These Thems: Celebrating Diversity with Humor and Heart
This past weekend, we had the absolute pleasure of diving into the delightful (and colorful) world of These Thems alongside our friends from @AdoptOurCrew (yes, the crew fighting to find Our Flag Means Death a New Harbor). Thanks to them, we were introduced to this gem of a comedy series, and let’s just say, we’re still reeling from the experience.
As a queer publication, we’re always on the lookout for stories that authentically represent the LGBTQ+ experience, and These Thems exceeded our expectations in every way. Despite our surprise at discovering this gem relatively late, the series quickly proved itself to be a treasure trove of humor, heart, and humanity.
However, we can’t help but note how disheartening it is to realize that LGBTQ+ content like These Thems often struggles to find its spotlight in mainstream media. The fact that such a brilliant and insightful series had evaded our radar until now speaks volumes about the lack of support and recognition that queer stories often face. It’s a frustrating reminder of the barriers that LGBTQ+ creators and content creators face in an industry that still has a long way to go in terms of representation and inclusivity.
But hey, that’s why we’re here, right? To shine a light on the brilliance that sometimes gets overlooked. So because of this, consider this review not just a critique but also an invitation.
If you haven’t yet indulged in the glory that is These Thems, stop everything you’re doing right now and head straight (or gay or whatever) to YouTube for a binge-watch. With a total runtime of less than an hour and a half, These Thems is a quick watch that’s well worth your time. You can hit play on the first episode down below.
But anygays…if you, on the other hand, have already watched (or rewatched) These Thems, then stay with us as we get into the nitty-gritty of the series.
Exploring the Lives of Our Favorite NYC-Based Queeroes
These Thems takes us on a whirlwind journey through the lives of four queer friends in the bustling streets of New York City. First up, we have Gretchen (Gretchen Wylder), a newly out lesbian who’s navigating the complexities of her sexuality at the age of 30. Throughout the series, we witness Gretchen’s journey of self-discovery as she grapples with her past, confronts her fears, and ultimately embraces her true identity.
Then there’s Vero (Vico Ortiz), the nonbinary dog-walker turn educator with a knack for schooling the straights on LGBTQ+ issues. Vero’s journey is one of empowerment and self-expression as they navigate the challenges of being nonbinary in a world that often fails to understand or acknowledge their identity. From hilarious encounters at the gynecologist’s office to enlightening conversations about queer identities, Vero’s story is as insightful as it is entertaining.
Next, we have Asher (Shaan Dasani), Vero’s childhood friend and a trans man navigating life in the corporate world. Throughout the series, Asher grapples with the decision to come out at work while also exploring his budding feelings for Kevin (Nick Park), Gretchen’s friend who is oblivious to Asher’s identity. Asher’s journey is one of courage and self-acceptance as he learns to embrace his true self and pursue his dreams without fear or shame.
And finally, there’s Kevin, the gay guy on a quest for love and self-discovery. Kevin’s journey is perhaps the most tumultuous as he confronts his own biases and insecurities while navigating his complicated feelings for Asher. From moments of jealousy and ignorance to heartfelt apologies and self-reflection, Kevin’s story is a testament to the power of growth and acceptance.
Throughout the series, These Thems expertly tackles a wide range of themes with sensitivity and humor, from queerness and gender identity to coming out and self-expression. With its sharp wit, heartfelt performances, and groundbreaking representation, the show offers a refreshing and much-needed perspective on the LGBTQ+ experience. With well-rounded characters, witty dialogue, and relatable storylines, we consider These Thems a triumph of queer storytelling.
These Thems is a must-watch for anyone craving authentic and insightful LGBTQ+ representation. With its humor, big heart, and humanity, the series reminds us that love, acceptance, and self-expression are universal experiences that transcend labels and boundaries. So do yourself a favor and dive into the world of These Thems – you won’t be disappointed.
All 7 episodes of These Thems are available for free on Youtube. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff!
Feature image: Image Courtesy of These Thems
