Mark Young
(He/Him)
Texas
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Articles by Mark Young
The Best Queer Christmas Television Episodes
Ready to make the Yuletide gay? With Mariah Carey having officially defrosted, Christmas can begin at home and on television. Christmas and holiday episodes, anything but rare, still bring much-needed cheer and joy, especially the queerest ones. Whether it’s a laugh or a cry, find here the best queer Christmas television. 1.
Canceled Queer Shows That We Lost Too Soon
Over the years, the “bury your gays” trope has found itself manifesting and infecting not just characters on screen anymore. Despite a record number of representation in recent years, this has come hand-in-hand with an uptick of queer shows canceled early while their straight counterparts go on for five, six, seven seasons, or more. 1. Queer as Folk (2022) The third incarnation of the legendary queer shows arrived and left too soon for anyone to notice.
The Best Queer Thanksgiving Episodes of Our Favorite Shows
The holidays often cause a whole helping of mixed emotions for queer people. Aside from getting thrown in the same room with horrible distant family rarely seen, Thanksgiving provides more than just a chance to eat for some. Whether family visits fly off the table or the food disappoints, many LGBTQ+ television shows offer a glimpse of the holiday spirit. Find here the best queer Thanksgiving episodes that still make us smile. 1.
24 LGBTQ+ Shows That Were Canceled Over the Past Year
“Burying your gays” has taken a new form in the streaming era with the widespread cancellation of queer and LGBTQ+ shows. Last year alone, well over 100 shows, in general, were canceled, with LGBTQ+ series taking up almost 30 of those spots. 1. A League of Our Own (2022) A remake of the original 1992 hit film, this reboot made an effort to focus on its queer roots and history to make a sapphic hit.
The Best LGBTQ+ shows to watch instead of Harry Potter
As The-TERF-who-shall-not-be-named continues her front-running campaign for the world’s worst human and with the holidays inspiring some rewatches of her mediocre work, check out these best LGBTQ+ shows that will fill the Harry Potter void for dark academia to witches and all the other creatures that go bump in the night, along with queerness in all its forms. 1.
The Wildest Queer Films To Stream Now
Sure, film has the potential to move and inspire the masses through cinematic storytelling, but that doesn’t mean they all have to become Academy Award nominees to change lives. With films like Bottoms making last year’s box office gloriously queer and unhinged, it’s a beautiful time to embrace LGBTQ+ film insanity that has gone back decades. Have a look at the wildest queer films available to stream. 1.
LGBTQ television series perfect for Halloween
Horror has always had a queer streak, going way back to queer director James Whale, whose 1930s Frankenstein movies practically defined horror. Even as censorship and homophobia tried to erase queerness, it has maintained its presence in the genre and flourished into something bigger.
The Scariest International Films of the Past Decade
Halloween approaches, allowing all of the scaredy cats and horror veterans to dim the lights, get some popcorn, and cover their eyes with a blanket when the scary movie gets a little too frightening. While an undeniable staple of American film, audiences can get stuck in an American horror bubble and ignore the boundless wealth of fantastic horror films from around the world that cinephiles should add to their watchlist for more flavor this spooky season.
The Best Vampire TV Series to Prepare for Halloween
Need a little more bite in your Halloween watch? Everyone sees a vampire movie or show at some point, which means most people know that not all vampire storytelling ends up with the same quality. People love those immortal bloodsuckers who usually can’t see the sun (sparkly Twilight vamps excluded), and our culture can't overcome an obsession with them. For those who want something more than a movie to sink their teeth into, vampire television shows span almost every genre and quality level.
'Theater Camp' Review: Drama Queens
READ THIS REVIEW IN THE MAGAZINE The makers of the gag-filled mockumentary Theater Camp (★★★★☆) must absolutely love the theater to roast its devotees so savagely while still transmitting such respect and admiration for folks who live, breathe, and suffer to put on a show. That level of dedication courses through just about every kid at AdirondACTS, a summer theater camp in upstate New York that’s the subject of an extremely poised documentary film crew.
LGBTQ Advocates Sue Montana Over “Calculated” Attack on Drag
A group of LGBTQ advocates are suing Montana to overturn a recently passed law that bans drag in public and is the nation’s first law to specifically ban drag story hours.
Texas Governor Signs Law Banning Drag Performances in Public
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a law banning “sexually oriented performances,” which critics say is an attempt to ban drag performances in public, with an eye towards eliminating them altogether. Abbott, a Republican, signed the measure, passed largely on party lines by his fellow Republicans in the Texas Legislature, into law on June 18. It officially takes effect on September 1, 2023.
Big Freedia's 5 Best Collaborations
Big Freedia is one of the leading figures in the energetic and electronically-driven genre of bounce music–not to mention one of the most unique LGBTQ musicians out there. Through his own tracks and numerous collaborations, Freedia has played a crucial role in bringing bounce to the mainstream.
'Grey House' Review: Hell and Havoc
READ THIS REVIEW IN THE MAGAZINE You’ve arrived at Grey House. The hosts aren’t happy to have you. The guests aren’t thrilled to be there, either. Yet with a punishing snowstorm and frigid temperatures in the middle of wilderness, there is no alternative — especially for Max (Tatiana Maslany) and Henry (Paul Sparks). En route to visit Max’s father, the two crash their car into a deer, injuring Henry and leaving him with limited mobility.
Mosaic's 'One In Two' Review: Triple Threats
Considering the spontaneous, choose-your-adventure format of Donja R. Love’s One in Two (★★★★☆) — i.e., the audience at each performance will choose which of the cast’s three actors plays the role of Number One, leaving the roles of Two and Three up to chance — it might behoove a critic to see the show more than one or two times to experience multiple permutations of the production at Mosaic Theater.
BBC Announces I Kissed A Girl Reality Dating Series
In the wake of the successful debut of I Kissed a Boy, the groundbreaking all-gay dating series currently airing in the U.K., the BBC has exciting news for fans of the show. The network has announced its intention to create a female spinoff titled, fittingly, I Kissed a Girl. Returning as the host for this anticipated spinoff is singer, designer and TV personality Dannii Minogue–also known as the sister of Kylie.
'The Ultimatum: Queer Love' Review: Trial Wives
READ THIS REVIEW IN THE MAGAZINE Queer love is messy. Maybe it’s because LGBTQ people have a penchant for drama, which we should encourage, or maybe it’s because we are all chock full of trauma from living in a heterosexual society. We all have different journeys with love, and most of us will not end up testing our relationship on a reality series set to be seen by millions. But some people are willing to do just that.
'Passing Strange' Review: Growing Pains and Epiphanies
READ THIS REVIEW IN THE MAGAZINE Isaac “Deacon Izzy” Bell marks an impressive acting debut in Signature’s solid production of the Tony Award-winning musical Passing Strange (★★★★☆). As the Narrator guiding the show’s transatlantic coming-of-age journey from South Central L.A. to Amsterdam, Berlin, and back, Bell — a D.C. artist and musician — credibly fills that liminal space between actor and audience, both invested in the action, and along with us for the ride.
Movie Night: The Third Saturday in October
An inventive and entertaining love letter to the slasher heyday, “The Third Saturday in October” is a double feature made for popcorn and PJs. So, what if you could see two restored films from a ‘lost’ franchise made during the peak of the slasher subgenre? What if I also told you that you needed to watch them out of order as an homage to the days when VHS was king? This might be lost on many of you younger horror fans.
Watch the Trailer for Pedro Pascal's Gay Western Movie
After much anticipation, the long-awaited (okay, not that long) trailer for Pedro Almodóvar’s upcoming short film Strange Way of Life has finally been released. A quick glance shows that it promises to be the romantic and nostalgic affair many hoped it would be, but it also looks like it will be full of film noir-style violence and intrigue.
Pedro Pascal and Ethan Hawke's Queer Cowboy Film Coming to Cannes
Get ready to saddle up for a new ride with Pedro Almodóvar’s latest queer-centric film, “Strange Way of Life,” which has been confirmed to premiere at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. The half-hour western drama generated buzz when it was first announced months ago. For a while, there were rumors that it would open the festival, though a representative for the event denied them.
Sarah Paulson Once Gave Pedro Pascal Her Acting Salary So He Could Eat
It’s been widely known that Sarah Paulson and Pedro Pascal have had a wonderful friendship for decades. The two first met in 1993 and have been seen together many times ever since. However, what many people didn’t know was just how deep their connection went, and how much Paulson had helped Pascal in the earliest days of his career.
Wisconsin Airbnb rentals; what rights do neighbors have?
Chanelle Causey in Milwaukee didn’t expect her New Year’s Eve to include strangers rushing through her backyard." Chanelle Causey It was just before 10 p." Chanelle Causey Milwaukee police confirm they responded to N." Chanelle Causey The owner of the suspended Airbnb near Causey’s home tells Contact 6 she wasn’t in town on New Year’s Eve but had the party shut down.
HBO Max Officially Cancels Legendary & Los Espookys
In just the past week, two beloved programs have been canceled at one of the top streamers in the entertainment industry, and coincidentally (or perhaps not so), theyâre both shows that catered to an LGBTQ audience. Both Legendary and Los Espookys have officially gotten the chop from HBO Max and will not move forward. The cancellations were announced days apart, acting as something of a one-two punch that hurt many in the LGBTQ community who loved and supported the programs.
Reel Affirmations 2022: All The Shorts Reviewed
Home / Arts + Entertainment / Film / Reel Affirmations 2022: All The Shorts Reviewed Our critics review all 23 short films playing virtually in the 29th Reel Affirmations LGBTQ Film Festival. Reviews are by Rhuaridh Marr, Doug Rule, Randy Shulman, and Mark Young October 22, 2022 All of the Reel Affirmations 2022 shorts are playing throughout the weekend in the virtual festival. They’re available through Sunday, Oct. 23, at 11:59 p.m. Click here for details on how to purchase a virtual pass.
Reel Affirmations Review: Blessed Boys
From the opening scene of a young girl resurrecting a pigeon that dive-bombed into a statue of Jesus’ Mother, it’s clear that Blessed Boys (★★★★☆, CRITIC’S PICK), from Italian director Silvia Brunelli, is about to tell a memorable story. In a poor Naples neighborhood, Lino struggles to earn ends meet while dealing with a mentally ill mother and his younger sister, whose aforementioned pigeon miracle has made her a local celebrity.
Reel Affirmations Review: 'Waking Up Dead'
Waking Up Dead (★★☆☆☆) wants you to think it’s hilarious and really deep, while failing to maintain a coherent story, much less landing any jokes. Written and directed by Terracino, the dramedy follows Danny (Gabriel Sousa), a hot wannabe actor whose life falls apart after learning his drug-addict mother is dying.
Manatee County taxpayers deserve better than this: Administrator must resign
Manatee County taxpayers deserve better than this: Administrator must resign By Mark Young mark.young@manateeherald.com I don’t think government officials understand the level of our frustration. It’s time they did. Taxpayers are tired of having their hard-earned dollars being wasted, stolen and used to line the pockets of over-paid officials.
1 in 13 Adults Are Using Medical Marijuana In Oklahoma
Medical marijuana is booming with usage rates in states like Oklahoma having one in 13 adults using the drug. Continue reading below Featured Dispensaries $0 ⅛ OZ M Greenleaf Compassion Center Leave a Review 395 Bloomfield Ave Only 18 months after the medical marijuana program was enacted in Oklahoma, the state has seen a huge boost in medical marijuana patients and dispensaries.
Italy Supreme Court Rules Growing Small Amounts of Weed at Home Legal
iStock / ClaraNila Italy’s Supreme Court has ruled that growing small amounts of cannabis at home isn’t illegal, which has caused a large debate over the future of marijuana in the country.
NJ Legalization to be Decided on their November 2020 Ballot
iStock / Niyazz After years of campaign promises and fighting within the legislature, lawmakers have cleared the way for a question to be added to next year’s ballot to decide whether or not the citizens of New Jersey want to legalize cannabis for recreational use. While some are saying that a constitutional amendment will not cover as much ground as opposed to a legislative bill, this will most likely be the only chance citizens have to make their voices and votes be heard on the issue.
Michigan Dispensaries Already Running Out of Weed
iStock / Aleksandr_Kravtsov In the first week of recreational marijuana in Michigan, the product is selling out fast. Some places in the state are reporting that they already sold out before the first weekend was even up, leading to high profits. While the dispensary plans to have a restock shortly, shortages of marijuana are something that those in Michigan are going to have to learn how to sit with for some time until the market develops.
Chicago Suburb to Use Cannabis Tax to Fund Reparations Program
iStock / Sean Pavone With Illinois less than a month away from the beginning of a new era with recreational cannabis, one Chicago suburb has already decided what to do with the money. When recreational marijuana comes to Evanston, Illinois in January, the money collected from the sales tax will go toward a reparations program that is going to be set up in the city.
Same Day Cannabis Delivery Being Tested in Toronto
iStock / Ivan-balvan A new pilot program in Canada is letting you get cannabis delivered to your door, legally. This new program is allowing people within certain areas, (at the moment Toronto), to get same-day and next day marijuana delivery. While the program may expand in the future, it won’t be the first province with cannabis delivery in Canada. What Exactly is the Delivery Program? When it comes to marijuana in Canada, Ontario is still playing some catch-up.
Woman in Argentina Caught With Weed in Fake Baby Bump
iStock /diegograndi A woman pregnant with a whole lot of cannabis got caught trying to smuggle drugs out of Argentina. While traveling near the Chilean border, a woman with a fake nine-pound baby bump full of illegal cannabis was stopped with a group. She was found out after further inspection was done by the police who pulled them over.
New Jersey Man Suing Amazon for Termination Over MMJ Use
iStock / jetcityimage A New Jersey man is filing a lawsuit against Amazon after he was allegedly fired for his medical marijuana use. The lawsuit against one of the biggest companies in America claims that despite his medical marijuana card, the warehouse worker was fired for failing a drug test. Medical marijuana has been legal in the state since 2010, with an expansion of conditions being added last year.
Cannabis New Brunswick Losing Money Despite Q2 Growth
iStock / madsci Despite cannabis being legal in Canada for over a year, some provinces are still losing money in an industry they’d hoped would make big bucks. New Brunswick, a Canadian province on the Eastern coast, is one of the provinces that has continued to lose money since sales began, with estimates saying that they will probably keep losing money in the future.
Workers at the Green Thumb Industries Combatting Unfair Work Practices
iStock / SeventyFour While unions have been part of the American conversation for decades, the rocky road for the cannabis industry is just beginning. In Rock Island, Illinois, cannabis workers are in a fight with harsh and allegedly illegal working conditions as they try to unionize. The state, which will soon be the 11th in the nation to have recreational marijuana, is ramping up for the start of legal sales in January.
Oklahomaâs Medical Marijuana Tax Revenue Reaching New Highs
iStock / BOB WESTON Medical marijuana in Oklahoma is blooming, and with it bringing hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue. Since the program began after being voted in by referendum in 2018, the tax revenue has seen an 11 straight month increase since the first tax collections started in October 2018. However, as the growths continue, signs of slowing in the market are creeping up.
The MLB May Soon Let Players Use Medical Marijuana
iStock / smileitsmccheeze While marijuana is routinely banned in major sports, Major League Baseball might be coming around to the idea of medical cannabis. In recent months, the discussion over whether or not marijuana could be used by professional players for pain relief has risen as legalization efforts increase, and many are looking for pain relief outside of opioids.
Las Vegas to Open its First Cannabis Lounge
iStock / somchaij Las Vegas is set to open its first cannabis consumption lounge. At what is basically a cannabis bar, you’ll be able to buy bowls, dabs, edibles and more, while getting to try them at the location, something that is hard to do, even in states with legal recreational marijuana.
Marion County, Indiana Decriminalizes Cannabis
iStock / Sean Pavone Marion County, the home of the 17th largest city in America, Indianapolis, has officially announced that it has effectively decriminalized cannabis. While Indiana is a conservative state that is most likely not going to legalize marijuana entirely anytime soon, the announcement shows a change in direction for the Hoosier state, which is currently sitting in the middle of a handful of legal states.
Beto O'Rourke Announces Drug War Justice Grant
Source: Luke Harold, Wikimedia Commons Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke has announced a wide-sweeping plan aimed at ending the War on Drugs and helping those affected by it. In his plan that he laid out last week, the former El Paso congressman called for clemency for everyone in the country currently being held on possession charges, along with a new federal tax that would go toward a “Drug War Justice Grant” to help those who have been affected.
Fall River Mayor Arrested For Extorting Cannabis Businesses
iStock / pabradyphoto A 27-year-old mayor of a Massachusetts town has been formally charged for extorting cannabis businesses. Jasiel F. Correia II, the mayor of Fall River, Mass. was charged last week with a number of crimes, including “bribery; extortion conspiracy; extortion and aiding and abetting; wire fraud; and filing false tax returns,” according to federal prosecutors.
Thailand Is Set To Become The Most Pro-Cannabis Country In Asia
iStock / tawanlubfah In Thailand, the seeds of a cannabis awakening are beginning to grow as restrictions on the plant lessen. While the country has been one of America’s biggest allies when it comes to the War on Drugs, the conservative military-run nation is beginning to peel back the harsh anti-pot laws and opening the doors to medical research.
Seth Rogen Hosted a Weed-Themed CarnivalÂ
Actor Seth Rogan with his wife, actress Lauren Miller, at the 69th Annual Golden Globes Awards. Source: jdeeringdavis, Fickr While he may be known for his love and appreciation of cannabis, Seth Rogen is using his platform to try and give millions of dollars back to something else entirely.
Maryland Judge Rules Weed Smell Not Enough To Search A Person
iStock / SEASTOCK In Maryland, smelling like you just smoked a joint won’t land you in trouble with the law. In most places, smelling like you just partook in an illegal acticity is enough for police to warrant “probable cause” and search you and your belongings. However, the top court in Maryland just ruled that simply smelling like marijuana, in the age of decriminalization and legalization, is not enough to warrant a person to be searched.
Did Ohio Accidentally Legalize Cannabis? (Sort Of, But No)
iStock / aceshot A new bill signed into Ohio State law may have decriminalized cannabis in the state, or just offered a limited-time get out of jail card. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 57 into law on July 30, legalizing hemp in the state, giving farmers a new revenue stream with the new crop.
Kamala Harris Questioned About Marijuana Prosecutions In Debates
Source: Wikicommons Amid a slate of presidential candidates who are more pro-cannabis than ever, California Senator Kamala Harris is being called out about her anti-marijuana past. Serving as the top law enforcement official in California from 2011 to 2017, Harris’ tenure as attorney general got called into question during the July democratic debates, where Hawaiian Congressional Representative Tulsi Gabbard pointed out her flip-flopping on cannabis legalization.
Louisiana First State In The Deep South To Sell Medical Cannabis
iStock / Kruck20 After years and years of waiting, Louisiana citizens became the first from the deep south to have access to medical marijuana. Last week, Louisiana joined the more than 30 other states that have medical marijuana programs available for those with conditions such as PTSD, cancer and more. Nine dispensaries opened this month, with more expected to follow suit, after lawmakers in the state decided nearly four years ago to allow patients access to the drug.
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