Pride 2023: A Q+ celebration
June 3
Aristotle and Dante Discover The Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Wishing more than anything to be in NY right now getting ready to see the Ari and Dante movie premiere at NewFest with some of y’all, today we put a reread of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz at the top of our agenda for the day.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a captivating coming-of-age novel.
Set in the 1980s El Paso, Texas, it follows Aristotle ‘Ari’ Mendoza, a lonely 15-year-old struggling with his identity, and Dante Quintana, a smart, outgoing, and very artistic boy. Through their unlikely friendship, these two young boys learn to navigate the complexities of adolescence, exploring their Mexican-American heritage, family dynamics, and personal truths.
As their bond deepens and organically morphs into something deeper than either of them expected, Ari and Dante discover profound secrets about themselves and the world around them.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a tender and moving exploration of friendship, acceptance, and the transformative power of love. With its lyrical prose and emotional storytelling, Alire Sáenz beautifully captures a universal journey of self-discovery, reminding us with every twist and turn of the inherent need for connection and the beauty of embracing our true selves.
Carol
Carol is a 2015 romantic drama set in 1950s New York, starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. It follows Therese Belivet (Mara), a young aspiring photographer, and Carol Aird (Blanchett), a glamorous and unhappily married woman.
When their paths cross, an undeniable connection ignites between them, leading to a forbidden romance.
As their relationship blooms, they are faced with societal pressures, legal complications, and personal sacrifices. But despite the challenges, Therese and Carol find strength in their love and ultimately decide to redefine their lives and defy the norms of their time.
Carol delicately captures the intense emotions and struggles of forbidden love in a conservative era. The film beautifully explores themes of desire, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit, highlighting the enduring power of love.
Where to watch? Prime Video, Netflix (depends on the region).
Heartbreak High
One of our favorite shows released last year, Heartbreak High is a teen drama that takes us into the troubled lives of some students at Hartley High. This show is a reboot of the 1994 Aussie show of the same name, but tailor-made for a newer, more inclusive generation.
In its first season, we follow Amerie, Harper, and their friends as they navigate high school, friendships, rocky relationships, and plenty of family struggles. The story kicks off when Amerie takes the blame after a scandalous “incest map” is discovered at school.
The map details both rumored and real sexual encounters of many students at the school. In response, the principal mandates Sexual Literacy Tutorials (SLTs) for the students involved in the incident so they can learn to respect their bodies and practice safe sex.
From sex ed and drug abuse to domestic violence, LGBTQ+ issues, autism, racial profiling, and sexual abuse, Heartbreak High fearlessly tackles important and deep issues that resonate with its target audience, ensuring that young folks feel seen and understood.
Where to watch? Netflix.
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