Welcome back to The Watering Hole

We’ve got the latest on your favorite stars, uplifting stories from our community, and even a Twitter thread that will give you a good chuckle. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the highlights!

• Our favorite Heartstopper hottie has officially leveled up his fashion game, and the new pics are a whole moment. But hold your horses, girls, gays, and theys—Joe’s out here dodging the fanbase like a diva avoiding their ex at Pride. Why? Because y’all are too much. He admitted he has to literally avoid his gay fans sometimes. Turns out, we can be a little intense. Who knew? (Okay, we knew, but can you blame us??) So, if you see him in the wild, give him a nod, a wink, or maybe a subtle snap if you must, but let’s chill with the full-on invasions, okay?

• We’re still doing this...? A public library in Somerville, MA just got hit with a bomb threat, which totally ruined their Drag Story Hour plans. Can you believe it? Like, seriously, who does that? Apparently, a bunch of folks showed up to protest the event, waving signs like "Preserve Children's Innocence." Okay, sure, but like, isn't a drag queen reading stories to kids way less harmful than, you know, actually threatening a bomb? Some right-wing group called Super Happy Fun America (wtf?) is claiming responsibility for the protest, but not the bomb threat. They're all about "defending the Constitution" and "opposing gender madness." Sounds like they have too much time on their hands.

• Mama, brace yourself—Joker 2 apparently chopped some of Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn scenes, and we are not okay. 😩 We were ready for Gaga chaos and bisexual energy, but now we are not getting all the moments we deserved. Despite the awful reviews, we’re waiting for our version of the extended cut (which is just a supercut of all the scenes with Gaga).

• Meanwhile, Alexander Skarsgård has entered his Dom Daddy era, and honestly, we’re not mad about it. His new “kinky” queer film with A24, Pillion, has it all: leather vibes, smoldering stares, and that je ne sais quoi—we’re blushing, but like, in a good way. 😏🔥

• In other news, Wicked tickets are now on sale (run, I fear showings are already sold out) and of course, Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat, is available to stream and purchase! (BRB, listening to 365 remix with Shygirl until further notice).

• So Melania Trump just announced she’s always been pro-choice. Yes, you read that right. Sis waited two whole years after Roe v. Wade got the boot to let us know that. I mean, we’re all for personal growth, but this is giving major “too little, too late” vibes. Did someone forget to set her alarm? 💤 

• The Supreme Court is taking up a case that could literally change everything for trans youth. The case, U.S. v. Skrmetti, is about a Tennessee law that bans gender-affirming care for minors. This is the first time the HIGH COURT will rule on this issue, so it's a huge deal. The law basically says that trans youth under 18 can't get surgery, puberty blockers, or hormone replacement therapy. 🙄 Like, seriously, since when do politicians know more than doctors? I’m so over it.

• Ugh, Toyota really dropped the rainbow flag. Major bummer that Toyota is ditching LGBTQ+ causes after some conservative dude got mad about it. This “Robby Starbuck”… that sounds like it’s his drag name and he steals Splendas at his local coffee shop. Isn't it 2024? Why are we still dealing with this? Anyway, Toyota isn't the only company to cave to this kind of pressure, but it's still a total bummer. We need more companies to step up and support our community, not back down. 🖕🏼

• Apparently, two priests, like, actual priests, were having a drug-fueled night together and one of them OD'd. The surviving priest, Father Andrew Wagstaff, is now in hot water. It seems like they were using poppers and ecstasy, and things got a bit… out of hand. The surviving priest called 911, but it was too late for his partner, Father Bernard. RIP. This whole thing is just... wow. We're still trying to wrap our heads around it, but we’re obsessed with the “Poppers Priests”.

• An 88-year-old gay Holocaust survivor just took to TikTok to read Donald Trump for filth, calling him a “wannabe dictator,” and we’re living for it! This iconic elder is serving wisdom and shade, reminding us all that history has receipts, and she’s not about to let us forget. She basically said, “Been there, survived that, and I can spot a dictator in bad drag from a mile away!”

@grandmaelli

Welcome to my page! Now more then ever we must have open discussion and talk to our neighbors like our life depends on it! Because well….i... See more

• Black queer excellence is being recognized! Two phenomenal Black queer creatives just snagged the MacArthur "genius" award! This award is basically a fancy way of saying someone is a total game-changer in their field, and this year Jericho Brown (a poet who explores masculinity, race, and sexuality in his work) and Shamel Pitts (a dancer who creates mind-blowing performances) are the winners, baby! These guys are both super decorated already, but this award is a whole new level of recognition. Get it, kings. 👑

• Election vibes are in the air, and it’s time to spill on where Kamala Harris and Donald Trump stand with the LGBTQ+ community. Kamala Harris has been a longtime ally—supporting marriage equality, advocating for transgender rights, and pushing for anti-discrimination laws. She’s basically waving the rainbow flag with us! On the flip side, Donald Trump’s track record includes rolling back protections and policies that haven’t exactly been great for our community. Remember the transgender military ban? Not a good look. 😬

• Chappell Roan absolutely crushed it at ACL Fest! This rising star with boundaries (we love a queen who knows her worth!) brought a massive crowd to Zilker Park for her sunset set. Forget "not a headliner," this was basically a headliner-worthy performance. Chappell served fierce vocals and killer dance moves as she belted out fan faves like Femininomenon, HOT TO GO! and the iconic Pink Pony Club. She even threw in a cover of Heart's Barracuda (because, duh, legendary!), and treated us all to a sneak peek of her unreleased track, Subway.

• The legendary NewFest is back, baby! This iconic queer film festival is returning to NYC this Thursday with a whopping 140+ films ready to blow your mind. We're talking everything from heart-wrenching dramas like "A Nice Indian Boy" to hilarious rom-coms like "High Tide". There's even a special John Waters retrospective for all you film nerds out there, plus screenings of cult classics like "Elvira: Mistress of the Dark" and "The Matrix". Basically, it's a cinephile's dream come true!

• Maren Morris is out and proud and her music is about to be next-level amazing according to Queerty. Apparently, this country music superstar just came out as bisexual, and it sounds like she's ready to ditch the expectations and make the music she's always wanted to make. Honestly, same girl, same. Maren's been a longtime LGBTQ+ ally, and it seems like coming out earlier this summer has been super liberating for her. We can't wait to see what kind of bops she comes up with next!

• Our Hottie of the Week is none other than Kit Connor, the charming star of Heartstopper who’s been stealing hearts left and right! Kit’s got that irresistible combo of boy-next-door vibes and great talent. It also helps that he is ridiculously hot. Whether he’s melting our hearts on-screen as Nick Nelson or sharing his workouts on socials, we just can’t get enough!

• Our second Hottie of the Week is the incomparable Anania Williams, a TikToker, drag queen, and artist who’s making the internet a more vibrant and inclusive space! Anania is the creative force behind “Gaydar,” a new short-form interview video series quizzing people on gay history and culture. This series is not just visually stunning, because of her gorgeous outfits, but also thought-provoking and funny as fuck. We’re absolutely obsessed! They’re serving talent, innovation, and looks—all while amplifying queer voices and stories. Talk about a triple threat! Anania, if you are reading this, you know I love you. Read the whole interview with Anania on Teen Vogue!

• I came across probably the funniest Twitter thread ever. This girl loaned her coworker money, once. Now, the coworker has been asking for money, rides, and food. I’m sorry but “Could I have the 3…” is CRAZY. Please just scroll through this thread, it will give you a good chuckle.

Okay, bye.

That’s a wrap for this week! 🎉 From Joe Locke navigating fame to Anania Williams inspiring us with creativity, it’s been quite the journey. Don’t forget to check out that hilarious Twitter thread for a good chuckle—it’s definitely worth it! Take care, stay safe, and we’ll catch you next time with more stories that celebrate our amazing community.