Music Monday: Queer Katseye

Yes, I know, I KNOW. This is an commercial. Corporations aren’t our friends. But, damn, if it isn’t catchy. And for the past month it’s been the jeans antidote to that awful Aryan Nation-esque American Eagle abomination from Sydney Sweeney. Also this ad is the only reason I know who KATSEYE is. And because I know who KATSEYE, the multi-cultural K-pop girl group, is I have learned that it includes not one but two out members. They are Lara Raj, who came out in March, and Megan Skiendiel who came out during Pride month. Aw, and their own music is pretty damn catchy too. And, again, not racist. Which can’t be said of the federal government. I mean, they creates a gory telenovela masterpiece where all the women are fighting over Jessica Alba (instead of a stupid man, yay) and a pussy wins at the end. 10/10, no notes as the kids say. I think. Happy Monday, kittens.

My Weekend Crush

Somehow I missed Melissa Etheridge’s daughter getting married – sorry, let me be more specific, getting gay married – last month. So belated mazel tov to Melissa's eldest daughter, Bailey Jean Cypheridge, and her wife Bailey Jocelyn Simone Rhude who got hitched at a winery in Sonoma in September. The couple wore custom Armani which is super gay and had “100% female and queer vendors” which is even gayer. Oh, and mama Etheridge also performed, making this perhaps the gayest wedding ever. I wish the happy couple endless, overwhelming gayness for the rest of their days. To the brides, and the most lesbian mother-in-law situation ever. Happy weekend, all.

My Weekend Crush

Yeah, yeah, I know it’s not Pride anymore. But I wanted to salute these Pride Hard Launches that slipped in late in the month. How did people announce their relationships before Instagram? So belated mazel tov to Elliot Page who hard launched on the Gram with “Overcompensating” star Julia Shiplett. This is Elliot’s first public relationship since coming out as trans I believe, so very much good for him. Also the kids today seem to love “Overcompensating.” Truly well done all around. And congrats to Top Chef-testants Melissa King and Nini Nguyen who Storied their hard launch. I just watched Nini in “24 in 24: Last Chef Standing” (yes, I watch all the Food network slop) and Melissa has always been *swoon*. These cuties all deserve each other. More happy queers being happy queers together makes my heart happy, and we could all use happier hearts. Happy weekend (and hearts), all.

Movie Review: Sally

Heartbreak is often the inspiration for great art. But can great inspiration also break your heart? “Sally,” the new documentary about Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, does a little of both. Her status as an American icon is assured, inspiring countless girls and others to pursue science and reach, quite literally, for the stars. But her private life, which for the first time has been laid open for all to see, in the new documentary will also break your heart.

In the end, Sally Ride’s story is that one of the bravest women in the entire world was still too scared to live her life openly and authentically. It was only after her death in 2012, that the whole universe learned she was a lesbian and had a more than quarter century relationship with partner Tam O'Shaughnessy. So while Sally’s name may be on the marquee, the documentary is really Tam’s story as well. She was the partner long shuffled to the shadows and asked to keep this secret about the person who she loved most and who loved her most.

It’s also a sobering reminder that homophobia and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments are not just an ancient relic. Truly, this era should cure anyone from believing that the struggles for civil rights – be they for queer people or people of color or immigrants or those with disabilities – are over. The sad truth is, we can always go backwards. At 73, Tam’s life continues to be shaped by the specter of the closet. Anyone who also watched the new Pee Wee Herman documentary, in which Paul Reubens also comes out posthumously, had that message reinforced here. We are still losing heroes who believed the only way they could truly be honest with the world about themselves was in death. Still. We have not overcome and the so-called past remains too much of our present.

As Tam says during “Sally”:

“She was afraid. That’s heartbreaking. For me but also for her….The world made it tricky and painful. But we were brave enough to love each other.”

May we reach a point as humans where no one has to be so brave that they feel safer slipping the surly bonds of Earth than being open about being gay. Wouldn’t it be amazing if, as Tam put it, all those tribal fears we hold to about race, gender, nationality, who we love and all the other arbitrary restrictions we place on ourselves and others just melted away. We’re all just little people living on a crazy blue marble. Humans can do extraordinary and inspiring things, but the most extraordinary and the bravest is often simply being ourselves.

Out, Out, Gen Z

For every generation, a preferred coming out medium is born. For us Gen X’s it was the major magazine cover coming out that allowed celebs to “Yep, I’m gay” themselves into history. For Millennials their coming out moment was typified by Kristen Stewart telling the past (and sadly present) president she is “like so gay gay, dude” during her SNL monologue. And Gen. Z? Well, we’ve got two strong early front-runners this Pride.

First up we have 18-year-old “Modern Family” star Aubrey Anderson-Emmons (who played Lily) coming out as bi to a meme sound of her own character on TikTok. Congrats, Aubrey. Welcome to THE family.

Second we have 22-year-old UConn star Azzi Fudd ending all the speculation about whether she is dating her former teammate and new WNBA star Paige Bueckers, 23. I think her “Paige Bueckers’ girlfriend” phone case clearly visible in a recent Insta stories answers that question, next?

Both these comings out are incredibly meta social shares, which is perfect for Gen. Z.

Tank Top Tuesday: Newbies Edition

What would Pride Month be without queer women in tank tops? Not nearly as fun, that’s for sure. So let’s celebrate some of the queer female celebrities who came out in 2025 so far. All they need is a toaster oven and their Welcome Kits will be complete.

Jade Carey

Two-time Olympic gold-medalist Jade Carey came out in March, hard launching her girlfriend. And, you all know my longstanding rule that sleeveless leotards belong in the Tank Top Cinematic Universe.

Isabela Merced

I will admit to not having started the second season of “The Last of Us” yet, because when it already feels a little like the end of the world it’s somehow not as fun. But I will watch it, especially because it’s when shit gets really gay between two in-real-life queer actors. Also, this clearly counts as a tank top – just one with slightly less thread than others.

Aja

“Drag Race” alum Aja recently came out as bisexual, and I say the more trans women who join the wlw ranks the better. Especially in tank tops.

Anna Camp

In news that will make “Pitch Perfect” Beca and Chloe shippers lose their shit, Anna Camp casually came out recently as having a younger, masc girlfriend. A little “Carol” for 2025, and I’m not that mad about it.

Supriya Ganesh

I will also admit to not watching “The Pitt,” yet! But it’s only because I can be a little squeamish with realistic medical shows. But I want to watch, and I think that’s what counts. And knowing star Supriya Ganesh has come out as queer and uses they/them pronouns could turn that wish into a reality.

Lola Young

The “Messy” singer has emphatically confirmed that she also likes pussy and I think that’s too perfect.

Alexis Floyd

I don’t watch “Grey’s Anatomy” anymore either (see above re: medical shows), so I have no idea what kind of doctor Dr. Simone Griffith is. But I know Alexis Floyd has had “relationships with people of all sorts of gender identities,” which seems like a very open-minded prescription. Look, it’s Thursday and it’s hard coming up with more doctor jokes. Also this counts because one strap falling down on your tank top is an extremely relatable experience in the Tank Top Cinematic Universe.

A True Star

I was just old enough to remember the historic moment that Sally Ride became the first American woman in space. It was the definition of inspirational. And was an in-your-face to the continuously skeptical sexists everywhere who continue to haunt our national discourse. It was also, to put it simply, the opposite of whatever that tone-deaf celebrity tourist trip to space last month was. But being the first anything almost always comes with a price. And for the very private Ride, it was the ability to live openly as a queer woman with her 27-year partner Tam O’Shaughnessy. I even wonder if I had known way back in 1983 that The Sally Ride was also a lesbian, I might have figured it out about myself a little sooner, too. Instead, we all found out with her passing in 2012. But I am pleased that history sometimes allows us to look back to appreciate the whole person after their passing. I am also so pleased that her partner Tam has this moment to be herself as well. So I can’t wait to watch this when it starts streaming during Pride Month. These are the kinds of stars who will always inspire.

Fruit of Meryl’s Loom

Um, did you know Meryl Streep has a hot masc queer daughter? Did you know her hot masc daughter did a super hot ad campaign for some underwear/fashion brand I’ve never heard of before but, and I cannot emphasize this enough, is ridiculously hot? Look, I’m a perimenopausal woman, you can’t just drop insane thirst traps like this on me. I’m likely to overheat. I am actively overheating. Which, honesty, is the one time a hot flash is fine. Also did I flip this photo below to the proper orientation because have I mentioned I am perimenopausal and twisting my neck can be problematic. Yeah, that’s why.

Also, whatever this brand is (I know, it’s Kallmeyer), lesbians everywhere thank you for making both underwear, denim and suits. Like, wait, is this like Lesbian Calvin Klein? Which is almost redundant to say because, hello, every lesbian owns that one Calvin sports bra.

Anyway, 33-year-old Louisa Jacobson (Meryl’s youngest child and a star on “The Gilded Age”), came out last Pride via Instagram in a post with her girlfriend. I know, I know – now you are disappointed. But we can still look on respectfully. Hey, I said respectfully. Well, good luck with that. Happy Hump Day, indeed.

p.s. I think Fruit of Meryl’s Loom should be a queer band name. Just putting that out there for free, universe.

My Weekend Crush

Everyone is gayyyyyy. Fine, not everyone, but two-time Olympic gold medalist Jade Carey sure is. The gymnastic champion came out last week by hard launching her relationship with girlfriend Aimee Sinacola on Instagram. Oh, modern love and when to post the Insta official pics. Jade won the all-around gold at the 2020 (well, really 2021) Tokyo Games and team gold at the 2024 Paris Games. The 24-year-old is a student at Oregon State University and her girlfriend is the director of creative content for the University of Oregon's athletics department. So we’re talking intra-state rivals to lovers storyline here? Someone, take notes. I see a bestselling sapphic romance. Naturally, basically all of her “Golden Girls” Paris teammates rushed to congratulate her including Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles and Suni Lee. So I’d say the hard launch was a success (and not just because that Emerald Mine Nazi Baby’s space company wasn’t involved…) Anyway, congratulations to the happy out couple. Good luck picking a Pacific Northwest college team to root for in that household. Happy weekend, all.

Happy Not Outing

Would you like something adorable that isn’t actually gay but is definitely gay adjacent and also did I mention adorable? Now many of you may know Allison Tolman from the first season of the “Fargo” TV series (or “Emergence”). But I know and love her from the very little-seen “Downward Dog” which was told from the perspective of Allison’s character’s dog and omfg was so sweet and I kind of hate the universe for not watching this show. Anyway. Where was I? Oh yeah, so recently Allison was on Seth Meyer’s show and told the story of her accidental coming out. Not only did she accidentally post that she came out, she did it on National Coming Out Day and then turned off her phone for a couple hours. Aw, the straights say the darndest things. Unrelated, but I would kill for Allison and Melanie Lynskey to play sisters in a project. Make it happen, universe! Then I might almost forgive you for the “Downward Dog” thing. Almost.

p.s. Is anyone watching “St. Denis Medical” on NBC? It looks kinda funny, but I’m kinda maxed out on network shows. Worth it? I don’t want to be making others “Downward Dog” mistake here.

All the Queers Fit to Cast

How about a big old queer roundup of roles for big old queers to round out the week? Yeah, say that five times fast. As we all search desperately for things to look forward to in the next four years, here are some projects and actors who I am thrilled remain busy for the foreseeable future.

Let’s start things off with Elliot Page, who is on a bit of a run what with his signing a deal with Bell Media and being super cool and all. Next up will be the high-profile Christopher Nolan adaptation of The Odyssey. The ancient Greek poem by Homer will also star – among many, many stars – Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron and Samantha Morton. No idea yet which character Elliot will play, but with a cast like that it seems any role is a good role. After the “Emilia Pérez” debacle, it’s nice to see trans actors making good headlines in what we at least hope will be a very good project.

Next, more high profile queer casting news. Pansexual actress Jena Malone will star in a highly anticipated new series from “Stranger Things” creators The Duffer Brothers. This news made me happy for a number of reasons including but definitely not limited to the fact that it alerted me to Jena’s pansexuality. I had missed her 2022 coming out somehow. But I’ve been a fan since “Contact” and have always admired her independent steak. Also did you catch her in last year’s “Love Lies Bleeding?” Her new series, “The Boroughs,” has been described as “Stranger Things” but in a retirement home. Joining Jena will be Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard, Alfred Molina and Bill Pullman, among many others as a “group of (older) misfits who fight an otherworldly evil.” So, the Upside Down but with arthritis and reading glasses, I guess. No news yet on Jena’s character, but at 40 she seems too young to be a resident. Maybe she’ll be staff? Who know but just like with “Stranger Things” I hope and expect there to be prominent queer characters.

And finally, more gays and more laughs are coming to the series remake of “The Burbs.” Based on the 1989 black comedy by the same name starring Tom Hanks and Carrie Fisher, the TV reboot has already announced its lead queer star Keke Palmer. But now they’ve also added Paula Pell. Two queers, one show! The wildly charismatic Keke first got my full attention in Jordan Peel’s 2022 “Nope” and is currently starring alongside SZA in “One of Them Days,” which I can’t wait to catch once it comes to streaming. Paula is fresh off the sadly canceled “Girls5Eva” (come on, isn’t there another streamer out there who wants to experience “Yesternights” for themselves!) and basically always plays middle-aged gay lady so let’s hope that trend continues here.

If nothing else, it’s nice to see a bunch of gays gainfully employed in our current political hellscape.

Wickedly Gay

And now, for some good news for a change. Who wants to hand out some toaster ovens? So, we already knew that the “Wicked” cast was, like, almost too gay to function. But besides the movie’s marquee queers (you know, star Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, leading heartthrob Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, leading Galinda/Glinda bestie Bowen Yang as Pfannee), did you know the movie’s supporting cast was also gay as the day is long? So who else is family?

How about Galinda/Glinda other bestie Shenshen played by Bronwyn James who is happily married to a woman and brought her wife Katherine-Alice James to the “Wicked” premiere. And there’s Elphaba’s sister Nessarose played by Marissa Bode who brought her partner Wren to the Golden Globes. So while Ariana and that munchkin boy are together, I think the rest of the cast needs queer retreat where they play episodes of “The L Word” and “Queer As Folk” on a loop while also dancing to vintage Lady Gaga and Britney Spears. What? You know that sounds fun. So I guess we have our answer to whether “Wicked” could possibly get any gayer. Now, who is in charge of sending out the toaster ovens this month?

A Wicked (in a good way) Couple

While we’re swooning over “Wicked,” let us not forget that its star is an out queer woman who is dating another out queer woman who are both absurdly accomplished. I don’t know why it took me two years and a damn People magazine article to clue into the fact that Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe are a couple. Like, how did I not know that? At first I thought it was maybe because they’d been lowkey and not gone out in public much. But then I did a quick image search and, uh, they’ve been everywhere together. EVERYWHERE.

How everywhere? Well this year alone they’ve been to…

…the US Open in September

and the Olympics in August (with many famous friends, peep Anna Wintour in the front there, yo),

and the Tonys in June (with another Elphaba),

and The Los Angeles LGBT Center Gala in May (with a woman whose name should be kept out of your mouth, especially if you are Chris Rock),

and the Met Gala in May,

and the “Shirley” premiere in May (with "Shirley" herself),

And the Oscars Vanity Fair party in March (I call this Florence & the Queer Machine).

The thing is, they’ve been officially dating since 2022. Yet somehow I was oblivious to this fact despite them stepping out time and time and time again that very same year.

Like at the SAG Awards dancing February 2022 (with dancing queen Jessica Chastain).

Or the Oscars in March 2022.

Or the GLAAD Awards in April 2022.

Or the Grammys also in April 2022.

Or the BET Awards in June 2022.

Or the Tonys also in June 2022 (with photobomb by Bernadette Peters).

Or the Glamour Awards in November 2022 (though I'm still sad about Poussey).

Yeah, I don’t know how I missed it either. And attending more than one fancy dress event in one month together over multiple months? I hang my head in shame. Though, I will say the most relatable thing about their relationship so far is their (relative) hibernation in 2023. I could find only three images of them out and about. Sophomore year of a relationship nesting, I see you.

From 2023:

Dancing with Dwayne Wade at his Fall of Fame party in August.

Snuggling at the “Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along” opening in October.

And hanging with Rustin himself in December.

Anyway, I hope my now exhaustive chronicling (bordering on stalkerish, sorry about that but these were all public events) of this most excellent lesbian power couple suffices as a mea culpa. And, lest we forget, there should be much more to come with “Wicked Part 2” hitting theaters next year. Go forth, and be gloriously gay and tremendously talented together on every red carpet you can find, Cynthia and Lena. Or should we call them Cythna?… Lethia? …Waitiro? … Evithe? Yeah, those are all terrible. Just congrats to the happy couple.

p.s. This one is from when, as they’ve said themselves, they first met at the Met Gala in 2018. Rainbow capes plus rainbow eyebrow rhinestones? It was written in the Celesbian Stars, I tell ya.

Rocky Lady Picture Show

I really have to scrape the 90s memory banks to remember Christy Martin. I vaguely recall her being a trailblazing boxing star, and her pioneering Sports Illustrated cover definitely rings some bells. But, sadly, most of my remaining boxing knowledge from that era revolves around Mike Tyson biting off a chunk of Evander Holyfield’s ear. So I think I somehow missed Martin’s harrowing life story and eventual coming out.

This is all to say that I’m rather excited about the new Christy Martin biopic starring Sydney Sweeney. Now, I mostly know Sydney as one of the terrifyingly cool teens on the first season of “White Lotus.” I never saw her hit rom-com “Anyone But You” (mostly because she and Glen Powell just look so much like people who would have bullied me in high school – even if they’re actually lovely….) and I don’t need the anxiety of watching young people make bad decisions that is “Euphoria.” But I know she has been proactively building her career, producing her own projects etc.

So Sydney has turned herself into a bit of a Muscle Mommy to transform for the role which I am definitely not mad about. She told Deadline Christy’s story is “powerful and emotional” and that she “not only legitimized female boxing, she overcame gender stereotypes, and fought through emotional, physical, and financial abuse.” And, don’t worry, it’s gonna be gay. Director David Michôd said the story will be about Christy “as a young gay woman in small-town West Virginia in the 1990s. She came from a relatively conservative family and wasn’t allowed to be who she was so she used boxing as a vehicle to express herself and her rage. She had to make some dangerous and fundamental compromises in her life, the most important of which was marrying an incredibly dangerous man.”

And the cherry on top of this Big Gay Biopic? Katy O’Brian, everyone’s reigning Muscle Mommy Crush thanks to “Love Lies Bleeding,” will play her boxing rival and eventual wife Lisa Holewyne. And Merritt Wever from “Nurse Jackie” (and another notably Bury Your Gays victim in “The Walking Dead”) is also in this thing which makes me happy because I lowkey adore her, period.

So, thoughts? Who has a better memory and recalls Christy’s glory days clearly? I’m just happy for my little gray cells that they’re making a movie – and the muscles don’t hurt either.

My Weekend Crush

Add another to the files of, “Oh, I didn’t realize. But, yeah, that makes sense.” Chloë Grace Moretz has been quietly (or not so quietly, I don’t follow her directly) living her best gay life for the past six years. The actress of “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” fame started dating model Kate Harrison the same year that movie came out, apparently. And they’ve been happily Instagramming their lives together ever since it seems. Heck, even their Frenchie has an insta. So good for the happy couple, who recently posted from a wedding they attended together. Speaking of weddings, it’s been six years? Maybe put a ring on that, ladies? Or not? What do I know, I’m recently divorced. Anyway, mazel tov to the happy couple and happy couples everywhere. See, this is how you work on not becoming miserable single cat lady, JD. Happy weekend, all.

p.s. While I’m highlighting queer Gen Z stars, can we all get a big awww for Bella and their newly confirmed gf Maisy Stella (who I totally had to Google because of The Old).

It’s Agatha Season

Honestly, I was kind of over all the Marvel shenanigans. I’ll watch your Avengers. And some of your spinoff Avengers shows. And some of your spinoff from the spinoff Avenger shows. But, truly, at this point I’m tapped. The MCU? More like Meh-CU – amirite? But then, BUT THEN…Agatha came along. A show with a very strong female lead (at least she’s working on getting her very strong mojo back…). A show about witches. A show about a ragtag coven of witches. A show about a ragtag coven of witches that draws on the Salem lore. A show about a ragtag coven of witches that draws on the Salem lore with Kathryn Hahn! Aubrey Plaza! Patti LuPone! The mom from “That 70s Show!” And SNL alum Sasheer Zamata who just came out as a “late in life lesbian!” And just when I’ve finally settled into spooky season. Yeah, fine. OK, I will happily watch this series. And Emma Caulfield is returning as her WandaVision character for all the Buffy (but not necessarily Joss Whedon) fans out there. As I was saying, yeah, fine. I will watch this in the spirit of the Sanderson Sisters et al. Look, if they can make 10 movies about Spider-Man, they can make a second show about powerful witches. Because, you know, witchy representation matters.

My Weekend Crush

In the interest of equal opportunity and cross-genre posting, let’s give some love to country star Maren Morris. I don’t know a ton about Maren, other than having noticed she tends to hang out with some really cool folks, because I’m simply not that into contemporary country. So somehow I missed when Maren came out as bisexual this June (snaps for Pride proclamations!) And now her new song “Push Me Over” makes things more, explicit. Well, not that explicit (though, briefly I misheard the lyric “Sitting on the fence…” as sitting on something else that starts with “f” and ending with a “ce,” ahem). Still, wow. Could you imagine being a queer or questioning kid and have the choice of queer mainstream artists to listen to from Maren to Billie to Chappell to Brandi to boygenius and beyond. Things can get better, and with a beat that you can dance to. Happy weekend, all.

Love Match

As the Olympics draw to a close this weekend, and we continue to celebrate all the medalists and athletes, let’s not forget our past Olympians. Like everyone’s favorite open-secret USWNT couple Tobin Heath and Christen Press. I know, I know we all knew. But to confirm it, to confirm what we all knew for the past eight years. Yes, that still matters. Long live Preath. Congratulations on continuing to be lesbian soccer girlies couple goals.

My Weekend Crush

Coming out on the last day of Pride? Yep, still counts. Welcome, Amber. Though we should have know what with you affinity for smart, stylish suits. The toaster oven is definitely in the mail. Also, you should get your own late night show again (like, come on Peacock, what gives). You were clearly one of the funniest parts of Seth Meyer’s show. Look, we need more inclusive voices on our screens now more than ever. If James Corden can have a show for nine seasons, Amber certainly deserves another shot at late night love. Happy weekend, all.

Queen’s Got Back

The moment last night at the WeHo Pride OUTLOUD Music Festival during Janelle Monáe’s set when Queen Latifah and Gabrielle Union danced with her onstage. pic.twitter.com/hd5WiGBI6q

— Ed Wang (@edataoldotcom) June 2, 2024

Happy Hump Day! Of course, Hump Days hits different during Pride. Like, Queen Latifah backing that thing up to Janelle Monae while Gabrielle Union watches live on stage different. Honestly, you just love to see it. Periodt.