Pride 2024: A Q+ Celebration!
As a queer publication, Pride isn’t something we celebrate just one month a year—we celebrate it all year long. But it’s Pride Month, and of course, we’re proud as hell of how far we’ve come! And while there’s still a lot to do in terms of representation in media, we want to be loud about what we’ve achieved. So for Pride 2024, we’re bringing back our very gay agenda!
Yep, you read that right. Y’all seemed to really enjoy peeking into its pages last year, so we decided to let you see what’s on this year’s as well. So we’re officially making this an annual celebration, highlighting amazing LGBTQ+ films, shows, and books from the past and present all month long.
This means that by the end of June, y’all will have 30 more books, films, and shows to add to your reading and watching lists. Isn’t that amazing? Many of us never imagined we would have so much content to enjoy!
But anygays, for this celebration to run smoothly, some disclaimers are needed. Our goal is to give as much content as possible some spotlight during this month. So if a show, film, or book you like didn’t make the cut this year, it’s either because we already featured it last year, it’s coming later this month, or it’s reserved for our 2025 edition. We’ve got tons of fantastic content lined up to keep you entertained and inspired throughout June, and we may even have a couple of surprises up our sleeve, so don’t miss it.
Our staffers will be sharing our top picks and recommendations across all our platforms, so make sure you follow us everywhere for the latest updates. If you need something to consume this Pride 2024, don’t worry ’cause Q+’s 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
If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo
If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo is a powerful and poignant novel that follows the life of Amanda Hardy, a transgender teenager who is starting fresh at a new school. After moving to a small town in Tennessee to live with her estranged father, Amanda hopes to blend in and live a quiet life, keeping her past a secret.
As she navigates her new environment, Amanda finds herself falling for Grant, a kind and understanding boy who seems to accept her for who she is. Their growing relationship becomes a central part of Amanda’s journey, highlighting the challenges and fears she faces about revealing her true self. The novel beautifully captures the tenderness and tension of young love, especially when intertwined with the complexities of identity.
Russo’s writing delves deep into Amanda’s internal struggles, providing a raw and honest portrayal of what it means to be transgender in a world that often misunderstands and discriminates. Amanda’s relationship with her father also adds an emotional layer to the story, showing the gradual process of acceptance and love within a family.
If I Was Your Girl is not just a romance; it is a story of resilience, courage, and the quest for authenticity. Meredith Russo, drawing from her own experiences as a transgender woman, offers a narrative that is both enlightening and empathetic, making this book a compelling read for anyone seeking to understand the importance of living one’s truth.
Where to buy? If I Was Your Girl is available to purchase at all reputable booksellers.
Am I OK?
Am I Ok? is a heartfelt film that explores friendship, self-discovery, and coming to terms with one’s true identity. Directed by Stephanie Allynne and Tig Notaro, the story centers on Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a woman in her early thirties who has always felt like she’s been living her life according to others’ expectations.
Lucy’s world is turned upside down when her best friend, Jane (Sonoya Mizuno), announces she is moving to London for a new job. The news triggers a cascade of emotions for Lucy, forcing her to confront feelings she has long kept buried. Amid the upheaval, Lucy begins to realize that she has been hiding a significant part of herself and starts to question her sexuality.
The film tenderly navigates Lucy’s journey as she grapples with this newfound self-awareness and seeks to embrace her authentic self. With Jane’s support, albeit from a distance, Lucy steps out of her comfort zone, trying to understand and accept who she truly is. Their friendship undergoes strains and transformations, reflecting the complexity and depth of their bond.
Am I Ok? is a moving and humorous exploration of personal growth, the courage to live truthfully, and the enduring power of friendship. A must-watch for anyone who has ever questioned their path or identity.
Where to watch? Am I Ok? is available to stream on Max.
Merlí
Merlí is a captivating Spanish TV series that delves into the world of philosophy through the eyes of Merlí Bergeron, an unorthodox high school philosophy teacher. Set in Barcelona, the show follows Merlí, played by Francesc Orella, as he inspires his students to think critically and challenge societal norms, using unconventional teaching methods that often put him at odds with the school administration and other teachers.
Merlí’s unique approach to teaching philosophy makes the subject come alive for his students, who start to see the world in a new light. Each episode is named after a different philosopher, whose ideas are woven into the storyline, highlighting how philosophical concepts can apply to everyday life. The series not only focuses on Merlí’s impact on his students but also explores his complex personal life, including his strained relationship with his son, Bruno.
The students, known as “Peripatetics,” each have their own distinct personalities and issues, making the show a rich tapestry of adolescent experiences. Themes such as identity, sexuality, friendship, and family dynamics are explored with depth and sensitivity. Notably, the show addresses LGBTQ+ topics through characters like Bruno, who grapples with his sexual orientation and his relationship with his father.
Merlí is more than just a high school drama; it is a thought-provoking series that encourages viewers to reflect on life’s big questions. With its engaging characters, intelligent writing, and a perfect blend of humor and drama, Merlí is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of education, philosophy, and personal growth.
Where to watch? Merlí is available to stream on Netflix, Prime Video, and RTVE (Spain only).
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