What divas can teach the world about LGBTQ+ advocacy
_The above video is from the Advocate Channel's_ Cover to Cover _, in which host Stephen Walker reviews the making of_ Out'_s May/June issue. Learn more at_ _AdvocateChannel.com_ _._
_Death Becomes Her_ — the Broadway adaptation of the cult 1992 film featuring frenemies Madeline and Helen in their campy quest for eternal youth — begins with a showstopping number, “For the Gaze,” led by Megan Hilty as Madeline. It’s a veritable Pride parade of a song, in which Hilty, accompanied by a chorus of rainbow-clad male dancers, wows the crowd with a series of outfit changes and musical references. These conjure a lineage of divas: Liza Minnelli, Celine Dion, Cher, Lady Gaga, Julie Andrews, and even Judy Garland as Dorothy (and Toto too!). “I’d do anything for / We all know that this whole damn show is for / The gaze!” Hilty belts.
The song, of course, is a double entendre. As a Broadway diva, Madeline longs for the gaze of the limelight. But she also celebrates the “greatest love,” which is between LGBTQ+ people and the strong-willed and -piped women who use their voices for our entertainment and advocacy. In this tradition, _Out_ is overjoyed to celebrate our divas this Pride issue. In addition to the _Smash_ alum Hilty, Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Maleah Joi Moon, and Lea Salonga grace our cover to share their love with us during this rainbow (and Broadway) season.
And what a Pride season this is shaping up to be. The LGBTQ+ community — in particular, trans people and kids — are facing unprecedented political attacks, sparking the need for greater visibility from us and our allies. In addition to our gay icons, this issue is filled with activists and entertainers who are doing just that.
In Film, Nyle DiMarco — coming a long way from his _Top Model_ win a decade ago — discusses his new documentary, _Deaf President Now!_ , which tells the unsung story of the Deaf rights movement and its timely parallels to the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. In Books, _Queer Eye_ alum Jonathan Van Ness shares insights from his new YA novel, _Let Them Stare_ , in which a gender-nonconforming youth and a gay ghost discover queer history in their own backyard.
In TV, Benito Skinner shares how his new show, _Overcompensating_ , reflects his journey as a closeted Idaho jock — as well as the vital friendships that form between gay men and straight women. And in Fashion, _Unconventional_ stars Kit Williamson, James Bland, and Willam model swimwear in Joshua Tree while divulging how their show celebrates modern queer love and found family.
This Pride season, get tips for being physically (and mentally) fit from celebrity trainer Shaun T, who also offers insights from his marriage and parenting. In Grooming, treat your nails with a good trim or a fabulous coat of paint. In Last Call, get the lowdown on the new Sniffies app. In a time when many corporations are pulling resources from DEI, learn how to help support your local Pride in Finance. And discover the highlights of WorldPride DC in our _Out Traveler_ section, which also reviews some fantastic cruises.
While we’ve earned the right to have some much-deserved queer joy this Pride, I urge you to not lose sight of what’s at stake. One of our divas, Lea Salonga, who is fighting for the rights of her trans son, Nic, stressed the need to support the most vulnerable. We “should not allow for erasure of any group,” she says. “Because you could be next. And then who’s gonna speak up for you when there’s no one left?”
So this Pride, let’s all take notes from our divas, dear reader. Take the stage, sing out loud — and use our voices for good.
Sincerely,
Daniel Reynolds
Editor in Chief, _Out_ magazine
@dnlreynolds
** _This article is part of the_ Out _May/June Pride issue, which hits newsstands May 27.Support queer media and subscribe _**_**— or download the issue through Apple News, Zinio, Nook, or PressReader starting May 15.**_
