Thousands of people across the country rallied in solidarity to support black trans-rights, Sunday.  

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Black transgender activist Raquel Willis explained the movement to CNN in an interview: "This collective of folks is particularly powerful because it's modeling what is possible when you do have allies and folks who do care and also want to make sure that they're building something that speaks to the hearts of the actual people that they're representing," she said. "So often that doesn't happen." 

Willis led the crowd in New York City in a chant during the protest saying "I believe in my power," while the crowd echoed the words back. "I believe in your power. I believe in our power. I believe in black trans power."

Melania Brown, the sister of Layleen Xtravaganza Cubilette-Polanco, a black transgender inmate at Rikers Island who died last year, spoke to the same crowd as well.

"Black trans lives matter," she said. "My sister's life mattered. All of the loved ones we have lost, all of these beautiful girls that we have lost. There lives matter. We have to protect them."

"We can't just talk about trans people when they're dying," Eliel Cruz, one of the co-organizers of the event, explained to CNN. "But what are we doing actively and intentionally to create space for them to be safe and well?"

When people say Black Lives Matter, they mean all Black Lives. Male Black Lives Matter. Female Black Lives Matter. Straight Black Lives Matter. Gay Black Lives Matter. Trans Black Lives also Matter.

The attack of Iyanna Dior, a black trans woman, is appalling to watch and it speaks to the exact reason why we are protesting. She was brutally attacked inside of a convenience store by a mob of 20-to-30 cisgender men calling her transphobic slurs and throwing punches. Dior was able to escape behind the shop counter before eventually finding safety through the back door. 

Boosie Badazz might be avoiding being in contact with people as he practices social distancing, that isn’t stopping him from speaking to the people. He’s been on Instagram Live heavily these days in wake of the Coronavirus scandal that has ended the NBA season pre-maturely, canceled all events, and closed all clubs, restaurants, and bars. 

Most recently the rapper hopped on Instagram Live to further discuss his thoughts on the trans community. He insists that he has nothing against trans people or anyone that identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, he did insinuate his issue is giving kids the power to make major decisions. “I don’t have nothing against no gay people,” he said before adding that he has gay people in his family and who work for him. “All I said was don’t do that, mane. I don’t hate gay nobody. I love people. I don’t hate white people. I don’t hate black people. I’m just — I don’t hate people, bruh.”

Boosie Badazz caught backlash last month after making comments of Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union’s 12-year-old kid‘s decision to be referred to with she and her pronouns. His comments caught national attention, receiving widespread backlash and support simultaneously before it ultimately got him kicked out of Planet Fitness.

Check out Boosie’s comments below. 

Actor Rick Cosnett came out as gay on Instagram, Friday.

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Hello

A post shared by Rick Cosnett (@rickcosnett) on Feb 13, 2020 at 3:24pm PST

“Hi everyone. Dramatic pause,” Cosnett said. “I’m gay.”

Cosnett is best known for his performance as Detective Eddie Thawne on The CW's The Flash, and his role as Dr. Wes Mayfield on The Vampire Diaries.

“I just wanted everyone to know because I’ve made a promise to myself to live my truth every day and sometimes that is a really hard thing to do when you have all these subconscious things that you don’t even know about from childhood and society and from just life,” Cosnett continued. “Most of you probably already knew anyway."

Many fans left positive and encouraging comments such as John Barrowman, who wrote, "Congrats and welcome to the truth... even if some assumed it’s still awesome to own it! Sending love from London. Jb."

One fan wrote "I can’t imagine the strength it took to post this. Thank you for sharing your truth! I hope this video touches that person who feels alone in this world. Keep living your truth and don’t allow anyone else to define that truth! #MuchLove."

In January, The CW renewed The Flash for a seventh season. The Flash can be streamed on Netflix.

Marvel gave many African Americans a new generation Black superhero back in 2018 with the beloved film Black Panther, representing the culture proudly in his own standalone film. In 2020, it looks like a new demographic will get proper representation in the MCU now that it’s been officially unveiled that a gay superhero will be one of the stars in the highly-anticipated film The Eternals.

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The news was revealed by Little America star Haaz Sleiman during a recent interview with Logo’s NewNowNext. Sleiman will star as the love interest of Brian Tyree Henry, the comedic actor famous for his role on FX’s Atlanta that stars in The Eternals as openly gay superhero Phastos. Haaz says of the historic movie couple, “we represent a gay family and have a child,” even confirming that the two will 100% share an onscreen kiss. 

Read Haaz Sleiman’s full quote about filming a gay kiss for The Eternals, Logo:

Everyone cried on set. For me it’s very important to show how loving and beautiful a queer family can be. Brian Tyree Henry is such a tremendous actor and brought so much beauty into this part, and at one point I saw a child in his eyes, and I think it’s important for the world to be reminded that we in the queer community were all children at one point. We forget that because we’re always depicted as sexual or rebellious. We forget to connect on that human part. 

Marvel will release The Eternals on November 6, 2020. Let us know your thoughts on this revolutionary revelation after checking out a preview of the cast and their characters below:

Earlier today, Dwyane Wade appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to discuss his 12-year-old daughter Zaya's transition. He shared the story of when Zaya recently approached him and his wife, Gabrielle Union, to inform them that she no longer wishes to be referenced with male pronouns or identified as Zion. Zaya's decision was met with endless support from her parents, who are now fully dedicated to educating themselves on how to be better allies to the LGBTQ+ community. "So internally it’s our job to one go out and get information, to reach out to every relationship that we have," Wade said on Ellen. "We just tried to figure out as much information as we can to help our child be her best self.”

Now, Union is taking the opportunity to introduce Zaya to the world and commend her. "Meet Zaya," Union captioned a video Zaya speaking to her dad about self-acceptance. "She's compassionate, loving, whip smart and we are so proud of her. It’s Ok to listen to, love & respect your children exactly as they are. Love and light good people." 

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She's compassionate, loving, whip smart and we are so proud of her. It’s Ok to listen to, love & respect your children exactly as they are. Love and light good people.

A post shared by Gabrielle Union-Wade (@gabunion) on Feb 11, 2020 at 10:04am PST

Following Wade and Union's public comments regarding Zaya today, they received an outpouring of praise from friends and fellow celebrities. Union took to Twitter to express gratitude for the support and remind everyone that she and her husband are still learning what true allyship entails. She wrote: "Huge huge huge THANK YOU to everyone whose dms I slid into, friends, & family who provided information, resources, love & encouragement. We are humble LGBTQ+ allies with ALOT to learn & grateful for all the support. We encourage yall to check us as needed. Again, thank you!"

Earlier this week it was reported that Lena Waithe and her wife, Alana Mayo, called it quits after just two months of marriage. The two had spontaneously eloped at the San Francisco City Hall in front of Harvey Milk's bust. The now-former couple released a joint statement PEOPLE magazine, this past Wednesday (Jan. 22), announcing their split and wishing the public provide them with privacy in regards to their relationship matters. Now, it looks like the Queen & Slim producer has already moved on as circulating rumors have revealed that Lena Waithe is now dating actress, Cynthia Erivo. 

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According to Bossip, Waithe was allegedly unfaithful to her wife during their short stint as a married couple. The report states that Waithe was caught on multiple occasions purchasing women expensive gifts and struggled with infidelity even after the couple's secret marriage ceremony in California. One of the sources stated:

"Even after they married, Lena was still buying designer gifts – Chanel, Gucci – for other women."

Now, it looks like Waithe has already got a new boo thang in the form of Harriet actress, Cynthia Erivo. The two are rumored to even be living with each other just days after Waithe formally announced her split from Alana Mayo. 

Lena Waithe and Cynthia Erivo have publicly crossed paths on several occasions during Hollywood outings and even posed in several candid photos together. While the rumors of Erivo and Emmy Award-winning writer's relationship have yet to be verified, their interactions on social media praising each other's artistry and personas could be used as some damning evidence against the alleged couple. 

If the rumors of the two dating are true, Waithe is moving pretty savagely in these streets. Check out this short clip of Lena Waithe talking about 'vibing' with Cynthia Erivo in a red carpet conversation with Variety in the video provided below. 

Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, better known by her stage name of Halsey, has been one of the most transparent artists to make their way to the forefront of the pop scene. The 25-year-old artist turned activist has been open about her bisexuality, her struggles with mental health, and her experience with her sexually-fluid significant other. This is why a photoshoot featuring herself dressed up as some of the most iconic musical men in history doesn’t come as far-fetched to the minds aware of her essence. 

In an exclusive pictorial and article with The Advocate entitled, “Halsey Explores Gender Expression By Channeling Legends Like Bowie,” Halsey embodied several male musical icons of yesteryear including Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, and Mick Jagger. 

Halsey was given complete creative control and wanted to curate an homage to the legendary artists that inspire her as a creative as well as allowed her to experiment with her “evolving gender expression.” The gender-fluid pop phenom also did all of her own makeup for the project. While speaking with the publication, the “Sorry” singer spoke on how rare it is for women to dress in drag stating,

“I don’t really see females dressing in real drag very often in editorial print. This is something I want to do. As a performer, I have looked up to or looked into those men—looking for a form of identity building for so long. It never really occurred to me that I shouldn’t… I’ve always really identified with being an androgynous performer,” she continued. “To this day, it blows my mind how unabashedly feminine (Jagger) was and still is.”

Halsey also spoke on being biracial, bipolar, and bisexual, and constantly having to justify her identity, 

“It was almost like people wanted proof (of her identities). They wanted to see me have a mental breakdown to prove I have bipolar disorder… I felt myself wanting to give in to that (to prove myself). It became difficult to establish what was performative because I felt like I had a responsibility to defend and to represent.” 

Check out some of the photos from Halsey’s self-curated photoshoot with The Advocate in the photos provided below. 

As society continues to progress, the rise of representation from all facets of culture is now being encouraged to be put on display. Representation from race, religion, subcultures, and sexual orientation have seen a massive spike in mainstream media and television. And now, Apple TV’s new docuseries, Visible: Out On Television, will examine the presence of the LGBTQIA+ community in film and television. 

The five-episode series will explore the history of the queer community in media and television dating back nearly 50 years when the first openly gay sitcom character appeared on the 1971 show, All In The Family. Visible will also investigate the early taboos, homophobia, and early censorship the LGBTQ community was forced to endure throughout the rise of influential television programming. 

Visible will touch on everything from historical events like Stonewall and the AIDS epidemic to the rise of queer influence with shows like Queer Eye and Pose. In recent history, we’ve seen popular personalities like Kid Cudi and Pete Davidson reach out to the stars of Queer Eye for their expertise, and the hip-hop realm openly accept the gay community. And now, Visible will provide the masses of an introspective look into the on-screen gay community. 

Visible will also feature a line-up of interviews from some of the relevant entertainment icons in the queer community including Ellen DeGeneres, Rachel Maddow, Billy Porter, Indya Moore, Anderson Cooper, Lena Waithe, Asia Kate Dillon, and Oprah. 

Check out the groundbreaking new trailer for Visible: Out On Television below and be on the lookout for the docuseries to hit the Apple TV+ streaming service on Feb. 14. 

Gender and sexuality are two topics that have been discussed quite a bit over the last few years. The LGBTQ+ community has seen a lot more visibility over the last little while which has led to more inclusion in the media, particularly TV shows and movies. One of the examples of this is CW’s brand new series, “Batwoman.” The title character, otherwise known as Kate Kane, is played by actress Ruby Rose who has been quite open in the past about her sexuality. 

On the latest episode of the series, Kane comes out to Gotham City as gay. This revelation comes as quite the risk because the more she tells about herself, the more likely it is people will figure out she is “Batwoman.” It’s important to note that Kane made this decision after seeing another character struggle to come out to their parents.

Kara Danvers players Supergirl who is the one who ends up writing the article about Kane’s sexuality. Perhaps the most significant part of this revelation is the fact that “Batwoman” is now the first openly gay title character in a superhero series. This is a huge step for LGBTQ+ visibility and with “Batwoman” leading the way, we could see other series take this route in the future.

[Via]