Entertainment
The stark contrast between the 2024 Paris Olympics and major US sports leagues – Andscape
As the world watched the 2024 Paris Olympics, we witnessed history being made—not only in the records broken and medals won, but in the diversity that graced the global stage. From the moment singer Celine Dion braved her critical health condition to open the ceremony, all of us knew these Games were going to be something to behold. We watched in awe as sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson proved that she was not only back, but higher. We held our breath as Simone Biles flipped, leapt, and soared to her eleventh medal, becoming the most decorated gymnast in history. We couldn’t help but arise and jump as Stephen Curry fired a 3-pointer over center Victor Wembanyama of France to secure the gold medal for the U.S. men’s basketball team.
This 12 months’s Olympics saw the most medals for LGBTQIA+ athletes, and the most for girls in the United States. As an LGBTQIA+ athlete and former NFL player, I used to be proud and hopeful. The progress I saw was nothing wanting inspiring, an example of what sports can and needs to be: a spot where all and sundry, no matter gender, sexual orientation, or background, can compete at the highest level and be celebrated for who they’re.
But as the Olympic flame faded and the world returned to its day by day rhythms, I used to be faced with a stark and depressing reality. The NFL season is quickly approaching, and once more, we’re reminded that the game I really like with all my heart doesn’t have a single male athlete, not in the NFL, nor in any of the major male-dominated sports leagues in the United States.
The contrast is unattainable to disregard. How is it that on the international stage, where athletes from every corner of the world gather, we see such a wealthy mosaic of representations, while in our own backyards the silence is deafening? The truth is that the problem runs much deeper than the courage or willingness of athletes to live their truth. It stems from a culture shaped by misogyny, anti-gay prejudice and patriarchy, forces that begin to affect sports culture and athletes at a young age. While not all sports leagues are affected, the toxic environment in lots of male-dominated sports creates barriers for LGBTQIA+ athletes. As a nation, we lose the majority of LGBTQIA+ athletes long before they reach the skilled level, often in youthwhere this harmful dynamic pushes them out of the game.
To see true representation at the highest levels of sport, we’d like to start out by addressing these issues at the grassroots level. We have to make all sports, especially youth sports, more inclusive. That means difficult and changing the toxic facets of sports culture that marginalize young athletes based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. It is a national responsibility to make sure that every child, no matter who they’re, feels secure and welcome in sports from the very starting.
In 2015, I used to be drafted into the NFL, a dream realized after years of labor and dedication. However, after public outingIt wasn’t until 2019 that I really began to fight — not only for a position on my team, but for acceptance in a league that always struggles with inclusivity. I do know what it means to navigate the complexities of being each an NFL player and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. The fear of rejection, the pressure to adapt, and the constant threat of discrimination or the fear of coming out and losing your dream of playing in the NFL could be crippling. It’s a burden that too many athletes still carry, and it should not be tolerated. The time for change is long overdue.
As I reflect on these issues, I’m also reminded of the recent lack of a towering figure in the fight for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sports, Billy Bean. A baseball legend and MLB Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Bean was greater than just an excellent athlete, he was a beacon of hope and change for a lot of, including me.
Bean’s work off the field transformed men’s sports. His dedication to making a more inclusive environment in MLB is a legacy that may proceed to encourage athletes and advocates. I can confidently say that his efforts have made it easier for LGBTQIA+ athletes like me to face tall in our truth. I hope to seek out myself in the NFL a fraction of what Billy was to MLB.
Beans he died at the age of 60 acute myeloid leukemia, but his impact will probably be felt for generations. You will probably be missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace, Billy.
The NFL and other major men’s sports leagues have a chance — an obligation — to create an environment where athletes feel secure and supported to be themselves. It’s not nearly making statements or posting on social media; it’s about taking real, tangible actions that exhibit a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. It’s about ensuring that the next generation of athletes don’t need to select between their love of the game and their ability to live openly and authentically. The NFL has committed to a partnership with GLAAD, and for the past three seasons we’ve seen them host Super Bowl week. Despite this, there was zero energetic player attendance in the league annually, and the event often clashes with other NFL celebrations, like NFL Honors, making player participation nearly unattainable. Progress is being made, but we now have to be critical and consistent in a league with unlimited resources. We can say, “Good job, do better.”
We have seen what is feasible on the world stage. Now it’s time for the NFL and other major U.S. sports leagues to rise to the occasion. The progress we witnessed at the Olympics shouldn’t be the exception, but the norm.
To all athletes who’re still waiting for the right time, moment, and setting to step into the highlight: You will not be alone. Countless people stand with you, support you, and will proceed to fight for a world where you possibly can be yourself on and off the field.
To all the young athletes who feel insecure, isolated, or like they don’t slot in: Know that you simply will not be alone. The world of sports is changing for the higher, and so many individuals see you, value you, and work tirelessly to be certain that you possibly can thrive as you might be. Hold on to your passion, hold on to your dreams, and know that you simply are loved and supported. Your presence in sports is required, and together we’re constructing a future where every athlete, including you, can play with pride and joy.
The journey is way from over, but together we are able to make sure that every athlete in all places experiences inclusion, authenticity and pride in the next chapter.
Entertainment
An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit
Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.
Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”
She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.
Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.
On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”
One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.
Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.
Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, cropped a photograph of him in a jumpsuit and then set Instagram on fire with her look.https://t.co/n7YNGctQFE pic.twitter.com/DNKP2i9o9C
— Sean Joseph (@sjoseph_sports) December 2, 2024
When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.
Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”
Lauren Sanchez 2003 vs. Lauren Sanchez 2024
Nothing to see here, people, move on#LaurenSanchez pic.twitter.com/mgr4vj6mFq
— Occam was right (@OccamWasRight) November 21, 2024
Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”
Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.
Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.
Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.
Entertainment
Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape
India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.
“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”
Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.
Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.
Name:
India Shawn
Hometown:
Los Angeles
Artistic soundscape
Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric
The oldest musical memory
Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.
Influences
For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.
Creative process
Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”
Challenges and development
As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”
Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.
Current project
“There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”
Entertainment
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.
Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.
From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.
In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.
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