Tag Archives: Orange Is The New Black

Addictive Lesbian watching – This is the story of Piper Chapman, a woman in her thirties who is sentenced to fifteen months in prison after being convicted of a decade-old crime of transporting money for her drug-dealing girlfriend.

OITNB News: 13 Things We Know About ‘Orange Is the New Black’ Season 4

Hands up who binged watched season three in a 24 hour sitting?

We did, and if you did too, there’s surely an Orange Is the New Black-sized hole in your heart. And you’re probably thinking: what now?

Don’t despair. The show will be back for it fourth season on 17 June.

But if that is not enough here are a few snippets to help fill-in the blanks until then.

Warning: spoilers ahead


1. New prisoners

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As you saw at the end of season three, busloads of new prisoners arrive at Litchfield, so clearly we’ll be getting some new cast members.

One who has been announced is Jolene Purdy (who has booked a recurring role). Though it hasn’t been revealed whether she’ll play a new inmate or another character.

There is also the arrival of Litchfield’s newest and most high-profile inmate, celebrity chef Judy King (played by Blair Brown), and this is going to lead to some big changes


2. Alex is almost definitely alive

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Season three ended with Alex facing off with one of Kubra’s assassins, implying that he’s about to shoot her

Actor Laura Prepon (who plays Alex), recently teased about her character’s role in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, announcing that Alex will survive the attack.

What’s cool is season 4 actually picks up right where season 3 left off. So it’s literally, it continues five seconds later, which is really great because at the end of last season…I was in the greenhouse, and there was all this craziness going on and it’s awesome.”


3. Alex & Piper’s relationship is still as bump as ever

As for Alex and Piper, Prepon also revealed that her character has an “F you Piper” moment.

That’s their relationship, and that’s what’s so interesting about them. They love each other and they hate each other, and it’s frustrating and passionate, but there’s definitely some vindication there, for sure. Piper thought she was crazy all season, but she wasn’t.”


4. Two queer stars have been promoted to series regular

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Before season three even started, Jackie Cruz, who plays Flaca, and Lea DeLaria, who plays Big Boo, were promoted to series regulars. This means we’ll most likely be getting even more insight into Flaca’s and Boo’s lives – Yes!

Talking to Afterellen, Cruz said

Honestly, I get chills. I was a day player. I started with two lines. And my character just kept growing through the seasons. So Jenji just saw something in my character and was like, “We need more Flaca.” I think she told me that once, and they kept writing, and they liked it, so they kept writing more. So in Season 4 I became a series regular, so that was like kind of like a testament of my hard work and knowing that I did a good job. So I feel really good about that.


5. Stella may or may not be back

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Season three breakouts star, Ruby Rose – who played Stella – was sent off to a worse place (max) by Piper. Though that could have been the end for Stella on the show, Rose gave us hope saying “It could go either way” – which doesn’t confirm it, but really doesn’t deny it, either.


6. There will be more Poussey and Soso – Go #Pousoso!

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Poussey and Soso’s connection was just beginning at the end of Season 3, and they were all kinds of perfect together. In a recent interview with AfterEllen, Wiley hinted there is more to come for the potential couple.

I think we’ll see what happens with them. We get some screen time together. #Pousoso!”


7. Taystee Has A New Job

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In the first Season 4 teaser, Taystee is enjoying what looks like a sweet new desk job. Her new career in answering phones may have something to do with the major changes coming Litchfield’s way… either that or someone at the prison finally recognized Taystee for the boss sh


8. There is a new cause

According to another report from TV Guide, the central issue that will plague Litchfield is prisoner overcrowding. Kate Mulgrew, who plays Red in the series, said,

[The overcrowding issues] are going to carry over to every nook and cranny in our prison, believe me when I tell you that.

What [creator Jenji Kohan]’s going to do that no other creator is capable of doing with such expertise is, she’s going to make you feel overcrowded,”


9. New alliances are going to be formed all over the place

Nearly every actor has mentioned in interviews that Season 4 will feature “new alliances.” What does this mean exactly? It’s hard to say, but the new inmates who were shown arriving at the end of last season will certainly upset the natural balance of the prison’s groups.


10. The odds of Nicky returning are strong

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While it has not been confirmed, Screen Crush is one of several outlets reporting Natasha Lyonne, aka fan-favorite Nicky, is expected to return. Nicky was sent to max last season, and it was majorly upsetting. Everyone cross your fingers the rumors of her return turn out to be true.


11. Sophia’s story is going to take some unexpected twists

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Sophia Burset’s story in season 4 is “challenging” according to Laverne Cox. Speaking about season 4, she told E! Online, “It was a joy to play and I felt like I was pushed in ways that I didn’t anticipate and it was really challenging and that is always wonderful as an actress. I had a really good time.”


12. More back stories are expected

Creator Jenji Kohan herself promised backstories for new people in an interview with E! Online. There will be backstories for characters who have already had backstory episodes as well, but anytime an unexpected character takes the spotlight, good things tend to happen. Maybe this will be the year Soso’s activist past is explored.


13. There’s a new trailer out – YES!

 

 

‘Diversity Reigns’ At This Years Screen Actors Guild Awards

The 22nd annual SAG Awards took place in LA on Saturday, and a number of diverse shows – some portraying LGBT characters – picked up the main awards.

Queen Latifah led the field, picking up the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries – for her role as bisexual blues singer Bessie Smith in HBO’s Bessie.

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The actress and singer, started her speech with a few arm curls of the heavy trophy and then paid tribute to the Bessie team.

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But it was when she was wrapping up that her speech really sang. ‘Don’t let others put you in a box’, she told viewers.

“I hope that anyone out there who doesn’t come in a package that anyone says you should. Knock that thing away and do you.”

The cast of Orange is the New Black also had a very good night.

Uzo Abuda picked up her second award for Female Actor in a Comedy Series for her role as Suzanne ‘Crazy Eyes’ Warren.

The show’s entire cast also picked up the Best Ensemble award, and as the cast was accepting the win, Laura Prepon said, gesturing around her,

Look at this stage, this is what we talk about when we talk about diversity. Different race, color, creed, sexual orientation—I mean, thank you so much.”

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Valiantly, most of the show’s ensemble managed to make it onto the stage, but sadly Rose could not join.

She did however post a touching tribute.

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Meanwhile, two actors were honoured for their transgender-themed work.

Alicia Vikander picked up the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role award, for playing Gerda Wegener in Eddie Redmayne drama the Danish Girl.

On top of that, Jeffrey Tambor took home the award for Actor for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of trans woman Maura Pfefferman in Amazon show Transparent.

Tambor said:

I’d just like to dedicate this award to the non-Maura Pfeffermans, who don’t have a lot of cash, for their operations, for their medicine, for their freedom.”

Lea Delaria Offers Advice To Buzzfeed Staffers, And The World Becomes A Better Place (Video)

Lea DeLaria is known for speaking her mind unapologetically, so when she stopped by the New York office team buzzfeed couldn’t help but seek out her wisdom.

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Watch and learn

https://www.facebook.com/BuzzFeedLGBT/videos/786801078113746/

 

Mark Your Calendars: ‘Orange Is the New Black’ Season 4 Premiere Date Announced, Teaser Released

YES! Netflix have revealed the first teaser for the upcoming fourth season of their original series Orange Is the New Black, and the release date.

The Emmy-winning drama series’ fourth season will premiere on Friday, June 17, so get ready to book some more time in Litchfield!

They’ve also released a fantastic new trailer, which is filled with shots and sound bites from the first three seasons and a few NEW clips of blushing bride Morello (Yael Stone), people in riot gear, and a distressed Red to set up what lies ahead.

The video also teased Taystee’s future, showing her wearing a suit jacket over her jumpsuit, and rocking a wide grin as she sat on the phone at what looked to be her own desk.

Tape, staplers, and other supplies can be seen clearly labelled as belonging to Taystee, as the inmate happily chats on the phone.

Watch the trailer right here:

Orange, centering on a group of women in a minimum-security federal prison, also stars Taylor Schilling (Piper), Uzo Aduba (Crazy Eyes), Laura Prepon (Alex), Kate Mulgrew (Red) and Laverne Cox(Sophia).

This year alone, Netflix are going to spend over six billion on original programming, including both already running TV shows and brand new content.

Season four of Netflix’s hit Orange Is the New Black returns to the streaming service June 17.


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Netflix Buys Distribution Rights For Ellen Page’s New Film ‘Tallulah’

According to sources at Variety, Netflix has snapped up worldwide streaming video on-demand rights to Tallulah.

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The movie – starring Ellen Page as a young drifter who takes a baby from a negligent mother – is expected to be a Sundance Film Festival hit.

The film reunites Page with her Juno co-star Allison Janney – who plays a woman who mistakenly believes she’s the child’s grandmother in what is being billed as a dramatic comedy.

Tallulah was created by writer and director Sian Heder, who previously worked as a writer and producer on Netflix’s Orange is the New Black.

Heder moved on to make the her first short film, Mother, which was honoured at Cannes Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival and Florida Film Festival.

The purchase comes as Netflix is moving aggressively to build up its feature film offerings, having scored by backing original television shows such as House of Cards, Daredevil, and Jessica Jane.

Upcoming movies include War Machine with Brad Pitt, Jadotville with Jamie Dornan, and a sequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

In Review: Lesbian Film Highlights Of 2015 And What We Can Expect From 2016

Did you notice that this year you actually got to see lesbian films outside of the LGBT film festival circuit? And that several of them got nominated for (and even won) awards? And they even had big names attached to them?

That’s right, 2015 was a really interesting (and important) year for LGBT movie-goers as more LGBT-themed films got accepted and publicised by the mainstream.

While that meant that we heard about some duds (such as Stonewall, which was rightfully ripped to shreds by critics), it also meant that some true cinematic diamonds got the spotlight they deserved.

Yes folks, 2015 showed that it actually pays to play gay.

So what were the highlights of 2015?

Carol

Just about everyone has high praise for Carol and with its leading ladies having both picked up Golden Globes nominations for their brilliant performances in the movie, but it’s being tipped for Oscar nominations as well.

Carol, based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Price of Salt, is one of the most talked about films of the year. Not only does it star Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara in a May-December relationship (that also has a class divide) but it’s also beautiful shot and the depiction of 1950s America is absolutely exquisite.


Freeheld

Starring Ellen Page and Julianne Moore in a May-December relationship, based on a true story, Freeheld tells the tragic story about a police officer named Laurel Moore who is diagnosed with terminal cancer.

With the help of some friends, Moore and her domestic partner Stacie Andree fight to ensure that Laurel’s pension benefit get passed on to Stacie even after Laurel passes.

Prepare to shed some serious tears watching this one.


Grandma

Grandma is an unusual twist on the buddy movie genre. It stars out actress Lily Tomlin as the titular grandma, who, after the death of her long-time partner and having split up with her girlfriend after four months, has to help out her 18-year old granddaughter.

Her granddaughter is pregnant and needs money for an abortion, but, being broke and having had her credit card confiscated by her mother, the two women have to find the cash for the procedure, opening old relationship wounds and rehashing old arguments along the way.


Bessie

It’s a TV movie, but Bessie deserves its spot on this list. Out director Dee Rees’ film about blues singer Bessie Smith was nominated for a ton of Emmys and won several, including the Emmy for Outstanding Television Movie. Great acting, amazing music and big names like Queen Latifah and Mo’Nique made for a splendid film. Any worries that Bessie Smith’s bisexuality would be underplayed are squashed after watching this film. And she’s not the only queer lady in this biopic either.


Bare

Dianna Agron’s queer drama about a young woman living in Nevada, who becomes romantically involved with a female drifter, played by Paz de La Huerta. It’s a small town girl – bored with life – story.

The film, is written, produced and developed by Purple Milk aka Natalia Leite and out producer Alexandra Roxo, two independent filmmaker from Brooklyn. Together they have worked on documentaries, like the upcoming Serrano Shoots Cuba, and the web series Be Here Nowish (which you can watch on KitschMix.tv), which they wrote and also starred in.


Liz In September

Despite autumn being the best season of the year, this one doesn’t offer much to smile about as the titular ‘Liz’ is a lesbian who has terminal cancer. Things aren’t going much better for her love interest either as she has lost her son to cancer.

It sounds pretty miserable on paper, true, but Liz In September has gotten a warm reception from critics at least, especially for the performance of Patricia Velasquez (who came out this year) so it’s worth a watch.


All About E

Romance! Criminal hijinks! A queer woman of colour triumphing over a racist buffoon! All About E has got it all, as it stars the titular ‘E’ and her gay best friend as they get into trouble after accidentally steal money from the club where E works.

A gay Mission Impossible this is not, but it is a great deal of fun and you’ll really enjoy seeing E and her ex-girlfriend rekindle their relationship.


7. Summertime

Blue Is The Warmest Colour take a seat; Summertime (La Belle Saison) is the best gay, French film on the block. Featuring farm girl Delphine as she leaves her parents place in the countryside to come to the city, the movie follows her as she meets a feminist named Carole who she promptly falls in love with.


The Girl King

There are (and this is a rough approximation) 1 billion and one films about heterosexual historical figures getting married, cheating and dabbling in royal politics. So why can’t queer characters get the same movie tropes? Lucky for us, The Girl King solves that problem, focusing on the (very real) Queen Christina of Sweden as she assumes the throne at a young age following her father’s death.

A true rebel, despite her title, Christina is pretty fond of peace (despite everyone around her wanting war), wearing men’s clothing and sword-fighting too, but you’ll mostly likely be interested in her romance with Countess Ebba Sparre who becomes one of her ladies in waiting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z65cdquVuMU


Skin Deep

Yes, this is another movie where a lesbian and straight girl become friends and there’s some sexual tension, but Skin Deep is a lot more than that. The film is about two women – with their own dysfunctions – meeting at what should be the worst time ever, yet somehow its not.


The Summer of Sangaile

Seventeen-year-old Sangaile is fascinated by stunt planes. She meets a girl her age at the summer aeronautical show, near her parents’ lakeside villa. Sangaile allows Auste to discover her most intimate secret and in the process finds in her teenage love the only person who truly encourages her to fly.


Girlhood

Oppressed by her family, dead-end school prospects, and the boys’ law in the neighborhood, Marieme starts a new life after meeting a group of free-spirited girls. She changes her name and dress, and quits school to be accepted in the gang, hoping to find a way to freedom.


Tig

This documentary explores comedian Tig Notaro’s extraordinary journey as her life unfolds in grand and unexpected ways, all while she is battling a life-threatening illness and falling in love.


The Same Difference

When you’re part of a marginalised group, ‘there’s a high chance of discrimination’ is almost inked in small print at the bottom of the sign-up sheet, as is the nature of the thing.

The Same Difference by first-time director Nneka Onuorah, sheds light on an issue we rarely see discussed in this medium: hypocrisy in the black lesbian and bisexual community. A code of behavior and appearance exists and it’s strong, but as the movie shows us, there are women living outside of these boxes and they often aren’t received well. The film also looks at the judgment bisexual women, pregnant aggressive, and stud-on-stud couples face.


So what films should we being looking out for in 2016?

About Ray

About Ray tells explores the questions of identity and family ties. With Malificient actress, Elle Fanning, playing a New York City teen Ray, who is transition from female to male. Naomi Watts will play Ray’s single mother, Maggie, who must come to terms with raising her only daughter as a son. Long-time LGBT ally, Susan Sarandon will play Maggie’s mother Dolly – a music manager who lives with her lesbian partner and has a hard time understanding her grandchild’s decision.

The release date for About Ray has been pushed around, but it finally looks like Dec. 31 will be the day. Give me a break–most of you will be watching Susan Sarandon play gay in 2016.


First Girl I Loved

In short, First Girl I Loved is about a 17-year-old who falls in love with the most popular girl at school. The backstory about the lives of three young girls from Phillip Island and follows their trip to Hawaii — the first step on their journey to making a break as professional surfers.

Discover the trials and tribulations of training, competitions and injury whilst gaining an insight into life on the tour through the eyes of three girls. With magic footage and stellar photography, First Love will surprise, entertain and inspire a generation of female surfers.


Almost Adults

Almost Adults, starring Carmilla favourites Elise Bauman and Natasha Negovanlis, is also set to come our way in 2016. The film is about a platonic love story between two life long best friends struggling to keep their friendship together as their lives head in different directions.


Also, look out for out actress Kate McKinnon in Ghostbusters, and hearing Ellen DeGeneres in Finding Dory.

How Female LGBT Characters Were Represented in the Media in 2015

Once upon a time, the discussion surrounding LGBT representation in the media was a numbers game and all we wanted to know was how many LGBT identified characters were depicted on the big and small screens.

But now, as more and more networks and studios have begun to feature LGBT stories in their works, the question is all about how those LGBT character were represented, rather than how many we could count.

With this said, Hollywood movies did well on both fronts in 2015. LGBT characters weren’t just main characters in a fair handful of movies  but there was nothing particularly eye-rolling or offensive about any of them either (we’ve come a long way from 2010’s The Kids Are All Right and 2013’s Blue Is The Warmest Colour).

Carol (which features Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara as two women who fall in love in the 1950s), Grandma (a lesbian poet accompanies her granddaughter as they try to drum up funds for the teen to have an abortion), Tangerine (two trans women go about finding their pimp) and Freeheld (a true and tragic story about a lesbian couple’s fight for benefits) have all gotten serious mainstream attention.

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Admittedly this is a small handful of films out of the hundreds released this year (we’ll have to wait until next year for GLAAD’s full breakdown on LGBT characters in films from major studios) but as mentioned, it’s a long way away from a few years ago.

TV also made some strides particularly in terms of queer women of colour and establishing queerness with younger audiences. On Orange is the New Black, Poussey and Soso seemed to be on the verge of a romance, as did Suzanne and Maureen.

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Meanwhile, How To Get Away With Murder’s lead character, Annalise Keating, rekindled her romance with her college girlfriend, and notable mentions go to Person Of Interest‘s Sameen Shaw who kissed Samantha “Root” Groves after episodes upon episodes of subtext and two of FOX’s new shows Grandfathered and Rosewood both featured black lesbians.

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Then, when it came to cartoons, Adventure Time got an entire miniseries that focused on queer vampire Marceline (and her canon relationship with Princess Bubblegum) and Steven Universe revealed that Garnet is actually a big lesbian up of two little lesbians who are so in love they can’t bare to separate.

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Also on SU there are Pearl’s (seemingly non-platonic feelings) for Rose, Amethyst and Peridot’s crushes on each other and the fact that Steven and his best friend Connie joined together (fused) to become ‘Stevonnie’, a character of colour who uses ‘they’ pronouns.

And not to forget The Legend of Korra, with the show ending with two bi women of colour (one of whom being the show’s main character) holding hands, signifying their canon relationship.

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That said, overall, TV was a mixed bag (though this is perhaps due to TV having LGBT women leading to a higher probability of TV writers mucking it up).

Although Faking It‘s writing team have said that Amy is a lesbian, they still decided to use Amy’s portrayed bisexuality as a chance for her girlfriend to be biphobic. And less offensive but still unsettling is the fact that of the characters on shows being portrayed as bisexual (such as Annalise Keating, Sarah Pfefferman on Transparent) you’d be unlikely to hear them actually say the word ‘bisexual’ .

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And while there’s a case to be made about TV showing that labels don’t matter,there are too many examples of this happening to suggest that that is always the case.

Moreover, Empire completely got it wrong as not only did lesbian billionaire Mimi Whiteman (Marisa Tomei) kiss Lucious Lyon (after showrunner and The L Word creator Ilene Chaiken hyped up the character’s arrival and her sexuality, no less) but it didn’t do (butch lesbian character) Freda Gatz justice either, seeing her get beaten in a rap battle just to further another character’s manpain.

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Also showing how TV got it wrong was Pretty Little Liars which, in addition to being a total story-writing trainwreck during season five, it was incredibly transphobic as well as the show’s main characters managed to misgender a newly out trans women and use her dead-name too.

So, if we had to rate the year in LGBT media (with LGBT female characters at least), then 2015 would get a solid 7: it’s pushing the boundaries and getting better, but clearly work needs to be done.

 

Ruby Rose Joins Acting Elite With SAG Awards Nominations

Ruby Rose’s status in Hollywood continues to rise with the former MTV presenter being nominated with her Orange is the New Black cast members for best ensemble in a TV comedy series.

Uzo Aduba has scored her second nominations for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren.

The SAG Awards, along with rival awards show the Golden Globes, are key stepping stones for actors and films hoping to build momentum toward next month’s Oscar nomination ceremony.

Cate Blanchett is on track to pick up the seventh Oscar invite of her career after SAG voters in Los Angeles on Wednesday gave her a nod for her performance in the 1950s romantic-drama, Carol.

Blanchett’s Carol co-star Rooney Mara was nominated in the supporting actress category.

Viola Davis received a nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for her role as Annalise Keating in the ABC series, How to Get Away with Murder.

Queen Latifah is up for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries in the HBO production, Bessie.

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Lily Tomlin (Grandma) and Sarah Silverman (I Smile Back) have also been nominated.

The Wiz Live! Teaser Stars Queen Latifah, Uzo Aduba and More

Twice now, American television network NBC has tried its hand at live Broadway productions. In 2013, the network aired The Sound of Music Live! (starring country music singer Carrie Underwood as Maria von Trapp) and in 2014 it followed that up with Peter Pan Live! which featured Girls’ actress Allison Williams in the titular role.

The two telecasts brought in over 18.62 and 9.1 million viewers each, giving NBC its highest Thursday night (non-sports) ratings since 2004.

With all of that success, the network was keen to give viewers yet another Broadway experience and so on December 3, NBC will air The Wiz Live!.

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The Wiz Live! is based on The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical “Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, which is itself based on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz novel.

However, this particular take on the iconic story is special as it’s actually a “urbanized retelling” of the original plot, done whiten the scope of African-American culture.

As such, The Wiz Live! will feature some of the most well-known African-American performers, singers and actors in its production.

Grammy Award winning actor and musician Queen Latifah stars as The Wiz, Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black) plays Glinda the Good Witch, Elijah Kelley (Hairspray) plays the Scarecrow, nine-time Grammy Award winner Mary J. Blige is Evillene, Common (who is also a Grammy winner) plays the Bouncer, Amber Riley (Glee) is in as Addaperle, while Ne-Yo and David Alan Grier are in as Tin Man and The Lion (respectively).

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Also, Dorothy is being played by newcomer Shanice Williams, while Stephanie Mills (who played Dorothy in the original Broadway cast) is in the show as Auntie Em.

Despite The Wiz Live! being a three hour live telecast where anything and everything could potentially go wrong, those names are all experienced and talented enough to b able to pull it off without a hitch.

It’s also worth noting that the Emmy-nominated duo of Craig Zadan and Neil Meron will be executively producing The Wiz Live! (they also produced The Sound of Music and Peter Pan’s live telecasts) and the Cirque Du Soleil team is also on board so this could really be a rather special night of entertainment.

The Wiz Live! airs on December 3 at 8PM EST on NBC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzPnU6NtCHQ

Ruby Rose’s Most Important Parts Of The 2015 MTV EMAs – Her Wardrobe

Ah Ruby Rose. The Orange Is The New Black star is certainly owning this year.

This weekend Rose played host to the 2015 MTV EMAs, and as we all know with hosting comes great responsibility in the wardrobe department.

From plunging gowns to gothic leather, the model turned actress certainly gave the likes of Miley Cyrus a run for their.

Alongside Ed Sheeran, the star showed off her varied styles and some shocking jokes.

Her Entrance…
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From butch to femme…

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The ‘Twinned’ Justin Bieber moment (will this ever die?!)

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That spaghetti dress.. all great hosts need one talking point.

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Flame throwing.. hell yeah

Rocking with Ed and his banna

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All in leather *swoon*

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The gladiator

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That buckle – want it now!

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Ruby Rose Urges Fans To Boycott Magazine After Revealing Pics Posted

Ruby Rose has urged fans to boycott the latest issue of The Untitled Magazine after she said it ran photos of her in which you can see her nipple.

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The Orange Is The New Black star explained that while she is a supporter of the “free the nipple” movement, she did not approve for these revealing images to run in the magazine.

In the photo, Rose is wearing a see-through black top with a black leather jacket over her shoulder, and her bare breasts can be seen.

She posted on her Instagram account this message

Imagine my shock to find that @theuntitledmagazine decided to publish images of me after we explained we wouldn’t be doing the shoot if I wasn’t appropriately covered.

The difference with working with a friend and or choosing to use nudity for art/and someone taking the piss and exploiting you is two different things.”

Rose says the shoot is eight months old and she also accused Untitled of selling the photos to other publications.

The interview made no sense 8 months on. Please if you are a fan of mine boycott this issue. Or you are buying into greedy, exploitative propaganda. I have plenty of other shoots I’m proud of with professionals coming up its not needed in your collection.”

Her Instagram post appeared alongside the photo of Rose with the iPhone delete option “Confirm Deletion?” positioned to cover her breasts.

Untitled released their girl power edition on September 16 during New York Fashion Week and on the magazine’s website, Rose’s name is listed under “additional exclusive interviews” that appear in the edition.


https://instagram.com/p/76sokQMZZG/


https://instagram.com/p/78NikpsZQK


Ruby Rose Goes Biker Chic (And We Can’t Get Enough)

Holy smokes, Ruby Rose covers the September issue of GLASSbook, and she’s crazy-stunning in the series of highly-saturated images.

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Even better, these pics come right after the announcement that Rose will joining the cast of Resident Evil: The Final Chapter. Wow!

Enjoy…

https://instagram.com/p/63UQc8hGsy/

https://instagram.com/p/700kvQhGri

https://instagram.com/p/74Cj2qhGuK

https://instagram.com/p/70rWb7BGms

What This Year Emmy’s Meant For Queer Female Visibility?

This year Emmy’s always looked to be promising, with a number of queer shows and female artists being nominated across the board.

However, the actually results showed a true turning point in viewing habits and awarding winning roles out there.

No-longer do white, straight, male-heavy shows dominate our air ways – hurrah.

The highlights were many, starting with Actress Uzo Aduba taking home the Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama Series, her second consecutive Emmy for her role as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren on Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black.

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Because the show was categorised as a comedy in 2014 and a drama in 2015, Aduba’s win makes her the first actress to win both a drama and comedy award for the same role — an honour previously held only by the actor Ed Asner.

As she thanked a long list of people, Aduba broke down in tears.

I love you mostly because you let me be me.”

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Viola Davis also made history by becoming the first black woman to win the best lead actress prize for her role in How To Get Away With Murder.

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Accepting her award, she said:

The only thing that separates women of colour from anyone else is opportunity.”

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Amazon’s comedy-drama Transparent won awards for best director in a comedy and for its lead actor, Jeffrey Tambor, who plays a transgender college professor.

In Jill Soloway acceptance speech, she noted that 32 states can legally discriminate against her Moppa, and urged viewers to visit transequality.org to show their support for the Equality Act.

We don’t have a trans tipping point. We have a trans civil rights problem.”

The show also picked up best guest actor in a comedy for former West Wing star Bradley Whitford, for his trans character, Marcie

Out writer/director/producer Jane Anderson (who you probably remember from If These Walls Could Talk 2) won Outstanding Writing For A Limited Series, Movie Or A Dramatic Special for Olive Kitteridge.

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Another out women to win was director Lisa Cholodenko (The Kids Are All RightHigh ArtLaurel Canyon) who worked with Jane on Olive Kitteridge, which also won star Frances McDormond Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie, meaning that two out of three Directing trophies awarded to individual people were won by women.

Queen Latifah’s bisexual epic Bessie won Best Television Movie.

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Jane Lynch won Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program for Hollywood Game Night. And Inside Amy Schumer was named best variety sketch series.

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Political comedy Veep was the winner in the best comedy series category.

 

Natasha Lyonne Stars in Dark Comedy Film ‘Addicted to Fresno’

Natasha Lyonne is one actor who has a huge LGBTQ fanbase. Lyonne is perhaps best known for playing gay inmate Nicky Nichols in Netflix’s hit show Orange is the New Black but in 1999 she also starred in iconic queer movie But I’m a Cheerleader.

In this, Lyonne played Megan, a teenager sent to camp after her friends and family suspect her of being a lesbian.

But I’m a Cheerleader is also the first time that Lyonne worked with out queer director Jamie Babbit. So, with that film having played such an important part in the scope of LGBTQ media (it’s right up there with Imagine Me and You and The L Word) plenty will be glad to hear that Babbit and Lyonne have teamed up again for the new dark comedy film, Addicted to Fresno.

In Addicted to Fresno, Lyonne once again plays a lesbian, this time as a housekeeper named Martha. Martha mostly has her life together, she has a job in a hotel and she has a love interest, Kelly (played by Aubrey Plaza), who is also her personal trainer.

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Things completely get turned upside down then when her sex addict sister Shannon (played by Judy Greer) rolls into town needing help because she’s just been fired from her job after having slept with a whole bunch of people.

Things don’t quieten down after that as Martha graciously gets Shannon a job with her at the hotel but it’s not long before Shannon manages to kill someone.

Think it’s as easy as ditching the body and burning it in the woods, How To Get Away With Murder style? Sadly not as the sisters then need to come up with $25,000 in three days to make sure that pet cemetery owners Gerald (played by Fred Armisen) and Ruby (played by Allison Tolman) stay quiet about the murder.

Hilarious hijinks and plenty of racy humour ensue as they go on a robbery spree to find the money.

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Addicted to Fresno‘s madcap comedy stylings have been praised plenty following its September 3rd premiere and although the romance between Martha and Kelly has been described as a little bit “awkward” by some outlets, that’s a highlight too.

Addicted to Fresno is available now from iTunes and Amazon and it will be in theatres from October 2nd.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdwP1eF8sgU

Lea DeLaria: “My Entire Life Has Been Trying To Put A Positive Spin On What It Is To Be Butch.”

Orange is the New Black star Lea DeLaria has joined YouTube’s StyleLikeU to tell her journey of self-acceptance – from Catholic school to stand-up comedy.

The video is part of The What’s Underneath Project series of videos.

Throughout the clip, the comic and actress slowly strips down to her boxers and sports bra as she talks about body image, self-assurance and being a proud gay butch woman in the LGBT community.

My entire life has been trying to put a positive spin on what it is to be butch.”

Her sexuality has always been a known fact, and she never covered this up:

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I started doing stand-up comedy in 1982, performing as the ‘F**king Dyke’. I’ve always been moderately famous – I used to say, for me it’s a long climb to the middle.”

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Continuing onto stereotypes within the LGBT community she commented on how:

Nelly fags and butch dykes are very much looked down on – and treated as second class citizens.”

OITNB Pondering: Where Next For Alex and Piper?

Orange is the New Black season 3 has sadly come and gone, leaving us with mixed emotions. While it wasn’t a huge part of the story this time around, the Piper (Taylor Schilling) /Alex (Laura Prepon) saga is still on-going, and we’re not sure if it’s destined to end happily.

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And even though season four is several months away, we can’t help but wonder what’s next in the story for the Litchfield pair.

Of course, by the end of the third season, things were looking scary for Alex after she ran into a druglord who was now working as a prison officer sent by Kubra.

While it’s unlikely she was killed, we’re certain that scare tactics were used to warn her of what’s to come in the future.

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If you follow Prepon on Instagram or Twitter, you’ll know that she’s been sharing some on-set photos.

She’s also been discussing the transformation in Piper towards the end of season three, and how we’re all going to be Team Alex next year.

She sees through all of Piper’s BS. And that’s why they’re such a cool relationship. I think that Alex knows that she’s putting it on – it’s not really her….It’s one of the reasons why Alex dumped [Piper] in Season 3. She’s just like, ‘Listen, this is kind of gross, and where’s the real Piper?’”

Meanwhile, Taylor Schilling explained that for her character, Piper Chapman, “it’s really fun where Piper is right now,” though we’re not sure how long that will last.

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I think she’s really going to keep scrambling to keep her sense of self intact.”

What do you think we can expect from season four of Orange is the New Black when it begins airing on Netflix next year? Let us know your thoughts below.

Cast of OITNB Choose Which Inmate They’d Want as Their RL Prison Wife

The cast of Orange Is the New Black where given the opportunity by VH1, to choose who would be their real-life Litchfield prison wife.


Taylor Schilling’s wife would be Red.

I feel like if I could get Red on my side, I’d be OK. I would want [her] as my backup, I’d want her as my prison wife.”

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Laura Prepon’s wife would be Nicky Nichols.

Nichols is rad, she says what’s on her mind and she tells it like it is and she’s funny, you know? And I love to laugh.”

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Selenis Leyva’s wife would be Poussey.

This is my booski.”

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Uzo Aduba’s wife would be Piper.

I’m still gonna go with Piper. She’s amazing. I think she doesn’t know what she doesn’t know and until she knows it and does learn, she does try her very best to fix something. She doesn’t find the language always, but she tries her best to make things right.”

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Laverne Cox’s wife would be Stella.

Ruby Rose. Everybody wants Ruby Rose. Stella is just a really cool chick. And she looks great naked. I have a feeling a lot of people would be coming to me to get to her.”

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Ruby Rose Talks Talk Tattoos, OITNB and Being Compared Justin Bieber On ‘Conan’

Model/DJ/actor Ruby Rose and Justin Bieber are this seasons celebrity doppelgängers.

However, it would appear the actress is tired of the comparison.

The “Orange Is the New Black” star spoke to Conan O’Brien about her much-talked about resemblance to the pop star, shrugging it off with a laugh and saying,

I hear that he gets asked a lot if he is Ruby Rose. And it must be very frustrating for him.”


Rose then turned the tables and started a discussion on O’ Brien’s looks.

I feel like you can relate because you look like a mixture of Tilda Swinton, Meryl Streep, and like … Joel Edgerton.”

O’Brien was surprised by Rose’s analogies, but took it in a good stride and joked that he felt happy she added a guy to the list.

I like that it’s three and two are women. I’m glad that you threw one guy in there. Just to butch it up just a little bit for me,”

He also added two more names – Dame Judi Dench and Betty White – to the list of stars he thinks he resembles.

The 29-year-old also talked about her many tattoos, explaining that since she has so many (around 60), they’ve basically become one.

You can watch the whole clip below:

‘Orange Is the New Black’ Actresses Drop Spoilers on Season 4

Laura Prepon‘s character Alex Vause is returning to the Netflix series next season, and at a New York screening of the season finale, Prepon said

We can’t really say too much. She’s dealing with a lot this year.”

The drug-dealing Litchfield Penitentiary inmate and complicated lover of the show’s lead character Piper Chapman (played by Taylor Schilling), is last seen facing down a drug business associate in the third season’s finale.

It’s unknown whether Vause will make it out alive or if she is going to portray herself in the prison show’s many flashbacks.

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Prepon, who dropped an earlier hint that Vause would be back in a June Instagram post, said Vause being paranoid and emotional during the third season allowed fans to see another side of her.

Alex will always be very, very cool. It’s just always nice when you can see that side to a person.”

Prepon said the Emmy Award-winning show helped her grow as an actress, and she praised writer Jenji Kohan.

The (writers) really push us out of our comfort zones. When there is this awesome scene that you have to be raw and you have to be vulnerable . I know that my amazing co-stars are going to be there to support me, and it really is this incredible sisterhood.”

Fans have also been anticipating a romance between inmates Poussey Washington and Brook Soso.

In an interview with Bustle, Samira Wiley, who plays Poussey, teased,

Well, I hope there’s a potential romance going on between Poussey and someone. I’m not sure exactly who that person is or if that will be a thing, but I’m definitely in the corner of wanting her to find some love.”

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Asked if it is possible romance would develop between Poussey and Soso, the actress replied,

Oh, absolutely. I think coming off of where we ended Season 3, they are both so lonely and they’re both delving into some self-destructive behavior because of it.”

It was seen at the conclusion of season three of the Netflix hit show the sweet image of Poussey and Soso holding hands while floating in the water.

Orange is the New Black season 4 is expected to debut on June 2016.

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Phoebe Dahl Reveals Wedding Plans With Her Fiancée Ruby Rose.

Ah celesbians. Oh how we love the fact we now have a number of out women to gossip about, especially when it comes to their nuptials.

In a recent interview with fashion designer Phoebe Dahl with Hello! she has revealed how she wants to have a huge wedding with her fiancée Ruby Rose.

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On the couple’s plans for the future, she said;

Ruby wants a low-key wedding but I want a big one. I’m from a family of 50 so it’s going to have to be big. I don’t know how anyone has time to plan a wedding; we’re both so focused on our careers right now.

I didn’t [believe in love at first sight] before Ruby, but now I do.”

The pair got engaged earlier this year. While Ruby was the first one to propose marriage, it was Phoebe who actually got down on one knee and it was not the most usual engagement.

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The next day I wake up at 5am and she’s broken into my house!’ the Orange Is The New Black star told Australian radio KIIS. I freak out because I think someone is going to rob me and she gets down on one knee and says, ‘Will you marry me?’”

She added

I’m like, “Is this a prank? Get the F out of here! I’m absolutely serious—I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you.””

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‘Orange Is the New Black’ Lea DeLaria Talks About Butch Visibility

During the Netflix dramedy’s panel on Tuesday at the Television Critics Association press tour, the cast of Orange Is the New Black were on hand to field questions from reporters on the show.

In attendance was Taylor Schilling, Uzo Aduba, Taryn Manning, Selenis Leyva, Lea DeLaria and Natasha Lyonne.

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Although the cast were tight-lipped about its fourth season, they did shed a lot of light on the show to-date.

One thing they did discuss was the impact the show had made on LGBT visibility.

The show is considered a force for the LGBT movement. With its diverse characters and raw storytelling, it has been a voice for those who have long been without one.

DeLaria, who plays Boo, said the Netflix series has helped to “win the hearts and minds of people.”

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In season 3 we got to see Boo’s backstory. DeLaria expanded on the similarities between her own past and Boo’s, praising OITNB’s writers, and adding that.

I actually had to call [writer] Lauren Morelli and ask if she had read my f—king diary. Butches have a shared life experience and you saw all of it in Boo’s backstory.

She continued.

“My parents actually learned. They actually listened to me. They actually became people who understood that being comfortable in my own skin and having no apologies for who I am was an important thing in this world. And then, they grew to understand me and I grew to understand them, and we love each other very dearly and were very close until the day they both passed.

So that’s the only difference, I think, between Boo’s story and mine. Unfortunately, the story that they showed, Boo’s story, is all too common. Way too common.”

The Netflix star also spoke about impact on the LGBT community:

The politics of the LGBT community has been about gaining our rights, fighting for our rights, achieving our rights. And recently it’s been turned a little bit more towards winning the hearts and minds of people.”

DeLaria added.

A large part of what we’ve done [with regards to] the politics of the LGBT community has been about gaining our rights, fighting for our rights and achieving our rights. Recently, it’s turned more toward winning the hearts and minds of people. I feel very strongly that Orange Is the New Black has been very important in that part of what has happened to us and our community.”

DeLaria and cast-mates are currently shooting Season 4 of Orange.

Ruby Rose Who? Comic Builds Up Cult Instagram Following In Quest To Be Australia’s Next Lesbian Icon

Comedian Hannah Gadsby is on a mission – to be Australia’s next big lesbian icon.

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In the last few days Gadsby has posted over a dozen hilarious Ruby Rose inspired selfies on her Instagram acoount.

The launch of season 3 Orange Is The New Black, introduced the world to Ruby Rose and her character Stella Carlin.

Since then, she has become the poster child gender fluidity, and there have already been comparisons between her character and the prototype lesbian seductress, The L Word’s Shane McCutcheon.

With Season 4 of OITNB now in production, and the continued trajectory of Australians making it in Hollywood, Hannah Gadsby is keen to emulate Rose’s Insta fame.

Does she have what it takes? We think so.

Follow Hannah Gadsby and her ongoing quest to be the next Ruby Rose on Instagram @thegadsby or on Twitter @hannahgadsby.


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Natasha Lyonne Discusses the Fate of OITNB’s Nicky Nichols

In my eyes Orange Is the New Black season 3 hit a bum-note, when in three episodes in Nicky Nichols (Natasha Lyonne) was dragged off to maximum security for helping bring heroin to Litchfield and never returned.

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Now, this certainly made sense for her character’s offense, but here’s the thing – Natasha Lyonne is one of the reasons we love the show. She plays one of the best characters and she was suddenly totally gone. Never to be seen again.

During Orange Is the New Black‘s 2015 Summer TCA press tour panel, Lyonne fielded questions about her fate in season four like a pro, refusing to give any spoilers away to the room of reporters who wouldn’t stop trying to get any hints about her future.

Natasha told E!

“I was excited [about Nicky’s season three story]. We have an incredible puppet master in [showrunner] Jenji [Kohan] and there’s a great deal of trust that I have in that. I’m pretty much a person who is up for adventure and I thought it was wise to have there be a big consequence for Nicky’s playing around with heroin. It can’t all be fingering and cookies all the time. There’s going to be hell to pay at a certain point for playing with her personal fire.

I think it makes sense and I think that the stakes of the show and the reason it resonates and continues to is ultimately because of this underlying intensity to the fact that these people have lost their freedom and are up against themselves behind these walls. I think it’s a good thing to have major characters suffer major consequences. Otherwise, I think it might be a little bit too friendly and it loses some of its bite.”

Lets hope Nicky makes it back to Litchfield in season 4. Litchfield just isn’t the same without her!

The Real ‘Alex Vause’ Says OITNB Relationships Are “Total Fiction” (Video)

The real life Alex Vause has described Orange Is the New Black relationships as “total fiction” in a new interview.

Cleary Wolters, on who the Vause character is based, says in this preview of a Security Brief interview that the show made prison look “like a lesbian bed-and-breakfast”.

If that’s really the way prison were, I probably would’ve stayed.”

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The hit Netflix series – as if you didn’t know – is based on Piper Kerman’s account of her stay in a women’s prison for money laundering and drug trafficking charges. Charges brought about by Wolters (her one lover) naming her.

Wolters has been a critic of the show and Kerman’s interpretation before. However, given that show now has millions of adoring OITNB fans, she may want to hold off on exposing the accuracy of the relationships we’ve laughed, cried and very much blushed over these past few years.

The full interview is yet to be aired, and hopefully Wolters will clear things up for us and maybe even reveal some secrets as to what’s left to come in the story.

Watch the clip of Wolters below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpiDdQrXlKU

Ruby Rose Without Her Tattoos is Freaking Weird (Photos)

We wondered who we were following on Instagram for a second, as it would appear Ruby Rose‘s tattoos have disappeared!

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Something is missing and I can’t quite put my finger on it!”

The Orange is the New Black actress, model, DJ, presenter and body art icon had her iconic ink covered for a little personal experiment.

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In a video (also posted to Instagram), makeup artist Toby Fleischman talks about how she helped her make it happen.

Typically I say “it’s makeup, not magic” but today, we made some magic, didn’t we @rubyrose. Thanks for letting me explore a different side of my craft covering your tattoos.”

 

Orange Is The New Black News: Ruby Rose Talks Stella’s Fate

The whole world fell slightly in love with Ruby Rose following her Orange Is The New Black debut, but now that it’s all over and her character Stella’s fate is still uncertain, what does she think is going to happen?

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Speaking in an interview with Variety, Rose credits her short film Break Free for helping her bag her role on the series.

She also revealed that she was originally meant to play an American inmate in the show, before producers told her they were sticking with her Ozzie roots.

As for Stella’s fate, Rose reckons Piper may have taken things a bit far:

I obviously don’t think she deserved quite that fate. Stella had done her time and was ready to get out. It wasn’t the wisest thing for her to steal from Piper but having said that, Stella comes from nothing.

She has no money, no help on the outside, and I think this is what happens when you’ve done time in prison and you’re about to go into the real world. It’s not easy.”

Unfortunately for fans keen to see her back for Season 4, she admitted she doesn’t know if Stella will return, as filming has already started for the first few episodes.

Rose is set to star in Dark Matter this week, and is in talks with Fast and Furious 8.


What did you make of Stella in Season 3?

LGBT Women and Shows Come Out Strong For Emmy Nominations

There are tons of LGBT women, characters, and shows with queer themes nominated at this years Emmy’s.

Here are the highlights:


Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series

Tatiana Maslany (finally!) for Orphan Black. Stiff competition: Taraji P. Henson (Empire), Claire Danes (Homeland), Robin Wright (House of Cards), Viola Davis (How to Get Away with Murder) and Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men).

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Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Series Or A Movie

Queen Latifah as Bessie Smith in Bessie. She’s up against Felicity Huffman (American Crime),Jessica Lange (American Horror Story: Freak Show), Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Honourable Woman), Frances McDormand (Olive Kitteridge) and Emma Thompson (Sweeney Todd).

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Outstanding Television Movie

Bessie has fierce competition in Agatha Christie’s Poirot: Curtain, Poirot’s Last Case, Grace Of Monaco, Hello Ladies: The Movie, Killing Jesus and  Nightingale.


Outstanding Writing For A Limited Series, Movie Or A Dramatic Special

Dee Rees for Bessie and Jane Anderson for Olive Kitteridge. Against: American Crime, Hello Ladies: The Movie, The Honorable Woman and Wolf Hall.


Outstanding Directing For A Limited Series, Movie Or A Dramatic Special

Dee Rees for Bessie and Lisa Cholodenko for Olive Kitteridge. Taking on: Ryan Murphyfor American Horror Story: Freak Show, The Honorable Woman, The Missing and Wolf Hall.


Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series

Lily Tomlin in Grace and Frankie. Other nominees include Lisa Kudrow (The Comeback), Amy Schumer (Inside Amy Schumer), Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie), Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation) and Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep).

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Outstanding Comedy Series

Transparent. Other shows in the category include Louie, Modern Family, Parks And Recreation,Silicon Valley, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Veep.

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Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series

Jill Soloway for the pilot of Transparent. Taking on: Jeffrey Klarik (Episodes), Will Forte (The Last Man On Earth) Louis C.K. (Louis), Alec Berg (Silicon Valley) and Tony Roche (Veep).


Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series

Jill Soloway for “Best New Girl” episode of Transparent. Up against: Phil Lord (The Last Man On Earth) Louis C.K. (Louie), Mike Judge (Silicon Valley) and Armando Iannucci (Veep).


Outstanding Drama Series

Orange is the New Black. Taking on Better Call Saul, Downton Abbey, Game Of Thrones, Homeland, House Of Cards, Mad Men.


Outstanding Variety Sketch Series

Portlandia and  Saturday Night Live face contenders Drunk History, Inside Amy Schumer and Key & Peele.

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Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

Uzo Aduba faces Downton Abbey’s Joanne Froggatt, Lena Headey and Emilia Clarke on Game Of Thrones, Christine Baranski (The Good Wife) and Christina Hendricks as Joan Harris on Mad Men.

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Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series

Rachel Brosnahan as Rachel Posner in House of Cards. Other nominees: Margo Martindale as Claudia in The Americans, Diana Rigg as Lady Olenna Tyrell (Game of Thrones), How To Get Away With Murder‘s Cicely Tyson, Masters Of Sex‘s Allison Janney as Margaret Scully, and Scandal‘s Khandi Alexander.

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Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series

Kate McKinnon in SNL and Gaby Hoffmann as the queer Ali Pfefferman in Transparent. Other nominees: Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory), Niecy Nash (Getting On), Julie Bowen (Modern Family), Allison Janney (Mom), Jane Krakowski (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) and Anna Chlumsky(Veep).

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Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Series Or A Movie

Sarah Paulson as Dot and Bette Tattler in American Horror Story: Freak Show and Mo’nique asMa Rainey in Bessie. Competitors: Regina King (American Crime) Kathy Bates (American Horror Story: Freak Show) and Denise Thibodeau (Olive Kitteridge).


Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program

Jane Lynch for Hollywood Game Night. Taking on: Tom Bergeron for Dancing With The Stars,Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn for Project Runway, Cat Deely for So You Think You Can Danceand Anthony Bourdain for The Taste.

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The 67th Emmy Awards will air on Sunday, September 20 (8:00 PM ET /5:00 PM PT) on FOX. Start planning your viewing parties, because this is going to be a good one.

Why Ruby Rose’s Story on Gender Identity is the Right Conversation to Have With the Press

Ruby Rose has been very outspoken about her gender fluidity, noting that she doesn’t fully identify with one gender (male or female).

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The last couple of weeks, this story that has flooded mainstream media outlets, with many news outlets running with the headline of how she once wanted to be a boy.

Also read: 13 Women Who Dare To Challenge Gender Stereotypes in the Media

The model-DJ-actress went on to Access Hollywood to explain what it actually means to question your gender. Something many of us can identify with through those tough coming out years.

When I was younger, for sure I [thought about transitioning]. I had this jar that I would collect dollars, in fact, we were so poor, it would have been cents, so I probably had 19 cents to go towards this surgery that I really didn’t know a lot about. I think I’d seen like a daytime documentary, probably something on ‘Oprah,’ and I was like, ‘That’s what I’m going to do.’ So I started saving from probably the age of five. When I got to 15, [it was] when I kind of decided to get more into my body. I shaved my head and my mom was like, ‘I don’t know what’s going on right now, but if you are happy, then do it.'”

Rose said that shaving her head, altering her appearance, and changing the way she spoke made her see she didn’t actually want to transition.

I realised I didn’t want to transition, I just wanted to be more comfortable in my own skin.”

Which is actually something a lot of queer women struggle with – feeling comfortable in the way we look. We grow up seeing the ideals of a hetero-normative lifestyle, which we don’t truly fit into.

We haven’t grown up with many positive role models. Female gender and sexuality is perceived to be one way – the Disney princess, the Kim Kardashian.

What Rose is doing is saying actually there is something alternative out there and its ok. And she is doing it in a big way, and without fear.

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It took her years to conquer Hollywood, and 24 hours to become a massive success once season 3 of Orange is The New Black hit our screens.

Rose, who is launching a gender-fluid brand, goes on to say that gender is sometimes complicated.

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Gender fluidity is not really feeling like you’re at one end of the spectrum or the other. For the most part, I definitely don’t identify as any gender. I’m not a guy; I don’t really feel like a woman, but obviously I was born one. So, I’m somewhere in the middle, which — in my perfect imagination — is like having the best of both sexes. I have a lot of characteristics that would normally be

Watch Rose on Access Hollywood below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB-orSX0mWY

From Jumpsuit to Jazz, Lea DeLaria’s Other Career

Lea DeLaria is best known too many as one of the stars of Orange is the New Black, playing the prison inmate Big Boo.

However, what you may not know is that not only is DeLaria a fabulous actress, veteran of Broadway musicals and stand-up comedy, but she is also a jazz singer – and she has a new album out – House of David.

Talking to The Frame, DeLaria says Jazz singing is something she says has been with her since childhood, and that she cultivated a career in jazz by marrying it with activism and stand-up comedy while performing.

I figured out I could sing. I knew I could sing. I’d been doing it as a child with my father for years. So I would bring a little trio on stage with me and I’d be raging at them and then I would kind of sing a standard. I’d just sing a standard and it would lull the audience into sort of a false sense of security. Then I would start screaming ‘dyke’ at them again.”

DeLaria’s interest in singing was something that she says was encouraged by her father, who himself was a jazz pianist. At the age of 5, DeLaria would sing for her father, who proceeded to teach her about jazz music.

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By 8, DeLaria had learned more of the intricacies of of jazz and began performing at nightclubs with her father.

Let’s face it, I was like the bearded lady. It was a circus act thing. It was a way for the cats to get a break and go off the bandstand. Then I would sing a duet with [my dad]. Eventually the trio would join sometimes. It worked so well — people loved it— that he kept doing it with me.”

Also read: Its official, Orange is the New Black’s Lea DeLaria Is Getting Married

After performing and training, DeLaria discovered that singing was her passion and that she wanted to pursue it as a career. After telling her father, DeLaria says he had guidelines for how DeLaria should pursue jazz.

He said, Look, that is OK with me, but you can’t be just be a pretty girl with a pleasant voice. You need to understand music and learn the language of jazz. He really taught me to sing from my balls. He encouraged me to really sing like a horn player. Like any good horn player, I know when to be soft and I know when to be loud. It’s like making love to a woman — sometimes you want a nice light touch and sometimes you got to bang.”

And the David Bowie link? DeLaria pins the origins of her love for Bowie on the moment she first heard the guitar riff on “Fame.”

One thing that I learned from him I think more than any other performer is his insistence to be exactly who he is. That is fascinating to me. As a little girl, I have to say as a little bull dyke, growing up in the Midwest thinking that I was the only one — didn’t know that there were other gay people even out there — having this man be who he was a terrific lesson for me.”

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After a long period of cultivating skills in various performance fields, DeLaria still feels as though all her talents make up a part of her true self.

It’s really hard for me to determine where my true self lies in all the things that I can do. I can do a lot of things. It’s that simple. I’m really happy when I’m filming ‘Orange is the New Black.’ I love being down stage center at a Broadway show and belting out a D sharp and hearing that audience applaud. When I’m in a little smokey jazz club at 1 o’clock in the morning, and I am blowing over changes with the cats, and we are digging it, and we are creating this art all together at the same time, I love that too.”

DeLaria’s new jazz David Bowie cover album, “House of David,” is set for release July 24 and is already available digitally. It’s her fifth album.