Gay Agenda, Oct. 27: Russell Tovey Reads Oscar Wilde, Derrick Barry Honors Britney Spears' 'Blackout' & More

publish date: 2017-10-27
source: billboard

Gay Agenda is a weekly column for  Pride where we run down a few fab things before the weekend. Between new tracks, music videos and pop culture moments, we want our readers to be prepared for boozy brunch conversation.
1. Audible released a new audio version of Oscar Wilde’s classic novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, read by the hunky Russell Tovey. The out actor has been notorious for playing gay characters (Looking, Quantico and an upcoming role on Arrow) and is the perfect choice to breathe new life into one of the first British novels to subtly explore same-sex desire. The recording is available exclusively on Audible.
2. R&B crooner Justin Michael Williams has released a graphic visual for his slow-jam “He & I.” You may remember Williams from a divas mash-up he released in June. With tracks from Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Christina Aguilera, the medley’s viral video featured cameos from Drag Race favs Nina Bo'Nina Brown, Aja and Eureka.
3. On the topic of Drag Race alum, famed Britney Spears impersonator Derrick Barry helped us celebrate Blackout’s ten-year anniversary by reminiscing on the pop star’s most vulnerable era.
4. We haven’t been quiet about our love for MNEK’s Ultra Naté-sampling “Paradise.” The singer has enlisted buzzworthy Philadelphia-area rapper Tunji Ige for a new remix, taking the already-perfect track to the next level.
5. Earlier this week, we created a list of 30 gay love songs. With tracks from favorites like Troye Sivan and Frank Ocean to under-the-radar acts like The Hound and Vardaan Arora, the playlist is bursting with songs about men loving men. Don’t forget to follow the accompanying Spotify playlist.
6. We know it’s not healthy to lust after straight guys, but can we make an exception for Wes Period? The stylish rapper has personality for days, apparent in his new video for “B.g.B.g.”
7. It’s common knowledge that racist messages like “no Asians, no blacks” run rampant on gay dating apps and Jack’d is challenging their rivals -- specifically Grindr -- to do more about it. “There is a difference between being attracted to certain characteristics of a man and spewing hate and/or attacking others for their religion or the color of their skin,” said Alon Rivel, director of global marketing at Jack’d. According to a news release, Jack’d has a “zero-tolerance” policy for racism, inviting users to report discrimination to customer service. If the allegations are true, Jack’d promises to delete the profile, even if it’s a paying member.
8. MS MR’s Max Hershenow and indie pop darling Alex Winston joined forces as Post Precious premiered their euphoric debut “Timebomb” with yesterday.
Need more gay? Follow  Pride on Facebook and check out past editions of Gay Agenda below.
Oct. 20: George Michael's New Single, Hayley Kiyoko, Bobi Andonov & More
Oct. 13: Pink's Suffragette Anthem, MNEK, Gigi Gorgeous & More
Sept 29: Courtney Act Confuses Katy Perry For A Twink, FLETCHER, Grizzly Bear & More
Sept 22: Era Istrefi Takes Over Bushwig, Lady Gaga, Jeffery Austin & More
Sept 15: P!nk Covers Sam Smith, CupcakKe, Madonna & More
Sept 8: Tove Lo's 'Disco Tits,' DragCon, Sam Smith & More
Aug 25: Alaska's Advice For Taylor Swift, Adore Delano, PVRIS & More
Aug 18: Cher's New Trap Track, Cakes da Killa, TWINKIDS & More
Aug 11: Halsey Prefers Vodka, Kelea, Aaron Carter & More
Aug 4: 'Will & Grace' Reboot Gets Second Season, Neon Trees, Lady Gaga & More
July 28: Sia Removes Her Wig, Matt Bomer, Charli XCX & More