One of the highlights of the Palm Springs Film Festival was Joachim A. Lang’s beautiful German-language film, “John Cranko,” which tells the true story of the famed LGBTQ ballet choreographer. 

The film follows the South African-born Cranko, (played by Sam Riley) as he arrives in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1960, to be guest choreographer for the city’s ballet company after a very public scandal: his job at London’s Sadler’s Wells Ballet abruptly ended after he was prosecuted for committing a homosexual act in a public place. 

In the relaxed city of Stuttgart, Cranko is able to find refuge from his past and is embraced despite his unique lifestyle. He quickly rises to become the ballet director and a favorite of the audience, dedicating himself fully to his art and a vibrant social life. He engages in affairs, faces personal setbacks and deep crises, runs his office from the theater canteen, and affectionately refers to his company as “his children.”

Lang’s perspective

Cranko was a fascinating enigma to capture on screen, with a complicated, often manic, personality. Loved by his gifted dancers, he was extremely passionate about ballet, and creative in his artistry, yet cantankerous at times, often dealing with depression and a heavy alcohol intake.

Over the years, Lang had “intensive conversations” with companions and friends of Cranko, which greatly helped him with the script.

“I talked with Marcia Haydee, the great ballerina of the 20th century; Birgit Keil, equally

famous; costume designer Jürgen Rose; and ballet dancer Vladimir Klos,” Lang told the Los Angeles Blade. “And especially ballet dancer Reid Anderson and administrator of the Stuttgart Ballet and holder of the rights to John Cranko’s ballets, Dieter Gräfe, both of whom lived with John Cranko.”

Many of them were on board when sadly, Cranko died somewhere over the Atlantic between America and Europe on the flight back from a guest performance of his ballet company in New York, in 1973, at the age of 45. 

For Lang, the biggest challenge was to realize his goal of making one of the first “real” ballet films. 

“A film that is really about this art–the film wants to be more than a biopic, it is an attempt to capture the soul of dance by portraying the life and work of this genius. It is a film about art and reality, it is about us humans, the time we have left and what drives us, it is about the great themes of being human, the longing for love, life and dying. It is a tribute to art and to the people who make it.”

Riley’s portrayal

Thefilm delves into the delicate nature of a lonely, fragile soul searching for love and recognition. It’s no wonder Riley, known for his mesmerizing role in “Control,” where he played Joy Division’s Ian Curtis, as well as “Rebecca” and “Maleficent,” is absolute perfection in the role.

“Sam Riley is one of the best actors,” acknowledged Lang. “I knew right away that only he could do it so well. I sent him the script. We met for an hour in a hotel in Berlin. It was clear then that we belonged together. He was world class. The greatest praise for him was when I showed the film to Cranko’s companions, they said: ‘John is back!’”

With so much archival footage, Riley was able to deeply immerse himself in the character.

“With John, there’s quite a lot of material, the (Stuttgart) Ballet had an archive of stuff, so I got all of his old performances with the original cast. And there was quite a lot of footage of him at work, choreographing and directing. I watched as much as they had. Rather than mimic it, you just try and absorb it somehow.”

Because ‘ballet is such a universal thing,” Riley really hopes the film can do well outside of Germany.

“What I found most inspirational about being in the film was something that I wasn’t really expecting. I think, like a lot of guys, I had grown up with a sort of unconscious prejudice against ballet. I’d never actually been to see one my whole life, until I went to be a part of this. I just assumed it was something not for me. I like rock and roll music and movies and things.” 

But it was in watching the young dancers rehearse that touched Riley’s heart.

“Realizing that they’ve been dedicating their lives to this art form since they were little children, the effort that they put into it every day, the work ethic, and that something that still exists today, just a pure dedication to something — that’s beautiful … They are performing for the love of it. And it moved me every day, really, watching them do it. Every scene, they really throw absolutely everything into it. They were completely exhausted. And it was really inspiring.”

Mama Ru is coming to Los Angeles on March 18th, 2025 to the The Ricardo Montalban Theatre on his House of Hidden Meanings Book Tour, and we have the ticket hookup for you!

Head to our Instagram @LosAngelesBlade and send us a one minute or less video telling us why you just HAVE to see RuPaul for this evening of spilling the tea and spiritual wisdom.

Global drag sensation RuPaul Charles personally invites you to a one-of-a-kind night filled with spiritual wisdom! As always, it’ll be fabulous, but this time it’s raw and vulnerable. Celebrating his highly-anticipated memoir and guide to life, The House of Hidden Meanings, this is an intimate and unscripted exploration of the mind, body and soul, telling RuPaul’s extraordinary story that goes far beyond glamour and fame.

You’ve heard the phrase We’re all born naked, and the rest is drag,’ but this is RuPaul stripped bare. RuPaul offers more than just a memoir; it’s a manual for living, a personal philosophy waiting to be shared that explores chosen family, celebrating your individuality, and the fearless power of self-discovery.

The pop culture icon shares life lessons that will uplift your spirits and foster a sense of belonging – because if you don’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?

Get tickets here!

After more than a decade of representing local drag talent, Project Drag, helmed by SoCal socialite Tony Moore, is back bigger and better than ever. While the war on drag wages on in the political scene, our community is fighting the fight.

This year’s competition means that much more as we refuse to be silenced. Drag is such an integral part of our queer community and Los Angeles history, we aren’t going anywhere. More than ever, now is the time to celebrate those local figures that keep the drag legacy going.

Los Angeles Blade is proud to serve as a media sponsor for this year’s festivities. We will be on hand during the competition providing ongoing coverage. Project Drag has extended submissions until Monday, March 3. The competition will begin on Monday, April 7 at Beaches Tropicana.

We caught up with Moore and asked him a few questions as he put the final touches on this year’s competition:

Q: How did Project Drag start?

A: Project Drag started in 2013.  When I was working at another bar in West Hollywood, we had HUGE success with our RuPaul’s DragRace Viewing Parties and the club wanted to continue having an earlier crowd before our main drag show, and asked what we could do.  I suggested a drag competition since there were so many queens who wanted to showcase their drag talents in hopes of being a part of our main show.

Q: What is the mission of Project Drag?

A: The mission of Project Drag is to give queens (whether they are just starting out or established) an opportunity to showcase themselves.  It allows them to learn (from our judges) what they can improve on to become dynamic performers. It also allows them to win prizes that will help with their drag career, including cash, custom costumes, drag accessories, photo shoots, exposure through interviews and social media, and more.

Q: You are moving it to a new venue, what can we expect from this new version?

A: YES!! I am so excited to bring Project Drag to Beaches Tropicana! It is a bigger stage and an opportunity to create theatrical-like performances.

Q: What are some of the fun challenges we can expect?

A: Some of the challenges in the past have been Future of Drag (where they perform a futuristic style of their drag), Prehistoric Drag (where they perform drag as in the beginning of time), TV MOMS, and Saturday Morning Cartoons. There have also been design and group challenges where they perform in the style of past decades.

Q: What do you look for most in picking your contestants?

A: I look for performers who LOVE the art form of drag and who have experience in performance and drag; those performers who are hungry to really take their drag career to another level and just need a competition that allows them to showcase that, all the while learning (from our judges) on how to improve their performances. 

Q: Why is it so important to represent local queens?

A: Our local performers feel overlooked because they haven’t been showcased on TV or a larger platform.  These queens work very hard to perform at various venues in the area and build up audiences who will come out to see them.  Many of them have made performing their livelihood and often don’t receive the pay that they should in order to survive.  They are not only performers, but they are hosts, promoters, graphic designers, and anything else they need to be in order to promote themselves and the venue they are performing at. So it’s important to attend local shows to support our local queens who are trying to make a name for themselves as well.

Q: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the local drag community in Los Angeles?

A: Not being treated properly and respected because they haven’t been on your TV Screens.  They work hard to create amazing shows and drag isn’t cheap.  We have to support them as much as we support our well-known queens.

Q: How can the queer community best support the drag community?

A: When you see a flyer for a show, a brunch, a competition, or ANY drag show in your area, go support it.  Gather up your friends and go check out the show.  Clap, cheer, holler, and tip, that’s how you can support our local drag community. If you can’t go then tell a friend to go or share the information on your social media.  

Q: You have always been so supportive of the drag community. What was your first exposure to drag?

A: My best friend is a drag performer who goes by the name Lucious, from back home in South Carolina. She is an amazing performer and very versatile. She performed all genres of music, created her own costumes/wigs, and always gave 100% during any performance.   I learned a lot just by watching her.

Q: What is it about the drag community that you love so much?

A: As a performer myself, I always had an appreciation of the art form.  The hair, the costume, the shoes, and how it all came together for a dynamic performance. Seeing someone transform into their drag persona is amazing and entertaining.  

Q: Any funny stories from past competitions?

A: HA HA HA HA! In the beginning – and I never thought I would have to say this – but queens would not do their own makeup.  I had to make it a rule, even had to disqualify someone, for not doing their own makeup,  One season we decided to create a web show and show the behind-the-scenes of the competition and the girls would go into a confessional to talk about that night’s performance.  That was fun to watch!!! One time, the former club I worked at suddenly didn’t want us to film at the club so we had to shoot a scene at BLOCK PARTY WEHO…it was funny seeing all the contestants standing in between racks of clothes as I told them about the next challenge.

Q: What are some of the best outfits you remember from past competitions?

A: There are so many dynamic outfits and performances from past seasons.  The ones that come to mind are Kalista Stage in Project Drag 5 wearing an exact replica of Marge Simpson’s Balenciaga Gold Dress from The Simpsons,  Marta Beatchu from Project Drag 2 performing The Exorcist, and Deja Re in the first Project Drag performing a full rendition of Legally Blonde The Musical.

Q: What is your message to the LA drag community?

A: Always push yourself and never stop learning. 

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Local queens, want to submit? Submit a short bio, a photo of you in and out of drag, links to your social media, and videos or clips of your recent performances. Send to ProjectDragSubmission@gmail.com

Los Angeles theatre audiences are enjoying a packed run of the Stephen Sondheim review “Old Friends,” which is here for a limited engagement before heading to Broadway. Actor Jacob Dickey represents the queer community starring opposite of Broadway’s Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga and captivating audiences with his take on roles from “Into the Woods,” “Sunday in Park with George” and “West Side Story,” among others.

In between shows, we caught up with the visiting actor to chat about his career, his experience with Old Friends, and the evolution of Broadway.

Dickey was raised in a military family and moved around a bit. His love of singing started at an early age.

“I got my start in church choirs and church production and then similarly transitioned to community theater. We moved all the time, so it was like always finding a little community and it eventually became community theater as my community, and I did it through high school and went to college for that. And here we are,” said Dickey.

Jacob made his Broadway debut in Disney’s production of “Aladdin” first understudying the title role, then taking it over. It was an extremely proud moment for him, and a touching one as well.

“My mom came [to see the show] on Mother’s Day and singing ‘Proud of Your Boy’ to your mom who dressed you up as Aladdin when you were four years old for Halloween was unreal, unmatchable,” he continued. “To see my own growth as an actor and a person through the character of Aladdin was really special. I feel like I walked away a better person and a performer because of it.”

Another career highlight was joining the Broadway revival of Company, also starring Patti LuPone. For Jacob, having the opportunity to play an updated version of the character Paul is the role that has spoken to him the most.

“That was my first experience playing a ‘my age contemporary gay man’ who’s in a happy relationship and just in love with his husband. I haven’t actually played a lot of gay characters, so it was a very special thing for me, and especially to do it on Broadway and obviously opposite of Matt Doyle,” said Dickey. “But I realized how special it was to just be able to kind of go on stage and be myself. Especially in a musical like “Company,” that was really, really incredible. Paul gets a really emotional moment, which is so nice to just like let go like that in front of so many people. It’s one of my favorite things to do. So, it was really juicy and I loved it.”

The update of “Company” changed the characters’ sexualities and genders. The typically male lead was cast as a woman and Jacob’s character became part of a gay relationship. Taking the show on the national tour and outside of the bubble of New York caused a mixed reaction, with some audience members claiming the show was ‘too woke.’ Jacob was here for it.

“As much as I love classic, feel-good theater, I also love polarizing theater. Do I think ‘Company’ with a woman as the lead is polarizing? Personally?” said Dickey. “No, because it makes so much sense if you look at the text. Flipping it into a woman, all of those themes just became even more prevalent in this society, in America.

“Whether people want to accept that or not, that was just kind of up to them. So I would rather it be exciting than the same old, same old. If you’re going to revive something, do something with it.”

Jacob has received critical and fan acclaim for his performance in Old Friends. The show features an all-star cast, an embarrassment of riches. Jacob spends much of his stage time performing directly opposite of Bernadette Peters (his final call back was a chemistry test with her) while Lea Salonga also fills the stage with her expansive talent.

Does Jacob ever get starstruck?

“I definitely was deeply starstruck by Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga. I mean, the second I first heard [Lea] singing, I was like: ‘That’s the voice I grew up with. “Reflections” [from Mulan]. That is my song!’ Like when I first saw that movie in theaters, it was stuck in my head weekly.

Such a little gay boy song. Bernadette is so playful, every night she does something, The other night she flicked a curl that was on my hair, and she pats my chest. And it’s insane that it’s Bernadette Peters, but also just so fun to do every night. But yeah, I get absolutely starstruck.”

Watching Old Friends is like coming home. Many of us theatre gays were raised on everything Sondheim. With everything crazy going on in the world, revisiting songs that we listened to over and over to get through different moments of life offers a magical relief. The fact that the show offers a fresh take on these classics makes it vibrant and relevant. In Dickey’s opinion, Sondheim will also be a part of what is happening on Broadway.

“The direction of Broadway is getting more commercial, that’s what sells. I feel like any time there’s a revival of Sondheim, it’s a little hit of, oh, this is why we’re here. Brilliant musical theater writers who are writing these musicals based on IP and movies and books, I guarantee every single one of them will be like, Sondheim is the reason I’m here’ because he is the archetype.

“He created musical theater in many ways. Sondheim’s language and his music, he’s the GOAT.  Sondheim will never go away and it’s such a beautiful thing to see it.”

Jacob does not portray any gay characters in Old Friends. In fact, his wolf in “Into the Woods” is very much not gay. But with Sondheim being a gay man, Dickey feels that queer sensibility and pathos through the work. The show ends with a powerful but tearful version of “Being Alive” from Company, with Jacob leading the beginning of the song. A very special moment for the actor.

“A gay man singing the beginning of ‘Being Alive.’ That is one of Stephen Sondheim’s most personal songs. Bobby is one of his most personal characters because he was always the outsider looking in, trying to find his way as a gay man in a society that didn’t want him to be gay. To be there center stage with a spotlight on me being my out gay self singing the words that he wrote really about himself, I think is so incredibly special.

“Then that song turns into this massive, stunning orchestration with everybody singing it. It becomes everybody’s story, which is absolutely what Sondheim would’ve wanted. He wanted to write for everybody and so for that story to then extrapolate to everybody finding their own version of it, it’s everything.”

Old Friends runs at the Ahmanson until Sunday, March 9.

For many years, members of the LGBTQ+ community have been feeling increasingly “isolated” from the rest of the world due to Republicans pushing anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.

Now more than ever, with the return of President Donald Trump to office, the LGBTQ+ community has raised awareness about resources available to help individuals feel safe and start a family. Services like PregnantTogether, a virtual LGBTQ+ community, is making a difference for couples who want a family, but don’t have many resources.

Marea Goodman, the founder and licensed midwife, said this inspired them to create PregnantTogether.

“There really hasn’t been a space for queer folks growing our families. And something that I hear over and over from clients and community members and that I experienced myself when I was in the process of trying to get pregnant and being pregnant is really just the sense of isolation that many of us experience going through this process,” Goodman said.

PregnantTogether offers “tons of recorded, self-paced content and courses about every stage of preconception, pregnancy, birth and postpartum.” They also offer discounts on fertility tests, sperm bank donor catalogs and prenatal vitamins, among other things. People with insurance can either use their Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for the services as well.

Goodman said in an introductory video, that going down a rabbit hole on Google about fertility questions is one of the reasons PregnantTogether exists. Goodman argues that “five to ten-minute” once-a-month doctor or mid-wife sessions for a prenatal visit aren’t enough to truly help queer people through this process.

That sentiment of not having adequate support is echoed by Jenai Mars, a member of the PregnantTogether community, who says the journey to parenthood can feel isolating, with few role models or community spaces to turn to for support.

“I am one of the first my family and friends, let alone queer community, to go through the process of building a family. My spouse and I felt somewhat isolated and overwhelmed as we began the [trying to conceive] process and wanted to connect with other queer folks going through similar experiences,” she told the Los Angeles Blade.

According to Mars, the community has proven to be a lifeline during the rise of political discourse throughout the United States. 

“PregnantTogether has been such an important source of community, comfort, education and inspiration during my pregnancy and through these tough political times,” she said of PregnantTogether. “I’m so grateful for the deep connections and friendship this community has helped foster both in person in NYC and across the country and world.”

Despite the current political climate, LGBTQ+ individuals aren’t putting off their family planning in 2025. In fact, they are tapping into the resources at PregnantTogether.

“As a queer, genderqueer person hoping to start building my family this year, PregnantTogether has meant so much to me,” said Vera Leone, a member of the community. “I have gotten ideas and inspiration for the next steps on my path, and resources for supporting the questions I’m working through around sourcing donor genetic material and processing the grief that inevitably accompanies life, loving, conception and beyond.”

Creating a family is essential for Leone, who moved to the Midwest after having moved around a lot, and “as an elder millennial coming to fully explore my queerness only later in life,” said Leone. “I am still in the process of growing into a strong queer community and networks of care rooted in my local city,” they added.

With growing political hostility and a shift away from traditional social media spaces, building community has become more essential than ever for the LGBTQ+ community seeking support and connection, Goodman noted.

“We’ve always obviously been like a minority group. But I think, especially now being kind of like the target of much of the negative political discourse, coming together in community is so essential for our mental health,” Goodman said. “I’m also hearing that people are not feeling like they want to participate in Instagram and Facebook and like the public social media sphere in the same way.”

“In these times of fear and overwhelm and attacks on the very existence of trans people, I feel really called towards building all the connection, support and collective care and resilience that I can,” Leone said of the PregnantTogether community. 

Nothing distracts from the upside-down world we live, in like a good reality TV binge. The only problem is that there’s too much to watch and too much to discuss.

Luckily for you, we’ve made time for Bravo since Vicki Gunvalson was yelling into a flip phone about a family van. This past week, we were treated to some major Housewives news.

Let’s dive in.

On Beverly Hills home franchise, things are random. Erika Jayne redecorated her casita, and it looks amazing. But, it also looks like I can afford it and that’s not what I want when I watch Housewives, especially The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. This brings us to this week’s drama. Our gal Sutton forgot all her fine Southern manners and said the unspeakable: she was in a different class than Dorit Kemsley.

She said: “pick on someone the same wallet size as you.” Which in drag translates to: “don’t come for me until you can afford the life I live, you broke cow.”

This spat occurred at Jennifer Tilly’s caviar and kaftan party — now this is the kind of themed party I love, especially for a kooky housewife like Bravo’s first Oscar nominee is proving herself to be. Jennifer Tilly is basically an extra Kathy Hilton, a super wealthy woman with a funny voice who is slightly detached from any reality I know. Also on HBH, we got Boz trying to have a baby at nearly 50 years old, Garcelle producing stuff no one watches and Kyle crying again about being an empty nester.

We are so over this storyline.

She should have come out (allegedly) and made her story about her new muff collection.

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On Potomac, we are deep into the three-part reunion. It appears Dr. Wendy Osefo and her sexy hubby Eddie, are about to drop a major plot twist in reunion part three claiming that newbie Stacey Rusch paid that corny man TJ to be her boyfriend all year.

I’d believe it.

On their best day, those two didn’t have half the sexual chemistry Kyle Richards and Morgan Wade had in that tattoo scene from last season. The biggest Real Housewives of Potomac news is that Karen Huger, the Grand Dame of Potomac, is now the third housewife to go to jail.

Following her fourth DUI, a judge sentenced Karen to one year in prison. She follows Teresa Guidice and Jen Shah as Housewives who served time. Now, Karen could barely get her wig together under the best of circumstances, so I’m going to need paparazzi photos ASAP, to see what she’s sporting around the cell block.

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In other Housewives news, rumors are that Dolores Catania and Melissa Gorga will return to lead a new Real Housewives of New Jersey, with Teresa getting her own spin-off so the sisters-in-law don’t ever have to film together again. Dolores is killing it this season on Peacock’s Emmy-winning hit The Traitors. Season 3 of The Traitors is so messy because all the traitors just try to banish and undermine each other.

First, Bob and Rob and now Danielle and Carolyn. Carolyn was my favorite character this season hands down. I’d never seen her before since I don’t watch Survivor (I’m a drag queen, I need glamour) and I became obsessed.  The way she talks, her style, those random faces she makes, she’s made for TV. I so badly wanted her to win the whole thing but Danielle ruined that so now I’m rooting for Dolores or Gabby from The Bachelor.

Side note, how is zaddy Ivar still there? Don’t the royals have enough?

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Until next week, when we have more reality TV to talk about, this is your queen, signing off.

• -XOXO, Norma Lee

The Los Angeles Blade will be on the scene as The Queerties Awards return for their 13th year, shining a spotlight on the most impactful moments in LGBTQ+ entertainment and culture. The big affair will take place on Tuesday, March 11, at The Avalon in Hollywood.

The event promises a night of celebration, recognition, and community. Non-local fans of Queerty can watch the awards on WOW Presents Plus starting March 18, joining the platform’s diverse library of LGBTQ+ content, which includes original series, World of Wonder-produced documentaries and the global Drag Race franchise.

The Queerties, produced by Queerty and its parent company Q.Digital, honor excellence across music, television, film, literature, and more. The awards uniquely focus on LGBTQ+ creators, tastemakers, and storytellers who often go unrecognized by mainstream award shows.

“The Queerties gives voice to the LGBTQ+ community,” said Scott Gatz, CEO of Q.Digital. “It’s the pop culture awards show where queer people honor the best of the best, voting for the talent and creatives who inspire and pave the way for the next generation of queer youth.”

Headlining this year’s ceremony will be the queen of entertainment, Bob the Drag Queen, known for winning RuPaul’s Drag Race, competing on The Traitors, hosting HBO’s We’re Here, and authoring the novel Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert. As usual, Bob brings charisma, humor and activism to the role, making them the perfect emcee for the evening.

“It’s important to devote more focus to LGBTQ+ artists and content due to the attacks coming from the current administration that attempt to not only minimize but essentially erase the existence of people,” said Bob the Drag Queen. “Which is not possible, but they’re trying to make people feel unacknowledged.”

Bob emphasizes the deeper significance of LGBTQ+ representation in media. “Engaging with queer content builds community. It does more than you could imagine,” they added. The Queerties stand as a testament to that mission, highlighting the creative achievements and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.

This year’s Queerties includes an impressive nominee list, reflecting a groundbreaking year of LGBTQ+ representation and success. Check out the “Badass” category, which honors the year’s top LGBTQ+ newsmakers and includes pop sensation Chappell Roan and trans Latina filmmaker and actress Nava Mau, leading the nominations.

Representing the world of fashion, the “Style Icon” category celebrates individuals whose personal style transcends trends and makes a cultural impact. This year’s nominees include Emmy-winning actress Laverne Cox (Clean Slate) and visionary Filipino-American fashion designer Zaldy Goco, known for his avant-garde creations that have graced stages and red carpets worldwide.

The “Coming Out for Good” category, which recognizes individuals who shared powerful coming-out stories in 2025, features an inspirational lineup. This year’s nominees include chart-topping singer Khalid for his heartfelt public revelation, country star Maren Morris for her advocacy and visibility within the LGBTQ+ community, and Drag Race alum Detox, who continues to use their platform to champion queer causes.

Outstanding performances in film and television are also celebrated. Elliot Page earns a nomination in the “Film Performance” category for his role in Close to You, while Justice Smith is recognized for his work in the psychological thriller I Saw the TV Glow. In the television categories, Cooper Koch (Monsters: The Lyle and Eric Menendez Story), Yasmin Finney (Heartstopper), and Aubrey Plaza (Agatha All Along) are honored for their dynamic and memorable performances. Film and television continue to bring our stories to the forefront.

The music world sees its own share of rising LGBTQ+ stars in the “Breakout Musical Artist” category. Young Miko, Joy Oladokun, and Drag Race alum Luxx Noir London are all vying for the title, each bringing their unique sounds and stories to the forefront of the industry.

This year’s Queerties also shine a spotlight on LGBTQ+ literature at a time when book bans and censorship efforts are on the rise. The “Best Queer Read” category includes American Teenager by Nico Lang, Rebel Girl by Kathleen Hanna, and The T in LGBT by Jamie Raines, all of which offer profound insights into queer identities and experiences.

The voting process is completely community-driven. Nominees are selected by Queerty’s editorial team, but the winners are chosen by the readers themselves, ensuring that the awards truly reflect the voices and opinions of the LGBTQ+ community.

As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, the Queerties stand as a beacon of inclusivity and recognition. In a world where LGBTQ+ representation still faces significant challenges, the awards offer a moment to celebrate resilience, creativity, and the power of queer storytelling.

Don’t miss the 13th Annual Queerties Awards on March 11 at The Avalon in Hollywood, or catch the nationwide stream on WOW Presents Plus starting March 18. For more information, visit www.queerty.com/Queerties and subscribe to WOW Presents Plus at www.wowpresentsplus.com to explore their extensive library of LGBTQ+ content.

Colman Domingo is riding on a career high, with back-to-back Best Actor Academy Award nominations–last year, playing Bayard Rustin, the gay advisor to Martin Luther King Jr. and this season, starring and executive producing Greg Kwedar’s mesmerizing film, “Sing Sing.”

One thing is clear watching any of Domingo’s films and television series–among them being “Selma,” “The Color Purple,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and “HBO’s “Euphoria”—he completely gives his heart and soul into every role he takes on. 

It’s no wonder then, why the charismatic performer recently received the Montecito Award from Executive Director Roger Durling at the 40th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. 

“As a devoted admirer of Colman Domingo for so long, what is enthralling to see is how his early work in theater—the specificity, the dexterity, the research, the conviction and the intelligence that this performer displayed on the boards is now being finally utilized,” said Durling. “His potential that always was there is now realized.” 

In a lengthy chat about his career with Durling, Domingo addressed his perseverance throughout his illustrious television and film career, telling attendees, “I just kept going and believed that the love I was seeking would also be seeking me. I just always believed that.”

The evening highlighted Domingo’s powerhouse performance as John “Divine G” Whitfield in “Sing Sing.” In the film, which is based on a true story, an imprisoned man—wrongfully put in jail for a crime he didn’t commit—finds a renewed sense of purpose by acting in a theatre group, “Rehabilitation Through the Arts,” also known as RTA, alongside other incarcerated men.

The riveting script had immense appeal to the veteran actor.

“I started my career in educational theater,” said Domingo. “I would go to local San Francisco Bay Area high schools to perform while also teaching kids about important issues such as HIV, AIDS, or conflict resolution. We were the arts program, coming in, performing, and maybe doing a few classes. And influence the children with art, in much the same manner that RTA did in the New York prison system.”

He continued: “So I already understood it—the idea of an arts program coming into a maximum security prison is revolutionary. It goes completely against the system that got them there in the first place.” 

Domingo saw “Sing Sing” not as a prison story, but as a human story. 

“It is a triumphant story, of course and determination, of fighting against a system that’s broken,” he noted. “Rodessa Jones said, ‘But art just might be the parachute that saves us all.’ That is certainly true of the men of RTA. We all have choices we make—every day—to try to be better, to go to our better angels. That’s what this film is about, ultimately.”

Domingo’s interest and passion for the film transcended signing onto the role; he and his husband Raúl Domingo’s production company, Edith Productions, joined to executive produce. They were instrumental in helping assemble the cast and faithfully guide the storytelling.

He referred to the film as a “quiet act of revolution” because of its poignant depiction of tenderness and compassion between Black men.

“It’s about putting myself on the line in every single way as an artist. If I’m going to have an impact, if I’m going to do this work that I think is meaningful and can really change lives … I think a film like ‘Sing Sing’ is really changing lives. It’s actually doing work. So, I have to give everything.”

Being able to connect deeply with his characters has always been an important part of Domingo’s acting process. During the q and a, describing his performance in “Rustin.” he noted how connected he felt portraying the role.

“It felt like we were in alignment. That Rustin’s journey and my journey were meeting at the exact moment, and I was the actor to help pull this black, queer, civil rights revolutionary out of the shadows of history, while I was being pulled into new history. I needed every year, every step, every misstep in my career, to enable me to play Bayard Rustin.”

The Santa Barbara recognition follows his win at New York’s Gotham Awards, where Domingo took home the honor for Outstanding Lead Performance. 

He also received the Spotlight Award at the Palm Springs Film Festival. Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi acknowledged Domingo’s “raw and captivating” performance. “We are so thrilled to honor the remarkable talent of Colman Domingo at the Palm Springs International Film Awards for the second year in a row.”  

Domingo ongoingly keeps a busy schedule–he can currently be seen in Netflix’s series “The Madness” created by Clement Virgo. He also recently wrapped production on ‘Michael’ playing Joe Jackson, directed by Antoine Fuqua. Lionsgate will release the film Oct. 3, 2025. 

And that’s not all–he will voice Norman Osborn in the upcoming Disney+ animated series “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man,” and is currently in production on NETFLIX’s “The Four Seasons,” alongside Tina Fey and Steve Carrell. He will play Michael Jackson’s dad in “Michael.”

Drag queen Jackette Knightley was inspired to write a song that she hopes will not only unite the communities, but also provide immediate relief to people directly impacted by the fires that tore through Los Angeles in January, through a collaboration with a local initiative. 

The Eaton Canyon and Pacific Palisades fires were ongoing while Knightley was writing the song at her home and in the studio in L.A., adding an emotional layer to her urgency.

The performer and activist said she wrote her latest single “Together You and Me Strong,” the day of Trump’s inauguration, emotional and hoping to bring together communities targeted by the Trump administration. In an initiative called Defense Against Deportation & Relief for SoCal Fire Victims, proceeds of the song will go toward the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles in an effort to support the undocumented community. 

As Donald Trump was sworn into office–soon to sign a slew of executive orders attempting to roll back advancements on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, immigration and gender-affirming healthcare–drag queen Jackette Knightley was compelled to write the song. 

The song shares a title with the charity event Knightley is hosting alongside Disco Dollie Saturday, March 8, which will also be benefiting CHIRLA and their SoCal LGBTQ+ Defense Against Deportation Charity Drive. The night of ‘Drag for a Cause’ will feature the performances of nine drag artists, including Chad Michaels, Marty Mars, ChiChi Fuera, Keex Rose, Jaxxlene East Coast, Glitz Glam, Maya Glitterzone, Strawberry and Mariam T. 

“I thought, you know what? Something that really encapsulates all of this is [ idea of] ‘Together, You and Me Strong’,” said Knightley. “There’s so many battles that we’re facing on so many fronts right now within our worldwide LGBTQ communities that I felt like [the song] was something that was really important to write.”

Knightley said she was also inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. Day., which this year happened to overlap with Trump’s inauguration day.

Knightley was also inspired by the civil rights movements of the 60s. 

While she is often encouraged by others to stick to more modern, relatable music influence, Knightley aims to invoke the advocacy and unity of the past with church organ sounds. 

 ”I want the music to be able to reflect the message that we’re alive,” Knightley said. “Maybe a part of those marches in the 60s could relate to today’s audiences or today’s generations as well.” 

Many of the songs that Knightley writes are dedicated to a specific cause, with the proceeds donated to a nonprofit working on the issue. The songs are published under Jackette Knightley Music, under which Knightley started organizing the informal group called Queens and Kings for Causes in 2020, during the COVID shutdowns.

“I really quickly realized the need for mutual support within our community, but also continuing to reach out to our communities who were really isolated at home and really in need of escapism, as well as performers really needing to perform.”

Knightley said she recognized her privilege of having a full-time job and being able to stay employed through quarantine, so she knew she had to help fellow drag artists without stable jobs get work to pay their bills.

According to an initiative of the Webby Awards called the Anthem Awards, of which Knightley has won five times, Knightley has accomplished her goal of expanding how people think of queer artistry. Her work aims to maintain the visibility of drag as a form of art, inclusive of original music and a key to ‘unite diverse people within and beyond BIPOC, LGBTQ+ communities.’

In a  Facebook post, Knightley mentions drag as an art form rooted in advocacy, referring to the history of the queer community supporting one another in moments of struggle or oppression.

“During the AIDS crisis during the 80s and beyond, it was our drag community that was out there doing these kinds of charity drives, raising awareness, raising funds and raising resources for those that were suffering and dying at the time with HIV and AIDS. Now, a lot of our drag performers continue to do that kind of work.”

Knightley continues to create community by planning events with other artists and leaders, making appearances to perform her songs in drag and promote her causes. She often hosts shows or performs at Pride events, such as the Laguna Beach Pride 365 in 2023, where she was emcee of the festival.

While she loves the work that she does, Knightley is moved to tears at the exhaustion the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized communities are experiencing under the Trump administration. She said she is hopeful that change will come soon. 

“I’m looking forward to a day where we don’t have to do this anymore,” Knightley said. “ I’m looking forward to having our rights restored and to a day where these rallies–which are super imperative right now–a day where there’s not a need for them anymore.”
Tickets for the ‘Together You and Me Strong’ event at Urban Mo’s in San Diego are available online. Information about tickets and dates for more of Knightley’s events can be found on her Instagram page.

OUTtv’s latest content for the queer community Drag House Rules, hit the screen on Friday. Truth be told, we got a sneak peek but had to keep our lips sealed until its release. For those who think the Drag Race franchise has gotten a bit full of itself and the fandom a bit too serious, you will love this take on the drag competition world.

Drop Dead Gorgeous meets Drag Race’s Untucked as seven drag queens live under one roof to compete in a series of challenges to see who will win a cash prize of $100K. Scratch that, a prize VALUED at $100K. As one queen puts it, it could be $100K worth of paperclips for all they know. Where most competition shows place their competitors in expanse mansions. These queens have to live in a less-than-functional reality TV house with random smells, roaming crew members and handymen clunking around getting in the way of filming. This fun trope excuses the actual budgetary restraints for the show, while using it as fodder.

What can we say about the cast? It is a colorful and motley crew that employs Drag Race queens Jujubee, Manila Luzon, Silky Nutmeg Ganache, Laganja Estranja, Rock M. Sakura, Tammie Brown and Dragula’s Biqtch Puddin’, as the show’s contestants. And SoCal personality, Tony Moore as child-actor-turned-host.

These cast members couldn’t be more random and somehow it all works.

The differences in personalities, looks, sense of humor, and fandom clash in a delicious way. It is like someone shook a box full of Housewives and came up with a new cast.

What’s fun about the style of the show is that we get to see these queens stretch their acting chops and remind us why they are fan favorites. Most of these one-liners work and the clash of personalities makes for fun situations. Some of the humor is expected and a little low-reaching, but this fun take makes us want to see who wins while we really want to see who’s gossiping about who.

Tammie Brown, known for her eccentricity, practically walks away with the first episode with her random observations and outbursts that just seem home here. Her addition to the show adds a bit of Christopher Guest-style characterization that bolsters the show. As the show’s only non-Drag Race personality, Biqtch Puddin’ is a welcome foil who does not subscribe to the ego or pageantry often associated with the franchise.

Biqtch is that rebel cousin we see at family Thanksgiving who we want to appear cool in front of and who we want to sneak off with and get lit.

The show is written and directed by John Mark Hostetler who knows what the audience wants to see but also lets the actors explore the material and expects these queens to bring it. For the most part, they do. The show does a good job of making a small budget work, and the intros and edits look sleek and add some class to the show. The show is six episodes long and, according to the trailer, has some surprises and more appearances in store.

Los Angeles Blade was there for the release party last week held at WeHo’s Beaches Tropicana, where cast members and fans mingled for a first viewing. The audience cheered and was entertained by the whole affair. Hopefully, the series will be a hit and spawn more seasons where more queens can play freely.

Drag House Rules is now streaming on OUTtv.