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Published by OK Magazine mega Though Britney Spears‘ tell-all memoir has been put on hold, publishers are hopeful the juicy tome will be released by the end of the year. “Initial delays involved internal attorneys combing through everything and sending back edits, and another round of delays came from certain people she’s worked with and family. But publishers are working through it,” an insider revealed, adding that the pop star, 41, is making it clear she wants certain things out in the world. “Britney’s already toned down the book a few times and isn’t willing to tone it down further,” the insider continued, confessing that there are a slew of A-listers mentioned. “Britney’s annoyed by all the new delays and wants the book out ASAP.” mega As OK! previously reported, a source told The Sun that the “Toxic” songstress discusses her “flings with two massive Hollywood stars.” “Britney is brutally honest in the book — there are a lot of nervous A-listers,” the insider claimed of the blonde beauty, who previously dated Justin Timberlake, Jason Trawick, Kevin Federline and more. “Strongly worded legal letters have been sent to the publishers by people who know Britney and who fear what she has written. There is no movement at the moment and there are concerns over when it will eventually be able to come out.” Britney Spears Reveals the Secret to Her ‘Favorite’ Photoshoot She Ever Did Britney Spears ‘Consents’ to Kevin Federline Moving Their 2 Sons to Hawaii, Pop Star’s Lawyer Calls ‘Dispute’ ‘Unnecessary’ Britney Spears’ Mom Lynne Flies Out of LAX After Seeing Daughter for First Time in 3 Years The book, which will cover he controversial conservatorship, her marriage to Sam Asghari and other topics fans desperately want to know about, will hopefully drop sooner than later. “Britney wants this to be her moment she talks to the world, to tell her side of the story and set the record straight,” the insider dished. “There’s a fair amount of throwing people under the bus, talking about past relationships, some of whom will be revealed for the first time ever.” The insider added, “Britney lived her life in the public eye but there are relationships and people she had encounters with who she managed to keep under the radar, including some massive film star names and people from the music world. She has wanted to go all out with this book and tell her truth, and that’s what has people worried.” mega Never miss a story — sign up for the OK! newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what OK! has to offer. It’s gossip too good to wait for! Us Weekly spoke with the first source. View the full article

Published by OK Magazine mega Tom Cruise is back on the prowl! The three-time divorced movie star has reportedly been in search of a new woman after being single for about a year. mega “Tom would love to meet that someone special,” an insider shared. “He emphatically believes the right girl is out there.” Prior to his recent break up with Hayley Atwell in June 2022, the Top Gun alum was married to Mimi Rogers from 1987 to 1990, Nicole Kidman from 1990 to 2001 and Katie Holmes from 2006 to 2012. The star shares his adopted children Connor and Isabella with Kidman, and his biological daughter Suri with Holmes. It was reported that The Outsiders alum has staffers “audition” his potential girlfriends. Back in the ’00s, Holmes allegedly “won” the try-out leading to their nuptials. As OK! recently reported, Cruise made it clear he has started to play the field again after he was seen flirting with Shakira at the 2023 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix. mega Although, the insider also shared that the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer was not interested in Cruise’s advances. According to the source, the 46-year-old musician was “begging him to stop flirting with her” at the event. The father-of-three was allegedly “giddy” after running into Shakira at the May 7 race. The pair have met before, but were never previously romantically linked. Single Shakira Shows Off Toned Legs in Miami as Ex Gerard Piqué Posts Rare Photo With New GF Shakira ‘Flattered But Not Interested’ in Pursuing a Romance With Tom Cruise, Claims Source: ‘She’s Begging Him to Stop Flirting’ Tom Cruise’s Ego ‘Dented’ After Shakira Rebuffed His Advances, Insider Claims: ‘It Stung’ “He came away convinced they had a real connection they needed to build on,” the source said, while noting the Colombian vocalist was simply being polite. After their run-in, the 60-year-old sent the singer a bouquet of flowers as he gushed over their “chemistry,” though another insider revealed it was “too much” for the mom-of-two. mega “She doesn’t want to embarrass or upset him, but there’s no attraction or romance on her part — she was just being friendly,” the source said. “She’s flattered but not interested.” While Cruise has been in search of his next wife, Shakira seems to be focused on her children’s wellbeing as the family recently moved to Miami so she can more effectively co-parent with ex Gerard Piqué. Never miss a story — sign up for the OK! newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what OK! has to offer. It’s gossip too good to wait for! “I settled in Barcelona to give my children stability, the same that we are now looking for in another corner of the world next to family, friends and the sea. Today we start a new chapter in the pursuit of their happiness,” she explained about her recent move. “Thanks to everyone who surfed so many waves with me there in Barcelona, the city where I learned that friendship is undoubtedly longer than love. Thank you to everyone who has been there to cheer me up, dried my tears, inspired me and made me grow.” Star reported on the source’s coments. View the full article

Published by Reuters By Jessie Pang and Ben Blanchard HONG KONG/TAIPEI (Reuters) -Hong Kong police searched and detained scores of people on Sunday, including four arrested for “seditious” intent, as authorities tightened security for the 34th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Restrictions in Hong Kong have stifled what were once the largest vigils marking the anniversary of the bloody crackdown by Chinese troops on pro-democracy demonstrators, leaving cities like Taipei, London, New York and Berlin to keep the memory of June 4 alive. Near Victoria Park, the previous site of yearly vigils, hundreds of police conducted stop and search operations, and deployed armoured vehicles and police vans. Reuters witnesses saw more than a dozen people taken away, including activist Alexandra Wong, 67, who carried a bouquet of flowers, a man who held a copy of “35th of May”, a play on the Tiananmen crackdown, and an elderly man standing alone on a street corner with a candle. “The regime wants you to forget, but you can’t forget… It (China) wants to whitewash all history,” said Chris To, 51, who visited the park in a black t-shirt and was searched by police. “We need to use our bodies and word of mouth to tell others what happened.” Hong Kong activists say such police action is part of a broader campaign by China to crush dissent in the city that was promised continued freedoms for 50 years under a “one country, two systems” model when Britain handed it back in 1997. Security is significantly tighter across Hong Kong this year, with up to 6,000 police deployed, including riot and anti-terrorism officers, according to local media. Senior officials have warned people to abide by the law, but have refused to clarify if such commemoration activities are illegal under a national security law China imposed on Hong Kong in 2020 after sometimes violent mass pro-democracy protests. In a statement, police said some had been arrested for seditious intent and for “breaching public peace”. In Beijing, Tiananmen Square was thronged with tourists taking pictures under the watchful eyes of police and other personnel but with no obvious sign of stepped-up security. A group of relatives called the Tiananmen Mothers said the anguish never ended. “Though 34 years have passed, for us, family members of those killed, the pain of losing our loved ones in that one night has tormented us to this day,” the group said in a statement released by the New York-based watchdog Human Rights in China. ‘CLEAR CONCLUSION’ Despite the warnings in Hong Kong, some individuals, including book shop owners, have been quietly marking June 4. Jailed Hong Kong activist Chow Hang-tung, one of the leaders of a group called The Alliance, which used to organise the June 4 vigils, said on Facebook that she would hold a 34-hour hunger strike. In mainland China, any mention of the Tiananmen Square crackdown – where troops opened fire on pro-democracy protesters, killing hundreds if not thousands, according to rights groups – is taboo and the subject is heavily censored. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, when asked about the government’s response to events around the world to mark the anniversary, said in Beijing on Friday that the government had already come to a “clear conclusion about the political turmoil in the late 1980s”. In democratically governed Taiwan, the last remaining part of the Chinese-speaking world where the anniversary can be marked freely, hundreds attended a memorial at Taipei’s Liberty Square where a “Pillar of Shame” statue was displayed. Peggy Kwan, 57, an interpreter at the event, expressed sadness at the stifling of commemorations in Hong Kong. “Hong Kong is moving backward,” she said. China claims Taiwan as its own and has not renounced the use of force to ensure eventual unification. Taiwan Vice President William Lai, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s presidential candidate in an election next January, wrote on his Facebook page that the memory of what happened in Beijing in 1989 must be preserved. “The event commemorating June 4 has continued to be held in Taipei, which shows that democracy and authoritarianism are the biggest differences between Taiwan and China,” he said. In Sydney, one of over 30 places in North America, Europe and Asia hosting commemoration events, dozens of demonstrators rallied at the Town Hall, chanting “free Hong Kong”, while holding up yellow umbrellas, the symbol of pro-democracy protests since 2014, and placards. (Additional reporting by Yew Lun Tian in Beijing, Joyce Zhou in Hong Kong; Angie Teo in Taipei; James Redmayne in Sydney; Writing by James Pomfret; Editing by Robert Birsel and Nick Macfie) View the full article

Published by OK Magazine mega Before Kim Cattrall could sign on to appear in And Just Like That Season 2, she had some demands that had to be met, including how she refused to film with her costars Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis, according to a source. “Kim had two stipulations — one, that she would not act with any of the other girls, and two, she did not want to see Michael Patrick King,” the source dished, referring to the showrunner. “She will have gotten a s****load of money. It just shows the power of Kim,” the insider continued, referring to how Cattrall’s character, Samantha Jones, was absent from the first season. “They still need her on the show. But even though this may get fans thinking she’ll be back for the next season, she’ll never do that. She was treated poorly.” “I’m glad she gets to be the hero … I’m sure it took a lot of massaging to make the cameo happen,” they concluded. As OK! previously reported, Samantha is reportedly seen having a phone conversation with Carrie (played by Parker). “The offer presented to Kim was always to be a phone call, shot alone as most calls would be. This was an easy and convenient way for Samantha to return. We are delighted it worked out,” a spokesperson for HBO and Max said in a statement. Though Samantha’s name was frequently brought up in the first season, fans weren’t sure she would ever return due to conflict between her and her costars. Cattrall was asked in the past if she was still friendly with the ladies from SATC, to which she replied: “This is really where I take to task the people from Sex and the City, and specifically Sarah Jessica Parker,” she said. “I think she could’ve been nicer. I really think she could’ve been nicer. I don’t know what her issue is.” mega ‘Sex And The City’ Alum Kim Cattrall Appears To Throw Subtle Dig At Sarah Jessica Parker In Cryptic Instagram Post Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker Did Not ‘Patch Any Open Wounds’ During Her ‘Sex and the City’ Reboot Appearance Kim Cattrall Praised for Appearing in ‘Sex and the City’ Reboot Despite Feud With Costar Sarah Jessica Parker: ‘Samantha Made the Show’ Parker was left speechless about the accusations. “I found it really upsetting,” she said on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in February 2018. “That’s not the way I recall our experience. So, it’s sad, but I think what always ties us together is this singular experience. It was professional, but it became personal because it was years and years of our lives.” When Cattrall’s brother passed away in 2018, Parker tried to show her some love, but Cattrall fired back, writing, “I don’t need your love or support at this tragic time @SarahJessicaParker.” “My mom asked me today, ‘When will that Sarah Jessica Parker, that hypocrite, leave you alone?’ Your continuous reaching out is a painful reminder of how cruel you really were then and now. Let me make this VERY clear (if I haven’t already). You are not my family. You are not my friend. So I’m writing to tell you one last time to stop exploiting our tragedy in order to restore your ‘nice girl’ persona,” she continued. Never miss a story — sign up for the OK! newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what OK! has to offer. It’s gossip too good to wait for! mega The sources spoke with Page Six. View the full article

Published by Raw Story PULASKI, Tenn. — Members of the LGBTQ community and their allies kicked off Pride month here with a common theme: defiance. No matter the string of anti-gay actions by Tennessee’s Republican-controlled state government or threats by avowed neo-Nazis plotting in the shadows. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer residents and their allies celebrated in even some of the state’s deepest red counties while taking heart from a federal court ruling this weekend that struck down the state’s new anti-drag show law as unconstitutional. Thousands of people streamed into a Pride celebration held … Read More View the full article

Published by Reuters By Jiraporn Kuhakan BANGKOK (Reuters) – The frontrunner to be Thailand’s next prime minister joined a Pride parade in Bangkok on Sunday, promising to pass a law that would allow same-sex marriage and gender identity rights if he becomes premier. Thousands of LGBTQ+ people, their allies and political leaders marched through central Bangkok, marking Pride month and promoting gender equality in the second official Pride parade to be held in the country. Marchers waved rainbow flags with one holding a placard that said “freedom to choose gender” and another that said “love is love,” in rainbow colours. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said that over 50,000 people joined this year’s Pride parade, more than double the attendance of last year’s event. Political figures joining the parade included Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the progressive Move Forward party, which is pushing to lead a coalition after winning the most seats in a May 14 general election when voters made clear their hope of ending almost 10 years of rule by the military and military-backed governments. “Once the government is formed we will support Marriage Equality (Act), Gender Identity (Act) and several others, including welfare,” Limjaroenrat told reporters at the parade. “These few things will make the celebration of diversity in Pride Month into pride always,” he said. The coalition, which consisted of eight political parties, has made a joint pledge to pass laws, including the Marriage Equality Act, to ensure equal rights for all couples regardless of gender, after the passage of the draft law and related legislations were stalled in parliament under the previous government. Thailand has one of Asia’s most open and visible lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities, but many political activists say Thai laws and traditional institutions have yet to reflect changing social attitudes and still discriminate against LGBT people and same-sex couples. (Additional reporting by Panu Wongcha-um; Editing by Susan Fenton) View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Kim Cattrall has “moved on” from ‘Sex and the City’ and refuses to be “unhappy” on set. The 66-year-old actress – who has been locked in a feud with former co-star Sarah Jessica Parker for years – was recently revealed to have reprised her role as Samantha Jones for a brief appearance in the second season of spin-off show ‘And Just Like That’ but she explained she makes decisions on her work based on what will be “artistically fulfilling” and make her happy. In an interview given to Sunday Times Style magazine – who noted they were asked not to ask her about the show – before her cameo was announced, Kim said: “I moved on. I think the greatest place to negotiate from, whatever the situation, is from strength and self-knowledge. Also, at this point in my life I don’t want to be on a set and be unhappy. I want it to be on terms that are artistically fulfilling and also that I am happy.” After finishing her work on ‘Sex and the City’, Kim has landed roles in shows including ‘Filthy Rich’, ‘How I Met Your Father’, ‘Sensitive Skin’, and ‘Queer as Folk’, and the actress hopes she’ll no longer be defined by playing Samantha. Recalling how she recently met a young woman at a cocktail party who told her, “I’m just obsessed with it”, Kim said: “And of course [I thought] she meant ‘Sex and the City’. But she was talking about ‘How I Met Your Father’.” Asked if she thinks Samantha is now just becoming one piece in the jigsaw of her career, she replied: “Absolutely. Absolutely.” Variety revealed a few days ago Kim would appear in ‘And Just Like That’, news she later confirmed on Instagram. But according to the outlet, the actress will only appear in one scene and she shot her dialogue in New York City on 22 March without seeing or speaking to any of the rest of the cast or showrunner Michael Patrick King. In Kim’s cameo, Samantha – who has moved to London – will have a phone conversation with Sarah Jessica’s Carrie Bradshaw, after season one saw the characters exchange text messages and make a plan to see one another. While legendary ‘SATC’ costume designer Patricia Field hasn’t been working on ‘And Just Like That’, she dressed Kim for her scene. View the full article

Published by OK Magazine mega Andy Cohen is being called out by pal Kelly Ripa for sending her a NSFW photo — at work! Recalling the hilarious situation on the Wednesday, May 31, episode of her podcast, “Let’s Talk Off Camera,” featuring Cohen as a guest, Ripa revealed: “So, my work iPad is open and I’m sitting here reading through my notes and [“Live” Executive Producer Michael Gelman] is over my shoulder trying to show me something.” mega “And suddenly a completely erect penis pops up,” the Live With Kelly and Mark host remembered. “Let’s call him Bobby,” continued the 52-year-old. “It just says, ‘Bobby’s c**k,’ and it’s, like, a text from Andy Cohen, ‘Bobby’s c**k.’” Offering more background information on the incident, the Bravo boss explained he was planning to have a “sex romp” with a straight, Boston-based couple — which ultimately led to him receiving a photos of “Bobby’s” manhood. The Watch What Happens Live host revealed he never sealed the deal on the threesome, news Ripa was pleased to hear. “Mark and I get very nervous with this stuff on your behalf,” Ripa admitted to her pal. “I’m constantly convinced that it’s going to be a couple of serial killers.” The 52-year-old continued: “I’ve had this discussion with you many times, where I’m so afraid for your life.” Ryan Seacrest Jokes He ‘Got Out’ in the ‘Nick of Time’ After Kelly Ripa & Mark Consuelos’ Rough Start as Cohosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Humiliate Their Kids on-Air by Pretending to French Kiss: ‘It Disgusts Them’ Ryan Seacrest ‘Confident’ He Can Host His Own Talk Show After Exiting ‘Live!’: Source mega Ripa and Cohen’s frank conversation included The Daddy Diaries author’s admission about how his life has changed since becoming a single dad to son Benjamin, 4, and daughter Lucy, 1. “I miss sleeping and I miss walking around naked and I miss being the only one in my house. And did I say freedom? I do miss the freedom,” Cohen told Ripa, making it clear that he doesn’t “question” his decision to have children “for a second.” Never miss a story — sign up for the OK! newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what OK! has to offer. It’s gossip too good to wait for! “I often think to myself, ‘Well, what would I be doing if I didn’t have kids?’ And I think, ‘Well, I would be masturbating and getting high,’” he quipped. “I still masturbate and get high plenty with kids.” Cohen concluded: “So maybe I’m not missing that much.” Page Six reported on Ripa and Cohen’s NSFW conversation. View the full article

Published by GB News Eddie Izzard has confirmed her name change to “Suzy” but doesn’t mind she, her, he or him and will remain Eddie in public. Izzard has used she/her pronouns since 2020, although she admits she “doesn’t mind” when people say he/him. The aspiring MP previously said people can choose which name they wish to address her by. In a post on social media, the comedian explained that “no one can really get it wrong” as she cleared up her preferred name and pronouns months after formally announcing the change. She has been openly trans since 1985 and in 2020 announced she wanted to be “based in girl mode … Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Lady Gaga uses make-up as a “self-care” mechanism. The 36-year-old pop star is known for having sported a range of diverse looks and costumes throughout her career and explained that her earliest memories of fashion come from her mother, who made her realise that looking “glamorous” could benefit her mental health. She told Grazia magazine: “My earliest memories of make-up centre on my mother. Watching her transform and get ready for work was so special, I watched her become this superhuman being. ” My mother used to say to me, ‘Take care of yourself. You have to look glamorous. It’s not all about how you look – I’ve worn a lot of make-up before and still felt awful on the inside. “But for me, make-up is self-care; sometimes it really lifts my spirits and it has helped me with my mental health a lot throughout my life.” The ‘Bad Romance’ hitmaker has now launched her HausLabs brand in the UK and the US-born superstar went on to add how much she has enjoyed bringing the line to Britain because of her admiration for the country’s beauty culture. She added: “I’m known for wearing make-up, I’m known for being expressive. Well, now I don’t just wear make-up, I make make-up. I’m part of the process in a big way.’ “I love the UK and it’s no secret that I love the fashion. People talk about Paris and Milan, but British fashion has influenced me the most throughout my career, there’s this relationship between fashion, art and beauty that’s subversive and interesting, particularly when it comes to women’s gender performance – it’s unique. “I’ve come to the UK with music and performances, but this year I’m coming with make-up.” View the full article

Published by Raw Story Glamour UK’s latest Pride issue has marked a historic milestone by featuring a pregnant transgender man on its cover, a move aiming to spotlight the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. The individual, Logan Brown, 27, breaks barriers and challenges the traditional perceptions of pregnancy. Brown is the first pregnant trans man ever to grace the cover of the esteemed magazine. “I am a transgender pregnant man and I do exist, so no matter what anybody says, I literally am living proof,” Brown told Glamour. His personal journey, as detailed in the issue, offers a unique perspective o… Read More View the full article

Published by Fenland Citizen FILM REVIEW: SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDERVERSE (PG), SEEN AT THE LIGHT CINEMA, WISBECH VOICE CAST: Shameik Moore (Miles Morales), Hailee Steinfield (Gwen Stacey), Oscar Isaac (Miguel O’Hara), Jake Johnson (Peter B.Parker) RUNNING TIME: 2 hours. 20 minutes DIRECTORS: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson Hands up, this wasn’t a film I was particularly excited about seeing. My son Alfie is a huge Marvel fan, and although I’ve enjoyed watching nearly all those cinematic universe blockbusters with him over the last few years, I really didn’t believe an animated/CGI film was my bag. … Read More View the full article

Published by Global Voices Sex workers from OTRAS lead a march in Spain celebrating LGTBIQ workers’ rights. Image credit: OTRAS, used with permission. Throughout the world, being a sex worker is often equated with being vulnerable, but today sex workers are building movements to strengthen their rights, making steady progress that can be recognised today, International Sex Workers’ Day. In Latin America, 14 countries have made sex work legal while criminalizing the management and organizing of sex work, while others have made local laws that criminalize sex work. But even in countries where it is legalized, labor rights… Read More View the full article

Published by Radar Online MEGA Transgender Caitlyn Jenner has been speaking her mind nonstop about fellow trans athletes competing in competitions in hopes it will help her political ambitions, RadarOnline.com has learned. Sources close to the situation revealed that Caitlyn, who failed spectacularly in her 2021 run for California governor, has an ulterior motive for speaking out on the hot-button issue. MEGA “Caitlyn may not have succeeded in the governor’s race, but she hasn’t given up on a career in politics,” said the insider. “She knows this is a winning issue with conservatives and she has consistently put herself out there as the conservative voice of reason on trans matters. She’s trying to capitalize again.” MEGA Earlier this month, Caitlyn publicly criticized a trans teen who finished 2nd in a California track and field competition. Athena Ryan, a transgender woman, won the silver prize in a varsity girls’ event at the North Coast Meet of Champions of California finals. Caitlyn Jenner’s Beloved Mom Esther Passes Away At 96 Former Olympian Caitlyn Jenner Piling on Weight by Overeating: Sources Conservative Caitlyn Jenner Accuses ‘Trans’ Community Of ‘Destroying The Family Unit’ MEGA Caitlyn took issue with Athena being named the winner and kicking out another athlete named Adeline Johnson. “As ‘somewhat’ of a track star myself and a trans person, THIS IS WRONG!!! HELP ME PUSH BACK!” Caitlyn wrote. “And FYA trans ppl you are being used by the radical gender ideology cult as political pawns. That’s all you are to them,” she added. MEGA The month prior, Caitlyn attacked trans influencer, Dylan Mulvaney. He called her “fringe” and “not good” for the LGBT movement. “I have never spoken to her, nor will I,” Jenner told The New York Post. “I try to be, for the LGBT community, the adult in the room. She is not. She is bouncing around all over the place. I have nothing in common with her,” he said.“The fringe is the worst thing that can happen to the trans community and the media only wants to report on that because of the sensationalization of it and honestly that’s got to stop.” Last year, Caitlyn called out Dylan after the influencer tried to “normalize the bulge” for trans women. “Dylan …congrats you’re trans with a penis,” Caitlyn tweeted. Sources say Caitlyn hopes her appearances on Fox News and other conservative networks will increase her chances if she decided to run again. View the full article

Published by AFP Elon Musk pegged an anti-transgender video atop his Twitter page after saying on the platform that while some of it might be 'rude' it is allowed on the platform San Francisco (AFP) – Twitter’s head of trust and safety on Friday confirmed she had quit the company, her departure coming after owner Elon Musk endorsed an anti-transgender video shared on the platform. “I know there’s been a lot of speculation regarding what happened,” read a post on Ella Irwin’s Twitter account late Friday, a day after her resignation was reported in US media. “I did resign but this has been a once in a lifetime experience,” she added, without revealing any reason for suddenly leaving her job at Twitter. Irwin is the second head of trust and safety to quit Twitter since eccentric billionaire Musk bought the platform and reduced content moderation to essentially permit anything allowed by law. Since taking over Twitter in late October, Musk has repeatedly courted controversy, sacking most of its staff, readmitting banned accounts to the platform, suspending journalists and charging for previously free services. Musk said during a CNBC interview in May that he will continue to tweet his unfiltered thoughts even if it hurts his businesses. “I don’t care,” the billionaire said when asked what he thought of his controversial tweets making it harder to sell ads on Twitter or hurting the share price of Tesla, his electric vehicle manufacturing business. “I’ll say what I want to say and if the consequence of that is losing money, so be it.” Irwin’s departure came as Twitter was under pressure by backers of an anti-transgender video called “What Is A Woman” who claimed Twitter went back on a deal to distribute the content free on the platform. Backers of the video contended the video was being suppressed at Twitter for not using people’s chosen pronouns when it came to gender identification. Musk said in a Twitter exchange with the conservative outlet behind the video that people had made a mistake and the video, while possibly “rude,” was not against the law. A post for the video reading “Every parent should watch this” was pegged to the top of Musk’s Twitter account as of late Friday. At least one other high level Twitter executive left after the incident, according to US media reports. The controversy comes just weeks before respected media and advertising executive Linda Yaccarino is to replace Musk as Twitter’s chief executive. Moves made by Musk have spooked advertisers, many of whom left the platform due to concerns over their products being associated with troubling content. Since Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion, its value has plummeted with the return of far-right figures and loss of trust by users. View the full article

Published by Reuters By Daniel Trotta (Reuters) – Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Friday signed a bill that bans transgender healthcare including puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors, making Texas the largest of the 20 states to have outlawed gender-affirming care. Republican lawmakers across the country have promoted similar bills, saying they mistrust the consensus among major medical associations that endorse gender-affirming care as needed and even life-saving for trans youth after extensive evaluation. Texas, the second most-populous U.S. state, has an estimated 29,800 transgender youth aged 13 to 17, according to the Williams Institute of UCLA. The American Civil Liberties Union and other groups have pledged to fight the law in court, as they have similar legislation in other states. “They (Texas lawmakers) are hellbent on joining the growing roster of states determined to jeopardize the health and lives of transgender youth, in direct opposition to the overwhelming body of scientific and medical evidence,” the ACLU said in a statement when the bill passed the legislature. The Texas law creates exceptions for minors who began treatment before June 1 or for those who attended 12 or more sessions of mental health counseling or psychotherapy for at least six months. But those patients “shall wean off the prescription drug over a period of time,” the law says. Backers of such laws say government must intervene against the wishes of parents and doctors because they fear it will cause irreparable harm and say children are incapable of acceding to such decisions. Groups including the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics oppose the legislation. Republicans introduced more than 500 bills affecting LGBTQ people in 2023, with more than 50 passing, according to the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ rights group. Those numbers are up from 315 bills introduced and 29 passed in 2022. (Reporting by Daniel Trotta; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) View the full article

Published by AlterNet The Target company’s capitulation to homophobes and transphobes is a testament to the dangers of relying on corporations to uphold social justice. Just days before the start of June, celebrated around the country and world as “Pride month,” Target corporation decided that proudly allying with the LGBTQIA+ community by selling Pride-themed merchandise was not worth the alienation of bigots. Facing rightwing violence and what it called “volatile circumstances,” the company pulled some of its rainbow-festooned products and moved pride-related displays to the back of stores in some locations. This… Read More View the full article

Published by Raw Story Business magnate Elon Musk has recently stirred controversy by sharing anti-trans content on his Twitter account. Known for his outspoken and often divisive social media presence, Musk’s posts have sparked heated debates and backlash from groups advocating for transgender rights. Musk came under fire from conservatives after Twitter reduced the distribution of a conservative film produced by The Daily Wire “that urges intolerance of trans people and opposes medical intervention for trans children,” according to Business Insider. The film by The Daily Wire’s Matt Walsh had its visibility cut af… Read More View the full article

Published by Reuters By Timothy Gardner WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A federal judge has ruled that Tennessee’s law restricting drag performances in public or where children were present was unconstitutional, striking a blow to efforts in U.S. states to regulate LGBTQ conduct. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee in February had signed the bill passed by the state’s assembly that aimed to restrict drag performances, putting the state at the forefront of a Republican-led effort to limit drag in at least 15 states in recent months. U.S. District Judge Thomas Parker, an appointee of former Republican President Donald Trump, ruled late on Friday that the law was “both unconstitutionally vague and substantially overbroad.” The First Amendment to the Constitution commands that laws infringing on freedom of speech must be narrow and well defined, Parker said in the 70-page ruling. “Simply put, no majority of the Supreme Court has held that sexually explicit — but not obscene — speech receives less protection than political, artistic, or scientific speech,” Parker said in the ruling. Under the law, offenders could face fines and up to a year in prison and repeat offenders could have faced prison sentences of up to six years. Ahead of the 2024 elections, Republican lawmakers across the country have introduced more than 500 bills this year regulating the conduct of gay and transgender people, ranging from what can be taught in schools to bathroom use and medical care. At least 48 of those have passed, according to the Human Rights Campaign, an advocacy group. Parker had temporarily blocked the law on March 31, just before it was set to go into effect, siding with Friends of George’s, a Memphis-based LGBTQ theater group that filed suit against the state. GLAAD, an LGBTQ advocacy group, praised Parker’s decision. “This ruling is a turning point and we will not go back,” GLAAD said in a release. “Every anti-LGBTQ elected official is on notice that these baseless laws will not stand and that our constitutional freedom of speech and expression protects everyone and propels our culture forward,” the group said. (Reporting by Timothy Gardner; Additional reporting by Eric Beech and Jonathan Allen; Editing by Daniel Wallis) View the full article

Published by DPA Participants of the Riga Pride parade with a huge rainbow flag through the city center. Alexander Welscher/dpa Thousands of people celebrated Pride on the streets of Riga on Saturday, only partially disrupted by isolated counter-protests. The mostly young participants of the “Riga Pride” parade waved rainbow flags and held signs demanding more tolerance and equal rights for lesbian, gay, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people. The two-hour street parade with the slogan “We are all Latvia” was the highlight of the Riga Pride festival, which runs over several weeks. Being queer is often still taboo in the Baltic country, where same-sex marriage is not yet legal. The parade’s organizers estimated the number of participants at over 5,000. The colourful march through Riga’s city centre was secured by numerous police officers. Unlike at previous events, there were no notable incidents. “This was the most spectacular march Riga has seen so far,” co-organizer Kaspars Zalitis told Latvian radio. “Latvian society has become much more open and inclusive.” In this year’s Rainbow Europe ranking by the organization ILGA Europe, Latvia landed in 37th place. The legal status for LGBTQ people within the European Union was thus only worse for queer people in Poland, Romania and Bulgaria. The Latvian LGBTQ community hopes that the recent election of Edgars Rinkēvičs as president will result in progress and more acceptance amongst society. Rinkēvičs came out as gay in 2014, but just like many of Latvia’s other top politicians, did not attend Saturday’s parade. Participants of the Riga Pride parade with a huge rainbow flag through the city center. Alexander Welscher/dpa View the full article

Published by New York Daily News Taylor Swift kicked off her first of three shows in Chicago on Friday, delivering a special speech for her LGBTQ fans. In a touching show of allyship and support for the “incredible individuals who are living authentically and beautifully,” the pop superstar — who’s currently in the middle of her sold-out “The Eras Tour” — took some time to celebrate Pride Month, telling LGBTQ Swifties that “this is a safe space for you.” “First things first, Happy Pride Month, everyone,” the singer said, referring to her LGBTQ fans as “the most stunning, beautiful, brilliant crowds of people who are living th… Read More View the full article

Published by AFP Chick-fil-A is an American fast food brand beloved for its fried chicken sandwiches and milkshakes Washington (AFP) – The “Lord’s chicken” no more: US fast food chain Chick-fil-A — beloved among Americans for its sandwiches, nuggets and milkshakes — found itself on the receiving end of right-wing ire this week, accused of succumbing to “woke” ideology. After conservative customers realized the company employs a “diversity, equity and inclusion” representative, it has joined the ranks of other seemingly innocuous brands now facing calls for boycotts, such as mega supermarket Target and Bud Light beer. Until recently, conservatives had seen the restaurant as one of their own, with its website explaining that its locations are closed on Sundays so the Baptist founder “and his employees could set aside one day to rest and worship if they choose.” And in 2012, it was progressives who spurned Chick-fil-A’s offerings for supporting anti-gay marriage efforts. But the tables have turned, as right-wing influencers complain on social media about a statement from its vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion who says the company is committed “to ensuring mutual respect, understanding and dignity everywhere we do business.” Though that position has already been filled for a few years, angry social media commentators seem to have only just noticed this week. “Disappointing. Et tu Chick-fil-A?” asked former Trump-era Justice Department official Jeff Clark on Twitter, quoting Julius Caesar’s realization in Latin that his friend Brutus was among his killers. And contributor to conservative organization Turning Point USA, Morgonn McMichael, accused the chain in a viral video of deciding to “bow down to the woke lords.” “Chick-fil-A you are no longer the Lord’s chicken. You’re actually the woke chicken, and I’m really upset about it as a Christian woman,” she says. McMichael and her friend then complain about having to visit a rival chain instead — even though they do not seem as enthused about the fried poultry options at the new place. McMichael later claimed the video “was only about 30 percent serious.” ‘Toxic’ Chick-fil-A is only the latest US company to take center stage in the “culture wars” — the often sudden and intense controversies over issues like LGBTQ rights, guns and education, many of which involve everyday aspects of American life. Giant supermarket chain Target last week announced it would remove some LGBTQ pride merchandise from its shelves after receiving intense backlash from conservative media personalities — and even facing threats against employees. The company had launched a line of items marking June’s LGBTQ Pride Month, including rainbow-adorned T-shirts, party decorations and cooking supplies. Earlier this year, it was iconic American beer Bud Light in the anti-woke spotlight, for partnering with a popular transgender social media influencer. Many social media users now say they’ve totally given up the brand, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate, has vowed to never drink Bud Light again, loathe to support anything “woke” — a somewhat amorphous term used by conservatives to describe progressive cultural values. The slogan “Go woke, go broke” has circulated on social media to encourage such boycotts. “The goal is to make ‘pride’ toxic for brands,” conservative commentator Matt Walsh said on Twitter. “If they decide to shove this garbage in our face, they should know that they’ll pay a price. It won’t be worth whatever they think they’ll gain,” he added. “First Bud Light and now Target. Our campaign is making progress. Let’s keep it going. With the 2024 election campaign looming, the culture wars don’t seem poised to run out of steam any time soon, and their next targets may be just as unpredictable as their last. “If you would’ve told me a year ago that a meal of Chick-fil-A washed down by Bud Light would trigger the (conservatives) I would’ve asked what you were smoking,” independent journalist Aaron Rupar observed. View the full article

Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer Drag queens Brittany Lynn and Morgan Wells read Giraffes Can’t Dance, a book promoting self-acceptance, to children in front of Independence Hall in a new Pride Month public service announcement encouraging LGBTQ+ travelers to book a trip to the city. Visit Philadelphia unveiled the 30-second clip on Friday. Starting next week, the ad will air on CBS stations in the Philly and New York markets for the rest of the month. The $250,000 Pride Month campaign comes two decades after city tourism officials first reached out to gay and lesbian travelers nationwide with the “Get your history straight a… Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Elliot Page says he was told by an A-list actor: “I’m going to f*** you to make you realise you aren’t gay.” The 36-year-old ‘Juno’ star – formerly known as Ellen Page and who came out as homosexual in February 2014 before his gender transition in December 2020 – said the incident happened after he first publicly opened up about his sexuality. He revealed in his new memoir ‘Pageboy’ the incident with the unnamed actor happened at a party in Los Angeles in 2014, and he said that as well as telling him: “I’m going to f*** you to make you realise you aren’t gay”, the actor also said: “You aren’t gay. That doesn’t exist. You are just afraid of men.” Elliot included the story in a chapter of his book called ‘Famous A–hole at Party’, in which he only refers to the actor as an “acquaintance”. He added in the book that when he ran into the actor again at a gym a few days after the exchange, they insisted: “I don’t have a problem with gay people, I swear.” The actor said he told him: “I think you might.” Elliot added to People he “purposely” did not name the actor, who will “hear about this and know it’s him”. He said: “These moments that we often, like, don’t talk about or we’re supposed to just brush off, when actually it’s very awful.” Elliot also reveals in his book he had a secret relationship with a closeted female co-star, referred to as ‘Ryan’ in the autobiography, as well as an alleged romance with Kate Mara, 40, while she was dating Max Minghella, 37. Kate and Max split in 2014 after four years of dating and she is now married to actor Jamie Bell, 37, with whom she shares two children. Elliot said in the book: “This was right after I’d come out as gay and it was a time of exploration and also heartbreak. “I think my relationship, or whatever you want to call it with Kate, very much encapsulates a certain dynamic that I consistently found myself in, which was falling for people that – I think a lot of us do this – who aren’t fully available. And the sort of safety in that and the highs and the lows and the serotonin bump, and then it goes away.” View the full article

Published by Euronews (English) Thousands of Israelis joined Jerusalem’s Pride parade on Thursday, a high-security event in the conservative city where critics of LGBTQ rights held a counter-demonstration nearby. It’s the first time that the annual event is being held under the hard-right government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His government includes multiple cabinet members who have expressed homophobic views in the past. Participants painted their faces, waved rainbow flags and carried balloons. The march in the conservative city is always tense and tightly secured by police, and has been wracked by violence in t… Read More View the full article