Timmery is a writer, designer, and artist based in Nashville. She rose to prominence in the fashion world with her underground Sugar Art and Fashion shows that would pop up in abandoned warehouses throughout Downtown Los Angeles. Now, she lives in Nashville with her husband and beautiful baby daughter. She’s just completed her first children’s book, Nova’s Pink Boots, and continues to create art, jewelry, and more, all of which she sells through her website. Recently, Timmery has also been creating gorgeous works of art featuring her favorite drag queens. I was able to chat with Timmery to ask what…
Author: Keith Langston
Since mid-March, much of the world has been forced to endure a grueling lockdown that has been mentally draining and has had a massive impact on the global economy. In times like these, when many people have lost their jobs and are forced to deal with it in solitude, comedy is as important as ever. It’s a way to help relieve stress and make us feel like life is somewhat normal again. Drag queens have always been leading figures in the LGBTQ community. They hold a larger-than-life presence and are seemingly afraid of nothing. That tradition continues throughout the coronavirus…
The Salt Lake Tribune reports some (basically) good news today. According to a study from the University of Utah that was published in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility, researchers believe that the coronavirus is NOT spread through bodily fluids like semen, so, therefore, isn’t considered “sexually transmitted.” The article went on to say that the new novel coronavirus (which can lead to the COVID-19 disease) is spread through tiny droplets of moisture, similar to the cold or flu, that spread from coughing, sneezing, breathing, and talking. However, you can also become infected from touching a surface that has these…
Previously, we reported that cities and regions around Poland are declaring themselves as “LGBT-Fee” zones, and trying to “rid themselves of LGBTQ people and ideology.” Over 80 regions in Poland have declared themselves to “LGBT-Free.” This hateful movement now includes more than 1/3 of the entire country. These regions claim that LGBTQ people go against “traditional values” and lead to the downfall of society. Many activists are calling on the European Union to take action against the blatant human rights violations that are underway in Poland and other countries in Europe, including Hungary and Croatia. And while it’s understandable that…
Quibi has announced that on Monday, May 4th, Adam Rippon’s new series Useless Celebrity History will premiere. The show is hosted by figure skater and Olympic medalist, Adam Rippon, and explores the most random events in pop culture history. From Rhianna to Lindsay Lohan and Snooki, Rippon will be digging up everything from the biggest celebrity scandals to the fiercest red carpet moments. The series will combine interviews, reenactments, and skits. https://twitter.com/Adaripp/status/1256327225571282944 Rippon teased the premiere of the show on his Twitter account by taking part in the #MetGalaChallenge which encourages people to try and make their own homemade Met…
The Human Rights Campaign has reported that there have been 10 murders against LGBTQ people in just 15 months in Puerto Rico. Five of those murders happened within the last two months. The HRC confirms that most of the murders have been against trans and non-binary women. In a statement, Pedro Julio Serrano, spokesperson for the Broad Committee for the Search for Equity, says that radical right-wing politicians are to blame. “The violence we are experiencing is rooted in rhetoric and hateful actions on the part of religious fundamentalist politicians who incite their followers to persecute, demonize, and attack LGBTTIQ…
The winners of the 2020 Pulitzer Prizes include two queer men of color. The first is Michael R. Jackson, who won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his off-broadway play, A Strange Loop, which centers around a gay black man, Usher, trying to navigate life in New York City. By day, Usher works as an usher for the Broadway production of The Lion King. By night, he dreams of being a writer and creating his own plays. The show focuses on politics, religion, race, and sexuality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4hWaHg6b98 Upon its release at Playwrights Horizon in Midtown, New York, the show received…
Aruba, one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in the Caribbean, is taking extra steps to provide a sense of security for anyone looking to get married or have a honeymoon on their beautiful Island. With Aruba’s new Happily Ever After Guarantee, anyone who books a destination wedding or honeymoon for 2021, can postpone and reschedule for any coronavirus-related reason for up to a year. The program has a very liberal policy on what counts, as long as it is related to COVID-19. Whether that means a sick family member or a future outbreak that shuts down travel. As long…
Although New York City’s live, annual pride parade and celebration was cancelled because of the coronavirus, the event will continue on TV and online. On June 28th, from 12-2 pm ET, ABC New York will air a special star-studded broadcast celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first pride parade that took place in 1970. Grand Marshal’s will include Dan Levy (star of Schitt’s Creek), The Ali Forney Center, which provides services to the LGBTQ+ community and vital support for homeless youth, Yanzi Peng (rights activist), and Victoria Cruz (LGBTQ and anti-violence advocate). Along with the Grand Marshals, there will be…
This month is Pride month. However, because of the global coronavirus outbreak, almost every single pride celebration around the world had to be canceled…except for one. Taiwan, which will host its full Pride celebration in October, is putting on a special party and parade on June 28th in Taipei to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the world’s first pride parade in 1970. The festivities will also honor countries around the world as well as the tenacity of the LGBTQ community. On June 20th, WERK!, Taiwan’s biggest gay party, will be putting on a pre-pride celebration where partygoers can dance the…
Diesel, the fashion brand known around the world for their high-quality clothes and accessories, has just released a video for Pride Week that will surely cause some controversy, as well as inspire many people. The video follows Francesca, who was born male, but transitions to female. At the start of the video, you’re not sure what to think. You see a dark shot of Francesca taking a pill. It tricks the viewer into wondering if this is going to be about drugs. But then, you start to see Francesca’s life, and you realize she’s transgender. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=117&v=535_479z-hM&feature=emb_logo By the end of…
A new campaign called Well Beings is aiming to help the mental health crisis amongst America’s youth. To launch the project, the organization assembled celebrities and mental health professionals to hold a virtual town hall to address the issue of youth mental health. The event was hosted by numerous celebrities including Billy Porter, Alanis Morissette, Bill Pullman, Jewel, Kid Cudi, and Demi Moore, among many others. One of the main topics was mental health among LGBTQ youth. Trans actor Ian Alexander, star of Netflix’s The OA, spoke about his experience growing up. He said that when he tried to speak…
The new documentary Julia Scotti – Funny That Way explores the life of comedian Julia Scotti, who shot to fame on the talent show America’s Got Talent. Julia, born Rick Scotti, always had a love for stand-up comedy, and despite a good career on the comedy club circuit, Scotti felt something was missing: that he wasn’t who he truly was supposed to be. In his late 40’s, Rick realized he needed to be his true self. After transitioning, Julia not only blossomed into a happier, healthier person, but she rebooted her career as a stand-up comediene. Little did she know…
This year, Provincetown’s famous Carnival celebration is going online due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is that now, everyone can watch the show for free from anywhere! On Saturday, August 22nd, at 5 pm, one of America’s most famous Pride events will begin a new chapter by streaming online for free. This year’s carnival is titled FOREVER PROVINCETOWN and will celebrate the past 42 years of the famed PTown event, while also looking towards the future and what’s next for the queer community. The event will include a virtual tea dance, performances by world-renowned talents like Courtney…
On Friday, August 7th, the 11th District Court in Florida handed down their 2-1 decision in-favor of a transgender student, stating that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 includes protections against discrimination based on gender identity. Back in 2018, then-high school student, Drew Adams, won a landmark case against the St. John’s County school board, stating that transgender students should be allowed to use the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity. At the time, it was a monumental victory for civil rights. However, in 2019, the school board appealed the case. During the trials, Adams had help from Lambda…
The first issue of the new zine 86 Logic has just been released and aims at helping local restaurants, cafes, and bars struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. 86 Logic gets its name from the restaurant phrase “86”, meaning, to run out of something. The publication is created by artists who work in, or got their start in the service industry. It’s filled with short stories, poems, essays, photos, and even comics, all celebrating (and hilariously commiserating) with anyone who has ever been a dishwasher, waiter, or busboy, waiting for their big break. Contributors to the magazine are men and women…
The South China Morning Post has reported that the organization that puts on Shanghai’s long-running pride celebration has declared that they were immediately halting any future events, without giving any explanation. The announcement was made on the popular Chinese social media app, WeChat. Shanghai Pride formed back in 2009, and was initially a small gathering, but has since grown into one of the largest pride celebrations in all of Asia. They even managed to hold in-person events this summer, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. While China decriminalized homosexuality in 1997 and removed it from the list of mental illnesses in 2001,…
The village of Cap d’Agde in the South of France, the world’s largest naturist colony, has been connected to almost 150 cases of COVID-19, with many more probable cases on the way. During an investigation into a cluster of coronvirus cases, medical professionals realized they all stemmed back to the nudist village. CNN reports that during a test of 490 people, 95 came back positive. That’s 1 in 5 people testing positive. There’s still 310 tests awaiting results, so the number of positive cases is estimated to increase. The village has year-round residents, and visitors can stay in hotels, campgrounds,…
Hey, Chicagoans and visitors to the Second City! Are you looking for a great way to get outside, get some exercise, experience the beauty of your city. and help others? Take part in Chicago’s AIDS Run and Walk! In order to promote social distancing, the event will be taking place in various parts of the city throughout the week beginning September 28th. Event locations include Hyde Park, The Loop, and Lakeview, among others. There are numerous ways to take part – You can walk, run a 5k or 10k, support a participating team, or even simply by sharing the news…
A new rule from the Department of Housing and Urban Development is seeking to allow federally-funded homeless shelters to decide a person’s sex based on a “good faith belief.” The rule states that employees of homeless shelters are not allowed to turn someone away for being transgender, but are allowed to decide whether they go in a men’s or women’s shelter. Making the measure even crueler, is the process by which how an employee can decide. The rule says that someone’s sex can be determined by their physical characteristics, such as height, the presence of facial hair, or having an…
You’ve probably heard that The Dixie Chicks have recently changed their name to The Chicks. The band has decided to distance themselves from a word that’s heavily associated with the Confederate South. The change has enraged some conservatives, but this isn’t the band’s first brush with controversy. Back during the Bush era, the band famously received extreme backlash from Americans (including death threats) because of their comments about the sad direction America was moving in. While many thought that incident was going to be the death of the band, The Chicks came back swinging with their manifesto album Taking the…
Sports Illustrated features their first transgender model for their famous swimsuit issue. Throughout the magazine’s history (it premiered back in 1964), their swimwear photoshoots have taken place all over the globe, from Cozumel to Australia, and even Bora Bora in Franch Polynesia. But this issue marks a new milestone for the magazine. Model Valentina Sampaio has become Sports Illustrated’s first transgender model, breaking barriers for women and the LGBTQ community, as well as ushering in a new era for the magazine—one that promotes the beauty of diversity. Sampaio was photographed by famed fashion photographer Josie Clough on Scrub Island, in…
Five years ago today, LGBTQ history was made when same-sex marriage became the law of the land in the United States of America. The results of the Obergefell v. Hodges case was a giant step forward for gay equality. Before 2015, same-sex marriage in America was a messy hodgepodge of different rules. Some states allowed marriage, some only allowed civil unions, and some banned both. It was a blatant display of the lack of respect given to LGBTQ people in America. Seven years ago today, the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which allowed states to…
Reddit, the internet’s most infamous and scandalous social networking platform has banned the site’s largest pro-trump group that had over 790,000 users. The New York Times reports that Reddit is strengthening its commitments to anti-harassment and anti-hate guidelines. As a response, the site will now be banning over 2,000 subreddits (group message boards), the largest being “The_Donald”. For years, The_Donald subreddit group was responsible for creating the foulest and most disgusting alt-right memes, GIFS, and videos. Some of which have even been retweeted by Trump himself. According to CNN, Reddit moderators state that the group has consistently broken Reddit rules…
Back in July of 2019, the African nation of Gabon criminalized sex between two people of the same gender. The crime was punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of 5 million CFA francs ($8,664 USD), a huge sum of money for Gabon residents. However, the country has now decriminalized same-sex relations less than one year after enacting the law. The motion passed in Gabon’s Lower House 48-24, and received even more support in the Senate, gaining 59 votes. This is a huge moment for Africa, a continent that unfortunately has been historically plagued by colonial-era…
The documentary film A Secret Love tells the story about professional female baseball player Terry Donahue and her wife Emma Marie Henschel. The two had to keep their love a secret for decades due to homophobia from both their family and the public. In fact, despite being together for almost 70 years, the couple didn’t actually get married until 2015, when it was finally legal to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghv3-lpFOcc Donahue played for the Illinois-based women’s baseball teams the Redwings and the Admiral Music Maids back in the 40s. Though Donahue played almost every position in the game, she was most commonly…
The votes are in from the recent election in Russia, which saw the nation voting (or did they?) for a whole referendum of constitutional changes. One of the most horrifying is Russia officially declaring marriage to be only between a man and a woman, preventing the possibility for any LGBTQ rights to develop in the near future. Even scarier, the referendum now allows Putin to retain his power until the year 2036, even though his reign was supposed to come to an end in 2024. But the worst part is that many Russians are crying foul. According to CNN, Russians…
Today, the Supreme Court delivered two rulings in favor of religious freedom over civil rights, moving America further backward in the quest for human rights. Unfortunately, these decisions shouldn’t come as a surprise. After June’s big Supreme Court wins for civil rights, Republicans have been on a fervent crusade to tarnish the reputation of the Supreme Court justices. The court’s conservative justices (which is most of them) have been under extreme pressure to “be more conservative”, and unfortunately, today’s rulings show that they’ve listened to the pressure coming from republican media. First off, there was the ruling of Our Lady…
Shudder, the premiere streaming service for horror and suspense is now streaming the documentary Scream Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street, which delves into the now-infamous 1985 movie, A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge, which has been called “the gayest horror movie of all time.” The controversy over the film is wide and varied. The movie was written with tons of homoerotic undertones and some very blatant LGBTQ moments (like a visit to a gay bar). However, screenwriter David Chaskin denies deliberately doing so. Secondly, the film’s star, gay actor Mark Patton, was stepping into the role of being…
The popular ABC show What Would You Do? returns with a special episode guest-starring Olympic skater Adam Rippon. The show centers around putting real people in extreme scenarios to see what they do. Do they stand up to bigotry? Do they defend the oppressed? Or do they just stand there and watch? Or partake in the harassment? In the episode with Adam Rippon, a coach is put to the test when a young athlete comes out to her as LGBTQ. The show seeks to find out how she’ll respond, and also aims to help educate the viewer about why inclusivity…