Welcome to the Watering Hole

Welcome to another edition of The Watering Hole, where we unpack the week’s queer chaos, from Shawn Mendes’ vague-but-sus vibes to an inter-political dating fiasco. We’ve got Benson Boone confusing us all with his non-queer-but-maybe-queer vibes, and Karla Sofia Gascón setting the bar sky-high on the red carpet. Plus, there’s talk of Kamala Harris and Beyoncé joining forces in Houston? We’re screaming.

• Shawn Mendes said, ‘Is it gay in here or is it just me?’ while dropping a banger that’s as ambiguous as his PR team’s strategies.

• Hypnosis for transness? Honey, that’s straight out of the ‘Make America 1950 Again’ manual. Marlon Wayans’ opened up about previously taking his son, Kai, to a hypnotist when he learn he was trans. We are all learning to do better and Wayans has been a staunch ally to our community, so we’ll let this one go.

• Maybe we’re the ones stirring the pot—accusing Benson Boone of queerbaiting when he’s simply being himself might reveal more about our own wishful thinking. Imagine mistaking every friendly gesture for a secret signal; perhaps it’s time we own up to our own thirst. Benson isn’t playing games; we’re just reading between lines that aren’t there, and while thirst traps are real, this one’s on us.

• Karla Sofia Gascón said, “Red carpet? More like my personal runway,” and honestly, mood. Emilia Perez better be as iconic as this interview was. The bar has been set, y’all!

• Kamala and Beyoncé linking up? This Houston rally might just be the renaissance we’ve been waiting for. BRB, booking a ticket to Houston ASAP!

• So you’re telling me Agatha was gay all along? Makes sense why her theme song was so catchy! Honestly, we’ve been vibing with her chaotic energy from day one. Marvel out here sprinkling that queer magic, and it’s about time!

• Black queer excellence is jumping off these pages! Fall just became my favorite season for a reason. Just when I thought my TBR pile couldn’t get any taller, Queerty said “hold my glass.” These books are the fall aesthetic we didn’t know we needed. Time to get cozy and get reading!

• So the government’s offering us pocket change for years of discrimination? Big oof. Someone needs to tell them exposure doesn’t pay the bills. Imagine being banned from the military for who you love, and then getting a “sorry” that’s worth less than a Starbucks latte. Can’t even make this up. Do better, please.

• Apparently, being transphobic is a vibe less than 46% of voters can get behind. Newsflash: the rest of us are like, ‘this isn’t it, chief.’ GOP bet big on transphobia, running $21M on anti-trans ads vigorously in the last few weeks, but the Data for Progress poll is serving major flop energy. Maybe focus on, idk, actual issues?

• Wait, so Marco Pigossi is starring in a gay love story set in P-town, directed by Marco Calvani? Double Marco energy—I stan. This is the content we deserve “High Tide” is about to make waves, literally and figuratively. If this film doesn’t become the queer summer romance of the decade, I’m rioting.

• Chase Strangio really said, “SCOTUS who?”. Chase will be the first transgender lawyer to appear before the Supreme Court on December 4th. While some are busy debating our existence, he’s out here rewriting history and arguing for our continued rights - challenging Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth. Big trans energy all day!

• Can we talk about how Jake Shane, Terrence O’Connor, and Benito Skinner just left us all gagged as Sabrina, Chappell and Charli? The commitment, the vibes, the look—chef’s kiss. This is peak Gen Z queer culture, with a sprinkle of Powerpuff Girls Millennial nostalgia - really covering all the bases. A+ girls!

• Halloween, aka The Gay Super Bowl, is upon us. So for this edition of Gay Joy, I’m compiling my favorite tweets of obscure gay costumes.

• Jonathan Bailey rocking those yellow pants is the serotonin boost I didn’t know I needed. Like, who gave him the right to make mustard look that good? Somebody call the fashion police ‘cause he’s out here committing felonies against our hearts!

• Not me already pre-ordering tickets for Gladiator 2 because Paul and Pedro are the ultimate thirst trap duo. Historical accuracy? Don’t know her. I’m just here for the aesthetic vibes and chiseled jawlines!

• Dating a Republican AND posting about it? A cis, white gay couple sparked quite a conversation on social media when each of them posted a picture with the caption “we’re boyfriends and I don’t care who he votes for”. I’m sorry but what other reason do you have posting this other than rage baiting?? At least one of y’all will know how to gaslight when the inevitable argument over tax brackets happens. The rage bait to victim pipeline is quite well-known, but why you gotta bring Liam Payne into this??

• Got dry skin? Not on my watch. Urea Advanced Relief from Prequel Skin is basically a tall glass of oat milk… but for your face.

• If your hair’s thirstier than me after a 3-hour brunch, you need this deep conditioner. It’s like a spa day for your scalp, minus the awkward small talk. My hairdresser fully told me I have the healthiest regrowth out of all his clients. I’m telling you, Cécred works!

• SKIMS has entered the ‘I woke up like this, but make it fashion’ chat. This hoodie is basically a wearable manifestation of every cozy fall aesthetic you’ve ever pinned on Pinterest.

• MUJI’s new Labo collection is giving ‘I run a minimalist blog and drink oat lattes’ but in the most nonchalant way possible. This yak sweater doesn’t just keep you warm—it cuddles your insecurities too. Who needs a boyfriend when you have yak.

Okay, bye.

From Marvel dropping queer magic to Chase Strangio absolutely owning the legal battlefield, it’s clear that queer excellence is everywhere. Until next time, remember to wear your best obscure Halloween costume—’tis the season to gag the girls!