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The racing world has lost another talented driver following the death of Indianapolis 500 competitor Rick Treadway, who died on Saturday, May 30, at the age of 56 after suffering a motorcycle accident.

The tragic news was announced in a press release from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Treadway, an Indiana native, started the 2002 Indianapolis 500. He made his INDYCAR SERIES debut in 2001 at Kentucky Speedway, and his final start was at the Texas Motor Speedway in 2002. His best finish was fifth in Texas during the 2021 season.

This comes after the death of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch, who died at the age of 41, with his family later announcing he passed from “pneumonia [that] progressed into sepsis.” Busch was hospitalized shortly before and died just days before he was set to race in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Following the news of Treadway's passing, many in the racing community paid tribute.

"Sad news hearing Rick Treadway passed away last Saturday. Our condolences go out to my former @IndyCar team owner Fred Treadway, Janice and Brian Treadway. Rick was a fun, crazy, humble, wild and brave personality RIP Ricky We are thinking of you Treadway family," two-time Indy 500 winner Arie Luyendyk posted on X.

"Really sad to see this news today. If you listen to@SpeedStreetPod you know how much this name means to a certain segment of our show. RIP Ricky. We’ll keep doing our #indy500 driver research in your honor!," NASCAR driver Conor Daly shared.

"Very sorry to hear of the passing of Ricky Treadway. A really personable guy who loved signing autographs for fans. He had 11 @IndyCar starts and will be missed. Condolences to his family and many friends," one person commented.

"Oh man!! Great guy!! Race in peace, Rick!!," another person wrote.

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If you’ve been looking for a spring-to-summer sandal that can dress up casual outfits, Michael Kors Outlet has a major sale going on right now. The Richie Signature Logo Platform Espadrille Sandal is currently marked down to $79 from $155, nearly 50% off. It comes in three colors —  vanilla, brown, and powder blush — and it’s available in sizes 5 through 11. 

The Richie sandal is made with logo-print canvas and finished with Michael Kors’ famous “MK” hardware, along with a buckle ankle strap and rubber sole. The upper is 89.4% coated canvas, 9.6% polyester, and 1% polyurethane, with a polyurethane-blend lining. It also features a breezy open-toe design and a 1.5-inch jute heel, which adds some height while still keeping the sandal wearable for day-to-day plans.

Richie Signature Logo Platform Espadrille Sandal, $79 (was $155) at Michael Kors Outlet

Courtesy of Michael Kors Outlet

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The platform gives it a little more height than a flat style, while the signature print and hardware make it feel dressier than other basic sandals. Its overall design works perfectly for daytime outfits, travel, dinner, or weekends, and since it comes in three colors, there’s a nice mix of neutral and softer options depending on what you wear most.

One shopper said they feel “like walking on a cloud,” while another wrote, “These shoes are super cute!” A separate reviewer called them their “favorite pair of sandals” and added, “I could wear them all day without my feet hurting.” Someone else wrote that they are “comfortable and stylish” and “will be great for summer.” 

Related: Michael Kors Outlet’s 'Beautiful' Shoulder Bag Comes in 4 Colors, and It's Great for Summer Travel

These would work well with jeans and a white tank, linen pants and a button-down, or a sundress on vacation. The espadrille texture adds a seasonal touch, and the signature logo-print finish gives them more personality than a plain neutral sandal. 

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The Michael Kors Richie Signature Logo Platform Espadrille Sandals have over 400 five-star ratings, which proves just how beloved they are among shoppers. If you’ve been wanting a warm-weather sandal that can pair easily with dresses, jeans, and more casual outfits, now is a great time to grab these while they’re still marked down by nearly 50%.

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Foster Sylvers was a member of the chart-topping R&B group, The Sylvers, who released the iconic song “Boogie Fever" as well as “Fool’s Paradise” and “Hot Line.” As reported by TMZ, Leon Sylvers III revealed that Foster died in hospice after a battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He was 64.

Foster was born on February 25, 1962, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was only 11 when he started his music career, back in 1973. His self-titled debut album was a huge success, with the lead single “Misdemeanor” reaching No. 7 on the Billboard R&B chart.

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Later on, Foster joined The Sylvers (which were previously known as Little Angels) along with his brothers and sisters. Overall, there were ten siblings in the family. Nine of them performed in the band at different periods, with only the youngest in the family never performing.

The group disbanded in 1985. This was the same year that the youngest brother, Christopher, died at the age of 18. Their other sibling, Edmund, died in 2004 of lung cancer.

Related:‘M*A*S*H’ Actress Dead of Natural Causes at 93

After news of Foster’s passing broke, his daughter, Erin, posted to her social media to say, "You fought a good fight and ran your race the best you could. I’m happy you’re no longer suffering."

Holly Robinson Peete also posted about the news, admitting that he was her childhood crush. She said, “When I was 13 years old, I got the assignment of a lifetime: interviewing Foster and his siblings from the Sylvers for a show called Kidsworld. They were performing at Magic Mountain in LA and I showed up with a camera crew ready to be a professional journalist. The problem? I was so hopelessly in love with Foster that I completely tanked the interview. I mean, that face was just so ridiculously cute. I couldn’t focus, couldn’t get my questions out, and spent most of the time just staring at him. I was so bad, I ended up getting fired from the assignment. Years later, I had the chance to tell Foster that story, and we laughed about it together. He was gracious, kind, and every bit as charming as my 13-year-old self remembered him to be.”

Despite his success, Foster faced legal troubles after leaving the group. According to Page Six, “Sylvers was convicted of a sex offense in 1994 for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman, and had to register as a sex offender in the state of California.”

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If you plan to live in flip-flops, sun hats, and flowy linen pants on vacation, you're going to need some cute tops to toss in your suitcase alongside these staples. To round out your warm-weather rotation, breezy tank tops in cute patterns and fun colors that you can mix and match with the rest of your wardrobe are a must. Right now, Amazon has a summer-ready top on sale for just $15, and shoppers are already scooping it up in multiple colors. 

Normally $20, the Akewei Cotton Linen Tank Top is currently discounted up to 25%, dropping the price to just $15 in five of the 12 available styles. Prices vary by color, but it comes in five solid colors including white, black, khaki, blue, and sky blue, four gingham prints, and three shimmery striped options. 

Akewei Cotton Linen Tank Top, From $15 (was $20) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Made from a blend of 80% cotton and 20% linen, this top was designed to provide exceptional breathability without the scratchy feel of a 100% linen top. It features a flowy, pull-on style with a crew neck and is sleeveless, so it should keep you feeling nice and cool, especially on hot summer days. On the back, a line of decorative buttons adds an elevated touch to an otherwise simple tank top.

Machine-washable on cold, the manufacturer recommends washing this top in a laundry bag and hanging it to dry to help prevent wrinkling. Available in sizes small to XX-large, shoppers said this tank top fits true to size. 

Related: Amazon’s 'Soft' $11 Lounge Set Is 'Perfect for Travel,' and It Comes in 10 Colors

Shoppers raved that the cotton-linen blend fabric is "light and airy," making it a "breathable" choice for warm weather wear. Many reviewers mentioned packing it for trips because it's "perfect for summer vacations," and any wrinkles were easy to smooth out with a quick iron. 

Designed with darts on the front, shoppers said "the cut is flattering," and several customers appreciated the "cute" button detailing down the back of the top. Because this is a shell-style tank with a high neckline, several reviewers said it works great as office wear in the summer paired with a light cardigan or blazer. 

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You won't want to miss the chance to score the Akewei Cotton Linen Tank Top for just $15 at Amazon ahead of vacation season. Snag this classy and comfortable summer wardrobe staple in your favorite color or print while it's still in stock!

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Many terms are used online or in TikTok videos that make you go, "What does that mean?" And if you've ever come across queer TikTok or LGBTQ+ spaces on the internet, there might be a lot more of that (even if you do identify as queer or gay, there's always something out there you might not know).

One term you might have seen and wanted to know more about is "comphet." And contrary to a lot of internet discourse, it applies to more people and sexualities than you might think. 

The term really jumped in popularity with the release of the (sometimes controversial) "Lesbian Masterdoc" in 2018, but it didn't start in the age of the internet. It's actually a pretty complex concept despite the meaning of the word being somewhat straightforward; it's a combination of the words "compulsory heterosexuality," which can be confusing and controversial depending on who you ask.

Read on to find out comphet's meaning, the origin of the term, who it impacts and how to deal with it.

Related: What Is Lesbian Visibility Week? All You Need To Know About Celebrating This Week and Lesbian Visibility Day

What Does 'Comphet' Mean in Simple Terms?

As we just mentioned, the word "comphet" is a shortened version of the term "compulsory heterosexuality." It's the concept that because we're brought up in a patriarchal and heteronormative society, those ideals are forced onto everyone, and we default to heterosexuality even if that's not who we are.

This term was "popularized" by queer feminist, poet and essayist, Adrienne Rich, in her 1980 essay, "Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence." In this essay, Rich shares the idea that because so much emphasis is put on men and heterosexuality, especially for women, it's hard to even explore the idea or possibility of being a lesbian or queer. It was a way to bring forward lesbian visibility while also showing straight women how "heterosexuality as a political institution which disempowers women—and to change it," per Rich's foreword.

Eva Bloom, @whatsmybodydoing on TikTok, a queer sex educator from Toronto, posted a video in 2022 giving a pretty good overview of what 'comphet' means. 

"Comphet is not just a phenomenon experienced by lesbians, it's really experienced by a lot of queer people," they said in the video. "It refers to how in our society, straightness—and cisness—is seen as a default and also enforced like that through different social institutions and conversations among people."

They then give examples of this, like when people see a little girl and immediately start talking about boyfriends and crushes. 

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What's the History and Origins of Comphet?

As stated above, comphet is a term that focuses on how our society is heterosexual, normalizes heterosexuality and forces an emphasis on heterosexual relationships as the only option, especially for women. This not only leads to the othering of different sexualities and genders but also makes it hard for people to understand what their actual sexuality is because they're so clouded by what we're taught is "normal" or accepted.

Because Rich's essay talks about compulsory heterosexuality from a queer, radical feminist lens, it focuses on women and lesbians, but any gender can experience comphet in their own way, as Bloom said in their TikTok video (more on that later). Even so, women are majorly impacted by this concept, as the essay talks about, just because of the inherent power structure in our patriarchal society.

Rainbow History Class (@rainbowhistoryclass on TikTok) is an educational group that aims to teach LGBTQ+ history that we didn't learn in school; their TikTok is run by co-creators Rudy Rigg and Hannah McElhinney. They posted a video about comphet on TikTok in 2021, where McElhinney shared more of the history of the term. They stated that Rich was making the point that "Heterosexuality is a political institution where attraction to men is assumed innate in all women and relationships between women, sexual or otherwise, are invalidated and erased."

"The institutions by which women have traditionally been controlled—patriarchal motherhood, economic exploitation, the nuclear family, compulsory heterosexuality—are being strengthened by legislation, religious fiat, media imagery, and efforts at censorship," Rich wrote in her 1980 essay.

@rainbowhistoryclass

We’ll do part 2 on how it has evolved 📚 #learnontiktok #tiktokpartner #comphet #lesbiansoftiktok #queerbook

♬ original sound - 🌈 Rainbow History Class 🌈

It's important to note, as Rainbow History Class's video does, that this essay was written about society in the 1970s and 1980s. Critics of Rich and her essay also note that it's very binary, talking about only women and men, without much room for conversation around transgender or nonbinary people (who are impacted and experience comphet, too).

Because of this, the term comphet has evolved to fit queer people today, though the core meaning—that our heteronormative society forces people to choose straightness and cisness as a default—is still part of it. 

Related: What Does the Lesbian Flag Look Like? Here's Why You Might See So Many Variations of It

Comphet and the Lesbian Masterdoc

As we mentioned before, the Lesbian Masterdoc is a pretty popular place for sapphic women and nonbinary people to have seen "comphet" for the first time. The doc was first uploaded online in 2018, written by Angeli Luz (though it was originally posted anonymously). Since then, it has spread widely for those who might be wondering: "Am I a lesbian?"

The doc has received criticism from people who read it as presenting an idea that only lesbians are beholden to an outdated idea of marriage, expectations for women-aligned people and typical gender roles, which isn't true as Bust reported. Others have also noted that, to them, it ignores bisexuality and shares an "all roads lead to lesbianism" way of thinking. Those who do like the Lesbian Masterdoc, though, think that it gives a nuanced approach and doesn't speak for all lesbians or lesbians' experiences and feelings, per Vice.

So, say what you want about the Lesbian Masterdoc and whether you think it aids in lesbians realizing their true selves, but it does give a pretty good rundown of compulsory heterosexuality.

"'Compulsory' is the opposite of 'optional'. 'Compulsory heterosexuality' is exactly what it sounds like - being straight is something our culture tries to force on us," it reads.

It also hits on the reason why a lot of lesbians identify with dealing with comphet; lesbians, unfortunately, exist at an intersection of homophobia and misogyny. This means they get a large dose of "forced" feelings and expected behaviors like marriage and having children with a man.

"This is because compulsory heterosexuality easily ties in with the misogyny that causes women's sexualities and identities to be defined by our relationships with men," Luz, the writer of the Lesbian Masterdoc, told Cosmopolitan in 2021.

The Lesbian Masterdoc goes on to also explain that we've been taught to crave or value male validation, which might confuse a lot of sapphics when it comes to being attracted to men. It could explain why a lesbian might like fictional male characters or has liked men in the past, but doesn't actually want to be with a man in real life now.

Related: Where the 36 Remaining Lesbian Bars Are in America

Is Comphet Only for Lesbians?

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As Bloom said in their TikTok video, lesbians aren't the only ones who experience comphet. Lesbians do, though, experience an intense and specific form of comphet, as stated above.

Maybe one of the best and most recent examples of perceived lesbian comphet is heard in queer singer-songwriter Chappell Roan's recent single, "Good Luck, Babe!" The song deals with themes of comphet, and—as many online would argue—specifically in lesbians. Many see it from the perspective of a lesbian or queer woman lamenting about how her current love interest doesn't want to "overcome" the comphet that's stopping them from realizing (or accepting) they're a lesbian.

Roan hasn't spoken directly about whether the love interest in this song is a bisexual woman or a lesbian, but the bridge seems to solidify that it's about a closeted lesbian. The line, "When you wake up next to him in the middle of the night/With your head in your hands, you're nothing more than his wife," saying they're going to regret it, points to someone who doesn't have the potential to be attracted to a man (i.e., most likely a lesbian). But regardless of the sexuality of the song's muse, Roan's "Good Luck, Babe!" is a good example of comphet in pop culture today. The muse is so against claiming their queerness that they'll throw Roan to the side, showing an example of what comphet can look like.

Compulsory heterosexuality can be the reason why a lot of people come out as lesbians later in life and even have families with men because they didn't realize that their "attraction" to men or assumed heterosexuality was just a learned or enforced behavior and not who they actually are.

For some women and non-men, it can be very easy to identify if you're attracted to women. But for others, it can be so hard to realize this because of how forced heterosexuality is in our society; having a same-sex partner as a woman is just not seen as a viable option with the way our society treats lesbians and sapphic relationships. And even if you do realize you like women, it can be even harder to realize you don't like men because, again, it's so ingrained in us to do so.

With all that said, it is important to remember that comphet isn't out here saying bisexual women (or people) don't exist, just that comphet might make it hard for a bisexual woman to realize she's even bi. Comphet is also something that anyone can experience, regardless of gender or sexuality, as Cosmopolitan also pointed out.

Related: What Does Sapphic Mean? The Definition

How To Spot Comphet

As Luz told Cosmopolitan, "When you're trained from childhood to see romantic/sexual relationships with men—and only men—as major life goals, how do you separate that from what ​you​ want?" Therefore, how do you understand if what you're feeling is comphet? How do you know if you're heterosexual, bisexual or lesbian?

NOCD reported there are some ways to figure out if you've been experiencing comphet. Ask yourself if you've ever picked an opposite-gender crush just because everyone else was. Have you ever talked yourself out of queer feelings for another non-man or woman because being gay is weird, abnormal or scary? Have you gone out with men (if you're a woman or non-man) even though you have no desire or interest in them (not the particular man, but just in general)?

"You might feel numb, detached or disengaged when friends or loved ones discuss romantic interest in a heterosexual way, like, for example, a woman feeling dread, dissociation, bodily discomfort, or confusion before, during, or after a romantic, sexual, or physical encounter with a man," Cassidy Dallas, LICSW, a queer therapist and educator, told NOCD. "This similar feeling could come up when discussing dating with friends, and everyone else shares heterosexual experiences."

How To Deal With Comphet

Once you realize that you might be dealing with comphet—or feelings that are a result of comphet—what do you do with that? We've got some ideas to help below.

1. Inspect How You Were Raised and the Lessons You Were Taught

While this isn't a hard-and-fast rule, if you were raised in a pretty strict "Women shall marry men and procreate" type of environment, comphet might be easily (and staunchly) ingrained into your mindset. So if you grew up really religious, in a conservative environment, or had parents who really emphasized the importance of a man and woman marrying, odds are you are probably dealing with comphet in some form, even if you already know you're queer.

2. Journal and Be Honest About Your Feelings

Sexuality, identities, how you see yourself in the world and how you are in relationships, etc. can all be very confusing things to figure out. Making sure to journal it out so you can read through it later and better understand how you're feeling is a good place to start, as Healthnews pointed out. It can also be good to talk it out with friends and read into the concept of comphet more.

3. Gain Community and Talk It Out

On that note, it's also important to create a support group of friends around you and have a good, strong community to lean on. If you're queer, that will also come in handy in more instances than just dealing with comphet. 

Bloom, an award-winning queer sex educator and speaker, has a community they built that deals with comphet and people questioning their sexuality (or who just want support and a queer community), called F–k Comphet Support Club on Patreon. Something like that can be a great place to start, especially if you don't have access to or can't access a queer community in person. 

4. Dig Into Your Feelings and Bring This Up in Therapy

Speaking of talking it out, going to a queer-friendly therapist is maybe one of the best ways to figure out what you're feeling and what it all means. While straight therapists can still help with this topic, seeing an LGBTQ+-friendly therapist can really do wonders if you're questioning your sexuality, feelings about gender and comphet. 

Related: You’ve Likely Heard the Term, but What Does ‘Nonbinary’ Mean?

Urban parks are having a moment in the United States. As cities continue investing in walkable green space, waterfront trails and community recreation areas, public parks are playing a bigger role in how Americans live, relax and connect.

A new 2026 ranking from Trust for Public Land takes a closer look at how the 100 most populous cities in the United States stack up when it comes to park access, equity, acreage, investment and amenities. The findings highlight where residents are most likely to live within a 10-minute walk of a park, and which cities are setting the standard for public green space.

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Washington, D.C., Retains No. 1 Spot in National Park Rankings Washington, D.C.

Photo by Philip Yabut on Getty Images

Washington, D.C., continues to set the standard for urban green space in the United States. According to the 2026 ParkScore index from Trust for Public Land, the nation’s capital has once again been ranked the best big-city park system in the country, marking six consecutive years at the top.

Washington, D.C., offers some of the most recognizable urban parks in the country, including:

• Rock Creek Park, a 2,700-acre forested escape in the city
• The National Mall, home to iconic monuments and museums
• Meridian Hill Park, known for its cascading fountain and historic design
• Theodore Roosevelt Island, a wooded preserve in the Potomac River
• The Yards Park, a modern waterfront space in the Capitol Riverfront
• Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, known for seasonal water lilies

Related: National Park Service Issues Major Warning to All Visitors, No Matter Which Park You're Visiting

Other Top U.S. Cities for Parks in 2026

While Washington, D.C., leads the rankings, several other cities also earned high marks in the 2026 ParkScore index, reflecting strong investment in public green space nationwide.

The top 10 U.S. park systems are:

• Washington, D.C.
• Irvine, California
• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• St. Paul, Minnesota
• Cincinnati, Ohio
• San Francisco, California
• Arlington, Virginia
• Seattle, Washington
• Portland, Oregon
• Chicago, Illinois

The ParkScore index is based on advanced geographic analysis that measures real-world accessibility, including barriers like highways or limited entry points. The goal is not just to count parks, but to measure how easily people can actually reach them.

Across all metrics, the 2026 rankings reinforce a clear trend: cities that invest in accessible, well-maintained parks are seeing measurable returns in health, equity and quality of life.

If you're planning a U.S. vacation this summer and parks are a top priority, consider Washington, D.C., or any of the other U.S. cities that made the list.

Related: This Is Officially the Dirtiest, Most Germ-Ridden Surface on a Plane (Eww!)

Licensing agreements run out, and that’s the reason the six-part French thriller, The Forest, is leaving Netflix at the end of the month. You have until June 29, 2026, to watch the series.

Titled La Forêt in French, has been available on Netflix since July 2018, after initially debuting on the Belgian channel, La Une, and then on the French channel, France 3, in 2017. It’s one of those crime thrillers that has sat there quietly, and it’s likely due to licensing agreements that it’s now leaving. 

While Netflix hasn’t officially confirmed, it’s a third-party show, and that usually means the streamer gets shows for a set number of years before the original studios look for other streaming homes.

The Forest follows Samuel Labarthe as Gaspard Decker and Suzanne Clément as Virginie Musso, as they search for a missing teenage girl in the Ardennes forest in Belgium. Her teacher helps the police, as she experienced her own traumatic experience in the exact same forest decades ago.

Decker is a new detective to the area and is leading the investigation surrounded by unfamiliar people. Meanwhile, Musso is a local police officer who knows the people and the forest. Musso also has a direct connection to the missing teenager, Jennifer, as her daughter knew Jennifer.

Delinda Jacobs created the series and wrote every single episode, while Julius Berg directed all six episodes.

The story is told over the course of one season, making it a limited series and a thrilling viewing session. It currently boasts a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score from viewers, with many of them praising the performances from the “unfamiliar players” and being “well written and suspenseful.”

As with any licensed show on Netflix, there is a chance that it will arrive again in the future. There is no confirmed streaming home after it exits Netflix in the United States, so this is your chance to binge-watch. Those who love international crime thrillers are sure to find themselves immediately hooked.

Asexuality, often referred to as "ace" or "aces," is a sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction to others. According to The Trevor Project, asexuality is an umbrella term that exists on a spectrum. And aces "may have little interest in having sex, even though they desire emotionally intimate relationships."

Understanding this orientation and asexuality's meaning involves recognizing the diversity of human sexual orientations and challenging societal assumptions that equate sexual attraction with love and intimacy.

But the more we learn and understand others' experiences, the better allies we can be. 

For many aces, their journeys are complex and nuanced. Since asexuality exists on a spectrum, there are varying experiences and preferences within the community. Some asexual people may identify as "gray-asexual" or "demisexual," for example. Acknowledging and respecting these variations is crucial in fostering a more inclusive understanding of sexuality.

Related: 85 'Happy Pride Month' Wishes To Send to Friends and Family

What Does 'Asexual' Mean in Simple Terms?

It's important to understand that "asexual" is an umbrella term for individuals who experience little to no sexual attraction toward other people of any gender. According to the Cleveland Clinic, "Asexuality can vary in a lot of ways depending on our relationships and how we define our levels of sexual attraction, romantic attraction and aesthetic attraction."

Despite experiencing little to no sexual attraction to others, aces may still experience romantic attraction and form deep, emotional connections. 

Remember, asexuality exists on a spectrum and there are varied ways individuals may identify. Sexual attraction is only one type of attraction, and a person can still be physically or emotionally attracted to someone. This can include engaging in activities like dating, falling in love and getting married.

@abciview

What does being asexual mean to you? #MardiGrasABC #Asexual #LGBT

♬ original sound - ABC iview What Does the Asexual Flag Look Like, and What Do Its Colors Represent?

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The asexual pride flag has four horizontal stripes. From top to bottom, the stripes are black, gray, white and purple. Here is what each stripe means, according to Outright International:

• Black: asexuality
• Gray: the gray area between sexuality and asexuality
• White: non-asexual partners
• Purple: community

Related: What's the History of the Pride Flag, and What Does Each Pride Flag Color Mean?

What Does 'Aromantic Asexual' Mean?

While some aces may experience romantic attraction, others do not. This is referred to as "aromantic asexual."

According to the Cleveland Clinic, being aromantic means experiencing little to no romantic attraction to other people of any gender.

What Does 'Gray Ace' Mean?

"Gray ace," also referred to as "graysexuality" or "gray-A," are individuals who experience limited sexual attraction. So, they may experience sexual attraction at a very low level or once in a blue moon. 

Related: What Does 'Comphet' Mean? You Might Have Seen the Term Floating Around the Internet, but It Has a Long History

What Are the Signs of Being Asexual?

If you are questioning whether or not you're asexual, you aren't alone. Understanding your own sexuality can be a complex journey—one that isn't always obvious at first. 

If you're currently in a relationship and questioning if you're asexual, The Trevor Project encourages thinking about how you feel about your partner. Reflect on how you feel about them romantically, spiritually and emotionally. Love can safely and happily exist beyond a physical level. 

Other signs you may be asexual include having little to no desire in sexual relations, engaging in sexual relations but not enjoying it and trouble identifying with other sexual orientations. But again, sexuality is different for everyone, and your journey might look different than others. Exploring who you are takes time, and there are resources like The Trevor Project and other organizations or therapists that can help you work through your feelings and thoughts.

Famous People and Celebrities Who Identify as Asexual

There are quite a few celebrities who identify as asexual. Here is a list of some of the most famous ones:

• Tim Gunn
• Caitlyn Jenner
• Erica Mendez
• David Jay
• Kim Deal
• Emily Bronte
• Emilie Autumn
• Yasmin Benoit
• David Archuleta
• Paula Poundstone

Related: 55 Pride Month Trivia Questions & Answers To Test Your LGBTQ+ Trivia Knowledge & Honor Queer Communities

Tom Morello just released a new, powerful single on Thursday.

The Grammy-winning musician and former Rage Against the Machine member shared on Instagram on Friday that his newest song, "Adjourn It," is out now on all streaming platforms. Morello originally announced the song on May 15, and says it was inspired by "the persecution of immigrants across the land and the counterforce of a heroic resistance to the rising tide of fascism."

"The song was inspired by 'The persecution of immigrants across the land and the counterforce of a heroic resistance to the rising tide of fascism,'" Morello wrote in his caption. "ADJOURN IT is a 'Freedom Song' of crushing riffs for justice and equality.”

"Adjourn It" is also a collaboration with Morello's 15-year-old son, Roman, on guitar, and System of a Down vocalist Serj Tankian.

"NEW MUSIC! An honor to collaborate with @serjtankian & my son @romanmorello1 on 'ADJOURN IT'!!'" Morello shared in another post on Friday. "Out now EVERYWHERE!!"

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Three days after "Adjourn It" was released, Morello posted a video explaining that the song was created in response to DHS and ICE raids in Los Angeles, which had been escalating over the past year.

"The streets of LA were being terrorized by Gestapo-like tactics. Children are being abducted from school, [there is] an absolute reign of terror on our city," Morello shared in a new Instagram reel. "We have to do what we can, while we can, with what we can. With us, that's making music."

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Morello, 62, is an American musician and guitarist who founded the iconic rock bands Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, and had stunts on various bands and groups such as Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, the supergroup Prophets of Rage and his solo work under the name Nightwatchman. Morello is also known for his socialist political views and activism. Alongside Tankian, the two co-founded Axis of Justice in 2002, a non-profit that airs a monthly program on Pacifica Radio station KPFK (90.7 FM) in Los Angeles.

Currently, Morello is touring with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band on their arena tour around the United States for selected songs. He is also set to appear at the Sweden Rock Festival and the Download Festival in Derby this month, and perform a solo show at Klub Stodola in Warsaw, Poland, on June 9.

Last Thursday, Morello announced the first-ever The Power to the People Festival, which will take place at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, on October 3. The headliners and special guests will include Morello, Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, with performances by The Linda Lindas, Joan Baez, Jack Black, Taylor Momsen, Cyprus Hill and more. Tickets sold out over the weekend.

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"Adjourn It" is out now on all streaming platforms, and tickets to Morello's upcoming shows this summer can be found on his official website.

Related: '90s Rock Band Releases New Song For the First Time in 21 Years

It’s been seven months since Heated Rivalry first premiered on HBO Max, and fans still can’t get enough of the hockey romance series.

At the Canadian Screen Awards on Sunday night, Heated Rivalry set a new record, winning 16 awards out of 18 nominations. Hudson Williams, who plays Shane Hollander in the series, also made history as the youngest person in the Canadian Screen Awards to win the category of Best Lead Performer.

Williams, 25, arrived at the ceremony in a Dolce & Gabbana suit with a white button-up shirt. His girlfriend, Katelyn Larson, arrived with him, wearing a stunning black long-sleeved dress. To make the night even more special, Williams’ parents also walked the red carpet.

"I didn't write a speech, but I do have a little thank-you list," Williams said at the ceremony. "My mom and dad for always believing in me and never letting this dream become something that I shouldn't believe in. My partner Katelyn, love you. Thank you so much for always keeping me stable, 'cause sometimes I'm not.”

E! News reported that Williams also made sure to thank the author of Heated Rivalry, Rachel Reid, showrunner Jacob Tierney, and executive producer Brendan Brady. But Williams gave the biggest thanks to his co-star, Connor Storrie, who plays Ilya Rozanov.

"If I could cut this award down the middle, I would," Williams said. "Because if these gay, yearning little bottom eyes didn't have a big, sexy Russian to feast upon, my performance wouldn't be as good. So, to the honorary Canadian Connor Storrie, I share this award with you."

Williams’ longtime groomer, Aika Flores, posted a series of photos from the ceremony on Instagram, along with a sweet shoutout to the actor.

“Beyond proud of you, H,” Flores said. “Grateful to have witnessed this milestone and so many defining moments alongside you.”

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While the plot of Heated Rivalry’s second season is still under wraps, it was announced that filming will begin in August with an expected April 2027 release date.

“There will be more Heated Rivalry on your TVs, like, truly, as soon as humanly possible,” Tierney said.

Taylor Swift is making it official. The pop princess just confirmed she’ll release a new song in June after intense fan speculation had the internet buzzing. The Life of a Showgirl singer is rumored to be marrying beau Travis Kelce in July, but first she’s gifting fans with new music.

In a social media post shared Monday, Taylor Swift confirmed what fans had been speculating about for days, writing:

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“You knew it! My new original song “I Knew It, I Knew You” for Disney and @pixar’s @toystory 5 will be yours on June 5th. I’ve always dreamed of getting to write for these characters who I’ve adored since I was a 5-year-old kid watching the first Toy Story movie. I fell instantly in love with Toy Story 5 when I was lucky enough to see it in its early stages, and I wrote this song as soon as I got home from the screening. Sometimes you just know, right? You can pre-order now exclusively on my site and catch Toy Story 5 in theaters June 19th.”

Swift accompanies the post with a photo of herself among a bed of flowers and a series of Toy Story 5 posters.

Why Taylor Swift Joined the Toy Story Universe

Explaining that she is a longtime admirer of the Toy Story films, Swift noted she grew up watching the original movie as a child. That personal connection played a major role in her decision to contribute to the fifth installment of the franchise.

Swift’s contribution to Toy Story 5 reflects a broader trend of major pop artists contributing original music to animated feature films, where songs often become key emotional anchors within the story.

Swift joins Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, Rihanna, and Sia, all of whom have written music for animated films and/or served as executive producers for an animated film’s soundtrack.

Toy Story 5 is set to hit theaters June 19, 2026. The fifth installment of the beloved Pixar franchise is one of the summer’s most highly anticipated films. The collaboration between Taylor Swift and the Pixar universe brings together one of the biggest names in pop music and one of the most beloved animated film franchises of all time, marking a major cultural crossover moment ahead of the film’s release—and ahead of Swift’s rumored July 2026 summer wedding to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

Swift’s involvement in Toy Story 5 adds another layer of excitement surrounding the next installment of this beloved franchise, while also creating a new generation of Swifties to her music through the film’s soundtrack.

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A great summer bag needs to strike a careful balance. You want something roomy enough to carry daily essentials like sunscreen, headphones, a wallet, and sunglasses, but not so large that it feels bulky or heavy on your shoulder. That's exactly why medium-sized shoulder bags remain such a staple during the warmer months: They offer plenty of functionality while still feeling light, effortless, and easy to carry from morning to night.

One especially popular option is the Ella Shoulder Bag. This highly rated style combines a sleek, minimalist design with practical features that make it easy to use every day. With six color options and a versatile silhouette that transitions seamlessly between occasions, it's the kind of bag you'll find yourself reaching for again and again.

Ella Shoulder Bag, From $199 at Coach Outlet

Courtesy of Coach Outlet

Shop at Coach Outlet

The bag is currently available in four pebble leather colors — yellow, black, beige, and brown — along with two printed chenille options for those who want something with a little more personality. The soft pebble leather gives the bag a polished appearance while remaining relaxed enough for everyday wear. Inside, a recycled polyester lining adds a thoughtful touch.

Its size is one of its biggest strengths. Measuring 14.0 inches long, 12.8 inches high, and 2.5 inches wide, the Ella offers plenty of room for your essentials without feeling oversized. It comfortably accommodates items like your phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, headphones, makeup essentials, and even a small notebook, making it ideal for busy days on the go.

Organization is simple thanks to an interior zip pocket and a secure zip-top closure. The zipper helps keep belongings protected while you're commuting, traveling, shopping, or running errands. It's one of those details you may not think about until you need it, but it makes a big difference in day-to-day use.

Another standout feature is the adjustable strap. The shoulder drop measures 11.3 inches, while the extender creates a longer 20-inch drop. This flexibility allows you to wear the bag comfortably in different ways depending on your outfit and plans. You can also shorten the strap for a more polished shoulder bag look or extend it for a more casual, hands-free feel.

Related: Coach Outlet Has Everything You Need to Complete Your Summer Internship Wardrobe

Styling the purse is refreshingly easy. For a summer-ready outfit, pair one of the lighter shades with a linen midi dress and leather sandals. If you're aiming for an elevated casual look, wear it alongside straight-leg jeans, a crisp white button-down, and simple gold jewelry. The clean shape complements a wide range of aesthetics without competing with the rest of your outfit.

This popular style has over 200 five-star reviews, with shoppers highlighting its quality and design. One reviewer dubbed it the “perfect everyday bag,” writing, “I love the secure zipper, how spacious it is, and at the same time it still looks so classy and chic. It’s definitely a staple piece!”

Another called it “classic rather than trendy,” adding, “This bag is a timeless, polished everyday bag with smooth leather and subtle branding. It’s lightweight and comfortable on the shoulder, perfect for daily errands, work, or casual outings.”

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For a bag that delivers style, practicality, and year-round versatility, the Ella Shoulder Bag is an easy choice. Its timeless design and thoughtful details make it a piece that's well worth investing in.

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You and your spouse planned well, had great investments, and now have a retirement account that’ll last you the next 30 years. You did it! But after a few weeks, suddenly the two of you feel lost, tense, and possibly even frustrated with each other. The routine of your lives has suddenly disappeared, and it’s beginning to put a strain on your previously healthy relationship. You aren’t alone. 

Who You Are

For professionals who have spent the majority of their lives in one field, their identity has been defined by what they do. So what happens to that identity when you retire? You’re no longer a Program Supervisor, Cardiac Surgeon, or Private School Principal.

The strain of losing that identity can bleed into your relationship. That’s the premise behind a recent piece published on Kiplinger by Retirement PsychologistRichard P. Himmer, PhD.

Related: Retirement Shock Is Real—Psychologists Say Most People Never See It Coming

An Unintended Pattern 

Himmer describes a pattern called collusion, in which one partner leans into filling the space while the other retreats.

“[The husband] wants to feel valuable. His wife wants to feel included. Neither is getting what they want, and both are doing precisely what guarantees they will not,” Himmer writes.

But Dr. Robert Waldinger, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, found that warm, loving relationships are the key to a long, happy life. In his book, The Good Life, Dr. Waldinger discusses how people in Western countries have become wealthier, but also more unhappy. It's a disconnection from others and a lack of deep personal relationships that fuel the discontent.

Related: I Tried 10 Different ‘Grandma Hobbies’ for 4 Weeks—Here’s the 1 That Actually Stuck

How To Fix It

Reinventing yourself is the key. Perhaps financial management is important for the husband right now, so he can ease out of his previous routine. Eventually, though, to maintain a healthy relationship, the couple will need to relearn who they are and what they want.

We don’t have to stagnate as we age. Finding hobbies you've always wanted to try or that sound interesting, and participating in them independently of your spouse, will give you more to share with them when you come together around the dinner table at the end of the day. Having hobbies to do together is equally important to continue to build and strengthen your relationship.

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Retirement is a huge life transition. Engaging activities will help keep you active and vibrant. Most importantly, however, it’ll help keep your sense of purpose and give you new and exciting things to learn and discover about your partner and your relationship. 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

Every year, the broadcast networks change things up with cancellations, but the 2025–2026 TV season is the biggest overhaul NBC has made, cancelling 10 shows.

Some of those cancellations were certainly unexpected, especially the 30-year-old favorite for celebrity news and gossip, Access Hollywood. It, along with Access Daily, will continue to run new episodes throughout the summer, with the official end arriving at the start of September 2026.

It's the end of an era for NBC, as it is part of a shift to end first-run syndicated TV programming. As well as the two Access shows, Karamo and The Steve Wilkos Show will also come to an end.

NBC Cancels 10 Shows in the 2025—2026 Season

The four syndicated TV programs were certainly a shock, but they weren't the only big cancellations of the year. The Kelly Clarkson Show will also come to an end after seven seasons, although this wasn't a decision made by the network. Kelly Clarkson announced that it was time to end to prioritize her children, after the untimely death of their father.

At the start of May, two scripted shows were quietly canceled, one of which still has episodes to air after being pulled from the schedule after the Winter Olympics. Brilliant Minds and Stumble have been canceled. This is despite Stumble getting a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Unscripted content hasn't fared any better, with two surprising and almost silent cancellations. Deal or No Deal Island and On Brand with Jimmy Fallon will not continue due to low viewership ratings.

While no longer an NBC series, Law & Order: Organized Crime was also canceled after five seasons. This series was originally canceled by NBC and moved to Peacock for its fifth season. It then got a run on NBC in fall 2025, and then there was silence until just before crunch time for the NBC Upfronts in May 2026.

NBC Pushes for More Sports on Sundays

The 2026–2027 season will look very different, especially on Sundays, for NBC. The network is continuing its push for more sports after seeing success with airing NBA games on Tuesdays.

Sundays will be year-round sports night on the Peacock network. After Sunday Night Football ends in February of each year, NBC will then air basketball games, with the name of the slot changing to Sunday Night Basketball.

Then in the spring and summer, it's all about baseball, with Sunday Night Baseball taking over. It means less time for scripted and unscripted content moving forward.

Joanna Gaines, 48, is no stranger to dwelling in aesthetically pleasing homescapes. But perhaps her most notable home is the emotional one she’s built with her husband Chip Gaines, 51. The couple, who became household names from starring in the HGTV series Fixer Upper, are celebrating a marriage milestone, close to a quarter of a century. On May 31, Joanna took to her Instagram, sharing a series of photos celebrating her 23rd year of marriage with her husband and co-collaborator. 

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‘My forever sweet home. Happy Anniversary @chipgaines #23,’ she captioned the post, which featured a carousel of images with Chip throughout the years, including a shot from their wedding day in 2003.

Joanna’s post was met with equally adoring messages from fans of the Gaines’, with one user commenting, “Happy Anniversary to the sweetest couple” and another adding,  “Your forever fixer upper !! 😍Happy anniversary!!”

Related: Joanna Gaines Reveals the Inspirational Message That Starts Her Work Days

The Gaines' Love Story

The couple first met in 2001 at Joanna’s father’s auto shop in Waco, Texas, before getting engaged a year later. In the early dating stage, Joanna revealed that Chip had the opposite personality of someone she’d usually go for, and initially thought they weren’t a match.

 "I was always attracted to quiet guys, to the guy that you didn't know what he was thinking. When Chip and I went on our first date, he didn't stop talking! In my mind, I was like, 'Okay, this isn't going to work. Because he is not quiet, he's not mysterious. He's very just out there.' . . . Then I heard this voice say, 'This is who you're going to marry.' Call it God, call it whatever. This is the man you're going to marry,” Joanna told People in 2023.

Now, the couple shares five children and several businesses under their Magnolia empire. The list includes the Magnolia Television Network in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery and Max, the quarterly lifestyle print magazine The Magnolia Journal, and the shopping complex Magnolia Market at the Silos in Waco, Texas. 

Reminiscing further on their journey, Joanna opened up about the funny mishap that occurred during Chip’s proposal to her in 2002. While appearing alongside her husband as a guest host on Shark Tank in January, Joanna said she thought Chip was having a ‘heart attack’ when he got down on one knee. 

“He told me that we were going to go backstage to some singer’s, like a little venue. And so, I show up. He gets down on his knees, but he trips on his jacket,” Joanna said on the episode, which was shared on Shark Tank’s Instagram account, later adding, “So, I thought he was having a heart attack.”

Def Leppard fans have a few more chances to see the iconic '80s rockers on tour, as they've announced an extension to their ongoing 2026 tour.

The legendary '80s rock band revealed several fall tour dates across Mexico and South America.

On Monday, June 1, the official account wrote on Instagram, "We are very excited to announce Def Leppard Live 2026 Fall Tour dates in Mexico and South America with special guest @extreme_band. Rock Brigade members get first access to tickets and VIP packages starting tomorrow."

Extreme, consisting of members Nuno Bettencourt, Gary Cherone, Pat Badger and Kevin Figueiredo, is a rock band formed in Boston in 1985, with their peak popularity in the late '80s and early '90s.

Fans will be able to purchase tickets shortly after the announcement, with sales officially beginning Friday, June 5, at 10 a.m.

"Santiago on sale June 6, San Salvador on sale June 8, Quito on sale June 9, Alajuela on sale June 12," the post further specified.

Show dates will kick off on Oct. 15 in Hollywood, FL, and wrap up on Nov. 8 in Santiago, CL.

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The English heavy metal band formed in Sheffield in 1976, and is currently touring and performing across Europe, with stops in Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, and more lined up in June alone.

The tour dates come after an announcement in Dec. 2025, bringing the band back to Las Vegas for a twelve-show run in February. Their return to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace marked their third Las Vegas residency, with the setlist blending timeless classics along with hits that have spanned decades

Since 1992, the band has consisted of Rick Savage, Joe Elliott, Rick Allen,Phil Collen, and Vivian Campbell, with hits such as their iconic anthem, 1987’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” crowd favorite “Rock of Ages,” and their only No. 1 hit in the U.S., “Love Bites.”

Their Vegas residency was followed by stops in India, Europe, the U.K., and Asia, leading to their most ambitious touring schedule in years, with fans getting a chance to hear their newest single, "Rejoice," for the first time ever after it was released at the beginning of the year.

As for new music, it's on the horizon! Elliot previously revealed that the band has already recorded several songs for a new album, which they are eyeing to release at the end of 2026 or early in 2027, telling ABC Audio, per K She 95, We’ve got a game plan, but it is kind of loose and we like it that way."

“It’s not like we’re being told by management and labels it has to be delivered on this day," he added.

Savannah Guthrie just dished on the "only time" she was jealous of her Today colleague, Jenna Bush Hager.

On the Monday, June 1 episode of the NBC morning show, Guthrie sat down with Anne Hathawayand Ewan McGregor, who were there promoting their new film The End of Oak Street.

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Naturally, the topic eventually turned to Star Wars, on which McGregor starred as Obi-Wan Kenobi, and The Devil Wears Prada, one of Hathaway's signature films.

“I mean, people have loved Devil Wears Prada 2. Are you breathing a huge sigh of relief?" Savannah asked Hathaway. "How good does that feel?”

To that, Hathaway admitted, "I think what you just said about the huge sigh of relief because we love it too, and we didn’t wanna come back and disappoint everybody. But the way that it’s been embraced, to the level that it has, has been overwhelming and beyond any of our wildest dreams.”

Related: Today Co-Anchor Savannah Guthrie to Host New Show

When asked if Hathaway would be up for a third film, she told Guthrie, “I hope so!”

Additionally, Guthrie made a bold request of the actress who plays Andrea Sachs opposite Meryl Streep's iconic Miranda Priestly. “OK, and then, can I get a cameo?” she asked. “Because Jenna Bush Hager got a cameo in 2, and it is the first and only time in our friendship I’ve been jealous.”

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NXQ65STnYM0

In The Devil Wears Prada 2, Bush Hager played herself in a brief cameo as one of the media personalities invited to a lunch party and Miranda Priestly's Hamptons home.

"I had just arrived, and they were like, 'Jenna?' And I'm like, 'Who? Me?,'" Bush Hager recalled of her brief time on the set of the film during an April interview with Hathaway and Streep on Today. "'Meryl, Anne?' And I'm like, 'Wait, what?' Because there was no script."

The former first daughter also confessed, "I was prepared to be cut. Because I have friends—Willie Geist was completely cut out of Kung Fu Panda 4."

Bush Hager added, "I have to say, when they called, I couldn't believe it. I was like, 'Wait, me?' And it was the fact that ya'll welcomed me so lovingly."

The Devil Wears Prada 2 hit theaters on May 1 and is expected to be available on Disney+ and Hulu later this year.

Next: Nancy Guthrie Update: Retired FBI Agent Says "Hope Absolutely Remains" 4 Months After Abduction (Exclusive)

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Coming out as queer is tough. But after overcoming internalized homophobia, figuring out confusing feelings and navigating family members in the process, it can feel so freeing to accept who you are. However, even after all that—and for a lot of people in the LGBTQ+ community still in the closet or unable to affirm their sexuality or gender—being gay is an ongoing internal struggle.

Regardless of how you even feel about being gay in your own head, there is so much hate thrown our way that it's easy to fall into mental pits of darkness. While you can't just tell yourself, "Be happy" or "Don't be depressed"—and have that work—coming up with affirmations for yourself can be a good reset and remind you of positive truths.

Helping queer people come up with affirmations for themselves was a big component of illustrator and author Jess Vosseteig's new book, Affirmations for Queer People: 100+ Positive Messages To Affirm, Empower and Inspire.

"For me, affirmations help me break negative thought patterns and help put me in a more positive mindset," Vosseteig tells Parade. "As a chronic overthinker, I can often find myself thinking the worst and getting stuck in spiraling thoughts; so affirmations that speak to what I'm experiencing can be helpful to pull me out of that."

Vosseteig, a book lover since childhood, dreamed of one day having their art in a book, and now it's a reality. Affirmations for Queer People is a vibrantly illustrated book containing affirmations that help queer individuals overcome shame to embrace (and love) who they are. Vosseteig has illustrated book covers and created art for brands and campaigns, and with their new book, they create a beautiful and engaging way to teach people the power of positive statements while also giving queer people some great ones they can repeat to themselves daily.

"I was fortunate enough to be able to combine my love of books and educating people on queer identity and life with my love of art to make this book!" Vosseteig shares. "This book is the perfect combination of what defines me as an artist and a person, and it is also something I would love to read myself as a queer artist."

So, whether you're queer or have queer loved ones in your life, we asked Vosseteig to share their favorite affirmations for queer people across many different scenarios (including you, allies!). And with Pride Month right around the corner, what better time to add these to your brain? So, with their help, here are 50 creative, helpful and uplifting affirmations for queer people.

Related: Inspire Confidence and Find Inner Peace With These 101 Daily Affirmations

The Importance of Affirmations for Queer People

Being queer is tough. We're very much a hated minority for some; people in the LGBTQ+ community are targets for hate crimes, violence and legal discrimination. There are currently 493 anti-LGBTQ bills in the United States, per the ACLU, and the HRC reported in 2023 that there's an "epidemic of violence against transgender and gender non-conforming people."

It's draining to hear about these things while also experiencing discrimination in your everyday life. While we can't make those things just stop cold turkey, knowing how to lift yourself up is important for avoiding those moments of darkness.

Courtesy Adams Media

"Queer people are constantly having to fight for our rights and deal with adversity from society that we often don't get the opportunity or resources to put our mental health first, which is why affirmations can be such an important tool for queer people," Vosseteig shares with Parade. "I think that speaking affirmations and trying to reframe our thoughts can be really calming and reassuring, which helps queer people feel more at peace in a world that is trying to fight us."

They share that they want queer people to read their book and understand just how "important and powerful they are," empowering themselves in the process. Vosseteig also shares that these queer affirmations don't just benefit the LGBTQ+ community. They believe it's important for allies to understand queerness better through these positive statements while gaining some affirmations they can keep in their back pocket in case someone in their life needs them one day.

As stated before, we asked Vosseteig what they thought were the best affirmations for queer people, and they gave us some great ones for different scenarios below.

Related: 80 LGBTQ Quotes To Celebrate Pride Month, Encourage Equality and Remind Us All that Love Is Love

Best Affirmations for Queer People

1. "Being queer gives me strength."

2. "I am queer enough."

3. "I choose what my identity means to me."

4. "Change is possible."

5. "The world is better with me in it."

6. "I love being a part of a history full of strength." 

7. "I am a fierce and empowered individual."

8. "I am a true work of art."

9. "I am worthy of healthy and fulfilling relationships."

10. "I embrace the freedom to exist beyond the binary."

11. "I prioritize my well-being and self-care."

Related: 'Lesbian Bars Near Me': Where the 36 Remaining Lesbian Bars Are in America

Affirmations for Queer People in Tough Times A page from the book, 'Affirmations for Queer People.'

Jess Vosseteig/Affirmations for Queer People, Adams Media

12. "I refuse to let hate diminish my spirit."

13. "I will find the support and resources I need."

14. "I release any shame I've internalized."

15. "I surround myself with love and support."

16. "I am powerful and strong."

Affirmations for Queer People Who Want To Come Out

Canva/Parade

17. "I don't have to have 'experience' to be valid in my queerness."

18. "I can come out whenever it feels right to me."

19. "I don't have to come out in a particular way."

20. "My community supports me when others don't."

21. "I am not obligated to teach anyone how to respect me."

Affirmations for Queer People Who Are Feeling Dysphoric

22. "My gender expression is valid."

23. "I love my transitioning body."

24. "People of all genders get their period."

25. "I deserve to wear clothes that reflect who I am."

26. "I love my body in all its forms."

27. "Having feminine qualities doesn't make me less of a man."

Related: What Does Nonbinary Mean? Definition of the LGBTQ+ Term

Affirmations for Queer People When They're Feeling Like They're Not Enough One page from Vosseteig's book, 'Affirmations for Queer People.'

Jess Vosseteig/Affirmations for Queer People, Adams Media

28. "I am a fierce and empowered individual."

29. "I deserve the love I want."

30. "I am a true work of art."

31. "I am not a burden."

32. "I am enough as I am."

33. "I am worthy and strong."

34. "I deserve only the best."

35. "I deserve to live a life without fear."

36. "I am beautiful just the way I am."

Affirmations That Allies Can Say To Queer People in Their Lives

Canva/Parade

37. "Your identity is valid."

38. "I celebrate your courage in being your authentic self."

39. "You have the right to live without fear."

40. "Your voice matters."

41. "I support you just as you are."

Related: Here's How To Be a Straight Ally to the LGBTQ+ Community

Positive Queer Affirmations

Canva/Parade

These general affirmations are not from Vosseteig or their book, but are still great starting points for you to customize so that they work best for you.

42. "I am braver than I give myself credit for."

43. “[Gay/Queer/Lesbian/Trans/Ace] is not a bad or dirty word.”

44. "You don't owe anyone [androgyny /femininity/masculinity]."

45. "I deserve to take up space."

46. "I can create my own happy ending."

47. "I am not a stereotype."

48. "I deserve to live an authentic life."

49. "My interests/hobbies are valid."

50. "I live my life for myself, nobody else." 

How To Come Up With Your Own Queer Affirmations

While this list of 50 affirmations for queer people is a great place to start, you don't have to follow hard-and-fast rules to uplift yourself. You can create affirmations for any situation you're faced with, tailored to you specifically. When Vosseteig was writing their book, they considered the obstacles and issues queer people might face and came up with reassuring affirmations for those situations.

"So if someone wanted to come up with affirmations for themself, they could think about an area of their life they might need some reassurance or confidence in, and think of a short phrase that maybe you would tell a friend who is struggling," they share.

And while that's daunting to think about for yourself, it's something you might not think twice about when coming up with a friend, Vosseteig points out. So approaching affirmations that way can help create them, too. Plus, keeping it short also helps, so that "you can easily remember and repeat it," they say.

Overall, as Vosseteig said, affirmations for queer people can pull you out of a bad headspace and recenter your thoughts. And while affirmations, in general, are good for anyone who needs a pick-me-up, they're especially useful for the LGBTQ+ community.

"Affirmations give us power and confidence," they say. "Which queer people will always need to exist."

Source

Courtesy Alyssa Wilson

Jess Vosseteig (they/them) is a "Colorado illustrator making queer, feminist and inclusive illustrations." They've worked with brands and companies such as Penguin Random House, Dr. Martens, Facebook/Meta, Ulta Beauty and so many more. Vosseteig is also the author and illustrator of Affirmations for Queer People: 100+ Positive Messages To Affirm, Empower and Inspire. They sometimes take commissions via her Instagram (@jessvos_art), but you can also shop their work on their website. 

Related: What Does LGBTQ+ Mean? Every Letter Is Important to the Community

The most common COVID-19symptoms doctors expect in June 2026 are a lot of what we've come to expect from the respiratory illness, but that doesn't mean that you should let your guard down whatsoever—especially because the coronavirus can be super dangerous to anyone with a compromised immune system or pre-existing conditions that make them more susceptible to complications. This includes otherwise healthy older people, experts warn.

"COVID-19 will likely follow a pattern in 2026 that is consistent with the later variants of Omicron," Dr. Ayesha Bryant, MD, MSPH, physician, associate professor and clinical advisor at Alpas Wellness, who also specializes in epidemiology and public health, tells Parade. She adds, "The vast majority of people will experience COVID-19 as an upper respiratory tract illness. However, some will be severely impacted by the virus due to factors including their individual immunity, age and underlying medical conditions."

The "upper respiratory" type of illness Dr. Bryant mentioned is a bit of a relief, because it means that while COVID still is awful, for most people, it won't immediately do damage to their lungs, with symptoms being more localized to the nose and throat.

Dr. Jade Le, MD, chief of infectious disease at Access TeleCare, stresses the need for frequent COVID testing if you feel sick, especially since many COVID-19 symptoms in June 2026 overlap with those of the flu, common cold and even strep throat. That said, here's what you can expect to see if you are unlucky enough to catch it this month, including which specific symptom that faded from prevalence for a while is rearing its ugly, painful head again.

Related: How Long Does Natural Immunity Actually Last After a Spring COVID Infection?

What Are the Most Common COVID-19 Symptoms in June 2026?

Photo by Xavier Lorenzo on Getty Images

Most of the common COVID-19 symptoms in June 2026 will be what you're used to, including one very specific symptom that previously hit COVID patients hard and dwindled for a bit: A painful sore throat often referred to as "razor blade throat."

With that in mind, other symptoms are very similar to the ones we've seen in recent months. "At this time, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are upper-respiratory or flu-like symptoms as seen with the common cold: runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat and cough, fevers, chills, fatigue, headache, body aches and rarely nausea, vomiting or diarrhea," Dr. Le says "I have not noticed any unique or new symptoms or patterns, but there are reports of 'razor blade throat' or hoarseness or scratchy throat, leading to misdiagnosis of strep throat or allergies."

The good news? "Fewer patients experience the loss of taste or smell as was noted in 2019-2020," Dr. Le notes.

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What Are the Most Common COVID-19 Variants Right Now?

Dr. Nikhil Bhayani, MD, assistant professor at Burnett School of Medicine at Texas Christian University, tells us, "Based on the most recent surveillance data, the currently predominant SARS-CoV-2 strains are JN.1 descendants (particularly LP.8.1, KP.3.1.1, and XEC), all of which remain within the Omicron lineage. A newly emerging variant, BA.3.2, is also under active surveillance."

If BA.3.2 sounds familiar, that's because it's the cicada variant that first made waves around April 2026. What's good about that? Thankfully, it doesn't seem to be any more severe than prior strains, according to Dr. Le.

Related: Does the Current COVID Vaccine Protect Against the Latest Mutation?

How Can I Protect Myself from COVID-19?

To be about a decade late and paraphrase Hamilton, don't throw away your shot! Dr. Bryant urges you to get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster if you haven't yet.

"Vaccinations continue to demonstrate the greatest benefits in protecting individuals from developing severe forms of COVID-19 and from being hospitalized or dying from COVID-19," she emphasizes. "While vaccines may vary in effectiveness in their ability to prevent milder cases of COVID-19 infection as viruses evolve, they remain a critical factor in prevention of severe outcomes."

She adds, "Prevention of severe outcomes includes staying up to date on vaccinations, accessing early testing and treatment opportunities, ensuring improved air circulation indoors, wearing masks in high-risk environments or during outbreaks and providing rapid access to antivirals for high-risk individuals."

Also very important: Dr. Le reiterates the importance of testing and says to stay home if you're symptomatic or if you test positive after being exposed to COVID.

Dr. Bhayani also recommends saline nasal rinses as needed, frequent and thorough handwashing and maintaining an overall healthy diet to keep your immune system in tip-top shape to fight off infections in general.

Related: The #1 COVID Symptom People Are Ignoring Right Now, According to Doctors

What’s the Quickest Way To Get Rid of June 2026 COVID Symptoms?

If you do get infected, talk to your doctor ASAP to see if you're eligible for antivirals, experts universally advised, which can shorten the duration and lessen the severity of your COVID-19 symptoms.

Beyond that, you'll want to treat it the way you would a flu or bad cold, depending on what your specific symptom set is like: hydration and plenty of rest are key! From there, you can use over-the-counter medications like antihistamines for runny nose, acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage your fever and aches and/or lozenges to ease a sore throat as needed—but be sure to talk to your doctor to make sure you won't have any reactions with other medications, drugs or supplements you make be taking already.

Also important to note: If you feel short of breath or have chest pains, get medical attention STAT!

Up Next:

Sources:

• Dr. Nikhil Bhayani, MD
• Dr. Ayesha Bryant, MD, MSPH
• Dr. Jade Le, MD

Recently, a man called into The Ramsey Show, hosted by financial expert Dave Ramsey, to talk about how his marriage is in shambles. The man hasn’t been honest with his wife about their $75,000 in debt, and now she’s started to check out of the marriage. The man is desperate to keep them together with Ramsey’s help.

View this post on Instagram A Problem Bigger Than Debt

In a post by Bankrate.com earlier this year, more than 2 in 5 U.S. adults say that keeping financial secrets is as bad as cheating on your spouse. That same piece shows that 45% of Americans say they don’t know everything about their partner’s finances. 

Men (47%) were more likely than women (39%) to commit financial infidelity, but the fallout from that is the real problem. As hiding debt and financial issues become more common, those issues begin to compound and cause even more stress. 

Related: A Raise at Work May Not Reduce Your Money Stress, But This Might

Ramsey’s Advice

As you can see in the clip above, Ramsey is gentle and compassionate with the caller. He reminds the husband that their combined incomes are far from bankruptcy. Ramsey continues by talking about how easy it would be for the two of them to plow through his debt snowball program and wipe away their debt.

Ramsey also reiterated that the two of them are a team, and it will take their teamwork to make this happen. While he didn’t give marriage advice or offer suggestions on how they could work through their current marital issues, he did say they should make the commitment to eliminating the debt together. 

Related: Dave Ramsey Tells Caller To Stop Using His Program And Do This Instead

You Aren’t Alone

It’s clear from the numbers above that financial infidelity isn’t unique or uncommon, but it is solvable. When the two of you commit to handling finances like a team, as Ramsey suggests, then you can begin to have complete transparency with one another. 

You aren’t alone in struggling with money management, especially in a tight economy. While debt is the symptom of this couple’s marital strain, it doesn’t have to be the nail in the coffin. As Ramsey suggests, if the two of them can come to an agreement and work together to eliminate the debt, they’ll start down the road to repairing their relationship. 

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Financial transparency is one of the key pillars of a happy marriage. As Ramsey states repeatedly to couples, you’re a team. Keeping the teamwork aspect in mind can help you navigate most of your marital issues.  

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.