Boy Culture Links: Bulging with Influence, Honorary Oscars Announced, Billy Haines Honored, 'Finding Fire Island' Season 2 Is Here & Queer, a Sweet André De Shields Kiss & Tell + MORE
JUNE 13, 2026
FACEBOOK: I know this guy is ho-in’ like everyone else on social media, but I like that his content is sly.
WASHINGTON BLADE: I would love to own anything designed by Billy Haines, the ‘20s star who was as close to out as gay people could have been 100 years ago in Hollywood, and who counted Joan Crawford among his best friends. He left the movies to become a revered interior designer (Joan helped), and was a big success in business and in life — his company is still active and he stayed with his partner until his death at 72 in 1972.
Now, a Staunton, Virginia-based nonprofit called the Arcadia Project is set to revamp a theater there and to name it for Haines. The end result would be a “dynamic mixed-use cultural center” in the town where he grew up.
He made good choices if people are remembering and honoring him 50+ years after his death.
THE COMPLETE CATALOG: Welcome to Tristan Ettleman’s The Complete Catalog podcast, which focuses on a single topic per season. Though not always musical in nature, he is allll about Madonna this season, and I was happy and proud to be the guest for Episode 1.
You can check me out here or here.
YOUTUBE: Finding Fire Island is in its second season now. The pitch:
“Finding Fire Island examines the history of the nation's most storied LGBTQ+ vacation destination. Season 2 focuses on The Pines — famous for its parties, but the series looks beyond the surface to the community that keeps the fantasy alive. Built in contrast to neighboring Cherry Grove, The Pines became a canvas for queer imagination — in its architecture, its music, and the ways residents create something out of nothing. The season features Billy Porter, John Waters, SNL’s Julio Torres, Broadway’s Jerry Mitchell, Peloton viral sensation Cody Rigsby, and comic Jay Jurden.”
I’ve never been to Fire Island, in spite of living in NYC since 1992. Who wants to invite me?
Above is Episode 2 of Season 2, in which the most important question of all is explored: How did this place become so dang gay?
BEATTY.HOUSE.GOV: Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) is doing a victory dance now that her suit has led to Trump’s name being stripped from the Kennedy Center!
OSCARS: Speaking of honors, do we all realize how fucking crazy-cool it is that Christine Vachon & Pamela Koffler will be honored with the Irving G. Thalberg Award — an Oscar! — for their lifelong film work? They will receive the honor November 15. Among their greatest achievements: Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The Notorious Bettie Page, May December, Materialists and Past Lives, but their Killer Films also produced Safe, Velvet Goldmine, Happiness, Boys Don’t Cry, Far from Heaven, I’m Not There, Still Alice, Carol and A Different Man. Legends.
Honorary Oscars will also go to Glenn Close (finally), Floyd Norman and Ridley Scott.
FACEBOOK: Gay historian Douglas Messerli offers the sweetest-ever kiss-and-tell story about André De Shields that I doubt Mr. De Shields would begrudge. Also, just in time for Pride, check out Mr. Messerli’s book:
PEOPLE: I wondered why Tyra Banks appeared in Reality Check: America’s Next Top Model since it framed her as negatively as possible — turns out, she is now claiming she was duped into the appearance. Messy.
WAVETREE: On Sunday, June 14 (tomorrow, bb!), at 6:30 p.m., the South Street Seaport in NYC is hosting Queer History: The End of the World and You aboard the historic Wavetree:
“Through hands-on activities, folk music, and plenty of queer joy, participants will learn practical seafaring-inspired skills while connecting with fellow festivalgoers. Framed through a playful vision of preparing for life in a changing future, this unique event blends history, imagination, and community-building aboard one of New York City’s most iconic ships.”
Get your tickets here, queer!
EMPTY CHAIRS: This guy is pointing out the incredible lack of success experienced by ex-gay therapy and therapists.
JULIEN’S AUCTIONS: Boy George is cashing out, offering a number of items from his collection at auction.
GR8ERDAYS: Remembering three one-of-a-kind performers, each of whom died with unique items on their vast résumés: Margaret Kerry, Ronnie Schell and Gene Shalit.
AMAZON: Dr. Frank Spinelli, author of Pee-Shy, is releasing a new book called The Shame Compass: A Radical Framework for Trauma Healing and Self-Acceptance that frames shame as a compass, rather than an absolute negative. He says the book is for “anyone who has ever felt fundamentally broken, too far gone, or simply not the kind of person healing was designed for.”
