Pride 2024: A Q+ Celebration!
June 27
Leading Men by Christopher Castellani
Told through the eyes of multiple narrators, this epic story is delivered in a non-linear fashion that spans decades of the protagonist’s life. When the novel opens, there are plans to attend a party in Italy thrown by Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams and his real-life lover, Frank Merlo attend. There, they meet Anja Blomgren, a young aspiring Swedish actress, whose encounter with the men changes the trajectory of their lives.
Tennessee Williams is a passionate man bound by circumstance. He loves Frank desperately but can’t quite work out how to skirt around the confines of his public life to let the man in. Leading Men is an exploration of the balance between true fact and fiction as these very public figures try and find balance between their private and public lives.
Ten years after that enigmatic summer Frank spent with Williams in Italy, he finds himself on his deathbed in Manhattan as he waits for Williams to visit him one final time. Anja, the Swedish woman who changed everything for them, is now a legendary film icon and lives as a recluse in the United States. Someone connected to the events that took place in Italy in 1953 manages to lure her back into the spotlight when it’s uncovered that she possesses the only surviving copy of Tennessee Williams’ final play.
Despite the times they were living in, Williams, in his own way, stayed by Frank’s side as best he could. With his rise to fame and his prestige as such a prolific writer, for a long time, all eyes were on Tennessee Williams. Leading Men shines a light on authenticity and the pressures the public eye puts on a person both professionally and personally. As the last chapters roll on through, the ending for Frank and Tennessee is bittersweet. Nothing lasts forever, but some things are immortalized in prose.
Where to buy? Leading Men is available to purchase at all reputable booksellers.
Anything’s Possible
Written by Ximena Garcia Lecuona and directed by Billy Porter, Anything’s Possible is a coming-of-age romantic comedy for the queers. Kelsa (Eva Reign) is a transgender teen who documents her life as a trans high school student in America on YouTube. Both her friends and her channel are a big part of her life, but she keeps her YouTube existence a secret from her mother.
One day in art class, Kelsa is paired with her classmate Khal (Abubakr Ali) for an assignment. Khal has his own online presence, but it’s quite different from Kelsa’s. Khal frequents the Reddit spaces handing out relationship advice to lost souls there. Like Kelsa, he also keeps parts of himself from his parents as he grapples with how to break it to them that the upcoming college life they have planned for him is just not on the cards for him.
The time that Kelsa and Khal spend together starts because of class, but over time it develops into something more than that. Khal develops feelings for Kelsa, and he wants to tell her how he feels, but he’s concerned about the stigma attached to the idea of dating a trans girl. Some of his friends aren’t particularly quiet about their use of homophobic and transphobic jokes and slurs.
There’s a whole lot of high school drama among their friendship groups, but Anything’s Possible also contains important issues trans teens are struggling through right now. Khal shares one of Kelsa’s videos to Reddit and it goes viral. Her mom sees it and makes her take the channel down because she’s worried about Kelsa’s safety.
Kelsa gets banned from using the female restroom at school, there’s a serve of school bullying and Kelsa and Khal fall in and out of favor with some of their friends, but it all works out in the end. Kelsa and Khal spend as much time together over the summer as they can, however, as the film comes to a close they decide to part on happy terms on account of Kelsa’s departure for college.
Where to watch? Anything’s Possible is available to stream on Prime Video globally now.
Alguien Tiene Que Morir (Someone Has To Die)
Alguien Tiene Que Morir (Someone Has to Die) is an enthralling Netflix series that transports viewers to 1950s Spain with its blend of drama, mystery, and cultural exploration. The story kicks off when Gabino (Alejandro Speitzer) returns home from Mexico, bringing along his friend Lázaro (Isaac Hernández), a charismatic ballet dancer. Their arrival in the conservative town sparks gossip and intrigue, especially as Lázaro’s unconventional lifestyle challenges societal norms.
Amidst swirling rumors and unexpected twists, the series dives into themes of identity, acceptance, sexuality, societal expectations, and the complexities of human relationships. The talented ensemble cast delivers powerful performances that breathe life into their characters, making each moment feel both nostalgic and deeply resonant. The cinematography and period details immerse viewers in the nostalgic yet tense atmosphere of Franco-era Spain, enhancing the series’ rich storytelling.
Alguien Tiene Que Morir not only entertains with its suspenseful storyline but also invites viewers to ponder larger questions about love, loyalty, and the price of conformity. With its gripping storyline and impeccable production values, this miniseries offers a compelling exploration of human relationships and the struggle for individual freedom in a conservative society.
Perfect for those who enjoy compelling dramas filled with mystery, tension, and deep emotional resonance, Alguien Tiene Que Morir promises an unforgettable viewing experience that will leave audiences eager for each new revelation.
Where to watch? Alguien Tiene Que Morir (Someone Has to Die) is available to stream on Netflix.
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