Featuring queer nightlife collectives Flower Factory, Sweet Spot, and NYC’s The Carry Nation, the party will span three stages and offer a vibrant, inclusive dance floor for all.

On Saturday night, the spotlight turns to UNRAVELED: The Official Women’s Party. Also hosted at The Park at 14th, the event will feature four floors, five bars, and an all-female DJ lineup, celebrating queer women, femmes, non-binary folks, and trans baddies in a HER-storic night of music and connection.

Together, these events mark a powerful and playful expression of what WorldPride DC is all about: unity, celebration, and visibility for all identities under the rainbow.

For tickets and the latest updates on WorldPride DC 2025 programming, visit WorldPrideDC.org. Additional performer announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

Spice Girls Tease 30th Anniversary Reunion—But Will Posh Join the Party?

Caitlynn McDaniel
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Spice Girls Tease 30th Anniversary Reunion—But Will Posh Join the Party?

Get ready to zig-a-zig-ah again—because the Spice Girls are cooking up a comeback.

A World Tour in the Works

Nearly 30 years after their debut single “Wannabe” turned them into global icons, the legendary girl group is reportedly in talks for a 2026 world tour, according to The Sun. Geri Horner, Emma Bunton, Mel B, and Mel C are said to be considering hitting the road to celebrate their milestone anniversary—with or without Posh.

The buzz picked up after Geri reconnected with longtime Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller, and the two are rumored to be meeting in Miami this week to brainstorm ideas. Geri will be in town supporting her husband, F1 boss Christian Horner, at the Grand Prix—while Fuller also scored an invite from Red Bull.

Mel C, never one to keep fans waiting, teased the possible reunion back in March during an interview on Australia’s 2Day FM. “We have to do something special,” she said. “Obviously I can’t say too much but we are talking about things. Hopefully a nice little world tour!”

Victoria Beckham: In or Out?

Victoria Beckham has told friends she’s “90 percent out of the running,” The Sun reports, but sources say she may still make a limited appearance, possibly through a digital avatar or one-off moment. “She would always want to honor the girls’ history,” a source shared.

How to Get Tickets to the Spice Girls 2019 Reunion Concerts
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A Legacy of Girl Power

The Spice Girls last performed together in 2019—minus Victoria—on a sold-out UK and Ireland stadium tour, selling over 700,000 tickets and earning around £4.4 million each. Before that, their last major performance was at the 2012 London Olympics closing ceremony.

Whether or not all five Spices are back on stage, fans can already feel the girl power brewing. Stay tuned—this reunion could be the spiciest one yet.

The Spice Girls are a British pop phenomenon who burst onto the scene in 1996 with their debut single “Wannabe,” promoting messages of empowerment, individuality, and “girl power.” The group—made up of Melanie Brown (Scary Spice), Melanie Chisholm (Sporty Spice), Emma Bunton (Baby Spice), Geri Halliwell/Horner (Ginger Spice), and Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice)—quickly rose to global fame. They sold over 100 million records, scored nine No. 1 singles in the UK, and became cultural icons of the late ’90s before Geri’s departure in 1998 and their eventual hiatus.

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