Pride 2023: A Q+ celebration
June 25
Three Months
Three Months is a film that tells the story of Caleb, a young gay high school graduate. After a drunken one-night stand, Caleb’s life takes an unexpected turn when the condom breaks and he becomes anxious about the possibility of contracting HIV. To be sure, he decides to get tested and meets Dr. Diaz, who offers him support and invites him to a support group for folks going through similar situations.
In the group, Caleb connects with Estha, a young man awaiting his own HIV test results, and they develop a close bond during a summer fling. While Caleb has a supportive family and a best friend named Dana, he finds solace and understanding in his relationship with Estha, which causes him to push his close circle away.
However, as the day of their test results approaches, Estha becomes overwhelmed with thoughts about the future and distances himself from Caleb, causing tension between them. With Dana not speaking to him and Estha on the verge of leaving, Caleb is left to face the situation alone.
What sets Three Months apart is its portrayal of the new realities of HIV infection. The film challenges the narrative of HIV as a death sentence and instead focuses on the advancements in medicine that have made it a manageable condition. Caleb emphasizes to Estha that their lives can continue unchanged, regardless of their test results. The movie effectively captures the anxieties surrounding a possible positive diagnosis while promoting awareness and understanding of the modern realities of living with HIV.
In the film’s ending, the outcome of Caleb’s HIV test is intentionally left unknown, symbolizing the shift from HIV being a determining factor in one’s life to a condition that does not define a person’s future, allowing Caleb to embark on a new chapter in New York City, embodying the idea that individuals with HIV can still pursue their dreams and live fulfilling lives.
Three Months is hailed as an important and socially responsible film that challenges stigmas associated with HIV and highlights the advancements in medical treatment.
Where to watch? Paramount+.
A League Of Their Own
A League Of Their Own is a series that expands upon the beloved 1992 film while addressing its gaps and exploring new territory. Set in 1943, the show follows Carson Shaw as she chases her dream of joining the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) in Chicago. The league was created to fill the void left by men who went off to war, and Carson sees it as an opportunity to pursue her passion for baseball.
While the series maintains the Rockford Peaches team and the essence of the AAGPBL, it introduces a fresh set of characters. Carson is married, with her husband deployed, which gives her the freedom to pursue her baseball career. She joins the Peaches, led by their manager Dove. The show shifts focus to the women in the league, highlighting their determination and the dismissive attitudes they face from the male-dominated baseball world.
In addition to Carson’s story, the series parallels the experiences of Max, a talented Black pitcher from Rockford who is unable to join the league due to its exclusion of Black players. Max navigates a different path, contemplating where baseball fits into her life when the Peaches represent a closed door. With the support of her best friend Clance, Max explores opportunities in a company team that proves to be hostile toward her.
The series delves into the tension between the AAGPBL as a life-changing opportunity for some women and a mechanism of racist exclusion for others. It also explores the lives of queer women, folks with varied gender expressions, & the risks they face due to societal expectations. By showcasing diverse characters and their choices, the show sheds light on the consequences individuals face based on their proximity to societal norms.
As Carson settles into her role on the team, she forms a connection with Greta, who arrives at the tryouts alongside her devoted friend Jo. Greta’s glamorous presence surprises Carson and sparks an unexpected energy between them. The show introduces a range of other teammates, such as Lupe, Jess, and Shirley, who have their own distinct stories and attitudes toward sexuality and gender.
The adaptation maintains a sense of loyalty to the original film, including small nods to its fans. However, it also takes a different direction by focusing more on the personal stories of the players rather than the baseball itself. The tone leans toward comedy-drama, addressing adult themes and embracing the complexities of the characters’ lives.
A League Of Their Own expands the story beyond the Peaches and examines the discrimination and privilege experienced within the baseball world. It goes beyond the film’s exploration of ‘tomboy’ judgment and delves into the serious consequences faced by those who challenge societal expectations. The series stands as its own narrative, illustrating the pursuit of freedom within limiting worlds and celebrating the resilience and determination of women in baseball.
Where to watch? Prime Video.
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Cemetery Boys is a captivating YA fantasy novel written by Aiden Thomas. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant Latinx community, the story follows the journey of Yadriel, a transgender teen determined to prove his worth as a brujo, a powerful traditional healer and spiritual guide.
Yadriel comes from a long line of brujos and wishes to gain acceptance from his family and community by completing his rite of passage.
However, facing resistance from his traditionalist family, Yadriel takes matters into his own hands and decides to summon the ghost of his recently deceased cousin, Miguel, who was murdered under mysterious circumstances.
Instead of Miguel’s spirit, Yadriel accidentally awakens the spirit of Julian Diaz, a troublemaking classmate from his school who died in equally enigmatic circumstances. Julian is unwilling to accept that he is dead & is determined to uncover the truth behind his untimely demise.
As Yadriel and Julian reluctantly join forces, they embark on an enchanting and dangerous adventure within the magical realm of the dead, the Land of the Forgotten. Facing supernatural challenges, they navigate through magical barriers and confront dark forces that threaten both the living and the dead.
While exploring the depths of the afterlife, Yadriel and Julian discover secrets and unravel a sinister plot that connects their respective deaths. Along the way, Yadriel gains confidence in his own abilities and finds love and acceptance from unexpected sources, challenging traditional norms and breaking barriers in the process.
Cemetery Boys is a heartwarming tale of self-discovery, acceptance, and the enduring power of love. Aiden Thomas weaves together themes of identity, family, and the importance of cultural heritage into a gripping narrative that captivates readers, making them question the boundaries between life and death, and reminding them that everyone deserves to be seen for who they truly are.
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