Latest news with #LoveisLove
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Our Favorite Beauty Brands Just Happen To Be Queer-Owned—Here's What To Shop From Them During Pride Month
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." It's officially Pride month, which means there's no better time to support and shop from LGBTQIA+ owned and founded brands (even though you should definitely be doing that for the LGBTQIA+ community isn't limited to 30 days, people!) To celebrate these incredible brands and founders, many of whom also give back to LGBTQIA+ charities, we're highlighting all things beauty. Think: a queer-owned press-on nail brand with the chicest designs (and brand founder) and unique summer fragrances that'll turn heads and rack up compliments wherever you go. Ahead, we've rounded up the best LGBTQ-founded beauty brands guaranteed to elevate your vanity and all your summer glam moments. "I think I tell someone to try Quickies press-on nails once a day, if not more," says beauty editor Beth Gillette. Prior to Quickies, founder Bailey Stanworth was constantly getting gel manicures, but had to stop when COVID shut down nail salons. Her answer was developing her own press-ons that were similar to the trendy designs she'd get done at the salon, which she eventually turned into a whole brand in 2021. "I really love how many different shapes and lengths are offered," Gillette continues. "The mini length is fantastic for me, since I like to keep my nails quite short—lesbian core, TBH." Plus, $1 of every single order is donated to LGBTQ+ foundations all year round. Quickies even launched a whole Pride collection, featuring new press-ons (like the Love is Love set that I'm currently obsessed with) and cute tees and tanks. "My faves overall, though, are the mini length sets, which I've pretty much exclusively worn for the past few months," says Out is beloved for their overnight pimple patches, but I just want to note that the founders are the cutest couple I've ever met in my life. Enrico Frezza hails from Milan (thick Italian accent and all), and he and his husband, Junior Scott Pence, created the brand a decade ago to help acne-prone skin. Peace Out offers a bunch of different treatment patches, including Dark Spot Brightening Dots to Early Stage Pimple Patches that target baby blemishes (the Early Stage patches are a 2024 Cosmo Acne Award for their ability to shrink and calm breakouts). There's no better time to stock up on queer-owned Boy Smells than now. And no, it's not just because it's Pride Month. The cult-favorite brand can be credited for birthing a candle renaissance a few years back with their iconic LES scent and collabs with celebs like Kacey Musgraves. Recently, they launched a major rebrand featuring revamped scents and fresh takes on their beloved candles. Oh, and did we mention they're more affordable now? We love a thoughtful, consumer-forward glow-up. And for that, this is a brand to support well beyond June. If I'm gonna trust anyone with my face, it's gonna be Patrick Starrr. The celeb makeup artist and licensed aesthetician knows glam like nobody else—and his brand, One/Size, proves it. Home to Beyoncé's go-to setting spray, longwear complexion heroes, and makeup that always delivers, this line is made for everybody (hence the name). Whether you're going full drag glam or keeping it minimal, the formulas are that flexible. The viral On 'Til Dawn formula was also crowned best setting spray in Cosmo's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards for its impressive staying power. It's a favorite of Gillette, she calls it her "going out secret weapon." Here at Cosmo we've loved Mara Beauty long before knowing founder Allison McNamara was queer. The Sea Sculpt Body Oil is a two-time Cosmo Clean Beauty Award winner. "It's great for smoothing, firming, and nourishing skin thanks to marine actives like kelp sea oil and plankton,' says beauty director Lauren Balsamo. The underlying theme of the entire brand is algae, which is infused into every product with a proprietary blend hand-collected in Ireland and France that's loaded with minerals and vitamins your skin loves. Cool, right? "Every product I've tested is fire, but my absolute favorite is the new Pearl Peptide Glaze Hydrating & Brightening Facial Essence, which makes my skin sooooo glowy," says Gillette. David Yi is not only the author of Pretty Boys; a writer for Vogue, WWD, GQ, and more publications; and a GLAAD and Webby nominee—he's also the founder of Good Light (and an editor for the brand's media platform, Very Good Light). As a non-binary, queer founder, he's created a brand that works to also exist beyond the binary. All of the brand's skincare products, marketing, and imagery are gender inclusive. Also, 1 percent of all sales are donated to True Colors United, an organization focused on helping LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness. Winner of a Cosmopolitan Acne Award, the Alphabet Oil is fantastic for moisturizing skin without clogging pores. "I never thought I could be a face oil person with my acne-prone skin, but I'm a changed woman after testing this lightweight formula." says Gillette. "After using it for months, I can confidently say it hasn't clogged my pores or led to breakouts—but even better, it's made my skin seriously glowy and soft.' Obvi, we love that Undefined Beauty is helmed by an LGBTQIA+, Black founder... but we also really love that its big focus is on being a clean, conscious brand too. Their products make skincare feel simpler (you won't see complicated product names that don't explain what they'll do for your skin), all using a mix of plant-based botanicals and active ingredients that are proven to work. Super cool, though: They partner with female-founded, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ businesses across their supply chain. "I love the whole line," says Gillette, "but I'm partial to the sunscreens, specifically the SPF 50 Sun Serum." Beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson named their Sun Elixir one of the best SPFs for deep skin. "It's unlike anything I've tried—a broad spectrum chemical SPF 50 that's literally transparent magic on melanin-rich skin," she writes. "It glides on like silk, hydrates like a serum, and protects like a boss." Hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons is known for his work on Khloe Kardashian, Madonna, Demi Moore, Megan Fox, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey—you name the diva, he's probably worked on their hair. And on every single client, he's used his eponymous haircare line, complete with shampoos, conditioners, texture spray, curl cream, hairspray, and leave-ins. "I've been using this line since it first launched—when I was a baby beauty editor, no less—and it's become a mainstay in my fine hair routine," says Gillette. "My go-to is the Body Volume Blow Dry Hold Spray, which makes it look like I have genuinely double the amount of hair I actually have, and with the Aprés Sexe Texture Spray, it's a match made in heaven for a big blowout." Not to mention, Fitzsimons' brand is hella dedicated to giving back, especially to the trans community. They partner with the Trans Wellness Center and London LGBTQ+ Community Center by sending product donations, plus the brand also offers all of their retail partners pronoun training workshops for store associates. If you're looking to step into the world of all things at-home LED, Solawave is one of the best places to start (especially if you're looking to support a queer brand). I'm personally obsessed with the brand's Red Light Wand, which won a Cosmo Holy Grail Award (it's ideal for on-the-go LED and targeting small areas) and their innovative product lineup of eye, face, neck, and chest devices. The LED Eye Mask recently won a 2025 Holy Grail Award for its quick three-minute treatment time and ability to address crow's feet, puffiness, and dark under-eyes. Solawave makes once-pricey treatments that were only available during in-office appointments, actually accessible. And for that, we have no choice but to stan. Founded by two West End dancers, AKT London first launched a deodorant (it's a 2025 Clean Beauty Award winner) that was clean and truly effective for all-day activity. The brand has now expanded into all types of bodycare, including scrubs and washes, elevating our shower experiences immensely. Balsamo is obsessed with the brand's new scrub, saying that it "makes my skin so soft and smooth and is a delight to use in the shower." Not to mention, every product smells incredible too, so I'd even argue the products can double as a signature scent. You Might Also Like Here's What NOT to Wear to a Wedding Meet the Laziest, Easiest Acne Routine You'll Ever Try
Cosmopolitan
6 days ago
- Business
- Cosmopolitan
The Top LGBTQIA+ Beauty Brands To Shop in 2025, Per Cosmo Editors
It's officially Pride month, which means there's no better time to support and shop from LGBTQIA+ owned and founded brands (even though you should definitely be doing that for the LGBTQIA+ community isn't limited to 30 days, people!) To celebrate these incredible brands and founders, many of whom also give back to LGBTQIA+ charities, we're highlighting all things beauty. Think: a queer-owned press-on nail brand with the chicest designs (and brand founder) and unique summer fragrances that'll turn heads and rack up compliments wherever you go. Ahead, we've rounded up the best LGBTQ-founded beauty brands guaranteed to elevate your vanity and all your summer glam moments. "I think I tell someone to try Quickies press-on nails once a day, if not more," says beauty editor Beth Gillette. Prior to Quickies, founder Bailey Stanworth was constantly getting gel manicures, but had to stop when COVID shut down nail salons. Her answer was developing her own press-ons that were similar to the trendy designs she'd get done at the salon, which she eventually turned into a whole brand in 2021. "I really love how many different shapes and lengths are offered," Gillette continues. "The mini length is fantastic for me, since I like to keep my nails quite short—lesbian core, TBH." Plus, $1 of every single order is donated to LGBTQ+ foundations all year round. Quickies even launched a whole Pride collection, featuring new press-ons (like the Love is Love set that I'm currently obsessed with) and cute tees and tanks. "My faves overall, though, are the mini length sets, which I've pretty much exclusively worn for the past few months," says Gillette. Peace Out Skincare Peace Out is beloved for their overnight pimple patches, but I just want to note that the founders are the cutest couple I've ever met in my life. Enrico Frezza hails from Milan (thick Italian accent and all), and he and his husband, Junior Scott Pence, created the brand a decade ago to help acne-prone skin. Peace Out offers a bunch of different treatment patches, including Dark Spot Brightening Dots to Early Stage Pimple Patches that target baby blemishes (the Early Stage patches are a 2024 Cosmo Acne Award for their ability to shrink and calm breakouts). There's no better time to stock up on queer-owned Boy Smells than now. And no, it's not just because it's Pride Month. The cult-favorite brand can be credited for birthing a candle renaissance a few years back with their iconic LES scent and collabs with celebs like Kacey Musgraves. Recently, they launched a major rebrand featuring revamped scents and fresh takes on their beloved candles. Oh, and did we mention they're more affordable now? We love a thoughtful, consumer-forward glow-up. And for that, this is a brand to support well beyond June. If I'm gonna trust anyone with my face, it's gonna be Patrick Starrr. The celeb makeup artist and licensed aesthetician knows glam like nobody else—and his brand, One/Size, proves it. Home to Beyoncé's go-to setting spray, longwear complexion heroes, and makeup that always delivers, this line is made for everybody (hence the name). Whether you're going full drag glam or keeping it minimal, the formulas are that flexible. The viral On 'Til Dawn formula was also crowned best setting spray in Cosmo's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards for its impressive staying power. It's a favorite of Gillette, she calls it her "going out secret weapon." Here at Cosmo we've loved Mara Beauty long before knowing founder Allison McNamara was queer. The Sea Sculpt Body Oil is a two-time Cosmo Clean Beauty Award winner. "It's great for smoothing, firming, and nourishing skin thanks to marine actives like kelp sea oil and plankton,' says beauty director Lauren Balsamo. The underlying theme of the entire brand is algae, which is infused into every product with a proprietary blend hand-collected in Ireland and France that's loaded with minerals and vitamins your skin loves. Cool, right? "Every product I've tested is fire, but my absolute favorite is the new Pearl Peptide Glaze Hydrating & Brightening Facial Essence, which makes my skin sooooo glowy," says Gillette. David Yi is not only the author of Pretty Boys; a writer for Vogue, WWD, GQ, and more publications; and a GLAAD and Webby nominee—he's also the founder of Good Light (and an editor for the brand's media platform, Very Good Light). As a non-binary, queer founder, he's created a brand that works to also exist beyond the binary. All of the brand's skincare products, marketing, and imagery are gender inclusive. Also, 1 percent of all sales are donated to True Colors United, an organization focused on helping LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness. Winner of a Cosmopolitan Acne Award, the Alphabet Oil is fantastic for moisturizing skin without clogging pores. "I never thought I could be a face oil person with my acne-prone skin, but I'm a changed woman after testing this lightweight formula." says Gillette. "After using it for months, I can confidently say it hasn't clogged my pores or led to breakouts—but even better, it's made my skin seriously glowy and soft.' Obvi, we love that Undefined Beauty is helmed by an LGBTQIA+, Black founder... but we also really love that its big focus is on being a clean, conscious brand too. Their products make skincare feel simpler (you won't see complicated product names that don't explain what they'll do for your skin), all using a mix of plant-based botanicals and active ingredients that are proven to work. Super cool, though: They partner with female-founded, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ businesses across their supply chain. "I love the whole line," says Gillette, "but I'm partial to the sunscreens, specifically the SPF 50 Sun Serum." Beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson named their Sun Elixir one of the best SPFs for deep skin. "It's unlike anything I've tried—a broad spectrum chemical SPF 50 that's literally sheer magic on melanin-rich skin," she writes. "It glides on like silk, hydrates like a serum, and protects like a boss." Hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons is known for his work on Khloe Kardashian, Madonna, Demi Moore, Megan Fox, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey—you name the diva, he's probably worked on their hair. And on every single client, he's used his eponymous haircare line, complete with shampoos, conditioners, texture spray, curl cream, hairspray, and leave-ins. "I've been using this line since it first launched—when I was a baby beauty editor, no less—and it's become a mainstay in my fine hair routine," says Gillette. "My go-to is the Body Volume Blow Dry Hold Spray, which makes it look like I have genuinely double the amount of hair I actually have, and with the Aprés Sexe Texture Spray, it's a match made in heaven for a big blowout." Not to mention, Fitzsimons' brand is hella dedicated to giving back, especially to the trans community. They partner with the Trans Wellness Center and London LGBTQ+ Community Center by sending product donations, plus the brand also offers all of their retail partners pronoun training workshops for store associates. If you're looking to step into the world of all things at-home LED, Solawave is one of the best places to start (especially if you're looking to support a queer brand). I'm personally obsessed with the brand's Red Light Wand, which won a Cosmo Holy Grail Award (it's ideal for on-the-go LED and targeting small areas) and their innovative product lineup of eye, face, neck, and chest devices. The LED Eye Mask recently won a 2025 Holy Grail Award for its quick three-minute treatment time and ability to address crow's feet, puffiness, and dark under-eyes. Solawave makes once-pricey treatments that were only available during in-office appointments, actually accessible. And for that, we have no choice but to stan. Founded by two West End dancers, AKT London first launched a deodorant (it's a 2025 Clean Beauty Award winner) that was clean and truly effective for all-day activity. The brand has now expanded into all types of bodycare, including scrubs and washes, elevating our shower experiences immensely. Balsamo is obsessed with the brand's new scrub, saying that it "makes my skin so soft and smooth and is a delight to use in the shower." Not to mention, every product smells incredible too, so I'd even argue the products can double as a signature scent. Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You'll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it's usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles' entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
Business Journals
22-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
North Baltimore's Belvedere Square adds 4 new tenants
The new tenants, selling pretzels, Moroccan dishes and more, are joining the market as other food halls across the city are struggling. Story Highlights Belvedere Square Market's food hall will reach full capacity with new tenants. Four new businesses are joining Belvedere Square, including an LGBTQ boutique and a pretzel shop. The market's success contrasts with other local markets facing tenant turnover. A North Baltimore shopping development recently welcomed two tenants and has two more on the way, bringing its food hall to full capacity as markets around the city have struggled with turnover and vacancies. The latest additions to Belvedere Square, including an LGBTQ-themed boutique and a pretzel shop, will take up two retail storefronts and two stalls within the development's food hall, Belvedere Square Market. Henry Deford, a senior vice president and principal at MacKenzie Retail, said the food hall portion of the development is now fully leased with 11 tenants. The shopping complex's newcomers include pretzel stand B'More Twist, Love is Love boutique, Moroccan food and juice bar Kesh & Fresh and Munchies Cafe. Love is Love became the first of the new tenants to open in March, in an approximately 1,800-square-foot storefront near the market. The boutique sells gifts, greeting cards, clothing and pet items geared toward the LGBTQ community, allies and pet lovers. B'More Twist, which sells pretzels, lemonade and tea, debuted inside the food hall at the beginning of April. The pretzel stand also has a new location at Lexington Market. Kesh & Fresh is slated to open in the food hall by early June. Munchies Cafe, which will sell gourmet burgers and wings, will occupy a larger storefront on York Road, with hopes of opening sometime in June or this summer, according to Deford. 'Everybody is excited to have new, attractive options inside the market,' he said. 'There's really no missing category, in our opinion, right now.' The tenants range from businesses that have been in the area for some time — such as Love is Love, which had a previous stint in Hampden — and those that are relocating to Baltimore. Kesh & Fresh previously appeared at farmers markets in Northern Virginia, and the Belvedere Square Market stall will be its first brick-and-mortar, Deford said. The market's latest tenants add to a roster of newcomers from last year. Fusion taco spot Pono Taco, from the team behind Clark Burger across the street, took over the stall formerly home to Ejji Ramen, which closed in early 2024. Bonjour Crepes joined the market in October. The food hall and retail hub is also home to Atwater's, Prigel Family Creamery, Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls, Thai Landing, Koba Korean BBQ and Neopol Savory Smokery. Belvedere Square Market is not the only local market that has seen tenants come and go in waves in recent months. Three vendors left Broadway Market in Fells Point at the beginning of the year, but the Baltimore Public Markets Corp. has plans to fill those spaces soon.
USA Today
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
This new Scottsdale theater company puts the 'queer' back in Shakespeare
This new Scottsdale theater company puts the 'queer' back in Shakespeare Show Caption Hide Caption Ballroom in Phoenix: Video of vogueing at Stacy's at Melrose Ballroom culture is a safe haven for Black and Latino queer and trans youth. Here are the dancers of vogue night at Stacy's at Melrose in Phoenix. Jonmaesha Beltran, Arizona Republic Founders of All Queer Shakespeare say Phoenix theater scene needed more representation. The shows will star queer actors and bring in queer support staff, but allies are welcome to join. The Valentine's Day cabaret was born out of a long Spotify playlist and honed to some show-stopping tunes. On a recent evening, the cast of All Queer Shakespeare's latest show gathered in a room at the Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place. They stood in a circle, breathing in unison. Their surroundings were modest but welcoming: faded carpet, comfortable couches, a collection of mismatched lamps. Colorful bunting ran across the room, displaying a diverse array of pride flags. The space, the black upright piano in the corner, and each other was all the group needed. But first, they were trying to reset. They breathed in through the nose, out through the mouth. In. Out. 'Let's breathe in some presence,' said Monica Sampson, who was leading the exercise. 'And exhale anything that's going to deter us from being mindful today.' This exhale, the last, was particularly loud. 'Awesome,' Sampson said. It was time to rehearse. They were preparing for 'Love is Love,' a Valentine's Day cabaret show that will feature three different couples as Romeo and Juliet: one male-presenting, one female-presenting, and one non-binary. The depiction might sound very modern, but according to Sampson, it's not. 'Shakespeare at the time when it was written, would have been two men on stage performing Romeo and Juliet,' she said. 'And it wouldn't have been weird. It would have just been part of it.' Back then, it was common for men to play female roles, to don dresses and act out intimate scenes with other men. 'No one in the audience would have thrown a tomato for that,' Sampson said. 'They would have thrown a tomato if it was boring.' Shakespeare 'wrote for all people' Sampson, who created All Queer Shakespeare and is the co-director of 'Love is Love,' grew up in Scottsdale and trained professionally at Shakespeare's Globe Theater in London. It was there, standing on the stage of the reconstructed theater, that she truly understood Shakespeare's works as being for the people. Back in the early 1600s, the people who bought the cheapest tickets were known as Groundlings and stood clustered around the stage. They paid a penny for entry, about a dollar in U.S. currency today. They were likely illiterate, Sampson said, and had limited time away from work. 'They would have gone to see a piece on their one day off, choosing between doing that or going to the pub, or doing that and going to see a bear fight or a chicken fight.' The plays were genuinely accessible, more so than the vast majority of theater today. 'Shakespeare acting today, we really think it's for the highest level of society,' Sampson said. 'And really, Shakespeare wrote for all people, from all walks of life.' It's an ethos that gels with the queer community, and with inclusivity in theater more broadly. After spending time in the London theater scene, Sampson felt a dearth of varied stories when she returned to Phoenix. 'As someone who is plus size and identifies as queer, I wasn't seeing my story represented when I came back home,' she said. 'And so then the idea came out from knowing that there needed to be a place not just for me, but for other folks like myself.' On May 31, All Queer Shakespeare will officially turn one year old. The 'All' in the name is important, Sampson said. It's not just a one-off queer show. Every show they do is created by queer people, with queer performers and crew and tech. (Allies are also welcome to participate.) 'A lot of companies feel like they can do one show with POC (people of color) artists and then be like, 'We're good,'" Sampson said. 'Or they can announce that they have two shows directed by women and then the next eight shows are not.' 'That's not inclusion. That's waving a flag.' Slow progress for queer representation On this Thursday evening, the show was just over a week out, but after their long exhale — and setting some faint anxiety about memorizing lyrics aside — the cast seemed relaxed. Sampson ran over the schedule: a long Saturday rehearsal dubbed 'gay boot camp;' tech runs Monday through Wednesday; Thursday open for whatever they needed; and then, on Friday, it was showtime. 'Tomorrow, we're going to be a week away,' Sampson told the room, eliciting a jovial chorus of 'Ahhh!' Then co-director Seth Tucker and musical director Tyler Bartlett took over, leading the cast through a series of tongue-twisting vocal warm-ups before launching into a number called 'Acceptance,' one they couldn't decide whether to cut. Seated in a semi-circle around the piano, the cast sang through the song, following Tucker's instruction to make it as cheesy as possible. 'Anyone get convinced?' Tucker asked hopefully, after the final note. 'No.' 'No.' 'Sorry!' 'I'll take that as a loss,' Tucker conceded. 'Acceptance' was officially cut. 'Wow, I guess we don't accept each other,' a cast member joked. Tucker, born and raised in Phoenix, is a longtime performer who moved back to Arizona from New York City just before the pandemic. Since then, he has immersed himself in the local theater scene. Though theater has long been a natural home for queer people, representation in Phoenix is still a work-in-progress, Tucker said. 'It's slower than anyone would hope for.' There are only a handful of theaters in Arizona, and the shows tend to cater to an older, straighter audience. 'You're seeing a lot of 'golden age,'' Tucker said. 'You're seeing a lot of really straightforward, popular shows that aren't going to push any boundaries too much.' All Queer Shakespeare, infused with queer sensibility, is a shake-up. For Tucker, getting involved was a no-brainer. 'Anywhere half as big as Arizona has twice as much theater, including maybe more than one queer-focused theater,' he said. Now, part of one, he finds himself thinking: 'How did we not have this here before?' In the All Queer Shakespeare rehearsal room, there is an emphasis on 'speaking in draft.' People are free to improvise and create, with no expectation of perfection or finality — until, of course, they're onstage. 'A lot of queer folks feel like they have to be perfect all the time,' Sampson said. 'They feel like they are the token lesbian, right? And if they don't behave or act a certain way or stand up for their people in a certain way, or don't stand up for other people in a certain way, then they're looked to.' 'When you have a group where everyone is sharing a queer narrative, then you really get to flourish in everyone's different queer narratives and celebrate who they are, as opposed to singling out that person.' The environment feels different to Tucker, even compared to productions with plenty of queer individuals involved. Queerness is intrinsic in every conversation, joke and perspective, woven into the stress and worry cast members might have carried through the day. It coalesces in an environment that does not merely welcome, but truly understands. 'It is something that we can all relate to, that … sense of safety,' Tucker said. 'A sense of hope and strength, especially when you're not alone.' It's as much about community as it is about theater. 'If we didn't even do a show, the reward of us being together and creating and talking and building something is just worth it.' From a long playlist to a full show 'Love is Love' started as an unwieldy Spotify playlist. Sampson and Tucker and Bartlett added their favorite love songs, each bringing a certain flair (Sampson: '30s and '40s jazz, Tucker: '90s ballads, Bartlett: "Phantom of the Opera") until it was hundreds strong. Over the holidays, as the cast was rehearsing for All Queer Shakespeare's first show — a queer retelling of The Christmas Carol — Sampson was driving to and from rehearsal listening to songs about love. She would ask herself: does this song make me happy or sad? What's the narrative? Eventually, they narrowed the playlist down to 50 show-suitable songs, and held auditions for the otherwise undescribed role of 'performer.' It wasn't until after casting that they landed on the Romeo and Juliet through-line and developed the show in its entirety. This somewhat atypical process involved a lot of collaboration and playing to cast members' stories, desires, and strengths. Shakespeare's works are in the public domain, ripe for adaptations and retellings. To Sampson, his plays are already so imbued with queerness — some scholars believe Shakespeare was himself queer — that rewritings aren't necessary. "I haven't had to change any words because it's already gay," she said. The songs they ended up with — such as 'All You Need Is Love' by The Beatles — aren't written through a queer lens, Sampson said. 'We're just queer people performing them. And we get to have that joy, and then they intrinsically get to be part of the queer narrative.' They did, however, change some lyrics. One of the numbers is 'Love Thy Neighbor' from the musical 'The Prom,' an upbeat song about the hypocrisy of cherry-picking teachings from the Bible. Usually, the chorus goes: 'Love thy neighbor trumps them all'. Not at All Queer Shakespeare. They sing 'Love thy neighbor tops them all.' Queer art in the current moment It's an interesting time to be navigating the early days of a queer theater company in Phoenix. Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has issued a series of executive orders designed to prevent transgender people from accessing medical care, serving in the military and playing sports. In a time of strict government proclamations that there are two, unchangeable sexes, the gender-bending performances of Shakespeare's time come to mind. 'I think it's funny in a way that we've taken more of a step back than people did in 1603,' Sampson said. These changing political tides have been felt at All Queer Shakespeare. Its first show was held in the shadow of the election; now its second is in the wake of the inauguration. There have been some heavy moments in rehearsal. There have also been lots of happy ones. 'That's very important for me as someone who centers joy in the hard times, that we don't have to always choose the darker plotline,' Sampson said. 'In this space we create, we're going to focus on joy. And if that's the only thing we have for two hours, that's what we're going to do, because the rest of the day might not look that way.' For Tucker, the current political moment makes the task of creating queer art feel more urgent than ever. Still: 'This show is not going to be about them.' 'This show is going to be about the beauty of what our community has to offer,' he said. 'What our community has to say.' Sampson takes heart from the fact that in hard times past, queer artists have endured and thrived. 'Some of the best art that we have in the Broadway world came from a post-World War two climate,' Sampson said. How many musicals, paintings, and songs would be missing from the cultural canon if artists had simply ceased to create? 'So, this is just another renaissance in the artistic experience,' Sampson said, 'where we get to say: 'We're here and we're queer, and we're going to keep going.'" If you go Love is Love: A Valentine's Day Queer Cabaret When: Friday, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday Where: Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place, 4425 N Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale. Tickets: Available at
