During a recent appearance on the "IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson" podcast, former President Barack Obama underscored the profound importance of diverse friendships for men. Speaking on 16 July, he addressed a listener's query regarding the cultivation of emotionally intelligent men, highlighting the critical role of varied male influences.

Obama recounted a formative experience with a gay college professor who significantly shaped his perspective. He fondly recalled, "[He] became one of my favourite professors and was a great guy, and would call me out when I started saying stuff that was ignorant." This pivotal relationship, Obama suggested, exemplifies the broader necessity of broad-minded connections.

The former president extended this idea beyond mentors to personal friendships, stressing the value of having diverse individuals within one's social circle. "By the way, you need that person in your friend group so that if you then have a boy who is gay or nonbinary, or what have you, they have somebody that they can go, 'Okay, I’m not alone in this,'” he explained. He characterised this embrace of inclusivity as crucial for forging a strong sense of community, describing it as "essential" despite its potentially "corny" perception.

Obama's consistent advocacy for inclusivity seamlessly aligns with his public service record. His administration notably supported the 2015 legalisation of gay marriage, a landmark moment preceding the Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court ruling, and oversaw the 2010 repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Furthermore, in 2015, he became the first U.S. president to be featured on the cover of Out magazine, marking another significant milestone.

Intriguingly, a 2023 New York Post report brought to light a 1982 letter written by a then 21-year-old Obama to his girlfriend, Alex McNear. In it, he offered introspective reflections on identity, stating, "In regard to homosexuality, I must say that I believe this is an attempt to remove oneself from the present, a refusal perhaps to perpetuate the endless farce of earthly life. You see, I make love to men daily, but in the imagination."

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Nineties UK pop sensation Anthony Kavanagh, widely known by his stage name Kavana, is set to release a tell-all memoir, 'Pop Scars', promising an unflinching look at his tumultuous journey beyond the glare of the spotlight. The 47-year-old, whose hits like 'I Can Make You Feel Good' and 'Crazy Chance' once soundtracked a generation, recently opened up about some of his darkest moments, including a shocking admission of smoking crack cocaine in a skip.

Kavana's upcoming book, teased as an unfiltered account of his brush with fame, delves deep into the period following his departure from his record label. In a revealing interview with The Guardian, the singer shared the unexpected twists his life took, noting his enduring ability to "find the humour, even at some of the darker times."

Among the most harrowing revelations, Kavana recounts an incident where he was paid for sex he couldn't recall and ended up sharing crack with a homeless woman he'd just met, even entrusting her with his bank card for more drugs. These startling confessions offer a raw glimpse into the depths of his struggles.

A Long Road to Recovery
The 'MFEO' singer has been remarkably open about his battle with addiction, a fight that began even during his heyday as a teenage heart-throb gracing the pages of magazines like Smash Hits. Last year, a powerful before-and-after photo on his Instagram, captioned "Recovery is possible," visually represented his journey from a difficult period to a hopeful path of sobriety. During #addictionawarenessweek, he posted a poignant message, declaring, "20 months ago I was lost, broken and hopeless. Ask for help, I'm so glad I did."



His honesty resonated deeply with his famous friends, including Matthew Pateman of Bad Boys Inc., H Watkins from Steps, and Lee Brennan of 911, all quick to express their pride and support.

Unpacking the Past: Sexuality, Addiction, and the Pop Machine
Kavana came out as gay in February 2014, admitting he was "almost embarrassed" it took him so long. His memoir is expected to offer a candid look at the pressures of hiding his sexuality while in the public eye, particularly when most of his fanbase comprised teenage girls. He described the constant act of concealment as "exhausting," explaining how it led to alcohol becoming a "comfort." He even shared a night with another then-closeted gay singer and prescription-drug addict, Boyzone star Stephen Gately, who sadly passed away in 2009. He also had a friendship with the late Amy Winehouse, another artist who struggled with addiction.

"It’s crazy when I look back now, the time we were in. It was a constant act and it was exhausting," he reflected, acknowledging the naivety of his younger self. His struggles with body image and the pervasive fear of being outed underscore the challenges faced by gay individuals in the entertainment industry, particularly in that era. Research highlights that gay people are disproportionately affected by alcoholism, alcohol dependency, mental-health conditions, and substance abuse compared to their straight counterparts.

From 'Loose Women' Ban to Renewed Self-Esteem
The book's creation has been a transformative experience for Kavana, who revealed it helped him regain self-esteem, especially after his "unhinged" appearance on the TV show Loose Women resulted in a lifetime ban. "Alcohol became as important to me as oxygen," he stated, illustrating the intense grip addiction had on him.

Now sober for three years since his 2015 appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, Kavana believes there's still a significant lack of support for young celebrities navigating similar challenges today.

With the release of 'Pop Scars' looming, due to cover "all things 90s pop but more importantly what happens AFTER fame," the singer's industry contacts are certainly in for some surprises. As he shared on Instagram alongside the book's cover, "Can't believe I'm saying this but I actually wrote a book. Like by myself, like those grown ups do... Yes, people should be afraid...very afraid." The excitement for this raw and honest account is truly palpable.

Professional wrestler Anthony Bowens, a vocal and proud gay athlete, has once again made a powerful statement simply by embracing his authentic self. While in Arlington, Texas, for AEW’s All In: Texas week, Bowens recently revisited a defiant moment from his past that quickly garnered significant attention.

During his appearance at the Starrcast Texas fan event, Bowens became the target of familiar antagonism from a member of the anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church. Responding to Bowens’ promotional poster for Starrcast, the individual posted on X (formerly Twitter): "I’m bringing members of the Westboro Baptist Church with me there to rebuke this sinner!"

A fan ingeniously suggested Bowens respond by kissing his boyfriend in front of the protesters, deeming it an "epic" move. Bowens' concise reply: "Already did." He then re-shared an image from 2021 depicting him kissing his boyfriend, Michael Pavano, directly in front of Westboro protesters.

The image swiftly went viral for a second time, accumulating over 10,500 likes and widespread acclaim from his online supporters. Comments lauded his response, with one person writing, "I respect this response 😂😂 just as good as the middle finger to these losers," and another observing, "Love it. Also funny that they all hate homosexuality so much that they never miss a Pride parade 🤔." Many Christians also expressed their support, with one comment reading, "Know that there are Christians who love and support you."

Beyond the Ring: A Champion for Inclusivity
Bowens publicly came out in 2017 through a personal essay published in Outsports, initially identifying as bisexual before later coming out as gay. His career has gone from strength to strength since then, notably becoming All Elite Wrestling’s first openly gay male champion in 2022. He proudly refers to himself as the "Pride of Pro Wrestling."

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The bond between a Japanese idol and their fans is incredibly unique, often demanding a strict boundary around personal life. This unwritten rule typically safeguards an idol's career and public image. So, when Shinjiro Atae, a prominent J-Pop artist, courageously shared a deep personal truth with his fans, it sent a powerful message around the world.

A celebrated soloist and a member of the chart-topping Japanese group AAA, Atae chose a fan meet at Line Cube Shibuya in Tokyo for his revelation. Addressing over 2,000 fans, the singer emotionally declared, "I am a gay man." His brave confession was met with a resounding ovation, a clear sign of his fans' unwavering love and support.

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While his Bridgerton co-star Jonathan Bailey is busy with big-screen projects like Jurassic World Rebirth, Luke Newton, known as Colin Bridgerton in the Netflix hit, is stepping into a powerful new stage role. Newton is set to portray the late, influential British fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen in the upcoming Off-Broadway play, House Of McQueen.

Penned by Darrah Cloud and directed by Sam Helfrich, the production is scheduled to begin previews next month, officially opening on September 9 at The Mansion at Hudson Yards. The play promises to tell the story of McQueen's extraordinary life and career, which was tragically cut short in 2010.

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It's a bird, it's a plane, it's an immigrant! And, a queer icon.

James Gunn's new Superman movie is just around the corner, and it's already igniting debate across the internet about superheroes and what they represent.

Starring David Corenswet as the titular Man of Steel, Superman tells the story of an alien from the planet Krypton who landed on Earth as a baby and now possesses incredible powers. It seems like a simple premise, yet the film is making headlines after writer/director Gunn pointed out something obvious: Superman is an immigrant.

"I mean, Superman is the story of America," he said. "An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country, but for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost."

Fox News immediately dubbed Superman "Superwoke." Commentator Kellyanne Conway said, "We don't go to the movie theatre to be lectured to and to have someone throw their ideology onto us."

"You know what it says on his cape? MS13," Jesse Watters added, referencing alleged gang tattoos a man named Kilmar Abrego Garcia had on his knuckles that were used as evidence he should be deported.

Dean Cain, a conservative actor who played Superman on the TV show Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, has now added his two cents.

"Changing beloved characters I don’t think is a great idea. I think if you wanna create a new character, go ahead and do that, but for me, Superman has always stood for truth, justice, and the American way," he said to TMZ. "And the American way is immigrant-friendly — tremendously immigrant-friendly, but there are rules."

Cain said, "It was a mistake by James Gunn to say it's an immigrant thing," and that he's rooting for the film's success, "but I don't like that last political comment."

Conservatives are angry enough hearing the fact that Superman was not born in the U.S.A., so what will they think when they realize that the character is also a gay allegory?

Here are four ways Superman is, and has always been, a queer allegory.

Secret Identity and Double Life
Gay people know intimately what it's like to keep a secret from everyone around you. Many also often understand what it's like to feel you have to live a double life.

The concept of a secret identity is a clear allegory for being in the closet and for the idea of "passing." Many queer people feel they have to "pass" as straight or cis while in public to protect their true identity and protect their safety.

"It is for many reasons we often hold onto our secret identities," trans writer Riley Chattin wrote in The Advocate. "Whether our secrets are self-imposed, or we are told that we should never disclose it, we learn that it must remain hidden behind the exterior that society accepts. Only in the dark of night, like Batman, do we go out with completely different clothes. Maybe even hide our faces in a webbed Spider-Man-like mask so those closest to us cannot recognize us."
Being Different / an Outsider
When Gunn talks about Superman being an immigrant, he's talking about him being an outsider. Superman is not like most people. He's not like most men. He knows he is different and has to navigate the world and all his relationships, knowing most people will not be able to relate to significant parts of his life. These same things can often be said for queer people.

Queer people are often found in community with each other precisely because they are different. Most of the population is not queer and many people even find understanding queerness to be difficult. If queer people are outsiders, at least superheroes are too.

"More than any Superman film before, Man of Steel presents Kent as an outsider, struggling to find his place in a society where he does not see himself reflected," Jase Peeples wrote about the 2013 film. "It's a predicament not unfamiliar to many in the LGBT community -- especially those who grew up in an era before gay characters were commonplace in media, when others like us could be discovered faster than a speeding bullet through the internet."

Hypermasculinity
Superman's name declares him as the ultimate man. Superman is handsome, strong, and has a body like the men you'd find in a Tom of Finland drawing. While straight men admire Superman's masculinity, gay men find it both aspirational and hot.

The Costume
Spandex, a bright cape, and the underwear on the outside? Did I describe Superman's costume or an outfit you'd see at any Pride festival?

Of course, gay people are often drawn to the fashion sense of superheroes, and Superman's costume is one of the all-time greats!

No matter how much conservatives complain, Superman's story is an immigrant story, and it is a queer story. Queer people have always seen themselves in superheroes, and will continue to do so. If conservatives want heroes that don't represent the queer community, they need to look elsewhere.

James Gunn's Superman will be released in theatres on July 11.

When you think of Pride celebrations, an orchestra concert might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But thanks to English conductor Oliver Zeffman, that perception is rapidly changing. His Classical Pride initiative is becoming a standout event of the season, highlighting the deep and often overlooked gay contributions to classical music.

While it might not be widely recognised, classical music boasts an incredibly rich gay heritage. As Zeffman points out, a quick glance at history reveals a significant number of LGBTQ+ composers among its most celebrated figures. "It’s not exactly an obscure list," Zeffman shared with Man About Town. "Tchaikovsky, Barber, Britten, Copland, Bernstein, Poulenc, Szymanowski, Saint-Saëns, John Cage, Ethel Smyth, Lully, probably Handel, Chopin, and Schubert. And that’s just some of the dead composers.”

Given this extensive list, it's surprising that Zeffman's Classical Pride, launched in 2023, was the first event of its kind by any major European orchestra or concert hall. Yet, it was. The overwhelming enthusiasm it has generated since its inception speaks volumes about the void it filled. The festival continues to grow, with a five-program series in London this past week and a highly anticipated U.S. debut on July 10th at LA's Hollywood Bowl.

"When people think of gay music, it's generally Kylie, Madonna, Cher, Charli XCX, Elton John, whoever," Zeffman explained. "But actually, there are also all these classical composers, many of whom were writing music long before any of today’s pop icons were even alive.” The 32-year-old conductor is making it his mission to ensure these sonatas and symphonies, integral to classical music’s gay legacy, reach a wider audience.

A Conductor's Journey and the Birth of Classical Pride
As part of Man About Town's "Gay Creatives Shaping Culture" series, Zeffman discussed his journey from youth orchestras to pioneering Classical Pride, the common reactions from audiences, and his personal Pride itinerary non-negotiables.

When asked about his expectations for the first Classical Pride in 2023, Zeffman admitted he wasn't entirely sure. "I, of course, thought there would be some appetite for it and a need for it too, otherwise, I wouldn’t have done it," he said. "But I definitely wouldn’t have imagined that for our third edition – just two years after that first show – we’d be performing at four major venues across London... and going to the Hollywood Bowl with the LA Phil. It’s very exciting."

Zeffman's motivation for creating Classical Pride stems from the significant, yet often unacknowledged, contributions of gay individuals to classical music, both historically and in the present day. "Many of the most important composers living and working today are gay too," he noted, citing figures like Thomas Adès, George Benjamin, and Jennifer Higdon.

"Given this enormous contribution the gay community has made and continues to make to classical music, it was surprising that no one had done something like this before," Zeffman explained. He believes this oversight isn't due to homophobia—something he's never personally encountered in the classical world—but rather the genre's tendency to lag behind broader cultural trends. "It is kind of mad that it took until 2023 for any major classical institution outside the US to do a Pride concert," he remarked. His aim is clear: to introduce new audiences to classical music and demonstrate its long-standing connection to gay culture.

From Violin to Baton: A Musical Path
Zeffman's musical journey began early, picking up the violin at age four. He quickly found himself drawn to conducting. "At some point, I thought conducting looked way more fun," he chuckled. "You get to be there in front of the orchestra and be in charge." He began by organizing concerts with friends, learning the ropes of leading an ensemble.

His academic path included studying History and Russian at Durham University, with a pivotal year abroad at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, renowned for its conducting program. After further studies at the Royal Academy of Music, Zeffman established himself as a professional conductor.

Uncovering Hidden Histories and Broadening Horizons
One of the most common reactions Zeffman hears from audience members after a Classical Pride event is a sense of revelation. "Even people in classical music say, 'Oh, I didn’t realise Tchaikovsky was gay,' or 'I didn’t know Saint-Saëns was,' or whoever," he shared. "It’s not a surprise in a bad way, it’s just not something that people really think about." He emphasises the sheer volume of canonical works composed by gay individuals, a fact that is often overlooked.

Beyond this newfound awareness, many attendees, particularly those new to classical music, express awe at the power and beauty of an orchestral performance. "When you’ve got a symphony orchestra of 100 people playing enormous climaxes... or playing the most delicate and intimate pianissimos that really draw you in as a listener, there’s nothing else like it," he said, inviting everyone to experience it firsthand.

A Broader Perspective on Friendship
When asked what he loves most about being gay, Zeffman highlighted the diverse friendships he's cultivated. "Compared with my straight friends, is that I’ve got real friends across all age groups," he reflected. "It means I get to hang out with people who have all kinds of life experiences, backgrounds and opinions, which is great."

As for his non-negotiable Pride itinerary? It’s quite straightforward: "Lots of committed learning of music, basically."

And if he could integrate a more conventional gay pop culture icon into the classical world? Zeffman teases, "Watch this space for 2026…"

When Elon Musk recently announced his intention to launch a new political party aimed at influencing next year's mid-term elections, he drew a notable comparison to a figure from 4th Century BC Greece.

"The way we’re going to crack the uniparty system is by using a variant of how Epaminondas shattered the myth of Spartan invincibility at Leuctra: Extremely concentrated force at a precise location on the battlefield,” Musk posted on X on Saturday.

This reference points to Epaminondas, a significant but perhaps less commonly known general from antiquity.

Who Was Epaminondas?
Born around 420 BC, Epaminondas lived during a period when his home city of Thebes was under the influence of Sparta, having been defeated in the Corinthian War. The terms of their surrender obliged Thebes to support Sparta militarily. Though Thebes operated as an oligarchy, a desire for change among its younger population, who sought to challenge both their ruling families and Spartan dominance, began to stir.

Epaminondas emerged as a key figure among these reformers. He is recognized as one of history's great military strategists and played a crucial role in the formation of the Sacred Band of Thebes – a unique and elite fighting unit composed exclusively of male couples.

Following a successful uprising against Thebes' oligarchs in 379 BC, Epaminondas anticipated Spartan retaliation. Sparta's military strength lay in its professional, full-time army, a significant advantage over other Greek city-states.


Depiction of Male Homosexuality on an Ancient Greek Kylix (c. 450 BC)

The Genesis of the Sacred Band
Having observed the Spartan military first-hand, Epaminondas understood Thebes' need for its own dedicated, high-calibre force to effectively counter Sparta. He gathered men in same-sex relationships from Thebes' warriors and initiated rigorous, full-time training, with their living costs supported by the city. This group of 150 male pairs formed solemn vows of love and allegiance to each other, thus becoming known as the Sacred Band of Thebes.

Epaminondas recognized that Thebes would likely be outnumbered by Sparta and its allies. His strategy, therefore, needed to be innovative to overcome this disparity.

A Tactical Innovation on the Battlefield
For centuries, Greek battles had largely followed a consistent pattern. Armies would divide their forces equally into opposing phalanxes. The front ranks would form a shield wall, while those behind would project their spears forward. Engagements typically devolved into a chaotic struggle until one side broke and retreated. Spartan tradition involved concentrating their most skilled fighters in their right-most phalanx, with allied forces making up the rest.

Aware of Spartan expectations, Epaminondas adopted a daring new approach at the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC. He arranged his forces into three shallow, seemingly decoy phalanxes, but crucially, he formed one very deep, extended phalanx on his left flank, with the Sacred Band positioned at its leading edge.

From the Spartan king Cleombrotus's perspective across the battlefield, only the front ranks of Thebes' formations were visible. He did not redistribute his forces to counter Epaminondas's unconventional alignment. When the battle commenced, Epaminondas launched this deep phalanx directly into the Spartan lines, achieving a decisive breakthrough. The Sacred Band then engaged the fleeing Spartans, effectively neutralizing their formidable core. Witnessing the Spartans' unexpected collapse, their allies withdrew from the battle without significant engagement with Epaminondas's other phalanxes.

This victory instantly propelled Thebes to become the dominant city-state in Greece, a position it maintained until Thebes and its Sacred Band were ultimately overcome by Philip II of Macedon and his son Alexander the Great at the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC.

The Legacy of the Sacred Band
The belief that these pairs of lovers, without wives and children, would fight with unparalleled dedication to defend one another proved accurate. This resolve was evident at their final stand. After the battle, Philip II reportedly erected a monument honouring the bravery of the Sacred Band. When their mass grave was unearthed in the 19th century, archaeologists discovered 127 pairs of male skeletons, providing a tangible link to their story.

Epaminondas himself had died years earlier, in 362 BC, at the Battle of Mantinea. He was childless and unmarried, and his beloved companions and designated successors, Iolaidas and Daiphantus, also perished in that battle, where Epaminondas secured a final, significant victory for Thebes.

Musk's Contemporary Application
The homosexuality of Epaminondas and the Sacred Band of Thebes is likely incidental to Musk's strategic analogy; it's improbable he was aware of it when making his statement. His invocation of Epaminondas likely signals a plan to target specific Republican-held seats, aiming to diminish their majority in Congress and consequently weaken the party ahead of the next US Presidential Election.

The practical impact of Musk's "America Party"—whether it will secure its own victories or inadvertently benefit Democrats by fragmenting the vote in Republican strongholds—remains to be seen. Regardless, it offers an interesting opportunity to re-examine this compelling, often overlooked, chapter from ancient history.

Josh Cavallo, the trailblazing out gay footballer, has shared a major life update: he's set for an overseas transfer to the UK, and his fiancé is coming with him. The Australian A-League player, who bravely came out publicly as gay in October 2021, confirmed on Monday (July 7) that he's leaving Adelaide United for what he describes as "cloudier skies" in the United Kingdom.

“Farewell, Australia. Greetings UK. It’s not goodbye forever, but now, it’s time to leave the nest with my fiancé by my side,” the midfielder posted on Instagram. “Football and life have taken me further than I ever imagined, and new opportunities have led to a new life waiting for us across the world.”

Cavallo, a prominent advocate for gay rights, highlighted how "living his truth" has "unlocked doors from the pitch to every corner of my personal life." He expressed deep gratitude to his supporters, especially the gay community. “Whether you’ve followed my journey from the beginning or found strength in it along the way, your presence has meant more than words can ever say. Especially to the gay community, you are the reason I never gave up. You helped me see that I wasn’t alone and that none of us are. For the boy who once looked in the mirror and questioned why he was different, this is proof that you can find your place in this world.”

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China's latest offensive against Danmei, a popular genre of gay erotic fiction, is sparking significant backlash rather than achieving its goal of scrubbing "beautiful boy" stories from the internet. Despite the government's harsh stance, a growing chorus of voices is questioning the motives and methods behind this cultural purge.

Often likened to a "gay 'Fifty Shades of Grey'," Danmei explores BDSM relationships across various imaginative settings, consistently leading to a "happily-ever-after." This unique narrative style has captivated a large and dedicated audience, particularly young Chinese women who are also the primary creators of these stories.

Targeting Female Authors with Draconian Laws
The current crackdown heavily targets these female authors. Reports indicate at least 30 women in their twenties have been arrested since February, with many more facing questioning or awaiting trial. Their alleged offense: "producing and distributing obscene material." The penalties are often linked to the financial success of their work, which includes "explicit descriptions of gay sex or other sexual perversions"—a criminalization of content not applied to heterosexual works with similar graphic detail.

This isn't an isolated incident. A previous wave of arrests late last year saw around 50 "Haitang" writers prosecuted, with one prominent author jailed for nearly five years after earning substantial sums. Lawyers note that the current campaign is even more sweeping, affecting "even those with minor involvement." The outdated 2004 law used in these prosecutions has a history of disproportionate sentencing, as seen in the 2018 case where author Tianyi received over a decade in prison for a YA romance.


The Irony of Suppressing a Cultural Powerhouse
The government's crackdown is particularly ironic given Danmei's immense popularity and commercial success. In 2021, 60 Danmei stories were optioned for film and TV adaptations, with one IP selling for a staggering 40 million yuan ($5.6 million). Hit series like "Word of Honor," adapted from a Danmei novel, have achieved global recognition, attracting millions of views and launching the careers of major Chinese stars.

Beyond its economic impact, Danmei offers a unique space for women's expression. The BBC explains that these stories allow women to "write about female desire for other women," often portraying male characters who are vulnerable and even capable of pregnancy—a stark contrast to the often restrictive realities faced by Chinese women in real-life relationships.

A Broader Agenda of "Purification"
The suppression of Danmei is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of President Xi Jinping's broader push for "purification" across China's internet and cultural industries. This includes other concerning directives, such as the 2021 ban on "effeminate men" on screen, aiming to promote "revolutionary culture" and stamp out "abnormal aesthetics." The ongoing crackdown on Danmei, despite its widespread appeal and financial success, reveals the government's determination to enforce a strict ideological and moral code, even at the cost of stifling popular culture and artistic expression.