Latest news with #PrideMonth
Fox News
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Oregon House hosts live drag performance to open session in honor of Pride Month
A new session for the Oregon House of Representatives began after a performance by two Black drag queens on Wednesday. In honor of Pride Month, Democratic Rep. Travis Nelson, the first openly LGBTQ+ African American Oregon legislator, invited Isaiah Esquire and Aqua Flora to perform for the session's opening ceremony. The two drag queens lip-synched to Aretha Franklin's "A Deeper Love" and Beyoncé's "I Was Here" while wearing bright gold outfits and dancing across the room. The performance lasted nearly five minutes and ended with a standing ovation from many House members. Nelson gave remarks about the performers, who both came from Portland, shortly after they finished. "I'd like to take a moment to extend deep gratitude and recognition to the incredible drag performers who joined us this morning," Nelson said. "Aqua Flora and Isaiah Esquire joining us on the House floor today in addition to all of the LGBTQ+ folks in the building. Your presence, artistry and courage are a powerful reminder of the joy, resilience and cultural impact of drag in Oregon and beyond. Thank you for sharing your light with us this morning. It's an honor to have you here." The performance was also meant to honor a new House resolution, also pushed by Nelson, that "recognizes and honors the history of Black drag in Oregon." "That we, the members of the House of Representatives of the Eighty-third Legislative Assembly, recognize and honor Oregon's rich history of Black drag, and we congratulate all those whose spirited contributions have made Oregon's Black drag community one of the most vibrant and vital in the nation," the resolution read. The resolution was the first piece of legislation taken up by the House that morning. It passed on a 34-9 vote. In a comment to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for the Oregon House Democrats maintained that the performance was approved by all the proper offices and that the performers were there on a volunteer basis. The spokesperson added that there has been a fair split between Republican House members and Democratic House members inviting guests to perform for the opening ceremony. In a statement to Fox News Digital, House Republican Leader Christine Drazan condemned the performance as an "ostentatious display" of "social activism." "Yesterday's ill-advised performance broke our chamber protocols and standards for opening ceremonies in the Oregon House of Representatives. Turning the House Floor into a smokey bar is beneath the dignity of this body. Opening ceremonies are not the time or place for ostentatious displays of political symbols and social activism," Drazan said. Oregon's House legislature often invites performers to their opening ceremony. Nelson provided a comment to Fox News Digital defending his decision to invite the drag queens as a matter of free speech. "Opening ceremonies are a normal and active part of the Oregon State Legislature," Nelson said. "Each Legislator has the right to invite guests for opening ceremonies as long as the date is available. Inviting guests is not only an established tradition here in Oregon, but also a matter of free speech and civic participation allowing the public to be part of our chamber process." He added, "That right belongs to every member of this body, and by extension, to the guests they bring. As long as guests and members follow the guidelines from the Chief Clerk's office, their presence is not just permitted it's fully protected by both the Oregon State Constitution and the Constitution of the United States of America." Chief Clerk of the House Tim Sekarak, whose office is responsible for approving opening ceremonies, also told Fox News Digital that musical performances have been a common occurrence at opening ceremonies. "Opening ceremonies have long been a cherished tradition and are a way to celebrate the many cultures, faiths and beliefs that are represented in the legislature," Sekarak said. Sekarak also sent guidelines that added that the opening ceremony was "not meant for proselytizing or persuasion" and cannot be used "to advocate your political views or policy interests."
Time Out
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Chicago is one of the top Pride Month destinations for 2025, per Airbnb
If you were planning to spend Pride Month somewhere fun, fabulous and full of flavor (rainbow and otherwise), you wouldn't be alone in choosing Chicago. According to Airbnb's 2025 travel data, the Windy City is one of the top trending Pride Month destinations among Gen Z and Millennial travelers, with searches spiking 37% over last year's numbers. Chicago joins the ranks of other buzzworthy Pride cities like Boston, Bogotá and Cologne, all seeing a swell in bookings as younger generations plan trips around parades, parties and unforgettable experiences. The data tracks bookings for late June, just in time for the city's big Pride festivities, including the iconic Chicago Pride Parade, which draws nearly a million people annually. And it's not just about marching. Airbnb has also spotlighted ' The Animated Tour of Chicago ' as one of the standout experiences travelers are booking while in town. The creative walking tour, hosted by local artist and animator O.J., blends history, city landmarks and vibrant visuals into a delightfully nerdy cultural deep dive. Think Schoolhouse Rock meets Chicago Architecture Center—with original art, humor and just the right dash of weird. Reviews call it '10/10,' 'super fun' and 'an incredible, inspiring start to the trip.' Pride-seekers can also take advantage of Airbnb's expanding menu of local services, from in-home yoga to prepared meals, all geared toward helping visitors make the most of their stay no matter their budget or itinerary. Chicago's place on the list makes sense: The city boasts a thriving LGBTQ+ community, legendary nightlife and plenty of rainbow-splashed events throughout the month. But it's also a city of neighborhoods—each offering something different, whether you're brunching in Boystown, gallery-hopping in Pilsen or cruising the lakefront on a Divvy bike with a drag queen-led tour (yes, that exists).
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Pitch Perfect' star Anna Camp hits red carpet with girlfriend Jade Whipkey
'Pitch Perfect' star Anna Camp has made her red carpet debut with girlfriend Jade Whipkey, just over a month after appearing to confirm the romance. The 42-year-old actress wore a minty blue dress Wednesday when she and the writer-stylist, sporting a gray suit and white shirt, attended the Los Angeles premiere of the former's new film 'Bride Hard.' The happy couple was all smiles on the carpet outside the DGA Theater Complex, laughing between snaps. The pair attended the event for the film — a reunion with 'Pitch Perfect' breakout Rebel Wilson — just in time for the end of Pride Month. Camp also shared Whipkey's Instagram story showing the former holding hands with co-star Sherry Cola, captioned: 'PRIDE HARD.' The film comes nearly three years after Wilson debuted her romance with now-wife Ramona Agruma following a threat by an Australian outlet to out her. In mid-May, Whipkey shared a Story featuring a photo of Camp at a table, looking into the distance, captioned: 'Her smile is a poem / Her eyes are roses / Her laugh is music for dancing.' Camp also shared the Story to her own account. Amid the headlines that quickly resulted, Camp posted pink, blue and purple hearts on her Story, an apparent tribute to the colors of the bisexual flag. It's unclear exactly how long the couple has been together, though TikToker asked Camp and Whipkey in February about their dating horror stories. Camp ended up saying she doesn't 'expect anything from a guy anymore, because I…' The audio that follows isn't entirely clear, but the subtitles continue, 'Because I like women and it's great!' Whipkey throws an arm around the actress' shoulder for a moment. Camp has found love again after two marriages, to 'Ozark' actor Michael Mosley and then 'Pitch Perfect' co-star Skylar Astin.
Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Row breaks out in Peak District town as Pride flag is removed by council after complaints from Christians worried about 'the gay rights situation'
A row has broken out in a spa town in the Peak District after a Pride flag was removed from by its council following complaints. Matlock Town Council put up a number rainbow flags along its highstreet for the first time to mark the start of national Pride month, which takes place in June. The flags were erected along with others including the St George's Cross and the union flag, which had previously hung above shop windows and were in need a refresh after becoming 'old and dirty'. But just days after being displayed, one Pride flag has now been removed from the historic highstreet following a complaint from a Christian bookshop. The Cornerstone Bookshop, which is run by a charitable Trust, admitted it had asked for the flag to be removed as it did not want to 'promote homosexuality'. Judy Crook, who runs the bookshop, told the Guardian that as 'a point of basic Christian belief, we welcome everybody', but admitted 'we're not happy with the gay rights situation'. 'We have to respect other people's views. But we didn't want the flag flying outside our shop.' The move has caused outrage among members of the LGBTQ+ community in Matlock as well as local residents, who have claimed the council bowed to pressure from the bookstore - which the local authority denies. Cornerstone Bookshop praised the 'speedy removal' of the flag after raising concerns to the council and has rejected any accusations of homophobia. In a joint statement, the Trust's trustees told the Derbyshire Times: 'Cornerstone Christian Bookshop is an inclusive organisation that wants to share the Christian faith with everyone. 'All are welcome to our bookshop, regardless of their sexuality. 'We would be delighted to fly the Derbyshire flag, the flag of St George or the Union Flag. 'However, we would decline to fly any flag representing specific political causes, as our aim is solely to promote the Christian faith. 'We note that there are many other places where the pride flag can be flown. As you will no doubt be aware, many other faith communities would also decline to fly this flag.' The council later put out a statement saying it had removed the flag after fearing someone may remove it themselves and be injured doing so. However, the bookshop denies making any threat to remove it themselves, according to The Derbyshire Times. The council clerk, Simon Hosmer, said: 'We removed the flag due to a strong belief someone would put themselves in danger by removing it themselves. 'As a town council we can ill afford damage to property let alone damage to a person that we may be liable for. 'A lot of the local community are rightly upset that this has happened. 'It may look to people that we have bowed under the pressure of a single complaint. That is simply not the case.' But locals in Matlock have been left outraged by the decision from the council to remove the flag, claiming it is 'appalling' and 'disgusting'. Kate Bond, who lives in the Derbyshire town, said she donated £150 to the council to revitalise the flags but was dismayed when she heard the news. 'More than anything, what I'm bothered about is the fact that it's happened without anybody knowing about it. This sly little way it's been done, it's wrong somehow. If it's your idea to put them up, stand by it,' she told The Guardian. Others on social media have also been strong in their condemnation of the council's move to remove the flag. Angela Hardy said: 'This is appalling and I am keen to point out it does not reflect the views of all religions or even Christians. 'In my experience everyone is welcomed regardless of race, colour, age, sexuality or anything else.' 'I agree that their exclusive views should not be allowed to influence the council and the town as a whole.' Eileen Gallagher added: 'This is absolutely disgusting [in] this day [and] age. The council should be ashamed for even pandering to these type of people.' There have been a number of cases in towns and cities across the UK where rainbow flags have been torn down, stolen or vandalised earlier this year. And in London a council has been warned of legal action over its plans to hang up trans-inclusive flags to mark Pride Month. In collaboration with Westminster City Council, the Crown Estate, who own the majority of properties on Regent Street, plan to fly Progress Pride flags in 20 locations throughout the central London area between mid-June and mid-July. But if the proposed decorations are hoisted into the air, the council, nicknamed 'Wokeminster' by its own chief executive Stuart Love, and the Crown Estate risk facing legal action from the Christian Legal Centre. Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, told The Telegraph that the Pride flags were an attack on traditional beliefs about sex and gender. She warned that the Christian Legal Centre would have no option but to pursue legal action if the council chooses to proceed with the Pride display, arguing that everyone should feel welcome in Regent Street. Ms Williams said: 'They send the message that people holding these views – which are worthy of respect in a democratic society – are not welcome. 'The majority of the public do not know the highly controversial and harmful symbolism presented by the Progress Pride Flag.'
BBC News
12 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
Trump administration ends LGBT youth option on US suicide hotline
A part of a US national suicide prevention hotline that caters for LGBT young people says it will soon close, after the Trump administration cut its administration has accused the service of "radical gender ideology". It says it will still fund the wider 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - of which the LGBT youth option is one part - and that all callers will receive "compassion and help".The Trevor Project, an organisation that helped to run the LGBT option, said the decision would have a harmful impact on vulnerable young people. "Suicide prevention is about people, not politics," said Jaymes Black, the organisation's CEO. He said his service had been told to close within 30 days."The administration's decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible," Mr Black decision comes during international Pride Month, which celebrates LGBT culture and news also arrived ahead of a US Supreme Court decision on Tuesday that upheld the state of Tennessee's ban on transition-related healthcare for minors who identify as general 988 Lifeline offers free mental health support via call, text, or chat. It is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a subsidiary of the US Health and Human Services Agency (HHS). Currently, LGBT young people can select option 3 from a call menu in order to connect with the changes, the remaining 988 Lifeline services would "focus on serving all help seekers", including those who previously chose to access LGBT youth services, SAMHSA said. But the hotline would "no longer silo LGB+ youth services", SAMHSA wrote in a statement, omitting the "T" that refers to transgender people in the LGBT at HHS proposed cutting the 988 Lifeline's LGBT youth services last a statement to NBC News at the time, an HHS spokesperson described the option as a "chat service where children are encouraged to embrace radical gender ideology by 'counselors' without consent or knowledge of their parents". Supreme Court upholds Tennessee ban on gender transition care for minors Legislation passed in 2020 by the US Congress required the 988 Lifeline to provide services and staff specifically for LGBT people as well as other at-risk groups like rural and Native legislation noted that LGBT youth were "more than 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide than their peers, with 1 in 5 LGBT youth and more than 1 in 3 transgender youth reporting attempting suicide".The law received bipartisan support - including from Donald Trump, who was then serving his first presidential term, and signed the bill into to the 988 Lifeline website, LGBT communities are "disproportionately at risk for suicide and other mental health struggles due to historic and ongoing structural violence."The Trevor Project began providing its services through the 988 Lifeline in 2022. In 2024, it served more than 231,000 crisis contacts, the organisation said in a statement. It says it will continue to provide its own independent services. US Supreme Court allows Trump to enforce transgender military banIn the US, DEI is under attack. But under a different name, it might live on The decision to eliminate the 988 Lifeline's designated LGBT youth option comes amid Trump's push to curtail services, support, and access for transgender people across the federal government. He has pushed to end diversity, equity, and inclusion policies (DEI) within the federal government, arguing that such programmes are themselves president has also ordered the removal of transgender servicemembers from the US military and issued an executive order that the US would only recognise two sexes – male and US Department of State also announced it would no longer allow applicants to choose "X" as their gender on US passports. Instead, transgender individuals must choose "male" or "female" corresponding to their sex assigned at birth. If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide. the UK a list of organisations that can help is available at
