@edgemedianetwork

"American Idol" finalist David Archuleta came out as gay earlier this year, and now he is opening up more about his decision to finally live in his truth. As reported by NBC, Archuleta, a practicing Mormon, says it was God who compelled him to finally come out, and he couldn't believe the overwhelming positive response he received from the people in his religious community. "I was shocked, because I thought, 'OK, this is probably going to be a bigger deal, maybe I'll get 30,000 or 40,000 likes, if that,' because I know this is a controversial topic and a lot of people have assumed things about me and tried to label me in the past," Archuleta told NBC's Today.com. "But it exploded. I didn't realize all the media outlets were going to talk about it, but the way that they did, it was so respectful." "A lot of conservative Christians follow what I do because that's my own upbringing, and I'm still involved in that community," he said. "But everyone on both sides ... I was just amazed at how supportive and loving everyone was generally, for the most part, and for me, it was just a huge tender mercy." Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ?️‍?❤️ (?️: Emell D. Adolphus / @goodnightdetroit / ?: David Archuleta / Instagram)

"American Idol" finalist David Archuleta came out as gay earlier this year, and now he is opening up more about his decision to finally live in his truth. As reported by NBC, Archuleta, a practicing Mormon, says it was God who compelled him to finally come out, and he couldn't believe the overwhelming positive response he received from the people in his religious community. "I was shocked, because I thought, 'OK, this is probably going to be a bigger deal, maybe I'll get 30,000 or 40,000 likes, if that,' because I know this is a controversial topic and a lot of people have assumed things about me and tried to label me in the past," Archuleta told NBC's Today.com. "But it exploded. I didn't realize all the media outlets were going to talk about it, but the way that they did, it was so respectful." "A lot of conservative Christians follow what I do because that's my own upbringing, and I'm still involved in that community," he said. "But everyone on both sides ... I was just amazed at how supportive and loving everyone was generally, for the most part, and for me, it was just a huge tender mercy." Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ?️‍?❤️ (?️: Emell D. Adolphus / @goodnightdetroit / ?: David Archuleta / Instagram)

@edgemedianetwork Sep 2

A gay Tennessee couple thought they had found their wedding venue, especially since the owner put in an email, "We offer same-sex marriage ceremonies only." According to Pink News, Mike Gill and Coty Heaton found "Barn in the Bend, a rustic wedding venue in Madison, Tennessee, and thought it was a perfect fit." They thought the statement that the venue only offered same-sex marriage ceremonies a bit odd, but Gill contacted the venue's owner Jackie Daniel who appeared responsive to their inquiry and offered to set up a tour. An hour later he received a second email from Daniel, whose signature had now been changed to read: "We do not offer same-sex marriage ceremonies." In a series of emails, she said that she had some memory of speaking with Gill on the phone, but couldn't remember if he had mentioned his partner was a man. She added that she "didn't want to waste his time," going on to say, "We do not offer same-sex marriages here." Gill, TMZ writes, "told Jackie he'd let everyone in the area know that BITB was bigoted, but Jackie let him know her decision was based on her religious beliefs, saying, 'I wish you the best in life and the best future in all that you do.'" Gill wrote on Facebook: "We want to reiterate that the intent behind yesterday's post wasn't to get the business to change their mind, the point was to make people in our community aware of their business practices and make an informed decision. While the fallout from this has been unexpected, it turns out a lot of people don't like those practices and wanted to voice that." Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ?️‍??? (?: Mike Gill and Coty Heaton / Facebook)

A gay Tennessee couple thought they had found their wedding venue, especially since the owner put in an email, "We offer same-sex marriage ceremonies only." According to Pink News, Mike Gill and Coty Heaton found "Barn in the Bend, a rustic wedding venue in Madison, Tennessee, and thought it was a perfect fit." They thought the statement that the venue only offered same-sex marriage ceremonies a bit odd, but Gill contacted the venue's owner Jackie Daniel who appeared responsive to their inquiry and offered to set up a tour. An hour later he received a second email from Daniel, whose signature had now been changed to read: "We do not offer same-sex marriage ceremonies." In a series of emails, she said that she had some memory of speaking with Gill on the phone, but couldn't remember if he had mentioned his partner was a man. She added that she "didn't want to waste his time," going on to say, "We do not offer same-sex marriages here." Gill, TMZ writes, "told Jackie he'd let everyone in the area know that BITB was bigoted, but Jackie let him know her decision was based on her religious beliefs, saying, 'I wish you the best in life and the best future in all that you do.'" Gill wrote on Facebook: "We want to reiterate that the intent behind yesterday's post wasn't to get the business to change their mind, the point was to make people in our community aware of their business practices and make an informed decision. While the fallout from this has been unexpected, it turns out a lot of people don't like those practices and wanted to voice that." Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ?️‍??? (?: Mike Gill and Coty Heaton / Facebook)

@edgemedianetwork Sep 2

Lil Nas X has been awarded the inaugural Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year Award from the advocacy group The Trevor Project. The group cited Lil Nas X's "openness about struggling with his sexuality and suicidal ideation, his continued advocacy around mental health issues, and his unapologetic celebration of his queer identity." In an interview, Amit Paley, CEO and executive director at The Trevor Project, said the awareness that the "Old Town Road" artist has brought to suicide prevention and mental health has been "profound." "He has done it in a way that has resonated and impacted communities where these conversations are often taboo, but where they are so needed," Paley said. "The fact that he has been so open, so vulnerable about his mental health journey, his thoughts of suicide, he is really helping to destigmatize conversations that are too often shrouded in shame." The Trevor Project is a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention and crisis intervention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning young people. Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ????? (?: Lil Nas X / Instagram / @lilnasx)

Lil Nas X has been awarded the inaugural Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year Award from the advocacy group The Trevor Project. The group cited Lil Nas X's "openness about struggling with his sexuality and suicidal ideation, his continued advocacy around mental health issues, and his unapologetic celebration of his queer identity." In an interview, Amit Paley, CEO and executive director at The Trevor Project, said the awareness that the "Old Town Road" artist has brought to suicide prevention and mental health has been "profound." "He has done it in a way that has resonated and impacted communities where these conversations are often taboo, but where they are so needed," Paley said. "The fact that he has been so open, so vulnerable about his mental health journey, his thoughts of suicide, he is really helping to destigmatize conversations that are too often shrouded in shame." The Trevor Project is a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention and crisis intervention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning young people. Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ????? (?: Lil Nas X / Instagram / @lilnasx)

@edgemedianetwork Sep 1

In reponse to homphobic comments about the blue color of Ford's Raptor vehicle being "very gay," Ford's German branch responded with a rainbow. Dubbed the "Rainbow Raptor," Ford of Germany unveiled a rainbow adorned version of the car with a gold finish that is everything you would want in a very gay car and more. Initially the design was created just for social media, but then the company decided to build it and put it on the road in celebration of 2021 ColognePride. "The 'Very Gay' Ford Ranger Raptor was wrapped by Alphafoil, which spent 60 hours and 30 square metres of foil in creating its unique gold dust and rainbow graphics," reported IOL. Ford has a long history of supporting LGBTQ culture through cars. Twenty-three years ago, the automaker "created a truck-converted Ka with a rainbow finish for Cologne's CSD celebration in 1998," reported Motor1. Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ??️‍?? (?️: Emell D. Adolphus / @goodnightdetroit / ?: Ford Of Germany)

In reponse to homphobic comments about the blue color of Ford's Raptor vehicle being "very gay," Ford's German branch responded with a rainbow. Dubbed the "Rainbow Raptor," Ford of Germany unveiled a rainbow adorned version of the car with a gold finish that is everything you would want in a very gay car and more. Initially the design was created just for social media, but then the company decided to build it and put it on the road in celebration of 2021 ColognePride. "The 'Very Gay' Ford Ranger Raptor was wrapped by Alphafoil, which spent 60 hours and 30 square metres of foil in creating its unique gold dust and rainbow graphics," reported IOL. Ford has a long history of supporting LGBTQ culture through cars. Twenty-three years ago, the automaker "created a truck-converted Ka with a rainbow finish for Cologne's CSD celebration in 1998," reported Motor1. Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ??️‍?? (?️: Emell D. Adolphus / @goodnightdetroit / ?: Ford Of Germany)

@edgemedianetwork Sep 1

Britney Spears paid tribute to her BF Sam Asghari on Instagram with a sweet message that thanked him for his support during this difficult period in her life. The couple have been dating since 2016. "Not only has this cute asshole been with me through the hardest years of my life but he happens to be an extremely good cook," Spears wrote, alongside an emoji of a chef. She added: "Fast & Furious franchise, don't miss out on your next star," hinting to Hollywood to cast her partner in film roles. Asghari was in on the joke, responding in the comments with a cry-laughing emoji: "Yes ... F that asshole." For his part, Billboard reports, the actor/model/personal trainer "has been one of Spears' biggest champions as she fights to end the conservatorship that has controlled her finances and personal life for the last 13 years. Prior to the June hearing where Spears addressed the court in her conservatorship case for the first time, Asghari wore a "Free Britney" T-shirt and posted a lion emoji on his Instagram Story. "I have always wanted nothing but the best for my better half, and will continue to support her following her dreams and creating the future she wants and deserves," he told People magazine earlier this year. ???? (?: Sam Asghari / @samasghari / Instagram)

Britney Spears paid tribute to her BF Sam Asghari on Instagram with a sweet message that thanked him for his support during this difficult period in her life. The couple have been dating since 2016. "Not only has this cute asshole been with me through the hardest years of my life but he happens to be an extremely good cook," Spears wrote, alongside an emoji of a chef. She added: "Fast & Furious franchise, don't miss out on your next star," hinting to Hollywood to cast her partner in film roles. Asghari was in on the joke, responding in the comments with a cry-laughing emoji: "Yes ... F that asshole." For his part, Billboard reports, the actor/model/personal trainer "has been one of Spears' biggest champions as she fights to end the conservatorship that has controlled her finances and personal life for the last 13 years. Prior to the June hearing where Spears addressed the court in her conservatorship case for the first time, Asghari wore a "Free Britney" T-shirt and posted a lion emoji on his Instagram Story. "I have always wanted nothing but the best for my better half, and will continue to support her following her dreams and creating the future she wants and deserves," he told People magazine earlier this year. ???? (?: Sam Asghari / @samasghari / Instagram)

@edgemedianetwork Sep 1

From graffiti to high art, murals are some of the country's most glorious sights. Often, they reflect and honor local communities, with ever-more LGBTQ artists expressing themselves through colorful murals in cities from coast to coast. There is a risk behind mural art, however. As part of urban streetscapes, murals often are impermanent and subject to every building's and neighborhood's evolution. Even when commissioned, a mural can be lost all too easily — as was the case recently in Philadelphia, when a mural of the late LGBTQ community activist Gloria Casarez on South 12th Street was abruptly whitewashed by a real-estate developer. Fortunately, art endures. And for every lost masterpiece, more will manifest from the brushes and spray-paint cans of countless irrepressible artists. Here's a look at our favorite murals by LGBTQ artists in cities across America. Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ??️‍??️ (?️: Kelsy Chauvin / @kelsycc / ?: Matthew Wexler)

From graffiti to high art, murals are some of the country's most glorious sights. Often, they reflect and honor local communities, with ever-more LGBTQ artists expressing themselves through colorful murals in cities from coast to coast. There is a risk behind mural art, however. As part of urban streetscapes, murals often are impermanent and subject to every building's and neighborhood's evolution. Even when commissioned, a mural can be lost all too easily — as was the case recently in Philadelphia, when a mural of the late LGBTQ community activist Gloria Casarez on South 12th Street was abruptly whitewashed by a real-estate developer. Fortunately, art endures. And for every lost masterpiece, more will manifest from the brushes and spray-paint cans of countless irrepressible artists. Here's a look at our favorite murals by LGBTQ artists in cities across America. Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ??️‍??️ (?️: Kelsy Chauvin / @kelsycc / ?: Matthew Wexler)

@edgemedianetwork Aug 31

Campus Pride has announced the annual "Best of the Best" Colleges and Universities for LGBTQ+ students in the United States. "More than ever, colleges today want to be viewed as LGBTQ-friendly and a welcoming place for all students. LGBTQ students and their safety impact the recruitment efforts of the entire campus," said Shane Windmeyer, Campus Pride Executive Director. "Upper-level administrators are now understanding how LGBTQ-friendliness is key to academic success of students and the future institutional success of the campus." The announcement features 30 four-year campuses from across the country that have shown themselves to be committed to LGBTQ+ students, earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars on the Campus Pride Index, the definitive national benchmarking tool tracking LGBTQ+-friendly policies, programs, and practices. How does your school rank? The Campus Pride Index, cataloging more than 430 LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities, is available at https://www.campusprideindex.org/ - Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ??️‍?? (?: Getty)

Campus Pride has announced the annual "Best of the Best" Colleges and Universities for LGBTQ+ students in the United States. "More than ever, colleges today want to be viewed as LGBTQ-friendly and a welcoming place for all students. LGBTQ students and their safety impact the recruitment efforts of the entire campus," said Shane Windmeyer, Campus Pride Executive Director. "Upper-level administrators are now understanding how LGBTQ-friendliness is key to academic success of students and the future institutional success of the campus." The announcement features 30 four-year campuses from across the country that have shown themselves to be committed to LGBTQ+ students, earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars on the Campus Pride Index, the definitive national benchmarking tool tracking LGBTQ+-friendly policies, programs, and practices. How does your school rank? The Campus Pride Index, cataloging more than 430 LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities, is available at https://www.campusprideindex.org/ - Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ??️‍?? (?: Getty)

@edgemedianetwork Aug 31

Like many industries, tattoo culture is finally moving beyond a stereotypical white cisgender heteronormative perspective. Television studios have been capitalized on ink-obsessed viewers for years with shows like "Ink Master," "Tattoo Rescue," "Just Tattoo of Us," and dozens more. But a new feature in Vogue suggests that a new generation of LGBTQ tattoo artists and customers are shifting the paradigm. "I feel like a lot of cis men don't want to be told, 'Oh, you need to be gentler; you need to be more thoughtful and caring about how you interact,' especially when it comes to tattooing. It's such a weird masculine thing to associate pain with tattooing right off the bat," says Ink of the Diaspora founder Tann Parker in Vogue's feature. An international culture has emerged that embraces LGBTQ identities in the tattoo parlors and the type of body art that's being created. Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ?️‍????? (?: Getty)

Like many industries, tattoo culture is finally moving beyond a stereotypical white cisgender heteronormative perspective. Television studios have been capitalized on ink-obsessed viewers for years with shows like "Ink Master," "Tattoo Rescue," "Just Tattoo of Us," and dozens more. But a new feature in Vogue suggests that a new generation of LGBTQ tattoo artists and customers are shifting the paradigm. "I feel like a lot of cis men don't want to be told, 'Oh, you need to be gentler; you need to be more thoughtful and caring about how you interact,' especially when it comes to tattooing. It's such a weird masculine thing to associate pain with tattooing right off the bat," says Ink of the Diaspora founder Tann Parker in Vogue's feature. An international culture has emerged that embraces LGBTQ identities in the tattoo parlors and the type of body art that's being created. Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ?️‍????? (?: Getty)

@edgemedianetwork Aug 30

With the recent release of "Respect," the hotly anticipated, long in-the-works biopic about Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson — already an Oscar winner for "Dreamgirls" — is again on the receiving end of a whole lot of early Oscar buzz. But the film itself isn't quite garnering the same acclaim, with most critics writing that "Respect" falls into the same kinds of standard musical biopic traps that have always plagued the genre: Overly formulaic cliches that don't do justice to their subject matter. Electric performances in films like these have transcended their respective films before, in things like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Ray," and, most recently, "The United States vs. Billie Holliday," so there is still a chance that Hudson's career-best performance could earn her a second Oscar nomination next year. However, not all musical biopics are substandard fare. Here are five films about real-life musicians that transcend the limitations of the genre and have kept the bar exceptionally high. Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ??️?️ (?️: Chris Ehlers / ?: Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin in "Respect")

With the recent release of "Respect," the hotly anticipated, long in-the-works biopic about Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson — already an Oscar winner for "Dreamgirls" — is again on the receiving end of a whole lot of early Oscar buzz. But the film itself isn't quite garnering the same acclaim, with most critics writing that "Respect" falls into the same kinds of standard musical biopic traps that have always plagued the genre: Overly formulaic cliches that don't do justice to their subject matter. Electric performances in films like these have transcended their respective films before, in things like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Ray," and, most recently, "The United States vs. Billie Holliday," so there is still a chance that Hudson's career-best performance could earn her a second Oscar nomination next year. However, not all musical biopics are substandard fare. Here are five films about real-life musicians that transcend the limitations of the genre and have kept the bar exceptionally high. Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ??️?️ (?️: Chris Ehlers / ?: Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin in "Respect")

@edgemedianetwork Aug 30

The freshest style in decor these days is ... mixing styles. Traditional and contemporary often work well together. Think abstract art with an overstuffed chaise, or an 18th century-style toile wallpaper with an '80s-era lamp. The appeal is in the pleasing tension between the styles; sophisticated, artsy, yet livable. The latest throwback trend comes, as usual, from pop culture. Binge-worthy TV series like "Outlander" and "Bridgerton" have inspired Pinterest boards filled with tartan pillows, William Morris patterns, stag antler lighting, copper soaking tubs, silver candlesticks and daybeds. Wave a feathered fan at "Regencycore." What "Mad Men" did for midcentury modern, these recent period series have done for early 19th century aesthetics, characterized by elements like tufted sofas, oversize mirrors, chandeliers, gilded accents, and colorful floral or Oriental prints. Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ?️‍??️?? (?: Artaic's Dramati Turquoise from the Ornamental & Damask Collection / AP)

The freshest style in decor these days is ... mixing styles. Traditional and contemporary often work well together. Think abstract art with an overstuffed chaise, or an 18th century-style toile wallpaper with an '80s-era lamp. The appeal is in the pleasing tension between the styles; sophisticated, artsy, yet livable. The latest throwback trend comes, as usual, from pop culture. Binge-worthy TV series like "Outlander" and "Bridgerton" have inspired Pinterest boards filled with tartan pillows, William Morris patterns, stag antler lighting, copper soaking tubs, silver candlesticks and daybeds. Wave a feathered fan at "Regencycore." What "Mad Men" did for midcentury modern, these recent period series have done for early 19th century aesthetics, characterized by elements like tufted sofas, oversize mirrors, chandeliers, gilded accents, and colorful floral or Oriental prints. Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ?️‍??️?? (?: Artaic's Dramati Turquoise from the Ornamental & Damask Collection / AP)

@edgemedianetwork Aug 30

Serge Onik, best known for his appearances on the competition show "So You Think You Can Dance" and the 2021 film "In the Heights," has died at 33, reported E! News. "He was an amazing dancer with a huge heart and he touched the lives of everyone who met him," said Jim Keith, president of The Movement Talent Agency, in a statement. "He will be truly missed. This is a sad day for us at the agency and for the dance community as a whole. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family at this time." Onik's other notable television credits included "Agent Carter," "Bones" and "Jane the Virgin." "My heart is broken. Besides being such an incredible talent, you were a great friend," said TV host Kristyn Burtt in an Instagram post. "You will be so missed, @sergeonik." After appearing in Lin-Manuel Miranda's movie adaptation of "In The Heights," Onik expressed his humble gratitude to be a part of the project. "It's such a privilege to be part of a movie that represents the cultures and peoples and dance genre that basically raised me and I owe my whole everything to," he wrote in part on June 15. "Working with this choreo team aka the dream team." Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork #RIP ❤️?️‍? (?️: Emell D. Adolphus / @goodnightdetroit / ?: Serge Onik / Instagram)

Serge Onik, best known for his appearances on the competition show "So You Think You Can Dance" and the 2021 film "In the Heights," has died at 33, reported E! News. "He was an amazing dancer with a huge heart and he touched the lives of everyone who met him," said Jim Keith, president of The Movement Talent Agency, in a statement. "He will be truly missed. This is a sad day for us at the agency and for the dance community as a whole. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family at this time." Onik's other notable television credits included "Agent Carter," "Bones" and "Jane the Virgin." "My heart is broken. Besides being such an incredible talent, you were a great friend," said TV host Kristyn Burtt in an Instagram post. "You will be so missed, @sergeonik." After appearing in Lin-Manuel Miranda's movie adaptation of "In The Heights," Onik expressed his humble gratitude to be a part of the project. "It's such a privilege to be part of a movie that represents the cultures and peoples and dance genre that basically raised me and I owe my whole everything to," he wrote in part on June 15. "Working with this choreo team aka the dream team." Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork #RIP ❤️?️‍? (?️: Emell D. Adolphus / @goodnightdetroit / ?: Serge Onik / Instagram)

@edgemedianetwork Aug 30

EDGE is always growing. Stay in touch for possible job opportunities while keeping up to date on the latest LGBTQ news, entertainment and more by following us on LinkedIN. ?️‍??

@edgemedianetwork Aug 29

@edgemedianetwork

EDGE is always growing. Stay in touch for possible job opportunities while keeping up to date on the latest LGBTQ news, entertainment and more by following us on LinkedIN. ?️‍??

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