Merriam-Webster Added “Latinx”– Now Let’s Talk About What Got Overlooked

This week, the Merriam-Webster dictionary added more than 840 words to its catalog, one of them being “Latinx.” The definition is simple enough: Latinx is a gender-neutral alternative to Latina and Latino. It’s just a way for people of Latin decent to describe their ethnicity — without the feminine or masculine subtext. While the inclusion is amazing, especially for people who use Latinx to identify themselves, what does it ultimately mean if Merriam-Webster isn’t including other non-binary or ethnic identifiers?

Latinx has been part of many people’s day-to-day language for at least the past five years. However, members of the Latinx community in general have been using the term for at least a decade. It’s only recently that its popularity has soared. Google trends shows that Latinx was rarely (to nonexistent) being used in major periodicals until 2015. The graph below points to its usage between 2004 and the present.

Merriam-Webster also stated that they only include words depending on popularity.

google trends

“It’s important to remember that new words are added to the dictionary only when they have already been used by many people—often initially by specialists or subcultures. Then, gradually, a word’s use spreads to the rest of us,” Merriam-Webster stated in a blog post announcing its new batch of entries. “The dictionary’s job is to report that usage as it enters the general vocabulary. For each reader, some of the new words inevitably seem already familiar, but others will be encountered for the first time in an announcement like this — which probably means we’re doing it just about right.”

Merriam-Webster also described, in a separate blog post, the history and usage of Latinx. In that post, they went on to suggest that just because the word is popular now, doesn’t necessarily mean the word is here to stay. Umm, excuse me?

“Though Latinx is becoming common in social media and in academic writing, it is unclear whether it will catch on in mainstream use,” reads the post. “Nevertheless, it is gaining noticeable traction among the general public as a gender-inclusive term for Latin Americans of diverse identities and orientations.”

What’s interesting about this is that while it seems as if Merriam-Webster is being inclusive, it’s not actually recognizing the non-binary community or Latinx people as a whole. If the Merriam-Webster dictionary is going to add Latinx, other common gender-neutral terms and word uses should be included in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, too: “They/ Them,” “Hir,” “Transfeminine,” “Intergender,” and the list goes on and on. (To its credit, the dictionary did add the gender-neutral honorific “Mx” in September 2017)

Additionally, within the Latinx community are a multitude of identities and terms to describe them: Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican, Central or South American, Caribbean, Latin American, Chicano, Chicana, Nuyorican, and more. Chicanx is also frequently used as a gender-neutral alternative to Chicano/a, but that has yet to be included in the dictionary.

Of course, Merriam-Webster isn’t the authority of inclusion when it comes to the English language. As their spokespeople stated themselves, decisions to include words are based on usage and popularity. It is ordinary people who give words their meaning by using them. The dictionary, as always, is just a resource.

What’s your take? Tell us on Twitter @britandco.

(Photo via Getty Images)

Romance reality TV is probably one of the best sectors of the entertainment universe, at least if you ask us. We love our Bachelor nation binge watches and live for our daily Love Island recaps. Watching people fall in love is so, so cute…and more often than not these relationships spill out of our screens and into the real world, where we’re able to keep up with all of our favorite reality stars à la social media. Such is the case for Gabby Windey — former Bachelor contestant and half of The Bachelorette’s starring Season 19 duo — who *just* came out as queer and revealed that she’s been dating comedian and writer Robby Hoffman for three months. Please excuse us while we squeal in excitement for her!

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Former 'Bachelorette' Gabby Windey Reveals She's Dating A Woman | The View

On Wednesday, Gabby appeared on The View to share a mysterious update about her dating life. “I have been seeing someone for a couple months,” she said. “And I’ve been keeping it a little private because it is a bigger story and a bigger conversation. Because I’m dating a girl.” She continued, explaining to the speechless (and rather stiff) hosts that her queerness “was always a whisper in me that just got louder and louder” and she “had to navigate through the shame” she’d internalized before coming out. “I don’t want to live and not be living my full truth,” she commented.

Following her announcement, Gabby shared a series of pictures to Instagram with her big news, featuring her girlfriend Robby. “Told you I’m a girls girl!!” she humorously captioned the post. She went on to share an adorable video of her running up to Robby and kissing her post-The View, and it’s safe to say we’re ecstatic for her.

Image via Instagram

Robby also shared her own pictures of Gabby to Instagram, tagging her in the comments.

Gabby was a finalist on Clayton Echard’s season of The Bachelor in 2022. She proceeded to co-star in her own season of The Bachelorette alongside Rachel Recchia, getting engaged to Erich Schwer last May after meeting him on her season. Gabby and Erich called off their engagement last November, and she seems to have started seeing Robby a few months later.

We should note that Gabby isn’t the first Bachelor Nation contestant to come out as queer, either. Becca Tilley, who was casted in Seasons 19 and 20 of The Bachelor has been dating pop singer Hayley Kiyoko for five years, sharing her sexuality with the world in 2022. Colton Underwood, another lead in the franchise, also came out as gay in 2021, not to the surprise of comedian and actor Billy Eichner (IYKYK).

The Bachelor franchise has historically been solely focused on heterosexual relationships, only deviating from the norm in Australia. In 2021, The BacheloretteAustralia lead Brooke Blurton became the first openly bisexual lead in the franchise, hosting both men and women in the Bachelor Mansion.

TBH, we’d love to see more representation in The Bachelor franchise. Love is love — and we want to see it all on our screens!

Stay updated on the latest pop culture and celebrity news with Brit + Co.

Header image courtesy of Amy Sussman/Getty Images.

If you're a loyal fan of Yellowstone and its gripping mix of drama, family dynamics, and Western grit, then you're probably familiar with the genius behind the show: Taylor Sheridan.

As both a writer and director with a ranching background, he's perfected a unique style that blends heart-pounding action with complex characters.

But while Yellowstone has undoubtedly made its mark on television, Taylor's talents extend beyond the small screen. If you can't get enough of his storytelling, here are six Taylor Sheridan films you need to check out.

Scroll to see which Taylor Sheridan movies you should watch if you love YellowstoneASAP!

Lionsgate

1. Sicario (2015)

Sicario is one of Taylor Sheridand's standout works. This crime thriller features FBI agent Kate Macer, played by Emily Blunt, as she's selected for a top-secret task force to win the war on drugs. She goes to the United States-Mexico border to tackle the cartel, working alongside a team of shadowy operatives.

Much like Yellowstone, Sicario, directed by Denis Villeneuve, thrives on suspense, intense violence, and morally complex characters.

CBS Films

2. Hell or High Water (2016)

If you're looking for a Sheridan film that most closely mirrors the world of Yellowstone, this movie might be the answer.

Hell or High Water is a neo-Western that follows Toby, a father struggling to save his family's ranch from foreclosure, who teams up with his ex-convict brother to rob banks in a desperate attempt to keep their land.

It blends classic Western themes with modern drama and explores deep family bonds amidst the harsh realities of financial hardship.

Acacia Filmed Entertainment

3. Wind River (2017)

Taylor Sheridan both wrote and directed Wind River, which features Cory Lamber (Jeremy Renner), a wildlife officer, and FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) as they investigate the murder of a young woman on a Native American reservation.

This film marked his directorial debut and showed off his skill in blending suspense with themes of prejudice, Native American struggles, and the violence of the American West.

Lionsgate

4. Sicario: Day Of The Soldado (2018)

In this follow-up to the original Sicario, agents Matt Graver and Alejandro Gillick return to the United States-Mexico border when the cartel starts smuggling terrorists into the U.S. The situation escalates when the agents kidnap the kingpin's daughter as leverage.

This sequel definitely didn't receive the same love as its predecessor, but Sicario: Day Of The Soldado is still a strong Saturday night movie pick for people who love storylines and character types like those in Yellowstone.

New Line Cinema

5. Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)

Those Who Wish Me Dead follows Connor, a boy who's on the run from two hitmen during a wildfire. He teams up with a female smokejumper, trying to contain the flames as the killers pursue them.

This action-packed thriller has some of the same rural charm that fans love about Yellowstone, but presents a totally different narrative. It's tense, rated R, and stars Finn Little, Angelina Jolie, and Jake Weber, just to name a few.

Paramount+

6. Finestkind (2023)

Last but not least, Finestkind is based on two brothers from opposite sides of the tracks who reunite during adulthood in Boston. As they grapple with personal struggles, they turn to an organized crime syndicate for help and end up in a risky situation.

Given its urban setting and different character types, this movie might not seem anything like Yellowstone. Nonetheless, it shares key themes of family and moral conflict. Oh, and did we mention Jenna Ortega's (Wednesday, You) in it?!

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Pride *should* be a year-long celebration, whether you're part of the LGBTQIA+ community or not. Empowering everyone to be comfortable in their identities forms a more understanding and joyful world for us, so bringing advocacy past the month of June is pretty important.

With companies launching pride-focused collections during June each year, it can be hard to know which ones are *actually* supporting the proper causes, and living up to their pride missions. These 10 pride collections are totally committed to the community.

Coolhaus.

Image via Coolhaus.

Take pride in your identity, allyship, or general love for sweets with Coolhaus.

This pride season, the LGBTQIA+-founded ice cream company is launching a limited-edition 'Love Out Loud' ice cream sammie, and in celebration, is donating $25,000 towards GLAAD's mission of accelerating acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Baggu x House Wine

Image via House Wine

Bag brand, Baggu, and canned wine creators, House Wine, released a collaborative Pride Pack for this year's pride season.

House Wine has proudly supported the Human Rights Campaign throughout their tenure as a business, and continue to do so with this pack built with a reusable bag, House Wine Rainbow Cans, and assorted stickers.

For every Pride Pack purchased, House Wine will donate $2 to HRC, further advocating for their mission of equality for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The North Face

Image via TheNorthFace.com

The North Face is embracing finding connection in nature for the queer community, and their extensive pride collection features colorful shirts, shorts, hoodies, tanks, shoes, and more outdoorsy accessories.

"Each one of us is a reflection of the glittery, messy, beautiful diversity that is Mother Earth," their site reads. "This pride, we celebrate the transformational power of finding our runway in the outdoors together."

What's even better about their collection is it isn't relegated to June only. The North Face supports queer-serving organizations like Brave Trails and YouthSeen year-round.

Bombas

Image via Bombas

Each sock and underwear purchase from Bombas' pride collection gives back to organizations supporting people facing homelessness, *especially* those part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

According to True Colors United, young queer people are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their non-LGBTQIA+ peers – and 40% of homeless youth belong to the community.

Bombas is reaching their fifth year in partnership with the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit, which offers homeless, LGBTQIA+ young people a safe, accepting space – and this year's "Let Everyone Know" pride sock and underwear collection was designed in collaboration with the center to give back.

Noodles & Company

Image via Noodles & Company

Beloved noodle chain, Noodles & Company, is bringing back the ultra-tasty Pride Crispy – a rainbow-laden, fan-favorite rice crispy treat that satisfies sweet cravings, but *also* gives back to the LGBTQIA+ community.

For the third year in a row, Noodles & Co. is pledging 100% of proceeds from Pride Crispy sales (up to $30K) to Out & Equal, who advocates exclusively for LGBTQIA+ workplace equality.

The Crispy will be available to pair with your favorite noodle bowl through the month of June!

Dr. Martens

Image via Dr Martens

Widely considered a boot for the community, Dr. Martens is bringing a pride-inspired design to you in collaboration with Japanese artist, illustrator, and zine creator, Fuyuki Kanai. The pride boot is adorned in illustrations that recall "inclusivity, community and queer relationships."

Though the retailer released this boot for the month of June, Dr. Martens maintains a year-round partnership with The Trevor Project, he world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQIA+ youth. This year, they're pledging $200,000 to the org.

Adidas x Rich Mnisi

Image via Adidas

Adidas believes that sports can change lives, but love can make an even *greater* impact.

The company designed their 2023 pride collection in collaboration with South African designer, Rich Mnisi to further promote the message that love unites.

Inspired by a childhood poem of Mnisi's called "Let Love Be Your Legacy," the sportswear collection "embodies a shared ambition to encourage allyship and expression without bias, in all spaces across sport and culture."

The brand also tapped Adidas partners, Tom Daley, Jari Jones, and organization Athlete Ally to publish passionate love letters to sports as a whole, in effort to uplift all LGBTQIA+ members involved with sports.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Image via Abercrombie.

Regardless of the sales they make this year, longstanding fashion retailer Abercrombie & Fitchis committing $400,000 to The Trevor Project. Their most recent pride collectionsurrounds a "proud year-round" statement, which is a sentiment we can get behind.

The ready-to-wear pieces in the collection include everything from polo tees, matching sets, activewear, swimsuits, skirts, and more.

Converse Proud To Be

Image via Converse

This season's pride collection from Converse celebrates "those who are proud to be living in the power and joy of being themselves." The footwear company teamed up with a handful of members from the queer community to design five different (super cute!) pride-infused sneaker designs available for purchase.

Converse is proud to have pledged close to $2.5M to local, national, and international organizations since their first Pride campaign in 2015. It Gets Better Project, The Ali Forney Center, BAGLY, and The Theater Offensive are all community partners working for the LGBTQIA+ community

NYX Cosmetics

Image via NYX Cosmetics

According to NYX Cosmetics, 64% of LGBTQIA+ gamers have been harassed online at disproportionately higher rates than all other identity groups.

NYX's 2023 pride collection hones in on LGBTQIA+ people in the online gaming space – saying "game over" to the haters, and instead, embracing queer gamers of all identities for who they are. The company teamed up with 5 LGBTQIA+ gamers to amplify their stories in effort to "create awareness for safer spaces in gaming." Each player represents a makeup item for next-level looks!

Furthering their advocacy, NYX's pride campaign surrounds their year-round partnership with the Los Angeles LGBT Center, aiming to amplify queer voices, train allies, and provide donations – over $500,000 has been given globally to support youth support and services.

Barefoot Dreams x (RED)

Image via Barefoot Dreams

Lovers of cozy comfort, Barefoot Dreams, has teamed up with (RED), whose mission is to fight global health emergencies and support equitable access to testing and treatment. We’re here for it! The retailer will give 15% of every purchase of the ultra-soft Barefoot Dreams + (RED) throw blanket ($180) to (RED)’s Global Fund, up to a $100,000 donation in order to help strengthen healthcare systems and support equitable access for everyone.

MiliMili Modern Rainbow Collection x PRONOUN

Image via MiliMili

MiliMili makes comfortable, yet stylish wearables for you and your little ones. This year, their Modern Rainbow collection is standing up for pride. Made in collaboration with Justin Mikita and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and with a custom print by artist Katie Kaapcke, 100% of the profits from collection sales (which covers everything art prints and crib sheets, to pillowcases and swaddles) go to PRONOUN, Justin and Jesse’s non-profit organization, in support of equality for all.

Mars Wright Pride Collection

Image via Mars Wright

Mars Wright is a Trans artist and activist spreading Trans joy through art. Their pride collection features clothing, prints, and accessories that all advocate for everyone finding that joy, plus a portion of the proceeds from each purchase goes *directly* to the Black Trans community through the Unique Women’s Coalition. There, the UWC dedicates their work to being a collective voice centering around the narratives and needs of Black Trans culture.

Bluebella x girli

Image via Bluebella

This month, Bluebella, a lingerie, underwear, and nightwear brand, launched their Pride campaign and collection in collaboration with queer British artist, girli. The collection features Bluebella’s top-selling sets – but reimagined in the colors of the rainbow. Each piece is designed to help everyone, no matter their gender expression, feel empowered while celebrating Pride.

10% of the profits from the collaborative collection’s sales will be donated to OutRight International, a human rights organization supporting LGBTQIA+ people around the world.

“Future-focused companies understand the importance of maintaining a strong commitment to supporting human rights for LGBTQ people – one that benefits employees, consumers, and communities alike. That is why Outright International is partnering with Bluebella for a second consecutive year,” said Elise Colomer-Cheadle, Director of Development at Outright International. “By leveraging its platform and brand, Bluebella continues to elevate Outright’s work [of] advocating for the human rights of LGBTQ communities around the world. Through our collaboration, Bluebella extends the reach of Outright’s mission, giving a voice to the voiceless by amplifying the issues impacting LGBTQ people globally. At a time where anti-LGBTIQ movements are mobilizing, we remain deeply grateful to call Bluebella our ally and partner."

Danessa Myricks Beauty Bi-Pride Chrome Flake Eyeshadow

Image via Danessa Myricks Beauty

Danessa Myricks Beauty launched the Bi-Pride Infinite Chrome Flake eyeshadow in honor of the bisexual community. For every purchase of the pinky-purpley blue shiny shade made, Danessa Myricks Beauty will donate 10% of sales to the Audre Lorde Project. The Audre Lorde Project is an NYC-based, member-led community organizing center for queer and Trans people of color. ALP organizes with, for, and in community to build a more just and liberated world.

American Eagle + Olivia Ponton Pride Collection

Image via American Eagle

This Pride, American Eagle is bringing together a limited-edition Pride collection designed in collaboration with Olivia Ponton. You’ll find rainbow-adorned statement tees, denim shorts, a cap, and tote bag in this collection that gives back. In lieu of this exclusive drop, AE is continuing its charitable partnership with the It Gets Better Project. As the organization’s largest donor in history, AE continues its work by donating $100,000 this year, while also giving customers the opportunity to support the cause through donations during the month of June – online and in-stores.

"I hope that this collection reminds people that they are part of a community that loves and supports who they are," Ponton said.

OUAI

Image via OUAI

Hair-care brandOUAI believes everyone is the best version of themselves when living life your OUAI – embracing the core of who you are, and staying true to yourself, despite outside expectations. In honor of Pride 2023, OUAI has pledged a $200,000 donation throughout the month of June to multiple LBGTQIA+ organizations. Each week of June, OUAI will spotlight these various orgs by donating to them directly, and encouraging customers to donate in their own way at checkout.

On June 1-8, OUAI will support The Trevor Project, whose mission is to end suicide among the queer community.

On June 9-15, they’ll spotlight the Ali Forney Center, which helps LGBTQIA+ individuals out of homelessness and promotes independence.

On June 16-22, OUAI will look toward the Los Angeles LGBT Center, working toward total equality.

Finally, during the last week of June, the company will spotlight Strands For Trans, a non-profit on a mission to create more Trans-friendly barbershops and hair salons.

Linktree x Peppermint

Images via Linktree

With an increase in hate speech and anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation in the U.S., Linktree is proud to support queer creators and small businesses this Pride. To advocate for the community, the linking platform is leveraging their Tip Jar feature so anyone can virtually tip their favorite Drag performers.

Tipping is already so encouraged in the Drag community, and RuPaul’s Drag Race legend Peppermint knows this. Peppermint is partnering with Linktree this Pride to share their authentic experience as a Drag performer amid the fight for LGBTQIA+ representation and equality.

“As a trans woman and Drag performer, defending our rights from the recent legislative attacks on our community and maintaining the visibility and progress we’ve gained is at the top of that list,” Peppermint said. “Linktree’s work in support of the LGBTQIA+ community, encouraging tipping to my fellow Drag performers is a tangible example of their impact. I’m so excited that it’s now easier than ever to support performers outside of live events. We have to work together to keep our essential art form alive and thriving.”

Chispa Pride

Images via Chispa

Chispa, the #1 dating app for Latin singles, continues to support the LGBTQIA+ community this Pride with an all-new virtual sticker collection that users on the platform can utilize in order to show their solidarity and acceptance of the queer community. The profile stickers include an Ally sticker, as well as Trans, Queer, and Non Binary ones.

This addition comes at a time where it’s important to break the stigma behind Latinx sexuality and dating. According to a survey by Chispa, over 60% of Latinx singles reported that they never talked about being LGBTQIA+ while growing up. With this year’s Pride initiative, the platform hopes to continue the conversation surrounding Latinx and queer discrimination.

In addition to the symbolic stickers on the app, Chispa is also contributing a monetary donation to the Latino Equality Alliance. There, the LEA advocates for equity, safety, and wellness of the Latinx LGBTQIA+ community.

YITTY

Image via YITTY

YITTYLizzo’s inclusive shapewear brand – is continuing their commitment to theLos Angeles LGBT Center this Pride through their “Every Body’s Gay” campaign. This year’s initiative comes to light with the help of drag entertainers Blackberri, Strawberry Corncakes and Vidalia Anne Gentry, and influencers Chiara Rose, Logan Grayson, Davesha Sowell, and Kristany Jackson.

As they tell their stories to us about what Pride means to them, YITTY has dedicated itself to supporting both the Los Angeles LGBT Center through giving financial contributions *and* sponsoring Trans Pride LA! The Los Angeles LGBT Center provides more LGBTQIA+ services than any other organization in the world, which is why we’re excited to show you this comfy-cozy Pride collection. Shop super soft bra tops, short-shorts, and Pride pins to feel the love all year long.

Krewe

Image via Krewe

New Orleans-based opticals brand, Krewe, is connecting with CDFA this June to honor Pride month and support the TransLatin@Coalition through a limited-edition eyewear collection. Being from NOLA, Krewe drew inspiration for the collection knowing that New Orleanians are nothing if not prideful, colorful, loving, and vibrant – this sentiment is reflected in the two specs designs that give back to TransLatin@Coalition, who advocates for the needs of Trans, Gender non-conforming and Intersex individuals.

waterdrop x Conchita Wurst

Image via waterdrop

Hydration brand, waterdrop, came together for Pride with Conchita Wurst, a LGBTQIA+ advocate and Austrian artist, for a colorful, celebratory collaboration that *also* gives back. 10% of net sales from the collaborative Pride collection will be donated to international LGBTQIA+ organizations Queer Base and Outright International, as waterdrop continues to stand against all forms of discrimination.

Parade x ggggrimes

Image via Parade

Beloved underwear and loungewear powerhouse, Parade, came out with a new limited-edition Pride collection in collaboration with Trans digital artist, Theodoor ggggrimes that’s full of Y2K-inspired pieces and prints. Each sustainable style furthers the brand’s commitment to Pride and aims to highlight the joy-filled freedom that queer people deserve.

“I started Parade to create an alternative to the one-note idea of sexiness that had defined the underwear industry for too long,” said Parade’s CEO, Creative Director and Co-Founder, Cami Téllez. “Theodoor’s work, centering queer and trans people of color in limitless self-expression, love and sexuality is exactly the kind of artistic work the world needs to see more of. We’re so excited to bring our love of color and visions of ultimate freedom to the world through this collection.”

Year-round, Parade gives customers the option to donate 1% of their purchase back to support important causes such as LGBTQIA+ law and policy. In 2023, Parade helped fund 200+ hours of response to legal help inquiries from across the country, including those from incarcerated community members via the Transgender Law Center.

Skittles Pride Collection on Audible

Image via Skittles

Your fave colorful candy is moving past the rainbow for Pride this year. Skittles knows that amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices is more important (and challenged) now more than ever, thus their initiative in partnership with Audible was born.

Until the end of July, anyone with a pack of Skittles can listen to *free* collections of queer storytelling on Audible. With a quick QR code scan of the brand’s Pride Packs, fans can access categories like Queer Fiction, Real People, Real Voices, and Audible Theater Originals.

Aside from the listenables, keep an eye out for Skittles Pride Packs on shelves near you – for every pack sold, the candy company will donate $1 to GLAAD (up to a $100,000 amount) in support of their ongoing efforts to combat anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination.

Made by Mary Pride Collection

Image via Made By Mary

Made By Mary’s Pride Collection features a sleek rendition of the Pride flag in jewelry form: a ring and hoop earrings set in gold vermeil or sterling silver boast rainbow-studded inlays that stun with just about any summer look.

For the month of June, 10% of net proceeds from their Pride Collection will be donated to The Trevor Project.

Mavi Jeans "Love Without Rules" Tote Bag

Image via Mavi Jeans

In partnership with the largest non-profit organization in the country dedicated to LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness, sustainable fashion brand, Mavi Jeans, will be donating 100% of net proceeds from their adorable “Love Without Rules” tote bag to the Ali Forney Center. The brand is “deeply rooted in diversity, individuality, and inclusivity,” and this latest Pride initiative exemplifies that.

"The Ali Forney Center is grateful to again partner with Mavi Jeans and appreciate their commitment to supporting the homeless LGBTQIA+ youth and the programming and services we provide," said Paul Clark, Director of Corporate Engagement at AFC. "The funds raised from Mavi’s Pride tote bags will help us continue our mission of providing resources and support to LGBTQIA+ youth."

LIVELY Pride Capsule

Image via LIVELY

LIVELY’s curated Pride Capsule features cute undergarments in *all* the colors to help celebrate this year. Because it all starts at the first layer, the brand is highlighting their most loved bras, undies, and loungewear not only in the Pride collection, but also their latest Neon Mesh edit. 10% of proceeds from the comfy Neon Mesh collection will be donated to The Trevor Project throughout the month of June.

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Header image via Adidas

This post has been updated.

Bridgerton season 4 might not be coming until 2026, but thanks to a special first look, we have just enough to tide us over (although, is there really ever enough to tide us over? I need full episodes STAT!!). In honor of her new movie Picture This (on Prime Video now), Simone Ashley talked about returning for Bridgerton season 4 — and teased a special reunion I can't wait for.

Here's what Simone Ashley said about Picture This and Bridgerton season 4 in Brit + Co's exclusive interview.

Simone Ashley says 'Bridgerton' season 4 "feels like home."

We already had confirmation that Simone Ashley would return to Bridgerton season 4 as Kate Sharma, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to ask if she could tease what's in store for viewers. "I can't tease anything, but I can say I was filming a couple of weeks ago, with the girls," she tells Brit + Co. "I'm super excited to be back on the show. I'm so grateful for everything that that show has given me, and whenever I go back it, it just feels like home."

Okay, Simone might have said she couldn't tease anything but if you ask me "filming with the girls" is a tease in and of itself! I'm hoping we see Kate, Eloise, and Penelope get some serious girl time after all the drama during season 3. Kate was able to give Eloise some beautiful advice, and since season 4 focuses on Benedict's love story, I have my fingers crossed it'll be more or less smooth sailing for our favorite ladies.


Simone Ashley's character in Picture This, a portrait photographer named Pia, reminds me a lot of Kate. She's passionate, driven, and an eldest daughter who's constantly being told time is running out. When I ask Simone what she's excited about for the future, she admits she feels a mixture of anticipation and nerves.

"Yeah, I'm excited. And I'm gonna phrase it this way because I think excited is such a positive word and it's an amazing thing, but I think excited-scared is also a positive word," she says. "I'm excited-scared because so much mystery and change and possibilities that could happen in the future, right, that we don't know about."

However, she says that growing up and accepting the curve balls life throws at you is "like taking that jump for change."

"It's excited-scared, and then it's like when you jump into water and then you realize the water temperature's fine."

I couldn't agree more, Simone.

See Simone Ashley in Picture This, streaming on Prime Video now, and stay tuned for the latest Kate Sharma & Bridgerton season 4 updates! While you're waiting, go ahead and Meet The Bridgerton Season 4 Cast.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

It’s pretty common for celebrities to go by a stage name or a different moniker entirely when they’re trying to break into showbiz. Take musicians for example. Before the world knew her as Rihanna, everyone in her life simply knew as Robyn Rihanna Fenty. And the same goes for actors as well. Did you know that The Office alum Mindy Kaling was born Vera Mindy Chokalingam?(Yeah, I was today years old when I learned that.) Even certain members of the British royal family have chosen not to go by their first name, given their high profile status. What if I told you Kate Middleton’s full name is Catherine Elizabeth Middleton? I know right, shocker!

Keep reading to learn more about the 22 celebrities who don’t actually go by their real name — and the reason why.

1. Emma Stone

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Real Name: Emily Jean Stone

Back when Easy A alum Emma Stone was trying to break into the industry as an actress, she chose to go by a different name because there was already a person with the same moniker in the SAG.

So, in a 2017 interview with W Magazine, the Poor Things star shared that she wanted to go by Emily J. Stone, but decided against it. “So to ask a 16-year-old to pick a new name is really an interesting process, because I was like, ‘I’m going to be Riley’... And so my name was Riley Stone for about six months,” she told the publication at the time. “I changed it to Emma because you know it’s closer to Emily, but most people call me ‘M,’ that know me well.” Honestly, I think you could've pulled off the J, Emma.

2. Lady Gaga

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Real Name: Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta

Turns out, the Bad Romance singer wasn’t gaga for her real name when she decided to break into Hollywood. Before entering the music industry, Germanotta chose her stage name “Lady Gaga” after she was apparently inspired by the 1984 Queen single “Radio Gaga.” Huh, who would’ve thought?

3. The Weeknd

Wagner Meier/Getty Images for Live Nation

Real Name: Abel Makkonen Tesfaye

Years before the world knew him as “The Weeknd,” Tesfaye chose his professional name when he left home at a young age. During a Reddit Ask Me Anything segment, the singer revealed, "I left home when I was about 17 dropped out of high school and convinced [my friend] Lamar to do the same.”

He continued, “We grabbed our mattresses from our parents threw it in our friends sh—ty van and left one weekend and never came back home. It was gonna be the title of HOB [House of Balloons]. I hated my name at the time though so I tried it as a stage name. It sounded cool. I took out the “e” because there was already a Canadian band named the weekend (copyright issues).”

4. Gigi Hadid

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Real Name: Jelena Hadid

In case you didn’t know, the proud mom went by “Gigi” early on in her childhood. (FYI: Gigi was also her mom’s childhood nickname too.) But in a 2015 interview with Vogue, Hadid shared that everyone started calling her “Gigi” once she started grad school.

“In first or second grade, there was a girl named Helena and it got confusing with the teacher who had to call out our names, and so the teacher asked my mom, ‘If I needed to call Jelena a nickname, what would it be?’ And my mom was like, ‘I call her Gigi sometimes,’ and the name stuck,” the supermodel explained at the time.

5. Millie Bobby Brown

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Real Name: Millie Bonnie Brown (Bongiovi ;))

Millie Bobby Brown revealed in a The Electric State interview that her name is actually Millie Bonnie Brown, and that she created the stage name for "sh—ts and giggles."

"It's not Bobby," she says. "It's Millie Bonnie Brown...I've never told anyone that."

6. Brad Pitt

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Real Name: William Bradley Pitt

Apparently, Brad Pitt is another celebrity who likes going by his middle name. But, according to Page Six, the longtime actor actually prefers introducing himself by his first name when he’s flirting with women.

7. Marilyn Monroe

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Real Name: Norma Jeane Mortenson

We're throwing it back with this celebrity name! Fun fact: Mortenson took the name Dougherty after her first marriage. But how did she come up with the name we're all so familiar with? Per Time, the beloved actress chose to say goodbye to her last name after a 20th Century Fox studio executive thought that there would be too many mispronunciations with her last name. So, she decided to drop her last name in exchange for her mom’s maiden name: Monroe. In addition, the exec gave her the name “Marilyn” because she reminded him of a 1920s Broadway star named Marilyn Miller.

8. Natalie Portman

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Real Name: Neta-Lee Hershlag

Originally, Portman was given a traditional Hebrew name before immigrating to the United States in 1984, where her family changed their surname to Portman. Then, the actress’s first name, Neta-Lee (which was her maternal grandmother’s maiden name) later became Natalie.

9. ​Cardi B

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Real Name: Belcalis Almanzar

Though everyone knows her as Cardi B, her diehard fans can attest to the fact she was given a different name at birth. Born Belcalis Almanzar, her stage name is actually short for Bacardi (you know, like the rum). While appearing on an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the rapper shared the origin of her pseudonym.

“My sister's name is Hennessy,” the rapper told Fallon. “So everyone used to call me Bacardi, and I started calling myself Bacardi, which eventually was shortened to Cardi B.”

10. Chloe Bennet

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Real Name: Chloe Wong

While promoting her new show Interior Chinatown, Chloe Bennet sat down with Brit + Co and shared why she felt the need to go by a different name than what she was given at birth, which is Chloe Wong. “Early on in my career, my mixed race seemed to be so much more of a thing than I ever understood it as growing up,” the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D alum explained. “I come from a very diverse household and my dad is Chinese. I think I felt more Chinese than what the world perceived me as and that was a weird concept for me.”

The 32-year-old actress went on to share how she changed her surname to Bennet (aka her father’s name) on her resume and she started booking more roles. “I am still not Chloe Bennet. I am Chloe Wong,” she says in the interview.

11. Kit Harington

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Real Name: Christopher Catesby Harington

Many of us are taught how to pronounce our given name from a very young age. But for Kit Harington, the Game of Thrones star wasn’t told his first name until he was 11 years old. In a 2014 interview with Glamour, the British actor explained how his parents refrained from telling his real name because “they could see that I wanted to be Kit, but Christopher was a bit of a tradition.”

He continued, "My brother’s name is Jack, but his real name is John. Kit is traditionally an offshoot of Christopher, it’s just not used that often. My middle name is Catesby.”

12. ​Jamie Foxx

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Real Name: Eric Marlon Bishop

Did you know Eric Marlon Bishop chose his stage name “Jamie Foxx” when he first started doing stand up? Back in 2015, Foxx sat down with David Letterman and explained how he tried aiming for a “unisex name” when it came time for him to choose a professional alias.

“I noticed that like 1,000 guys showed up and only three girls, but the three girls would always get a spot,” the singer and actor revealed when recounting the time he signed up for a slot in the standup lineup. “So I went to the list and wrote down a unisex name…Jamie Foxx.” And it looks like the name just stuck.

13. ​Lana Del Ray

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Real Name: Elizabeth Woolridge Grant

Until the age of 25, Lizzy (aka Elizabeth) Grant reinvented herself and took on a new name when she tried breaking into the music biz—and that’s how Lana Del Rey came to be. According to The Guardian, she not only changed her name, but her entire persona and image. #Iconic

​14. Bruno Mars

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Real Name: Peter Gene Hernandez

Before he caught a grenade for us, the Finesse singer was called Bruno by his family because, when he was a baby, he resembled the professional wrestler Bruno Sammartino. But when it came to his last name, the Hawaiian-born musician thought it would be best to drop it and adopt the Mars surname. “Your last name’s Hernandez, maybe you should do this Latin music, this Spanish music...Enrique's so hot right now,” he jokes in a 2013 interview with GQ.

​15. Demi Moore

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Real Name: Demetria Guynes

Long before she starred in The Substance, the longtime actress (born Demetria Guynes) tied the knot with rock star Freddy Moore at the age of 17 and took his last name. Though the marriage ended after four-and-a-half years, she’s been known as Demi Moore ever since.

16. ​John Legend

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Real Name: John Roger Stephens

Tonight’s the night that…you’re going to learn how John Legend got his stage name! In a 2008 interview with MTV News (via People), the EGOT winner shared the story behind how he came up with his professional name. “John Legend is a nickname that some friends started calling me, and it kind of grew into my stage name,” he said at the time. “‘Legend’ is something that I never would have chosen for myself originally. It grew to the point where more people in my circle would know me by that name than by my real name.”

17. Miley Cyrus

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Real Name: Destiny Hope Cyrus

Don’t worry, Destiny Hope Cyrus can buy herself flowers! As it turns out, the Grammy-award winner’s stage name dates back to her childhood, when her family would call her “Smiley,” which ultimately turned into “Miley.” And the rest is history.

18. Halsey

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Real Name: Ashley Frangipane

Turns out, Halsey’s stage name is not anagram of her first name, Ashley. Back in 2015, the singer sat down with VEVO and revealed that she was inspired by Halsey Street in Brooklyn, where she would spend weekends making music with her friend.

19. Meg Ryan

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Real Name: Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra

Apparently "Meg Ryan Fall" isn't a totally accurate moniker because Meg's real name is Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra! Meg is a common nickname for Margaret, but she got Ryan from her maternal grandmother's maiden name.

20. Nina Dobrev

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Real Name: Nikolina Kamenova Dobreva

Originally born Nikolina in Bulgaria, our favorite Vampire Diaries star (and recent fiancée!) adopted "Nina" for her stage name because she reportedly figured it would be easier for fans to remember.

21. Reese Witherspoon

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Real Name: Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon

Speaking of Jeane's, did you know Reese Witherspoon's name is actually Laura Jeanne? Yup, according to Vogue, the Legally Blonde star took on her mom’s maiden name early on in her career and the moniker Reese Witherspoon was born. It's also why she only calls Big Little Lies costar Laura Dern "Dern."

22. ​Lucy Hale

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Real Name: Karen Lucille Hale

Lucy Hale has a secret…her full name is Karen Lucille Hale. As it turns out, the Pretty Little Liarsalum decided to ditch her first name and go by the nickname of her middle name: Lucy.

23. Meghan Markle

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Real Name: Rachel Meghan Markle

Before she became the Duchess of Sussex, Markle simply went by her first name: Rachel. But now, she goes by her middle name professionally. Markle is rarely addressed by her first name in public. However, an exception was made in 2018 when The Sun reported that the late Queen Elizabeth II blessed Markle’s marriage with now husband Prince Harry and addressed the duchess by her full name.

Which celebrity surprised you the most on this list? Are there any celebrities that we might’ve missed? Let us know on Instagram and read up on the latest celebrity news on Brit + Co!

This post has been updated.