Pride 2024: A Q+ Celebration!
June 5
Veneno
HBO’s Veneno is a groundbreaking series that leaves a profound impact, delving into the life of Spanish transgender icon Cristina Ortiz Rodríguez, known as “La Veneno.” Through a gripping narrative, the show chronicles Veneno’s journey from her humble beginnings to becoming a cultural phenomenon and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
The series is a testament to resilience, shedding light on the challenges faced by transgender individuals in society. It paints a vivid portrait of Veneno’s life, capturing her struggles, triumphs, and the profound impact she had on the LGBTQ+ community in Spain and beyond.
The heart of Veneno lies in its portrayal of human connection and acceptance. It explores themes of identity, love, and acceptance, highlighting the importance of embracing one’s true self and finding a supportive community.
With stellar performances, a compelling storyline, and a powerful message of empowerment, Veneno stands out as a must-watch series that celebrates diversity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of La Veneno.
Whether you’re familiar with her story or discovering it for the first time, Veneno promises an emotional and impactful viewing experience that resonates long after the credits roll.
Where to watch? Veneno is available to stream exclusively on Max.
As Meat Loves Salt by Maria McCann
As Meat Loves Salt by Maria McCann is a gripping historical novel set against the backdrop of the English Civil War. The story follows Jacob Cullen, a conflicted and passionate man whose life is marked by intense love, betrayal, and inner turmoil.
At the heart of the novel is Jacob’s tumultuous relationship with Christopher Ferris, a fellow soldier whose arrival in Jacob’s life ignites a passionate and consuming love affair. Their bond transcends societal norms and expectations, leading to a series of events that challenge Jacob’s beliefs and convictions.
As the Civil War rages on, Jacob is torn between his loyalty to the Parliamentarian cause and his deep-seated desires. His internal struggles mirror the chaos and upheaval of the times, as England is torn apart by political and religious conflicts.
McCann’s storytelling is immersive and visceral, delving into the complexities of human nature and the consequences of unchecked passion. Through Jacob’s journey, the novel explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the search for belonging in a world ravaged by war.
As Meat Loves Salt is a haunting and evocative exploration of love and obsession, set against a vivid historical backdrop. It’s a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page, leaving readers contemplating the depths of human emotion and the enduring impact of choices made in the heat of passion.
Where to buy? As Meat Loves Salt is available at all reputable booksellers.
Nyad
Nyad, starring Annette Benning as Diana Nyad, is the story of the real-life marathon swimmer’s attempts to swim from Cuba to Florida throughout her life. The movie documents five attempts in total, the first in 1978 at the age of 28, with the remaining four attempts taking place after the swimmer turned 60. This film is based on Diana Nyad’s memoir titled Find a Way: The Inspiring Story of One Woman’s Pursuit of a Lifelong Dream.
There is a lot of controversy surrounding the real-life version of this story, but in this film, Diana Nyad’s most formidable opponent is actually the ferocity of the ocean. It’s the reason why this task took so many attempts to accomplish. Diana swims through the water without a shark cage and fends off predatory sharks with other technologies. There are some close calls, fam, and she is lucky that the repellant technology employed to ensure her safety actually works in the end.
The sharks, though, at the end of the day, are actually the least of her worries. The box jellyfish in the ocean between Cuba and Florida are a much bigger problem for Diana. After several near-fatal attacks from these creatures, Diana’s team discovers a full-body protective wetsuit (which includes a face mask) that she ends up wearing as she passes through that treacherous part of the ocean. It’s only because of this wetsuit technology that she is able to complete the swim in the end.
While there is no romance in Nyad, Diana’s character in the film is a lesbian, as is the real-life version of Diana too. Although the story of Nyad isn’t so much about queerness, we’re in the business of elevating queer people and queer-adjacent storytelling. So don’t come to Nyad thinking you’re going to be celebrating queer storytelling, that’s not what this is. But you are going to watch an inspiring story about a queer woman doing the impossible, highlighting that queer people can do great things too.
Where to watch? Nyad is available to stream exclusively on Netflix
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