Outpublished a list of LGBTQ+-inclusive TV shows that are ending or being canceled in 2024. They include the Netflix seriesElite, FX’sWhat We Do in the Shadows, the Netflix animated seriesArcane, Freeform’sGrown-ish, Netflix’sYoung Royals, the Discovery+ seriesStar Trek: Discovery,The Umbrella Academy(Netflix),Outlander(Starz), Prime Video’sGood Omens,You(Netflix),Sort Of(Max) and Hulu’sGood Trouble.
Netflix’s new documentaryOutstanding: A Comedy Revolutionlooks at the life of activist/comedian Robin Tyler,Queertynoted. With a lineup including icons like Lily Tomlin and newer voices like Patti Harrison, the interwoven commentaries and historic footage provide a framework for the previously produced Netflix comedy specialStand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration, filmed live in 2022 at Long Angeles’ Greek Theater and featuring dozens of queer comedians. Tyler was the first queer comedian to come out on national television, doing so in a 1978 comedy special hosted by Phyllis Diller. However, Tyler told Queerty, “I never came out because I was never in the closet—not for a second.”
The works of the late queer author/activist James Baldwin could be headed to the small and big screens after Fremantle North America struck a deal with the Baldwin family, according toDeadline. The deal comes ahead of what would be Baldwin’s 100th birthday in August. Baldwin is the author of books such asIf Beale Street Could Talk, which was adapted by Barry Jenkins as a movie in 2018; his unfinished manuscriptRemember This Housewas also turned into a Samuel L. Jackson-narrated documentary,I Am Not Your Negro, in 2016. Other works include 1956’sGiovanni’s Room, 1962’sAnother Countryand 1979’sJust Above My Head.
Cyndi Lauper (who will soon go on her farewell tour) addressed her decades-long rivalry with another ’80s pop icon: Madonna,Queertynoted. Talking with The New York Times, Lauper expressed disappointment over being pitted against the “Like a Virgin” singer in the early days of their careers: ““It was a shame. I would have liked to have a friend.” Also, when E! News asked if she’s ever spoken to Madonna about their awkward dynamic, Lauper said, “Nah—I didn’t think she liked me that much.” Both singers dropped their first albums within six months of each other in 1983—Madonna with her self-titled work and Lauper withShe’s So Unusual.
And speaking of Madonna,Varietynoted that she has the highest-grossing worldwide tour of 2024 so far, thanks to the success of her “Celebration Tour.” With average ticket prices of $208.85, the pop icon had an average gross of $2,794,007 with 13,378 average tickets sold. However, Pollstar’s results do not include Taylor Swift, whose blockbuster “Eras” tour does not report its figures. Despite that, last December, Pollstar reported that Swift’s tour was the highest-grossing trek of all time and the first tour ever to cross the $1-billion mark.
Talking with the New York Times, Oscar-winning actor Sean Penn said that 2008’sMilk(in which he played the late gay activist Harvey Milk) was “the last time I had a good time” on a film set, adding: “I went 15 years miserable on sets,” perVariety. However, he also told The Times he could not star in the film today, as straight actors playing queer characters has become too hotly debated in Hollywood, adding, “It’s a time of tremendous overreach. It’s a timid and artless policy toward the human imagination.” Penn kept acting despite not entirely loving being on sets anymore—until friend and fellow actor Dakota Johnson sent him the screenplay for their new film together,Daddio.
The Shameless Fund—which out actor Jonathan Bailey founded—is joining forces with Jonathan Anderson’s Loewe to take a stand against the rising tide of anti-LGBTQ+ laws, Out noted. Their recent collaboration on the “Drink your Milk” T-shirt isn’t just about fashion; t’s a statement in support of LGBTQ+ rights. The T-shirt’s design is a direct reference to Bailey’s recent hit Showtime seriesFellow Travelers—specifically, a steamy scene in the show in which Matt Bomer’s charactertells Bailey’s character to “shut up and drink your milk.”
Queer actress Kristen Stewart’s Nevermind Pictures—which she runs with Dylan Meyer and Maggie McLean—secured a first-look deal with indie company Fremantle, perDeadline. Nevermind launched quietly last year and is one of the producers behindThe Challenger, Stewart’s TV series-starring debut in which she’ll play Sally Ride, the first U.S. woman to fly in space—and who was later revealed to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community herself. Stewart most recently starred in Rose Glass’s neo-noirLove Lies Bleeding.
Transgender artist and activist Ry Armstrong (they/them) was elected to serve as a Western Principal Councilor of Actors’ Equity Association on its National Council, per a press release. Equity is a labor union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers nationwide, fighting for fair wages, access to healthcare, pension opportunities and a safe working environment. Armstrong’s goal is to break the glass ceiling of non-binary representation on major city councils and address the unique challenges that LGBTQ+ workers face in the arts industry.
Billy Porter released the new single “Leap,” a press release announced. The song, described as a “motivational anthem,” arrived during Pride Month celebrations. “Leap” previews the forthcomingBlack Mona Lisa Vol. 2: The Cookout Sessions EPthat is coming soon. About the song, Porter commented, “I always want to make sure I use my art to heal. Music is the universal language. We are in trying times right now and I wrote LEAP alongside the late genius Andrea Martin to inspire love across all races, creeds, identities, and value structures. Welcome to the cookout!” Last year, Porter released the full-length albumBlack Mona Lisa, which boasts the title track as well as singles “Baby Was A Dancer,” “Stranger Things” and “Fashion,” among others.
Queer musician Omar Apollo has released his albumGod Said Novia Warner Records, a press release announced. Apollo recently announced the God Said No North American tour and has been previewing the album this spring with the release of singles “Spite,” “Less Of You,” and “Dispose of Me,” the last of which he recently performed onThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert.God Said Nofollows the whirlwind of his debut and the nonstop touring that followed both on his own headline tour, support on SZA’s SOS arena tour, and Billie Eilish’s Latin American stadium tour.
Drag queen Pandora Boxx will release her new dance album,BOXX, on Monday, July 15, per a press release. The album’s first single will be “Dance,” but a couple of the other tracks include “Raspberries,” Boxx’s ode to Carol Channing thatmarks her farewell to the impersonation she famously performed on Rupaul’s Drag Race; and “Gay,” her response to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “ Don’t Say Gay” legislation. “Dance is a song for everyone,” Boxx said. “It encourages people not to pay any mind to what others think and to dance like no one is watching.”
Aiden Zhane—who was on season 12 of RuPaul’s Drag Race—updated fans on her drag journey and detailed a possible break from the art form, perPinkNews. In part, she said, ““This year I’ve taken a big step back from drag,” she wrote. “Truth be told, it has not brought me much in the way of success for quite some time (mentally, spiritually or financially).” In 2019, Zhane captured viewers’ attention with her spooky aesthetic and (one-sided) beef with Brita Filter.
World of Wonder announced thatCanada’s Drag Race: Canada vs The Worldis returning this summer with an all new set of international queens, per a press release. The series returns for its second season on Friday, July 19, on WOW Presents Plus in the United States as well as select territories internationally, day and date with its local airing on Crave in Canada. The competitors include Alexis Mateo, Cheryl, Eureka!, Kennedy Davenport, La Kahena, Le Fil, Lemon, Miss Fiercalicious and Tynomi Banks. Brooke Lynn Hytes, Brad Goreski, and Traci Melchor return as resident judges whileCanada’s Drag Racealum Sarain Fox also returns for a multi-episode, guest judge run. A video introducing all the queens ishere.
Actress Sophia Bush and her new love, Ashlyn Harris, were among those attending the New York premiere of Wayne McGregor’s award-winning ballet triptych, Woolf Works, a press release noted. The ballet inspired by three of Woolf’s iconic novels—Mrs. Dalloway, Orlando and The Waves—blends McGregor’s signature choreography with visual design and immersive storytelling. Some of the other celebrities who attended were Mark Ronson and Grace Gummer, Kenny Ortega, actor Reeve Carney and actress Christine Baranski.
Boop! The Betty Boop Musical—featuring the talents of out director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell—will open on Broadway in April 2025 at a Shubert theater to be announced, perDeadline. The Broadway production follows a successful engagement at Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre last year that starred Jasmine Amy Rogers as the title character.
Da Bronx Pride Festival took place along Westchester Avenue on June 22— just one week before NYC Pride’s grand finale in Manhattan,Gay City Newsreported. There were greetings from spoken-word poets, drag artists, singers and politicians, including Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibbons; and performers including poet Nicco Diaz, Gia the Warrior Princess, Kelly KaBoom, Octavia Anye, Sundari and many others. The event’s highlight was a performance from The Cover Girls—the New York City singers who rose to fame in the late 1980s and early ‘90s with songs such as “Show Me” and “Funk Boutique.”
Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis are back together on set as Disney has released a first behind-the-scenes look at the production ofFreaky Friday 2, which is officially now filming,Varietyreported. Lohan and Curtis are reprising their roles of Anna and Tess Coleman, respectively. And, apparently, rumors that the sequel might be exclusively for Disney+ are not true. Joining Lohan and Curtis in the sequel are returning cast members Mark Harmon, Chad Michael Murray, Christina Vidal Mitchell, Haley Hudson, Lucille Soong, Stephen Tobolowsky and Rosalind Chao.
Two-time Tony winner Christian Borle will replace the previously announced Andrew Rannells in this fall’s Broadway production ofTammy Faye—the Elton John-composed musical about televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker,Deadlinereported. “Christian is one of Broadway’s most exciting leading men and I am beyond thrilled that he will be joining the company of Tammy Faye,” John said in a statement. Rannells had been expected to reprise his Olivier-nominated performance as Jim Bakker after producers announced his casting this past March; however, in a Tony Award red-carpet interview with CBS, Rannells announced he was no longer involved with the project.
Controversial former NFL player Antonio Brown called Duke guard Jared McCain a hom*ophobic slur during the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft,The Spunnoted. Brown reposted a video making fun of McCain’s content on TikTok and called him the “[expletive] of the day.” As for McCain’s NBA future, he’ll be spending the early stages of his pro career on the Philadelphia 76ers. Brown—a former All-Pro receiver who made nearly $81 million during his 12-year NFL career—recently confirmed reports that he has filed for bankruptcy, perCBS Sports. Brown alluded to losing money over past legal situations, such as allegations of sexual and personal misconduct brought against him in 2019 that ultimately led to the New England Patriots releasing him after just one game.
Justin Timberlake returned to the stage in Chicago for his first concert since being arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Sag Harbor, New York—and broke his silence about the incident, perABC 7 Chicago. “It’s been a tough week, but you’re here and I’m here, and nothing can change this moment right now,” Timberlake told the United Center crowd. A Sag Harbor Village Police Department officer described the “Cry Me a River” singer as “unable to divide attention,” adding “he had slowed speech, he was unsteady afoot and he performed poorly on all standardized field sobriety tests.”
Lauryn Hill and the Fugees announced fall dates for their ongoing anniversary tour celebrating her landmark 1998 solo album,The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, as well as the group’s 1996 smash albumThe Score,Varietynoted. The Fugees will co-headline all dates, and Hill’s son, YG Marley, will join as support. The tour launches in Florida on Aug. 9 (with stops in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and more) before continuing in Europe beginning Oct. 12.
Producers Robert Greenblatt and Neil Meron are developing the Broadway-boundStudio 54 The Musical,Deadlinenoted. Directed and choreographed by Tony winner Sergio Trujillo (Ain’t Too Proud—The Life and Times of the Temptations), the Broadway-bound Studio 54 musical will trace “the astonishing ascent and sudden downfall of the most legendary club in nightlife history.” Casting details and production schedule are to be announced.
Crazy Town lead singer Seth Binzer (aka Shifty Shellshock) died at age 49,Deadlinenoted. The nu-metal star founded American rap-rock group Crazy Town in 1995 in L.A. with Bret “Epic” Mazur, and had a hit in 2000 with the song “Butterfly,” from the albumThe Gift of Game. Crazy Town released a second album,Darkhorse, in 2002, although it failed to be as popular as the first.
Kenya Moore spoke out amid the news she isn’t returning for the remainder of season 16 ofThe Real Housewives of Atlanta,TMZnoted. On Instagram, she implied that the full story behind her suspension and exit from the new season of RHOA may not be out there. Moore added that she is grateful for fans’ support but noted her “conscience is clean” amid the drama. Moore was suspended over unveiling sexually explicit posters of show newcomer Brittany Eady; however, theJasmineBRAND said that Moore exited on her own over threats from Eady.
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