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Pride 2023: A Q+ celebration

June 27

I Wish You All The Best by Mason Deaver 

I Wish You All The Best is a heartfelt and timely young adult novel written by Mason Deaver. The story revolves around Benjamin De Decker, a nonbinary teenager who comes out to their parents as nonbinary and is subsequently thrown out of their home. 

Feeling lost and rejected, Ben reaches out to their estranged older sister, Hannah, for support.

Hannah welcomes Ben with open arms and helps them enroll in a new school. It is here that Ben meets Nathan, a charismatic and understanding student who becomes a pillar of support during their journey of self-discovery and healing. As Ben navigates the challenges of being a nonbinary person in a world that often fails to understand and accept them, they also grapple with anxiety and fear of rejection.

Throughout the story, Mason Deaver beautifully captures Ben’s emotional turmoil, showcasing their growth as they learn to embrace their identity and stand up for themselves. Ben finds solace in art, particularly through their passion for painting, and discovers a group of friends who appreciate and celebrate their true self.

I Wish You All The Best is a poignant exploration of identity, family, friendship, and the power of self-acceptance. Deaver skillfully portrays the complexity of gender identity and the struggles faced by nonbinary individuals in a society that can be dismissive and prejudiced. 

With its authentic and relatable characters, the novel shines a light on the importance of love, understanding, and empathy, reminding readers that they are not alone in their journey towards self-discovery and self-acceptance.


The Sandman

The Sandman is the TV adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed comic series. Produced by Netflix, the 10-episode series brings Gaiman’s complex and captivating dream world to life. The show stays true to the source material, offering fans and new viewers an enchanting experience.

The series begins in 1916, with Dream – also known as the Sandman or Morpheus the King of dreams and nightmares – attempting to stop a malevolent nightmare named the Corinthian from wreaking havoc in Berlin. However, an English occultist named Sir Roderick Burgess mistakenly captures Dream instead of Death and imprisons him for over a century. Unfortunately, Dream’s imprisonment triggers a chain of misfortunes that alter both the Dreaming and the Waking worlds.

When Dream escapes and returns to his realm, he realizes that this has fallen into decay and that without his tools of power – his helmet, ruby, and pouch of sand – he has no way of restoring it. So Dream seeks the help of the Hecatae to retrieve his lost artifacts and restore the order that has been lost. Throughout the first season, Dream embarks on a mission to recover his tools and confront the nightmares that have tormented humanity in his absence. Meanwhile, he faces the threat of a destructive vortex that could lead to the end of everything.

The Sandman adapts the initial story arcs from the comic series, and while not a word-for-word adaptation, the show successfully captures the essence of the source material. It introduces viewers to the intricate world of #TheSandman, providing enough background information to understand the story’s premise while remaining engaging for both fans and newcomers.

The adaptation stands out for its excellent production values, casting, and attention to detail. The series features visually stunning effects, faithful costume designs, and a captivating score. It immerses viewers in The Sandman’s world and delivers an enjoyable experience. One notable aspect of the show is its commitment to queer representation. While the original comic series included queer characters, the TV adaptation places greater emphasis on LGBTQ+ representation.

The Sandman showcases a diverse set of characters whose sexual orientation and gender identity are portrayed naturally, without defining their entire existence. This inclusivity adds depth and richness to the series. It successfully explores the human experience and delves into the unpredictable nature of dreams and nightmares, incorporating various genres to create a unique and enthralling narrative.

With its macabre and surrealist elements, the show appeals to fans of horror, fantasy, and deep lore. #TheSandman is a must-watch for those seeking a high-concept queer dark fantasy that captivates from beginning to end.

Where to watch? Netflix.


Pride 2023: Bros

Bros

Bros is a romantic comedy film that follows the story of Bobby Leiber, a New Yorker who hosts a popular queer history podcast and is about to open the National LGBTQ+ History Museum.

Despite being content with his single life, Bobby meets Aaron, a lawyer, at a nightclub. Their initial encounter is filled with snarky banter, but they eventually agree to hang out.

As their relationship progresses, Bobby and Aaron navigate the ups and downs of dating, while also dealing with Bobby’s commitment issues and Aaron’s dissatisfaction with his career.

The film explores the dynamics of Bobby’s group of friends, each with their own unique relationships and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. Meanwhile, Bobby faces the challenges of curating the museum and advocating for more inclusive representation.

Throughout the story, Bobby and Aaron’s relationship grows stronger, with moments of intimacy and conflict. They embark on a trip to Provincetown, where they encounter an eccentric millionaire who ends up donating a significant amount of money to the museum. However, their relationship hits a rough patch when Aaron’s family visits, and their differing views on expressing their identities and desires come to the forefront.

As the opening night of the museum approaches, Bobby reconciles with his coworkers and realizes the importance of compromise. He also realizes his deep love for Aaron and decides to text him, leading to a heartwarming reunion at the museum’s grand opening. Bobby’s heartfelt song about their relationship moves the crowd & they share a passionate kiss, symbolizing their commitment to each other.

Bros is a story that explores the complexities of love, relationships, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a mainstream society. It celebrates the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community while shedding light on the importance of queer history and representation.

Where to watch? You can buy or rent on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Prime Video (Depends on the region).


Happy Pride 2023!!!! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for all queer stuff! 

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