Pride 2023: A Q+ celebration
Y’all know that here at Q+, we celebrate Pride all year long (duh). But it’s Pride Month, so to honor how far we’ve come in terms of representation in mainstream media in 2023, we’re going to go the extra™ mile and share with y’all the content of our very-gay agenda.
As you can imagine, our pages are filled with LGBTQ+ films, TV shows, and books that we think y’all might enjoy. And since sharing is caring, throughout this month we won’t just be talking about them on socials, but we’ll be hosting teleparties to watch some of our favorites with y’all. All the recommendations and additional information about events (links to watching rooms, etc) will be shared in all our platforms, so make sure you follow them. So if you need something to consume this Pride 2023, don’t worry ’cause we’ve got you covered!
Feel free to come back daily to this article (or at least until June 30) for a dose of some rainbow content! (You can use the pages at the end of this article to navigate through the month 😜)
June 30
Queer As Folk
Queer As Folk is a groundbreaking television series that explores the lives, loves, and friendships of a group of gay men and women living in Pittsburgh.
Set against the backdrop of the vibrant life of several members of the LGBTQ+ community, the show delves into the complexities of their personal and professional lives while tackling a wide range of social and political issues.
At the heart of the series are five main characters: Brian Kinney, a successful and unapologetically promiscuous advertising executive; Michael Novotny, Brian’s best friend and a kind-hearted romantic searching for his soulmate; Justin Taylor, a talented and aspiring artist who embarks on a tumultuous relationship with Brian; Emmett Honeycutt, a flamboyant and lively personality with a penchant for fashion; and Ted Schmidt, an intelligent and nerdy accountant struggling with self-esteem issues.
As the story unfolds, viewers witness the characters navigating the challenges of coming out, dealing with discrimination, and striving for acceptance in a predominantly heterosexual world. They also explore the complexities of relationships, from one-night stands and casual hookups to long-term partnerships and the pursuit of true love.
While the show primarily focuses on the lives of these five central characters, it also introduces a diverse array of supporting characters who provide additional depth and perspectives. They include Lindsay and Melanie, a lesbian couple who navigate parenthood and the challenges of balancing their personal and professional lives; Ben, a HIV-positive professor who becomes a love interest for Michael; and Babylon, the local gay club that serves as a central meeting place for the characters and a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community’s vibrancy and resilience.
Throughout its five-season run, Queer As Folk fearlessly addresses controversial topics such as homophobia, HIV/AIDS, same-sex marriage, adoption rights, and drug abuse. It presents a nuanced portrayal of the LGBTQ+ experience, showcasing both the joys and struggles of queer individuals as they strive for love, happiness, and authenticity.
With its bold storytelling, compelling characters, and unapologetic portrayal of queer life, #QueerAsFolk has left an indelible mark on television history, becoming a cultural touchstone and a groundbreaking series that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community’s diversity, resilience, and unyielding spirit.
Where to watch? Showtime, Hulu, Paramount+, Netflix (depends on the region)
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George Matthew Johnson
All Boys Aren’t Blue, written by George Matthew Johnson, is a thought-provoking memoir that explores identity, race, and sexuality. The book delves into the author’s personal journey of self-discovery, challenging societal norms, and embracing his authentic self.
The memoir is divided into a series of essays that recount various experiences from Johnson’s life.
Through these stories, he shares his upbringing as a Black queer boy in a predominantly white community, discussing the challenges, triumphs, and moments of introspection that shaped his identity. Johnson reflects on his childhood, navigating a world that often imposed stereotypes and expectations on him based on his race and gender. He candidly discusses topics such as bullying, discrimination, and the complex intersections of his racial and queer identities.
Johnson also shares his exploration of sexuality, his coming out process, and the importance of finding representation and role models. All Boys Aren’t Blue is a powerful and deeply personal memoir that challenges societal norms and sheds light on the experiences of Black queer folks.
Johnson’s storytelling is honest, vulnerable, and insightful, offering readers a unique perspective on the intersections of race, sexuality, and identity. Through his memoir, Johnson seeks to empower readers to embrace their authentic selves and encourages dialogue around issues of race, queerness, and self-acceptance.
All Boys Aren’t Blue serves as an important contribution to the LGBTQ+ literary canon, amplifying marginalized voices and promoting understanding and empathy.
Spoiler Alert
Spoiler Alert is a heartfelt film based on the memoir Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies by Michael Ausiello. It follows the story of Michael (played by Jim Parsons) and Kit (played by Ben Aldridge), who embark on a journey of love that is tragically cut short.
The film explores their relationship, from their initial meeting in a New York City club to their thirteen years together, filled with love, challenges, and the eventual deterioration of their bond.
Michael, a journalist with emotional barriers, gradually opens up to Kit, and they develop a committed and exclusive relationship. But their love isn’t perfect and despite their love for one another, they struggle with their differences. Despite attending therapy and spending time apart to fix what’s been broken, they find it difficult to reconcile some of their issues.
However, everything changes when Kit is diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Kit’s health rapidly deteriorates, and the couple’s love is rekindled as Michael becomes his caretaker. As the narrative unfolds, Michael navigates the overwhelming world of hospitals, treatments, and uncertain outcomes, offering an unflinchingly honest portrayal of the emotional and physical toll it takes on both him and Kit.
In the face of adversity, Michael confronts his deepest fears, finding strength and resilience he never knew he possessed. Kit’s illness reminds them of what truly matters and how unbreakable their bond truly is, and before Kit passes away, he proposes to Michael. The film doesn’t shy away from the fact that Kit dies at the age of 42, leaving Michael completely devastated.
Spoiler Alert explores themes of love, hope, the preciousness of life, and the inevitability of death. It portrays the devastating impact of cancer, prompting viewers to reflect on their own lives and relationships. Despite the heartbreaking conclusion, the film emphasizes the beauty and strength of Michael and Kit’s love, which grows stronger as they face adversity together.
Jim Parsons and Ben Aldridge deliver powerful performances, capturing the essence of these complex characters. The film, accompanied by Ausiello’s memoir, serves as a timeless tribute to a remarkable love story that resonates deeply with audiences. Spoiler Alert is a poignant and emotional film that reminds viewers of the enduring power of love, the resilience of the human spirit in the midsts of life’s greatest challenges, and the importance of love and cherishing every moment in life.
Where to watch? Prime Video.
Happy Pride 2023!!!! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for all queer stuff!
