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<channel>
    <title>Gayety</title>
    <link>https://gayety.com</link>
    <description>Gay Videos, LGBTQ News, Queer Culture</description>
    <language>en-US</language>
    <lastBuildDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 09:55:32 +0000</lastBuildDate>
    <atom:link href="https://gayety.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />

        <item>
        <title>Troye Sivan Explains The Filthy Inspiration Behind New Track &#8216;Canada Dry&#8217;</title>
        <link>https://gayety.com/troye-sivan-canada-dry-shes-the-best-album-meaning</link>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Josh Azevedo]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:30:06 -0700</pubDate>
        		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Apple Music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Charli XCX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[George Daniel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jack Antonoff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Madonna]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nicole Kidman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sasha colby]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Troye Sivan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zane Lowe]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gayety.com/?p=152795</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Troye Sivan drops the unfiltered truth behind his steamy track 'Canada Dry.']]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://gayety.com/tag/Troye-Sivan">Troye Sivan</a> is gearing up to drop his fourth studio album, <em>She&#8217;s The Best</em>, on October 9, 2026, and he is already giving us plenty to talk about. The 12-track project promises to deliver dance-floor anthems and vulnerable moments, but one specific track title has fans doing a complete double-take: track number two, &#8220;Canada Dry.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you assumed the pop star landed a lucrative beverage sponsorship, think again. Sivan cleared up any confusion on X, posting that the track is an &#8220;oogey gooey slinky back arch pop [song] about a handsome Canadian i want to s—k dry LOL.&#8221; How inventive and creative of Troye. I mean, this one really had me gagging. Jaw fully dropped.</p>







<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It fits right in with how open he has been about letting his romantic and personal life guide his songwriting. Sivan previews snippets on social media constantly, giving us a taste of a track built on a heavy beat and tailored for dark, sweaty club floors.</p>







<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>SHE&#8217;S THE BEST &#8211; TRACKLIST</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"> 01. She&#8217;s the Best<br> 02. Canada Dry<br> 03. Party<br> 04. Cowboy<br> 05. Embarrassingly<br> 06. Le Boy<br> 07. Sex Star<br> 08. Troye Meets World<br> 09. FF<br> 10. Love So Big It Hurts<br> 11. Lost Time (feat. Lily-Rose Depp)</p>



Internet Rumors



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Over on Reddit&#8217;s r/popheads, fans initially wondered if the song might lean too heavily into spoken-word rants, with one user joking Sivan might just read the nutrition label off a ginger ale can. But the audio clips floating around Instagram prove otherwise: &#8220;Canada Dry&#8221; is built to move bodies, and I&#8217;m sure I&#8217;ll also be body rolling with my headphones on full blast. He&#8217;s really tapped into this rhythmic deep pop sound that keeps me entranced. I&#8217;m ready to be fed more!</p>



Big Names And Red Carpet Moments



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sivan recruited a stellar team to build the soundscape for this record. Grammy winner <a href="https://gayety.com/tag/Jack-Antonoff">Jack Antonoff</a> signed on as a co-producer alongside <a href="https://gayety.com/tag/George-Daniel">George Daniel</a> of The 1975 and Kaelyn Behr. On the visual front, creative director Imogene Strauss and photographer Anna Bloda are shaping a sharp, gritty aesthetic across the music videos and album art.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The rollout has already delivered major cultural moments. Lead single &#8220;She&#8217;s the Best&#8221; dropped in August with a star-studded visual featuring screen icon <a href="https://gayety.com/tag/Nicole-Kidman">Nicole Kidman</a>, drag superstar <a href="https://gayety.com/tag/Sasha-Colby">Sasha Colby</a>, and Troye&#8217;s sister, Sage. Second single &#8220;Party&#8221; flipped a <a href="https://gayety.com/tag/Madonna">Madonna</a> sample into a frantic late-night anthem.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">At the 2026 <a href="https://gayety.com/tag/vmas">MTV Video Music Awards</a> late last month, Sivan walked the red carpet in a draped feather outfit designed by Erdem before hitting the stage with frequent tour partner <a href="https://gayety.com/tag/Charli-XCX">Charli XCX</a> to present an award to Madonna herself.</p>







<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When asked about his inspiration during a sit-down with <a href="https://gayety.com/tag/Apple-Music">Apple Music</a>&#8216;s <a href="https://gayety.com/tag/Zane-Lowe">Zane Lowe</a>, Sivan got candid about the album&#8217;s thematic roots. He explained that the record stems from feeling safe and protected inside the &#8220;orbit of women,&#8221; contrasting that comfort against the chaotic energy of life on the road.</p>







<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With track 12 featuring his <em>The Idol</em> co-star Lily-Rose Depp on a song titled &#8220;Lost Time,&#8221; <em>She&#8217;s The Best</em> is shaping up to be Sivan&#8217;s most electric era yet. I&#8217;ll be patiently waiting to hear it in its entirety and hopefully have a new pop masterpiece to carry me through the fall season.</p>
<p><a href="https://gayety.com/troye-sivan-canada-dry-shes-the-best-album-meaning" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>
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        <title>Gypsy Rose Blanchard Speaks Out Following Death Of Partner Ken Urker</title>
        <link>https://gayety.com/gypsy-rose-blanchard-ken-urker-death-overdose</link>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Josh Azevedo]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 11:23:08 -0700</pubDate>
        		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gypsy Rose Blanchard]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gayety.com/?p=152789</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Gypsy Rose Blanchard shares grief following the death of Ken Urker, pointing to harassment.]]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://gayety.com/tag/Gypsy-Rose-Blanchard">Gypsy Rose Blanchard</a> is dealing with a sudden heartbreak following the death of her partner, Ken Urker. Urker died in his bed at his home in Raceland, Louisiana, on Thursday, Oct. 1. He was 34 years old.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Deputies from the Lafourche Sheriff’s Office responded to the Raceland home at approximately 6:15 p.m., finding Urker dead upon arrival. Law enforcement officials confirmed that a death investigation remains active and ongoing.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In an exclusive statement with <a href="https://people.com/gypsy-rose-blanchard-says-partner-ken-urker-overdosed-exclusive-12153610">People</a>, Blanchard shared that she suspects Urker died from an overdose, though she remains uncertain of the circumstances surrounding his death.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I don’t know if it was intentional or not,” Blanchard explained, noting that Urker had struggled mentally in recent weeks. “He was not in a good state of mind lately.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Describing her initial reaction, Blanchard added, “I’m in disbelief. I can’t think. I’ve screamed until my throat burns.”</p>





The Weight Of Online Harassment



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Throughout their relationship, Urker found himself under the harsh light of public scrutiny. Blanchard pointed to relentless cyberbullying across social platforms like TikTok and Reddit as a heavy burden on his mental health.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Ken endured an unimaginable level of public scrutiny and relentless cyberbullying,” Blanchard said. “The cruelty directed toward him was something no human being should have to endure.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">She expressed hope that his death prompts a shift in how people behave online.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I believe the tremendous weight of that scrutiny and harassment had a profound impact on him,” she continued. “I hope his passing serves as a reminder that there is a real person behind every screen, every headline, and every comment.”</p>





Remembering A Devoted Father



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Beyond the viral headlines and internet speculation, Blanchard emphasized Urker&#8217;s commitment to their family. The pair welcomed their daughter, Aurora Raina Urker, eight months after rekindling their relationship in early 2024.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Ken was an amazing father and a man who was deeply loved,” Blanchard shared. “He will forever be my soulmate and my red string, a connection that time, distance, and even death can never erase.”</p>





<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Protecting Aurora’s memory of her father remains Blanchard’s top priority moving forward.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Above all, Ken loved our daughter, Aurora,” she stated. “She is a beautiful reflection of his enduring spirit, and through her, a part of him will always remain with us. I will make sure she grows up knowing how deeply her father loved her and who he was beyond what strangers on the internet chose to say about him.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Blanchard closed her statement requesting space for family members to process the loss.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“There are no words that can express the depth of this loss,” she expressed. “I ask for privacy and compassion for our daughter, our families, and everyone grieving Ken during this incredibly painful time. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.”</p>



A Long History Together



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The bond between Blanchard and Urker spanned several years and multiple life chapters. The two first connected while Blanchard was serving her sentence for her role in the 2015 murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Urker proposed in October 2018. Although they called off their initial engagement, they briefly reunited in August 2019 before eventually parting ways.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">During their time apart, Blanchard married Ryan Anderson. Four months after her December 2023 release from prison, Blanchard announced her separation from Anderson. By April 2024, Blanchard and Urker reconnected once again, settling down together to start their family.</p>
<p><a href="https://gayety.com/gypsy-rose-blanchard-ken-urker-death-overdose" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>
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        <item>
        <title>‘The Gorgeous Nothings’ Brings Forgotten Queer NYC Stories to the Stage and Your Headphones</title>
        <link>https://gayety.com/the-gorgeous-nothings-queer-new-york</link>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Caitlynn McDaniel]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:10:03 -0700</pubDate>
        		<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Theater]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[podcast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stonewall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[theater]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gayety.com/?p=152786</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Queer men imprisoned in 1930s New York found community and staged Christmas pageants. A new podcast and musical are bringing their stories to light.]]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Long before Stonewall, queer men imprisoned on New York City’s Welfare Island were finding ways to build community, care for one another, and put on a Christmas pageant. Now, their largely forgotten stories are reaching audiences through a new musical and a podcast that digs into the real lives behind it.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Life Jacket Theatre Company, the company behind <em>The Gorgeous Nothings</em>, has partnered with Making Gay History for <em>The Queens of Welfare Island</em>, an eight-episode podcast series launching Oct. 19. Hosted by Making Gay History founder Eric Marcus, the series will explore the archival records and historical accounts that inspired the musical ahead of its Off-Broadway premiere in February 2027.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It is a chance to meet the people behind the production before their stories reach the stage, and to spend some time with a chapter of queer New York history that deserves far more attention.</p>



A Christmas pageant behind prison walls



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Created and written by Travis Lee Russ, <em>The Gorgeous Nothings</em> is inspired by the queer men incarcerated in a wing of the Men’s Penitentiary on Welfare Island, now known as Roosevelt Island, in the 1930s. The wing was known by the derogatory name “Fag Ward.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The musical follows six inmates, weaving their relationships together with their annual Christmas pageant, known as “The Fag Follies.” With a score drawn from the Great American Songbook, the production pairs the pageant’s high-camp spectacle with the intimacy of people finding connection under deeply hostile circumstances.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That premise leaves plenty of room for theatrical flair, but the people at its center are what make it compelling. Their humor, relationships, and creativity are part of queer history, too, alongside the persecution they faced.</p>



Meeting the people behind the musical



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For the podcast, Marcus will explore the real-life stories Russ and his team uncovered through years of archival research. The series offers another way into that history, giving listeners context for the world audiences will encounter in <em>The Gorgeous Nothings</em>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Making Gay History has spent years preserving and sharing the voices and stories that too often disappear from the historical record,” Russ said in a statement.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">He described the podcast and musical as complementary ways to meet the people whose “lives, resilience, humor, and humanity inspired our work.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For Marcus, the collaboration also means sharing a history that was new to him.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“It’s humbling to have been entrusted with these extraordinary stories that Travis and his team spent so many years unearthing from the dusty bowels of the NYC Municipal Archives,” Marcus said. “It’s a history I knew nothing about and look forward to sharing with our listeners.”</p>



Where to listen and see the show



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>The Queens of Welfare Island</em> will release new episodes every two weeks beginning Oct. 19, 2026. The eight-episode series will be available on all major podcast services and at <a href="https://makinggayhistory.org/podcast/season-16-preview/">MakingGayHistory.org</a>. </p>







<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The launch also comes with a live celebration at Baryshnikov Arts in New York on Oct. 19, featuring performances and storytelling tied to the musical and podcast. The event coincides with Making Gay History’s 10th anniversary and the start of its 16th season. Tickets are available <a href="https://baryshnikovarts.org/performance/making-gay-history">here</a>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Directed and choreographed by Danny Mefford, whose credits include <em>Dear Evan Hansen</em>, <em>Kimberly Akimbo</em> and <em>Fun Home</em>, <em>The Gorgeous Nothings</em> will make its world premiere at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in Lower Manhattan from Feb. 16 through March 14, 2027. <a href="https://pacnyc.org/whats-on/the-gorgeous-nothings/">Tickets for the musical are on sale now</a>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Before the curtain rises, the podcast gives these men something they have been denied for far too long: time for their stories to be heard.</p>
<p><a href="https://gayety.com/the-gorgeous-nothings-queer-new-york" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>
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        <title>Jonathan Bailey’s ‘Dracula’ Feeding Scene Has the Internet Hot and Bothered</title>
        <link>https://gayety.com/jonathan-baileys-dracula-internet-hot-bothered</link>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Caitlynn McDaniel]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 18:04:46 -0700</pubDate>
        		<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jonathan Bailey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jurassic World Rebirth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wicked]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gayety.com/?p=152782</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Jonathan Bailey’s vampire era is sounding dangerously good. ]]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://gayety.com/jonathan-bailey-shaggy-hair-burberry-fashion-week">Jonathan Bailey</a> and Ella Purnell have given the internet a very sinister and sultry start to spooky season.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Audible’s full-cast adaptation of <em>Dracula</em> is officially here, but a behind-the-scenes clip of the pair recording a feeding scene is demanding some attention of its own. As Purnell’s Mina feeds from Bailey’s Dracula, their breathless vocal performances make the moment sound considerably more intimate than the phrase “vampire audio drama” might suggest.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We came for gothic horror. We may need a minute. Happy October 1st. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One social media reaction summed up the appeal by wondering why anyone would pay for an audio erotica app when Bailey and Purnell were already delivering this particular scene. A little dramatic? Perhaps. But the combination of their voices, the intensity of the performance and the unmistakably suggestive sounds makes the comparison pretty easy to understand.</p>







<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The clip also offers a glimpse of the craft behind the chemistry. Without a lingering look or a touch appearing onscreen, the actors have to convey every bit of danger, desire and vulnerability through their voices. Judging by this clip, they understood the assignment.</p>



Jonathan Bailey knows exactly what he’s doing



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you&#8217;re getting flashbacks to Bailey in <em>Bridgerton</em>, you&#8217;re not alone. Speaking with <a href="https://collider.com/jonathan-bailey-dracula-audible-bridgerton-quinn/">Collider</a>, the actor reflected on what connects a romantic hero like Anthony Bridgerton to a decidedly dangerous character like Dracula.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I think that’s why eroticism and horror and desire — there’s a very sort of thin, permeable membrane between the three of them because it’s so visceral and it’s very animal, and it’s very instinctive,” Bailey said. “So, I enjoy it all.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After that feeding scene, we’re inclined to agree.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Naturally, the conversation also turned to whether he would consider recording a story for Quinn, the spicy audio platform. Bailey left the possibility open, even offering a few suggestive title ideas.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Well, nothing’s not on the table — and maybe when I do a Quinn story, it might be called On the Table, or Under the Table,” he joked.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I think Quinn is fantastic. Who knows? I’d have to take my Dracula fangs out for that one, maybe.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">No Quinn project is announced, but he clearly knows how to keep our attention.</p>



Where to listen to ‘Dracula’



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For now, Bailey and Purnell’s <em>Dracula</em> gives listeners plenty to sink their teeth into. Directed by <em>Pet Sematary</em> filmmaker Mary Lambert, the adaptation follows Mina Murray as she investigates her fiancé’s disappearance in Transylvania and finds herself drawn into a psychological battle with the vampire threatening those she loves.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The cast also includes Aimee Lou Wood, Louis Partridge, David Jonsson, Lesley Manville and Maggie Gyllenhaal, who voices Professor Van Helsing. Adapted by Robyn Ahern and scored by Ilan Eshkeri, the production brings Stoker’s classic to life with a full cast and immersive sound design.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Dracula</em> launched Oct. 1 and is <a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Bram-Stokers-Dracula-Audiobook/B0H956N76W?utm_source=chatgpt.com">available to listen to on Audible</a>, just in time for spooky season. Headphones recommended. Composure optional.</p>
<p><a href="https://gayety.com/jonathan-baileys-dracula-internet-hot-bothered" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>
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        <title>Pittsburgh Gay Bar Cancels Long-Running Show After Blackface Drag Performance Triggers Death Threats</title>
        <link>https://gayety.com/pittsburgh-bar-cancels-show-blackface-drag-scandal</link>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Josh Azevedo]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 17:07:49 -0700</pubDate>
        		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LGBTQ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[queer]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gayety.com/?p=152777</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Blue Moon Bar canceled its Open Stage night following death threats over a cosplay performance.]]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A long-running weekly tradition at a Pittsburgh <a href="https://gayety.com/tag/LGBTQ">LGBTQ+</a> venue came to a sudden halt this week after a drag performance involving black makeup provoked intense community backlash and a wave of violent threats.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Blue Moon Bar, located on Butler Street in the city&#8217;s Lawrenceville neighborhood, called off its September 30 Open Stage night. Management stated that safety concerns forced their hand after the business received a flood of hostile messages.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;We&#8217;re receiving too many death threats for us to feel comfortable putting on the show this evening,&#8221; the venue <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheBlueMoonBar/posts/pfbid0xwiPPQjNofNaqJ2ER8kCsDoZUvPhSPugPT5KBBAWEFbDPFAQp3CerQQegGNG76Bnl">posted on Facebook</a> ahead of the scheduled event.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The cancellation follows days of online anger after photos from the September 23 show circulated across social media platforms. The images depicted a new performer wearing dark makeup to portray Hexxus, the villain from the 1992 animated film <em>FernGully: The Last Rainforest</em>. Community members immediately called out the character design as blackface.</p>



A Breakdown In Venue Oversight



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Bar leadership was not present during the performance in question. Two guest hosts managed the stage that night, and owners said they did not learn about the costume choice until nearly a week later when photos began spreading online.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;We know that this new performer didn&#8217;t intend to cause such harm with their performance, but unfortunately that is what has happened,&#8221; Blue Moon management wrote in a September 29 apology statement. &#8220;Whatever the intent, blackface is racist and harmful and it is never acceptable.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">To reinforce the message, the venue shared a photograph of a backstage rule sign posted in the performer dressing area. The sign explicitly prohibits &#8220;performances based on race, ethnicity, or nationality&#8221; when depicting an identity outside the performer&#8217;s own background.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Both guest hosts issued public statements acknowledging their failure to intervene during the show. Co-host Brayden Butter announced plans to take an extended break from stage duties, writing that they lacked &#8220;the quick thinking and responsibility necessary for that environment.&#8221; Fellow host Catty Wampus echoed those sentiments, noting, &#8220;It should have been put to a stop at first sight.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The performer also issued an apology on September 28, taking responsibility for the costume choice. &#8220;My attempt for accuracy in a cosplay caused an egregious error that resulted in harm to a community I love and care for,&#8221; they wrote. &#8220;Intent does not matter when it comes to the effects of what&#8217;s been done.&#8221;</p>



Local Advocates Demand Immediate Action



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For local Black LGBTQ+ leaders, the issue extends beyond one individual stage outfit. Ciora Thomas, founder and executive director of the southwestern Pennsylvania organization <a href="https://www.sisterspgh.org/">SisTers PGH</a>, questioned why nobody halted the act mid-show.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;Cut the music. Cut the cameras,&#8221; Thomas told <a href="https://qburgh.com/after-blackface-more-than-outraged/">QBurgh</a>. &#8220;The performer should not have made it through a full set while people entertained it.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thomas noted that the incident highlights persistent systemic friction regarding racial inclusion inside <a href="https://gayety.com/tag/queer">queer</a> nightspots, adding, &#8220;I was disgusted but not surprised. Show us what it&#8217;s going to be when racism shows up in the bar.&#8221;</p>



Moving Forward At Blue Moon



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Open Stage has operated at Blue Moon Bar for 14 years, providing an open platform for local artists to test out material. Management stated they intend to resume the weekly showcase once safety measures stabilize, though future events will feature stricter vetting procedures for acts before they enter the spotlight.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The bar maintained that its primary responsibility remains the physical security of staff, patrons, and performers while navigating the fallout. Similar incidents have surfaced across North American drag scenes in recent years, prompting ongoing debates over accountability, stage curation, and racial awareness in nightlife spaces.</p>
<p><a href="https://gayety.com/pittsburgh-bar-cancels-show-blackface-drag-scandal" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>
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        <item>
        <title>Grant Knoche Strips Down in Provocative New Music Video for &#8216;STRIPPED&#8217;</title>
        <link>https://gayety.com/grant-knoche-stripped-music-video-good-luck-getting-over-me</link>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Josh Azevedo]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:24:17 -0700</pubDate>
        		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ADÉLA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christina Aguilera]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Twice]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gayety.com/?p=152766</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Grant Knoche strips layer by layer in his rawest music video yet for 'STRIPPED.']]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/grantknoche/?hl=en">Grant Knoche</a> wants you to look at him, but he also wants you to actually listen. The Los Angeles artist, producer, and songwriter just released the visuals for “STRIPPED,” one of the standout tracks on his album <em>GOOD LUCK GETTING OVER ME</em>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Direction duty fell to Knoche and Devin Dygert, who designed a music video centered around a literal concept: Knoche removes his clothes layer by layer. The clip starts with his sleek confidence and slowly veers into something much more raw. As the clothing drops, the visual zeroes in on the exact friction Knoche feels between physical desire and personal identity, and I definitely had my bag of popcorn as I watched every second (I ain&#8217;t ashamed).</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Co-written alongside Ryan Nealon and Jules Paymer, with Knoche handling production, “STRIPPED” anchors itself in a heavy, bass-driven pop sound. His delivery stays tight and rhythmic, giving the dark production a sharp, emotional pulse.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“‘STRIPPED’ is probably the most vulnerable and lyrically intimate song on <em>GOOD LUCK GETTING OVER ME</em>, and I wanted the music video to visually capture exactly how the song makes me feel,” Knoche said. “Beauty, sexuality, and physical appearance carry so much weight in the world today, and at times, I’ve felt like I’m seen more for my body or how I look than for my talent, my music, my personality, or who I actually am.”</p>







Building an Independent Empire



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Knoche isn&#8217;t a newcomer to the industry. He stepped on stage with KIDZ BOP at age 10, playing venues like Radio City Music Hall and making appearances on <em>The Today Show</em>. By 11, he taught himself how to produce music in his bedroom.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That hands-on mindset carried straight into his adult career. In 2022, his coming-out single “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egvvh8bWV5w">First Hello</a>” went viral, pulling in over 80 million views across social media platforms. He later represented Texas on NBC’s <em>American Song Contest</em>, placing fourth overall with his self-produced track “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_PRsshXWHw">MR. INDEPENDENT</a>.” Today, Knoche sits on over 60 million global streams and a social media following topping 2 million.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">He writes, produces, and mixes his own material while directing the visual creative direction around his releases. That independent control paid off with his 2025 single “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYrph5-PJc4">Talk</a>,” which Stereogum ranked as the fifth-best pop song of the year, alongside a feature cover on <em>PAPER</em> Magazine.</p>







The Hitmaker Behind Other Major Pop Stars



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">While his solo work keeps gaining speed, Knoche works steadily behind the soundboard for other artists. He produced <a href="https://gayety.com/tag/ADÉLA">ADÉLA</a>’s breakout single “Superscar,” a track that racked up over 1.5 million views on Instagram and helped land her a contract with Capitol Records.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">His writing and production resume covers a massive range of pop names, including <a href="https://gayety.com/tag/Christina-Aguilera">Christina Aguilera</a>, <a href="https://gayety.com/tag/TWICE">TWICE</a>, CHUU, Victoria Justice, and Ashley Sienna. Whether building club beats for himself or crafting radio hooks for major label acts, his fingerprint remains tied to heavy basslines and precise vocal arrangements.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Following sold-out headline dates in Los Angeles and London, Knoche is gearing up to take <em>GOOD LUCK GETTING OVER ME</em> across the ocean for a European tour scheduled for early 2027.</p>






<p><a href="https://gayety.com/grant-knoche-stripped-music-video-good-luck-getting-over-me" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>
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        <item>
        <title>Tove Lo Brings ‘Estrus’ to Life at the Greek Theatre Before Taking Over Tinder’s LA Afterparty</title>
        <link>https://gayety.com/tove-lo-estrus-greek-theatre-la-afterparty</link>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Josh Azevedo]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:11:53 -0700</pubDate>
        		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tove Lo]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gayety.com/?p=152748</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Tove Lo brought her 'Estrus' album to life at the Greek Theatre before surprising fans at Tinder’s LA afterparty.]]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Going into The Greek Theater on Sunday night, I was very ready to see my girl <a href="https://gayety.com/tag/Tove-Lo">Tove Lo</a> again. I caught her back on the <em>Dirt Femme</em> tour, which was phenomenal. She proved back then that she has serious stage presence, but seeing her bring her new album, <em>Estrus</em>, to life under the LA sky was a whole new level.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As the lights dimmed, the crowd lost it (myself included of course). Flashes of light flickered across the giant screens surrounding the stage while a medley of new tracks looped through the speakers. When Tove Lo finally stepped into the spotlight, the entire venue erupted.</p>









A Spellbinding Night At The Greek



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">She kicked things off with &#8220;I&#8217;m the Cake,&#8221; which happens to be one of my favorites from <em>Estrus</em>, so you know I was a giddy little kitty just vibing to the beat. Tove Lo has this natural swagger when she moves across the stage. She sways, locks eyes with the crowd, and projects every single word right into the mic. I’m always mesmerized by how effortless she makes it look, next time I need to some notes because the coolness is off the charts.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The setlist hit every note you could want. She delivered on classic bangers like &#8220;Cool Girl&#8221; and &#8220;Talking Body,&#8221; leading up to a massive singalong for &#8220;Habits (Stay High).&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Her current aesthetic has this haunting, witchy vibe that feels like the ultimate inauguration into fall. Now we just need this brutal LA heat wave to get the memo and let us wear our leather jackets in peace, because this weather is NOT the business.</p>









Crossing Town To No Vacancy



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Once the house lights came up at The Greek, I headed straight to No Vacancy for Tinder’s official afterparty. The energy inside was buzzing, everyone was riding high off the concert, drinks were flowing, and the room was packed. My friend and I grabbed photos in the photobooth and mingled near the floor while the DJ kept the crowd moving.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The party itself sold out in less than 24 hours, making it Tinder&#8217;s fastest sell-out event ever, and it was easy to see why. They even built a working bathroom setup converted into a candid confessional booth hosted by Ken Eurich. People stepped up to the mirror on camera to vent about their beige flags, crush confessions, and how they actually take a digital connection into real life.</p>









A Surprise Guest At The Decks



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Just when the floor was peak energy, Tove Lo herself walked through the door. She spent time saying hi to fans around the courtyard before making her way straight behind the DJ booth to jump gleefully with her friend (because she&#8217;s gotta show up for her gals).</p>







<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Between the haunting vocals at The Greek and the party at No Vacancy, it was the exact kind of late-night energy LA needed to kick off the new season. I feel very ready for the fall and all the spooky vibes, and I have Tove Lo to thank for the that.</p>
<p><a href="https://gayety.com/tove-lo-estrus-greek-theatre-la-afterparty" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>
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        <item>
        <title>‘Heated Rivalry’ Producers Launch Real Irina Foundation to Support Queer Communities</title>
        <link>https://gayety.com/heated-rivalry-launch-irina-foundation</link>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Caitlynn McDaniel]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:40:37 -0700</pubDate>
        		<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TV]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Connor Storrie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Heated Rivalry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hudson Williams]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gayety.com/?p=152742</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady are turning love for the queer hockey romance into support for LGBTQ+ communities through sports and the arts.]]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Shane and Ilya’s story is inspiring something pretty special beyond the pages of Rachel Reid’s books.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em><a href="https://gayety.com/amber-glenn-honors-heated-rivalry-dwts">Heated Rivalry</a></em> executive producers <a href="https://gayety.com/heated-rivalry-may-release-bonus-episode">Jacob Tierney</a> and Brendan Brady have launched the <strong>Irina Foundation</strong> through their production company, Accent Aigu Entertainment. Inspired by the foundation their beloved hockey players establish in <a href="https://gayety.com/francois-arnaud-robbie-g-k-return-heated-rivalry">Reid’s <em>Game Changers</em></a> universe, the real-world fund will support LGBTQIA2S+ and underserved communities through sports and the arts.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For fans who have fallen hard for this world, it’s a meaningful way to see some of that love put to work.</p>



<img width="1024" height="577" src="https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Heated_Rivalry_-_106-28417-122425-a01ec7ac642642e8b18025dfdc4c1e2d-e1766768120751-1024x577.webp" alt="Heated Rivalry Episode 6 slows things down, centering queer joy, intimacy, and choice as Shane and Ilya imagine a future beyond rivalry." class="wp-image-146969" srcset="https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Heated_Rivalry_-_106-28417-122425-a01ec7ac642642e8b18025dfdc4c1e2d-e1766768120751-1024x577.webp 1024w, https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Heated_Rivalry_-_106-28417-122425-a01ec7ac642642e8b18025dfdc4c1e2d-e1766768120751-640x361.webp 640w, https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Heated_Rivalry_-_106-28417-122425-a01ec7ac642642e8b18025dfdc4c1e2d-e1766768120751-150x85.webp 150w, https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Heated_Rivalry_-_106-28417-122425-a01ec7ac642642e8b18025dfdc4c1e2d-e1766768120751-300x169.webp 300w, https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Heated_Rivalry_-_106-28417-122425-a01ec7ac642642e8b18025dfdc4c1e2d-e1766768120751-696x392.webp 696w, https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Heated_Rivalry_-_106-28417-122425-a01ec7ac642642e8b18025dfdc4c1e2d-e1766768120751-1068x602.webp 1068w, https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Heated_Rivalry_-_106-28417-122425-a01ec7ac642642e8b18025dfdc4c1e2d-e1766768120751.webp 1500w" />Photo: Crave/HBO Max



A familiar name with a real-world purpose



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Announced Tuesday, Sept. 29, the Irina Foundation is a private independent fund that will support organizations helping people participate in sports and arts programs, build relationships and find a sense of belonging. Its mission also centers on how those shared experiences can support mental well-being and resilience.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“For many of us, some of life’s most meaningful moments happen on a team, in a studio or on a stage —places where we find our people, discover what lights us up and feel like we belong,” they said in a joint statement.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“We’ve been incredibly lucky to build something we love and along the way find a community that means so much to us. The Foundation is our way of giving back. We’re grateful to Kate Spade and Harry’s for seeing that vision and helping us make it possible.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The name will be familiar to readers. In Reid’s books, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov run a foundation by the same name, in honor of Ilya’s late mother, Irina. </p>



<img width="640" height="427" src="https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/connor-storrie_1.jpg" alt="Heated Rivalry -  Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov in Episode 102 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025" class="wp-image-152743" srcset="https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/connor-storrie_1.jpg 640w, https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/connor-storrie_1-150x100.jpg 150w, https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/connor-storrie_1-300x200.jpg 300w" />Heated Rivalry &#8211;  Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov in Episode 102 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025



Turning fandom into support



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Kate Spade is the foundation’s inaugural donor, making a founding contribution, while Harry’s is joining as an early supporter.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The launch builds on fundraising already happening around <em><a href="https://gayety.com/carly-rae-jepsen-teases-son-name-heated-rivalry-character">Heated Rivalry</a></em>. According to Accent Aigu, the company, its partners and fans have helped raise more than $1.5 million in recent months for organizations including You Can Play, the New York LGBTQ Center and Rainbow Railroad.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The foundation gives that generosity a place to keep growing, with a focus that feels especially fitting for a story that has brought so many queer fans together.</p>



<img width="1024" height="576" src="https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/connor-storrie-hudson-williams_0-1024x576.jpg" alt="Heated Rivalry (Photograph by Sabrina Lantos/HBO Max)" class="wp-image-149906" srcset="https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/connor-storrie-hudson-williams_0-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/connor-storrie-hudson-williams_0-640x360.jpg 640w, https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/connor-storrie-hudson-williams_0-150x84.jpg 150w, https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/connor-storrie-hudson-williams_0-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/connor-storrie-hudson-williams_0-300x169.jpg 300w, https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/connor-storrie-hudson-williams_0-696x392.jpg 696w, https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/connor-storrie-hudson-williams_0-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://gayety.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/connor-storrie-hudson-williams_0.jpg 1920w" />Heated Rivalry (Photograph by Sabrina Lantos/HBO Max)



Honoring the heart of the story



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For Accent Aigu President Jayme Alter Wilson, choosing Irina’s name was about carrying the story’s message forward.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“We chose the name Irina Foundation because, at the heart of <em>Heated Rivalry,</em> Irina represents something much bigger. She reminds us that behind every struggle is a person who deserves to be seen, loved and supported,” Wilson said in a statement.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“The Foundation is our way of honoring that message. We hope to channel the love people have for the world Rachel has created, and for Shane and Ilya, into something that can make a meaningful difference in the real world.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There’s plenty to love about <em>Heated Rivalry</em>, and watching its community help create more spaces where queer people can feel welcome gives fans one more reason to be invested. Shane and Ilya may be fictional, but the support inspired by their story is becoming very real.</p>
<p><a href="https://gayety.com/heated-rivalry-launch-irina-foundation" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>
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        <item>
        <title>Troye Sivan Shares His Unfiltered Dating Advice and Major Red Flags</title>
        <link>https://gayety.com/troye-sivan-bumble-bee-line-dating-advice</link>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Josh Azevedo]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:11:41 -0700</pubDate>
        		<category><![CDATA[Dating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dua Lipa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Troye Sivan]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gayety.com/?p=152729</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Troye Sivan joins Bumble to hand out unfiltered advice on first dates, red flags, and vibes.]]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If anyone understands how to set a mood, it’s <a href="https://gayety.com/tag/Troye-Sivan">Troye Sivan</a>. Bumble just named the pop star as the first international host of their social series <em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9uFpYJ38o0">Bee Line</a></em>, where he takes calls from users and hands out real-time advice on everything from awkward openers to hosting someone at your apartment.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Between prepping for the release of his upcoming album, <em>She’s the Best</em> (dropping October 9), Sivan sat down to field dating questions with his usual charm and zero filter.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Here is what went down during his turn on the hotline, along with his essential rules for surviving modern dating.</p>





Navigating Red Flags and Hard-to-Get Games



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sivan did not hold back when callers brought him their worst dating dilemmas. When one user asked if playing hard to get actually works, he suggested keeping things simple rather than playing games.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;There&#8217;s a balance, I think,&#8221; Sivan said. &#8220;Everyone likes a little bit of a chase, but also communication is key. Don&#8217;t be crazy. Don&#8217;t be toxic. Don&#8217;t be weird. I think you should follow your gut. If you are excited to talk to the person, I think that you should talk to the person.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thank you Troye for not being a complete sociopath like the rest of the single men out there! He also had zero patience for self-absorbed matches. One caller mentioned a guy who claimed he had &#8220;never met a girl like her,&#8221; yet had not asked a single question about her life.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;If he hasn&#8217;t asked a single question about you, what is he talking about?&#8221; Sivan asked. &#8220;I think this is a major red flag. This guy sounds like a con artist, honestly. And I think that you need to run fast. For everyone out there, ask questions on dates. Let&#8217;s like, get it together.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">And I am right there with Troye. Men these days like to project this persona of someone deeply curious and inquisitive when they&#8217;re really just preoccupied with themselves. In an era where everyone conflates working on their life goals with selfishness and self involvement, we&#8217;re all doomed to see these jokes of men several times around us. They&#8217;re growing at alarming rates&#8230;</p>





Setting the Vibe for Home Dates



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When a caller asked how to host someone for the first time, Sivan treated the topic like an art form. He broke down his routine for making a space feel welcoming without trying too hard.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">First up is scent. Sivan recommends lighting a candle 15 to 20 minutes before your date arrives. His personal choice is Sassafras by Tzulang Yo for something woody and cozy (sounds very chic and I approve).</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Lighting came next, and he made his stance on ceiling lights crystal clear.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;No overhead lights, especially not on a date,&#8221; Sivan said. &#8220;You want lamps, you want candles, create an atmosphere.&#8221; PREACH TROYE. We must eliminate overhead lighting, especially industrial lighting. It has no space in 2026 or any year for that matter.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Food and music round out his host checklist. He suggested having refreshments ready, with one key ground rule: skip the onions and garlic in case things go well. For the music, he playfully plugged his own upcoming release.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;You might wanna listen to <em>She’s the Best</em> by Troye Sivan,&#8221; he joked. &#8220;I&#8217;ve heard it gets people laid all the time.&#8221; Oh Troye, you sure know to market. What a cheeky plug.</p>





Music Taste, Bill Splitting, and Calling in Sick



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The advice kept rolling as Sivan tackled financial etiquette and workplace priorities. When asked about who pays on a second date after the guy took care of drinks on the first, Sivan said it makes sense to step up.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;I do think it&#8217;s on you,&#8221; he said. &#8220;It&#8217;s nice to split the bill or share or take turns. I always try to pay, always. And then if they&#8217;re really insistent, I&#8217;ll let them pay sometimes. If they got the last one, maybe it&#8217;s your turn.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another caller asked if a date offering to &#8220;chuck a sickie&#8221; (Australian slang for calling in sick to work) was a green flag. Sivan immediately approved, sharing a story about a friend who called out of work at a hospital just to hang out on the beach in Perth with <a href="https://gayety.com/tag/Dua-Lipa">Dua Lipa</a>, only to get caught when paparazzi photos surfaced online, awkward&#8230; but hey, I&#8217;d also ditch work to hang with Ms. Lipa.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Finally, when asked if dating someone with completely different music taste is a dealbreaker, Sivan called his sister, Sage, for a second opinion. She pointed out that watching a partner get passionate about something they love is actually endearing. Sivan agreed, calling it &#8220;sexy and cool to be taught about music.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Whether you need to overhaul your apartment lighting or ditch a match who only talks about himself, Sivan’s guide is a solid starting point. </p>





<p><a href="https://gayety.com/troye-sivan-bumble-bee-line-dating-advice" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>
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        <title>Lil Nas X Shares His Late Mother’s Loving Voicemail Ahead of New Song ‘World’s Greatest’</title>
        <link>https://gayety.com/lil-nas-x-new-song-worlds-greatest</link>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Caitlynn McDaniel]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:05:32 -0700</pubDate>
        		<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lil Nas X]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gayety.com/?p=152727</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Months after opening up about his mental health, Lil Nas X is sharing new music and a heartfelt message from his late mother.]]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://gayety.com/lil-nas-x-podcast-growth-insecurities">Lil Nas X </a>has new music on the way, and he’s introducing it with a message from someone whose words are still helping him through life.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On Wednesday, Sept. 30, the Grammy-winning rapper shared an emotional Instagram video featuring a voicemail from his late mother, Tamikia Hill, who died in August. The post also revealed that his next single, “World’s Greatest,” arrives Thursday, Oct. 1, alongside an official music video.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For fans who watched his candid update about treatment and his mental health in June, the announcement follows through on something he said he was looking forward to: sharing new music and taking them into his next chapter.</p>



A Mother’s Message That Still Means Everything



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dd6tQx1S717/">44-second video</a>, Lil Nas X sits in his sunlit bedroom, listening quietly as his mother’s voice plays. She calls him “Doobie,” tells him she’s been trying to reach him, and leaves a loving check-in that feels all the more meaningful now.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Hey Doobie, been calling you multiple of times today,” she says. “I just wanna say love you, keep your head up and continue to walk by faith, not by sight. Let go and let God handle the rest.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As the recording continues, Hill encourages her son to trust that things will work themselves out and reminds him not to give up.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“And I wanna say I love you, don’t forget that,” she adds. “And I’ll call you again just to check up on you. Love you, bye.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s an everyday message full of love, from the nickname at the beginning to the promise to call again at the end. In his caption, Lil Nas X explained that one particular piece of her advice has stayed with him.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“‘Walk by faith, not by sight’ was my mom’s favorite phrase to say,” he wrote. “As I move through life, it resonates more &amp; more.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When the voicemail ends, he reaches behind him and picks up a sketch pad displaying the words “World’s Greatest” beneath a drawing of a crown.</p>








Following Through on His June Update



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The new release comes a few months after Lil Nas X <a href="https://gayety.com/lil-nas-x-bipolar-diagnosis-rehab-update">opened up about completing treatment</a>, receiving a bipolar disorder diagnosis and spending time at home in Atlanta to ground himself.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That June update also followed his arrest in Los Angeles in August 2025, after authorities encountered him walking in public while partially undressed. He pleaded not guilty to felony charges, including battery with injury on a police officer and resisting an executive officer. Earlier this year, a judge approved a mental health diversion program that could lead to the charges being dismissed if he completes its requirements.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When he spoke to fans in June, though, he focused on how he was feeling after treatment and what he was looking forward to next.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I’m doing much better,” he said. “I’m feeling better, I’m creating freely, and there’s less fear in my heart. I’m just smelling the roses.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">He also acknowledged that accepting his diagnosis had taken time, including working through concerns about medication and how other people might see him.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I mean, I’m already Black and gay… I’m living life on extreme hard mode,” he joked.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Toward the end of the update, he shared that new music was coming, although he wasn’t ready to get into the details just yet.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I’m excited to do that, and I’m excited to go on this journey with you guys, this next chapter,” he continued.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Now, fans have a song title and a release date to look forward to, along with a glimpse of the words he’s carrying into that chapter.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>“World’s Greatest” and its official music video arrive Oct. 1 at noon Eastern.</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://gayety.com/lil-nas-x-new-song-worlds-greatest" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>
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