Gay Agenda is a weekly column for Billboard Pride where we run down a few things before the weekend. Between new tracks, music videos and pop culture moments, we want our readers to be prepared for boozy brunch conversation.
1. Here’s something to celebrate: Democrat Danica Roem unseated longtime Virginia legislator Bob Marshall in the state’s House of Delegates, becoming the first openly trans person to be elected and serve in a state legislative body. Marshall is the author of the state’s transphobic “bathroom bill” that failed to reach the House floor. Andrea Jenkins became the first openly trans black woman to be elected to public office in the U.S., and will be serving on the Minneapolis City Council.
2. RuPaul’s Drag Race scream queen Sharon Needles has released a video for her sobering track “Andy Warhol Is Dead?” The clip sees several references to the King of Pop Art: Brillo boxes, Campbell soup cans and Warhol muse Candy Darling are all referenced.
Trending on Billboard
3. Aussie Drag Race alum Courtney Act teamed up with MTV to give a brief breakdown of “Gender Identity 101.” Act, who is genderfluid herself, outlines basic terms like “cisgender” and “intersex” for the uninitiated and emphasized the importance of using correct gender pronouns when referring to people.
?4. America’s Got Talent stud Brian Justin Crum released a video for his new single “Wild Side,” which explores sexuality, sensuality, and anti-gay rhetoric. In addition to depicting same-sex attraction in a human way, the video also features footage from LGBTQ conversion therapy practices. In a release statement, Crum says “It’s important for me as an artist that I share all parts of myself without shame. My fans have seen my vulnerable side, but I am ready for them to see more of me now.”
5. Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears and Pentatonix member Kirstin Maldonado will be joining the cast of Kinky Boots on Broadway at the beginning of next year. Shears, who will be playing Charlie Price in the show, makes his debut on Jan. 8; Maldonado will assume her role as Lauren on Feb. 2.
6. R&B goddess Kelela unleashed a hairy music video for “Blue Light.” The visual sees our queer heroine getting sensual with her dreadlocks — and we’re here for it.
7. At her Joanne tour stop in Indianapolis this week, Lady Gaga gave a few special fans a sneak peak into a new song, titled “Frankensteined.” Gaga performed the song for a select group of fans at a meet-and-greet backstage.
Need more gay? Follow Billboard Pride on Facebook and check out past editions of Gay Agenda below.
Nov. 3: Scissor Sisters’ Ana Matronic & Jake Shears Go Solo, Sam Smith, Kim Petras & More
Oct. 27: Russell Tovey Reads Oscar Wilde, Plus Justin Michael Williams, Wes Period & More
Oct. 20: George Michael’s New Single, Hayley Kiyoko, Bobi Andonov & More
Oct. 13: Pink’s Suffragette Anthem, MNEK, Gigi Gorgeous & More
Sept 29: Courtney Act Confuses Katy Perry For A Twink, FLETCHER, Grizzly Bear & More
Sept 22: Era Istrefi Takes Over Bushwig, Lady Gaga, Jeffery Austin & More
Sept 15: P!nk Covers Sam Smith, CupcakKe, Madonna & More
Sept 8: Tove Lo’s ‘Disco Tits,’ DragCon, Sam Smith & More
Aug 25: Alaska’s Advice For Taylor Swift, Adore Delano, PVRIS & More
Aug 18: Cher’s New Trap Track, Cakes da Killa, TWINKIDS & More
Aug 11: Halsey Prefers Vodka, Kelea, Aaron Carter & More
Aug 4: ‘Will & Grace’ Reboot Gets Second Season, Neon Trees, Lady Gaga & More