Everyone should know by now, you don't hand Jennifer Hudson a tribute unless you want the shit sung out of it. Currently appearing in The Color Purple on Broadway, JHud and fellow powerhouse belter Cynthia Erivo paid a glorious tribute to Prince, who unexpectedly passed yesterday at age 57. 

Related | Jennifer Hudson and Cynthia Erivo Perform a Special Version of The Color Purple

Not only did Cynthia and Jennifer bring the house down, they rebuilt it, burned it to the ground, and walked away from the wreckage like Angie Bassett in Waiting to Exhale. 

Prince would've been proud. 

Get your life below:

YAS, Cynthia Erivo and Jennifer Hudson!

Watch: Jennifer Hudson and the Cast of The Color Purple Pay Stirring Tribute to Prince

Watch: Jennifer Hudson and the Cast of The Color Purple Pay Stirring Tribute to Prince

Prince Rogers Nelson (1958-2016)

Dirty Mind (1980)

Controversy (1981)

1999 (1982)

Vanity 6 "Nasty Girl" (1982)

Stevie Nicks "Stand Back" 1983

Purple Rain (1984)

Apollonia 6 "Sex Shooter" (1984)

Sheila E. "The Glamorous Life" (1984)

Chaka Khan "I Feel for You" (1984)

Sheena Easton "Sugar Walls" (1985)

Around the World in a Day (1985)

The Bangles "Manic Monday" (1986)

Parade (1986)

Sign o' the Times (1987)

Lovesexy (1988)

Good night, sweet Prince

From Dirty Mind to Lovesexy, Prince redefined race, gender and music for an entire generation. 

Watching Lemonade, the greatest thing I felt was pride. Pride at the artist and the woman that Beyoncé had become. Because I grew up with Beyoncé. "No, No, No (Part 2)" came out in 1997, a week after my 12th birthday. Bey was only 16. I remember belting out the breakdown—"Every time I see you with your boys, you pretend as if you don't want me"—with my friend Gigi as we walked home from school one day. We knew the lead singer of Destiny's Child and her weird, unpronounceable name was something special. 

Nearly 20 years later, that name is a noun, an adjective, a verb and a synonym for all things fierce.

Bey's been something like a big sister, teaching me how to dance in heels, the importance of wind machines, and that I don't need trifling ass men, all the while propelling me along at the gym, on the dancefloor, and on the runway of life. While I've always loved her—because I'm a human being with feelings—in the back of my mind I couldn't help feeling that if Lauryn Hill hadn't lost her damn mind that Bey's brand of glossy pop-and-B wouldn't be as potent, as popular, or as pervasive. Of course, Beyoncé as a force is undeniable. But, as perhaps the most famous woman in the world, and as a woman of color, I anticipated the moment when she would use her voice and her platform to say something. Something to lift up women, to lift up the black community, and to heal. Perhaps it was asking a lot of someone known for coining "Bootylicious" but that's exactly what The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill did.  

Beyoncé has always been a feminist, in that she always demanded the respect of men and to be treated as equals. From "Bills, Bills, Bills" to "Upgrade U" to her very own feminist manifesto "Flawless," Bey has sought to empower women. But it was problematic. The sexualization and commercialization of her feminism, especially. Not that a woman can't be sexy and be powerful and stack her coins, but presenting the female body as a sexual object while turning FEMINISM into a product (#iwokeuplikethis) and also inspiring the watered down, modelesque version thrown around left and right by Taylor Swift. 

And then "Formation" happened.

From "Bills, Bills, Bills" and "Bootylicious" to "Flawless" and "Formation," you can see Beyoncé's growth as a woman and as an artist. And we grew up with her. "Formation" caused a lot of controversy when it came out mostly because of how unapologetically black it was. Beyoncé, the multi-ethnic exotic fembot, was universal—her universality was what made her Beyoncé the product, Beyoncé the brand, Beyoncé the Fortune 500 company. She sang at the inauguration of the President, twice, she sang showtunes at the Academy Awards, she sang the national anthem at the Super Bowl. She was the Super Bowl Half Time show. Twice. And with "Formation," here she was owning her blackness and her womanhood and daring people to freak out about it. Which of course they did.

But "Formation" was just the opening salvo. With Lemonade, Beyoncé has made her Miseducation. She's grown into the artist that I think we need. And we need great artists. We've already lost two of the greatest this year. Being the biggest stunt queen in the game, Bey premiered the 60-minute Lemonade short film last night on HBO. It picked up where Beyoncé, her last visual album, left off, but whereas that was a collection of visually stunning, and now nearly iconic videos, this was a cohesive statement, strung together by the poetry of Warsan Shire. Touted as a "conceptual project based on every woman’s journey of self-knowledge and healing,"Lemonade uplifts women, uplifts the black community, and it heals. 

The chain of black women holding hands in the water, their different hairstyles silhouetted against the sunset; the mothers of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and Eric Garner holding pictures of their slain sons; her reconciliation with Jay-Z after some rather firey (and foul-mouthed, come through TV-MA rating!) allusions to his infidelity. It's powerful and triumphant and heartbreaking, and because it's Beyoncé, it's also fierce as fuck.

Then there's the footage of the private Beyoncé, a peek at the woman behind the machine: her and Jay-Z's famously private wedding, Beyoncé pregnant, a young Bey playing with her dad Matthew Knowles, and her grandmother on her 90th birthday revealing the inspiration behind the album's title:

I was watching with my friend Mac and he jokingly said, "Thank you, Bey, for trusting us. Because we didn't deserve it at first. Hell, we still don't." And it really does feel like she's letting us in, as much as she can. As much as any artist can while still retaining a sense of themselves.

And sure, this entire project bears Beyoncé's name, but it's a massive collaboration, as much as the Beyoncé product is a massive collaboration. Just as The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was a collaboration, lest we forget that lawsuit. Lemonade is, like every Beyoncé project, stunning, sexy, and stylish. But it's also challenging. This is the darkest, most emotionally driven, most daring and ambitious project Beyoncé has ever done. And ultimately, it's uplifting not only to women, not only to black women, but to the soul. It ends with "All Night" featuring one of Bey's loveliest vocals to date, and clips of couples from different walks of life embracing each other.

I mean, catch all these feelings, guys.

Very few artists, nearly 20 years into their career, continue to make work this provocative, but also work that so defines and reflects the culture wherein it's created. So watching Lemonade last night, I was filled with pride because Beyoncé has come so far (c'mon, sis!)—and simply put she is the most important pop star of our time. 

Sorryboutit, Kanye.

Lemonade: The Miseducation of Beyoncé Knowles 

Lemonade: The Miseducation of Beyoncé Knowles 

Friend of Dorothy

When You're Sickening, or Just Sickened

When the Haters Are Coming for Your Beauty EXTRA Hard

When a Seat Won't Do and Someone Needs to Take a Queen-Sized Bed

When He's Trying to Bareback but You Don't Know Him Like That

When Traffic Is More Appealing Than This Conversation

When Your Compliments Are Backhanded

When the Thirst Is So Real It's Life-Giving

When the Ho Game Is Deep

When the Truth Is Just Easier Because You're Tired AF

When a Baby Gay Tries to Come for You

When She Has HAD IT

When Words Won't Suffice

We lost an angel seven years ago today. But her shade will live on. 

Though LGBT youth make up only 7 percent of the general youth population, they experience homelessness at a wildly disproportionate rate—40 percent. In collaboration with GLAAD and other LGBT advocates, the True Colors Fund is working to reduce this number while bringing awareness to the plight of homeless youth with #40toNoneDay.

From At the Intersections, a collaborative resource for LGBT youth homelessness:

In a recent study of street outreach programs, 6.8 percent of youth participants identified as transgender, and 34 percent identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or something else. LGBT youth were significantly more likely to experience victimization on the street than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts.

In a survey of homeless youth service providers, respondents reported that LGBT youth experienced longer periods of homelessness than their straight and cisgender counterparts. They were more likely to report this for the transgender youth they served.

To help spread the word on #40toNoneDay, you can download an "unselfie" sign, like those below, and post a photo using the hashtag #40toNoneDay. There's also a scavenger hunt challenging you to take five "unselfie" photos with community members and their corresponding signs.

While #40toNoneDay is only one day, LGBT youth homelessness is a year-round issue. For more information and ideas about what you can do to help these at-risk youths, visit the True Colors Fund and At the Intersections.

Whoopi Goldberg and Rosie O'Donnell will guest star in When We Rise, a seven-part miniseries for ABC, based in part on a memoir by activist Cleve Jones, executive produced by Gus Van Sant and Dustin Lance Black.

Related | Dustin Lance Black and Gus Van Sant Reuniting for 8-Hour Gay Rights Miniseries for ABC

Whoopi and Rosie join David Hyde Pierce and Denis O'Hare as guest stars on the series, which stars Mary-Louise Parker, Guy Pearce, Rachel Griffiths, Michael K. Williams, and Ivory Aquino.

Currently filming in Vancouver and San Francisco, When We Rise chronicles the personal and political struggles, set-backs, and triumphs of a diverse group of LGBT men and women who helped pioneer the gay rights movement, starting with the Stonewall Riots in 1969.

According to Deadline:

Williams will play African American Community Organizer Ken Jones. Aquino is transgender activist Cecilia Chung. Goldberg is Pat Norman, the first openly gay employee of the San Francisco Health Department, O’Donnell plays Del Martin, co-founder of the first Lesbian organization in the country, O’Hare is Jim Foster, openly gay Democratic party organizer, and Pierce will play Dr. Jones, Cleve’s father.

When We Rise doesn't yet have an air date, but it sounds epic and ripe to get drowned in awards when it finally does make its way to ABC. 

Whoopi Goldberg and Rosie O'Donnell Join ABC's Gay Miniseries When We Rise

Whoopi Goldberg and Rosie O'Donnell Join ABC's Gay Miniseries When We Rise

Cleopatra Kambugu refuses to be a victim. She refuses to be silenced, or made afraid. She simply wants to be free to live her life and love her man. It's a universal feeling, this wanting, needing to be free, but in a place like Uganda, and for a woman like Cleo, freedom is hard fought.

As one of the few openly trans women in Uganda, and in all of Africa, Cleo faces any number of challenges to freedom, but she's luckier than most. She was able to travel to Thailand for her gender confirmation surgery, though her native Uganda does not recognize her as female. That comes with its own set of problems, particularly when traveling, or trying to secure healthcare. 

Hoping to shed light on a nearly invisible population within a country shrouded in homophobic myths and realities, Cleo began sharing her story in the popular webseriesThe Pearl of Africa. Now a documentary, Cleo's story has the ability to reach an even wider audience.

“Many films about transgender people, or black people, often focus on them being different,” said director Jonny Von Wallström. “I wanted to fill that space with a personal love story, where the human being is at the center.”

The Pearl of Africa is a love story between Cleo and her quiet, but fiercely loyal partner Nelson, who stands by her side throughout her entire journey. Wallström followed Cleo and Nelson for 18 months amid mounting anti-gay discrimination as she worked towards improving the welfare of Uganda’s LGBT community.

Cleo was outed three years ago on the cover of Red Pepper, the nation's biggest tabloid, a week after the Anti-Homosexuality Act was passed. Though the law was later ruled invalid by the Constitutional Court of Uganda, it made the world stand up and take notice to the dangers faced there by LGBT people. Of course, the world has a short attention span, and any number of atrocities taking place at one time, but Cleo is here to remind you that the fight is not over.

OUT:Tell me about your background and when you started to come to terms with your gender identity.

Cleopatra Kambugu: I grew up in a family of 12. I come from a family of 12 children. I was one of the last four born who lived with my dad. My dad raised us as people who are able to express themselves without fear and with agency and that’s who I am. That’s how I’m able to express myself when I’m called to it.

I didn’t have so much information. Even now, I’m uncomfortable about the label transgender, but that’s what I’m called right now. I started questioning my gender identity when I was in university, combing the internet and books in the library about gender, [about] whenever people identified outside the binary in different cultures [like] in India—and  this is even before I got to LGBT. I started looking up trans-identifying individuals on the internet. There were people who shared information about how they were dealing with it mentally and medically. I would say it was about that time that I found comfort, but I didn’t quite have a support system. I was 23 or 24 when I started to discover the LGBT community in Uganda and interacting with them.

What’s the atmosphere in Uganda like for LGBT people?

It’s quite hard. For most people, it’s about really being on the down low and being a bit anonymous just to survive. Coming out means a lot of things. It means having to deal with how people will [react and] the backlash that will come with [it].  How I present, and transgender people present, how they express their gender is looked at as atypical and wrong. It’s better to hide it. For me and for other transgender people, you don’t really decide to come out.

I’ve found trans people who have been able somehow to access medication but [if] you don’t have the legal papers that speak to your gender your papers and travel documents are generally obsolete because you can’t use them. Even if you could use them, when people find out that you’re transgender—[from] whatever is in your document that your government won’t allow you to change—it’s difficult to access a job. It’s difficult to travel. It’s difficult to access any health insurance. You can access healthcare through a private hospital, which is quite expensive, and given all the different layers of not being able to have medication, not being able to have employment, and not having an income, it’s very difficult to access private healthcare. It’s quite bad.

Is there a strong activist presence there?

Yes, there is a very strong activist presence. I was working with an organization called Trans Support Community in Uganda up until that time I was outed through a local tabloid. I currently work with an organization called UHAI EASHRI (The East African Sexual Health and Rights Initiative), which is a division of activists that works to resource LGBTI and organize events in Africa. That’s where I work currently as a grants administrator.

You mention in The Pearl of Africa that it’s less difficult to be trans than gay. Do you still think that?

While we might have a judicial system that seems to be progressive, and while we might have voted down the anti-homosexual act, a lot of work needs to be done in shaping perceptions, shaping attitudes, and conversations around sexuality and gender. It’s just part of the very many sexuality and gender issues that Africa has been grappling with. [Queer people have a lot of input] in terms of shaping these conversations and helping people understand and appreciate the plight of LGBTI people and that their plight is no different from that of any other African or Ugandan person here.

Do you fear for your safety?

I do. I do fear for my safety and my life. When I’m traveling, I’m often asked if the documents I’m carrying are actually mine or from some other person. In some instances, I’ve had to have a medical examination to prove that those documents are my documents and it’s very undignified to have to go through. But I also know that the plight of transgender people who haven’t even had surgery is even worse than mine. They don’t have the privilege that I had to have been able to have the surgery. I really think about how undignified it would feel to have to strip naked at border points in East Africa,  to prove they are of the gender that they are expressing. So many other trans people can’t access healthcare, in terms of hormones, so they—and I don’t like to use this term—but they don’t even pass and what it means for trans people who can’t pass is that their plight is harder. That’s harder on them because they can’t speak to the gender binary.

Do you think things are changing?

I would say things are changing because there are so many activists who are trying to do this change. A colleague of mine once told me that, “Even if people are talking about something, then change is coming.” People have started a conversation around gender and sexuality in Africa.

What’s the biggest challenge toward change?

If I was to point to one thing it would be general support. We need a lot of support in whichever form that comes. For people to come on board and see something’s wrong and do something about it. When people come together to make change happen, then change starts happening even faster. A few courageous LGBTI activists have been able to start this conversation, however they seek for the whole world to address the plight of LGBTI people. It’s an issue that still needs to be moralized. I feel like the world needs to remember the very many other superficial identifiers that have been used to discriminate against people and what that has made. This shouldn’t be another conversation about superficial identifiers leading to people being discriminated again. In different countries it’s religion and in Africa right now, it’s sexuality and gender—for someone to be denied access to social amenities and to justice just because of who they sleep with or who they identify as. It is wrong and I feel that’s a conversation that needs to be pushed.

Have you seen trans representation in the media, and if so, what’s your general opinion of it?

Yes, I have, mostly from America. I like that the media informs the public that there is this other variable of humanity, this other variable of gender that’s called transgender people. Just enlightening them about gender beyond the binary. What I don’t like about what’s happening right now, is that people that are transgender are trivialized. I don’t like how trans people are portrayed in certain documentaries and movies and I would like to see trans people lead the narrative about trans people. You don’t have a trans person being played by a man, [but] trans people actively participating in telling these stories about their realities and just informing the world about who they are.

Was it tough to tell your story on camera? Did you have reservations?

Jonny [von Wallström] basically followed me around anywhere. He wanted to shot good and bad moments. Moments where I was struggling with getting back on my feet after my surgery. That had to be shot in order to know what it means to have surgery. To experience and live through my journey. It’s a story about hope. It’s a story about how it can be done in Africa. It can be done anywhere else. It’s a story for hope for trans sisters and brothers here. I felt like someone had to start speaking.

How did you and Nelson meet?

Nelson and I met in 2004. We went to the same high school. We were in the same class. We used to use the same men’s room. For a long time, we weren’t completely out as a couple because at that time I hadn’t started transitioning. He’s what society called a heterosexual man [but] what that meant for him  was having feelings for people who are transgender. Society wonders why he makes that choice, what that is a reaction to. He was battling that. “I’m a straight man, why am I interested in someone who [is trans]" and what that means. We started and it became easier when I started transitioning and I was able to "pass" as a woman. That made it easier for us to express ourselves in public, but also, through the whole journey [raised questions about] what it means to be in love with a transgender person and how to deal with the whole backlash from your family, friends, colleagues, your boys when they look at you. He’s an introvert.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about Uganda and Africa?

There are so many misconceptions about Africa, but for me, one of the biggest misconceptions about Africa is about victimhood. I don’t think we are [victims], I don’t like how we are portrayed as a continent that is shrouded in victimhood.

Would you ever want to leave Uganda?

No. I don’t want to leave. I’m staying in Kenya right now, but I’m able to interact with my community in Uganda. It’s a good place for me because I can still go back home and work. To continue that fight around realizing social justice, liberty, and equality for people who are LGBTI. I’m one of those people who wants to stay and fight. I called this fight. I need to do that for myself.

What’s your biggest dream?

To be able to live in a world that’s not judgmental. That can think and respect differences. You don’t have to understand something to respect it. You don’t need to label something to understand it. You don’t have to put logic to everything you see, sometimes experiencing humanity and life is just breathing in and breathing out and just experiencing it.

The Pearl of Africa premieres April 30 of the International Spectrum program at the 2016 Hot Docs Canadian International Film Festival. 

Meet Cleopatra Kambugu, Africa's First Openly Transgender Star

The Pearl of Africa: An Interview with Africa's First Openly Transgender Star Cleopatra Kambugu

The Cher musical is apparently happening and while the Dark Lady herself will likely not appear in the show, she's certainly got the chops. For two glorious seasons, from 1975 to 1976, a Sonny-less Cher hosted her own variety show, featuring some of the era's biggest stars hoofin' it up and beltin' it out with her. Because I never need an excuse to fall down a Cher-hole on YouTube, here are some of her greatest performances.

"Trashy Ladies Medley" with Bette Midler

Just two classy broads putting the "talent" in multi-talented.

"In the Year 2025," with Elton John, Bette Midler, and Flip Wilson

Except for Flip Wilson being alive, this is pretty accurate. 

"The Lady is a Tramp"

Cher tramps it up as her alter ego Laverne.

"Tribute to Elton John" with the Pointer Sisters

One word: JUMPSUITS.

"Young Americans Medley" with David Bowie

I want to dedicate a national holiday to that wig. 

"What Can I Do for You?" with LaBelle

For one glamorous moment in time, Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx, and Sarah Dash—also known as LaBelle, of "Lady Marmalade" fame—found a kindred spirit equally unafraid of a subtle feather headdress. 

"Shame, Shame, Shame" with Tina Turner

Body! Body! Body! Fringe. Fringe. Fringe.

"I'm a Woman" with Raquel Welch

Half of this performance is catwalking, which is to say, it's perfect.

"Jackson 5 Medley" with The Jackson 5

Between the afros, the bell bottoms, and the blinding number of sequins, this may be the most '70s thing you'll see in your life. Unless a real "jazzed up" Liza Fosse-walks her way onto the stage and starts belting out some Parliament Funkadelic.   

Advanced Style: Older and Wiser by Ari Seth Cohen, Foreword by Simon Doonan

Orren and Rob, New York City

Orren and Rob, New Mexico

Angelo Gallamini, Rimini, Italy

Derrill Osborn, Dallas

Ignacio Quiles, Providence, RI

Lana Turner, 5th Avenue, NY, NY

Bill and Eva Kobus Webb, New York

Valerie and Jean (The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas), Debra Rapoport, Diana Gabriel, and Carol Markel, NY, NY

Colleen Heidemann, Rancho Mirage, CA

Joy Venturini Bianchi, San Francisco

Roberta Haze, Venice Beach, CA

Like a Fine Lemonade, the Men and Women of Advanced Style Get Fiercer with Age

For Advanced Style: Older and Wiser,  photographer Ari Seth Cohen found men and women from around the world aging not only gracefully, but fabulously. 

Chris Evans and his Captain America: Civil War co-star Elizabeth Olson stopped by Ellen to have themselves a good old-fashioned dance-off. However, Liz Olson had no idea what she Irish Jigged her way into, because Chris Evans has got some moves on him.

He's serving you Baryshnikov:

Beyoncé:

Tatum:

Get it, daddy! Meanwhile, poor Liz Olson is living her hardest life. 

Related | Ryan Reynolds Extols the Virtues of Chris Evans's 'Very Powerful Ass'

If we've learned anything from these GIFs it's that we need a Magic Mike 3 (XXXL?, or is that the porn version?) and Chris Evans needs to gyrate his way into it. 

Check out the video below:

A new ad illustrates the absurdity of North Carolina's controversial HB2, which blocks local governments from enacting LGBT legislation and prevents transgender people from using the bathroom with which they identify. 

Related | North Carolina Passes Bill Banning LGBT Protections

In the ad—produced by Freedom for All Americans, American Unity Fund, and Equality North Carolina—Asheville resident Zeke Christopoulos, who happens to be transgender, and his colleagues call for the repeal of the law.

Check it out:

According to a new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids of gay dads are just as well-adjusted as kids of straight parents, despite unique challenges faced by same-sex parents and their children.

Related | Greatest Gay Dads of the Year

"Experiences of Children with Gay Fathers" measured the responses of 732 gay fathers in 47 U.S. states, via an online survey. When asked if their child is unhappy or depressed, 88 percent answered "not true," compared to 87 percent of a CDC study used as a comparative sample.

Other findings include:

72 percent of participants responded that their child does not "worry a lot," compared with 75 percent of the general population.

36 percent of their children had been born in the context of a heterosexual relationship, 38 percent by adopting or fostering children, and 14 percent with the assistance of a surrogate carrier.

Many of the fathers described having encountered barriers to sharing custody of their children (33 percent), to adopt a child (41 percent) or to become a father through a surrogate carrier (18 percent).

20 to 30 percent of respondents reported stigmatizing experiences because of being a gay father, primarily from family members, friend, and some people in religious contexts.

One-third of parents reported that their children had been subjected to teasing, bullying or other stigmatizing experiences by friends.

This survey is in line with another recent study by researchers from Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, the University of Amsterdam, and Columbia University which found that households with same-sex parents show no differences from those with heterosexual parents.

The study found that with regard to spouse or partner relationships, parent-child relationships, or children’s general health, emotional difficulties, coping and learning behavior, there were no differences.

So gays can make loving, responsible, nurturing parents just like, I dunno, any human being. Who knew? Though it is always nice to have the scientific proof to back it up. 

[h/t] Newsweek

GIFs | Les Fabian Brathwaite

Well, kids, here we are down to the final four and for the first time in Drag Race herstory, they're all a goddamn delight. Like, they all get along and genuinely seem to care about each other, hence this tandem Purse First. 

Awww, sisters! But one of these gals had to gets to steppin', so let's get into last night's episode. [Ed. note: Naomi Smalls isn't even in a heel and yet she is still serving your runway—jussayin'.]

Related | The Drag Race GIF-cap Xtravaganza: 'Me Tuck Pretty One Day'

Let the Ru-sic Play!

As is RPDR tradition, the top four filmed a music video from whatever album Ru's hocking these days, though only the top three will remain in the final cut. The final cut which we have yet to see. But Mama Ru loves to draw these things out because this isn't her first time at the reality rodeo. The queens had to put together three LQQKS for the vid—one for floating, one that was "avant-garde," and one that was just plain glamorous.

Bob needs to open up a dictionary and update her definition of glamor, but she knows how to sell it, and at the end of the day, drag is about selling—usually cocktails, but also an image, an idea, a character. And I bought in Day One. Also, god bless her for busting out that ratchet deathdrop. 

My girl Chi Chi opted to remain deathdropless, instead serving you some sophisticated lady.

For a moment I thought I had waltzed into Geometry 101 taught by Prof. Naomi Smalls, what with all these angles she's presenting, but then she stumbled on the runway and I was fully taken aback, until I remembered that even the greatest Naomi's not perfect.

Related |  Naomi Campbell Loves Naomi Smalls

Noted catwalking catastrophe Kim Chi continued her sartorial slayage with her feathery avant-garde outfit serving some seriously lighthearted McQueen Savage Beauty.

Alas, Bob wasn't the only girl eating the floor. 

But balance has never been homegirl's strong suit.

Tic Tac...No?

Sadly, one of my favorite running gags—Ru's traditional hearty meal and heart to heart over Tic Tacs—was nowhere to be found this season. Not that there was a shortage of sentimentality, as the queens delivered messages of inspiration to their younger selves. The only inspiration any of those baby gays need to see, however, comes from these final runway looks. 

Four Whom the Realness Tolls

I'm rarely a fan of a pant on the runway, particularly on the final runway, but a jumpsuit is a whole other ballgame—the World Series. Naomi's '70s Cher tease made Chad Michaels look like a rank amateur, while Kim Chi can and will gag anyone just for the hell of it. On the less noteworthy side, Chi Chi did old school pageant queen, and Bob (sigh) gave me a legging. Good looks, but not not the best.

The final lip sync was a bit of a snooze, but it wasn't about who was the best performer, but rather, who was the weakest link? And so, we had to wave a solemn goodbye to Chi Chi DeVayne, the little drag queen that could from Shreveport, Louisiana. 

Any other season (*cough* season seven) Chi Chi might've made it to the top three, but Bob, Naomi, and Kim Chi are some fierce competitors and all deserving of being crowned "America's Next Drag Superstar." My initial money was on Bob the Drag Queen, who's had a stellar run this season that nevertheless ran out of steam near the end. Meanwhile, Naomi's gotten better with each episode over the last few weeks. Kim Chi's drag is some next level shit, but she's also a weak performer compared to her peers. It's ultimately up to Ru who will sashay away with the crown, so mom's got some tough work ahead of her. 

Parting Thoughts

Bianca del Rio looks great. Great enough to justify arriving eight episodes late. 

"The Realness" Grade: B

The Drag Race GIF-cap Xtravaganza: 'Video Ho, No You Didn't'

The Drag Race GIF-cap Xtravaganza: 'Video Ho, No You Didn't'

Beyoncé's Formation Tour is just beginning to take over lives and leave heads bald the world over, but one of the diva-best-believa's early stops was Raleigh, North Carolina—ground zero for this current war being waged on transgender individuals. Though she didn't get in formation with other artists like Bruce Springsteen, Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato, and Pearl Jam who canceled their respective shows, Bey did acknowledge the looming presence of HB2.

Related | 10 Celebrities Who've Taken a Stand Against NC's LGBT Discrimination

In a post on her website, Bey gives a shout-out to Equality NC for fighting against HB2 and for the rights of the state's LGBT community:

As The Formation World Tour makes its stop in the Tar Heel state in the midst of such a controversial time, we think it is important for us to bring attention to those who are committed to being good and carrying on the message of equality in this core of controversy.

Among the many organizations doing the good work to get this bill overturned, there is Equality NC, a local organization dedicated to securing equal rights and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) North Carolinians.

To accomplish these goals, Equality NC tirelessly lobbies the North Carolina General Assembly, executive branch, and local governments, broadcast LGBT news, stories and content, and mobilize our communities on issues that matter, including marriage equality, parental rights, inclusive anti-bullying policies, employment discrimination, hate violence, privacy rights, sexuality education, adoption, domestic partnerships, and HIV/AIDS.

Though she opted to perform in North Carolina, Beyoncé isn't the only artist to keep her engagements there. In a statement last April, Cyndi Lauper explained why she won't boycott North Carolina:

"The best way I know how to make a difference is what I have strived to do my whole life and that is show up for my family, friends, and fans in the LGBT community. So, for that reason I think the best way I can do my part is to turn my show in Raleigh on June 4th into an entire day to build public support to repeal HB2."

No doubt those North Carolina queens needed some Queen Bey in their lives, but would it have sent a stronger message if she canceled her show there? Probably. After all, when Hillary Clinton bows down to you as the most powerful woman in the world, there's real power in those hair-flips. 

OG Slay-and-Stunt Queen Janet Jackson is reportedly pregnant with her first baby, a source (read: LaToya) toldEntertainment Tonight.

The Unbreakable singer turns 50 on May 16, but when you're a pop icon and married to a billionaire, time can just shut the hell up and take a backseat.

Janet previously postponed her tour to focus on starting a family, though said tour had its fair share of problems. She first postponed the Unbreakable tour in December to have surgery—one can't help but imagine that the two delays might be somehow linked, but that's neither here nor there. 

What does matter, however, is this new music video. Perhaps, in celebration of the impending baby (and to sate fans otherwise munching on their disappointment), Janet's been teasing the release of "Dammn Baby." And it looks like the tightly choreographed, take-no-prisoners Miss Jackson we all know, love and dance-break to.

Get up off that grey line... #DammnBabypic.twitter.com/Hn6KkLEGCH

— Janet Jackson (@JanetJackson) May 2, 2016

Check out some behind-the-scenes footage of the shoot, courtesy of ET:

As mentioned previously, Janet Jackson is the original slay and stunt queen, and in her latest video she's doing both—amply. Amid rumors that she's pregnant with the next messiah, Ms. Jackson (insert if you're nasty joke here) dropped "Dammn Baby," which for someone who's been secretly married three times cannot and shall not be taken lightly.

But taken as a pure music video, it's fun, classic Janet, with mom back in dancing form and giving you some Damita Jo staples:

Handography

Hairography

And my personal favorite, silhouette-ography

I'm getting shades of "Pleasure Principle," thrown in with a little "Rock wit U" and "Make Me," all set to a throwback sample of "I Get Lonely."

Related | #TBT: Janet Jackson's 7 Greatest Dance Breaks

"Dammn Baby" is basically a little mini-history lesson on Janet for these kids today who think divas begin and end with RiRi, Bey and...Taylor.

Let's count her in: 5, 4, 3, 2...

Watch: Janet Still Slaying for the Gods in 'Dammn Baby' Video

Channing Tatum is the smartest man in Hollywood. That's not saying a lot since Hollywood is apparently full of jabroneys who wouldn't know diversity if it slapped them in the collective face, but next to them, Tatum is a bona fide genius. The former stripper and current America's sweetheart has taken his Magic Mike franchise to its next logical and brilliant step with a live Vegas show premiering next March at the Hard Rock (naturally) Hotel. 

Tatum took to Facebook to exclusively announce Magic Mike Live, openly pandering to its intended audience with hot shirtless dudes, puppies, and hot shirtless dudes holding puppies.

Hey, if it ain't broke.

Tatum wants to revolutionize male entertainment and start a conversation—I guess about gender roles or whatever—but here's hoping this is an equal opportunity conversation/ogle-fest. Because half of Magic Mike's audience is gay. And the other half is thirsty. Kidding, the entire audience is thirsty. Magic Mike is the ultimate thirst trap and now it's going to be a tourist trap, too! Channing Tatum for the goddamn win.

Check out the announcement below:

And here's his Facebook Live chat about the show:

Magic Mike Live Is Coming to Las Vegas!

Channing Tatum Announces Magic Mike Live with the Help of Shirtless Dudes and Puppies

A Timeline of (Nearly) Every LGBT Couple in TV History

Jodie and Dennis, "Soap" (1977)

Steven and Luke, "Dynasty" (1984)

Clayton and Doug, "The Golden Girls" (1991)

Nancy and Marla, "Roseanne" (1992)

Nancy and Sharon, "Roseanne" (1994)

Susan and Carol, "Friends" (1994)

Leon and Scott, "Roseanne" (1995)

Ellen and Laurie, "Ellen" (1997)

Chuck and Geoffrey, "Strangers with Candy" (1999)

Willow and Tara, "Buffy" (2000)

Will and Matt, "Will and Grace" (2000)

Lindsay and Melanie, "Queer as Folk" (2000)

Justin and Brian, "Queer as Folk" (2000)

Stanford and Marcus, "Sex and the City" (2002)

Jack and David, "Dawson’s Creek" (2002)

Omar and Brandon, "The Wire" (2002)

David and Keith, "Six Feet Under" (2001)

Jack and Tobey, "Dawson’s Creek" (2001)

Ben and Michael, "Queer as Folk" (2002)

Mr. Garrison and Mr. Slave, "South Park" (2002)

Jack and Doug, "Dawson’s Creek" (2003)

Omar and Dante, "The Wire" (2003)

Bette and Tina, "The L Word" (2004)

Jack and Stuart, "Will & Grace" (2004)

Will and Vince, "Will and Grace" (2004)

Dana and Alice, "The L Word" (2004)

Jenny and Marina, "The L Word" (2004)

Marco and Dylan, "Degrassi: The Next Generation" (2004)

Marissa and Alex, "The OC" (2005)

Greg and Terry, "American Dad" (2005)

Alex and Trey, "Noah's Arc" (2005)

Chance and Eddie, "Noah's Arc" (2005)

Noah and Wade, "Noah's Arc" (2005)

Ricky and Junito, "Noah's Arc" (2005)

Big Gay Al and Mr. Slave, "South Park" (2005)

Oscar and Gil, "The Office" (2006)

Will and James, "Will and Grace" (2006)

Paige and Alex, "Degrassi: The Next Generation" (2006)

Omar and Renaldo, "The Wire" (2006)

Kevin and Scotty, "Brothers and Sisters" (2006)

Tasha and Alice, "The L Word" (2007)

Brian and Steve, "The Sarah Silverman Program" (2007)

Kevin and Jason, "Brothers and Sisters" (2007)

Rick and Steve, "Rick and Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in All the World" (2007)

Calvin and Heath, "Greek" (2007)

Eric and Jonathan, "Gossip Girl" (2008)

Callie and Arizona, "Grey’s Anatomy" (2009)

Mitch and Cam, "Modern Family" (2010)

April, Ben, and Derek, "Parks and Recreation" (2009)

Sam and Larry, "Caprica" (2010)

Adrianna and Gia, "90210" (2010)

Marshall and Lionel, "United States of Tara" (2010)

Lafayette and Jesus, "True Blood" (2010)

Kurt and Blaine, "Glee" (2011)

Marshall and Noah, "United States of Tara" (2011)

Loras and Renly, "Game of Thrones" (2011)

Brittany and Santana, "Glee" (2011)

Max and Grant, "Happy Endings" (2012)

Agron and Nasir, "Spartacus: Vengeance" (2012)

Ian and Mickey, "Shameless" (2012)

Cyrus and James, "Scandal" (2012)

Elijah and George, "Girls" (2012)

Paige and Emily, "Pretty Little Liars" (2012)

Tara and Pam, "True Blood" (2012)

Bryan and David, "The New Normal" (2012)

Cosima and Delphine, "Orphan Black" (2013)

Stef and Lena, "The Fosters" (2013)

Danny and Ethan, "Teen Wolf" (2013)

Piper and Alex, "Orange Is the New Black" (2013)

Nolan and Patrick, "Revenge" (2013)

Walt and Bennett, "The Carrie Diaries" (2013)

Patrick and Richie, "Looking" (2014)

Agustín and Frank, "Looking" (2014)

Abbi and Ilana, "Broad City" (2014)

Cheryl and Susan, "Good Luck Charlie" (2014)

Ray and Kevin, "Brooklyn 99" (2014)

Shane and Pablo, "Faking It" (2014)

Elijah and Pal, "Girls" (2014)

Alison and Emily, "Pretty Little Liars" (2014)

Jude and Zero, "Hit the Floor" (2014)

Brenna and Greer, "Chasing Life" (2014)

Betty and Helen, "Masters of Sex" (2014)

Sarah and Tammy, "Transparent" (2014)

Ali and Dale, "Transparent" (2014)

Luisa and Rose, "Jane the Virgin" (2014)

Connor and Oliver, "How to Get Away with Murder" (2014)

Cyrus and Michael, "Scandal" (2014)

Shane and Duke, "Faking It" (2014)

Amy and Reagan, "Faking It" (2014)

Clarke and Lexa, "The 100" (2014)

Jamal and Michael, "Empire" (2015)

Patrick and Kevin, "Looking" (2015)

Dom and Lynn, "Looking" (2015)

Agustín and Eddie, "Looking" (2015)

Aaron and Eric, "The Walking Dead" (2015)

Hank and Nick, "Sirens" (2015)

Jamal and Ryan, "Empire" (2015)

Connor and Justin, "The Fosters" (2015)

Will and Kevin, "Nashville" (2015)

Robert And Sol Grace And Frankie

Cosima and Shay, "Orphan Black" (2015)

Madison and Bird, "Finding Carter" (2015)

Dorian and Angelique, "Penny Dreadful" (2015)

Nomi and Amanita, "Sense8" (2015)

Lito and Hernando, "Sense8" (2015)

Annalise and Eve, "How to Get Away with Murder" (2015)

Tara and Denise, "The Walking Dead" (2015)

Jeri and Wendy, "Jessica Jones" (2016)

Jeri and Pam, "Jessica Jones" (2016)

Titus and Mikey, "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" (2016)

Maura and Shelly, "Transparent" (2015)

Victor and Thomas, "Fear the Walking Dead" (2016)

Ali and Syd, "Transparent" (2015)

Darryl and White Josh, "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" (2016)

Elijah and Dill, "Girls" (2016)

Ian and Caleb, "Shameless" (2016)

Love is in the airwaves!

As anyone who's downloaded, and subsequently deleted, Grindr, Jack'd, Scruff, et. al. can attest, dating hookup apps are the worst. They facilitate and validate racism, homophobia and body-shaming within the gay male community, all while seamlessly highlighting the American educational system's galling failure at teaching proper grammar.

Well, Jack'd is doing its part to #ChangeTheGame with a series of tees and tanks that promote healthier discourse, proceeds from which benefit The Trevor Project. As Jack'd marketing director Kevin Letourneau explained in a statement:

“Gay men are three times as likely to have an eating disorder, twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and suffer a suicide rate double those of other men. Words matter. They have consequences. That is why we were disheartened to see Marek + Richard perpetuate the toxic put-down, ‘No Fats No Fems,’ in their new line of apparel. 
 
As the youngest, and most diverse community of gay men around the world, we see it as our responsibility to create a safe space to connect, and empower our generation to stamp out exclusionary phrases from our vocabulary once and for all. 
 
We appreciate the conversation this has sparked, but retroactive satire is not enough. All proceeds from our new #NoBulliesNoBigots apparel will go to support The Trevor Project, an organization focused on suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth. For every purchase, Jack’d will commit a dollar-for-dollar matching donation.
 
Please show your support, and challenge all of us, both on Jack’d and throughout the gay community at-large, to respect our differences and embrace our uniqueness as individuals. 
 
Together, we can #ChangeTheGame.”

Letourneau is referring to this tee from Marek + Richard, which we used to recently illustrate a study on fat-shaming among gay men. The internet cast a withering side-eye at the "satirical" tee, and so the brand responded with a pink version, along with models from different walks of life other than the masc-for-masc dudebro they had modeling the original, as well as a statement about how they "do actually give a fuck."

Jack'd apparently just gives more of a fuck, or just gives a fuck in a different, less satirical way—either way fucks are being given. And while the hookup app certainly made a commendable step in the right direction, in order to actually change the game, gay/bi men will have to make a concerted effort to stop being awful to one another, stop treating these apps like a dick delivery service, and realize that behind the profiles they're talking to are real people (most of the time) with real feelings (some of the time).

So until that happens, here's a link to Jack'd's #ChangeTheGame tees. 

[h/t] Instinct

Model Laith Ashley covers the June issue of Attitude magazine, along with out champion canoeist Matt Lister.  

Ashley first came to our collective attention in Barneys New York's groundbreaking Brother, Sisters, Sons & Daughters campaign, shot by Bruce Weber and featuring other models who happened to be trans. However, as he tells trans activist Paris Lees, the spotlight had a darker side. 

Related | Man Crush Monday: Laith Ashley De La Cruz

“People were really nasty and for about three weeks I just couldn’t stop reading the comments," Ashley said of the Instagram trolls. "I knew I shouldn’t have, but I kept reading and the more I read, the worse the comments got.

"I’ve learned that you can’t please everyone.”

Well, fuck everyone 'cause we're pleased. But, as he went on to reveal, Laith learned to love himself and ignore the haters through therapy. 

“I would self-destruct, I would disappear because I didn’t want to be here. For a long time I prayed to God to let me die," he said. "I’d think I hate life, hate being trans, hate the world. I was very negative. I still struggle with that from time to time but remind myself I’m pretty blessed. I have a family who [is] supportive. They may not agree with who I am, but they do love me. I had the privilege of going to school. I have the privilege of this experience. I love who I see in the mirror now.”

Related | #TransIsBeautiful and Inspirational In This Video for Transgender Day of Visibility

The June issue of Attitude is out now on digital and in print on May 25. You can order your copy here.

Hunky Trans Model Laith Ashley Is a Knockout on the Cover of Attitude

Hunky Trans Model Laith Ashley Is a Knockout on the Cover of Attitude