AmpliPHy LGBTQ Voices Black and Out Loud

George Michael's decision to come out as gay in 1998 was a pivotal moment in his life and career. After years of hiding his sexuality, he finally felt empowered to be honest about his true self.

At the time, Michael was one of the most successful pop stars in the world, with a string of hit songs and albums that had sold millions. However, despite his fame and fortune, he felt trapped by the secrecy surrounding his sexuality. He had been in a long-term relationship with Anselmo Feleppa, a Brazilian dress designer, but had kept it hidden from the public eye.

The catalyst for Michael's coming out was his arrest for public lewdness in a Los Angeles park. The incident was widely reported in the media, and Michael realized that he could no longer keep his sexuality a secret. In an interview with CNN, he publicly acknowledged his homosexuality, saying, "I'm gay, and I'm proud to be gay."

The reaction was overwhelmingly positive, with fans and fellow artists alike praising Michael for his bravery. He became an instant icon in the LGBT community, and his music took on a new level of significance for many gay and lesbian fans who had long felt seen and heard in his songs.

However, Michael's newfound openness also brought its challenges. He faced backlash from some in the music industry, who felt that his sexuality would alienate certain fans or hurt his career. He also struggled with the loss of his partner, Anselmo Feleppa, who died of an AIDS-related illness in 1993.

Despite these challenges, Michael continued to create music and advocate for LGBT rights. He released several more albums, including "Older" and "Patience," and collaborated with other artists on various projects. He also became increasingly involved in charity work, particularly in the area of HIV/AIDS research and awareness.

Tragically, George Michael's life was cut short on December 25, 2016, when he passed away at the age of 53. He was found dead in his home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, by his partner, Fadi Fawaz.

The cause of death was determined to be natural causes related to heart disease, including dilated cardiomyopathy and myocardial infarction (heart attack). Michael had suffered from health problems in the years leading up to his death, including a bout of pneumonia in 2011 that had left him in a coma for several weeks.

In the years following his death, George Michael's legacy has only grown, with his music and message of acceptance and love continuing to inspire new generations of fans. He remains one of the most beloved and respected figures in pop music history, and his bravery in coming out as gay will always be remembered as a landmark moment in the fight for LGBT equality.

1) JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE DRIVING DRUNK

2) REMY MA SON ARRESTED FOR MURDER

3) TRUMP IS LOSING HIS MEMORY

IN THE HOT SEAT EXCLUSIVE

Rapper Cam'ron appeared on CNN's "NewsNight" in an interview with anchor Abby Phillip to discuss a disturbing video showing Sean "Diddy" Combs in a physical altercation with his ex-partner Cassie Ventura. When asked about his relationship with Combs, Cam'ron clarified that they are not friends, despite being associated with each other in the music industry. He expressed his disapproval of Combs' behavior in the video, stating that everything shown in the clip was "egregious." The interview has since gone viral, with many commenting on Cam'ron's candid response and the tense nature of the situation 

Beyoncé and Big Freedia are facing legal troubles, accused of copyright infringement over their collaboration on the hit song "Formation". The lawsuit claims the duo used a sample from a New Orleans artist without permission, sparking a heated debate over ownership and originality in music. As the case unfolds, fans and fellow artists alike are watching closely, wondering if Queen Bey and the Queen of Bounce will be able to shake off the legal woes and get back to making music.

"I still can't believe it's been over three decades since I first stepped into the music industry. I was just a kid from Waxahachie, Texas, with a dream and a voice. Benny Medina, a renowned talent manager, discovered me at 12, and my life changed forever. Quincy Jones, the legendary producer, took me under his wing, and I became the next big thing in R&B.

Growing up in the spotlight was challenging, to say the least. I was packaged as a young, heterosexual heartthrob, and I didn't know how to navigate it all. I just wanted to be me, but that wasn't an option back then. I had to hide my true self, my sexuality, to fit into the heteronormative mold of the industry.

My music career took off, and I released hit after hit, including 'Can We Talk' and 'I'm Ready.' But despite the success, I felt trapped and suffocated by the expectations placed upon me. I didn't know who I was or what I wanted. I was living a lie, and it was taking a toll on my mental health.

When I came out to my family and friends at 19, it was a liberating experience. I finally felt like I could be myself, but it wasn't easy. I faced backlash and discrimination, and I realized that the industry I was a part of wasn't ready for an openly gay artist.

I took a step back from music and focused on my personal growth. I spent six years performing in the Broadway musical Hairspray, surrounded by people who accepted me for who I am. It was a transformative experience, and I finally felt like I had found my true self.

Recently, I opened up about my sexuality on the PEOPLE Every Day podcast. It was a scary but necessary step for me. I want to be a role model for young, queer Black boys who need to see representation and know that they're not alone.

Looking back on my career, I'm proud of what I've accomplished, but I'm even more proud of who I am today. I've embraced my sexuality, and I'm living my truth. I hope my story can inspire others to do the same.

As I look to the future, I'm excited to release new music and continue performing. I want to use my platform to promote love, acceptance, and inclusivity. I'm Tevin Campbell, and I'm finally living my best life."

ZAYA WADE DAD DWAYNE RECEIVES AWARD

PHILADELPHIA PRIDE GETS ISLAMIC PROTESTS

DONALD TRUMP ON FOX NEWS DISASTER

Today on in the hot seat

Diddy is Back

Jermain Stewart

Pulse night club

Welcome to In the Hot Seat with "Splash T" Todays Artist of the week for Pride Month is a Queer Music Icon Jermain Stwart

Jermaine Stewart was a talented American singer, best known for his powerful vocals and hit songs like "We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off" and "Get Your Body". Born on September 7, 1957, in Columbus, Ohio, Stewart grew up in a musical family and began singing in church choirs and local talent shows from a young age.

As a gay man, Stewart faced discrimination and prejudice in the music industry, but he refused to hide his sexuality. Instead, he used his platform to promote acceptance and understanding, becoming a beacon of hope for LGBT youth everywhere. Stewart's music often dealt with themes of love, relationships, and self-empowerment, resonating with a wide audience, particularly within the LGBT community.

Stewart joined the group Shalamar in 1979, replacing original lead singer Gary Mumford. With Stewart on board, Shalamar achieved significant success, releasing several hit albums and singles, including "Take That to the Bank" and "Right in the Socket". In 1986, Stewart left Shalamar to launch a solo career, releasing his debut album "Jermaine Stewart" which included the hit single "We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off". The song became a massive hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Stewart a Grammy nomination.

Stewart's subsequent albums, "Say It Again" (1987) and "What Becomes a Legend Most" (1989), solidified his status as a solo artist, with hits like "Get Your Body" and "Tren de Amor". He collaborated with prominent producers and songwriters, including George Duke, Nile Rodgers, and Martyn Ware. Stewart's music and message of acceptance and love continue to inspire and empower LGBT youth around the world.

Stewart's impact on the LGBT community cannot be overstated. He was a trailblazer, paving the way for future generations of LGBT artists and advocates. His music and message of acceptance and love continue to inspire and empower LGBT youth around the world.

Tragically, Stewart's life was cut short due to complications from AIDS-related illnesses. He passed away on March 17, 1997, at the age of 39. The LGBT community mourned the loss of a true icon and advocate, and his music and legacy continue to inspire new generations of fans.

Stewart's impact on the LGBT community cannot be overstated. He was a trailblazer, paving the way for future generations of LGBT artists and advocates. His music and message of acceptance and love continue to inspire and empower LGBT youth around the world. In recent years, Stewart's music has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with his hits being sampled and covered by contemporary artists. His influence can be heard in the work of artists like Daft Punk, who have cited Stewart as an inspiration.

Jermaine Stewart's life was marked by both triumph and tragedy, but his music and legacy endure. He will always be remembered as a talented singer, a passionate performer, and a champion of love and acceptance for the LGBT community. His music and message serve as a reminder of the importance of acceptance, love, and empowerment, and his legacy continues to inspire and uplift generations to come.

MARCK ANGLE AWARD

LIFE AND DEATH OF SYLVERTER

DONALD TRUMP TOOK A DUMP

Sylvester

I was born on September 6, 1947, in the Watts district of Los Angeles, California. My childhood was marked by both joy and pain, shaping me into the person I became. Growing up in a middle-class African-American family, I was exposed to music from an early age, particularly gospel music through my mother's devotion to the Pentecostal church. I sang in the church choir and developed a passion for singing.

However, my childhood was also marred by trauma. At the age of eight, I was sexually molested by a man at the church, which led to my mother's rejection of my sexuality. Feeling unwelcome, I stopped attending church at 13. My relationship with my mother and stepfather was strained, leading me to leave home at 15.

I found solace in the local gay Black community, forming a group called the Disquotays with my friends. We held lavish parties, dressed in female clothing and wigs, and explored our identities. My best friend, Duchess, a trans woman, became my confidante. We navigated the dangers of cross-dressing, which was illegal in California at the time.

In the late 1960s, I began exploring my musical career. I joined the avant-garde drag troupe, the Cockettes, in San Francisco, producing solo segments of their shows influenced by female blues and jazz singers like Billie Holiday and Josephine Baker. After the Cockettes' tour of New York City, I left to pursue my career elsewhere.

I formed Sylvester and his Hot Band, a rock act that released two albums on Blue Thumb Records in 1973 before disbanding. I then focused on a solo career, signing with Fantasy Records and releasing my debut album, Sylvester, in 1977. The album was a moderate success, but it was my second album, Step II (1978), that brought me fame with hits like "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" and "Dance (Disco Heat)".

The late 1970s and early 1980s were the peak of my career. I released four more albums with Fantasy Records, distancing myself from the disco genre. I then signed with Megatone Records, founded by my friend Patrick Cowley, and recorded four more albums, including the hit Hi-NRG track "Do Ya Wanna Funk".

However, my success was accompanied by personal struggles. I was open about my sexuality, which led to backlash from some in the music industry. I also faced health issues, contracting HIV in the early 1980s. Despite my declining health, I continued to perform and record music, using my platform to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.

On December 16, 1988, I passed away due to complications from HIV/AIDS at the age of 41. My legacy as a musician, activist, and LGBTQ+ icon has endured. I was posthumously inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame in 2005, and my life has been documented in a biography, a documentary, and a musical.

Looking back, my childhood experiences shaped my music and my identity. I embraced my androgyny and sexuality, using my platform to promote acceptance and love. My music career was marked by ups and downs, but I remained true to myself and my art. As I reflect on my life, I am proud of the person I became and the impact I had on the world.

I'm still trying to process what went down at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. I was just minding my business, heading to my next gig in Miami, when things escalated quickly. I got into a fight on the escalator, and it was wild.

I remember feeling someone shove me from behind, and my hat flew off. That's when I saw the guy standing above me on the escalator. I reacted instinctively, picked him up, and slammed him onto the escalator. We both tumbled down a few stairs, and at the bottom, we kept exchanging blows. Another guy joined in, and it was a melee.

Luckily, bystanders and sheriff officers showed up quickly and broke up the fight. I was still trying to process what had just happened. I told the officers that I was defending myself, and that the other guys were "jumping" me. I'm just glad no one was seriously hurt.

The video of the fight has gone viral, and I know people are concerned. But I want to set the record straight - I was just defending myself. I didn't start the fight, and I didn't mean for things to get out of hand. I'm just glad it didn't get worse.

After the fight, I headed straight to my hotel room, still trying to process what had just happened. I assured my fans on Instagram that I was okay, and that I didn't have any major injuries. I even showed up to my gig at the Miami nightclub later that night, vibing to the music like nothing had happened.

But the truth is, I'm still shaken up. I don't know what triggered the other guy to shove me, and I don't know why things escalated so quickly. All I know is that I defended myself, and that I'm grateful no one was seriously hurt.

My girlfriend Chrissy Lampkin hasn't said anything publicly about the incident, but I know she's got my back. She recently went viral herself, showing off her snatched and glowing looks on her 53rd birthday. I'm grateful to have her in my life, and I know she's got my best interests at heart.

As for me, I'm just trying to move on from this incident. I know it's not a good look for me, but I hope my fans can understand that I was just defending myself. I'm still the same Jim Jones - still rapping, still performing, and still living my best life.

I just want to put this incident behind me and move forward. I hope my fans will stick with me, and that we can put this wild escalator fight behind us.