LGBTQ+ News
Latest LGBTQ+ News
Shia LaBeouf Accused of Shouting Homophobic Slurs During Mardi Gras Brawl — Victim Calls It a Hate Crime
Shia LaBeouf's Mardi Gras arrest in New Orleans has taken a darker turn after Jeffrey "Damnit" Klein, one of the…
That Viral Super Bowl Grinding Moment? The Dancer Says It’s “Not That Deep” — But Also Very Deep
Dan Santiago, the Bad Bunny dancer at the center of the viral Super Bowl grinding moment, calls Republican backlash "absolutely…
Alexander Skarsgård Addresses Viral Interview That Sparked Bisexual Coming Out Speculation
Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgård is setting the record straight. After months of online speculation about his sexuality, the Big Little…
RiVERSE’s Zak Talks Sobriety, Bodybuilding, and Rising Above on Humanity In Volume
In a candid conversation with Socialite Life, Zak reflects on the emotional weight of Humanity In Volume, the importance of…
How Rob Reiner’s Gamble on Prop 8 Changed History for Gay Marriage
Rob Reiner played a crucial role in overturning Proposition 8 by co-founding the American Foundation for Equal Rights. Learn how…
Jonathan Bailey makes history as People’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive
Jonathan Bailey makes history as People's 2025 Sexiest Man Alive, becoming the first openly gay recipient. The Wicked and Bridgerton…
For some reason the Pentagon felt it had to weigh in on the Nexflix gay military series, calling it “woke garbage”
Pentagon officials condemn Netflix's military drama "Boots" as ideologically driven content, calling the streaming service's programming "woke garbage" in an…
Noah Schnapp reveals journalists pressed him about being gay at press junkets when he was just 12 and 13 years old
Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp reveals journalists asked invasive questions about his sexuality during press junkets when he was just…
Kristin Chenoweth addresses fan outrage over controversial Charlie Kirk comments
Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth has broken her silence regarding the intense backlash she faced after posting sympathetic comments about the…
Midori Monét Answers the Socialite Seven
In this edition of the Socialite Seven, Midori Monét, the reigning Miss International Queen USA, opens up about the mentors…
Crowning Confidence: Midori Monét prepares to represent the USA at Miss International Queen 2025
Socialite Life chatted with Midori Monét, the former Miss USA contestant, about representing the United States at the prestigious Miss…
Chappell Roan to donate $1 per ticket to trans youth charities on fall tour
Chappell Roan is thrilling fans with an exciting announcement of her upcoming tour, where she's making a heartwarming commitment to…
Yungblud opens up about his pansexuality and talks masculinity
Yungblud, the vibrant British rocker, recently opened up to Attitude Magazine about his evolving relationship with fashion, gender expression, and…
Singer Tom Goss talks about Gay Stuff, body love, and bear soup
Socialite Life caught up with singer Tom Goss to discuss his new music, pushing boundaries, the importance of being oneself,…
Charlize Theron Delivered a Powerful Message on Immigration, LGBTQ+ Rights, and Women’s Rights
Recent remarks from actress and activist Charlize Theron at the fifth annual Block Party for her Charlize Theron Africa Outreach…
Celebrate Pride with a Double Dose of the Teletubbies
This June, TeeTurtle and the Teletubbies are flipping the script – literally. In celebration of Pride Month, in addition to…
Pedro Pascal, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande and more celebs sign an open letter supporting federal funding for LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention
A-list celebrities including Pedro Pascal, Ariana Grande, and Jamie Lee Curtis have signed an open letter advocating to protect federal…
Ricky Sim shares his gaysian experience – and lots of laughs – in a new show COMING OUT TO DEAD PEOPLE
Socialite Life had the chance to catch up with talented writer and comedian Ricky Sim to discuss his new show,…
Tom Daley documentary reveals his struggles with eating disorder and sexuality ‘shame’
In a heart-wrenching revelation, Tom Daley shares the devastating impact of being told to slim down by sports officials, which…
Ryan Phillippe shares fears from breakout role as gay teen on One Life to Live
Ryan Phillippe faced pushback when considering his groundbreaking role as television's first openly gay teen character.
Bowen Yang opens up about the ‘painful and detrimental’ time spent at gay conversion therapy as a teenager
Saturday Night Live cast member Bowen Yang has shared details about his "painful and detrimental" experience with conversion therapy.
Pedro Pascal is calling out ‘vile and pathetic’ transphobic trolls after defending trans rights
Pedro Pascal is expressing his stance as one of the biggest transgender rights allies on Instagram.
Village People singer defends Trump’s use of ‘Y.M.C.A.,’ says song isn’t a ‘gay anthem’
In a bizarre twist to the pop culture saga, Village People's frontman Victor Willis took to Facebook to address President-elect…
Singer Khalid comes out as gay after he was outed on social media
In a powerful moment of authenticity, singer Khalid has embraced his truth after being outed on social media, making it…
Ariana Grande thinks that Glinda, her Wicked character, ‘might be a little in the closet’
Pop superstar Ariana Grande is stirring up excitement with her fresh take on Glinda's character in the highly anticipated Wicked…
Fox News host Greg Gutfeld bizarrely jokes that John Krasinski is trans after he’s dubbed People’s sexiest man alive
In a head-scratching moment on television, Fox News personality Greg Gutfeld attempted a peculiar "joke" about actor John Krasinski's gender…
Quick Drag: Honey Davenport, LaLa Ri, Mirage, and more celebrate NYC Pride
To kick off Pride Weekend, on Thursday, June 27, the midtown’s beloved W New York – Times Square teamed up…
Gender-neutral boxer brand Woxer spreads a message of hope and inclusivity this Pride month
During the last week of June, the Woxer team will be traveling from Miami to NYC in support of local…
Matt Bomer says he lost Superman movie role after being outed as gay
In a recent episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s “Awards Chatter” podcast, Matt Bomer opened up about what he describes as…
Glee star Chris Colfer told not to come out as gay: ‘It will ruin your career’
Chris Colfer, best known for his role as Kurt Hummel on the hit series Glee, recently opened up about the…
Katy Perry edits Harrison Butker’s sexist, anti-LGBTQ speech for Pride Month: ‘Fixed this’
On Saturday, June 1, 2024, pop superstar Katy Perry posted a video on Instagram featuring an edited version of Kansas…
Adele goes off on audience member who yelled ‘Pride sucks’ during Vegas show: ‘Are you f***ing stupid?’
During her Las Vegas residency on Saturday night, Adele did not hold back when an audience member shouted, “Pride sucks!”
Matt Cullen Shares Important LGBTQIA+ Stories on Our Queer Life
Socialite Life spoke with Matt Cullen about the evolution of the Our Queer Life series and some of the highlights…
Daniel Radcliffe Is ‘Really Sad’ About JK Rowling’s Stance on Trans Rights
Daniel Radcliffe shared thoughtful insights on his support for the LGBTQ community and how he is "really sad" about the…
Priyanka Is Here to Change Lives (And Hopefully Minds)
Socialite Life spoke with Canada’s Drag Race season one winner Priyanka about her experience on We're Here and what she’s…
9-1-1 Actor Oliver Stark Blasts Fans Upset By Bisexual Storyline: ‘You’ve Missed the Entire Point of the Show’
Oliver Stark, known for his role on the hit series 9-1-1, recently took a stand against detractors on social media…
Ricky Martin Says His Dad Encouraged Him to Come Out As Gay
Ricky Martin’s dad urged him to come out as gay so he wouldn’t teach his children to “lie.”
All of Us Strangers Star Paul Mescal on Straight Actors Playing Gay Roles
Paul Mescal's latest project is the romantic fantasy movie All of Us Strangers, where he plays Harry alongside the talented…
Taylor Swift: The Controversy Surrounding Her Sexuality and the New York Times Op-Ed
Taylor Swift, the Grammy-winning artist known for her chart-topping hits and captivating performances, has found herself at the center of…
Actress Tommy Dorfman accuses Delta Staffer of ‘Intentionally’ misgendering her ‘multiple times’
Over the holidays, trans actress Tommy Dorfman brought attention to an incident at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. Dorfman…
Billie Eilish affirms her queer identity: ‘I thought it was obvious’
After appearing to come out during her cover story for Variety’s Power of Women issue last month, Billie Eilish is…
Brian Austin Green says raising gay son was ‘unknown territory’
For Brian Austin Green, being a father came with a plethora of new learning experiences.
Carlos Santana apologizes for anti-trans comments he made during concert that no one asked him for
Carlos Santana is apologizing for transphobic, "insensitive comments" he made onstage at a recent show.
Wayne Brady comes out as pansexual: ‘Bisexual — with an open mind!’
Wayne Brady came out as pansexual during a People magazine interview Monday.
Noah Schnapp thinks he’d still be closeted if his Stranger Things character hadn’t come out
Noah Schnapp said he “cried” following the reaction after revealing that he was gay.
Elliot Page says A-list actor threatened him: ‘I’m going to f**k you to make you realize you aren’t gay’
Elliot Page revealed in his memoir that a famous A-list actor approached him at a party after he came out…
‘I thought there was something wrong with me!’ David Archuleta reflects on growing up gay
David Archuleta thought there was "something wrong with [him]" when he started to realise he was gay.
GLAAD Media Awards New York winners
Maren Morris took a swipe at Tucker Carlson as she picked a prize at the 2023 GLAAD Media Awards.
Meet Instagram hottie Jake Williamson
It has been tough, but we’ve spent all week long scouring the depths of Instagram to bring you this week’s…
Diplo confesses he fooled around with other men, doesn’t want to ‘define’ his sexuality: ‘I’m not not gay’
Diplo is getting candid about his history in the bedroom — but he doesn't feel the need to put a…
Madonna seemingly comes out as gay in cryptic video
Madonna - who has been married to Sean Penn and Guy Ritchie and dated the likes of Dennis Rodman, Tupac…
Maren Morris raises $100,000 for transgender charity
Maren Morris has raised more than $100,000 since launching a T-shirt line to benefit trans rights groups amid her feud…
Meet Instagram hottie and actor Polo Morin
It has been tough, but we’ve spent all week long scouring the depths of Instagram to bring you this week’s…
Angelica Ross is first trans actress to play Roxie Hart in Chicago
Angelica Ross will make her Broadway debut in the long-running musical later this year, playing murderous vixen Roxie for eight…
Demi Lovato using she/her pronouns
Demi Lovato came out as non-binary last year and expressed a preference for gender neutral they/them terms, but she is…
Bette Midler denies being ‘exclusionary or transphobic’ after backlash over ‘erasure of women’ tweet
Bette Midler says that she didn’t intend to be “exclusionary or transphobic” with her tweet about the “erasure” of women.
Lady Gaga, Tom Daley and first all-male ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ couple among winners of 2022 ‘British LGBT Awards’
Singer-actress Lady Gaga, diver Tom Daley and the first all-male Strictly Come Dancing couple were among the winners of 2022’s…
Elliot Page says transition ‘improved life drastically’
Elliot Page - who came out as trans in December 2020 - urged people who have been negative about his…
Tom Hiddleston says bisexual Loki helps Marvel ‘reflect the world we live in’
Tom Hiddleston has declared the Marvel universe “has to reflect the world we live in” and says Loki coming out…
Rebel Wilson makes it Instagram official with girlfriend Ramona Agruma
The most significant reply received by Rebel Wilson for her personal-life Instagram update features a single heart emoji.
Elliot Page recalls being forced to wear a dress at Juno premiere
Elliot Page - who came out as transgender in December 2020 - has opened up about being "closeted" when he…
Podcasts You Should Know – Comedian Jeffrey Jay talks about BEING Trans
One of the cast members on the revolutionary Being Trans podcast is Jeffrey Jay, a Los Angeles-based, transgender stand-up comedian…
Misha Collins straightens things out, clarifies that he is not bisexual
Supernatural star Misha Collins has come out as straight following a very strange moment at a fan convention in which…
Supernatural star Misha Collins comes out as bisexual
Misha Collins who is known for his role as angel Castiel on the CW drama series Supernatural - made an…
Florida lawmakers pass controversial ‘Don’t Say Gay’ schools bill
Florida's state senate on Tuesday passed a controversial bill banning lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in elementary schools,…
Elliot Page condemns anti-trans laws in Texas
Elliot Page has condemned Texas government officials for declaring that medical care for transgender youths is child abuse.
Homophobic people are ugly, says Cardi B
Cardi B - who is married to Migos star Offset - has taken to Twitter to hit out at homophobes…
Eddie Redmayne says playing a trans woman in The Danish Girl was a ‘mistake’
Eddie Redmayne says he regrets portraying a transgender woman in the 2015 film “The Danish Girl,” calling the decision to…
Meet Instagram Hottie Chella Man
It has been tough, but we’ve spent all week long scouring the depths of Instagram to bring you this week’s…
Kal Penn comes out and reveals he’s engaged to his partner of 11 years
Actor Kal Penn, star of such television shows including House, Designated Survivor and Sunnyside, has publicly come out as gay…
Jamie Lee Curtis opens up about daughter Ruby coming out as trans
Jamie Lee Curtis has revealed some of the things she’s still trying to adjust to after her daughter Ruby came…
Superman comes out as bisexual
Superman will be waving a pride flag on Nov. 9, 2021, when it will be revealed that the superhero is…
Out Las Vegas Raiders star Carl Nassib reveals he has a boyfriend
Carl Nassib, who the first active NFL player to come out publicly, has revealed the he may have a boyfriend!
Elvira, Cassandra Peterson, reveals she’s been in a 19-year relationship with a woman
Cassandra Peterson, otherwise known as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, has come out in her new memoir, Yours Cruelly, Elvira.
Benedict Cumberbatch talks straight actors playing gay in Power of the Dog
Actor Benedict Cumberbatch is discussing straight actors playing gay in the movie, and revealed they had hard conversations about the…
Drag Race star Gigi Goode comes out as transgender
Drag Race star Gigi Goode has come out as trans non-binary and has opened up about her transitioning journey.
Joshua Bassett: Coming out was liberating, but now I battle homophobic comments
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series star Joshua Bassett may be his most authentic life right now after coming…
Batman’s sidekick Robin comes out as bisexual in new comic
In the latest installment of “Batman: Urban Legends,” the DC comic book character Tim Drake — aka the Caped Crusader’s…
DaBaby deletes apology to LGBTQ community for homophobic comments from Instagram
DaBaby appears to have deleted the apology he posted on Instagram following homophobic remarks he made at a music festival…
Matt Damon releases statement regarding his f-slur usage, says he ‘never called anyone ‘f****t’
Matt Damon is responding to backlash he received over the weekend after he says remarks from an interview were taken…
Matt Damon admits he stopped using homophobic f-word just recently
For some reason, Matt Damon has admitted that he was using the antigay f-word until just recently.
13 Reasons Why star Tommy Dorfman comes out a trans woman
13 Reasons Why star Tommy Dorfman has been "privately identifying and living as a woman," and now she’s ready to…
Tyler Posey comes out as queer and sexually fluid
Tyler Posey defined his sexuality after previously revealing he has been with men and doesn't like to label his sexuality.
These are Mr. Man’s 100 iconic TV & movie gay kisses of all time
To close out Prince month 2021, Mr. Man has put together a list of the top "100 Iconic Gay Kisses"…
Madonna and Adam Lambert react to Lil Nas X BET Awards kiss in very different ways
During Lil Nas X's performance of "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" during the 2021 BET Awards on Monday (Jun.…
Megan Fox celebrated being bisexual with neon rainbow manicure
Megan Fox recently celebrated her bisexuality in a unique way.
Joshua Bassett confirms he’s a part of the LGBTQ+ community
Disney star Joshua Bassett has opened up about his sexuality and those comments on Harry Styles in a new interview…
The Week in Drag Mini: Laganja Estranja comes out as trans
The biggest story from last week in the world of drag is Laganja Estranja’s announcement that she is trans.
Carl Nassib is the first active NFL player to come out as gay
Carl Nassib, a defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who was an All-American at Penn State, just became the…
David Archuleta comes out as part of LGBTQIA+ community after 20 years of trying to change himself
American Idol alum David Archuleta has come out as part of the LGBTQIA+ community and is opening up about his…
Sophie Turner hints she’s bisexual after declaring she ‘isn’t straight’
Sophie Turner has people speculating about her sexuality after posting an Instagram Story.
Demi Lovato comes out as non-binary, changes pronouns to they/them
Singer Demi Lovato has revealed that they are non-binary and will use the pronouns they and them moving forward.
9-1-1 Lone Star Ronen Rubinstein comes out as bisexual
9-1-1 Lone Star actor Ronen Rubinstein recently came out as bisexual in an exclusive interview with Variety. “I fully identify…
Demi Lovato comes out as pansexual: ‘I’m so fluid now’
Demi Lovato has long been candid about her sexuality, but she's publicly sharing the label she identifies with.
Jennifer Lopez shares moving video of father’s fight for transgender daughter’s right as an athlete
Jennifer Lopez shared an article showcasing a viral speech given by Brandon Boulware, a Missouri father, about his transgender daughter…
Anderson Cooper shares when he realized he was gay: ‘One of the great blessings of my life’
Anderson Cooper is opening up about when he realized he was gay — and when he "really, truly accepted it."
Comedian Fortune Feimster says fears of future anti-LGBT SCOTUS rulings pushed her to marry girlfriend
Comedian Fortune Feimster, best known for her appearances on Chelsea Lately and The Mindy Project, wed her partner Jacquelyn Smith…
Tyler Posey Opens Up About Hooking Up with Guys and Bottoming
Actor Tyler Posey recorded a very candid video for his OnlyFans channel in which he offers some titillating details about…
Actor Hugh Sheridan reveals he’s had relationships with men and women
A well-known Australian actor, Hugh Sheridan, has opened up about his sexuality in Sunday magazine, Stellar.Sheridan, 34, is a familiar…
Pete Buttigieg slams Trump’s unhinged town hall performance in a now-viral tweet
Out former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg threw some excellent shade at Republican President Donald Trump last night during Trump’s…
Authorities claim Cheer star Jerry Harris admitted to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy, should stay in detention until trial
Federal prosecutors filed a motion asking the the judge to keep Cheer star Jerry Harris detained as he awaits his…
Pose star Angelica Ross misgendered and had a nude scene ‘sprung’ on her on the set of Claws
Before landing the role of Candy Ferocity on Pose, Ross played a three-episode role in the TNT series Claws, a…
The Trailer for the Queer Musical Everyone’s Talking About Jamie Is Here and it is Fabulous! WATCH
The first trailer for the drag queen/coming out movie, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, based on the hit London West End…
Charlie Carver Reveals Out Gay Actor Slapped Him for Being Too Effeminate
Charlie Carver claims a gay man he had worked with previously criticized him three separate times for being too obviously…
Eddie Redmayne Defends J.K. Rowling But Still Disavows Her Transphobic Comments
Eddie Redmayne is speaking out about J.K. Rowling, but this time he's diluting the value of his previous comments condemning…
Will Young Admits to Pleasuring Himself on the Train
The pop singer opened up about his battle with his sexuality and confessed the feeling of "dread" was "almost overpowering."
Karamo Brown Reveals He Split from Fiancé Ian Jordan 3 Months Ago — WATCH
37-year-old Queer Eye star Karamo Brown confirmed the news that he and his fiancé Ian Jordan have split on The…
Jonathan Bennett Lands the Lead in Hallmark’s 1st Gay Christmas Movie
Mean Girls star Jonathan Bennett is set to star in Hallmark’s first LGBTQ-themed holiday movie, The Christmas House, the network…
JK Rowling Is Now Promoting an Anti-Transgender Store on Twitter
J.K. Rowling promotes an anti-transgender online store to her 14 million Twitter followers, because, of course.
It’s Bisexual Awareness Week and Michael Henry His Here to Teach — WATCH
Comedian Michael Henry is on hand to teach us all a thing or two about bisexuality during Bisexual Awareness Week,…
Cheer Star Jerry Harris Arrested and Charged With Producing Child Porn
Jerry Harris has been arrested and charged with production of child pornography, a rep for the U.S. Attorney’s office in…
Neil Patrick Harris Reveals He and His Family Had COVID-19 Earlier This Year: ‘It Wasn’t Pleasant’
During an appearance on Today yesterday (September 15, 2020), actor Neil Patrick Harris revealed that he, his husband, and children…
Cheer Star Jerry Harris Under FBI Investigation for Allegedly Soliciting Sex From Minors
Jerry Harris, a college cheerleader who starred on the docuseries, is currently being investigated for allegedly soliciting sex and sexually…
Married Couple Ben Lewis and Blake Lee to Star in Lifetime’s First-Ever Gay Romance Christmas Movie
Lifetime has cast married actors Ben Lewis (Arrow) and Blake Lee (Fam) as the stars of The Christmas Setup, the…
Niecy Nash Opens Up About Surprise Marriage to Jessica Betts
When actress Niecy Nash announced her marriage to singer Jessica Betts on August 31, 2020, her fans were more than…
Actor Anthony Rapp Sues Kevin Spacey for Sexual Assault and Battery in 1980s
Oscar-winner Kevin Spacey was accused in a civil lawsuit on Wednesday of sexual assault and battery in the 1980s by…
Ethan Is Supreme: Beauty influencer Ethan Peters dies aged 17
Beauty blogger and influencer Ethan Peters, known as Ethan Is Supreme, has died at the age of 17.
Ryan Murphy Welcome’s Third Child, Griffin
Murphy 54, and his husband, photographer David Miller, welcomed their third son together on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020.
Singer Greyson Chance Opens Up About His Anorexia Battle
Out singer Greyson Chance has opened up about his battle with anorexia.
Swedish Pop Star Darin Comes Out: “I Am Proud to Be Gay”
One of Sweden's biggest pop stars, 33-year-old Darin, came out in a recent Instagram post.
Portia de Rossi, Ellen DeGeneres’ Wife Speaks Out Amid Controversy
Portia de Rossi I standing by Ellen DeGeneres amidst accusations of The Ellen DeGeneres Show being a toxic workplace.
Caitlyn Jenner Calls Kanye West a ‘Good Friend’ and ‘Kind’
Caitlyn Jenner is opening up about her thoughts on Kanye West’s mental breakdown.
Kevin McHale Accidentally Gave Boyfriend Austin McKenzie Salmonella
Actor Kevin McHale says he accidentally gave his boyfriend food poisoning but initially mistook it for coronavirus.
Pose, Schitt’s Creek, Lil Nas X, Dolly Parton, and More Honored at 2020 GLAAD Media Awards
Last night (July 30, 2020), the 31st annual GLAAD Media Awards took place, honoring LGBTQ visibility in music, film, television,…
Luke Evans’ Boyfriend Rafa Olarra Isn’t Always on Board With His Fashion Choices
Luke Evans is currently dating FAENA creative director and set designer Rafa Olarra and he loves his boyfriend's style, Luke…
Billy Eicher to Play Gay Trailblazer Paul Lynde in Bio-Pic
Billy Eichner will be playing the lead in Man In The Box, a biopic about beloved actor, Paul Lynde, who…
Pose Co-Creator Steven Canals Inks Deal For Limited Gay Rights Activism Series for FX
Pose co-creator and Emmy nominee Steven Canals is developing a new limited series titled 81 Words, which will explore the…
Ricky Martin on Coming Out: ‘I’ve Been Super Happy Ever Since’
On the latest episode of Apple Music's Proud Radio, Martin explained what life was really like living in the closet…
Valentina Sampaio Becomes Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue First Transgender Model
The 2020 edition of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue makes history, with the casting of Valentina Sampaio, the first transgender model…
Batwoman Finds New Lead in Black, Bi-Sexual Actress Javicia Leslie
The CW’s Batwoman has found a new lead in God Friended Me and The Family Business alum Javicia Leslie.
Halle Berry Pulls Out of Transgender Film Role After Backlash, Apologizes for Considering the Role
Halle Berry has apologized and announced that she is pulling out of a planned role as a transgender man after…
J.K. Rowling Is Back With Another Round of Transphobia
Despite have received threats calling for her death and rape, J.K. Rowling is once again doubling down on her anti-trans…
Thomas Roberts Brings on the Positivity With ‘Gay Good News’
Thomas Roberts, the first out national news host, has launched Gay Good News, a Facebook Live show in which he…
Billy Porter Makes History With Essence Cover
Billy Porter has made history as the first Black openly gay man to appear on the cover of Essence.