Latest news with #Divas
Chicago Tribune
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Three Pride Month events to be held in Aurora this weekend
To celebrate Pride Month, the Aurora community is set to hold three events, including a parade, around downtown this weekend. On Saturday, the Aurora LGBTQ+ Advisory Board will again this year be hosting Pride at the Plaza, which will transform Stolp Avenue in downtown Aurora with live music, a drag show, food trucks and booths from local community organizations, according to a news release from the city of Aurora. 'We're thrilled to kick off Aurora's Pride weekend with this event,' Zachary Bishop, chair of the Aurora LGBTQ+ Advisory Board, said in the city news release. 'We're building on last year's success to make this celebration even better with fantastic performers, delicious food and an inclusive space for everyone to enjoy.' Pride at the Plaza's entertainment lineup this year is set to include a drag performance by the Divas and live music from artists Cheryl Rodey and Invisible Cartoons, according to the release. The event will run from 6 to 10 p.m. and will be free, although there will be a suggested $5 donation to the Denee Mallon Scholarship Fund. The fund's namesake, Denee Mallon, fought to end Medicare's ban on transgender procedure coverage, and the scholarship will help members of the LGBTQ+ community in Aurora, the city's news release said. The Aurora Pride Parade, which is set to feature between 60 and 70 marching groups, including floats, will kick off downtown at noon on Sunday. The event has taken place yearly since 2018, except for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is organized by the Aurora Pride organization. Gwyn Ciesla, president of Aurora Pride, said the parade is a family-friendly event that attracts all ages and yearly draws between 5,000 and 6,000 spectators. One difference between this year's Aurora Pride Parade and past ones, according to Ciesla, is that it will feature three grand marshals rather than just one. Ciesla said the grand marshals, which will lead the parade, are people honored for their work for or importance to the LGBTQ+ community in the Aurora area. This year's grand marshals, as announced on the Aurora Pride Facebook page, are: Corvin Ezri, founder of The Prideful Path Project; Aleyna Couture, a local drag queen known for her active role in west suburban nightlife and her mentorship within the local drag community; and Paulene Spika, a 71-year-old transgender woman who serves on the Aurora LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. The Aurora Pride Parade has a number of sponsors, its website shows, including Rush, NuMark Credit Union and Sonova. But Ciesla said the organization had some fundraising challenges this year because of the current political climate. 'You have some companies that are actively walking back any sort of DEI or equality initiatives and then others that are kind of doubling down and being more supportive,' Ciesla said. 'There's a lot of both.' Immediately following the parade, Aurora Pride will be hosting a party — aptly named the 2025 Pride Parade After Party — at the Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora. The party, planned to start at 1 p.m., will be family-friendly like the parade and will include food, drinks, live music, a drag show and more, according to a post on the Aurora Pride Facebook page. Tickets to the event cost $10 and will go towards funding next year's Pride Parade. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of the event or ahead of time at: Ciesla said that, although Chicago has long held Pride events, it is fantastic to see so many like the ones in Aurora pop up all over the state in recent years, because that means no one has to go that far to attend one. 'Now there's so many you can't even do them all even if you had a private jet,' Ciesla said.
Daily Mirror
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Big Brother stars calls UK Supreme Court's trans ruling ‘utter rubbish'
Bradley Riches, Ali Bromley, along with Dame Kelly Holmes and other LGBTQIA+ celebrities shares their thoughts on UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of "woman" at the Diva Awards Celebrity Big Brother star Bradley Riches was among the famous queer guests and nominees present at last night's Diva Awards, an annual ceremony celebrating the achievements and contributions of LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people. Falling during Lesbian Visibility week, this year's Divas also came just a week after the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of "woman" under the Equality Act 2010 is based on biological sex, excluding transgender women. The ruling has stirred polarising views within the LGBTQIA+ community, and Bradley had some strong opinions about it. Speaking to The Mirror, he said: 'I think it's utter bull—, if I'm going to be honest, utter rubbish. 'I think that to see all the trans community has done to be where we are [now], to push back so many years is really heart wrenching for the trans community but also for all of us allies. But I think all we have to do now is just be there for our trans and non-binary friends and celebrate. I think the whole community will come out stronger, definitely.' For Bradley, being at the Diva Awards, which mainly celebrates queer women, is important for the entire community, as he explained: 'I think it's a very important thing to show up for, all the letters of the community, not just those that resonate with me.' Big Brother 2024 winner Ali Bromley echoed Bradley's feelings as she explained her reaction to the controversial ruling: 'I've been doing my bit to show how I feel, so I went to the protest on Saturday, and I've been working with other people in the community as well to see what we can do. It's really important that we use our voices and our platforms to express our discontent with the ruling, it's a difficult time. 'Events like these are important because it's our way of showing that whatever ruling happens, we're here, we're queer and we stand by each other.' Ali, who made waves last year as 'The Red Witch' in the house, went on to share her appreciation for JoJo Siwa, who just finished Celebrity Big Brother in third place. 'I have been watching [this year's Celebrity Big Brother]. I'm a big fan of JoJo, I would've liked to meet her actually, if there wasn't a clash tonight.' The reality TV star further shared the challenges she has faced of being a lesbian in a mainstream show, admitting: 'Sometimes, I think there is some confusion about queer women, what we are, what we represent, sometimes invalidation of sexuality as well. I know that's something I've experienced, people don't believe that I'm gay because I look too feminine, or I'm not what they expect a lesbian to look like, so there's a few challenges, but we carry on.' Dame Kelly Holmes, who was among the celebrities delivering awards at the ceremony, called the ruling 'complex'. She told The Mirror: 'I don't think it's been thought-through, but the whole point of everything, people need to be given solutions, because all we do is go 'no no', and no one's coming with any solutions.' The celebrated Olympic athlete added: 'Sometimes, you can't argue with the relational, and yet, I think people need to know that people are here to stay, to live their lives. Some of the ruling, I just don't think have been effectively moved forward with everybody's voice, they've gone with one voice and nobody else's. 'For me, it's about a solution. You can't just say no and then think it's ok.' Lizzie Cundy, who expressed how honoured she felt to be a guest at the awards, said the ruling was particularly 'tough'. "I've many friends that are trans, many friends that are lesbians, and it's a difficult one because I do believe women should have their own safe spaces, but also I do believe it's going to be very difficult for the trans community," she said. The TV personality continued: 'The trans community needs to be treated with kindness and consideration and there should be more done to help, I really do feel that. I just interviewed the first transgender couple and they're just beside themselves because they feel really alone in all of this. My heart goes out to the trans community, most definitely.' Singer Nxdia, who was nominated for the media moment of the year with their viral hit She Likes A Boy has been struggling with the Supreme Court's decision. They explained: 'I think trans women were the reason many of us can really be as visible as we are today. 'So I feel like it's quite prominent that it's lesbian visibility week this week, because trans women are kind of the reason why we can be this [visible] today.' Popular singer Shura, who is releasing a much anticipated third album next month, six years after her last, shared her thoughts on visibility, explaining: 'I'm realising that progress isn't guaranteed, that we can go back and visibility is really important. 'Not everyone feels comfortable being visible, but if you are, then you absolutely must be, and it's important that you.' She further shared her reaction to the Supreme Court's ruling, stating it was 'horrific'. She said: You know, I think trans women are women, I think what has happened is outrageous and also just isn't going to protect women. 'I get very cross about it.' The Diva Awards, founded by Linda Riley have played a vital role in championing queer visibility, and is the first of its kind in the country. For the LGBTQIA+, it's a groundbreaking event that shines a light on issues that are not often shared in mainstream spaces. According to Roxy Bourdillon, Diva Magazine's editor-in-chief and author of the newly released What a Girls Wants, queer women often experience 'extra' marginalisation due to society's misogyny. She explained: 'We know as women that in some ways, the odds can be stacked against us anyway, just moving through society. 'And then if you add to that, that you're a queer woman or a non binary person, or bisexual or trans or however you identify, then it can mean that there's additional barriers to getting that visibility and representation that we so desperately need. But that's also why events like lesbian visibility week and the Diva Awards are so gorgeous and powerful, because it's really an opportunity to center and celebrate our community and champion our rights while also just having a great time.' Roxy reacted to the Supreme Court's ruling, calling it 'frightening time for our community'. She said: 'I think it is so important now more than ever that we stand together. And I know from my work through Diva, from my work in my book, and from just being a lesbian cisgender woman moving through the world, I know that trans people are an important, beautiful, valued part of our community, and they've always been part of our community. 'They've been with us, standing at the front of protests for decades, and so I really think now it's important that we all stand up for them as well, and my heart is with our trans siblings at the moment.' DIVA Awards 2025 Winners Centrica Charity or Community Project of the Year: Winner: Just Like Us Highly Commended: TransActual myGwork LGBTQIA Network of the Year: Winner: Pride Matters, Colt Technology Services Dorchester Collection Campaigner of the Year: Kantar Inspirational Role Model of the Year: Winner: Saba Ali Highly Commended: Winnie King, Mace Group Winner: Alexis Curtis-Harris, Penna Paramount Influencer of the Year: Winner: Lesbian Supper ClubHighly Commended: CurveyBlackWitch Brand of the Year: Winner: London Women's Clinic Highly Commended: L&G BNP Paribas Corporate Ally of the Year: Winner: Anne Aslett, Elton John AIDS Foundation Jackdaw Media Media Moment of the Year: Winner: I Kissed a Girl Deliveroo Diversity Champion of the Year: Winner: Maria Patsalos, Mishcon De Reya Highly Commended: Emma Palethorpe, St. James's Place Highly Commended: Pippa Dale, LSEG London Women's Clinic Future Leader of the Year: Winner: Bruna Gil, LinkedIn Highly Commended: Deborah Mills-Burns, Momentum Personal Solutions Allianz Commercial Writer of the Year: Winner: Val McDermid Celebrity Ally of the Year: Winner: Vicky Myers Highly Commended: David Tennant Highly Commended: Alex Scott MBE Actor of the Year: Sedulo Lifetime Achievement: LGBTQIA Veterans
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Longmont cafe set to offer ‘taste of Mexico, Guatemala'
From chile rellenos to chicken tostadas, the Longmont community can experience Latin American flavors this weekend at 'Itacate Con Chicas.' On Saturday, Longmont cafe Chí Kapé will host the community food event, 'Itacate Con Chicas.' Offering a 'taste of Mexico and Guatemala through women's hands,' the event will feature entrees from Mexican chef Eva Leon and sides from Esly Mirelly Divas, the Guatemalan owner of Chí Kapé. 'It's a combination of different cultures in one plate,' Divas said. Customers who visit the cafe can try seven Latin American dishes being prepared for the occasion, plus 'agua fresca' drinks. People can pay for individual items, or get a platter with a little bit of everything. 'We want people to just come in and either sit in here, or take it home,' Divas said. 'You're going to come here and you're going to eat something unexpected, or something that you've never heard of.' Chí Kapé opened in its current building at the end of last year. The cafe serves Latin American pastries, and coffee sourced from female farmers in Guatemala. Divas is preparing several Guatemalan sides, including 'rellenitos,' or plantains with sweet black beans. She'll also be making the Costa Rican staple 'gallo pinto' – black beans mixed with white rice. Leon, who is from Mexico City, will be making the main dishes: pork with chile guajillo sauce, chile rellenos and chicken tinga tostadas. Divas described Leon's food as not especially spicy, but 'very authentic.' 'She knows the roots, and she's staying true to that,' Divas said. Saturday will be the first 'Itacate Con Chicas,' but Divas and Leon want to turn it into a monthly event. They aim to host the event on the second or third Saturday of each month going forward, depending on their schedules. Divas met Leon through the Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute, which helps Colorado entrepreneurs develop their businesses. Leon makes frozen Mexican meals through her business, Cocina Mexicana 017. The two cooks will prepare 30 servings of each dish on Saturday. They said they'll split the profits from the event down the middle. 'We want to help each other and support each other,' Divas said. Chí Kapé is at 1680 Main St. Its regular business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
See - Sada Elbalad
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Michelle McCool to Be Inducted into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025
Rana Atef On Friday, WWE announced that first-ever Divas champion Michelle McCool will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025. WWE Hall of Famer and WWE Content Chief Officer Triple H Levesque revealed the announcement to McCool and her husband the Undertaker on ESPN's Get Up. McCool was a four-time champion and she held both Divas and Women's championships. She first signed with WWE in 2004 after participating in the WWE Diva Search and retired in 2010. McCool told Chris Van Vliet before the announcement and the possibility of becoming a WWE Hall of Famer. "I don't know. I get that question all the time. I mean, it would be an honor. I don't know, not my call," she said. "Don't even whose call it is, but I have no idea. I would hope Laycool would go in, and everybody always asks. I mean, that would be an honor to go in as Michelle McCool, obviously." "But think Laycool is what put Michelle McCool really on the map," McCool continued. "And I'll never take that for granted, but she just disassociated from wrestling for quite some time, and I respected that. Would I give anything to have a LayCool reunion at a Rumble? Yeah."
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ranking potential surprise Royal Rumble 2025 entrants, from WWE's Randy Orton to Bad Bunny
The Royal Rumble is almost here and the traditional guessing game about surprise entrants is well underway. Even the confirmed return of Charlotte Flair has fanned the flames, with speculation that the announcement might be a ploy to cover up a more surprising return. Who could be the unexpected entrants this time around? Here are 10 names on our radar: Let's get this one dealt with straight away. Ever since CM Punk returned to WWE, there has been excited chatter among his fans that AJ Lee, Punk's real-life spouse, might make a similarly surprising comeback. Will it happen? Up until now, it's largely been a guessing game. That was until Punk poured gas on the flames of speculation by telling Jackie Redmond that there was one 'big name" he wanted to see in this year's women's match. As teases go, this one was as subtle as a sledgehammer. If the former Divas champion doesn't appear, fans will have every right to feel a bit miffed with 'The Second City Saint.' Likelihood: 6 out of 10. If you believe the official line, this one should be off the table. WWE said that Dragunov injured his knee last fall and would be out of action for at least six months, which would delay any return until March at the earliest. Still, we know that wrestling companies aren't always 100% truthful when it comes to these things and rumors are already swirling that 'The Mad Dragon' is fit and ready for a Rumble return. Judging by his Instagram posts, he's certainly preparing for something. We'll be keeping our fingers crossed that we see him this Saturday. Likelihood: 8 out of 10. Last year's men's Rumble featured two NXT names, both of whom (Bron Breakker and Carmelo Hayes) have since had solid runs on the main roster. If anyone is well-positioned to do the same thing this year it has to be the former NXT champion Trick Williams. The 30-year-old has done an excellent job as NXT's go-to headliner over the past year. He deserves the chance to make a name for himself in this year's Rumble — and perhaps also settle a few old scores with Melo. Likelihood: 7 out of 10. With Dakota Kai sidelined due to injury again, the chances of a full Damage CTRL reunion in the Rumble have been dashed. But where does that leave 'The Empress of Tomorrow,' who would have likely been the cornerstone of such a move? It's now approaching a year since we saw Asuka. There's some serious anticipation that this will change this weekend. Based on current reports, we certainly shouldn't be ruling it out. Expect a big pop if this one comes off. Likelihood: 7 out of 10. Are we about to enter a second wave of Hendry-mania? The silver-shampooed Scotsman had the wrestling world eating out of the palm of his hand last year when he made his big cameo appearance in NXT, thanks in part to him having the catchiest entrance music in wrestling. With the new WWE/TNA partnership, and Hendry holding the latter's world championship, the stars look perfectly aligned for an appearance this weekend. Put me down as a believer on this one. Likelihood: 9 out of 10. It's been a while since 'The Viper' was taken out of action following a nasty piledriver from his unhinged former ally Kevin Owens. So is now the time for a comeback? An Orton return would certainly add a fresh twist to the ongoing Cody Rhodes/Kevin Owens rivalry, potentially even setting up a future vendetta against the Universal Champion. Either way, it's hard to imagine that Orton won't feature at WrestleMania. If that's the plan, this would be the right time to start putting it into action. Likelihood: 6 out of 10. Last year's Rumble saw the debut of Jade Cargill, finally unleashing the anticipation that had been building ever since the former AEW star was unveiled as WWE's latest signing. Cargill would go on to dominate the women's tag team division before being taken out of action following a mysterious backstage attack seemingly designed to build toward a singles match at WrestleMania. Ordinarily, having the same talent be the 'surprise' entrant at back-to-back Rumbles might feel a bit risky. But I suspect 'Big Money Jade' has the star power to pull it off. Likelihood: 9 out of 10. WWE has been hitting consistent home-runs with its signings from AEW, most recently with the lucha sensation Penta. Now it looks like the company might be about to get its hands on another of Tony Khan's talents in the form of Malakai Black. The tattooed martial artist is certainly well-known enough to get a big Rumble pop (not least given he wrestled in WWE until 2021). But perhaps we shouldn't get excited just yet. Media reports suggest that Black's AEW contract limits any WWE return for a few weeks yet. Likelihood: 2 out of 10. Returning to the couples theme, could we also see a comeback for another wrestling spouse, namely Mr. Chelsea Green (aka Matt Cardona)? Cardona's WWE run as Zack Ryder is ancient history now. But the ultra-charismatic New Yorker has exuded star quality on the indies, as well as winning praise for his work in TNA and Ring of Honor. He also talked a good game when asked about a WWE return by Ariel Helwani earlier this month. It helps that WWE clearly holds his wife in such high esteem (and quite rightly so, for what it's worth). Likelihood: 4 out of 10. The three-time Grammy winner was praised to the hilt for his work with Damian Priest at Backlash two years ago, but has been conspicuous by his absence since then. Sure, adding one of the world's most in-demand musicians adds somewhat of a logistical challenge. But the Latin supremo set tongues wagging when he hinted at a future WWE return during an interview with Rolling Stone earlier this month. Given the potential reach of the Netflix deal, you'd suspect that Nick Khan and Triple H would move mountains for the chance to make that happen. Likelihood: 3 out of 10.
