Pride 2024: A Q+ Celebration!
June 9
Rainbow Milk by Paul Mendez
Rainbow Milk is narrated through dual perspectives. The beginning of the story is narrated through the perspective of Normal Alonso – who moves his family from Jamaica to England in search of greener pastures for the future of his children. Not too long after arriving in England, his health declines and he’s forced to stop working. His wife goes out to work and Norman stays home, looking after the children.
England isn’t quite what they expected, and Norma and his family are subjected to vile racism everywhere they go. Despite this, through Norman’s narration, readers learn he a man with an open heart, and an open mind, despite the discrimination pushed on them every day.
After about fifty pages, the narration shifts from Norman’s point of view. Jesse serves as the protagonist of the novel and narrates the rest of the story. Jesse is raised in a Jehovah’s Witness, predominantly white environment, with a white adoptive father. Their relationship is hollow and empty, and Jesse grows up without the usual love and care a child needs.
As he grows up, his religious community begins to draw sinister conclusions about Jessee’s sexuality, making his hometown an unsafe place for our protagonist to remain. He flees to London and takes up sex work as a means to support himself. Damaged and traumatized by the oppressive ideology he was raised in, Jesse battles with an internalized case of white supremacy as he tries to come to grips with the fact that he’s a black queer man in a world that wants him to be anything other than those two things.
Despite understanding his fractured upbringing is the reason for his internalized trauma, Jesse longs for his community and wants nothing more than their acceptance and love. He juxtaposes this across the backdrop of London life where he allows himself to lean into his sexuality, to explore those aspects of who he is, and discover what attraction really is to him, and what turns him on.
Where to buy? Rainbow Milk is an unputdownable read and is available for purchase at all reputable booksellers.
Tár
Tár is a 2022 psychological drama film directed by Todd Field, starring Cate Blanchett in a riveting performance as Lydia Tár, a world-renowned conductor and composer. Set against the backdrop of the international classical music scene, the film explores themes of power, ambition, and the complexities of the human psyche.
The story follows Lydia Tár at the pinnacle of her career, as she becomes the first female chief conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic. Lydia is celebrated for her genius and commanding presence, but beneath her professional acclaim lies a deeply troubled personal life. As she prepares for a career-defining live recording of Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, Lydia’s past begins to unravel, exposing her to scandal and controversy.
Lydia’s relationships with her partner Sharon (Nina Hoss), the orchestra’s concertmaster, and their adopted daughter, Petra, highlight her struggle to balance personal connections with her professional demands. Her manipulative and domineering behavior, particularly towards her assistant Francesca (Noémie Merlant) and a young cellist, Olga (Sophie Kauer), further complicates her life.
The film delves into the pressures and ethical dilemmas faced by those in positions of power. Lydia’s journey becomes a tense and emotional exploration of how ambition can corrupt and isolate, leading to a dramatic fall from grace. As her life spirals out of control, Lydia is forced to confront the consequences of her actions and the dark side of her relentless pursuit of perfection.
Tár is a compelling character study, brought to life by Blanchett’s extraordinary performance. The film’s meticulous direction, atmospheric score, and thought-provoking narrative make it a profound meditation on the nature of fame, power, and the human condition.
Where to watch? Tár is available to stream on Max or Prime Video, depending on the region.
We’re Here
We’re Here is an HBO original series that blends the art of drag with powerful stories of transformation and acceptance. The show follows renowned drag queens as they travel across America, bringing the transformative power of drag to small towns and creating one-night-only drag shows with locals who are often experiencing drag for the first time. The series beautifully captures the intersection of personal growth, community building, and the liberating force of self-expression through drag.
In the first three seasons, hosts Bob the Drag Queen, Eureka O’Hara, and Shangela Laquifa Wadley led the charge, each episode showcasing their journey into different communities. They mentor and support locals, helping them embrace their true selves and confront personal and societal challenges. Through emotional and uplifting stories, the show emphasizes the importance of acceptance, love, and the impact of drag as a form of self-expression and activism.
Season 4 brought a significant change to the series, introducing new hosts and tweaking the format to keep the show fresh and engaging. The new hosts, Jaida Essence Hall, Priyanka, Sasha Velour, and Latrice Royale, bring their unique styles and perspectives, adding a different flavor to the show’s dynamic. The format changes include a deeper focus on the personal stories of the locals and the impact of the drag experience on their lives, providing a richer and more intimate portrayal of their journeys.
We’re Here continues to be a celebration of diversity, resilience, and the transformative power of drag. The series highlights how embracing one’s true self can lead to profound personal and community transformation, making it a poignant and inspiring watch. Whether you’re a longtime fan of drag culture or new to its vibrant world, We’re Here offers a heartfelt and captivating look at the power of acceptance and self-love.
Where to watch? You can stream all 4 seasons of We’re Here on Max.
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