Welcome back to The Watering Hole

For all you hot and bothered bottoms, “masc4masc” tops, sapphic sirens, dolls, bisexuals (yes, we know you exist), allies and everything beyond and in between, let’s get wet.

• Ellen DeGeneres’ Netflix standup special For Your Approval has faced the wrath of Twitter Stans (I’m not calling it X) for being out of touch and self-pitying. She also barely address her workplace misconduct allegations and instead talks about her “mean” reputation. Many viewers found the special tone-deaf, with some likening it to the critically reviewed Dear Evan Hansen movie. Which I saw and hated.

• Former President Jimmy Carter celebrated his 100th birthday and was basically instantly viral on Twitter. CBS News shared a clip of him being wheeled out and… wow he looks like the personification of death. If I’m 100 and look like that, please pull my plug. I wonder what would happen if I played Brat for him. Would he have a heart attack after he finds out Gabriette is the reference? I know what would definitely kill him - the Talk Tuah podcast.

• Speaking of Brat, Charli xcx has begun teasing the many collaborations (in the home cities of featured artists) that will be included in her upcoming remix record, “Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat”, which releases Oct. 11. I’ve been waiting for the 365 remix featuring Shygirl for AGES, I’m so excited.

• Press has started again for Wicked, with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Ervio doing the Vanity Fair lie detector test. I don’t know if it is just me but Ariana has been acting…off lately… I can’t quite put my finger on it though. Based on this clip, oh she knows something…

• Donald Trump hit us with a wild idea: fight crime with a Purge-style “rough hour” where police can go ham. Naturally, the internet clapped back, calling the idea completely unhinged. People roasted him like it’s Thanksgiving, pointing out that crime rates aren’t as bad as he says. Sorry Trump, but this isn’t a horror movie, and no one’s down for your dystopian police hour.

• Sabrina Carpenter unintentionally sparked some serious drama. After shooting her “Feather” music video at a Brooklyn church, the monsignor got fired, and it led to a federal corruption investigation connected to NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ former chief of staff. Now, Adams is caught up in an indictment, all because of a pop video. Sabrina had zero idea she was setting off a political scandal, but here we are—plot twist of the year.

• Diana Portillo, a trans McDonald’s worker, just secured the bag—$930,000—after dealing with some serious workplace harassment. She was misgendered and mocked by her managers, and when she filed a complaint, they fired her. The jury was not having it and ruled the franchise violated D.C.’s Human Rights Act. It’s the first big win for a trans employment discrimination case under that act, so major kudos to her for standing up!

• No doubt you have seen, Luigi Ferrara aka Lulu (@sonotroppoannoiato) on TikTok. From his Hereditary monologue to loud singing videos, Lulu has captured the attention of over 200,000 people on the platform. I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with him to talk about his journey as a TikTok content creator, starting in Italy, overcoming challenges with being openly gay in a conservative environment, and more. You can read the full interview here.

• LGBTQ+ filmmakers like Xavier Dolan and Lena Waithe are out here absolutely slaying the game and flipping the script on queer cinema worldwide. They’re serving up diverse, real stories that finally give underrepresented voices their moment. These legends are teaming up across borders like it’s the queer Avengers, and film festivals are rolling out the red carpet for their work. Basically, they’re making it cool to be queer on screen, one iconic film at a time.

• It is with a heavy heart that I say inclusive clothing brand, Both & is closing its doors. The CEO stated, in a letter, that despite personal investment, efforts, and belief in the brand’s mission, the company could not secure necessary financial backing from investors. We like to cover the good and the bad here at The Watering Hole, so let’s try to help them sell through their remaining inventory!

• Club Lambda is New York’s first Black-owned gay nightclub, serving fierce vibes and centering Black gay culture on the dance floor. With themed nights and a focus on inclusivity, Lambda’s giving everyone a space to vibe out, celebrate, and be authentically themselves. It’s not just a party—it’s empowerment, blending Black LGBTQ+ pride with pure nightlife fun.

• LGBTQ+ book clubs are bringing together lit-loving queers for way more than just book talk. From banned books to queer classics, these clubs—like Austin’s Little Gay Book Club—give people a chill alternative to nightlife while diving into fab queer stories. It’s all about connecting, learning, and vibing over good reads with even better company.

• A TikTok recently went viral that shows how a coworker is hyped after another coworker comes out as trans, celebrating the news with pure joy and excitement. It’s a feel-good moment filled with wholesome energy and peak workplace allyship, like the ultimate “Yasss, slay!” response to a big personal reveal. Total serotonin boost!

• Forget Cooper Koch, I’m already over him. I moved on to the other Menendez actor, Nicholas Alexander Chavez. This man…oh dear. I’m obsessed, and he actually has an Instagram that I can gawk over! Also, his past TikTok’s are resurfacing, but don’t worry it’s not anything bad, just extremely cringe. Why does it make me more attracted to him, though?

• Remember Shoes? The iconic YouTube video from the late 2000s? Yeah. Our blunt queen, Kelly, is back and looks better than ever in the latest Crocs ad. Honestly, this is the best ad I’ve seen all year.

That’s a Wrap, Folks!

As we wrap up this issue of The Watering Hole, let’s take a moment to appreciate all the wild, inspiring, and downright iconic moments happening in the LGBTQ+ world right now. From pop culture drama to trailblazing queer creatives, there’s always something to celebrate. Keep spreading the love, support your community, and maybe pick up a few last items from Both& while you’re at it. Until next time—stay fierce, stay proud, and keep dancing like nobody’s watching!

BTW - tell your friends to subscribe here and we’ll love you forever + ever. What else do you want to see? 📧 Comment or email us back at [email protected].