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‘Euphoria Season 3’ Update: Filming Begins with Original Cast Returning

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‘Euphoria Season 3’ Update: Filming Begins with Original Cast Returning

It’s official! Euphoria‘s much-anticipated third season will begin production in January 2025. Nearly three years have passed since the dramatic season 2 finale. Fans can rejoice; all principal cast members will return to continue the dark, gripping saga.

Excitement from HBO

Francesca Orsi, HBO’s Executive Vice President of Programming and Head of Drama Series and Films, shared her excitement about the upcoming season. “I am thrilled that we are ready to begin production on Euphoria in January. We could not be happier with our creative partnership with Sam and this incredible cast,” Orsi said. “We look forward to bringing this new season of Euphoria to life for the fans.”

The ‘Euphoria’ Cast Returns… Mostly

Euphoria follows the tumultuous life of Rue, portrayed by Zendaya, a struggling addict. The show also stars Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, Storm Reid, and Alexa Demie. Despite their rising fame outside the show, HBO confirms that the main cast will return for season 3.

However, not all familiar faces will be back. Barbie Ferreira, who played Kat, exited the show after season 2. Additionally, the show will feel the absence of Angus Cloud, who tragically passed away from an accidental overdose in July 2023.

Plot Teasers and Time Jumps

So, what’s in store for Euphoria season 3? HBO’s Casey Bloys recently revealed to Variety that the new season will feature a significant time jump, moving the characters out of high school. This decision addresses concerns expressed by Jacob Elordi, who humorously told The Tonight Show, “I hope it’s soon, or they’re going to have to Benjamin Button me or something.”

While details about Rue’s journey remain under wraps, fans hope she’s in a better place after her last relapse. The time jump could mean significant changes and growth for all characters.

When Will We See It?

With production starting in January, there’s no official release date yet. Fingers crossed, we might see the new season before 2025 ends.

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Ellen DeGeneres Bids Farewell: Final Tour and Netflix Special Mark End of an Era

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Ellen DeGeneres Bids Farewell: Final Tour and Netflix Special Mark End of an Era

Ellen DeGeneres is officially calling it quits. The comedian and former host of The Ellen DeGeneres Show is currently on a 27-stop farewell tour. However, the tour marks the end of her illustrious public career, with her final Netflix Special set to cap it all off.

Ellen’s Last Stand

At the Santa Rosa leg of her tour on July 3, Ellen told her audience, “This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done.” Despite fans’ hopes, she made it clear she won’t be returning for any projects – including voicing Dory in any new Finding Nemo sequels. “No, I’m going bye-bye, remember?”

Related | Ellen DeGeneres Addresses Getting “Kicked Out of Show Business”

Reflecting on Controversy

Ellen’s decision to step away comes nearly four years after WarnerMedia launched an investigation into allegations of a toxic work environment on her talk show. A 2020 BuzzFeed exposé revealed claims from one current and ten former staffers who described a culture of “racism, fear, and intimidation.” Although Ellen wasn’t directly accused, the revelations were starkly at odds with the show’s feel-good image.

Following the investigation, three executive producers left the show in August 2020. Ellen addressed the controversy during her recent set in Santa Rosa, saying, “Oh yeah, and I got kicked out of show business for being mean.” She has consistently maintained that she was unaware of the issues until they surfaced in the media. In a 2021 interview with TODAY, she expressed her devastation over the allegations and emphasized her dedication to kindness and making people happy.

During her California set, she characterized herself as “demanding and impatient and tough,” but firmly denied being mean. “I am a strong woman,” she told the audience. “I am many things, but I am not mean.”

Time to Say Goodbye

Ellen’s farewell tour, which concludes in August, includes a highly anticipated Netflix special. She announced this would be her last special and promised to address the controversy head-on. “Here we go! To answer the questions everyone is asking me — Yes, I’m going to talk about it. Yes, this is my last special. Yes, Portia really is that pretty in real life,” she quipped on Instagram.

End of an Era

Ellen DeGeneres’s stand-up tour marks the end of a significant chapter in her career. Her two-special deal with Netflix began with the 2018 special Relatable, and her final special promises to blend humor, reflection, and heartfelt goodbyes.

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Joe Locke Bewitches Fans in ‘Agatha All Along’ Trailer

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Joe Locke Bewitches Fans in ‘Agatha All Along’ Trailer

Marvel fans, brace yourselves! Joe Locke, the breakout star from Heartstopper, is back, and he’s bringing his charm and a brand-new American accent to the highly anticipated Agatha All Along. This WandaVision spin-off, featuring Kathryn Hahn as the delightfully devious Agatha Harkness, promises to be a magical treat when it premieres on Disney+ on September 18.

Magical Cast and Characters

Joining the stellar lineup, which includes legends like Patti LuPone and the ever-hilarious Aubrey Plaza, Locke dives into a world of spells and secrets.

The plot follows Agatha as she attempts to reclaim her stolen powers from Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) by convening a coven. The trailer hints at dark and thrilling adventures, with Agatha declaring, “I will walk the Witches’ Road.” Locke’s character, shrouded in mystery but heavily rumored to be Billy Kaplan (aka Wiccan), responds, “The Road will give you the thing you want the most, if you make it to the end.”

Late-Night Fun with Jimmy Kimmel

Locke made his first U.S. late-night appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, spilling behind-the-scenes magic. Interviewed by Hahn, he shared his Marvel fanboy roots. “I’m a big Marvel fan. When I was younger, that was the thing that me and my friends [did]… the thing you do is go and see the new Marvel film,” he gushed.

The teaser they played also gave us our first real look at Locke’s character.

The young actor also recounted the secrecy surrounding his casting. “It was ‘untitled Marvel project’ for ‘untitled role’. Until like my fourth audition, that was all I had,” he said, keeping fans on the edge of their seats about his character’s true identity.

Fated Footwear

In a delightful twist, Hahn and Locke revealed a quirky anecdote from their first chemistry read. Both arrived wearing identical shoes, which Locke humorously called “fated.” This adorable moment only adds to the on-screen magic we can expect from their performances.

The Struggle of Secrets

Locke admitted how challenging it has been to keep the details of his role a secret. “I want to talk about it. There are so many cool things that happen on the show that I want to tell people. And it’s been a long time since we’ve had to keep the secrets,” he confessed, ramping up excitement for the show.

Speculation is rife that Locke’s character is Billy Kaplan, Wiccan, Wanda Maximoff’s son and one of Marvel’s prominent gay superheroes. This theory has fans buzzing and eager to see how the story unfolds.

Set Your Calendars

Mark your calendars for September 18, when Agatha All Along premieres on Disney+ with its first two episodes. With weekly releases through November, this spellbinding series is set to be a must-watch.

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Watch the First Trailer for Elliot Page’s Trans Drama, ‘Close to You’

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Watch the First Trailer for Elliot Page’s Trans Drama, ‘Close to You’

The talented star of Juno and The Umbrella Academy is making waves again in the new trans family drama Close to You, hitting theaters August 16. This is Page’s first major film role since coming out as trans, and the trailer has us reaching for tissues already!

The Story of ‘Close to You’

In Close to You, Elliot Page plays Sam, a trans man who hasn’t been back home since his transition. After four years of living it up in Toronto, he reluctantly returns for his dad’s birthday. What awaits him is a mix of unresolved family drama, awkward conversations, and a rekindled romance.

The trailer kicks off with Sam telling a friend about his upcoming trip. “I’m going home for my dad’s birthday. I haven’t gone back in close to four years,” Sam says. His friend’s cheeky response, “Bold, that’s a bold move,” sets the stage for the emotional rollercoaster ahead.

Screengrab

Family Feels and Awkward Reels

As soon as Sam steps through the door, he immediately feels out of place. “I know I’m just a big disappointment to them,” he confides. His mom’s comment, “I just still think of you as my little girl,” doesn’t help. Another relative awkwardly adds, “I don’t know all the rules. You’re going through a thing we all have to obey.”

Sam’s frustration is palpable. “What are you talking about, ‘rules?’ I’m just a person, just talk to me.”

Related | Elliot Page Dives into VR: Bringing Brooklyn’s Queer Past to Life

Heartwarming Moments

However, the teaser already contains a few heartwarming scenes. Sam’s dad opens up, saying, “You were so sad, and the last thing a parent wants is for their kid to be sad.” Sam’s mom eventually finds the right words, telling him, “I’m so proud of you, my brave boy, living who you really are.” Yes, this one is going to wreck me.

The Man Behind the Story

Elliot Page has been busy! After coming out as trans in December 2020, he’s been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. He continued to shine in The Umbrella Academy, where his character’s transition was thoughtfully woven into the storyline. Check out the new trailer for that here. Page also became a trailblazer, gracing the cover of Time magazine as the first openly trans man.

In Close to You, Page not only stars but also has a “story by” credit with writer/director Dominic Savage. He’s also a producer, bringing a personal touch to this story about love, family, and finding yourself. The film dives deep into the challenges of returning home when you feel like an outsider, a theme many can relate to.

Where to Watch

Close to You promises a mix of humor, heartache, and heartfelt moments. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Elliot Page’s journey, this film is a must-see. Mark your calendars for August 16, and get ready to experience a story that’s as touching as it is timely.

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Sam Smith Updates ‘Stay With Me’ Lyric to Reflect Nonbinary Identity

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Sam Smith Updates ‘Stay With Me’ Lyric to Reflect Nonbinary Identity

Iconic Song ‘Stay With Me’ Updated with New Lyric

Sam Smith has just given fans a reason to celebrate! To mark the 10th anniversary of their debut album, In the Lonely Hour, the nonbinary superstar has re-recorded their smash hit “Stay With Me,” with a meaningful twist.

In an email to fans, Sam Smith, who came out as nonbinary in 2019, announced a vinyl repress of In the Lonely Hour. The reissued album includes a re-recorded version of “Stay With Me,” featuring a revised lyric that reflects Smith’s identity. The original lyric, “But I still need love ’cause I’m just a man,” has been updated to “But I still need love, baby understand.”

A Special Connection

Instagram: @SamSmith

“This song is truly so special to me,” Smith shared. “So for the 10-year anniversary, I re-recorded the track, which will be available on all platforms & physical. Including the updated lyric ‘but I still need love, baby understand,’ which felt really important to me.”

Smith’s announcement brought them back to the song’s origins, revealing a touching story about its creation. “When me, Jimmy, and Tourist wrote this song, none of us would’ve expected it to become what it has in the world. I will never forget Will (Tourist) playing those three chords on the piano. I stopped everything I was doing and said ‘what is that.’ Those chords and this song still stir me in the same way to this day. I’ve never once got sick of singing it. The meaning of this song changes for me whenever I sing it. The words ‘Stay With Me’ can mean a million different things and follow me throughout my life like an old friend.”

Related | Ben Platt Unveils ‘Cherry On Top’ Music Video Featuring Fiancé Noah Galvin

Celebrating Identity

Smith’s decision to update the lyric comes from a place of personal significance. “It’s beautiful to know that sometimes, we can change the past,” Smith said. The new version of “Stay With Me” promises to resonate with fans in a fresh, inclusive way while still preserving the emotional depth of the original.

Pre-Order Now!

The 10th-anniversary edition of In the Lonely Hour is now available for pre-order. The official release is set for August 2.

Exploring Epic Love, Queer Representation, & Rich Asian History in ‘The Emperor and the Endless Palace’

Caitlynn McDaniel
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Exploring Epic Love, Queer Representation, & Rich Asian History in ‘The Emperor and the Endless Palace’

Step into a world where love knows no bounds and transcends time itself, as AAPI author Justinian Huang captivates readers with his debut novel, The Emperor and the Endless Palace, a mesmerizing blend of romance, fantasy, and historical intrigue.

Justinian Huang takes the literary scene by storm with his stunning debut, The Emperor and the Endless Palace. This groundbreaking “romantasy” features not only a gripping love story that defies the ages but also champions LGBTQ and AAPI representation in a thrilling and deeply personal way.

Two Men, Endless Lives: A Roller-Coaster Ride of Love, Fate, and Timeless Romance!

Through the labyrinthine corridors of ancient palaces, the wilds of Asian forests, and the pulsating energy of underground rave scenes, two lovers find themselves eternally connected by fate. Their bond, forged across countless lives, is both a source of strength and potential destruction as they navigate the challenges of each new world they encounter.

As their stories weave together, the men uncover the true power of their love—a force so potent it transcends time itself. However, this profound connection may also be their undoing.

Huang’s debut novel is unpredictable and thrilling. It blends romance, fantasy, and historical intrigue in a way that redefines our understanding of true love. The Emperor and the Endless Palace promises a gripping, genre-defying experience that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

In the following conversation, Huang shares the inspirations behind his novel, the challenges he faced, and the powerful message he hopes to convey through his timeless tale of love and reincarnation.

Related | Get Life Advice from Gay Icons in Michael Joosten’s New Book – ‘The Gay Icon’s Guide to Life’

Interview with the Author

The Emperor and the Endless Palace spans multiple timelines and genres. What inspired you to weave together such different eras and settings into a single narrative?

Justinian Huang: As a queer Asian man, I wanted to show that queerness has reverberated throughout my culture from ancient times to today. So when I decided to adapt the true story of Emperor Ai and his male lover Dong Xian, to reincarnate them as soulmates through Chinese history felt like a fun challenge. And it was.

Can you talk about the significance of queer representation in your novel and how meaningful it is for you to be sharing one today?

Huang: When I came out as a young man, I was told that “Asians can’t be gay,” like it is some sort of modern, Western affliction. So for me to write this book with all queer Asian leads is incredibly meaningful, for sure. But what is more meaningful to me is that the book is entertaining, that it is thrilling and provocative and unique, and I hope it is all those things!

The love story between the Emperor and Dong Xian is both historical and tragic. How did you balance historical accuracy with creative freedom in telling their story?

Huang: It happened so long ago that there isn’t a lot known about them, so I actually got to make up a lot of the stuff. At first, I didn’t know how to characterize Dong Xian… is he just a Disney princess that everything happens to? How much autonomy should he have? When I decided that, no, he should instead be an ambitious fuckboy, that is when the story really started taking shape in my head.

There are some delicious villains in the Endless Palace, like the Grand Empress Dowager Fu and Commander Jujun, that are entirely based on real people, and that just made them all the more interesting to research and write. It was me channeling Game of Thrones, but making it Chinese!

How did your experiences in the queer underground scenes in Asia influence the modern-day parts of your novel?

Huang: Honestly? Pretty much everything that happens in the circuit parties in my book happened to a young me… I even met my soulmate at a circuit party and we proceeded to romantically torture each other for many years. That said, I have yet to stumble upon a sex cult ritual in an ancient temple, but never say never.

Reincarnation and eternal love are central themes in your book. What drew you to these concepts, and how did you develop them in the story?

Huang: I lived in Shanghai from 2015 to 2020, and I rediscovered my Buddhist roots during that time. I was particularly fascinated by reincarnation. I was going through a tough time, so I went to my godmother in Taipei for counseling. She is a Buddhist nun, and she told me that each of our lifetimes is simply one sentence in the unending novel of our soul’s journey through eternity.

Originally, the three timelines of my book were parallel, only intersecting thematically. After hearing what my godmother told me, I decided that my central lovers (the Emperor and Dong Xian) should actually be reincarnating throughout the ages, destined to relive their love story over and over again.

Your novel explores Asian representation in a deeply personal way. How did your cultural background shape the characters and settings in your book?

Huang: I simply wrote what I know.

The novel features a mix of romance, fantasy, and erotic elements. How did you blend these genres to create a cohesive story?

Huang: I have no formal training as a novelist. In fact, I just wrote this book as a pandemic project while isolating in my mom’s attic. So I’m not sure how I managed to blend them into something cohesive! I just wrote whatever thrilled me.

What challenges did you face in writing a debut novel that spans such a vast array of themes and timelines?

Huang: My almost 20-year career as a film exec has given me an almost instinctual ability to structure and beat out story, which definitely helped with writing this book.

How did your background in screenwriting and film influence your approach to writing The Emperor and the Endless Palace?

Huang: Other than the above, I also really value pacing in a good film, and I wanted to lend that to my book. I wanted my book to feel like a rollercoaster, full of twists and turns, and teeter-tottering cliffhangers. Having spent my adult life reading the best scripts, I think I picked up a few tricks along the way.

What message or feeling do you hope readers take away from the love story of the Emperor and Dong Xian?

Huang: Well actually, The Emperor and the Endless Palace is meant to be the first of a trilogy… so their love story is not complete yet!

Can you share any interesting historical details or research discoveries that influenced the plot or characters in your novel?

Huang: I was particularly fascinated by the Heirloom Seal of the Realm, which was an imperial stamp that was used by Emperor Ai and many emperors that came before and after him, and was this legendary artifact of almost magical status. It has since been lost to time, but it makes an appearance in my book–several appearances, in fact!

How did your time living in China impact your writing, particularly in capturing the historical and cultural nuances of your story?

Huang: I was head of development at DreamWorks’s studio in Shanghai, where I got to work with some of the best Chinese creatives, so I would say my tenure there really made me fall in love with my culture and our beautiful stories. It’s why one of the timelines of my book is an adaptation of a classic queer folktale by Pu Songling, about a lonely innkeeper that falls in love with a male fox spirit.

What role do you see your novel playing in the broader landscape of queer and Asian representation in literature?

Huang: I hope it is the predecessor to many more queer Asian books. Similarly to how I view myself as a big brother to the next generation of queer and Asian folks, I can only hope that The Emperor and the Endless Palace serves the same purpose.

What have you learned about yourself and your craft while writing and publishing The Emperor and the Endless Palace?

Huang: I’ve learned that I have thick skin. My book is critically acclaimed, but there are a lot of gatekeepers in the reading community who are very harsh to newcomers like me. That said, I’m nearly done with my second novel with HarperCollins, and I intend to keep writing and finding my audience. This new career is the surprise of my lifetime, and I’m loving every moment of it. I feel like the luckiest person in the world, and I’m not going to waste it!

How to snag your copy:

Buy your copy at HarperCollins, Amazon, & more HERE! 

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The Sims 4 Introduces Polyamory with New Lovestruck Expansion Pack

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The Sims 4 Introduces Polyamory with New Lovestruck Expansion Pack

The Sims franchise has always been about simulating real-life scenarios, including LGBTQ+ experiences. Previously, Sims has made changes to allow users to choose their character’s pronouns and their romantic and sexual preferences. Now, it’s taking a bold new step into the world of polyamory. The upcoming Sims 4 expansion pack, Lovestruck, will let players explore romantic relationships like never before. Set to release on July 25, this pack brings a fresh and exciting twist to the beloved game.

What is the Lovestruck Expansion

With the Lovestruck expansion, players can dive into the romance-themed city of Ciudad Enamorada, which features three vibrant neighborhoods: Vista Hermosa, Plaza Mariposa, and Nuevo Corazón. In these locales, Sims can become romance consultants, create dating profiles, and even date multiple people. It’s all about exploring love and relationships in a more open and inclusive way.

Romantic Boundaries: Customize Your Love Life

One of the standout features of the Lovestruck pack is the “Romantic Boundaries” patch. This update lets players control their Sims’ exclusivity settings, offering a more nuanced approach to romantic relationships. According to the official Sims 4 blog, “[The Romantic Boundaries system] will allow you to customize your Sim’s experience with boundaries and jealousy. You can now define how your Sims approach romantic relationships in terms of physical and emotional romantic exclusivity. This allows for Sims to date multiple Sims without impact to other relationships.”

A Long-Awaited Feature

Polyamory has been a highly-requested feature among Sims players for years. Some dedicated fans even created mods to allow for open relationship storylines. Now, the Sims team has finally answered those requests, making it easier than ever to create and manage polyamorous relationships within the game.

A Commitment to Inclusivity

Over the past few years, The Sims 4 has made significant strides toward inclusivity. In 2022, the game introduced nonbinary pronouns, and in 2023, it added trans-affirming medical wearables like binders, top surgery scars, and shapewear. These updates are small but crucial steps in making the game more inclusive for all players, especially queer gamers.

Get Ready for a Messy Queer Polycule

The Sims 4 continues to push the boundaries of virtual life simulation, and the Lovestruck expansion pack is a perfect example. Whether you’re planning a complex polycule or just want to explore new romantic possibilities, this update promises to bring a whole new level of depth and fun to the game. Mark your calendars for July 25 and get ready to dive into the drama of Ciudad Enamorada!

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Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal Get Down & Dirty in ‘Gladiator 2’

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Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal Get Down & Dirty in ‘Gladiator 2’

Pedro Pascal set the internet on fire with a sneak peek of Gladiator 2. The beloved actor, known for his roles in The Mandalorian and The Last Of Us, shared two intense photos from the upcoming movie, showing his character in a fierce battle with Paul Mescal’s character. He simply captioned the post, “Uh. Oh #Gladiator2,” and fans went wild.

Fans React to the Drama

Pascal’s followers didn’t hold back their excitement. I mean, what’s better than seeing Mescal and Pascal all scruffy and dirty in leather skirts?

Many fans also playfully begged Pascal not to meet another on-screen demise, with one top comment reading, “I think I speak for everyone when I kindly request that you don’t die for once.”

A weapon flies right at Pascal’s face in the exclusive pictures, so the odds may not be in his favor.

Meet the New Characters

In Gladiator 2, Pedro Pascal plays Marcus Acacius, a Roman general trained under the original film’s hero, Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe). Pascal shared with Vanity Fair that his character is that of a skilled leader caught up in the whirlwind of his actions. “I think that a lot happens before you can stop and question what you’ve done. And then of course there’s no changing it,” Pascal said. “He’s a very, very good general, which can mean a very good killer.”

Opposite Pascal is Paul Mescal as Lucius Verus. Fans of the original movie will remember Lucius as the young boy co-ruling Rome with the sinister emperor Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix. Lucius is the son of Lucilla (Connie Neilsen) and the grandson of Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris).

Russell Crowe’s Take on the Sequel

Russell Crowe, who starred as Maximus in the original Gladiator, won’t be making a return. His character’s death in the first film rules out a comeback. On the Kyle Meredith With… podcast, Crowe admitted he feels “slightly uncomfortable” about Ridley Scott’s decision to make a sequel. “I have no say in what gets done,” he revealed.

When Can You Watch?

Gladiator 2 will hit theaters on November 22 (the same day as Wicked, if anyone is wondering).

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Comedian Amber Ruffin Comes Out as Queer

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Comedian Amber Ruffin Comes Out as Queer

Amber Ruffin, talk show host, comedian, writer, and Tony Award nominee, proudly came out as queer this week in a heartfelt Instagram post.

Known for breaking barriers as the first Black woman to write for a late-night talk show, Ruffin celebrated the last day of Pride Month by sharing her truth.

“In what will come as a shock to exactly zero people, I’m using the last day of PRIDE to come out!” Ruffin wrote. “Be proud of who you are, little babies! I know I am! And I can’t wait to be discriminated against for a new reason.”

Related | Celebrities Who Have Came Out as Queer in 2024 (So Far)

Celebrating with Style

Ruffin’s post included a series of fun photos, including one where she wore a tank top proudly displaying the word “queer.” Her peers congratulated her quickly, including renowned comedian Wanda Sykes and SNL’s Bowen Yang.

Credit: Instagram/@amberruffin

Wicked star Cynthia Erivo also welcomed Ruffin to the family, “Welcome baby love!! Bathrooms are to the left, refreshments to the right, grab a chair. The DJ takes requests.”

Director of Red, White and Royal Blue, Matthew Lopez joked, “Welcome, recruit. The hazing isn’t toooooo bad. Love you.”

One Tree Hill star Sophia Bush added, “Our team just keeps getting hotter and smarter!! Happy Pride, dear one.”

Actor Mark Ruffalo even said, “Another gifted and brilliant person joins the ranks of so many others. Be proud!”

Amber’s Legacy

Amber Ruffin is a dynamic entertainment industry figure known for her trailblazing role as the first Black woman to write for a late-night talk show (Seth Meyers). She appears in multiple sketches including “Amber Says What?”, “Amber’s Minute of Fury”, “Jokes Seth Can’t Tell.” She also hosted The Amber Ruffin Show, which aired on Peacock from 2020 to 2022, and has received acclaim as a comedian, writer, and Tony Award nominee. Amber co-authored the New York Times best-selling book You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey.

Congratulations, Amber! Welcome to the queer community.

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Trans Nonbinary Athlete Nikki Hiltz is Going to the Olympics

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Trans Nonbinary Athlete Nikki Hiltz is Going to the Olympics

Thrilling Victory at US Olympic Trials

Nikki Hiltz is redefining what it means to be a champion in the track and field world.

Hiltz secured their place on the US Olympic team with a breathtaking win in the Women’s 1500m race at the US Olympic Track and Field Trials. Hiltz, a biological female identifying as transgender non-binary, clocked in at a record 3 minutes, 55.33 seconds, marking the second-fastest time ever by an American in this event. They will head to Paris on their first Olympic team later this year.

A Race to Remember

The final push in the race was nothing short of thrilling. With 300 meters left, Hiltz suddenly accelerates and passes their competition from fourth place. They faced intense competition from Elle Purrier St. Pierre and Emily Mackay. St. Pierre, already an Olympian, took an early lead, dominating the first 61 seconds. “The field was really deep, and I wanted to make it honest,” she said. But in the final lap, Hiltz and Mackay surged forward, setting up a dramatic finish.

“I told myself, ‘I’m not going to think about all the love and support until 100 meters to go. Then you can let it all fill you up and push you to the finish line,'” Hiltz revealed.

A Proud Moment for the LGBTQ+ Community

Hiltz’s partner, Emma Gee, proudly celebrated the victory on Instagram. “Y’all, they are headed to Paris,” she wrote. “Nikki Hiltz is an Olympian. Olympic Trials 1500m champion.”

Credit: Instagram/@Emma_Gee1777

After the race, the Olympian tells NBC Sports that they are also motivated by the “love and support” they’ve received from the LGBTQ+ community. “This is bigger than me,” Hiltz said. “It’s the last day of Pride month. I wanted to run this one for my community, and yeah, all the LGBTQ folks. You guys brought me home that last hundred [meters]. I could just feel the love and support.”

Looking Ahead to Paris 2024

Reflecting on their performance, Hiltz shared with the Paris 2024 Olympics press team, “A month ago I was in 3:59 shape, now 3:55. Where I’ll be in a month? I don’t know and I don’t want to put limits on that. I knew I was going to have to set a personal record to make this team, but 3:55? I haven’t gotten my head around that.”

They continued, “I haven’t wrapped my head around the Olympics… there’s so much catching up to do.”

Breaking Barriers in Track and Field

Credit: Instagram @nikkihiltz/@pacephoto

Hiltz publicly came out as trans and non-binary in 2021, sharing their journey on Instagram: “Hi, I’m Nikki, and I’m transgender. That means I don’t identify with the gender I was assigned at birth. The word I use currently to describe my gender is non-binary. The best way I can explain my gender is as fluid.”

Their journey to the Olympics is a personal triumph and a landmark moment for the LGBTQ+ community. Hiltz’s success highlights strength, resilience, and the importance of inclusivity in sports.

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