Latest news with #Queer
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bimini gives Rolling Stone UK their rundown of top queer artists for Pride Month
Happy Pride Month from all of us at Rolling Stone UK! We've decided to mark the occasion by handing our platform over to Bimini. We all know them as the breakout star of RuPaul's Drag Race, but it goes without saying they've done so much more since then, including a successful foray into music which included 2023's When The Party Ends EP. So, to mark Pride, who better than to guide us through some of the UK's leading Queer musical artists? Over to you, Bimini! Big Wett doesn't just push boundaries, they show up with a wrecking ball and smash the entire binary. From the moment they hit the scene it was clear this wasn't pop as usual. This was sweaty, sex-positive, femme-fronted rebellion with a bassline. Big Wett makes music that sounds like a chaotic night out where you end up on someone's shoulders, lipstick smeared, screaming the lyrics with your top half off and your whole heart out. It's a full-body experience filthy in the best way but underpinned by a cheeky, clever sensibility that flips the male gaze on its head. They've taken this deliciously dirty DIY pop energy and turned it into a movement one that says sexuality can be absurd, loud, joyful, and political. Big Wett isn't just performing they're liberating the dancefloor one horny, glorious track at a time. Kiimi exists in that sweet, rare space where technical brilliance meets emotional depth. They're a classically trained musician who traded scores for synths and thank the rave gods they did. There's something almost celestial about the way they build tracks glitchy, haunting, cinematic, then suddenly plunging into pulsating, chest-rattling drops that feel like therapy through BPM. Their sound is duality delicate and destructive. It makes you want to throw your head back and sob under a strobe light. But it's more than just music it's healing architecture. And as a non-binary producer in a space that's long been hyper-masculine and gatekept, Kiimi is quietly but radically reshaping who gets to make the noise and what that noise can say. Artful, emotive, and defiantly expansive. What Rebecca Black has done is nothing short of cultural reclamation. She went from being the internet's punchline to becoming a defiant queer icon, and not through apology or rebranding, but by owning the chaos and flipping the script. Her hyperpop renaissance isn't just catchy it's cathartic. It screams 'You thought you knew me? Watch this.' Her vocals have matured into something wild and elastic, dancing across glitchy production with a kind of empowered theatricality that gives shades of Charli XCX, but with a revenge-arc edge. And let's not forget this is someone who was dragged globally at 13. Now she's dropping bangers in latex, collaborating with queers across the genre, and proving that resilience can be art. This isn't a story about just surviving, bitch she thrived. That's punk. I. JORDAN's music doesn't ask for permission it grabs your hand and drags you to the dancefloor. Their sound is urgent, sweaty, bright and explosive, like being chased through a neon maze of joy and rage. But beneath the rave chaos, there's precision. You can feel the structure the tension and release, the political bite buried under euphoric highs. They remixed mine and ABSOLUTE. tune Keep On Dancing and injected it with this turbo-charged queer stamina that makes you want to march, scream, kiss, and spin all at once. And culturally? I. JORDAN is walking the talk. Their openness about identity, their refusal to box themselves in, and their commitment to accessibility in dance spaces is as much a part of the work as the beats themselves. This is music as resistance raw, radical, and real. Before most people knew the term 'queer techno revival,' ABSOLUTE. was already leading the charge. Their journey from underground London clubs to international festival stages has been built on pure vision, community power, and that unmistakable sixth sense behind the decks. When ABSOLUTE. plays it's not just a DJ set it's a sermon in sweat, ecstasy, and queer transcendence. There's an emotional arc to their sound hard yet hopeful, relentless yet healing. And just when you think they've peaked they surprise you. Their project Night Maneuvers with Dot Major? That's them again pushing forward blending club euphoria with live performance in a way that reimagines what rave culture can look and feel like. They aren't just serving beats they're curating emotional awakenings. Queer liberation but make it four to the floor. Geo Jordan is what happens when soul, identity, and production collide in all the right ways. Their work doesn't just sound good it feels important. Geo's sonic world is tender but tough, rooted in R&B and electronic textures, but pushed into something altogether more fluid and futuristic. Their new music (which I am lucky enough to have HEARD before it's released) It's genreless in the most beautiful way. Their voice floats over minimalist beats like a balm soft, aching, purposeful. But it's not just about the sound it's the message. Geo is creating space for trans joy, trans grief, and everything in between. Their art isn't performance it's a practice. They're not just making music they're making room for people to feel seen. In an industry that still sidelines Black queer voices, Geo is offering something rare vulnerability that doesn't beg for approval, but demands to be heard. Jaguar – has always had that presence that makes you lean in. For years she was the tastemaker and gatekeeper of the underground, championing queer talent, Black excellence, and femme-forward dance music on BBC Introducing and beyond. She curated the soundtrack for our sweaty late-night liberation before most people even knew her name. But now she is flipping the mic on herself and thank God for that. Her move into releasing her own music feels less like a pivot and more like an ascension. It gives range, rage, and renaissance. Her voice cuts through you. It is soul and steel all at once. One moment you are dancing and the next you are spiralling about your ex. Jaguar does not just sing she channels. Her sound holds space for softness and strength, emotion and euphoria, and the result is a beautifully femme, powerfully queer spiritual experience in club form. The scene is better because she is in it and now that she is on the mic too there is no stopping her. She is a true force and we are lucky to witness the glow up and the takeover. Bentley isn't writing breakup songs he's scoring full pop operas of emotional destruction and post-heartache glamour. Think if Robyn made out with Troye Sivan in the bathroom of a glitter-covered gay club at 3am that's the vibe. His voice glides across tracks with this perfect mix of heartbreak and hedonism, sadness and sass. He's taken what could have been trauma and turned it into a disco ball. Bentley is unapologetically pop but make it flesh and blood pop. And in a time where queer male artists are still often boxed into clichés, Bentley's showing you can be emotional and extra, damaged and divine. His songs don't just slap they validate. Heartbreak has never sounded so anthemic or looked so good in thigh-high boots.
The Independent
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Just one film studio gets ‘good' rating for LGBT+ representation
GLAAD 's 13th annual Studio Responsibility Index reveals a decline in LGBT+ representation in major studio film releases, dropping from 28.5 per cent in 2022 to 23.6 per cent in 2024. Transgender representation remains low, with only two 2024 films featuring trans characters and a decrease in screen time for LGBT+ characters overall. Racial diversity among LGBT+ characters in films has decreased to the lowest level since 2019. GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said authentic LGBT+ representation in films is important as a means of visibility, especially amid political attacks. A24 was the only studio to receive a 'good' rating for LGBT+ inclusion, with 56 per cent of its films being LGBT+ inclusive, including titles like Queer and Love Lies Bleeding.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New Sculpture, In Plain Sight, Unveiled at Cherry Street Pier for Pride Month
Open call begins for a permanent home of the sculpture following its Pride Month installation on the Delaware River Waterfront PHILADELPHIA, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Visit Philadelphia today unveiled In Plain Sight, a large-scale sculpture at Cherry Street Pier honoring Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual members of the LGBTQ+ community. On display throughout Pride Month this June, the installation serves as a bold celebration of the TQ+ community — a group facing increased scrutiny as LGBTQ+ rights remain at the center of national debate. The sculpture underscores Philadelphia's longstanding commitment to being a welcoming and affirming destination for LGBTQ+ residents and travelers. To bring In Plain Sight to life, Visit Philadelphia consulted with local artists and creatives, including Philadelphia-based Bill Adair, an independent arts and culture consultant and former director of the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage. The concept was developed in partnership with local agency A&G (Allen & Gerritsen) and the final piece was fabricated by Outshaped, a family-owned 3D design and manufacturing studio. Standing at 10 feet tall and weighing 250 pounds, the sculpture's design incorporates colors from the different LGBTQ+ pride flags, each representing a segment of the community: Transgender (T): Light blue, white and pink stripes from the Transgender Pride Flag. Queer (Q): Elements from the traditional Rainbow Pride Flag, featuring red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. Plus (+): Yellow and purple from the Intersex Pride Flag, symbolizing autonomy and visibility; black and white from the Asexual Pride Flag; and black and brown from the Progress Pride Flag, representing people of color and other marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community. The sculpture also features carved grooves throughout, symbolizing the layered identities and lived experiences within the community. These design choices were intentionally selected to reflect the diversity and intersectionality of the TQ+ population. "Visit Philadelphia is honored to present In Plain Sight as a meaningful tribute to the TQ+ community. This sculpture is a visible reminder of Philadelphia's commitment to being a welcoming place for all," said Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia. "When travelers come here, we want them to feel our city's love, pride and spirit. Representation matters and research supports that. LGBTQ+ travelers spend more, travel more often and are more likely to choose destinations where they feel seen and affirmed." According to Community Marketing & Insights (CMI), 63% of LGBTQ+ travelers view Philadelphia as a welcoming destination. A separate study found that 73% of LGBTQ+ travelers say increased inclusivity has made them feel more comfortable while traveling. The community also represents an estimated $1.4 trillion in annual purchasing power, with LGBTQ+ travelers spending 33% more than their non-LGBTQ counterparts and taking an average of four to six trips per year. Cherry Street Pier, located on the Delaware River Waterfront, is hosting the installation throughout June. Visit Philadelphia is currently seeking a permanent home for In Plain Sight following Pride Month. Businesses or cultural institutions in Philadelphia or the surrounding counties whose values align with Visit Philadelphia's welcoming mission are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to host the sculpture next. The deadline to submit is Monday, June 23, 2025. "We're proud to host In Plain Sight during Pride Month," said Joseph Forkin, president of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. "The waterfront is a place for everyone, and Cherry Street Pier — home to a vibrant and diverse creative community — is the perfect location to spotlight this important symbol. We're honored to be part of its journey and can't wait to see where it goes next." Philadelphia's connection to LGBTQ+ history is long and significant. The city was the site of the "Annual Reminder" protests at Independence Hall in the 1960s, one of the first organized gay rights demonstrations in the United States. In 2004, Visit Philadelphia launched Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay, the country's first LGBTQ-specific tourism television commercial. Two decades later, the organization introduced In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union: Drag Queen Story Time on Independence Mall and in 2024 it sponsored Philadelphia Gay News' successful effort to secure a Guinness World Records title for the largest drag story time reading. "2025 calls for marketers to be bold and brave," said Neil Frauenglass, chief marketing officer, Visit Philadelphia. "Our TQ+ sculpture sends a message to the community that they are seen and welcome in Philadelphia today, next year when we celebrate the country's 250th birthday and always." Visit Philadelphia's welcoming message to LGBTQ+ travelers is also prominently featured in a current New York City advertising takeover, which launched May 5 and runs through June 8. The campaign also includes bonus placements during the Tony Awards and NYC Pride weeks — June 9–15 and June 23–29 — reaching an additional 4.7 million impressions. To learn more about In Plain Sight, please visit About Visit Philadelphia: VISIT PHILADELPHIA® is our name and our mission. As the region's official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia's image, drive visitation and boost the economy. On Greater Philadelphia's official visitor website, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the site an effective trip-planning tool. Visitors can also find loads of inspiration on Visit Philly's social media channels. CONTACTS:Ashley Carter(856) 236-9439, ashley@ Binh Nguyen(267) 603-4512, binh@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Visit Philadelphia
Indian Express
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Daniel Craig's Queer to open Kashish film festival's 16th edition tomorrow
Powered by actor Daniel Craig, Luca Guadagnino-directed Queer will open the 16th edition of Kashish Pride Film Festival, Mumbai's annual LGBTQ+ film festival, on June 4. The festival, which boasts of being 'diverse and inclusive with representation of the complete LGBTQ+ spectrum', will roll out an impressive line-up of 152 films from 48 countries. 'Earlier, we used to have lesbian, gay or transgender movies. Now, the other members of the spectrum, including non-binary and intersex people are making movies. So, the festival is more inclusive now,' says Sridhar Rangayan, the festival's founder director. Its closing film, 'Close To You', features transgender actor Elliot Page in the lead. The festival's opening ceremony will be held at Bandra's St Andrews Auditorium while the screenings will be held at Cinepolis, Andheri West, from June 4-8. It will also hold screenings at Alliance Francaise, Marine Lines, from June 5 to 8. Some of the major films selected for the festival include Shyam Benegal's 'Mandi', Onir's 'We Are Faheem & Karun', Dutch film 'Out' and 'Odd Fish', which is set in an Icelandic township. Director Deborah Alice Craig's 'Sally!', Mikko Mäkelä's 'Sebastian', Emanuel Parvu's 'Three Kilometers to the End of the World', Patricia Ryczko's 'Reset', and Marcelo Caetano's Baby are the other top picks. 'As the festival turns 16, the programming has become more dynamic. A number of films talk about queer parents and parenting challenges. We also have South Asian countries, such as Myanmar and Bhutan, participating this year,' says Saagar Gupta, the festival's artistic director. While holding the festival for 16 years has been a fulfilling experience, the team has also been dealing with several challenges. 'Across the world, it has become financially challenging to hold a film festival. Donald Trump's anti-LGBTQ+ stand and the UK's trans-phobic policies have made it even more difficult for us. We are supported by the diversity and inclusion budget of corporate companies in India. It's becoming tough to access that,' says Rangayan. Recounting the journey of Kashish, Rangayan shares that in April 2010, its inaugural edition was held at PVR, Juhu, with the aim of creating a 'mainstream space' where the members of queer community as well as their allies could mingle. 'During the pre-Kashish period, we had held screenings of queer films at National College, Bandra, and British Council or Alliance Française. The 2009 Delhi High Court verdict (which decriminalised homosexual acts), gave us the impetus to organise a festival that's more mainstream in nature,' he recalls and adds that it is the first Indian LGBTQ+ festival to be held with approval by the Information & Broadcasting Ministry. Apart from creating a mainstream feel, the festival's aim has been to provide a big-screen experience to delegates as well as make sure they enjoy watching queer movies with their partners, friends and family without 'a sense of shame or guilt', says Rangayan. The festival moved Liberty Cinema in 2014 to accommodate a large number of delegates. This year, the first phase of the festival is being held at Cinepolis and Rangayan hopes it will draw youngsters to the screenings there. The festival schedule and other details can be found at
USA Today
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Dior names Jonathan Anderson as replacement for their first female creative director
Dior names Jonathan Anderson as replacement for their first female creative director Show Caption Hide Caption Anna Delvey struts down the runway in an ankle monitor during NYFW Anna Delvey walked the runway during New York Fashion Week at the One Night in Bangkok fashion showcase, with her ankle monitor. Dior is appointing its menswear designer, Jonathan Anderson, as the fashion house's creative director, who will also oversee womenswear designs and haute couture. The shake-up means he is replacing Maria Grazia Chiuri, who had come over from Valentino and started helming Dior in 2016. Forty-year-old Anderson, founder of the U.K. label JW Anderson and former Loewe creative director, had been named Dior's head of menswear designs in April. "It is a great honor to join the House of Dior as Creative Director of both women's and men's collections," Anderson wrote in a June 1 Instagram post. "I have always been inspired by the rich history of this House, its depth, and empathy. I look forward to working alongside its legendary Ateliers to craft the next chapter of this incredible story." Anderson is credited as the costume designer for two award-nominated films from 2024, "Challengers" and "Queer." In announcing Anderson's expanded role, parent company LVMH's CEO Bernard Arnault called the Northern Irish designer "one of the greatest creative talents of his generation" who will be tasked with "writing the next chapter of the Dior house's history." Thanks to quirky designs that caught the attention — and praise — of fashion critics, Anderson successfully generated buzz around Loewe over the decade he spent at the Spanish label. Signature styles under his tenure include baggy, barrel-legged jeans and the compact Puzzle handbag. Chiuri, as the first female creative director at the label, relayed feminist messages and showcased artwork at her runway shows that featured modern renditions of house classics, including Dior's famous, nipped-waist bar jackets. Her designs often added fluidity and sometimes a sporty flair to feminine silhouettes. Dior joins Chanel and Gucci in high-level shake ups Anderson is one of several new high-profile designers taking over some of the world's biggest fashion labels amid a wide-sweeping industry overhaul, including Chanel and Gucci, over the past year. This time last year, Chanel's artistic director, Virginie Viard, departed after nearly three decades at the fashion house without announcing a successor. Months later, Matthieu Blazy was named the artistic director of fashion activities. (Louise Trotter replaced him at Bottega Veneta.) In February, creative director Sabato De Sarno abruptly left Gucci before Milan Fashion Week. Demna, formerly of Balenciaga, stepped into the role in March. In May, Balenciaga revealed Pierpaolo Piccioli as its new creative director. The appointment came more than a year after Valentino said he would be stepping aside after two decades. The sector is struggling to pull out of a prolonged slump, weighed down by China's property crisis and economic uncertainty in the United States. Top luxury houses are betting on a new design direction to help rekindle interest from shoppers, who have pulled back on fashion as prices rise. Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY
