Associate Editor of OutClique. Writer for PRIDE. Buffalo wing aficionado. Traveler. Former hairy drag queen. Carrie Bradshaw wannabe. Home is New York City.
We scoured the internet for some really gay gifts! Here are 20 presents that will make your loved one scream, "Yas queen!" when they open them. From sex toys to cute prints, to snarky mugs to Looking relics, our guide has it all.
Cosmos and doggy coats for Valentine's Day? Yes, please!
Courtesy OTR Premium Cocktails; Courtesy of Marie-Adélina de la Ferrière; Courtesy BONDIR
Marie-Adélina, your Lovable Trans Auntie, has you covered with gift ideas this Valentine's Day.
Courtesy OTR Premium Cocktails; Courtesy of Marie-Adélina de la Ferrière; Courtesy BONDIR
Valentine's Day is the annual reminder that love is in the air…or, at the very least, all over your Instagram feed. But while some are lost in a whirlwind of prix-fixe menus and heart-shaped everything, I like to think of it as a day for pleasure in all its forms. Whether you're indulging in romance or friendship or a little me, myself, and I time–who can forget about self-love?–you deserve gifts that make your heart race. So, from sultry scents to a celebration of queer history, luxury lube to the perfect lip, here are my Lovable Things for this Valentine's Day.
Because love should always come with a little extra sparkle.
There's something about applying a bold red lip. And when it's MAC Viva Glam, it screams main character energy. But it's not just about the look. With every cent raised toward supporting and empowering marginalized groups, this is the sexiest way to give back while looking absolutely kissable.
Sexy doesn't always have to involve lace and frills—it can mean feeling good in your own skin. Woxer's inclusive and ethical line is made for every body, serving up comfort and confidence in equal measure. Whether you're lounging solo or undressing for a special occasion, these are a must-have.
If Cupid wore sneakers now, they'd look like these: Freshy is bright, bold, and never skimps on comfort, turning every sidewalk into your personal runway. Who needs a Valentine when you've got fresh kicks?
Forget roses: this is the bouquet we need. In Flamboyants, prolific writer George M. Johnson celebrates the unsung queer icons of the Harlem Renaissance, from writers to performers to activists whose legacies have been hidden from history's fine print. Whether gifting this to a young dreamer or adding it to your own must-read stack, this is a love letter to the culture that shaped us.
If love had a scent, I imagine it would be this: warm almond biscotti fresh out of the oven lingering in the air to romance your senses. Radiant Light Candle Company's candle (also available as a spray) transforms your home into the coziest, most romantic café with no reservations required.
There's nothing wrong with showing your friends some love! This candle set from Bijou Candles takes inspiration from the hit '97 film. The Romy candle is a juicy blend of peach, sweet fig, and vanilla orchid, while the Michele is a dream mix of peach, apple, and orange mixed with lilac and must. Light them up, grab your bestie, and relive the magic of making your own rules.
I firmly believe Valentine's Day is also an occasion to spoil the four-legged loves in your life. Bondir's Bordeaux Wool Tweed Vest is pet fashion at its finest, blending classic wool tweed with luxe leather and cozy details that meet high fashion. Plus, you can buy a human jacket to serve matching looks this season and beyond!
Love may give you a glow, but hydration keeps it there. The Rosehip Hibiscus Face Creme from Wholesome Hippy is a love letter to the skin, designed to hydrate, heal, and tone. Because the only thing that should look tired is your ex's attempt at a late-night text. Dewy, fresh, and revitalized? Now, that's a love story worth celebrating.
Nothing says romance and mischief quite like a Cosmo, and On The Rocks Premium Cocktail has you covered. Infused with Effen Vodka, the ready-made Cosmopolitan cocktail is a perfectly balanced mix of sophistication and ease. Just pour it into an iced glass and toast to love, friendship, or another fabulous night of being you. (Please drink responsibly; must be legal drinking age to purchase.)
For the nights when flowers and chocolates aren't quite enough. Flying solo or entertaining a partner (or partners—Auntie doesn't judge), Überlube is the gold standard in luxury lubrication. No sticky residue, no weird fragrances, just pure, high-quality glide for whatever adventures the night may bring.
Celebrate Valentine's Day Your Way!
Courtesy OTR Premium Cocktails; Courtesy of Marie-Adélina de la Ferrière; Courtesy BONDIR
Valentine's Day is what you make of it, from a candlelit dinner for two to sweating it out on the dance floor or a cozy night spent spoiling yourself. So slip into something comfortable (or nothing at all), put on some music, and remember: the best love story this Valentine's Day is the one you write for yourself.
And take it from Auntie, you deserve a happy ending.
Images Courtesy: Jen Bonin @jen_bonin_pvd; Ryan Welch @rywelchy; Andre Duran @andreduranphoto
40 Stunning Snaps of Providence's Queer Scene Sleighing the Holidays!Images Courtesy: Jen Bonin @jen_bonin_pvd; Ryan Welch @rywelchy; Andre Duran @andreduranphoto
Who says the smallest state can't throw the biggest party? Providence's LGBTQ+ scene turned up the sparkle and served fierce all holiday season, proving once again they're not just about good times, they're also about giving back. These images capture the magic of drag queens jingling all the way, dance floors packed with holiday cheer, and events that doubled as fundraisers. Because in this community, it’s all about serving looks and serving love. Take a peek - you’ll wish you’d been there to slay the holidays with them!
Footage stills via TikTok @americanballettheatre; @tgeyl123; @lukatheseamonster
The rats are back, and they are sexier than ever! Yes, you read that correctly.
You may think going to see The Nutcracker is a wholesome way to spend the holiday season, but it turns out, behind the scenes, these ballet dancers are sexy AF, even in rat costumes!
It’s become a bit of a tradition on TikTok that every winter, the rats from the beloved Christmas ballet The Nutcracker make videos featuring them dancing to modern songs, but this year, ballet dancers across the country went all out.
Dubbed “RatTok,” ballet dancers from different companies all over the U.S. have taken part in the tradition this year by posting videos of themselves decked out in Mouse King — affectionately dubbed “Rat King” — costumes while dancing to pop songs.
Earlier this month, the American Ballet Theatre posted a now-viral TikTok of Mouse King dancer Cy Doherty and his rodent royalty Melvin Lawovi and Andrew Robare swinging their hips to Beyoncé’s “Diva” while one of them twerks and swings their tail.
The originals are back 🥱 #RatTok #AmericanBalletTheatre Featuring: Cy Doherty 👑, Melvin Lawovi 🐀 and Andrew Robare 🐀
The video has already racked up 5 million views at the time of publication, and while ABT may have started the trend, ballet companies from all over have equally funny and smoking hot TikToks, too.
In case you’re wondering how a male ballet dancer with a giant rat suit could be sexy: first, their dance moves are amazing (and will make you giggle), and second, their pants are frequently skin tight and leave little to the imagination.
Plus, now it’s not just the Rat King who’s making an appearance on your FYP; sexy toy soldiers and one “dad” have gotten in on the action too, with sinfully hawt videos of their own.
Keep scrolling to see the best (and thirstiest!) “RatTok” videos!
Serving on and off the stage 🫡 … but fr we almost missed our entrance on stage 😅 #late #priorities #professional? #ballet #nutcracker #soldiers @Joseph @ethan.mrmacovski @josh douglas⸆⸉
We have been blessed with a lot of incredible, moving, important gay movies over the years. But all too often they leave you in tears rather than with a spark of hope in your heart.. Despite some depressing representations, it’s also important to see happy reflections of gay life in media. Fortunately, gay movies with happy endingsdo exist, and we've got 20 of them right here — plus where you can stream them today.
1. Red, White & Royal Blue
Amazon Prime
Red, White, and Royal Blue is a sweet and charming rom-com that you can stream right now. It follows a growing love affair between the son of the President of the United States and a Prince of England. Although it didn’t deserve the rating it got, it’s a cute and heartwarming movie that reminds you about the power of gay love.
Where to stream: Prime Video
2. God's Own Country
Orion Pictures
A young, trouble farmer falls in love with a Romanian migrant worker in 2017’s God’s Own Country. Their relationship grows in Yorkshire, and the visuals in this film are incredible. Outside of that, the story is vulnerable and warm and this is a movie that will leave you smiling for days.
Where to stream: AMC+, Roku, Hula, Kanopy, PlutoTV
3. Were the World Mine
SPEAKproductions
If you didn’t think A Midsummer Nights Dream could get any gayer, you haven’t seen Were the World Mine. This 2008 musical has some killer songs that were never given their proper chance to shine. The story follows a gay high school student who discovers a love potion to make his small town more accepting and open minded, and this is a great film to watch anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Where to stream: Tubi, Roku, Kanopy
4. Handsome Devil
Treasure Entertainment
Handsome Devil is a 2016film that depicts what it’s like to be gay at an all boys boarding school. The movie takes on some pretty deep topics like masculinity in sports, but does so with a sense of humor. In the end, the film reminds us all that it gets better, and sometimes that’s all we need.
Where to stream: Peacock, Tubi, Kanopy, Plex, Vudu
5. Pride
Pathé
Pride is a 2014 film that tells the true story of a group of gays in lesbians in 1980s London who team up to raise money for Welsh coal miners. One of the best parts is seeing what the characters achieve throughout their lives and offers a deeper understanding into how people from different backgrounds can come together and care for each other.
Where to stream: Hulu
6. To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar is one of the most iconic staples in gay film (seriously, if you haven’t seen it, stop right now and fix that). This film covers everything from discrimination to community support. This humorous and heartwarming movie teaches us all we need to know about self-acceptance, friendship, and the power of individuality and inclusivity.
Where to stream: Starz
7. Fire Island
Fire Island hit the streamwaves on Hulu in 2022 and took the gays by storm. One of the more compelling love stories is between Charlie and Howie, with the tension between the two of them rising for the whole movie. Although there was no exact confirmation on what happened with the two after the movie ended, we’re still there for that final kiss.
Where to stream: Hulu
8. Moonlight
Moonlight isn’t exactly a “fun” movie, but it ultimately becomes an uplifting coming-of-age tale that explores the sexuality and identity of the main character, Chiron. Despite some of the roadbumps along the way, Chiron finds support and love within the community that raised him, and the ending scene of Chiron learning to accept himself for who he is and to love who he wants knows exactly how to tug at the heart strings.
Where to stream: Kanopy, Prime Video for rent
9. Beautiful Thing
The 1996 British film Beautiful Thing follows Jamie, a teenage boy who is infatuated with his classmate, Ste. While Jamie is bullied in school, Ste is dealing with an abuse at home. Jamie’s mother, Sandra, offers Ste an escape from his alcoholic father, which results in Jamie and Ste sharing a bed and a kiss. While Sandra is initially shocked by her son’s relationship, she comes to accept it. The final scene shows Ste and Jamie celebrating their relationship openly, with Sandra at their side.
Where to stream: Tubi
10. Shelter
Courtesy of Regent Releasing
The 2007 movie Shelter follows Zach, an aspiring artist who puts his college dreams on hold to help out his family. He falls for his best friend’s brother, Shaun, but struggles with his feelings. While their families are initially uncomfortable, they accept the relationship by the end of the film. If you’re looking for an uplifting story about romantic love and families with a final scene that’s uplifting, check out Shelter.
Where to stream: Here TV
11. The Way He Looks
The romantic coming-of-age drama The Way He Looks has a happy falling in love with your best friend and riding off into the sunset ending that so many straight high school romance movies have. The film follows Leonardo, a blind high school student, as he falls for new student Gabriel.
Where to stream: Kanopy, Strand Releasing
12. The Birdcage
The 1996 comedy The Birdcage (the American remake of La Cage aux Folles) follows Armand, the owner of a drag club in South Beach called The Birdcage and is partner Albert who’s drag persona Starina is the club’s star attraction. When Armand’s son Val announces he’s marrying a woman with ultraconservative parents, Armand and Albert try to pull off a ridiculous farce. The all-star cast (Robin Williams, Gene Hackman, Nathan Lane, and Dianne Wiest), over the top situations, and light tone make this the perfect movie for an evening where you just don’t feel like watching anything heavy.
Where to stream: Fubo, Max, MGM+
13. Maurice
The 1987 British drama Maurice is based on the E.M. Forster novel of the same name. The film is set in early 20th century England and follows Maurice Hall from his childhood to early adulthood. Maurice struggles with his feelings, but eventually meets his life partner Alec Scudder. Though society condemns their relationship, they’re willing to give up anything to be together.
Where to watch: Tubi, Criterion, Kanopy, Fandor
14. Latter Days
Latter Days is full of ridiculous rom-com tropes, but this movie about a gay party boy and his closeted Mormon missionary neighbor falling in love is fun to watch. While there's definitely some heartbreak, the movie ultimately has an uplifting ending.
Where to stream: Tubi, Kanopy, PlutoTV, Dekkoo
15. Boys (Jongens)
This Dutch coming-of-age film explores 15-year-old Sieger’s first love as he falls for Marc. While there are a few melancholy moments, the end makes it clear that Sieger is on a journey of self-acceptance, Marc will be a part of that journey.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Roku, Kanopy
16. Touch of Pink
Sometimes you just need some good romantic comedy fluff. Touch of Pink never takes itself too seriously (see: Kyle MacLachlan playing the ghost of Cary Grant), which makes it a fun, endearing film. Alim movies to London to get away from his conservative family. When he comes out to his mother and faces problems with his boyfriend Giles the ghost of Cary Grant gives him advice that often seems to do more harm than good.
Where to stream: Fubo, Roku
17. Jeffrey
Jeffrey is a 1995 romantic comedy that’s set in Manhattan during the height of the AIDS epidemic—but hear me out. Rather than going doom-and-gloom, the movie follows title character Jeffrey, who is afraid of falling in love with someone who might die. He swears off sex because of the AIDS crisis, and then meets and falls for Steve, an HIV positive man. He realizes he has to confront his fears to live and love fully. There are also some awesome cameos by Patrick Stewart, Sigourney Weaver, and Nathan Lane.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Peacock, Roku, Hoopla, Vudu, Tubi, Kanopy
18. Big Eden
This 2000 romantic comedy follows Henry Hart, a New York City artist who returns to his rural hometown in Montana to take care of his grandfather. The townsfolk welcome Henry back and are accepting of his sexuality. Henry has to confront his unresolved feelings for his high school friend Dean Stewart, but he’s oblivious to the feelings of Pike Dexter, the Native American owner of the town’s general store. While films about rural gay life often focus on hardships, Big Eden is unique. The entire film is devoid of homophobia.
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Tubi, Kanopy
19. Love, Simon
The groundbreaking 2018 film (based off of Becky Albertalli's young adult novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda) follows the story of typical, suburban high school senior Simon Spier as he tries to navigate life after being blackmailed and threatened with outing by one of his classmates while also trying to figure out the identity of his anonymous, romantic, online pen pal named Blue.
Although there are serious themes and instances of casual homophobia throughout the movie, like most teen rom-coms, the ending is really sweet and gives the audience a feeling of hope for the titular character and his life as a newly-out, gay man.
Where to stream: Prime Video for rent
20. Bros
Bros May Not Break The Mold, But You Should Still See It AnywayCourtesy of Universal Pictures
Bros does seem to follow a pretty formulaic Hollywood romcCom formula, but the chemistry between Billy Eichner and Luke Macfarlane can not be overlooked even by traditional Hollywood standards. And, if you ever wondered what someone in love looks like look no further than the looks Luke's character Aaron throws around. We can all only dream of finding that look of love which carries us to the end of this amazing breakthrough comedy!
As the year comes to a close, Hoying is now revealing when they're expecting to welcome a baby into the family.
"We're just getting closer to finding a surrogate! It takes longer for the gays, but we are getting closer. Next year. Definitely next year," Hoying tells PRIDE.
Hoying isn't the first member of Pentatonix to have a baby! Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee are both parents, while Kirstin Maldonado just announced on the band's current holiday tour that she's pregnant with her second child.
"I feel great! The shows have been amazing. Everything is super well-polished. We all love the show and the fans have been so amazing, so it's been really great. Obviously it's harder to breathe, but besides that, everything is going amazing," Maldonado says.
It's hard to believe that Pentatonix formed all the way back in high school in Arlington, Texas. Fast forward to today, the a capella group has become an undeniable holiday staple and all of the members have grown tremendously in their personal lives.
"Knowing these two for so long, they've made such huge strides in their lives and accomplished so many amazing things. It's really inspiring. The more we work together, the closer we get and the more we understand each other," Grassi shares.
Grassi and Hoying have represented the LGBTQ+ community so beautifully as their mainstream popularity has grown over the years. The two hope their visibility can continue to inspire all queer youth to live as authentically as possible.
"There's no better feeling than getting to be your authentic self and surrounding yourself with people that love and accept you for who you are no matter what. Young queer kids need to know that they deserve that," Grassi says.
"Being queer is so incredibly beautiful and amazing. It's something to be super proud of. I love to be as visibly gay as possible! If it helps any queer kid that's closeted or afraid, they can feel less alone in seeing that," Hoying adds.
"It's so special to be in a place where we can really stand by each other. It's the best feeling in the world. I love them! They're my family. They're like my brothers," Maldonado shares.
Finally, Hoying is not only hoping to welcome a bundle of joy into his home next year, but he's manifesting his first ever solo Grammy win for his beautiful song "Rose Without The Horns." The song received a nomination for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella.
"It is really surreal! The song came from such a special place. It was anniversary gift to my husband. I was beside myself with joy! It was such a moment of validation," Hoying concludes.
Fans can get tickets to see Pentatonix on their Hallelujah! It's A Christmas Tour by visiting the official website here. To see the full interview, check out the video at the top of the page.