Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBT-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend.
1) The new documentary Next Goal Wins opens in select cities this weekend and follows the American Somoa soccer team, which was often described as "the worst team in the world" following a 31-0 loss to Australia in 2001, as they try to improve with the help of a new Dutch coach. One of the players is Jaiyah Saelua, a fa'afafine (or third gender) woman who became the first transgender athlete to ever compete in a World Cup qualifying game. Check out the trailer for Next Goal Wins below:
2) Gaming in Color, the documentary that explores the thriving LGBT side to the video game community and industry, is ready to watch online! LGBT gamers must cope with an increased chance of online harassment and the general lack of representation in mainstream video games, but are a driving force that's changing the gaming landscape. You can watch the trailer below, and stream the documentary in HD on a sliding scale, for between $1-$15.
3) Ester Dean, who portrays lesbian character Cynthia-Rose Adams in Pitch Perfect, will return in the movie's sequel, Pitch Perfect 2. Following months of rumors about the production of a new Pitch Perfect, Rebel Wilson tweeted a picture that confirmed the reinvigoration of the story about all-girl, college a cappella group.
4) Power producer duo Craig Zadan and Neil Meron have been confirmed as returning to produce the 2015 Oscars, which is set for February 22nd on ABC. In 2012, Zadan and Meron together received the GLAAD Vito Russo Award, which honors openly LGBT media professionals who make a significant difference in promoting equality for the LGBT community. The 2014 Oscar broadcast was a rating hit hosted by Ellen DeGeneres.
5) Speaking of Ellen DeGeneres, the comedian and talk show host will produce a new design show on HGTV in 2015. Inspired by her love of unique furniture and home renovation, Ellen's Design Challenge will follow six competitors who will tackle challenges in sketching, designing, and building furniture – all within 24 hours. Look out for the new show next year on HGTV!
6) Big Freedia's new single 'Explode' is ready for your ears! From the artist's forthcoming album Just Be Free, the single is about the pressures of juggling professional and personal life. She wants people to know she's coming out with a bang, inciting listeners to "release your wiggle!" You can listen to the song below, and preorder the upcoming Just Be Freehere.
7) Ricky Martin's video for 'Vida' was released this week for the 2014 FIFA World Cup album. The song, written by SuperSong competition winner Elijah King, encourages people from every nation to come together to celebrate "la vida buena" (the good life). You can watch the video below.
8) Mary Lambert has premiered the video 'Body Love' to accompany her new campaign #BodyLove. The campaign, which advocates for self-acceptance, asks people to post pictures of different parts of their bodies, all of which will automatically post to the Body Love campaign website. Of the project, Lambert says "Your empowerment and strength can be a tool for others." The inspirations behind the project include Denise Jolly's "Be Beautiful" project and Sonya Renee's "The Body is Not an Apology" movement. You can watch Lambert's new video here.
9) Out composer Omar Thomas recently released a new album We Will Know: An LGBT Civil Rights Piece in Four Movements. The tracks – "Hymn," "In Memoriam," "Meditation," and "May 9th, 2012" – all focus on important moments in the LGBT movement. The album is available on iTunes now, listen to "Hymn" below.
10) Archie and Kevin Keller creator and comic Dan Parent has announced that the GLAAD Media Award-winning series Kevin Keller will come to an end with issue 15, but that Kevin's story will continue. Later this year, Parent will announce new plans for Kevin and his friends, and he promises the new direction for the gay character will be exciting. Characters from Kevin Keller, including his friends and family, will remain inside the Archie universe in the meantime in other books.
11) Alan Cumming returned as the Emcee alongside Michelle Williams in a new Broadway production of Cabaret officially opening this week. It was announced earlier this week that the show, originally intended as a 24-week limited run production, will extend showings until January 2015! Cumming received a Tony award for his role as the Emcee in 1998. You can purchase tickets to see Cabarethere!
12) Eastsiders, the dark comedy webseries following the lives of Cal and Tom, a gay couple in Los Angeles, needs your help to produce a second season! Season one left Cal and Thom's future in an uncertain place, but picked up numerous awards and great reviews. You can watch the video for Eastsiders below, and donate at their Kickstarter page here.