Pride 2023: A Q+ celebration
June 18
Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera
Juliet Takes A Breath is a novel written by Gabby Rivera that follows the journey of Juliet Milagros Palante, a Puerto Rican lesbian from the Bronx, as she navigates her own self-discovery and the complexities of identity, love, and intersectionality.
The story begins when Juliet, a young college student, decides to spend a summer interning with her favorite feminist author, Harlowe Brisbane, in Portland, Oregon.
Eager to escape her conservative upbringing and explore her own identity, Juliet sees this opportunity as a chance for personal growth and empowerment.As Juliet immerses herself in the world of feminism and queer culture, she encounters a diverse group of activists and allies who challenge her perspectives and expand her understanding of intersectionality.
She grapples with questions of race, sexuality, and gender, learning to navigate the intersections of her own identity in a society that often fails to recognize the unique experiences of marginalized individuals.
Throughout her journey, Juliet explores the complexities of love and relationships. She falls for a beautiful librarian named Kira, embarking on a romantic and sexual awakening that further shapes her understanding of herself and her desires.
At the same time, she experiences heartbreak and disappointment, learning valuable lessons about the importance of self-love and acceptance. As Juliet confronts her own fears and insecurities, she also confronts the realities of discrimination and prejudice. She encounters both overt and subtle forms of racism and homophobia and learns the importance of standing up for herself and others in the face of injustice.
Through these experiences, Juliet begins to find her voice & a renewed sense of empowerment, realizing her own capacity to make a difference in the world. Juliet Takes A Breath is a coming-of-age story that tackles important themes of identity, intersectionality, and social justice.
It explores the challenges and triumphs of self-discovery and the power of finding one’s own voice in a world that often tries to silence marginalized voices. Rivera’s novel offers a compelling and authentic portrayal of a young queer woman’s journey toward self-acceptance and activism.
The L Word: Generation Q
The L Word: Generation Q is a television series that serves as a sequel to the original #TheLWord series, which aired from 2004 to 2009.
Set in contemporary Los Angeles, the show follows the lives of a diverse group of friends, predominantly women, as they navigate their careers, relationships, and personal struggles within the LGBTQ+ community.
The main characters include Bette Porter, a successful art gallery owner running for mayor, who grapples with the challenges of balancing her professional ambitions with her personal life. Alice Pieszecki, a witty and outspoken talk show host, who’s exploring her own relationship dynamics while uncovering the truth behind a scandal involving one of her guests. Shane McCutcheon, a charismatic hairstylist, who faces the complexities of monogamy and commitment as she tries to settle down.
Joining the core group are a new generation of queer individuals, including Dani Núñez, a corporate executive who faces the pressures of her conservative family while managing her romantic life with Sophie Suarez, a producer at Alice’s talk show. Micah Lee, a transgender professor, who explores love and self-discovery, and Finley, a lovable and unpredictable tomboy, who embarks on a journey of self-acceptance and sobriety.
The L Word Generation Q addresses a wide range of topics and issues relevant to the LGBTQ+ community, such as identity, sexuality, gender, discrimination, and family dynamics. The show delves into the complexities of modern relationships, exploring themes of love, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness while navigating the challenges of the world around them.
As the characters face their own personal obstacles, they rely on each other for support, creating a tight-knit community that celebrates the strength and resilience of LGBTQ+ folks.
The L Word Generation Q offers a compelling and inclusive portrayal of diverse queer experiences, showcasing the triumphs and struggles of this vibrant group of friends as they navigate life, love, and the pursuit of their dreams in contemporary Los Angeles.
Where to watch? Showtime, Prime Video (depends on the region).
My Policeman
My Policeman is a film adaptation of the novel by Bethan Roberts, directed by Michael Grandage. The story revolves around a complicated love triangle set in 1950s Britain, where homosexuality was still criminalized.
The film intercuts between the 1950s and the late 1990s, exploring themes of repression, regret, friendship, and forbidden love.
The narrative follows three friends: Tom, a policeman portrayed by Harry Styles; Marion, a schoolteacher portrayed by Emma Corrin; and Patrick, a museum curator portrayed by David Dawson. Tom and Patrick engage in a secret relationship, despite Tom’s simultaneous courtship of Marion. The film delves into the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ folks in a homophobic society, highlighting the need for discretion and the dance of knowing and not knowing.
In the modern-day timeline, an older Tom (Linus Roache) and Marion (Gina McKee) find themselves caring for Patrick (Rupert Everett), who is now stroke-stricken and physically disabled. The tension and complexities of their past relationship resurface, as Tom is unhappy with Marion’s decision to aid Patrick. Through a series of flashbacks and diary entries, the film gradually unveils the events that transpired between the trio in their youth.
My Policeman explores the tragic consequences of wasted time and conveys a universal message of love, regret, longing, and forgiveness. Despite structural flaws and some disconnected moments, the film offers a visually stunning portrayal of a forbidden love, set against the backdrop of a society still grappling with acceptance and equality.
My Policeman provides a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ folks throughout history and the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance.
Where to watch? Prime Video.
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