Gay

Critics can’t decide if Andrew Scott’s Ripley is mesmerising or charmless – exactly as Patricia Highsmith wrote him

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Fresh from All of Us Strangers(2023), Andrew Scott plays the title role in Netflix’s new series Ripley, a miniseries based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley.

Key Points: 
  • Fresh from All of Us Strangers(2023), Andrew Scott plays the title role in Netflix’s new series Ripley, a miniseries based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley.
  • News publisher Out claimed Scott’s Ripley for gayness.
  • Highsmith wrote Ripley as having an elusive sexuality.
  • Scott’s Ripley is different yet again: an enigma who is both compelling and frightening – connected to sexuality, but resistant to explanations, labels or pigeonholes.

Tom Ripley through the ages

  • In 1999, Anthony Minghella made him gay in The Talented Mr. Ripley.
  • Minghella asserted that Ripley’s “pathology is not explained by his sexuality”, yet he punishes Ripley through his gayness when he has him kill his lover.
  • Refreshingly, Claude Chabrol’s Les Biches, thought to be loosely based on The Talented Mr. Ripley, neither pigeonholes nor punishes its lesbian/bisexual protagonist.
  • […] Ripley wouldn’t be comfortable in a gay bar; […] he wouldn’t be comfortable in a straight bar.”

Embracing gayness and fluidity

  • Gayness as a whole is not subtext in Zaillian’s production.
  • Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) asserts “I’m not queer” in the defensive manner of “someone who absolutely is”, as observed by Digital Spy’s David Opie.
  • At the same time, the series shows a sincere commitment to fluidity.
  • The choice to embrace fluidity is also strategic as it keeps Zaillian open to sequels that could stick to Highsmith’s original plots.

Scott plays an incalculable Ripley

  • Playing a sexual nullity is a departure for Scott.
  • To the character of Ripley he brings an ambiguous charisma and a Machiavellian sapiosexuality – sexiness that comes from being very, very intelligent.
  • Scott’s one definite statement about Ripley is that “his sexuality or sensuality comes out of his relationship with things — art, clothes, props, music.” Certainly, his Ripley has a love/hate relationship with “things”.
  • At the same time, inanimate objects prove to be obstacles as Ripley laboriously cleans up after his impulsive murders.
  • There’s a boat he can’t burn or scupper, an elevator that seizes up when he is trying to carry a body downstairs.
  • These near-misses generate suspense and anxiety for Ripley, but he is too opaque, alien and other for empathy.
  • Depending on whom you ask, his Ripley is either “mesmerizing” or “charmless”.
  • Is Scott too successful at playing the incalculable other?


Joy McEntee does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Denver Bid Committee Announces Candidacy for 2030 Gay Games XIII

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 26, 2024

DENVER, March 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federation of Gay Games (FGG) officially revealed the long list of candidate cities bidding for Gay Games XIII. Denver, having been a top 8 city finalist for the 2022 Games, has reconvened its Bid Committee to vie for the opportunity to host Gay Games Denver 2030 (GGDen2030).

Key Points: 
  • DENVER, March 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federation of Gay Games (FGG) officially revealed the long list of candidate cities bidding for Gay Games XIII.
  • Denver, having been a top 8 city finalist for the 2022 Games, has reconvened its Bid Committee to vie for the opportunity to host Gay Games Denver 2030 (GGDen2030).
  • If selected as the first city in the region to host the Gay Games, Denver would leverage its thriving LGBTQIA+ community in sports, culture, business, and politics.
  • "I am thrilled at the prospect of hosting the 2030 Gay Games in our vibrant city," said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston.

The Agency Launches Office in Reno, Nevada

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

LOS ANGELES, March 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Global real estate brokerage The Agency proudly announces the launch of its new office in Reno, Nevada. The new locale, which will be known as The Agency Reno, is the firm's third office in the state of Nevada, and joins the brokerage's growing network of offices in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe. The office will be led by accomplished industry veteran Zar Zanganeh, who will serve as Managing Partner, and A.J. Palomar, who will serve as Managing Director. The Agency Reno will serve the greater Reno region as well as Sparks, Carson City, Incline Village, and the North Shore of Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side. Zar Zanganeh opened The Agency Las Vegas in October 2021 and The Agency Henderson in September 2023.

Key Points: 
  • LOS ANGELES, March 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Global real estate brokerage The Agency proudly announces the launch of its new office in Reno, Nevada.
  • Zar Zanganeh opened The Agency Las Vegas in October 2021 and The Agency Henderson in September 2023.
  • "We are thrilled to launch our new office in Reno as we continue to expand The Agency's presence throughout greater Nevada," said Mauricio Umansky, CEO and Founder of The Agency.
  • "We are thrilled to launch our new office in Reno as we continue to expand The Agency's presence throughout greater Nevada," said Mauricio Umansky , CEO and Founder of The Agency.

How the demise of gay nightlife has prompted a new underground queer scene – new book

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Evidence of this demise and the ongoing threat of bar and club closures can be seen everywhere.

Key Points: 
  • Evidence of this demise and the ongoing threat of bar and club closures can be seen everywhere.
  • In late 2023 the renowned London club G-A-Y closed its doors, as did many other bars and clubs, victims of an array of economic difficulties.
  • All these things have acted to catalyse this destructive process, stripping city nightlife scenes of queer venues.

Revolution through evolution

  • But if gay nightlife has been forced to change, something more exciting is evolving in its place, according to Amin Ghaziani’s book Long Live Queer Nightlife: How the Closing of Gay Bars Sparked a Revolution.
  • By sharing insights and experiences from in and around London’s evolving queer nightlife scene, Ghaziani reveals how it continues to thrive in spite of widespread closures.
  • Ghaziani argues that the very nature of queer spaces has merely transformed, now surviving more independently “underground” – often away from the mainstream nightlife sectors.
  • Ghaziani’s book links the demise of gay clubs in London to the rise of new queer events appearing throughout the city.

Beyond the city

  • The queer underground of the big city is moving, adapting, evolving, as Ghaziani contends.
  • Culture is changing and this book helps to explain why and how, encouraging the celebration of queer nightlife itself.
  • But by immersing us in a night out in the big city, the book manages to convey feelings of fun and togetherness, reminding us that nightlife is above all about joy, expression and community.
  • Ghaziani is asking us not to dwell on the devastation of the gay nightclub scene, but celebrate the queer night’s evolution.


Zack Ditch receives funding from Midlands4Cities.

The Queen of Gay Street Receives International Recognition, Wins Independent Press Award

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 29, 2024

NEW YORK, Feb. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD, one of the most prestigious book award programs globally for independent authors, publishers, and illustrators, recognized The Queen of Gay Street by Esther Mollica in the category of LGBT Nonfiction as a winner.

Key Points: 
  • Esther Mollica's "The Queen of Gay Street" wins the 2024 Independent Press Award in the category of LGBT Nonfiction.
  • NEW YORK, Feb. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD, one of the most prestigious book award programs globally for independent authors, publishers, and illustrators, recognized The Queen of Gay Street by Esther Mollica in the category of LGBT Nonfiction as a winner.
  • "The 2024 INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD honorees represent the excellence and diversity of global independent publishing," said Gabrielle Olczak, IPA President and Award Sponsor.
  • To learn more about the author, please visit https://www.esthermollica.com/
    "The Queen of Gay Street" is available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and Ingram Publisher Services.

Los Angeles Blade to Celebrate 2024 ‘Best of LGBTQ Los Angeles’ Awards

Retrieved on: 
Friday, January 26, 2024

The Los Angeles Blade , LA’s only LGBTQ newspaper and nation’s only LGBTQ Media member of the White House Press Corps, partner newspaper of the venerable Washington Blade in DC, will present the 2024 Best Of LGBTQ Los Angeles Awards at Heart Weho on Saturday, January 27 from 8:00 p.m.

Key Points: 
  • The Los Angeles Blade , LA’s only LGBTQ newspaper and nation’s only LGBTQ Media member of the White House Press Corps, partner newspaper of the venerable Washington Blade in DC, will present the 2024 Best Of LGBTQ Los Angeles Awards at Heart Weho on Saturday, January 27 from 8:00 p.m.
  • In 2021, Los Angeles Blade publisher Troy Masters honored Los Angeles based philanthropist Ariadne Getty for her landmark donation to Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) community.
  • In 2022, the Los Angeles Blade honored David Geffen and presented him with the award.
  • With over 30 prestigious categories, the Los Angeles Blade “Best of LGBTQ LA” Awards will shine a spotlight on diverse stories and artists, activists and community notables and others who have championed critical LGBTQ issues and connected so powerfully with the community.

Montecatini Announces New CEO

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 28, 2023

CARLSBAD, Calif., Nov. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Montecatini, a premier eating disorder treatment center in Southern California, has named Britney Gay its chief executive officer.

Key Points: 
  • CARLSBAD, Calif., Nov. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Montecatini, a premier eating disorder treatment center in Southern California, has named Britney Gay its chief executive officer.
  • With more than 15 years of experience in various leadership roles within the behavioral health industry, Gay will be using her skills in strategic planning, communication, and problem-solving as she directs Montecatini.
  • “I am thrilled to join the Montecatini team,” Gay said.
  • She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and is expected to earn her MBA from National University in 2024.

Chase Plastics announces eighth annual Giving Card Campaign

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 1, 2023

CLARKSTON, Mich., Nov. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In its eighth year, the effort is a much-anticipated tradition that provides the opportunity to nominate a charitable organization to receive a well-deserved donation. This year, Chase Plastics is increasing its donation amount to $2,500 from $1,000.

Key Points: 
  • Chase Plastics is excited to announce the official kick-off of its annual holiday "Giving Card" campaign.
  • Chase Plastics will highlight various charitable organizations' efforts on their social media pages throughout the campaign period to help raise awareness about them.
  • The act of giving has been synonymous with the Chase Plastics name, culture, and the plastics industry for decades.
  • So, it is no surprise that — much like Chase Plastics — their customers and suppliers have equally big hearts and a passion for giving.

Scripps News wins first national News Emmy Award

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, September 28, 2023

ATLANTA, Sept. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Scripps News, the nation's only 24/7 broadcast news network available over the air, has won its first national News Emmy Award with its documentary news series, " In Real Life ."

Key Points: 
  • ATLANTA, Sept. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Scripps News, the nation's only 24/7 broadcast news network available over the air, has won its first national News Emmy Award with its documentary news series, " In Real Life ."
  • The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced the honors Wednesday evening during the news ceremony of the 44th News and Documentary Emmy Awards.
  • Scripps News won in the outstanding science, technology or environmental coverage category for " In Real Life: Plastic Time Bomb ."
  • "This award, and our second nomination, are fantastic recognitions of Scripps News' commitment to going beyond the headlines to bring viewers deeper, context-driven reporting," said Scripps News President Kate O'Brian.

Remedy Place Announces Stephen Wright as Vice President of Marketing

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, September 7, 2023

Remedy Place , the pioneering social wellness club committed to reshaping self-care and nurturing interpersonal connections, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Stephen Wright as the company’s inaugural Vice President of Marketing.

Key Points: 
  • Remedy Place , the pioneering social wellness club committed to reshaping self-care and nurturing interpersonal connections, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Stephen Wright as the company’s inaugural Vice President of Marketing.
  • As a central force in Remedy Place’s next chapter of expansion and evolution, Wright will leverage his passion and expertise to lead growth marketing, communications, experiential events, strategic partnerships, content, community development, and digital engagement, further establishing Remedy Place's dedication to redefining the wellness industry.
  • He understands the critical importance of cross-channel storytelling and finding the intersections between culture, content, and commerce to engage both current and future Remedy Place members," said Dr. Jonathan Leary , Founder and CEO of Remedy Place.
  • "Remedy Place is at a transformative stage in the company’s trajectory, and I’m thrilled to be stepping into this exciting new role," said Stephen Wright, VP of Marketing.