The husband of fashion icon Diane von Fürstenberg, Barry Diller, has publicly come out as gay for the first time. 

On 6 May, New York Magazine published an excerpt from the tech billionaire’s upcoming memoir Who Knew – which peeled back the curtains on his sexuality and longtime romantic relationship with Diane.

“While there have been a good many men in my life, there has only ever been one woman, and she didn’t come into my life until I was 33 years old,” he wrote.

“There are many complex aspects of my relationship with Diane von Fürstenberg: romantic love and deep respect, companionship and world adventuring, then disappointment, and separation, and finally marriage.”

Diller went on to say that he “never questioned” his sexuality’s “basic authority” over his life, adding that he was only afraid of the reaction of others.

“And when my romance with Diane began, I never questioned that its biological imperative was as strong in its heterosexuality as its opposite had been. When it happened, my initial response was, ‘Who knew?'” he continued.

“I’m well aware that this part of my life has caused confusion and lots of speculation. A relationship that began with indifference, then exploded into a romance as natural to us as breathing, surprised us and everyone else. It really is the miracle of my life.”

Diller went on to give insight into his first meeting with Diane in 1974 – who was married to Prince Egon Von Fürstenberg at the time.

Describing the fashion icon as oblivious and dismissive, the former movie exec recalled being confident that he would never meet her again.

However, that changed when Diller was invited to a party celebrating his close friend and agent to the stars Sue Mengers, which Diane was ironically hosting.

 

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Before diving into his second meeting with his now wife, Diller opened up about his extensive and private dating life with men, revealing his first same sex experiences started in his teenage years, “street cruising in West Hollywood.”

“The subterfuge continued into my 20s, save one Fourth of July weekend when a guy I had met invited me to join him on Fire Island. Since I had never been in any kind of ghetto (other than a rich one), I wasn’t prepared for a place that was all guys, all the time,” he wrote.

“I had so much early career success you might have thought I’d conquered what I saw as the biggest danger in my developing life. I’d conquered other phobias, but fear of exposure still had a tyrannical hold on me, so much so that it stunted any chance of my having a fulfilling personal life.”

Diller went on to say that he locked away anything related to his sexuality, adding that he became so successful at compartmentalising his feelings that it “both ruled and riled his life ever since.”

“I never discussed my personal life, lowlight as it was, with anyone. Even though as the years went on, I began to be realistic and understood that ‘everyone knows,’ I never wanted to make any declarations,” he continued.

 

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“So many of us at that time were in this exiled state, so stunted in the way we lived. I hated having to live a pretend life, one that was totally silent on all topics normal people talked about with each other. Of course, I could have declared my sexuality, come out as some others were doing, but I was among the many at the time who were too scared to do so.”

Since coming out wasn’t an option for Diller, he created and followed a unique “bill of rights” that allowed him to live within a blurred line. 

Some of the rules included never bringing a man to a heterosexual event or never doing anything that would make anyone believe he was living a heterosexual life, like having a “beard”.

“It wasn’t courage – it was simply the minimum conditions of my conduct, and I recognise it now as the opposite of courage,” Diller explained.

With his bill of rights firmly cemented in his brain, Diller attended Sue’s party.

However, his life was turned upside down when he met Diane again. Instead of having a dismissive attitude, Diller said the beloved fashion designer greeted him with a “dazzling smile”.

 

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“As we walked, we made little asides to each other, and then, like in the gym scene from West Side Story when everyone else fades away and Tony and Maria are left along, Diane and I found our way to a sofa, far away from the rest, and we stayed there for a long time,” he said.

“There was a glow around us that was setting off sparks, accurately described by the French as a coup de foudre. Flushed and completely discombobulated, I said, ‘I’ve got to go,’ and she walked me to the door.”

Their second meeting proved to be life-changing for Diller, who recounted their passionate escapades and the start of their official romantic relationship.

The 83-year-old also revealed that he initially kept his romance with Diane private because he didn’t know how to define it properly. However, despite staying under the radar, people began to notice that they had a profound and emotional connection.

 

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“People started saying, ‘Huh’ What is it with this person? We thought he liked only men,'” he wrote.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Diller shut down the reports, labelling him and Diane as close friends.

“We weren’t just friends. We aren’t just friends. Plain and simple, it was an explosion of passion that kept up for years. And, yes, I also liked guys, but that was not a conflict with my love for Diane,” he said.

Read the full excerpt from Diller’s memoir Who Knew here.

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Aidan Maese-Czeropski has opened up about his alleged sex scandal for the first time.

Back in December 2023, the former US Senate staffer made waves on social media after right-wing media and opinion website The Daily Caller leaked footage of him and another man allegedly having sex in a Senate hearing room.

The video, which was reportedly published in a private WhatsApp group for gay men who work in politics, immediately went viral, resulting in many dubbing Maese-Czeropski as the “Senate Twink”.

Shortly after the leak, Maese-Czeropski was let go from his role as an aide to Maryland Senator Ben Cardin.

Over the last few years, the former government staffer has refrained from addressing the video… until now.

In a recent interview with Gay Sydney News, Maese-Czeropski opened up about the scandal for the first time and the emotional implications it had on him.

“Mentally, I spent a little bit in the psych ward after the fact because it was just… overwhelming to realise and to know that tens of millions of people literally despise you. I was a catatonic mess,” he explained to the news outlet.

“Everyone in DC knew me, and it was kind of gross and horrifying because I’m not someone who likes to be in the public spotlight at all.”

Maese-Czeropski went on to discuss his relocation to Sydney, Australia, which stemmed from his one-way trip to Cape Town, South Africa, a week after the scandal.

“I just lived very cheaply off the grid, staying in hostels for 10 bucks a night and about two weeks into my trip, I met a New Zealand girl who I became best friends with and followed her across sub-Saharan Africa, Portugal, Canary Islands, Spain, England,” he continued.

 

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“And she told me, ‘Aiden, you should move to Sydney. You would love it there. You would fit right in. You could get a fresh start.’ And I never even been to Sydney.”

Despite his initial hesitation, Maese-Czeropski decided to take the risk, giving himself the option to move back to the US if he hated it in Sydney.

“I took a risk… I love it here and I’m glad that I took the jump and listened to her because she was right, it is the greatest city in the world,” he continued. “I plan on staying here for hopefully the rest of my life.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Maese-Czeropski opened up about the current state of his mental health following the scandal, revealing that he goes to therapy and takes medication.

“My therapist told me, ‘You have PTSD,’ and I don’t have any shame in that. When you go through something like that, it is just overwhelming and difficult to even comprehend,” he explained.

The former DC staffer also talked about the double standard that comes with sex scandals, regardless of sexual orientation.

“I’ve noticed… the passive partner tends to take more of the blame. I got all these death threats and hatred. And the guy who was the top didn’t, which I’m happy for because he’s a good person,” he said.

As for his current life status, Maese-Czeropski revealed that he has a full-time job that pays better than any job he has ever had. He has also embraced his “Senate Twink” title and opened up an OnlyFans.

“I got some flack when I first created my OnlyFans because people were like, ‘Okay, he’s washed up. Why is he doing this now? Who cares?’ So I did get some hate comments then, but it’s not just about the money,” he explained.

“It’s also about my mental health. It’s also about my family and their mental health. I just needed a lot of time to process the scandal because it was very, very difficult.”

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Nicola Coughlan’s fundraiser supporting Not A Phase helped keep the charity’s vital services afloat.

On 16 April, the UK Supreme Court dealt a devastating blow to trans rights when it ruled that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex.

The decision stemmed from a dispute centring on whether a trans woman with a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) should be treated the same as a cisgender woman under the UK’s Equality Act 2010.

Shortly after the ruling was announced, trans people, other members of the LGBTQIA+ community, allies and advocacy groups took to social media to express their disappointment over the verdict –including Bridgerton star Coughlan.

“Like many people, I’m completely horrified by the Supreme Court’s ruling about trans people. To see an already marginalised community being further attacked, and attacked in law, is really stomach-churning and disgusting. And to see people celebrate it is more stomach-churning and disgusting,” she said in a video posted on her Instagram.

In addition to slamming the ruling, Coughlan announced a fundraiser for the UK-based trans charity Not A Phase, adding that she would match any donation up to £10,000.

“I would urge you to donate and share, and if you are a cisgender person, now is the time to speak up and make your voice heard and let your trans and non-binary friends, and the community at large, know that you’re there for them and will keep fighting for them,” she continued.

 

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Fortunately, Coughlan’s call for action was met with immense support, with Not A Phase recently revealing that the fundraiser raised £120,000.

“Just 6 days ago, @nicolacoughlan posted a fundraiser supporting Not A Phase as a mark of solidarity to the trans+ community following the Supreme Court’s ruling,” the charity wrote in an Instagram post on 23 April.

“We have been overwhelmed with the generosity shown with every single donation. Thank you so much to Nicola for platforming us in this way. Less than 2 weeks ago, we shared about how we’d lost almost all of our corporate funding. This fundraising period has been an absolute lifeline for our charity.”

Towards the end of their statement, the group revealed that the fundraiser helped keep their support services up and running for their “4,000 service users across the UK.”

“Thank you @nicolacoughlan for prioritising our community during this time, and thank you to every single donor for supporting this fundraiser,” they concluded.

 

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The exciting news was immediately celebrated in the comment section, with one person writing: “Happy to have donated for this great cause. Nicola, you queen, I am proud to call you my role model.”

Another person commented: “Proud to support someone like Nicola. And proud of every fan who stood behind her and helped make it happen.”

Coughlan also expressed excitement for the incredible fundraising results, writing: “So delighted so many kind people have raised so much xxxx.”

In addition to the beloved Derry Girls star, the fundraiser received support from Bridgerton star Golda Rosheuvel, Heartstopper/Agatha All Along star Joe Locke and Scissor Sisters member Jake Shears.

For more information on how you can support Not A Phase, click here.

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Just Like Us ambassador Jenna Athi reflects on her journey from shame to self-love, celebrating the pride and joy of being a lesbian today.

WORDS BY JENNA ATHI

I love being a lesbian. I love exploring my queerness, pushing myself out of my gender comfort zone, and loudly loving my girlfriend with my entire being. However, as with most things that we learn to love about ourselves, there was once a time we didn’t.

Growing up the signs were blindingly obvious, but somehow no one was able to see it, least of all me. I can laugh about it all now, an amusing list of anecdotes: being in awe when I learnt you could make two girls on The Sims 2 kiss, marrying my Bratz dolls, rewatching ‘Sk8r Boi’ by Avril Lavigne to see a girl in boys’ clothes, being immensely jealous of whoever played Dad when playing house at school because I wanted the wife and children.

Then, adolescence struck and suddenly my little curiosities blinked in the gaydar of other students. Like a drop of blood around sharks, they zeroed in on my queerness and once the word got out I “thought” I was gay, it was only the beginning of my battle with my identity.

My entire teenage years were spent repressing any lesbian thoughts that dared to cross my mind. The “L” word was attached to my name like a hook in a fish’s mouth, painful and present, and the more I tried to swim away the deeper it cut. My peers called me a lesbian like it was a slur, always followed with a humiliating laugh or an uncomfortable avoidance. All I knew was that it made me different, weird, and unacceptable.

I blocked it out. I didn’t get into any relationships, I lied about finding boys attractive, I deflected my love for femininity by idolising feminine men. While it made me numb and set me back a good few years in developing my sense of self, it at least stopped me being laughed at.

Luckily, university turned out to be my damsel in shining armour. I made beautifully queer friends that were proud, unapologetic, and welcoming. I started to unwind the damage around my little heart and let my lesbianism break free, like a caged animal released back into the wild.

However, the cherry on top was meeting my beautiful girlfriend in my second year of uni. Being with her just made everything click into place in my scrambled brain and now I feel safe finding out new things about myself. What I should have been exploring as a teenager, I now can discover in my 20s: what makes me feel loved, how I love others, how I want the world to perceive me.

When I began volunteering for Just Like Us, I had the most beautiful experience of meeting queer people across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. Hearing other young LGBTQIA+ people’s stories made me realise that what we have all been through at school was not, and should never have been viewed as, normal. Thankfully, with the support of Just Like Us, I’m able to reach school pupils who are questioning themselves just like I did, and show them that being LGBTQIA+ isn’t wrong or something to be ashamed of.

Consequently, I’ve learnt to take pride in my identity and show myself some compassion. While my inner teenager still reacts with caution sometimes, my inner child gets to watch ‘Sk8r Boi’ as many times as she wants without feeling embarrassed – it’s a learning curve.

This Lesbian Visibility Week, I’ll be reflecting on what makes me a proud and blossoming lesbian today, while also remembering what came before this version of me. It’s so important to lift others up, offer a safe space, and remind the lesbians in your life that they’re seen, loved and perfect exactly as they are.

Jenna is an ambassador for Just Like Us, the LGBTQIA+ young people’s charity. Just Like Us needs LGBTQIA+ ambassadors aged 18-25 to speak in schools – sign up now.

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Philip Baldwin speaks with Nancy Kelley about the urgent need for visibility, solidarity, and justice for LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people during Lesbian Visibility Week.

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN

Nancy Kelley is the Executive Director at DIVA and a Director of the Trans Solidarity Alliance. She is an award-winning LGBTQIA+ and human rights campaigner. From 2020 to 2023, Nancy was the CEO of Stonewall and prior to that, the Deputy Chief Executive at the National Centre for Social Research.

Lesbian Visibility Week runs from 21 to 27 April, with Lesbian Visibility Day on 26 April. It was great chatting to Nancy about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ women.

I began by asking Nancy why Lesbian Visibility Week is important?

Lesbian Visibility Week is important, because it’s an opportunity to really focus on the experiences, the needs, the talents of LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people. It’s still the case that our experiences, needs and talents are not recognised, seen or attended to even within the LGBTQIA+ community. This year is particularly exciting because we’re focusing on celebrating rainbow families, in all the forms they take – from our chosen family to LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people having children, or looking after parents.

It’s an opportunity to celebrate LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people’s families and also fight for equity. One of the things we’re doing this year is focusing on removing discrimination in family formation, in areas like access to IVF. It’s still the case that in England and Wales we can be forced to pay for thousands of pounds of private healthcare to access IVF, that a straight couple could access without private care. It’s great to be focusing on our families and the place they have in this world.

Are the rights of LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people being rolled back in the UK?

It is definitely the case that the rights of trans women and trans people generally are under threat. For example, access to healthcare for trans and non-binary children and young people, which has been almost completely blocked in the UK, but also access to gender-affirming healthcare for trans adults where there is a huge waiting list. There’s enormous pressure around trans inclusion. There are court cases all the time trying to limit trans and non-binary people’s ability to access spaces that feel comfortable for them, or to participate fully in society. We should all care about this because trans and non-binary people deserve our solidarity and also because we know the LGBTQIA+ community stands and falls together.

How have disabled queer women been impacted?

The starting point is that LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people are more likely to be disabled than their peers. Around a third of us have a disability and many of us have disabilities that have a significant impact on our day-to-day lives. The government is bringing forward policies that implement enormous cuts in disability benefits, cuts for people whether they work or not. Those cuts are going to impact hundreds of thousands of people, including huge numbers of people in our community, and we know that they are going to push many people into poverty.

It’s really important for all of us to fight back, to be talking to our MPs and to be talking publicly about our opposition to those cuts. Sometimes we can think of LGBTQIA+ justice and disability justice as separate, but they’re not. Disability rights and LGBTQIA+ rights are deeply interwoven. As a disabled queer woman myself, I feel passionately about the need for us to be vocal in our opposition about balancing the Budget on the backs of disabled people.

What are you looking forward to most this Lesbian Visibility Week?

This Lesbian Visibility Week, I look forward to seeing LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people talking about their families in all the forms they take. Our ability to build a family and have that family respected has always been such a huge and often painful part of our stories. Being able to see and hear LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people talking about and celebrating our families and talking about the families that we have will always bring a smile to my face. It lifts me, to see LGBTQIA+ and non-binary women talking about the beautiful lives they have been able to build.

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For this International Asexuality Day (6 April), Just Like Us ambassador Teddy Ramplin calls for greater awareness of every identity within the asexual community.

WORDS BY TEDDY RAMPLIN

I’ve always been told I was picky. About food, about clothes, even about my car. I don’t mind, because people often don’t understand why I’m so selective. However, there’s one thing I wish people would stop calling me picky for, and that’s my sexuality.

I identify as gay, but also as aceflux; sometimes I feel myself to be fully asexual – or ‘ace’ for short – and sometimes fully allosexual (not asexual), and sometimes somewhere in between. I’m always attracted to men, but the way in which I’m attracted to them changes. With a fluid attraction, I often get told I’m just being ‘difficult’, or that I’m making up words for attention, but there are plenty of others who feel the same way I do.

According to the ONS 2021 census, 0.06% of respondents identified as asexual, though research suggests that the actual number may be higher, around 1-2% of the population of England and Wales.

Asexuality is defined as experiencing little to no sexual attraction to other people. However, it’s also an umbrella term encompassing other ace identities, such as demisexual, whereby sexual attraction can only develop once the person has formed a strong emotional connection with their partner, and grey ace, which involves a limited amount or low intensity of sexual attraction.

Attraction can be defined by the Split Attraction Model (SAM), whereby romantic and sexual attraction are distinct and separate from one another, even if they don’t necessarily align. For instance, a person can be asexual and biromantic, meaning they’re romantically attracted to two or more genders and sexually attracted to none. The SAM is often used by asexual people, but is not limited to the ace community, and can be used by anyone.

Asexuality isn’t a new term. It’s commonly thought that Florence Nightingale may have been asexual, as are a number of current celebrities of varying ages. For instance, Alice Oseman, creator of the successful graphic novel and now hit TV show Heartstopper, identifies as asexual, and streamer Sweet Anita identifies as demisexual, as does singer Chappell Roan. English singer-songwriter Cavetown has also confirmed that he is on the asexual spectrum.

So, in a world where anyone can be anything, why is it such an issue when someone says they’re asexual?

There are a lot of misconceptions about asexuality. One is that they “just haven’t met the right person”. Well, just like allosexual people, not everyone wants to settle down. Those that do, absolutely can, even without experiencing sexual attraction. And some asexual people do have sex, for a variety of reasons.

That being said, people who identify as asexual often have a sex drive of their own, and they might even act on that, without wanting to be intimate with a partner.

International Asexuality Day is celebrated yearly on 6 April and aims to raise awareness of the often-misunderstood term, as well as encouraging advocacy and support of the ace community and celebrating those often left out of wider LGBT+ celebrations. This year, I hope we can have more awareness that International Asexuality Day is inclusive of every identity under the umbrella of asexuality.

A common trope in the asexual community is the idea of preferring cake over sex. So, as an aceflux person, people might tell me that I can’t have my cake and eat it too, and to that I say – yes, I absolutely can.

Teddy is an ambassador for Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity. Just Like Us needs LGBT+ ambassadors aged 18-25 to speak in schools – sign up now.

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Yared Nuguse has come out publicly in the most heartwarming way.

On 29 March, the Olympic athlete ‘introduced’ the world to his boyfriend, Julian Falco, via seven intimate photos and videos on his Instagram page.

Nuguse also celebrated their one-year anniversary while joking, “Don’t act so surprised.”

His post was met with love and support from fellow athletes such as Chris Mosier, Courtney Wayment, Dani Jones, Grayson Murphy, Hunter Woodhall, Jeffrey McEachern, Kara Goucher, Kara Winger, Keira D’Amato, Nikki Hiltz, Oliver Hoare, Olivia Fabry and Raymond Braun.

Fabry requested “more Julian content,” Hiltz said she was “obsessed” and Wayment revealed that she’s “been waiting for this!”.

One fan left the following beautiful message: “I loved seeing this as I chatted with my queer XC/TF loving kiddo. I went back to show her about Tyro, Olympics and your world record. Thank you for sharing your authentic self to help the next generation.”

Nuguse, 25, is a middle-distance runner who specialises in the 1500 meters. In 2024, he earned a bronze medal at the Summer Olympics and finished second at the World Indoor Championships in Scotland.

He joins the expanding ranks of out Olympians; in 2024, approximately 199 queer athletes competed in the Paris Olympics and brought home 43 medals for Team LGBTQIA+.

Congratulations to Yared Nuguse!

 

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This Mother’s Day, Just Like Us ambassador Teddy Ramplin reflects on the impact of coming out as trans on his relationship with his mum, and why “a leopard really can change its spots”.

WORDS BY TEDDY RAMPLIN

Coming out is a rite of passage for many LGBTQIA+ people. Some don’t feel the need to make a big song and dance of it – it can be as simple as saying two words in passing – or even come out at all, but most of us will do it at least once.

When I came out as queer, it was very nonchalant, and completely unplanned. It was the 24th of January 2022 – the day I started dating my then-partner. I simply got into the car after school and, when my mum asked about my day, I told her: “I’m gay.” She smiled, looking back at me in the mirror, and replied: “I don’t care what you are, as long as you’re happy”.

That moment had me feeling like I could do anything. Like I could be anything. Because with her by my side, I was unstoppable.

Fast-forward to the 28th of April, 2023. The day I got my deed poll signed. As I emerged that day with a new name, I felt like a new me. At 17, I was legally allowed to do it on my own, but my mum wasn’t happy. She knew I was trans – it’s not like I had tried to hide it – but apparently changing my name was the last straw.

As far as I knew, she didn’t have a deep connection to my deadname, but still I was faced with cold glances, short, flat conversations, awkward silences. After about a week, I brought it up again, and received only a pursed lip, and a bemused “mm-hm”, before she went about getting ready for work. Suddenly, I felt small again. Like without my mum, I was nothing. It seemed like I had to make a choice: be myself, or have my mum’s approval.

I’m not alone. In fact, research from Just Like Us found that only 57% of transgender and non-binary young adults thought that their parents or carers would accept their identities, and that they were the least confident of all LGBTQIA+ identities that they would be accepted.

My situation was not ideal, but I knew I was more fortunate than some. Though she’d made her dislike of my actions clear, my mum still put a roof over my head and food on the table. I still had a place to call home. Sadly, many young trans people can’t say the same.

In mid 2024, I spent a few days with a friend to celebrate a mutual friend’s birthday. Both of them also happen to be trans.

Going out and enjoying my first taste of the nightlife with a group of out-and-proud queer people, it was liberating. Though overwhelming at times, the club atmosphere was electric, and it brought out a new side of me that I didn’t even know existed.

Revitalised by a couple of nights away from the usual humdrum of my life, I came home with a new attitude. I started to be more assertive – I am who I am, and I’m not hiding that for another second.

A few weeks later, my trans friend came up in conversation with my mum, and her partner asked what sex my friend was assigned at birth. Not only was the question invasive, but for trans and non-binary people, asking about their assigned sex can be incredibly damaging, and even invalidate their identity. It implies that they’ll always be what they were born as, and not how they identify.

But, before I even had a chance to glance at my mum, she replied, matter-of-factly, “it doesn’t matter what he was born as; we call him a boy, because that’s what he is”.

My heart immediately started to swell with pride – it felt like I was watching a child take their first steps. It was at that moment that I knew it wasn’t too late for things to change.

Now, another six months or so later, my relationship with my mum is the strongest it’s ever been. We’ve had frank conversations about my transition plans, and she’ll refer to me correctly even when talking to total strangers. There’s still the occasional slip-up – using my deadname or the wrong pronouns – but we move past it because it’s still early days, and what matters is that she’s trying.

So, for those who think their parents or carers cannot change, or will never accept their LGBTQIA+ identity, take my advice: it’s never too late to get someone out of their box, and the old adage certainly proves untrue: a leopard really can change its spots.

Teddy is an ambassador for Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity. Just Like Us’ LGBT+ Guide for Parents is out now.

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The Divine is set to celebrate its one-year anniversary with an exciting one-off event.

Back in January 2024, one of London’s most legendary LGBTQIA+ venues, The Glory, shut its doors after 10 years.

While its closure was heartbreaking, co-owners John Sizzle, Jonny Woo, and Colin Rothbart didn’t leave their dedicated patrons hanging.

A month after The Glory’s closure, the trio started a new chapter by opening up The Divine, a “queer bar, drag hothouse, LGBTQ+ performance venue and nightclub.”

Since its exciting debut, the Dalston-based venue has thrived as a new go-to spot for London’s LGBTQIA+ community – treating attendees to performances from emerging artists, exciting club nights and dazzling drag shows.

Now, The Divine is gearing up for its biggest event yet in honour of the venue’s one-year anniversary. On 3 April, Woo and Sizzle are set to host a one-night-only variety show titled The Divine Variety: A Celestial Happening.

The three-hour event – held at The Hackney Empire – will feature eccentric and immersive performances from some of East London’s best drag queens, drag kings, queer musicians, comedians, and go-go dancers.

In addition to featuring “rousing sing-a-longs and absurd solo moments,” the variety show will have three acts – “Heaven and Hell and ends with The Divine.”

Lastly, The Divine’s interior will be recreated on the Hackney Empire stage, featuring some of the stunning Max Allen artwork originally seen at the Dalston venue.

Tickets range between £15 to £40, plus fees. Doors open at 7 pm, with the show starting at 8.

The Divine Variety show lineup includes:

• Amazi,
• Baby Lame’s Shit Show
• Don’t Drag Me I’m Scared
• A Man To Pet and her Basic Boys
• Bolly Illusion and dancers
• Dan Wye
• Sharon Le Grand
• Rhys’s Pieces and Sue Gives A F*ck
• Margo Marshall, Dairy King
• Chiyo, Major Dom & Shardeazy Afrodesiak
• Crip Ladywood
• Barbs
• Rudi Douglas
• Die Lemma
• Viktor Victoria
• The Family Woo
• The Divine Dancers (featuring Margo Marshall)
• The Divine Crew in a tribute to the original punk queen of drag, Divine herself!

For more information about ticket prices, click here.

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Trans drag superstar Tiara Skye treated fans to one of her most unhinged and hilarious interviews yet.

Over the last few years, the self-proclaimed “street walker and queer talker” has gone viral on TikTok and Instagram for her chaotic interviews.

While Tiara has mainly stuck to chatting with your everyday Londoner or tourist, she recently stepped into her political journalism bag for KLOSS Community’s latest YouTube video.

Titled “Tiara Skye Investigates, ‘The UK’s Sexiest Politician,’” the beloved talent ditched the Soho streets for a cab ride with the dreamy city councillor and Lib-Dem leader for Liverpool Carl Cashman.

“I’m so excited to go behind the scenes. I’m going to probe his mind and find out a bit more about politics,” she exclaimed at the start of the video.

Of course, in true Tiara Skye fashion, the interview started with her asking Cashman if he was voting “foreskin or against skin,” resulting in the former replying, “Definitely foreskin.”

The pair then discussed the first time they met during the KLOSS Spelling Bee video, with Tiara stating that she was “so nervous.”

“I loved meeting you for the first time because I just loved your confidence and your energy, but I love the fact that you’re interested in politics,” Cashman exclaimed.

After their adorable trip down memory lane, Tiara grilled the handsome politician with a series of hard-hitting and hilarious questions.

“So, you are part of the Liberal Democrat party. What time does your party start?” she asked.

In response, Cashman exclaimed: “24/7.”

 

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A post shared by Sweetie Carl Cashman (@carlcashman91)

Tiara then inquired about Cashman’s political goals and whether he would ever throw his hat in the ring for prime minister.

“Don’t know. I need some pretty wealthy backers,” he explained.

When the drag performer asked if there was a billionaire behind every politician, Cashman cheekily responded: “Well, there’s no billionaire behind me, or at least I haven’t seen any behind me.”

“It’s because I’m a bottom,” Tiara quipped. “I apologize, Mr Prime Minister!”

Elsewhere in the interview, the talented performer asked Cashman to name three transgender celebrities. However, she jokingly cut him off after he named Caitlyn Jenner, exclaiming, “Not on this show.”

After discussing Elton John and whether Cashman would need conversion therapy to fall in love with her, Tiara inquired if it “was better under the Democratic party than under the conservative party.”

 

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A post shared by Sweetie Carl Cashman (@carlcashman91)

“Oh yeah, 100% the conservatives have ruined the country, and the liberal democrats are going to make them pay for it. We already took 72 MPs from them,” he said.  

Cashman also expressed his support for trans rights and addressed the rise of anti-trans rhetoric in both the US and the UK.

“What we’re seeing in America at the moment is kind of a villainization of trans people, and I worry that could be the same in this country,” he said.

“I think we’re a lot more tolerant in the UK, but the government’s got a lot to answer for.”

 

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A post shared by Tiara Skye (@tiara_skye)

When Tiara exclaimed that she “hates being tolerated”, Cashman said she made a good point, adding: “You shouldn’t be tolerated. It should just be accepted.”

Unsurprisingly, the pair’s video has been absolute with viewers, with one YouTube user commenting, “Finally a great interviewer for politics !! Go Tiara !! LOVE.”

Another fan wrote: “As a gay who’s a little obsessed with politics, I think this is my favourite interview ever. The crossover is amazing, I like a lot of what Carls got to say, and Tiara is just iconic.”

Check out Tiara Skye and Carl Cashman’s full interview here or below.

The post Drag superstar Tiara Skye talks politics with the ‘UK’s sexiest politician’ Carl Cashman appeared first on GAY TIMES.