Tom Hanks: Straight Actors Could Not Play Gay ‘Philadelphia’ Role Today and ‘Rightly So’

Tessa Thompson has said it’s been a ‘tremendous’ privilege to empower her LGBTQ+ fans to come out.The latest Thor flick has seen the return of Tessa’s character, bisexual icon Valkyrie, and during a recent interview she said it was a ‘dream’ to inspire her fans to open up when it comes to their sexuality. ‘That’s been tremendous,’ the 38-year-old, who revealed in 2018 that she’s attracted to both men and women, said. ‘I’ve had so many folks write me and say that they were able to come out or to talk to their family, which is a dream.’She returns to her Marvel role as Valkyrie in Thor: Love and Thunder, following her debut as the MCU’s first LGBTQ+ superhero in 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok.‘There is something powerful about seeing an image of yourself reflected in any way.

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Top FIFA-ranked referee Igor Benevenuto has come out as gay. The 41-year-old Brazilian made the announcement during a recent Nos Armários dos Vestiários podcast episode, saying that he is finally ready to be himself. “Soccer was for men, and since an early age, I knew I was gay… there was not a more perfect place […]

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Yasmin Finney delivered a powerful speech at London Trans+ Pride this weekend – and she made a point of calling out the Conservative government.The 18-year-old actress rocketed to fame following her appearance in the coming-of-age Netflix series, in which she plays Elle Argent, a trans girl who has moved from an all boyall-boyss grammar school to Higgs school for girls.Heartstopper has garnered a legion of fans all over the world following its release, with viewers overjoyed that it’s been renewed for not one, but two more seasons.Yasmin has long been vocal about the challenges the trans community face and the importance of representation in the media, and on Saturday she attended her first Trans+ Pride along with thousands of other LGBTQ+ people and allies.Sorry, this video isn't available any more.The Trans+ Pride march is held every year and aims to ‘celebrate the memory of trans lives taken and uphold the next generation of trans revolutionaries’, with thousands lining the streets annually in protest.Taking centre stage on Saturday, Yaz gave a speech in which she said she feels ‘connected to my community more than ever’.‘If the government is trying to eradicate us, we’re all here, and we’re just duplicating, look at how many of us there are,’ she declared, earning major cheers from the crowd.Proceeding to take aim at Prime Minister Boris Johnson – who resigned from office earlier this week – she added: ‘Boris, bye! Bye!’Yasmin continued to talk about the importance of seeing people she can relate to in TV and film: ‘Having this representation on screen has made me realise how impactful it is.

Ukraine will consider legalising same-sex marriage after a petition calling on the country to do so was signed more than 28,000 times.

RuPaul thanked the Television Academy for his Emmy nominations with a powerful statement on LGBTQ+ rights. 

Love Island USA is set to feature a bisexual contestant in its new season.

and you’re an aspiring actor, then this might be the calling you’ve been waiting for.The coming-of-age Netflix drama has achieved roaring success with its first season, so much so that it’s been renewed for two more instalments – with filming set to start later this year.Starring Kit Connor as Nick Nelson and Joe Locke as Charlie Spring, Heartstopper follows the rugby lad and his form buddy as they fall in love and embark on a secret relationship – forced to keep it on the down-low since Nick hasn’t yet come out.It’s an emotional rollercoaster to say the least, but the show – based on the graphic novels by Alice Oseman – has acquired millions of fans across the globe.As production for season 2 fast approaches, casting directors have announced that they’re looking for someone to play an exciting new role.The casting call, which was posted on social media, shared that the crew are looking for a plus-size actor of British South Asian heritage who identifies as female or non-binary.And weâre off! Season 2 Casting!!! ð³ï¸ââ§ï¸ð³ï¸âðð³ï¸ââ§ï¸ð³ï¸âðð³ï¸ââ§ï¸ð³ï¸âðð³ï¸ââ§ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸âð½Please RT yaâll ð#HeartstopperNetflix @AliceOseman @Heartstopper_TV @see_saw_films pic.twitter.com/jHF8AuYrnFThey will be playing the role of Sahar Zahid, a character from the comics whom diehard fans were hoping would make an appearance in the next series.Sahar is 16-years-of age and in year 11 at Higgs school for girls, which is also attended by Elle Argent, played by Yasmin Finney.The teen is described as ‘no nonsense, independent, and a little cynical at times.’Casting directors clarified that Sahar is the only role they will be casting through open auditions, stating that any hopefuls must be available from autumn 2022, suggesting filming

Tom Jones took to Instagram in the early hours of this morning to address "rumours" that he'd collapsed ahead of a performance in Budapest.The Delilah hitmaker, 82, put any speculation of a collapse to rest and revealed that he was diagnosed with "viral laryngitis", which forced him to cancel the show.In view of his 451,000 followers, Tom clarified that a collapse didn't lead to the performance's cancellation.He wrote: "Hello to all concerned: I travelled last night from the UK to Budapest and woke this morning with an uncomfortable throat."A specialist came to visit and diagnosed 'viral laryngitis'."He strongly advised postponing this evening's show and prescribed medication and vocal rest," he added.The star continued: "I did NOT 'collapse' anywhere at any time, that is pure rumour."Hopefully the inflammation will calm soon as I am looking forward to continuing my wonderful summer tour.""Unfortunately the show had to be cancelled at the last minute, and for that I am very sorry,"However, the show in Budapest has been rescheduled and will take place on August 16.Thanks again for all your kind concern.TJ," he signed off.Following the star's post, his fans were quick to rush to the comments to wish the legend will.Superstar Jennifer Hudson wrote: "Get well tom!!!"Instagram user Evakis2020 penned: "Get well soon sír TJ," alongside three red hearts.Raheela134 commented: "Wishing you well Sir Tom."

Sir Tom Jones has taken to Instagram to set the record straight following rumours that he had collapsed in Budapest ahead of his tour concert.MORE: Tom Jones' £2.6m mega-mansion with late wife Linda was a world of fun - photosThe 82-year-old released a statement denying the reports – but he had disappointing news for his fans. WATCH: Tom Jones moves The One Show's Alex Jones to tears as he discusses late wife LindaThe message read: “Hello to all concerned: I travelled last night from the UK to Budapest and woke up this morning with an uncomfortable throat.READ: Sir Tom Jones makes heartbreaking confession about his wife LindaMORE: 7 surprising facts about Tom Jones and late wife Linda's 59-year marriage"A specialist came to visit and diagnosed 'viral laryngitis'.

Pennsylvania state Capitol

Related: Connecticut official bans RuPaul biography from library after one dad complainsKhan said the women responded with “hateful language” and told her the books in the display should be burned.According to Khan, the library’s collection is evaluated based on specific criteria, including relevance and representation, and materials are evaluated by respected sources, including Library Journal and The New York Times Book Review, according to the Journal Inquirer.Khan told the group they needed to follow library procedure and file a formal “request for reconsideration,” explaining their concerns in writing.  A post shared by Booth & Dimock Mem. Library (@bdlibrary)While library privacy guidelines proscribe naming the complainants, Khan did reveal the woman who filled out the request identified herself on the form only as a “Christian taxpayer.” It was unclear if the patron is a resident of Coventry.In a statement, Town Council Chairwoman Lisa Thomas said, “I stand by our library and their mission to serve each individual in our community.”“The hostile incident at our public library is part of a disturbing trend across the country.

Smack dab between Bowie and Mercury rose a queer rockstar with a fraction of the audience and all of the star quality. Bruce Wayne Campbell, known to the stage as Jobriath, always had stardom in his eyes.Whether it was dropping out of college, going AWOL on his military draft, or leaving the legendary Aquarius Theater production of Hair (a lead role from which he was reportedly fired for “upstaging” the other girls), Jobriath’s sights seemed to perpetually turn back towards his own future spotlight.It wasn’t until he was plucked from semi-obscurity by Carly Simon’s old manager Jerry Brandt in the early ’70s that Jobriath’s would find his first true solo hype.

A Florida school district has removed its LGBTQ+ inclusive anti-bullying video as a result of the state’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill.

WABC New York that the men seemed “infuriated with my existence.”“They were like, look at this ***** ****** and homophobic slurs such as that,” said Vuitton, who has rainbow-colored braids and a nose piercing.The two men then became violent, with one of the attackers picking up a long stick and swimming it at Vuitton and Ortiz.“The first time he swung and I blocked it with my hand,” Ortiz said, noting that he developed a bruise at the spot where the stick hit him.Vuitton was hit by the stick which left a deep cut on his cheek, requiring four stitches. Vuitton says he’s “exhausted” by the attack, calling it “mentally traumatizing.” But he said the attack has also inspired him to stand up for himself and other LGBTQ people, rather than cower in fear.“It makes me feel motivated to raise awareness and to get the message out that we are here and we aren’t going anywhere,” he said.He noted that he had seen the two men in his neighborhood before, but Friday’s incident marked the first time they had been violent.

Kandi Burruss: Legs and hips and Bodies Bodies Bodies.In a summer that’s seen major blockbusters finally returning to theaters (Minions and all), writer-director Halina Reijn’s upcoming horror-comedy is a welcome bit of indie counter-programming, a wicked treat that’s got everything you could want from the cinema, i.e. Lee Pace’s arms, Lee Pace’s thighs, Lee Pace’s piercing eyes, etc…But, beyond everyone’s favorite thirst trapper, Bodies Bodies Bodies features an exciting ensemble of up-and-comers in a satirical slasher that doesn’t hold back.

outlawed abortion minutes after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade — asked Bridges why she was using the phrase “people with a capacity for pregnancy” instead of saying “women” when talking about the effects of abortion restrictions. “Would that be women?” he asked Bridges, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law.“Many cis women have the capacity for pregnancy; many cis women do not have the capacity for pregnancy,” she replied.

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Brazilian soccer referee Igor Benevenuto has reportedly become the first FIFA-ranked ref to come out as gay.The 41-year-old said that there are “many gay people in soccer,” and hopes to inspire closeted athletes to speak their truth.“Soccer was for men, and since an early age I knew I was gay… there was not a more perfect place to hide my sexuality,” Benevenuto told the Nos Armários dos Vestiários podcast.“I am 41, and 23 of those years have been dedicated to the whistle. Until today I’ve never been the real me.

“I was [in Paris trying to make it as a model] a full year, and I didn’t work one day. I couldn’t book a job to save my life.

Stardew Valley, you might know of Clint, the bearded and somewhat shy blacksmith in Pelican Village who can refine precious stones into upgraded tools.Apparently, some fans were so hot for Clint that they developed in-game modifications (or “mods”) to show him shirtless and hairy-chested at work. One mod even lets players marry him, though he’s usually not a marriable character.Related: These 5 hot, gay video game heroes are heating up our consolesThe appropriately named “Sexy Hairy Clint” mod replaces Clint’s close-up portrait and his character sprite with a shirtless, muscular hunk — hairy chest optional.Usually, Clint’s portrait shows him as a man with light-brown hair and a small beard wearing a grey sweater and a brown leather apron.

A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) A post shared by Tom Hardy (@tomhardy)A post shared by Alex turner (@arctic.alx) A post shared by @anthonyjoshuaI mean, good LORD.A post shared by @anthonyjoshuaSome honorable mentions include “Levitating” queen Dua Lipa at #20, martial artist Holly Holm, and gay icon Lil Nas X at #15. But who’s got the thirstiest fans overall? Well, to probably no one’s surprise, it’s Magic Mike himself.

The upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly set to feature two new same-sex couples.

Joseph Ladapo, an appointee of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, has recommended against providing medical care to transgender youth if it involves transitioning.The state Agency for Health Care Administration last month released a report deeming gender-affirming care for any patient to be “experimental and investigational” and recommended not allowing Medicaid to cover such care.But a change in state rules remains in the consideration phase.

CDC reported on Tuesday, noting that such difficult-to-kill infections rose by 15 percent from 2019 to 2020.CDC data indicates a shocking rise in drug-resistant infections among people hospitalized during COVID’s first year, with pathogens like Enterococcus and Staphylococcus aureus making dangerous gains. The bacteria Acinetobacter saw a 78 percent increase in infections resistant to the antibiotic Carbapenem.More than 29,400 people died in 2020 from antimicrobial-resistant infections commonly associated with health care.“This setback can and must be temporary,” said Michael Craig, MPP, Director of CDC’s Antibiotic Resistance Coordination & Strategy Unit, in a statement.

Raven’s Home has made Disney Channel history by introducing the network’s first openly trans character.

In the wake of resignations by two Log Cabin Republicans of Texas state chairs since May 1, the chairman and vice chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Texas announced today that the organization’s membership has voted to disassociate RLCT from the Freedom First Republicans Coalition, of which Log Cabin is a member.

Via MrMan: As the world continues to embrace the male form in ALLLL its glory in movies and television, we continue to get increasingly NSFWerk nude male content to share with you guys!

It’s been a rough week for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. But one man’s loss is another person’s gain.

University of California, Berkeley, law professor slammed GOP Senator Josh Hawley as "transphobic" during a Senate hearing Tuesday on abortion policy.During the hearing, professor Khiara Bridges used the phrase "people with a capacity for pregnancy," which is considered a gender-neutral term that encompasses everyone who is able to get pregnant, including transgender men and nonbinary individuals.Her use of the phrase received pushback from Hawley, a Missouri Republican."I wanna recognize that your line of questioning is transphobic, and it opens up trans people to violence."— Law professor Khiara Bridges, after explaining to Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) that more than just women are capable of giving birth pic.twitter.com/mpUHFG9wMp"You used a phrase several times—I want to make sure I understand what you mean by it.

best gay beaches both for eye candy and waves so you can check out the views…Playa Los Muertos is the epicenter of Puerto Vallarta. Situated just south of the Malecon and the Cuale River in the Romantic Zone (or “Old Vallarta”), the beach draws locals, traveling sun-seekers, and adventurers alike.

A boy forced to dim his flame discovers a local beauty pageant that sets off a spark in him again. For gay men of a certain stripe who make icons of tenacious pop divas and glamorous grandes dames, it’s a tale as old as Broadway. The self-proclaimed unicorn is now an unlikely contender in that contest, but he’s determined to win both the crown and the hearts of the town’s residents.

Reuters. The Duma is one of the houses of Russia’s national legislative body.The current law, adopted in 2013, bans dissemination of information about LGBTQ+ identities and issues in venues accessible to minors.

backed by former President Donald Trump, has previously made headlines for her statements regarding accusations made by Richard Stevens, who performs as a drag queen under the name Barbra Seville.On Tuesday, a political advertisement featuring a drag queen sitting in front of a mirror called out Lake for being hypocritical in her political beliefs.In the 30-second video, which was posted on Twitter by Mike Sington, the drag queen says, "A drag queen knows a fake when we see one. Like Kari Lake."“A drag queen knows a fake when we see one.” Drag queen wrecks Trump-backed Republican Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake for her hypocrisy.

Famed theatrical abuser Lea Michele has been cast in the Funny Girl revival on Broadway, and the effects have been wildly polarizing.Her turn as Fanny Brice was both mythologized and forewarned by her Glee character Rachel Berry’s fascination with the show.As if in an act of prophecy, Berry landed the lead in Glee‘s fictional Funny Girl revival — a revival written into the show some seven years before the real life return was ever announced.The rub comes in the flurry — nay, avalanche — of accusations that broke during the Black Lives Matter protest era in 2020 that detailed Michele’s extensive mistreating of multiple cast and crew members of nearly every show she’s ever worked on.Related: 5 celebrities who totally won’t be at Lea Michele’s ‘Funny Girl’ premiereGlee, Spring Awakening, The Mayor, Scream Queens, even Ragtime decades ago: Michele’s career has allegedly left a trail of dozens of people feeling harassed, bullied, and even faced with anti-Black discrimination.Yet, even with her major public reckoning, she’s still been offered her role of a lifetime.Needless to say, many people are NOT happy:Lea Michele is proof that if you don’t change or learn even a single thing when faced with your reprehensible behavior, all of your wildest dreams can come true!! Stay the course!!— Cody Wimmer (@Cody_Wimmer) July 11, 2022If Lea Michele proves anything is that:Cancel culture is not realBeing white and racist means you can still achieve your dreams! https://t.co/Qo25YT6s9V— Valerie Complex (@ValerieComplex) July 11, 2022for those of you outside the glee world, the lea michele replacing beanie is our infinity war but specifically when thanos looks up and says you should have gone for the head— sifu hotman (@cjfeisty) July 11,

nominations are here and they are sort of queer. The nominees were announced early Tuesday and feature some previous winners along with some new faces.   The most nominations went to HBO’s Succession with 25, however, the network’s more queer series The White Lotus received 20.

Dr. Khiara Bridges appeared before a U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on abortion access in post-Roe v. Wade America on Tuesday, battling beliefs Senator Josh Hawley espoused that she said were transphobic and subjected trans people to violence – a response the Republican from Missouri made clear he did not appreciate.

A young woman claims that a small Florida Christian university in West Palm Beach withdrew her offer of admission because she is gay. Now, after a public backlash, the school denies the student’s claims, but she says she has receipts that call the school’s denial into question.A video posted by Gianna Palmo last Thursday to her TikTok account, where she has just more than 5,000 followers, caught the attention of users. In the video, she claims that a school to which she had been accepted, Palm Beach Atlantic University, rescinded her admission when administrators discovered she was gay.“how is this allowed in 2022??!! anywayss attack PALM BEACH ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY,” she wrote in the video description.

Forty-plus years into his acting career, Tom Hanks is still going strong. He’s onscreen next as Colonel Tom Parker in Baz Luhrmann‘s “Elvis” as Presley’s manager, and after that, he’s in Marc Forster‘s “A Man Called Otto” and Wes Anderson‘s latest, “Asteroid City.” READ MORE: Tom Hanks Teases Shelved Dean Martin Biopic Directed By Martin Scorsese But in a recent interview with The New York Times Magazine, Hanks didn’t talk about his upcoming roles.

Philadelphia today.Hanks earned a Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Andrew Beckett, a gay attorney who was battling workplace discrimination after being diagnosed with AIDS.In a new interview with The New York Times Magazine published today (June 16), Hanks said it was “rightly so” that this was the case now, as Hollywood looks for more diversity in its casting.“Could a straight man do what I did in Philadelphia now? No, and rightly so,” Hanks told the publication.“The whole point of Philadelphia was don’t be afraid. One of the reasons people weren’t afraid of that movie is that I was playing a gay man.” Hanks added: “We’re beyond that now.”“I don’t think people would accept the inauthenticity of a straight guy playing a gay guy,” he went on.“It’s not a crime, it’s not boohoo, that someone would say we are going to demand more of a movie in the modern realm of authenticity.

the New York Times that both “Philadelphia” and his 1994 dramedy “Forrest Gump” were “timely movies, at the time, that you might not be able to make now.”“Let’s address, ‘Could a straight man do what I did in Philadelphia now?’ ” Hanks asked. “No, and rightly so.

Tom Hanks has looked back on his 1993 role as a gay man in Philadelphia and said that ‘rightly so’ he could not – as a straight man – play that part today.In the legal drama, which scored him his first of two back-to-back Best Actor Oscars wins, the Forrest Gump star portrayed gay lawyer Andrew Beckett.Beckett initially conceals his sexuality and HIV-positive status from colleagues before suing his employers for firing him.The film, which co-starred Denzel Washington, was one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to address HIV/AIDS and homophobia.‘Let’s address ‘could a straight man do what I did in Philadelphia now?’ No, and rightly so,’ the 65-year-old stated in a new interview.‘The whole point of Philadelphia was don’t be afraid.

Tom Hanks opened up on straight performers playing LGBTQ characters, saying he would not accept a role in such circumstances in current times after winning an Oscar for his performance of a gay man living with the HIV virus in the 1993 movie Philadelphia.The Academy Award winner, 65, speaking with The New York Times Magazine Monday, said, 'Let's address, "Could a straight man do what I did in Philadelphia now?" No, and rightly so.'Hanks in the film portrayed the role of lawyer Andrew Beckett, a gay man who is fired from his law firm after his bosses discover details about his personal life. The latest:Tom Hanks, 65, opened up on straight performers playing LGBTQ characters, saying he would not accept a role in such circumstances in current times after winning an Oscar for his performance of a gay man living with the HIV virus in the 1993 movie Philadelphia.

interview published in The New York Times Magazine, the Academy Award-winning actor was discussing shifting cultural attitudes as they relate to some of his previous work, including his role in Philadelphia.Related: America’s Dad Tom Hanks wants you to know: ‘We are going to be all right’In that acclaimed 1993 film, directed by the late Jonathan Demme, Hanks played a gay corporate lawyer who successfully sues his former law firm for firing him for being HIV-positive. Hanks won his first Oscar for the role in 1994.But in the Times interview, the beloved actor, who stars in Baz Luhrmann’s new biopic Elvis, agrees with journalist David Marchese’s suggestion that there’s no way a straight actor would be cast as the lead in Philadelphia today.“‘Could a straight man do what I did in Philadelphia now?’ No, and rightly so,” Hanks says.He goes on to suggest that the film’s success was due, in part, to his participation, which may have put viewers at ease.“The whole point of Philadelphia was don’t be afraid,” he explains.

Accepting change. Tom Hanks reflected on his lengthy career in a new interview, and he admitted that he probably wouldn’t take one of his Oscar-winning roles today.

Tom Hanks is happy to see progress being made for gay representation in Hollywood.

Tom Hanks is looking back on his movie, Philadelphia, which won him his first Oscar.