Legendary icon Cher is unveiled as the new face of UGG

American Airlines and Apple are among the companies that have earned a perfect score throughout the history of the index. American image by Gagliardi Photography/Shutterstock; Apple by Achinthamb/Shutterstock.The number of companies earning a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index continues to increase, with a record 842 employers doing so in the index’s 2022 edition, released Thursday.The index, in its 20th year, rates companies on their policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace.

Drag Race legend Shangela has finally spoken out about rumours that she will appear on the upcoming season of Celebrity Big Brother US.

Rihanna is backing her belief that climate change is a social-justice issue by pledging $15 million to the movement through her Clara Lionel Foundation.The “We Found Love” singer on Jan. 25 announced the donation to 18 climate justice organizations doing work in seven Caribbean nations and the United States.

Good Sam was pushed back about a year.Santos was up for the part back in 2020, when he jumped into a producer session for the series. “It was honestly one of the least stressful appointments I've ever had for a series,” he tells The Advocate.Then COVID happened. He was initially offered the part in 2020, but it took another year to finalize everything with the pandemic in full swing.

Melanie Willingham-Jaggers

A number of LGBTQ candidates seeking congressional and state legislative seats in California have picked up the backing of two high-profile LGBTQ advocacy organizations. In most of the races the endorsements overlap, though one of the groups is so far sitting out the special election for an Assembly seat in San Francisco.

With the recent news of the management and programming changes at the Castro Theatre, the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District made a list of demands of the new management in a letter it published January 20.

Brian Basinger, a gay man who serves as the executive director of the Q Foundation, wants readers to know that his neighborhood — the Tenderloin — is the real heart of queer San Francisco."The Castro's a fad. Polk is a fad," Basinger boldly declared in an interview with the Bay Area Reporter.

U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Breyer, who had joined landmark decisions from the court in support of LGBTQ rights, announced January 26 that he'd retire, opening up a new battle over the judiciary and the potential for President Joe Biden to add his first nominee to the high court.

Cryptocurrency exchange FTX US said on Wednesday (Jan 26) it was valued at US$8 billion after raising US$400 million in its first funding round from investors including Japan's SoftBank Group Corp and Singapore's Temasek Holdings.

Deadlinereports the ongoing Omicron surge continues to cause a steady decline in crowds for shows, with attendance sliding another 6% just last week. At the moment, there are only 21 shows performing on the Great White Way, down from 25 the week before.Broadway theaters have taken desperate measures to try and lure audiences back into seats. This month has seen Broadway Week, the semi-annual promotion that sees massively reduced ticketed prices, extended to almost a full month.

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and four major LGBTQ civil rights advocacy groups in the state have joined together to urge the United States Food and Drug Administration to end decades of restrictions on gay and bisexual men donating blood.

Eric Trump took to Twitter this week to remind everyone he’s the dumb one issue a dramatic “fraud alert” to his 4 million followers. And just like that, irony was declared dead.Related: Eric Trump proves the body can successfully survive without a brain in latest Fox News appearance“Fraud Alert,” he wrote. “It has come to our attention that someone is promoting a crypto currency called ‘TrumpCoin’ (Symbol ‘TRUMP’).

awarded Tim Cook a restraining order against a Virginia woman accused of stalking the out Apple CEO, trespassing on his property, and threatening to burn down his Palo Alto home. In the restraining order application, filed last week to the Santa Clara County Superior Court of California, the 45-year-old woman is alleged to have demonstrated “erratic, threatening and bizarre” behavior, including threatening emails featuring images of loaded handguns she claimed to have purchased. Cook’s lawyers told the judge they believe the woman from McLean, Va. is armed and in the Bay Area with intentions of returning to Cook’s home or to “locate him otherwise shortly” in their filing. The court, which found the threat against Cook credible, prohibited the woman from possessing a firearm in addition to having any interaction with Apple employees, including its CEO.

Musician and Euphoria star Dominic Fike recently posted a photo of himself kissing Gossip Girl star Evan Mock on social media.Fike posted the photo on his Instagram story, which was shared more widely via screenshots:  A post shared by Pop Crave (@popcrave)While many applauded the intimate show of affection, several commenters raised concerns of queer-baiting.“This is the best thing I’ve ever seen,” commented one person, while another wrote, “queerbaiting at its finest.”Fike, who plays queer character Elliot on season two of HBO’s Euphoria, hasn’t publicly discussed how he identifies. He’s been linked to actress Diana Silvers in the past, and more recently, rumored to be dating his Euphoria co-star Hunter Schafer.

Pope Francis told parents of gay children not to condemn them but to support them."Never condemn a child," the pope said in off-the-cuff remarks during his weekly general audience on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press, which reported that the move was the latest outreach gesture from the Catholic church to the LGBTQ community."Parents who see that their children have different sexual orientations, how they manage that and accompany their children and not hide behind a condemning attitude," Pope Francis was quoted by the AP.The official teaching from the Catholic church calls for gay people to be respected and loved; however, it considers homosexual activity "intrinsically disordered," according to the AP.Francis has made moves during his papacy to welcome members of the LGBTQ community to the church. Recently, he congratulated an American nun, Sister Jeannine Gramick, on 50 years of her LGBTQ ministry, which was previously condemned by the Vatican, the AP added.In 2021, the Vatican's doctrinal office issued a document saying Catholic priests were not allowed to bless same-sex marriage unions; however, Francis said it can support civil union laws to give gay partners joint rights in terms of health care, inheritance issues and pensions, according to New Delhi Television (NDTV).Conservatives in the Catholic church, which counts 1.3 billion members in total, believe the pope is giving mixed messages on homosexuality and is confusing those who are faithful, NDTV added.In 2021, Pope Francis allowed publication of a Vatican document stating that the church would not bless same-sex unions because God "cannot bless sin," according to the AP.

Secrets of Playboy earlier this week. Among the show’s most surprising revelations: Hugh Hefner had a long-term sexual relationship with another man, Dr.

Have you ever wondered what is privilege? Why does mentioning it detonate conversations? What happens when five people try to make a musical to figure this out? Privilege: The Musical! That’s what. This glittering new extravaganza is the most ambitious show to date from award-winning theatre-maker Louise White. Described as a soul-searching look at power […]

new study from Ragon Institute — a research group dedicated to finding vaccines and cures for HIV and other infectious diseases — suggests that if scientists can figure out how some people are able to control HIV without drugs they may be able to permanently “block and lock” HIV infection.HIV is a retrovirus, which means it doesn’t just hijack the cell and force it to make a new virus. Instead, it buries itself into nucleus of our cells, splicing itself into our DNA.

An attractive alternative investment or no better than a Ponzi scheme? Cryptocurrencies are controversial – challenging conventional financial wisdom and worrying regulatory authorities around the world.

Beloved Irish queer artist Jaime Nanci is back with a new release, ‘Escalante Street’ described as a sweeping electronic ballad filled with 80s influences, that still manages to stay fresh and contemporary. Nanci’s career started when he became the frontman of Cuckoo Savante, an iconic band in Ireland’s live scene, and his first album Toy […]

The Simpsons, “like eat at Arby’s.” The implication of the animated show’s repeated ribbing of the fast-food chain over the years is that even this all-American hetero workingman’s family would be hardpressed to find something redeeming at the eatery.So it’s unexpected to have a top chef (and Top Chef winner) cite Arby’s as a culinary influence. (OK, it’s no Tim Gunn admitting to pandemic lounging in sweats, but still.) Although she may not go there for “the meats,” which is what the chain’s ads currently promote, Korean-American chef Kristen Kish acknowledges her drive-through favorites include “fried chicken in any form and french fries — always.

LGBTQ+ workers in the United States earn 90 cents for every dollar that a typical worker earns, new analysis has revealed.

at least seven states propose bills that target transgender people, freedom of expression and freedom of speech. It is time to stop politicians legislating the nation's bathrooms—and for institutions to step up their defense of freedom.The motive is clear. Republicans have used gender identity as a scare tactic, using lies and myths to attempt to stoke votes out of fear.

The 74-year-old has been embarking on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour and was due to appear in Dallas, Texas on 25 and 26 of January.

Premiering 1 February on BBC Three, the international spin-off will see the queens of Drag Race UK compete against some of the most sickening performers from other global editions of the franchise, including the original US version, Canada’s Drag Race, Drag Race Holland and Drag Race Thailand.

Last week (18 January), the game’s developers announced plans to include pronouns during an online livestream.

The Cal State Long Beach art museum, which has undergone an ambitious renovation and expansion, will open next month with exhibits by two important and influential abstract artists: Linda Besemer, who identifies as queer, and Mark Bradford, who identifies as gay.

occasion of President Joe Biden’s first 100 days, I wrote that he was giving the world a lesson on moving forward. At that point, he had pushed the big, bold American Rescue Plan through Congress, and we all had high hopes for the rest of his agenda.I also wrote about how he stumbled going up the steps of Air Force One soon after taking office, and how he got right back up and bounded to the top.

Vaccinated and Horny Tour. After embarking on her nationwide tour early last year, Handler has brought her sensational comedy prowess to 50+ American cities.

While most mainstream media attention focused on the massive increase in hate crimes against Asian American and Pacific Islanders in San Francisco last year, the numbers were also up a striking 50% for LGBTQs, the police department reported January 25.

Kid Rock tears into Joe Biden, Anthony Fauci and Covid mitigation policies in his new, pro-Trump anthem.“We the people in all we do reserve the right to scream, ‘F— you!” the singer shouts in the song “We the People,” released Monday.“Wear your mask. Take your pills. Now a whole generation is mentally ill,” he also sings.The chorus of the song repeats, “Let’s go, Brandon,” a phrase which became an unlikely rallying cry for some Right-wing groups last year after an NBC Sports reported said a NASCAR crowd was chanting the words in support of driver Brandon Brown.

The New York Times published a piece on the global boycott of the Beverly Hills Hotel and all Dorchester Collection properties. The boycott stems from the draconian policies against women and the LGBTQ+ community imposed by properties’ owner, Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, in his country.The Times interviewed me for its story, as I have been a recognized leader of the boycott since its inception in 2014.

Rich Lopez was on the scene at American Airlines Center for Pride night at the Dallas Mavs.

Related: Three injured in brutal anti-gay hate crime in New York City subwayHe said that they knocked him unconscious and kept on beating him while others tried to stop them.“I have a broken nose a shattered eye socket and have to have surgery, I’m full of cuts and bruises,” he wrote on the social media platform. “I didn’t ever think I would go into my home town Manchester where I spend a lot of weekends enjoying myself to be beaten up by bouncers, in a well known gay bar.”  A post shared by Ronan Gordon (@ronanrgordon)A spokesperson for Bloom confirmed that the attack happened that night in a statement posted to social media.“We are aware and deeply shocked by the incident that happened the morning of Saturday 22nd and we are working directly with the police to resolve this,” they said in a statement. “The security staff involved are currently suspended pending investigation so that appropriate measures can be taken.”“We strive to make Bloom nightclub a fun, welcoming and safe environment for all our LGBTQ+ family who visits us.

LGBTQ venues shuttering? Thankfully, it’s not all doom and gloom. Things are looking up for 2022 with new gay bars opening left and right.

Marta Balaga Chosen as the protagonist of the Rotterdam Film Festival’s Focus section, Amanda Kramer will show eight films to the festival audience, ranging from her 2016 short “Bark” to “Give Me Pity!” and this year’s opener “Please Baby Please,” both set to celebrate their world premieres at the festival.“It’s a funny thing, to be a relatively obscure artist given this very pronounced focus on your work,” Kramer tells Variety. “When Rotterdam was so keen to show it, I was just elated. It felt like I had done something right.”In “Please Baby Please,” starring Andrea Riseborough and Harry Melling as a couple suddenly faced with their long-dormant fantasies, as well as a violent greaser gang, Kramer turns her attention to the 1950s.

They say forgiveness is for the forgiver, but apparently Kathy Griffin either doesn’t see it that way, or she simply isn’t ready to free herself from past hurts.The 61-year-old funny lady was just profiled by The New York Times and she’s once again taking digs at Andy Cohen and talking about being canceled.In case you need a refresher: Cohen replaced Griffin on CNN’s New Year’s Eve show after she was fired by the network in 2017 for taking a picture of herself holding the severed head of Donald Trump.Speaking to the Times about that now-infamous photo, Griffin says, “I wasn’t just canceled. I was erased.”This was absolutely one of the funniest things Kathy Griffin has done pic.twitter.com/BkWKPAKuhE— hunky dory (@hotwetangry) January 19, 2022“When you’re an artist known for being ‘difficult’ and you’re a man, they write New Yorker profiles about you and then Aaron Sorkin writes an open letter in support,” she explains.

he’s tested positive for COVID-19.John broke the news himself in his Instagram Stories. “It’s always a massive disappointment to move shows and I’m so sorry to anyone who’s been inconvenienced by this but I want to keep myself and my team safe,” he wrote. The venue confirmed the changes on its website. “It is with great regret that the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour dates ...

Ever since Meghan McCain left The View six months ago, the show has featured a rotating roster of conservative guest co-hosts as it searches for a permanent replacement. One person who definitely does not appear to be in the running for the job is provocateur Ann Coulter.“Yes, of course I would [take the job] but they will never pick me,” Coulter recently told The New York Post.

Football’s Coming Out, a brand-new documentary asks why homophobia is still rife in football and how one of the world’s most popular sports can combat this. The documentary plays host to an array of high profile faces from the field of football including former Premier League manager, Ian Holloway, Leeds United striker, Patrick Bamford, and […]

The Dallas Morning News is reporting that Elton John has cancelled his concert set for tonight (Tuesday, Jan. 25) at 8 p.m. at the American Airlines after testing positive for COVID-19. Tonight’s concert was the first of two scheduled in Dallas as part of Elton’s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour.” The second was set for tomorrow night (Wednesday, Jan. 26), also at the American Airlines Center.

Fran Bennett, an American Trans woman of Irish descent, was a Roman Catholic Trappist monk and devoted her life to contemplation, prayer and service. Earlier this month, Fran sadly passed away, leaving behind a grieving community. Fran came out as Trans in 2016 prompted by her discovery that she was also intersex announcing her true […]

Generally speaking, the Trumps tend to exhibit a “no publicity is bad publicity” mentality when it comes to any sort of media coverage. But even Don Jr. appears to realize that maybe, just maybe, the batsh*t crazy video he posted over the weekend went a little too far.Quick recap: On Sunday, Jr.

The Crown and the recent movie, Spencer, didn’t offer enough of an insight into the life of the late Princess Diana, prepare yourself for a more factual exploration of her years in the limelight.A new documentary, The Princess, made by Ed Perkins, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. It’s turned into one of the festival’s big talking points.The doc includes no interviews or voiceovers, and instead stitches together hundreds of pieces of media footage from Diana’s life, pretty much from the time she became engaged to Charles, the Prince of Wales, in 1981.Related: Sarah Ferguson just threw the entire royal family under the bus… then got hit by the bus herselfThe footage, some of which would appear shocking to today’s audiences, includes a newsreader talking of why the 19-year-old Diana was a suitable match for the 32-year-old heir to the British throne, adding her family had “vouched for her virginity.”Other footage includes how wedding fever swept the UK … although one off-the-ball pundit predicted the paparazzi would no longer be interested in Diana after her wedding day (talk about getting it wrong!).The documentary traces Diana’s life in the limelight, up until her death in 1997 in a car crash in Paris.Related: Meghan Markle speaks out against royal family and doesn’t mince her wordsMost of the reviews of the The Princess have been favorable, with it scoring 82% on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of writing.

Taylor, 54, said she hoped her prize-winning “C+nto & Othered Poems” could act as a catalyst for other under-represented LGBTQ+ people to offer “an alternative narrative”, urging TV production companies to embrace them as writers.

British Olympic Association confirmed Kenworthy would be part of their team. The country is sending 50 athletes to Beijing.Great Britain is not known for producing many medal-winning freestyle skiers, but Kenworthy’s inclusion in the squad was not guaranteed after he reported experiencing some lingering health problems following a Covid infection late last year.

Nine state LGBTQ rights organizations announced a new coalition aimed at getting civil rights protections enshrined in federal law before the midterm elections.