Welcome to the Watering Hole

Your weekly dose of queer news, pop culture chaos, and things we just need to talk about. From Armie Hammer’s failed attempt at Grindr to Bretman Rock reminding allies to actually do the work, we’re covering all the moments that had us talking. We’ve also got Chappell Roan yeehawing into country, a Sonic mod that’s peak trans femme excellence, and Elton John proving (again) why he’s the ultimate queer mentor. Oh, and of course, a little skincare and beauty to keep us looking fresh while we gossip. Let’s get into it.

• Armie Hammer really thought he was about to breeze into gay life like a VIP at a club, only to realize it’s not just about downloading Grindr. On a podcast, he admitted he tried hooking up with a guy because he assumed “gay dudes have it so easy” (spoiler: we do not). But the second he was faced with a man’s broad shoulders and stubble, he completely shut down. No spark, no action, no nothing. The real plot twist? This whole story just screams “straight man completely misunderstanding queerness.” Armie, babe, we’re not a cheat code for easy intimacy—you either feel it, or you don’t.

• Bretman Rock was so real at the Oscars when he reminded everyone that being an ally isn’t just about saying “I support you” and calling it a day. He basically gave a PSA that true allyship means showing up, tipping drag queens, and not just watching RuPaul’s Drag Race while doing the bare minimum IRL. Ava DuVernay cosigned the message, adding that allies should listen and follow directions instead of making it about themselves. Consider this your annual reminder: supporting the LGBTQ+ community is an action, not just an aesthetic.

• The queer adult film industry lost a legend with the passing of Tim Kruger, and the tributes pouring in prove just how much of an impact he had. Known for founding TimTales and always keeping things real, he was more than just a performer—he was a mentor, a friend, and an icon. It’s rare to find someone in the industry spoken about with this much love and respect, and that says everything. His legacy will live on, and the community won’t forget him anytime soon. Rest easy, Tim.

• The snippet for Garden of Eden already has Little Monsters shaking, giving us dramatic, cinematic glam-pop energy straight out of The Fame era. Between the religious symbolism, the dreamy production, and Gaga’s signature theatrics, it feels like she’s about to enter a new kind of pop star priestess phase, and we are here for the chaos. We don’t even have the full track yet, but you know the gays have already declared it a cultural reset.

• Chappell Roan is dropping a country song, and honestly? It makes so much sense. The Giver is coming March 13, and she’s serving up a sapphic country moment that feels equal parts playful and deeply personal. While she’s not going full yeehaw with a country album (yet), this track proves she’s got range, and the gays are already dusting off their cowboy boots in anticipation. If The Giver is anything like her past releases, expect dramatic vocals, killer storytelling, and a good ol’ fashioned cry in the club.

• Remember the sitcom starring Matt Bomer, Nathan Lane, and Nathan Lee Graham, we talked about last week? The trailer just dropped and I’m actually so excited to watch.

• So, the Trump administration wants to ban trans folks from the military but can’t even explain why. They don’t know how many trans people are serving, and their “financial strain” argument? Turns out, gender-affirming care costs peanuts compared to the bloated defense budget. It’s almost like they’re making decisions based on… nothing.

• Picture this: a fabulous gay cruise in the Gulf of Mexico stumbles upon a boat in distress and springs into action, rescuing 11 refugees. Passengers and crew provided medical care, dry clothes, and essentials. It’s heartwarming to see communities often marginalized themselves stepping up to help others in need.

• Jason Ritter jokingly claims he’s “fighting off lesbians” to keep his wife, Melanie Lynskey, star of the sapphic thriller Yellowjackets. After fans playfully challenged him, he posted a mock fight video, turning the whole thing into a lighthearted exchange. It’s all in good fun, and we love to see it.

• Gavin Newsom threw our trans brothers and sisters under the bus.

• The South is over it, but nobody is talking about it… so we will. Apparently, lawmakers in the South still think it’s cute to pass anti-LGBTQ+ bills, but the community (and its allies) had time this past month. Protests erupted across Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee as people gathered to send a loud, clear message: we’re not here for the nonsense.

  In Montgomery, Alabama, over 300 protesters took over the Statehouse steps to drag the state’s latest anti-trans legislation. Flags were waving, signs were out, and politicians like Rep. Neil Rafferty (one of Alabama’s few openly gay legislators) showed up to remind everyone that queer rights are human rights.

  Meanwhile, Kentucky’s capital, Frankfort, saw another 200+ protesters side-eyeing the latest attacks on LGBTQ+ rights (and probably some of their elected officials, too). Signs reading "Protect Our Rights" made it clear that this isn't just some fringe issue—it’s about basic dignity.

  Down in Mississippi, about 50 protesters gathered at the Capitol, chanting "Trump lies, democracy dies" while holding up signs that read "No One Voted for Elon," because honestly, why is he suddenly in everyone’s business? Some wore masks to protect their identities—because let’s be real, in Mississippi, standing up for LGBTQ+ rights isn’t exactly met with a round of applause.

  And then there’s Tennessee, where over 100 people took their fight straight to the State Capitol, then marched through downtown Nashville like the cast of a queer rights reboot of Les Misérables. Their list of demands? LGBTQ+ protections, immigration rights, gun control, and maybe a little less political chaos.

  These protests weren’t just a moment—they were part of the growing 50501 movement, a massive grassroots campaign pushing back against the second Trump administration’s nonsense. With more rallies planned and momentum building, one thing is clear: the queer community isn’t going anywhere. So, lawmakers? Be warned—your bigoted bills might have a cute little run, but the gays (and their allies) always win in the end.

• JD Vance Fat & Baby Memes exploded this week on social media on we’re loving every single one. This trend comes in response to Vance’s baby-like comment to Ukranian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy asking “have you said thank you yet” for the U.S. support in the Russian-Ukrainian War. Please, lord, never let these stop.

• The beautiful, heartbreaking story of Jack & Jack went viral this week. In September 2022, Jack Ciapciak proposed to his fiancé, Jack Lorentzen, with a personalized bench in Hudson River Park. Now, after Jack’s passing, he visits it daily to honor their love. His heartbreaking TikTok tributes have turned their bench into a viral symbol of queer love and loss.

• As always, we’re still obsessed with Terrence O’Connor’s weekly cultural digests. The actor / creative director who happens to be Benny Drama’s boyfriend knows exactly what’s up and embodies the spirit of The Watering Hole in his weekly Tiktok recaps.

@terrencefoconnor

like imagine waking up tomorrow in the year 2014..

• Paul Tazewell just became the first Black man to win Best Costume Design, and his Wicked work was spellbinding. A well-deserved win that makes history.

• Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras lit up the internet with dazzling performances and pure queer joy. The viral clips prove yet again that nobody throws a party like the LGBTQ+ community.

• A fan mod turned Sonic into a trans femme icon, and honestly? It’s exactly the kind of chaotic, affirming energy gaming needs. Fast, fabulous, and finally seen.

• Elton John and Chappell Roan dueting at his Oscars party? Legends supporting legends. Roan’s star keeps rising, and we love to see it.

• Colman Domingo met his husband Raúl through a Craigslist “Missed Connections” ad. If that’s not fate (or the best rom-com premise ever), I don’t know what is.

• Doechii always knew she was queer but needed the right support to fully embrace it. Now she’s living her truth out loud—and we’re all cheering her on.

@hectorpdoria

• We’re loving this adorable TikTok couple Hector & Nem. Their content focuses on clean boy makeup, skincare routines, haircare, and all the other hot boy essentials.

@dylanpcarlino

This is for all my lonely gal pals missing there GBF tonight #girl #girls #dating #relationships #gossip #fun #comedy #funny #love #girlfr... See more

• We’re not sure what happened to Dylan Carlino’s TikTok account, but this (allegedly) 6’5 cutie has been pumping out some of the funniest stories and anecdotes we’ve seen in a while. His “if I were a girl” series has us consistently in stitches. If I could like every video multiple times I would. If you need a laugh, check out his content ASAP.

• Ourself’s Lip Filler is the no-needle, no-regret solution for plump, juicy lips—because beauty shouldn’t be painful. It enhances your natural color while adding volume without the bee-stung aftermath. Whether you’re serving masc pout, femme glam, or something in between, this lets you switch it up without commitment. Basically, it’s lip filler’s fun, drama-free cousin—and we’re obsessed.

• Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream is the skincare equivalent of a weighted blanket—it calms, soothes, and actually fixes your moisture barrier instead of just sitting on top of your skin pretending to help. Whether you’ve over-exfoliated, braved harsh weather, or just exist in a world that loves to stress your skin out, this cream steps in like a reliable bestie. Rich but not greasy, it hydrates like it means it—because self-care isn’t just a vibe, it’s a necessity.

• Drunk Elephant’s D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops is like bottled golden hour for your face—minus the UV damage and life choices that come with actual sun exposure. It gives you that effortless, just-spent-a-week-in-Mykonos glow without looking like you rolled in Cheeto dust. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants to fight pollution, because the only thing we want clogging our pores is attention, not city smog. Mix it with your moisturizer, and boom—instant radiance, zero commitment.

Okay, bye.

That’s the rundown for this week—music, mess, and everything in between. Keep hyping your faves, supporting your community, and calling out the nonsense when you see it. Catch you next time, same place, same chaos.