Music Monday: Melissa & The Girls

Just about a week ago this was me. I was here. The Melissa Etheridge/Indigo Girls Yes I Am Tour was a shot of pure queer nostalgia right to the heart. I and the thousands of other middle-aged lesbians in the crowd sang ourselves hoarse and couldn’t have left happier. Granted, even at a Melissa Etheridge/Indigo Girls concert there will always be some big-headed dude in the way for some reason. But, you know, we make our own joy despite the incursions. (But, seriously, stop bringing your husbands to these shows or at the very list make sure they stay seated.) So please enjoy this deep cut lesbionic duet, and ignore the enormous man. It’s kind of the best way to go through life, don’t you think? Happy Monday, kittens.

My Weekend Crush

The lesbian longing song of the summer comes, of course, from Chappell Roan. In her first official music video since her breakout success last year, the singer brings us a universally relatable ditty about the agony of lost love – wrapped in some Lady Godiva meets Ophelia meets Cousin Itt imagery. In short, it’s fan-fucking-tastic. And so, so queer. Happy weekend, all.

Gender Fuck Emmy Nominees Thursday

This year’s Emmy nominees have some pretty queer nominees. And pretty queer nominees who made history to boot. While I will argue that “Somebody Somewhere” deserved more love (though huge bravo to Jeff Hiller/Joel). I also enjoy how all the nominees have their own, distinctive, definitively gender fucky style. So here’s a gay old cheer to the nominees. May all you gaymos take home the trophy next month.

Bella Ramsey, Best Actress in a Drama

They became the first nonbinary performer to earn multiple Emmy nominations, with a second consecutive lead in a drama series acting nod for “The Last of Us.” Also, sick suit.

Ayo Edebiri, Best Actress & Directing in a Comedy

Ayo became the first woman to be nominated in both a directing and acting category in the same year for her work in “The Bear.” This also makes her the first Black woman and first queer woman to be nominated for directing and acting categories in the same year. Yes, chef, indeed. (Also, you and Julia better kiss.)

Hannah Einbinder, Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy

I want Ava to have a real win this next season of “Hacks,” and a girlfriend. I mean the throuple was fun and all, but give the ladies what they want. And by ladies I mean me.

Kristen Kish, Best Host for a Reality/Competition

I cannot say I condone this white lace suit. But I also definitely don’t condemn it. I’m Switzerland about it, but Switzerland with a wandering eye. What, Padma is gone. It’s OK.

Cherry Jones, Best Guest Actress in a Drama

I stopped watching “The Handmaid’s Tale” after the first season because life is hard enough, you know. But do you remember when Cherry played a lesbian in that TV movie with Brooke Shields?

Cynthia Erivo, Best Guest Actress in a Comedy

I wish Cynthia would wear more suits. Also while I love basically everything about “Poker Face,” I hate the Columbo story structure where you know whodunnit at the start. So I never saw her episode.

Robby Hoffman, Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Did you know the Hacks guest star married “Bachelor/Bachelorette” and “Traitors” star Gabby Windey this year? Like, former Bachelor Nation stars are lezzing it up everywhere!

Tar Meets Pretty Woman

And I’m back. How about we ease back into the routine with a little “Tar” meets “Pretty Woman” – minus Richard Gere. The new #MeToo drama from sexually charged auteur of the moment Luca Guadagnino (“Challengers,” “Queer” and that peach movie with the cannibal) returns with “After the Hunt.” Set in the world of ivy league academia, Julia Roberts plays a well-liked professor with perhaps the most famous laugh in the world alongside a colleague played by Andrew Garfield and mentee played by Ayo Edebiri. Andrew’s character gets accused by Ayo of assault, and the Cancel Culture wars begin. And because this is Luca he sprinkles in some gay flakes, with the implication that Ayo’s character is attracted to Julia’s. I mean, they both wear a lot of nice blazers, so I can see it. If this all reminds you a little too much of “Tar,” you’re not wrong. Except they’ve removed the direct contact and made a man the monster, which – hey, if the shoe fits. (Andrew seems lovely in real life, but ever since “The Social Network” him and Jesse Eisenberg – also apparently lovely in real life – have had the most punchable faces to me.) Anyway. I never know how to feel about these kinds of stories, because none of this shit would be dramatic if we just believed women in the first place. At least they both look nice in a gray suit with gold accessories. And, it is almost Thursday after all.

Vacation Vixen: Leisha Hailey & Kate Moennig

Be honest, a Shane/Alice relationship would have been better than that Jenny/Shane abomination.

Vacation Vixen: Hannah Einbinder

Again, if I was 20 years younger I’d have the biggest crush on Hannah Einbinder. But being age-appropriate and respectful I’ll just say that’s one talented young woman. Who also looks very good in a suit. What? I am old, not dead.

Vacation Vixen: Isabela Merced

I have not started the second season of “The Last of Us,” despite it having all the Ellie and Dina goodness. I just couldn’t make myself tune back into the end of the world for fun while the real world was so decidedly unfun. But I plan to, someday. You know, maybe once the world starts to suck just a little less.

Vacation Vixen: Kristen Stewart & Léa Seydoux

Just a little gender-fuck Ozzie & Harriet cosplay for your Thursday.

Vacation Vixen: Jennifer Love Hewitt

It would be easy to lump Jennifer Love Hewitt into the 90s class of three-named stars who could sometimes feel interchangeable. But, of course, the truth was they were all real people just trying to make it in a business that already treats talent as interchangeable. What Jennifer and other stars of her era had to endure for their stardom – the blatant, unrelenting sexism, body shaming and sexualization was also not unique. But it was wrong, and sadly continues in shamefully similar ways today. Since she returned for the “I Know What You Did Last Summer” reboot, she walked the red carpet for the premier. And, of course, a bunch of mouth-breathing men had things to say on the Internet about her body and how it has changed in the last 28 years. Anyway, I’ll spare you the details. But suffice it to say she looked fucking hot and everyone who thinks otherwise can sincerely go fuck themselves.

Vacation Vixen: Sandra Oh

Well, I’m not really on vacation right now. I’m at a work conference, which then will turn into an extended weekend vacation. But the bottom line still stands, I’m away. As always, I will leave you with some lovely vixens. To start, how about the magnificent Sandra Oh. Wait, my sincerest apologies, Dr. Sandra Oh. The recent honorary doctorate recipient, all-time badass stopped by Stephen Colbert shortly after his (obviously political) cancellation was announced. And, well, did I mention I love her?

Music Monday: Raise Your Hand for Public Broadcasters

At the end of this week, I will be seeing our Girls again. I have truly lost count how many times I’ve seen Amy and Emily perform live. I must be closing in on an even dozen at this point. And each time is like a warm hug. These are the songs I sang to myself as I was figuring out who and what I was. The Indigo Girls were gay and political and right about it all from the very start They have never wavered in their activism. As much as their music is a rite of passage (see what I did there?) for burgeoning queer women, it’s also a clarion call. In this moment, when so much progress is being destroyed, it’s important to remember who we want to be – as a country. Are we a place where public broadcasting like NPR and PBS flourishes and keeps every community no matter how remote informed, where scientists are hard at work trying to solve our worst diseases and hardest problems at places we fund for the public good like the NIH and EPA and FDA and NOAA. Or are we just going to be a country that just spends its money on punishment and so-called protection, like ICE and Border Patrol and the rest of our overstuffed and overfunded military industrial complex. I know what that Orange Turd and his minions want and are doing. What will we do in response? One of the easiest things you can do is support your local NPR and PBS station. Make a donation, become a member. Listen, learn, fight back. Happy Monday, kittens.

Raise your hands
Raise your hands high
Don't take a seat
Don't stand aside
This time don't assume anything
Just go go go

Donate PBS: https://www.pbs.org/about/about-pbs/support-pbs
Donate NPR: https://www.npr.org/donations/support

My Weekend Crush

I know, more sportball stuff! If you’ve ever once had a real-life crush on a sporty girl, I’m pretty sure at some point you also had a crush on soccer superstar Tobin Heath. The US Women's National Team standout, two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Cup champ is the embodiment of the lean, lanky sporty jock lesbian aesthetic. Her relationship with fellow soccer star and teammate Christen Press has been an open secret for close to a decade. And while they’ve been out for a while now, they only recently confirmed their marriage. Sneaky, sneaky. Tobin snuck in a my “wife and former teammate” while discussing her decision to retire from professional soccer earlier this month. So good for them, and her. Enjoy that retirement and we know. Happy weekend, all.

Gender Fuck Thursday: StudBudz Edition

As you well know, I’m not much for the sportball. But I have been coming to the slow realization in recent years that it’s not sports I dislike watching, it’s men playing sports. Women playing sports, well, that’s something entirely different. So imagine my delight at the unabashed queer joy that was the StudBudz 72-hour live stream during WBNA All-Star Weekend. For the uninitiated the StudBudz are Minnesota Lynx ballers and besties Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman. I can’t get into all the shenanigans and couple confirmations but it was popular enough to get The New York Times to write a “Who are the StudBuz” thinkpiece. Which in this political climate feels like a real, solid win. Two out queer Black women, two masc female athletes, two unabashed studs being celebrated for being joyous and authentic ambassadors for their league – which just happens to be filled with other queer and Black women who kick ass on the court. Yeah, I don’t hate sports. I love women’s sports.

Much Meg

Let’s spread a little more queer joy because goodness we deserve it. I’m tickled at the rise of Megan Stalter. Social media star turned “Hacks” star turned burgeoning superstar, her rise has been fun and funny to watch. I’ve loved the evolution of Kayla on “Hacks” to be more than just the constant annoyance. And it’s been Megan’s vulnerability that has helped make Kayla more than a punchline. So I’m thrilled to see her career take off with her own show as star of the new Netflix series “Too Much.” While I’m not entirely sold on Lena Dunham (yes, I watched “Girls,” but still), I do enjoy Megan’s energy. Also, I know she’s coming back to “Hacks” next season so I can cheer on her other endeavors without fear. I believe she is what the kids today call a real bisexual baddie. Also, I’m tickled by how in love she is with her girlfriend. And anyone willing to wear a sash that says “Best Gay Actor” wins in my book.

Also, did you catch the glorious chaos of her Colbert interview last week?

p.s. Speaking of Colbert. We all knew his show got canceled because Trump made it a condition of his lawsuit settlement. And while that may on its surface seem like just another stupid, petty, and vindictive move from a small man with even smaller hands, what it is is textbook authoritarianism. Silence your critics, squash those who mock you. First they came for the late-night talk show hosts, but actually late night talk-show hosts are like the 200,000th thing he’s come for after immigrants, political protestors, former prosecutors, public and private universitiers, political rivals, scientists, humanitarian workers, park rangers, climate researchers, Rosie O'Donnell…

Tank Top Tuesday: Plain White Tank Edition

You know it, you love it. The plain white tank. No, we will not ever again call it that thing we used to call it in the late 1990s and early 2000s. But we can certainly still appreciate this classic. Though, just to be safe, how about we ban men from wearing them? You know, until we can figure out what is going on. There’s a lot of stuff we should ban them from, but I guess we gotta start somewhere. So, let us decree it, the plain white tank is for women only. Now, onto everything else. Until then, please enjoying these ladies exercising their right to bare arms. No, obviously, not that kind.

Renee Rapp

I’m mad at whoever didn’t turn the camera horizontal here. But, not at Renee. Never at Renee.

Samira Wiley

I could never look that cool leaning over to play pool with armholes that big. Respect.

Jodi Balfour

It just still makes me so stoked that she is married to Abbi Jacobson. I feel like “Broad City” Abbi would be just as stoked – probably more.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

More than 20 years later and SMG can still hit that Buffy pose flawlessly. Like if the apocalypse comes, I definitely think we should still beep her.

Melissa King

She looks great in a plain white tank and backwards ballcap AND she can cook? Nini, damn girl.

Lucy Dacus

New goal unlocked: Be serenaded with haunting, ethereal sad lesbian love songs by a hottie wearing a plain white tank top.

Kate Moennig

Forever Shane, Shane Forever.

Music Monday:

The thing about Joan Jett is, while she continues to be private about her personal life, I don’t think anyone could argue that she hasn’t been clear about her sexuality. You can’t cover “Crimson and Clover” like this, in 1981 no less, and not know what you’re doing. And you can’t continue to play it throughout your career, and present as she presents throughout her career, without making it abundantly clear. Joan Jett is queer icon, period. Anyone who might think otherwise, as she told The New York Times a while back, can eat me. Happy Monday, kittens.

My Weekend Crush

I had heard about Andrea Gibson, the queer poet, before their death on Monday. But, because of the benign and, yes, also sometimes sadly malignant chaos of daily life, I had never gotten around to experiencing their work until after their passing. So, needless to say, this week has been both an education and memorial wrapped up in one. I have found myself moved to quiet tears at the ways Andrea expressed their joy for life even as it fought them tooth and nail for every extra day. But nothing, nothing, was more moving than watching Andrea read a poem they had written, “'Love Letter From the Afterlife,” for and to their wife, fellow poet Megan Falley. The small, “Jesus Christ,” from Meg at the end. May we all love and be loved so hard in our lives that it defies the afterlife. Happy weekend, all.

Movie Review: The Old Guard 2

I really, really wanted to love “The Old Guard 2.” Same cast, same mission – and now with added Uma! What’s not to like? Plus, hello, the payoff of Andy and Quỳnh reuniting after 500 years was gonna be epic, right? Well. Alas, the sequel lacks the kinetic elegance and narrative panache of the first film, due in no small part to the absence of original director Gina Prince-Bythewood.

This time around, Andy and Co. are battling The First Immortal, Discord – played by Uma Thurman. Discord, as her name suggests is generally bad news. I mean she’s an arms dealer so that tracks. The second film plays a little faster and looser with our immortal heroes’ immortality – they seem to heal much faster than they did in the first one. And some other parts of their mythology felt forced this time out. It also shamelessly underuses KiKi Layne as Nile, who learns from Discord that she is the last Immortal.

But my biggest beef with the sequel is how it still triptoes around Andy and Quỳnh’s romantic past. Sure, we can infer they were more than just besties who kicked ass together. Or, you know, “roommates.” Yet they continue to deny us any glimmer of their sapphic past together. And, SPOILER ALERT, Charlize and Veronica Ngô don’t even kiss once. For a film series that has so lovingly has depicted – and shown – the love between Joe and Nicky, two gay men who have loved and fought side-by-side for centuries, to refuse to show us the same with Andy and Quỳnh seems incongruous to say the least. I mean, look, I get it. Girlfriend is PISSED that Andy didn’t keep looking for her. And 500 years is a long time to process your relationship during watery torture. But, still – flashbacks exist, people.

I’m still glad I watched and, SPOILERS AGAIN, there is hope that the third film might finally give us the Andy/Quỳnh goodness we deserve. I mean, was this whole film just a long lesbian makeup session? We can only hope. At least Charlize kept swinging that labrys the whole movie. And she manages to make that mullet look, well, I mean, she’s still Charlize Theron after all.

Engayged

OK, fine, so I’ve been a bit of a Debbie Downer this week. It’s just all the masked heavily armed men grabbing people off the streets and throwing them into unmarked vans has just got me down for some reason. And, you know, everything else. But here’s some good gay news. Because we still deserve joy… I think. No, we definitely deserve joy. So mazel tov to Hayley Kiyoko and Becca Tilley who got en-gay-ged last week. The singer/actress/Lesbian Jesus and former Bachelor contestant apparently have been dating since 2018, but publicly hard launched their relationship in 2022. So, good for them. No, really. Good for them. They look happy and sun-kissed and gay. I’ll take any good news I can get, and happy queers is no small feat in these times.

Just Rosie

Right, so maybe I owe Rosie an apology. Because when she fled the country at the start of Trump’s term, it felt a bit like an abandonment. And, of course, it was only possible through no small amount of privilege. But, damn, if she didn’t precisely predict exactly how unhinged that Orange Turd would become. Because, like can you imagine if truly any other President of the United States – Republican or Democratic – declared that lesbian comedian and actress Rosie O’Donnell was a “threat to humanity” and then threatened to revoke her citizenship. Like, setting aside the fact that no president can single out individual native born citizens and take away their citizenship just because he doesn’t like them, this is just such petty bullshit from the so-called Most Powerful Man in the World. Don’t worry, I’m well aware that harassing a former daytime talk show host is on the lower level of fucked up shit Trump has done in his second term. But still. The intentional lawlessness of all their actions and threats are straight out of the fascist playbook. I just know 77 million people did vote for this. So I wonder, are they cheering or just not paying attention. Or somehow both?

I know attacking a lesbian comedian might seem just silly. But it follows his continued assault on LGBTQ+ identity and rights. The banning of trans existence has been one of this administration's cornerstone policies. Kicking out trans service members. Refusing to use correct gender markers for trans and nonbinary citizens on passports and other federal documents. Subpoenaing medical centers that dare to provide youth gender affirming care. Erasing the “T,” and even at least some of the “B” from the Stonewall National Monument website. wonder if the so-called Log Cabin Republicans will ever feel ashamed. Or if our so-called allies who still voted for him because of the price of eggs will ever feel stupid.

Anyway, sorry, Rosie. You were right. Would that we could all get the fuck out.

Music Monday: Marching Again

Curse America and our terrible short-term memory. Because this song came out during the first Trump presidency. Remember that? Remember?? White supremacists running down protestors. Migrant mothers and fathers being torn away from their children. That Orange Turd himself telling us to maybe inject bleach during the pandemic. Yet here we are again. And it’s so much worse. Every breaking news alert edges us closer to a full-on dystopian hellscape of 77-million of our fellow citizens making. (Not my making, I voted for her.) Anyway, yeah. We made it to another week, so there’s that. Happy Monday, kittens.

My Weekend Crush

Yeah, yeah, I know it’s not Pride anymore. But I wanted to salute these Pride Hard Launches that slipped in late in the month. How did people announce their relationships before Instagram? So belated mazel tov to Elliot Page who hard launched on the Gram with “Overcompensating” star Julia Shiplett. This is Elliot’s first public relationship since coming out as trans I believe, so very much good for him. Also the kids today seem to love “Overcompensating.” Truly well done all around. And congrats to Top Chef-testants Melissa King and Nini Nguyen who Storied their hard launch. I just watched Nini in “24 in 24: Last Chef Standing” (yes, I watch all the Food network slop) and Melissa has always been *swoon*. These cuties all deserve each other. More happy queers being happy queers together makes my heart happy, and we could all use happier hearts. Happy weekend (and hearts), all.

Gender Fuck Thursday: Big Suited Sapphics

Look, nobody loves this Really Big Suits trend on female celebrities more than me. Hello, I named a whole day after my obsession with women in suits. But lest all those straight starlets forget, the lesbians and other WLWs were the O.G. And, obviously, we wear it the best. And here are just a few choice receipts.

Jenna Lyons

Pinstripe always.

Sarah Paulson

Oh, Paulson. You scamp.

Amandla Stenberg

As I was saying about pinstripe.

Lucy Dacus

Is she starring in a Cameron Crowe movie, or is she a lesbian?

Renee Rapp & Towa Bird

Per my previous emails about pinstripes.

Kate Moennig & Leisha Hailey

Shane and Alice 4Eva (but, platonically, because ew).

Tori Time

I had the unstoppable urge to listen to Tori Amos yesterday. And so I listened to some Tori Amos. This also gave me the urge to pull out my old Tori Amos “Little Earthquakes” tour tee, which I have stuffed in my sentimental T-shirts box in the back of my closet. But that, that was a bridge too far. For now. I think I’ve said it before, but Tori is way overdue for some kind of Kate Bush Renaissance. Some show wants 90s street cred needs to resurrect her hits for a new generation. Or not, and we Gen Xers get to keep her all to ourselves. Also, sorry, there’s nothing especially gay about this post. Sometimes a girl just feels sentimental. (Fine, I had a crush on Tori, all that wild red hair and wilder piano playing.)

Tank Top Tuesday: Old Guard 2 Edition

Well, I am going to have a full review of “Old Guard 2” later this week next week, after I get my shit together from the long holiday weekend. What? Doing nothing while certainly not celebrating America is exhausting. But I thought I would give you a preview of the aesthetic we’re working here – with some bonus tank tops to boot because it’s Tuesday. Lest you forgot, it involves Charlize Theron and Uma Thurman rolling around on the ground together.

Yes, the Uma, Charlize; Charlize, Uma jokes write themselves. But why joke when we can just appreciate these two women standing next to each other. They don’t even need to be wielding weapons to look deadly.

Also, is it just me or are they essentially wearing the same outfit in these shots, minus the formal jacket on Charlize?

Music Monday: Master of None

Will we ever escape the military-industrial complex? Will we ever make peace with bombs? Also, and obviously much less urgently, where has Joan Osbourne been all these years? There’s one thing I know, if God really was one of us they would be pissed. Yes, of course, God is non-binary. Speaking of which, since non-binary and trans people have now been kicked out of our Armed Forces, at least they won’t have them to kick around the never-ending war machine anymore. Gotta find the silver lining, no matter how slim. Happy Monday, kittens.

My Weekend (Our Land) Crush

I know it doesn’t always feel like it, but this land was made for you and me. And don’t you ever fucking forget it. Thanks for the reminder, Sharon Jones & Dap Kings. Again. Happy birthday, America. Do better, be better. And to the rest of the world, a lot of us are really sorry about all of our own bullshit. Happy Fourth of July weekend, all.

It Is Horrendous, But Then It's Magnificent

You know what, I think I didn’t give Kristin Scott Thomas in Fleabag its proper icon status yesterday when discussing her new directorial debut. I’ve been a longtime KST lover, since “Four Weddings,” heck since “Bitter Moon” (hello, her and Emmanuelle Seigner in bed together *makes purring sound*). And of course, who didn’t swoon over her in “The English Patient.” But unquestionably her most memorable (while simultaneously shortest) lesbian role was as Best Woman in Business Belinda Friers in Fleabag. Her monologue to Phoebe Waller-Bridge? Yeah, let’s relive that one again. As a perimenopausal woman it gives me hope. And it’s a good reminder to, if the chance arises, you should probably snog Kristin Scott Thomas.

A Not Gay, But Still Gay Wedding

Wait, I thought Pride was last month. But here it is, a movie where Scarlett Johansson and Freida Pinto play a lesbian couple. Maybe the good straights are atoning for the bad ones, and this is their mea culpa. Whatever the reason, I’ll take it. “My Mother’s Wedding” is the directorial debut of Kristin Scott Thomas, who lesbians with long memories like me will remember as “a lesbian once in school” in “Four Weddings and a Funeral” and was a full-time lesbian in business in “Fleabag.” It stars ScarJo, Sienna Miller and Emily Beecham as the three daughters whose mother is getting married. I get some "Happpiest Season" vibes form the sister dynamic from the trailer, down to the one lesbian sister. And did I mention Scarlett is said sister here as a British naval officer AND Freida is her girlfriend? Look, does it bode well for this film that it took almost two years to get released and it still isn’t coming to theaters until August 8? Not necessarily. But Scarlett and Freida are lesbianing together in it, so I’ll wait as long as it takes – which, in all likelihood, is whenever it gets sent to whatever streamer I’m already paying for. What? That’s usually only a couple months, tops, these days. I’m impatient, but also frugal. Even for lesbian ScarJo.

Truly Hot Ones

It’s July and, oh yeah, straight people exist. So here are two very nice and nice-to-look-at straight people doing the straightest thing possible, eating super hot chicken wings. Charlize Theron and Uma Thurman did a Hot Ones challenge together to promote “The Old Guard 2.” I maintain it’s homophobic for Netflix to wait to release this movie until early July (tomorrow, to be exact). But, I will forgive them a tiny bit because they cast Charlize and Uma together and made them fight. Come on, The Bride v. Furiosa? Sometimes, it’s the little things. Like Charlize’s plain white T-shirt. Who needs a whole marketing campaign when she can just show up, eat wings and look like that?

Music Monday: Just Imagine

Today is last day of Pride in a year which has been unquestionably one of the most destructive for queer people’s rights in this county (thanks SCOTUS and Trump, and by thanks I mean the most sincere FUCK YOU). So let us instead send a little prayer out to the Big Gay Universe for better days in the not so distant future. Imagine that. Thanks for the reminder, Tracy Chapman. Happy Monday and last day of Pride, kittens.

My Weekend Crush

The thing I love about Hacks,” among so many things, is just how fucking gay it is. Seriously, it’s so fucking gay that basically its entire cast – minus Jean Smart and creator Paul W. Downs (who, aside, is married to a lady which was a surprise to me because the vibes since Broad City were *inserts non-discriminatory limp wrist*) – are somewhere prominent along the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Shall we butch it up and do a roll call? Sure, why not.

• Hannah Einbinder (Ava): Our resident Super Bi.
• Megan Stalter (Kayla): Bisexual, self-crowned “Best Gay Actor” and happily dating girlfriend Maddie Allen since 2022.
• Carl Clemons-Hopkins (Marcus): Nonbinary and married to husband Chubi Anyaoku.
• Mark Indelicato (Damien): Gay and remember how adorable he was as a babygay in “Ugly Betty.”

I think having such gay sensibilities makes “Hacks” a better, smarter, funnier, deeper, more emotionally resonant show. Sure, that could be my built-in biases for anything Rainbow Alphabet related. But I think it comes from from a place of deep vulnerability about what it means to be authentic in the face of opposition to your very existence. Also, we’re fucking funny. So here’s to a fabulous and fucking gay season 4, onward to an even gayer season 5. Happy last weekend of Pride, all.

Movie Review: Sally

Heartbreak is often the inspiration for great art. But can great inspiration also break your heart? “Sally,” the new documentary about Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, does a little of both. Her status as an American icon is assured, inspiring countless girls and others to pursue science and reach, quite literally, for the stars. But her private life, which for the first time has been laid open for all to see, in the new documentary will also break your heart.

In the end, Sally Ride’s story is that one of the bravest women in the entire world was still too scared to live her life openly and authentically. It was only after her death in 2012, that the whole universe learned she was a lesbian and had a more than quarter century relationship with partner Tam O'Shaughnessy. So while Sally’s name may be on the marquee, the documentary is really Tam’s story as well. She was the partner long shuffled to the shadows and asked to keep this secret about the person who she loved most and who loved her most.

It’s also a sobering reminder that homophobia and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments are not just an ancient relic. Truly, this era should cure anyone from believing that the struggles for civil rights – be they for queer people or people of color or immigrants or those with disabilities – are over. The sad truth is, we can always go backwards. At 73, Tam’s life continues to be shaped by the specter of the closet. Anyone who also watched the new Pee Wee Herman documentary, in which Paul Reubens also comes out posthumously, had that message reinforced here. We are still losing heroes who believed the only way they could truly be honest with the world about themselves was in death. Still. We have not overcome and the so-called past remains too much of our present.

As Tam says during “Sally”:

“She was afraid. That’s heartbreaking. For me but also for her….The world made it tricky and painful. But we were brave enough to love each other.”

May we reach a point as humans where no one has to be so brave that they feel safer slipping the surly bonds of Earth than being open about being gay. Wouldn’t it be amazing if, as Tam put it, all those tribal fears we hold to about race, gender, nationality, who we love and all the other arbitrary restrictions we place on ourselves and others just melted away. We’re all just little people living on a crazy blue marble. Humans can do extraordinary and inspiring things, but the most extraordinary and the bravest is often simply being ourselves.

Movie Review: The Wedding Banquet

I don’t know how, but the new “The Wedding Banquet” is even gayer than the original “The Wedding Banquet.” Ang Lee’s 1993 classic (which, how did I only just now realize the white male lead was literally Roy Lichtenstein - yes that Lichtenstein’s – son!) was great and I remember it warmly. But the update stars the all-queer-stars cast of Lily Gladstone, Bowen Yang, Kelly Marie Tran and O.G. Ally Mom To Us All, Joan Chen and it just feels so gay. And that’s lovely. Also really funny. Yeah, it still has that being in the closet/coming out/finding your self worth storyline that tends to dominate queer narratives. But with these actors and this material, it just works. It’s also a reminder that while queer people move through the world differently and while our struggles may be different, the end goal can be remarkably similar to that of our straight counterparts. Find someone to love who loves you, build your dream family/home with that person. Have that love and that family celebrated by those who know and love you. Lather, rinse, repeat. How we get there, well, those are the details. Sometimes those details are very funny and very gay, like here.

Out, Out, Gen Z

For every generation, a preferred coming out medium is born. For us Gen X’s it was the major magazine cover coming out that allowed celebs to “Yep, I’m gay” themselves into history. For Millennials their coming out moment was typified by Kristen Stewart telling the past (and sadly present) president she is “like so gay gay, dude” during her SNL monologue. And Gen. Z? Well, we’ve got two strong early front-runners this Pride.

First up we have 18-year-old “Modern Family” star Aubrey Anderson-Emmons (who played Lily) coming out as bi to a meme sound of her own character on TikTok. Congrats, Aubrey. Welcome to THE family.

Second we have 22-year-old UConn star Azzi Fudd ending all the speculation about whether she is dating her former teammate and new WNBA star Paige Bueckers, 23. I think her “Paige Bueckers’ girlfriend” phone case clearly visible in a recent Insta stories answers that question, next?

Both these comings out are incredibly meta social shares, which is perfect for Gen. Z.

Music Monday: Good Red

girl in red herself will admit she just dropped the saddest lesbian song of the summer (not to be confused with the sexiest lesbian song of the summer, thanks Renee). But her new single “Hemingway” is more than just a sad song. It’s a beautiful reminder of the importance of art in our healing process. The Norwegian singer-songwriter has been extremely open about her struggles with addiction, depression and eating disorders in the past year. In fact, we’re lucky she is still with us. But she has taken those personal struggles and turned them into something deeply moving. Art is one of our greatest tools for sharing the human condition. It can make us feel less alone. It can teach us empathy. It can soothe a tattered soul. I’m certainly glad girl in red is still out there making beautiful, sad music for us all. Also, goodness, she’s funny. She’s right, it’s a great time to be a lesbian. Happy weekend, all.

My Weekend Crush

I felt like Renee deserved a little more than just, you know, my drooling from Monday. So to expound on her greatness, may I remind everyone that she is one of the new wave of sapphic celebrities who happily, proudly uses the L word. She also has organically found herself on the right side of almost every important issue in our present history – in spite of her famous lack of media training. Or, is that because of her famous lack of media training? And, she’s blissfully in love with her girlfriend Towa Bird. Sex-positive, queer-positive, and just candid as fuck – like in her recent Cosmo cover story – she is the kind of star that makes me feel like the kids are all right. More refreshingly idgaf celebrities willing to speak out on everything from the silly to the serious, and oh yeah she’s super talented to boot. And sexy. What, you stop back where you started sometimes. Happy weekend, all.

Gender Fuck Thursday: The Other Katy

Well if we can’t celebrate the wonderful blurring of the binary during Pride, when can we celebrate it? Oh, right, this administration would rather we never. But I bet those red-hatted goons would fold like a TACO if confronted by our resident queer-action-hero-in-the-making, Katy O’Brian. Since we all developed huge crushes on her thanks to her crushingly huge biceps in last year’s “Love Lies Bleeding,” Katy has been busily adding to her film and TV resume with some big-name franchises (like “Twisters,” “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” and the upcoming “The Running Man” big). And she has continued to blur the binary by celebrating her strength along with her femininity. Or, to put it more simply, you’re welcome all you muscle mommy lovers.

p.s. Reminder, she’s been married to her wife for five years. So all of this is respectfully, of course. Very respectful. Ahem.

So Gay Wednesday

Remember when I said Cynthia Erivo was charming as the Tonys host this month? Well, that is in no small part because of the way she belted out the show’s closing number. If you’re feeling a little defeated in this political moment, I think she just might give you the midweek lift you need. So, so gay indeed. Enjoy the arts after you round up all the queers, POC and progressives, MAGAts. As if Lee Greenwood and Kid Rock could get anywhere near to hitting those notes.

Tank Top Tuesday: Newbies Edition

What would Pride Month be without queer women in tank tops? Not nearly as fun, that’s for sure. So let’s celebrate some of the queer female celebrities who came out in 2025 so far. All they need is a toaster oven and their Welcome Kits will be complete.

Jade Carey

Two-time Olympic gold-medalist Jade Carey came out in March, hard launching her girlfriend. And, you all know my longstanding rule that sleeveless leotards belong in the Tank Top Cinematic Universe.

Isabela Merced

I will admit to not having started the second season of “The Last of Us” yet, because when it already feels a little like the end of the world it’s somehow not as fun. But I will watch it, especially because it’s when shit gets really gay between two in-real-life queer actors. Also, this clearly counts as a tank top – just one with slightly less thread than others.

Aja

“Drag Race” alum Aja recently came out as bisexual, and I say the more trans women who join the wlw ranks the better. Especially in tank tops.

Anna Camp

In news that will make “Pitch Perfect” Beca and Chloe shippers lose their shit, Anna Camp casually came out recently as having a younger, masc girlfriend. A little “Carol” for 2025, and I’m not that mad about it.

Supriya Ganesh

I will also admit to not watching “The Pitt,” yet! But it’s only because I can be a little squeamish with realistic medical shows. But I want to watch, and I think that’s what counts. And knowing star Supriya Ganesh has come out as queer and uses they/them pronouns could turn that wish into a reality.

Lola Young

The “Messy” singer has emphatically confirmed that she also likes pussy and I think that’s too perfect.

Alexis Floyd

I don’t watch “Grey’s Anatomy” anymore either (see above re: medical shows), so I have no idea what kind of doctor Dr. Simone Griffith is. But I know Alexis Floyd has had “relationships with people of all sorts of gender identities,” which seems like a very open-minded prescription. Look, it’s Thursday and it’s hard coming up with more doctor jokes. Also this counts because one strap falling down on your tank top is an extremely relatable experience in the Tank Top Cinematic Universe.