It’s officially Virgo season—a time to reflect on the past, focus on personal development, and worship Beyoncé, whose birthday is September 4th.
Although this astrological period is dominated by values and perfection, that doesn’t mean the fun is over.
Case in point: Last week’s LGBTQ+ news caused some much-needed chaos.
How about we take this to the next level?
Subscribe to our newsletter for a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served with a side of eye-catching goodness.
Omar Apollo’s hot new tour kicked off, Adam Lambert shared some gay pop star advice, and RuPaul made headlines with his car tips. Then TikTok’s Nicky Champa and Pierre Boo ended their careers, Sasha Velour launched a stunning new drag show, and the DNC was over.
But if you do not Watch out Not hidden If you read this column, you will only learn half the story.
Elsewhere on the internet, we blasted new hits, made sandwiches and – figuratively speaking – went crazy.
Get ready to “J’adore” as we reveal the 10 things we’re obsessed with this week…
1. Baggy jeans recommended by Troye Sivan
Troye Sivan’s new fashion campaign confirms what I’ve been saying for years: “Don’t miss Gap!” Clad in jeans, the “Rush” singer showed off some moves alongside Dutch dance troupe CDK Company in this ultra-stylish ad for the fall 2024 collection. If that can’t convince gays to give this mall classic a try, nothing will.
For those who are in Sivan’s jeans New favorites: You can grab the Baggy Jeans ($69.95), the 90s Loose Cargo Jeans ($79.95), the Corduroy Jacket ($98), and the Heavyweight Zip Hoodie ($89.95) online.
2. Iconic pop culture classic t-shirts from this queer company
I wasn’t too surprised to learn that Bijou, a super-fashionable candle and clothing company based in New York, is queer-owned, considering its pop culture T-shirts showcase tastes that extend far beyond straight understanding. Owners Jocelyn and Alaina – who met while doing improv before saying “I do” to love – have put together a witchy collection of must-haves inspired by the likes of ABBA, Dolly Parton and Stevie Nicks.
My favorites, however, are their T-shirts, including one inspired by a niche quote World of spices fit, that Girl-band-like But I’m a cheerleader Shirt and a smart Stunningly beautiful Option, available online for $37. God bless queer cinema!
3. This viral queen remembers her husband in an unconventional way
I was minding my own business when this clip—apparently recorded at Insane Clown Posse’s annual Gathering of the Juggalos music festival—popped up in my feed. And wow, I’ll never be the same again.
I will let this Queen (who is attending the event for the first time without her late husband) speak for herself, but all I can say is that this TRUE Love.
4. Jonathan Bailey Fellow travelers short shorts adjustments
Earlier this week Fellow travelers The team unveiled a series of behind-the-scenes photos from Jonathan Bailey’s costume fittings for the show. And by costume, I mean the skimpiest of denim shorts. (Side note: How do I get this photographer’s job?)
The decline comes just in time for the final voting for the 2024 Emmy Awards, where Bailey is nominated for Best Supporting Actor. After a rebuff at the Globes, it is time Evil Actor gets some long overdue recognition. If I were a voter, I’d write his name on the ballot twice – once for each thigh.
5. Sir Davis Whiskey by Beyoncé
Despite the rumors, Beyoncé not make a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention this week. I guess she was too busy sipping her newly launched liquor brand, SirDavis American Whiskey (available online starting at $89.99 for 750 ml; prices may vary).
The whisky brand was developed in collaboration with Moët Hennessy and distiller Bill Lumsden and is named after her late great-grandfather. According to the website, the whisky is characterized by “a harmony of spices with sublime fruit notes.” While I’m not a fan of dark spirits, if it’s good enough for Bey, it’s good enough for me. Now if only we could get these Renaissance And Cowboy Carter Visual…
6. A WTF seasonal offer from Dude Wipes
Just last week I waxed poetic about upcoming fall promotions, but maybe that was too soon. Apparently Dude Wipes—the flushable wipes company for MEN, because not all butts are the same; just kidding!—has jumped on the trend.
Let me introduce you: pumpkin DUMPkin Spice scented wipes with “other fall stuff like clove and nutmeg.” We’ve officially lost the plot. (As one Þjórsárdalur User X wrote, “The pumpkin spice butt is insane.”) Still, you can snag a six-pack on Amazon for $29.99.
7. This crazy monkey lover documentary series from the makers of Tiger King
HBO convinced me with their intense and fascinating new documentary series Chimpanzee crazy by name alone. (The Planet of the Apes Movies are good, OK?!) Then I saw that the director and producer was Eric Goode – also known as the mastermind behind Tiger King — and I immediately grabbed the remote control.
There is no Joe Exotic, but Chimpanzee crazyTonia Haddix is as crazy as she is captivating. After years of caring for a chimpanzee named Tonka, she finally catches the attention of PETA and, quite by chance, Alan Cumming. Of course, this quickly develops into a wild game of Cat and Mouse Monkey and Banana. New episodes of the four-part series premiere every Sunday on HBO and Max.
8. A groundbreaking sandwich device for the child in all of us
I recently learned that Travis Kelce, Ben Platt and I have something in common: a love of Uncrustables. For those unaware, the snack made by Smucker’s is basically a crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwich with perfectly pressed edges. OK, yes, they’re designed for kids’ school lunches. But will we ever really outgrow our comfort sandwiches?
Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon this sandwich cutter and sealer ($10.99 on Amazon), which lets you assemble sandwiches in bags in the comfort of your kitchen. The dishwasher-safe device—if you can call it that—is inexpensive and calorie-friendly, considering the store-bought packaging is expensive and high in sugar. Don’t judge me, but I may never eat sandwiches with crusts again. Now who’s going to help me tell Ben and Trav?
9. Manboobs: Memories of musicals, visas, hope and cake by Komail Aijazuddin
When queer visual artist Komail Aijazuddin wrote, “I am just a man standing in front of a salad, asking for it to become a cake,” I felt it. As an avid lover of queer memoirs (and desserts), I was immediately intrigued by his debut book Man boobsavailable for $23.84 on Amazon. Born in Pakistan and transplanted to New York City, Ajazuddin’s meditations on the “patriarchal penitentiary,” which are inextricably linked to his Pakistani roots, his journey to coming out, and the difficulties of being a working artist, are both deeply moving and wickedly funny.
You can read an excerpt from the book here via Queerty.
10. Short and sweet by Sabrina Carpenter
With Labor Day weekend right around the corner, I’m pretty confident in declaring Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” the undisputed song of the summer. The diminutive singer’s caffeinated and confident bop – along with the cheesy and country-tinged No. 1 hit “Please Please Please” – catapulted the 25-year-old into a new stratosphere of pop girl status, but can she keep the momentum going?
If their newly releasedsed sixth album, Short and sweet (available on CD, vinyl and cassette from $13.98 online) is a clue, the answer is “Yasss.” The 12-track collection moves briskly, constantly seeking to outdo itself in cheekiness and innuendo, through a synthetic, upbeat and occasionally country-tinged production. One second it’s betraying Barry Keoghan’s, er, talent in “Bed Chem,” and the next it’s twisting a 2007 Elliot Page film into an invitation to flirt in “Juno.” The highlight, though, is the pulsating opener “Taste,” which, along with a cheeky Death suits her well-inspired image, co-star Wednesday‘s Jenna Ortega.
Related*
