Latest news with #LoveisLove
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
5 Democratic senators protest Trump Kennedy Center takeover with gay pride concert
A group of five Democratic senators reportedly protested President Trump's unprecedented overhaul of the Kennedy Center by hosting a gay pride concert. The performance, dubbed 'Love is Love' and first reported by The New York Times, was held Monday night at a theater inside the Washington performing arts institution and included pro-LGBTQ songs and monologues. Sen. John Hickenlooper (Colo.) — one of the five Democrats behind the event — said in a statement, 'What's happening in the world is deeply concerning, but even in our darkest hours, we must continue to seek out the light.' The Monday concert, which came during Pride Month, aimed to 'honor the role that the freedom of expression and the theatrical arts play in continuing to expand LGBTQ rights in America,' Hickenlooper said. The musical performance was also hosted by Sens. Tammy Baldwin (Wis.), Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), Brian Schatz (Hawaii) and Jacky Rosen (Nev.). 'As the Trump administration keeps up its hateful attacks on LGBTQ+ Americans, we're meeting their bigotry with resilience and joy,' Warren said. The concert came after Trump put himself in charge of the Kennedy Center in February, naming himself chair after accusing the arts hub of being too 'woke.' He appointed his envoy for special missions, Richard Grenell, as its president. Several artists, including producers of the Broadway musical 'Hamilton,' canceled plans to perform at the Kennedy Center amid Trump's takeover. 'Hamilton' lead producer Jeffrey Seller said in March that the Kennedy Center was a 'sacred' setting that should be 'protected from politics.' Seller helped organize Monday's concert hosted by the senators. 'This is our way of reoccupying the Kennedy Center,' he told the Times. Grenell ripped the move Monday, calling it a 'political stunt' and saying in a statement that organizers were 'refusing to perform for audience members who don't share their personal politics' and attempting to 'cosplay as victims of intolerance.' Grenell said Hickenlooper's staff requested to rent one of the theaters at the Kennedy Center for 'what his team billed as a first annual talent show' and 'we were pleased to welcome them to the Kennedy Center in this capacity.' Instead, Grenell said, the Kennedy Center was 'used by political operatives to larp as victims of intolerance in order to get a story in the Times.' 'No one has been cancelled by the Kennedy Center; we welcome everyone who wants to celebrate the arts, including our compatriots on the other side of the political aisle,' Grenell said. 'We especially welcome artists and audience members who come to the Kennedy Center not for partisan political pranks but to experience excellence in the performing arts,' he said. Updated at 11:05 a.m. EDT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hill
5 Dem senators protest Trump Kennedy Center takeover with gay pride concert
A group of five Democratic senators reportedly protested President Trump's unprecedented overhaul of the Kennedy Center by hosting a gay pride concert. The performance, dubbed 'Love is Love,' was held Monday night at a theater inside the Washington performing arts institution and included pro-LGBTQ songs and monologues, according to The New York Times. Sen. John Hickenlooper (Colo.) — one of the five Democrats behind the event — told the publication, 'What's happening in the world is deeply concerning, but even in our darkest hours, we must continue to seek out the light.' 'The LGBTQ community has long embodied this resilience, maintaining joy and creativity in the face of adversity,' Hickenlooper said about the performance, which was also hosted by Sens. Tammy Baldwin (Wisc.), Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), Brian Schatz (Hawaii) and Jacky Rosen (Nev.). Hickenlooper's office didn't immediately return ITK's request for further comment about the event, which was held during Pride Month. The concert came after Trump put himself in charge of the Kennedy Center in February, naming himself chairman after accusing the arts hub of being too 'woke.' He appointed his envoy for special missions, Richard Grenell, as its president. Several artists, including producers of the Broadway musical 'Hamilton,' canceled plans to perform at the Kennedy Center amid Trump's takeover. 'Hamilton' lead producer Jeffrey Seller said in March that the Kennedy Center was a 'sacred' setting that should be 'protected from politics.' Seller helped organize Monday's concert hosted by the senators, The New York Times reported. 'This is our way of reoccupying the Kennedy Center,' Seller told the paper. Grenell ripped the move on Monday, calling it a 'political stunt' and saying in a statement that organizers were 'refusing to perform for audience members who don't share their personal politics' and attempting to 'cosplay as victims of intolerance.' Grenell said that Hickenlooper's staff requested to rent one of the theaters at the Kennedy Center for 'what his team billed as a first annual talent show' and 'we were pleased to welcome them to the Kennedy Center in this capacity.' Instead, Grenell said, the Kennedy Center was 'used by political operatives to larp as victims of intolerance in order to get a story in the Times.' 'No one has been cancelled by the Kennedy Center; we welcome everyone who wants to celebrate the arts, including our compatriots on the other side of the political aisle,' Grenell said. 'We especially welcome artists and audience members who come to the Kennedy Center not for partisan political pranks but to experience excellence in the performing arts,' he said.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Our Favorite Beauty Brands Just Happen To Be Queer-Owned—Here's What To Shop From Them During Pride Month
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." It's officially Pride month, which means there's no better time to support and shop from LGBTQIA+ owned and founded brands (even though you should definitely be doing that for the LGBTQIA+ community isn't limited to 30 days, people!) To celebrate these incredible brands and founders, many of whom also give back to LGBTQIA+ charities, we're highlighting all things beauty. Think: a queer-owned press-on nail brand with the chicest designs (and brand founder) and unique summer fragrances that'll turn heads and rack up compliments wherever you go. Ahead, we've rounded up the best LGBTQ-founded beauty brands guaranteed to elevate your vanity and all your summer glam moments. "I think I tell someone to try Quickies press-on nails once a day, if not more," says beauty editor Beth Gillette. Prior to Quickies, founder Bailey Stanworth was constantly getting gel manicures, but had to stop when COVID shut down nail salons. Her answer was developing her own press-ons that were similar to the trendy designs she'd get done at the salon, which she eventually turned into a whole brand in 2021. "I really love how many different shapes and lengths are offered," Gillette continues. "The mini length is fantastic for me, since I like to keep my nails quite short—lesbian core, TBH." Plus, $1 of every single order is donated to LGBTQ+ foundations all year round. Quickies even launched a whole Pride collection, featuring new press-ons (like the Love is Love set that I'm currently obsessed with) and cute tees and tanks. "My faves overall, though, are the mini length sets, which I've pretty much exclusively worn for the past few months," says Out is beloved for their overnight pimple patches, but I just want to note that the founders are the cutest couple I've ever met in my life. Enrico Frezza hails from Milan (thick Italian accent and all), and he and his husband, Junior Scott Pence, created the brand a decade ago to help acne-prone skin. Peace Out offers a bunch of different treatment patches, including Dark Spot Brightening Dots to Early Stage Pimple Patches that target baby blemishes (the Early Stage patches are a 2024 Cosmo Acne Award for their ability to shrink and calm breakouts). There's no better time to stock up on queer-owned Boy Smells than now. And no, it's not just because it's Pride Month. The cult-favorite brand can be credited for birthing a candle renaissance a few years back with their iconic LES scent and collabs with celebs like Kacey Musgraves. Recently, they launched a major rebrand featuring revamped scents and fresh takes on their beloved candles. Oh, and did we mention they're more affordable now? We love a thoughtful, consumer-forward glow-up. And for that, this is a brand to support well beyond June. If I'm gonna trust anyone with my face, it's gonna be Patrick Starrr. The celeb makeup artist and licensed aesthetician knows glam like nobody else—and his brand, One/Size, proves it. Home to Beyoncé's go-to setting spray, longwear complexion heroes, and makeup that always delivers, this line is made for everybody (hence the name). Whether you're going full drag glam or keeping it minimal, the formulas are that flexible. The viral On 'Til Dawn formula was also crowned best setting spray in Cosmo's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards for its impressive staying power. It's a favorite of Gillette, she calls it her "going out secret weapon." Here at Cosmo we've loved Mara Beauty long before knowing founder Allison McNamara was queer. The Sea Sculpt Body Oil is a two-time Cosmo Clean Beauty Award winner. "It's great for smoothing, firming, and nourishing skin thanks to marine actives like kelp sea oil and plankton,' says beauty director Lauren Balsamo. The underlying theme of the entire brand is algae, which is infused into every product with a proprietary blend hand-collected in Ireland and France that's loaded with minerals and vitamins your skin loves. Cool, right? "Every product I've tested is fire, but my absolute favorite is the new Pearl Peptide Glaze Hydrating & Brightening Facial Essence, which makes my skin sooooo glowy," says Gillette. David Yi is not only the author of Pretty Boys; a writer for Vogue, WWD, GQ, and more publications; and a GLAAD and Webby nominee—he's also the founder of Good Light (and an editor for the brand's media platform, Very Good Light). As a non-binary, queer founder, he's created a brand that works to also exist beyond the binary. All of the brand's skincare products, marketing, and imagery are gender inclusive. Also, 1 percent of all sales are donated to True Colors United, an organization focused on helping LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness. Winner of a Cosmopolitan Acne Award, the Alphabet Oil is fantastic for moisturizing skin without clogging pores. "I never thought I could be a face oil person with my acne-prone skin, but I'm a changed woman after testing this lightweight formula." says Gillette. "After using it for months, I can confidently say it hasn't clogged my pores or led to breakouts—but even better, it's made my skin seriously glowy and soft.' Obvi, we love that Undefined Beauty is helmed by an LGBTQIA+, Black founder... but we also really love that its big focus is on being a clean, conscious brand too. Their products make skincare feel simpler (you won't see complicated product names that don't explain what they'll do for your skin), all using a mix of plant-based botanicals and active ingredients that are proven to work. Super cool, though: They partner with female-founded, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ businesses across their supply chain. "I love the whole line," says Gillette, "but I'm partial to the sunscreens, specifically the SPF 50 Sun Serum." Beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson named their Sun Elixir one of the best SPFs for deep skin. "It's unlike anything I've tried—a broad spectrum chemical SPF 50 that's literally transparent magic on melanin-rich skin," she writes. "It glides on like silk, hydrates like a serum, and protects like a boss." Hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons is known for his work on Khloe Kardashian, Madonna, Demi Moore, Megan Fox, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey—you name the diva, he's probably worked on their hair. And on every single client, he's used his eponymous haircare line, complete with shampoos, conditioners, texture spray, curl cream, hairspray, and leave-ins. "I've been using this line since it first launched—when I was a baby beauty editor, no less—and it's become a mainstay in my fine hair routine," says Gillette. "My go-to is the Body Volume Blow Dry Hold Spray, which makes it look like I have genuinely double the amount of hair I actually have, and with the Aprés Sexe Texture Spray, it's a match made in heaven for a big blowout." Not to mention, Fitzsimons' brand is hella dedicated to giving back, especially to the trans community. They partner with the Trans Wellness Center and London LGBTQ+ Community Center by sending product donations, plus the brand also offers all of their retail partners pronoun training workshops for store associates. If you're looking to step into the world of all things at-home LED, Solawave is one of the best places to start (especially if you're looking to support a queer brand). I'm personally obsessed with the brand's Red Light Wand, which won a Cosmo Holy Grail Award (it's ideal for on-the-go LED and targeting small areas) and their innovative product lineup of eye, face, neck, and chest devices. The LED Eye Mask recently won a 2025 Holy Grail Award for its quick three-minute treatment time and ability to address crow's feet, puffiness, and dark under-eyes. Solawave makes once-pricey treatments that were only available during in-office appointments, actually accessible. And for that, we have no choice but to stan. Founded by two West End dancers, AKT London first launched a deodorant (it's a 2025 Clean Beauty Award winner) that was clean and truly effective for all-day activity. The brand has now expanded into all types of bodycare, including scrubs and washes, elevating our shower experiences immensely. Balsamo is obsessed with the brand's new scrub, saying that it "makes my skin so soft and smooth and is a delight to use in the shower." Not to mention, every product smells incredible too, so I'd even argue the products can double as a signature scent. You Might Also Like Here's What NOT to Wear to a Wedding Meet the Laziest, Easiest Acne Routine You'll Ever Try
Cosmopolitan
04-06-2025
- Business
- Cosmopolitan
The Top LGBTQIA+ Beauty Brands To Shop in 2025, Per Cosmo Editors
It's officially Pride month, which means there's no better time to support and shop from LGBTQIA+ owned and founded brands (even though you should definitely be doing that for the LGBTQIA+ community isn't limited to 30 days, people!) To celebrate these incredible brands and founders, many of whom also give back to LGBTQIA+ charities, we're highlighting all things beauty. Think: a queer-owned press-on nail brand with the chicest designs (and brand founder) and unique summer fragrances that'll turn heads and rack up compliments wherever you go. Ahead, we've rounded up the best LGBTQ-founded beauty brands guaranteed to elevate your vanity and all your summer glam moments. "I think I tell someone to try Quickies press-on nails once a day, if not more," says beauty editor Beth Gillette. Prior to Quickies, founder Bailey Stanworth was constantly getting gel manicures, but had to stop when COVID shut down nail salons. Her answer was developing her own press-ons that were similar to the trendy designs she'd get done at the salon, which she eventually turned into a whole brand in 2021. "I really love how many different shapes and lengths are offered," Gillette continues. "The mini length is fantastic for me, since I like to keep my nails quite short—lesbian core, TBH." Plus, $1 of every single order is donated to LGBTQ+ foundations all year round. Quickies even launched a whole Pride collection, featuring new press-ons (like the Love is Love set that I'm currently obsessed with) and cute tees and tanks. "My faves overall, though, are the mini length sets, which I've pretty much exclusively worn for the past few months," says Gillette. Peace Out Skincare Peace Out is beloved for their overnight pimple patches, but I just want to note that the founders are the cutest couple I've ever met in my life. Enrico Frezza hails from Milan (thick Italian accent and all), and he and his husband, Junior Scott Pence, created the brand a decade ago to help acne-prone skin. Peace Out offers a bunch of different treatment patches, including Dark Spot Brightening Dots to Early Stage Pimple Patches that target baby blemishes (the Early Stage patches are a 2024 Cosmo Acne Award for their ability to shrink and calm breakouts). There's no better time to stock up on queer-owned Boy Smells than now. And no, it's not just because it's Pride Month. The cult-favorite brand can be credited for birthing a candle renaissance a few years back with their iconic LES scent and collabs with celebs like Kacey Musgraves. Recently, they launched a major rebrand featuring revamped scents and fresh takes on their beloved candles. Oh, and did we mention they're more affordable now? We love a thoughtful, consumer-forward glow-up. And for that, this is a brand to support well beyond June. If I'm gonna trust anyone with my face, it's gonna be Patrick Starrr. The celeb makeup artist and licensed aesthetician knows glam like nobody else—and his brand, One/Size, proves it. Home to Beyoncé's go-to setting spray, longwear complexion heroes, and makeup that always delivers, this line is made for everybody (hence the name). Whether you're going full drag glam or keeping it minimal, the formulas are that flexible. The viral On 'Til Dawn formula was also crowned best setting spray in Cosmo's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards for its impressive staying power. It's a favorite of Gillette, she calls it her "going out secret weapon." Here at Cosmo we've loved Mara Beauty long before knowing founder Allison McNamara was queer. The Sea Sculpt Body Oil is a two-time Cosmo Clean Beauty Award winner. "It's great for smoothing, firming, and nourishing skin thanks to marine actives like kelp sea oil and plankton,' says beauty director Lauren Balsamo. The underlying theme of the entire brand is algae, which is infused into every product with a proprietary blend hand-collected in Ireland and France that's loaded with minerals and vitamins your skin loves. Cool, right? "Every product I've tested is fire, but my absolute favorite is the new Pearl Peptide Glaze Hydrating & Brightening Facial Essence, which makes my skin sooooo glowy," says Gillette. David Yi is not only the author of Pretty Boys; a writer for Vogue, WWD, GQ, and more publications; and a GLAAD and Webby nominee—he's also the founder of Good Light (and an editor for the brand's media platform, Very Good Light). As a non-binary, queer founder, he's created a brand that works to also exist beyond the binary. All of the brand's skincare products, marketing, and imagery are gender inclusive. Also, 1 percent of all sales are donated to True Colors United, an organization focused on helping LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness. Winner of a Cosmopolitan Acne Award, the Alphabet Oil is fantastic for moisturizing skin without clogging pores. "I never thought I could be a face oil person with my acne-prone skin, but I'm a changed woman after testing this lightweight formula." says Gillette. "After using it for months, I can confidently say it hasn't clogged my pores or led to breakouts—but even better, it's made my skin seriously glowy and soft.' Obvi, we love that Undefined Beauty is helmed by an LGBTQIA+, Black founder... but we also really love that its big focus is on being a clean, conscious brand too. Their products make skincare feel simpler (you won't see complicated product names that don't explain what they'll do for your skin), all using a mix of plant-based botanicals and active ingredients that are proven to work. Super cool, though: They partner with female-founded, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ businesses across their supply chain. "I love the whole line," says Gillette, "but I'm partial to the sunscreens, specifically the SPF 50 Sun Serum." Beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson named their Sun Elixir one of the best SPFs for deep skin. "It's unlike anything I've tried—a broad spectrum chemical SPF 50 that's literally sheer magic on melanin-rich skin," she writes. "It glides on like silk, hydrates like a serum, and protects like a boss." Hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons is known for his work on Khloe Kardashian, Madonna, Demi Moore, Megan Fox, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey—you name the diva, he's probably worked on their hair. And on every single client, he's used his eponymous haircare line, complete with shampoos, conditioners, texture spray, curl cream, hairspray, and leave-ins. "I've been using this line since it first launched—when I was a baby beauty editor, no less—and it's become a mainstay in my fine hair routine," says Gillette. "My go-to is the Body Volume Blow Dry Hold Spray, which makes it look like I have genuinely double the amount of hair I actually have, and with the Aprés Sexe Texture Spray, it's a match made in heaven for a big blowout." Not to mention, Fitzsimons' brand is hella dedicated to giving back, especially to the trans community. They partner with the Trans Wellness Center and London LGBTQ+ Community Center by sending product donations, plus the brand also offers all of their retail partners pronoun training workshops for store associates. If you're looking to step into the world of all things at-home LED, Solawave is one of the best places to start (especially if you're looking to support a queer brand). I'm personally obsessed with the brand's Red Light Wand, which won a Cosmo Holy Grail Award (it's ideal for on-the-go LED and targeting small areas) and their innovative product lineup of eye, face, neck, and chest devices. The LED Eye Mask recently won a 2025 Holy Grail Award for its quick three-minute treatment time and ability to address crow's feet, puffiness, and dark under-eyes. Solawave makes once-pricey treatments that were only available during in-office appointments, actually accessible. And for that, we have no choice but to stan. Founded by two West End dancers, AKT London first launched a deodorant (it's a 2025 Clean Beauty Award winner) that was clean and truly effective for all-day activity. The brand has now expanded into all types of bodycare, including scrubs and washes, elevating our shower experiences immensely. Balsamo is obsessed with the brand's new scrub, saying that it "makes my skin so soft and smooth and is a delight to use in the shower." Not to mention, every product smells incredible too, so I'd even argue the products can double as a signature scent. Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You'll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it's usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles' entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
Business Journals
22-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
North Baltimore's Belvedere Square adds 4 new tenants
The new tenants, selling pretzels, Moroccan dishes and more, are joining the market as other food halls across the city are struggling. Story Highlights Belvedere Square Market's food hall will reach full capacity with new tenants. Four new businesses are joining Belvedere Square, including an LGBTQ boutique and a pretzel shop. The market's success contrasts with other local markets facing tenant turnover. A North Baltimore shopping development recently welcomed two tenants and has two more on the way, bringing its food hall to full capacity as markets around the city have struggled with turnover and vacancies. The latest additions to Belvedere Square, including an LGBTQ-themed boutique and a pretzel shop, will take up two retail storefronts and two stalls within the development's food hall, Belvedere Square Market. Henry Deford, a senior vice president and principal at MacKenzie Retail, said the food hall portion of the development is now fully leased with 11 tenants. The shopping complex's newcomers include pretzel stand B'More Twist, Love is Love boutique, Moroccan food and juice bar Kesh & Fresh and Munchies Cafe. Love is Love became the first of the new tenants to open in March, in an approximately 1,800-square-foot storefront near the market. The boutique sells gifts, greeting cards, clothing and pet items geared toward the LGBTQ community, allies and pet lovers. B'More Twist, which sells pretzels, lemonade and tea, debuted inside the food hall at the beginning of April. The pretzel stand also has a new location at Lexington Market. Kesh & Fresh is slated to open in the food hall by early June. Munchies Cafe, which will sell gourmet burgers and wings, will occupy a larger storefront on York Road, with hopes of opening sometime in June or this summer, according to Deford. 'Everybody is excited to have new, attractive options inside the market,' he said. 'There's really no missing category, in our opinion, right now.' The tenants range from businesses that have been in the area for some time — such as Love is Love, which had a previous stint in Hampden — and those that are relocating to Baltimore. Kesh & Fresh previously appeared at farmers markets in Northern Virginia, and the Belvedere Square Market stall will be its first brick-and-mortar, Deford said. The market's latest tenants add to a roster of newcomers from last year. Fusion taco spot Pono Taco, from the team behind Clark Burger across the street, took over the stall formerly home to Ejji Ramen, which closed in early 2024. Bonjour Crepes joined the market in October. The food hall and retail hub is also home to Atwater's, Prigel Family Creamery, Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls, Thai Landing, Koba Korean BBQ and Neopol Savory Smokery. Belvedere Square Market is not the only local market that has seen tenants come and go in waves in recent months. Three vendors left Broadway Market in Fells Point at the beginning of the year, but the Baltimore Public Markets Corp. has plans to fill those spaces soon.
