Latest news with #JustLikeUs
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Elizabeth Hurley Shares Video of Boyfriend Billy Ray Cyrus Driving Through Countryside
Elizabeth Hurley is giving a tiny glimpse of her life with new boyfriend Billy Ray Cyrus. Hurley, 59, took to Instagram on Tuesday, April 22, to share a series of photos of her posing on a front porch. In the sweet snaps, she donned a white blouse, blue jeans and brown boots. Hurley' also included a video of Cyrus — who was tagged in the post — driving an all-terrain vehicle across the countryside as she watched from a distance. The automobile included an American Flag attached to the back that waved in the wind as the sun set. Earlier this week, Hurley confirmed her romance with Cyrus in a joint post via Instagram on Sunday, April 20. The announcement featured a sweet photo of the couple cozying up on a farm as they celebrated Easter. Elizabeth Hurley Debuts Her New Relationship With Billy Ray Cyrus: 'Happy Easter' Elizabeth's son Damian Hurley — who she shares with ex Steve Bing — appeared to give the pair his stamp of approval as he commented, '🥳♥️.' While Elizabeth made things Instagram official with Cyrus on Easter Sunday, a previous post of hers alluded to their romance. The actress took to social media earlier this month to share a video of her in a bikini while vacationing in the Maldives. In the clip, Elizabeth blew a kiss to the camera as she posed in front of the ocean. The video was set to Cyrus' song 'She's Not Cryin' Anymore' and he was tagged in the post. A source exclusively told Us Weekly that Elizabeth and Cyrus' relationship is 'going well' especially considering the pair are longtime pals. 'They have been friends for years but it turned romantic recently. It's not completely random as they worked together years ago and always kept in touch,' the insider explained. 'Billy Ray is always great about keeping in touch with people from past projects and maintaining friendships. The relationship is very recent.' The source added that the couple have 'bonded over life experiences.' 'They really understand each other and Liz is a very compassionate person, which Billy Ray adores,' the insider continued. 'She has been spending time with him on his farm in Nashville and they both enjoy the low-key, nature-loving lifestyle. They have just been enjoying life together and wanted to make it public. They have nothing to hide and are very happy.' So Many Stars Are Surprised by Elizabeth Hurley and Billy Ray Cyrus' New Romance — Just Like Us In addition to forming a strong romantic bond, Elizabeth and Cyrus are also establishing connections with each other's children. (Elizabeth is mother to son Damian, 23, while the country singer shares daughters Miley Cyrus, and Noah Cyrus and son Braison Cyrus with ex-wife Tish Cyrus. Billy Ray also adopted Tish's son Trace Cyrus and daughter Brandi Cyrus whom she welcomed during a previous relationship.) An additional source exclusively told Us that Billy Ray has 'bonded' with Damian, who is 'really happy seeing his mom happy.' Elizabeth, meanwhile, has been 'in touch' with Billy Ray's daughter Noah — who is 'very close with her dad,' the insider noted, adding that Elizabeth 'doesn't have relationships' with Brandi, 37, and Miley, 32, 'yet.'
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The UK's Anti-Trans Supreme Court Decision Will Impact Literally Everyone
Content warning: This story contains implications of suicide. We speak every day. She'll record me a video message, telling me what she's been up to, how she's feeling. Normally, she's laughing. Or showing me the color of Edinburgh's sky, the birds that flock around her window. April 16th was different. She messaged: 'I am just so tired of having to prove that I exist.' She exists. She, like all trans people, has always existed. She is my dad. And she's the strongest, most wonderful woman that I know. But the UK's Supreme Court—which ruled on Wednesday that the legal definition of a woman is rooted in biological sex and does not include transgender women who hold gender recognition certificates—would disagree. 'As far as the UK's Equality Act is concerned,' Dad said that morning, "I am a man.' People find it odd that I call my dad "Dad" but also use the female pronouns. I don't. It makes sense to us, to our family, to our lives. She transitioned when I was 19 years old, in 2005, when the Gender Recognition Act made it possible for transgender people to change their legal gender in the UK. She had been wearing women's clothing long before then, I'd come home to find her in velvet skirts, jade earrings hanging from her lobes. I've been calling her "dad" all my life, it's her relation to me. But it doesn't make her any less of a woman. And neither does this ruling. Judges, who refused to hear from trans people themselves, do not know an individual's identity, who they are, better than trans people themselves, than their loved ones who spend time with them each day. I look at my dad and I see her for who she is: a vibrant, beautiful, wise woman. The first person I turn to for guidance, someone who I laugh with every single day. If you met her, you'd agree just how lucky I am to have her in my life—she is so full of joy. She's so alive. Yet, if she were forced to live as a man, I don't think she would be here today. Looking back on my childhood, I can recognize the conflict that my dad was in. We were so happy, she hid her inner turmoil well. But, make no mistake, it was turmoil. Could she keep living this way? In a body that did not fit? Could she survive? I have memories of friends of hers, coming to our house, or names that floated in the air. People that did not survive. People who wanted to live, who were loved, but who could not keep breathing in the body they were forced to exist in. They are sadly not alone: a survey carried out by Pace, a mental health charity for LGBTQ+ youth, found that 48 percent of trans people under 26 said they had attempted suicide. Another study, carried out by a charity called Just Like Us in 2023, found that 88 percent of trans people had experienced suicidal thoughts. One of Dad's friends once said to her: 'Eventually, you have to choose between living as a woman or dying as a man.' This friend, this wonderful woman, drank herself to death. It can be incredibly hard to exist when, at every turn, you're being told you're not who you feel on the inside. That no, you don't belong in the women's bathroom, you have to go and pee with men, align yourself with the gender that absolutely does not fit who you are, or how you feel. This disjointed dysphoria that clouds how you see, and feel about yourself. This is why the ruling has left me very, very afraid. This decision is going to legitimize hatred. Hatred that trans people may already feel for themselves, pushing them further into shame and into the closet. It will also give power to transphobic bigots. Hate crimes against the transgender community are already at an all-time high. I know this community is strong, that they, along with their allies, have each other's backs. That together we will find a way through. We will protect each other. But still, this decision is going to cause so much damage. It will kill people. And yet, I'm looking at pictures of women, outside the courtrooms, celebrating. They think this is a victory for (cis) women. But it's absolutely not. This decision is going to have a huge impact on everyone's lives, not just those within the trans community. Defining women by biological sex means reducing women down to chromosomes—pieces of DNA you can't see without genetic testing. This new ruling therefore opens the doors for people to discriminate against those who don't look the way they think a woman "should" look, because you can't actually see XX chromosomes by looking at a person. At the end of the day, it's going to push heteronormative beauty standards, and force everyone to fall in line in order to be deemed worthy, and have access to safety. Some women view this ruling as a victory for our rights because they're afraid. Violence against women and girls is an emergency in the UK; 2 million women are estimated to be victims of violence each year. But this violence isn't perpetrated by trans people (estimated to make up somewhere between 0.2 and 0.7 percent of the population in the UK), it's perpetrated by cis men, and most often by partners or former partners. Trans people may dominate headlines and governmental debates, but they're being used as pawns in a power ploy to distract from the ongoing failings of this epidemic. It's easier to blame an already marginalized group than it is to put the much-needed funding back into domestic abuse services or address the radicalization of young men online. On the 16th, when I read the news, I flung my phone across the room. I decided that I wasn't going to engage or read anything. It made me too sad, too angry, too afraid. Today I don't feel this way. Yes, this decision is going to amplify the voices of bigots, but that just means we have to be louder and bolder with our voices, our love. Because this ruling, and the people celebrating it, do not represent the majority of the country. In fact, a YouGov poll saw concerns about trans people ranking last in a list of 16 issues that the UK public felt most strongly about, with just 2 percent of the general public identifying trans people as their top concern. What the majority of us want to see action on is what we've always wanted to see action on: health, education, security, and housing. We can't let the government successfully use trans people as a smokescreen for this. There's been an outpouring of solidarity on social media for the trans community, and we need to keep that going. Not just online, but off. Those of us who aren't in the community must keep showing up and shouting that trans women are women, and they always have been. This ruling does not change that. I'll also be holding close the other words my dad said to me after the ruling: 'It's important to remember that love is stronger than hatred, and kindness is stronger than fear.' It's together, we stand support? The Trans Lifeline is available by calling 877-565-8860 in the U.S. It is run by the trans community, helping to connect peers to community support and resources. It is completely divested from police. You Might Also Like Here's What NOT to Wear to a Wedding Meet the Laziest, Easiest Acne Routine You'll Ever Try
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Charity launches guide for parents of LGBT children to help tackle homophobia
A charity has launched a guide to help support parents of LGBT+ children to become better allies in response to a 'resurgence' in homophobia in schools. Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people's charity released the guide, which includes tips and advice for parents and families on how to support their child if they come out. The resource was created in response to a 'resurgence of anti-LGBT+ language among primary school aged children' and 'increasingly damaging public discourse around LGBT+ lives'. Topics covered include unlearning stereotypes about LGBT+ people and encouraging schools to be inclusive. The guide was created following consultation with more than 100 parents and LGBT+ young people. Anna Thompson, 23, who works in the education sector in Leeds, said the resource is much needed because of an increase in negative attitudes towards LGBT+ people. 'I think in the past few years or so, there's definitely been an increase in negative attitudes towards LGBT+ people,' they told the PA news agency. 'I was in a primary school doing some tutoring in the past year, and I was definitely hearing some homophobia, even from like nine-year-olds, towards each other.' Mx Thompson, who is queer and non-binary, came out to their parents before lockdown. They hope the guide will provide parents with the correct language on how to support their children. 'My parents don't really realise the kind of importance of gendering someone correctly and that using their pronouns is like a basic form of respect,' they said. Eve, 19, from York, who is an ambassador for Just Like Us and delivers talks and assemblies in secondary schools, says derogatory language used towards LGBT+ people needs to be tackled. Eve, who didn't wish to share her surname, told PA: 'I think the guide is an incredible idea. I really do think it's going to make a lot of a difference. 'Not only is it going to help parents with children that have already come out as LGBT, it will help those who don't necessarily have children that are LGBT, but it will help them understand it a little bit more. 'It can change the language to be more positive. 'There's a lot of language that is being used that is derogatory and I've heard it used to other people and have had it used towards myself.' According to research carried out by the charity in October 2024, 78% of primary school children and 80% of secondary school students in the UK have heard homophobic language used at school. Its research, in conjunction with VotesforSchools, surveyed more than 31,000 pupils across the UK, including 4,307 primary school children aged nine to 11. Some primary school children cited the social media app TikTok as the place where they had heard the word gay being used as a derogatory insult. Others said children were repeating homophobic language without knowing what it meant. A previous study carried out by Just Like Us in June 2022, also revealed that a third of parents had never spoken to their child about what LGBT+ means. Wicked and Bridgerton star and Just Like Us patron Jonathan Bailey said: 'There should be no shame in parents not understanding or knowing how best to support their LGBTQ+ children and their straight children to be allies – only shame in parents who don't endeavour to protect, nurture, and celebrate their LGBTQ+ children.' Laura Mackay, chief executive of Just Like Us, said: 'No young person should have to fear that they will be rejected by their family for being who they are. 'Every parent and carer has an important role to play in supporting our children to be happy, kind and optimistic about the future. 'This guide aims to help all parents, whether or not their children are LGBT+, to create an environment where difference is celebrated and inclusion is prioritised.' A Department for Education spokesperson said: 'Our mission is to break down barriers to opportunity, so every child can achieve and thrive no matter their background. 'Homophobia has absolutely no place in our schools, nor in our society and we will always support our hard-working and dedicated teachers to ensure classrooms are safe and inclusive for all pupils. 'Relationships, sex, and health education (RSHE), can play an important role in equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to recognise and reject harmful content, build empathy, and promote respect for all. We are currently reviewing the content and will ensure it continues to do this effectively.' PA has contacted TikTok for comment.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Celebrities including Jessie Ware and Annie Mac urge parents to be LGBT+ allies
Celebrities including singer Jessie Ware, DJ Annie Mac and Wicked and Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey have backed a new campaign to urge parents to become LGBT+ allies. The trio have thrown their support behind LGBT+ young people's charity Just Like Us's new Guide For Parents, which aims to combat homophobic language in primary schools when it is released on Monday. Bailey, who is a patron of the charity, said: 'As parents you want the best for your children – you want them to feel safe, be confident, and thrive. 'Any home can welcome in a member of the LGBTQ+ community. 'There should be no shame in parents not understanding or knowing how best to support their LGBTQ+ children and their straight children to be allies, only shame in parents who don't endeavour to protect, nurture, and celebrate their LGBTQ+ children. 'Just Like Us is doing the incredible work of offering our parents' generation an education that wasn't available to them when they were young.' Say You Love Me singer Ware echoed his comments and said she wanted her children to 'grow up in a world where they feel safe, loved, accepted for exactly who they are, knowing that love is love, and that standing up for others matters'. It comes after research from Just Like Us found that 78% of primary school pupils, and 80% of secondary school pupils have heard homophobic language, yet a third of British parents had never spoken to their child about what LGBT+ means. The research also found that despite the majority of straight parents considering themselves to be supportive of LGBT+ people, a third of LGBT+ young people are still not confident their parents will accept them, with almost half estranged from at least one family member. Speaking about the new guide, former BBC Radio 1 DJ Mac added: 'This guide is incredibly useful and vital to help parents support their LGBTQ+ children. 'I love that it's deliberately wide in its scope when it comes to different ways of parenting and different kinds of families. 'There is no one size fits all, only your way and this guide helps parents to find their way by learning about the experience of other young people and then figuring out what's best for them and their child.' The guide focuses on encouraging positive and open conversations about LGBT+ topics and identities with children, and showing them that difference is something to be celebrated, whether they themselves are part of the LGBT+ community or not. Topics covered include unlearning stereotypes, encouraging schools to be inclusive, and how to support children if they come out. Laura Mackay, chief executive of Just Like Us, said: 'No young person should have to fear that they will be rejected by their family for being who they are. 'Yet, sadly, we know this is the reality for many LGBTQ+ young people. 'A lack of family acceptance can have a range of negative effects on LGBTQ+ young people, from a lack of family closeness and lower self-esteem, to estrangement and even homelessness.'
The Independent
24-02-2025
- General
- The Independent
Charity launches guide for parents of LGBT children to help tackle homophobia
A charity has launched a guide to help support parents of LGBT+ children to become better allies in response to a 'resurgence' in homophobia in schools. Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people's charity released the guide, which includes tips and advice for parents and families on how to support their child if they come out. The resource was created in response to a 'resurgence of anti-LGBT+ language among primary school aged children' and 'increasingly damaging public discourse around LGBT+ lives'. Topics covered include unlearning stereotypes about LGBT+ people and encouraging schools to be inclusive. The guide was created following consultation with more than 100 parents and LGBT+ young people. Anna Thompson, 23, who works in the education sector in Leeds, said the resource is much needed because of an increase in negative attitudes towards LGBT+ people. 'I think in the past few years or so, there's definitely been an increase in negative attitudes towards LGBT+ people,' they told the PA news agency. 'I was in a primary school doing some tutoring in the past year, and I was definitely hearing some homophobia, even from like nine-year-olds, towards each other.' Mx Thompson, who is queer and non-binary, came out to their parents before lockdown. They hope the guide will provide parents with the correct language on how to support their children. 'My parents don't really realise the kind of importance of gendering someone correctly and that using their pronouns is like a basic form of respect,' they said. Eve, 19, from York, who is an ambassador for Just Like Us and delivers talks and assemblies in secondary schools, says derogatory language used towards LGBT+ people needs to be tackled. Eve, who didn't wish to share her surname, told PA: 'I think the guide is an incredible idea. I really do think it's going to make a lot of a difference. 'Not only is it going to help parents with children that have already come out as LGBT, it will help those who don't necessarily have children that are LGBT, but it will help them understand it a little bit more. 'It can change the language to be more positive. 'There's a lot of language that is being used that is derogatory and I've heard it used to other people and have had it used towards myself.' According to research carried out by the charity in October 2024, 78% of primary school children and 80% of secondary school students in the UK have heard homophobic language used at school. Its research, in conjunction with VotesforSchools, surveyed more than 31,000 pupils across the UK, including 4,307 primary school children aged nine to 11. Some primary school children cited the social media app TikTok as the place where they had heard the word gay being used as a derogatory insult. Others said children were repeating homophobic language without knowing what it meant. A previous study carried out by Just Like Us in June 2022, also revealed that a third of parents had never spoken to their child about what LGBT+ means. Wicked and Bridgerton star and Just Like Us patron Jonathan Bailey said: 'There should be no shame in parents not understanding or knowing how best to support their LGBTQ+ children and their straight children to be allies – only shame in parents who don't endeavour to protect, nurture, and celebrate their LGBTQ+ children.' Laura Mackay, chief executive of Just Like Us, said: 'No young person should have to fear that they will be rejected by their family for being who they are. 'Every parent and carer has an important role to play in supporting our children to be happy, kind and optimistic about the future. 'This guide aims to help all parents, whether or not their children are LGBT+, to create an environment where difference is celebrated and inclusion is prioritised.' A Department for Education spokesperson said: 'Our mission is to break down barriers to opportunity, so every child can achieve and thrive no matter their background. 'Homophobia has absolutely no place in our schools, nor in our society and we will always support our hard-working and dedicated teachers to ensure classrooms are safe and inclusive for all pupils. 'Relationships, sex, and health education (RSHE), can play an important role in equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to recognise and reject harmful content, build empathy, and promote respect for all. We are currently reviewing the content and will ensure it continues to do this effectively.'
