Ms. Equal Rights

Well, now. Isn’t Cate Blanchett getting good at flexing her villain muscles? The trailer for the new FX miniseries Mrs. America has been released and, dammit, if Cate isn’t making me worried I’ll feel even the tiniest sliver of sympathy for Phyllis Schlafly - who clearly deserves none. The story chronicles the real-life fight over the Equal Rights Amendment, which in case you haven’t noticed still hasn’t passed. So, yeah, there’s that. The cast looks stellar with Rose Byrne as Gloria Steinem, Uzo Aduba as Shirley Chisholm, Margo Martindale as Bella Abzug, Tracey Ullman as Betty Friedan, and Elizabeth Banks as Jill Ruckelshaus. And, you know, I guess there are some straight white dudes in it too, or whatever.



It’s bonkers to think that here we are almost 50 years later and we’re still fighting the same culture wars. Women are still fighting for equality, as are POC and LGBTQ people and all other marginalized groups. The patriarchy just hums along, and cries bloody murder when anything threatens its precious power structure. Because, remember, to those accustomed to privilege, equality will always feel like oppression. But, as the rest of us know all too well, it is exactly the opposite.

Also, did I mention Sarah Paulson plays one of Phyllis’ friends (or, as it seems soon-to-be former friend)? Yes, lesbians, we have a real-life Carol and Abby BFF reunion.

SGALGG: Love your television edition

Look, I realize we’re all on a “Glee” high right now (congrats Jane and Lea for those Golden Globe nods – and Matthew, but mostly that’s just for your lesbian hair). But Lea Michele and Dianna Agron aren’t the only TV co-stars who can bring award caliber SGALGG. In fact, many a leading ladies get extracurricularly touchy feely with each other. Those long hours on the set between takes with nothing to do but hang out and look longingly at one another naturally leads to a lot of Straight Gals Acting Like Gay Gals situations. It’s like they know we’re writing the femflash already, so why not help us along. I mean, how can you look at that picture and not know that Joan and Peggy were made for each other?

NCIS: Pauley Perrette & Cote de PabloThe T-shirt says it all.

Grey’s Anatomy: Kate Walsh & Katherine HeiglKatherine seems to be protecting her delicate areas. It’s like she knows Kate is, um, grabby.

Weeds: Mary-Louise Parker & Elizabeth PerkinsHand placement is everything.

The Vampire Diaries: Kayla Ewell & Nina DobrevThey really, really shouldn’t have killed off Vicki.

Gossip Girl: Michelle Trachtenberg & Leighton MeesterEveryone is all about Serena and Blair, but that look says little Dawnie has some plans of her own – naughty plans.

Damages: Glenn Close & Rose ByrneOK, it’s a little May-December, but think of the delicious power struggle that would ensue.

30 Rock: Jane Krakowski & Katrina BowdenFooled you by not using Tina, didn’t I?

Modern Family: Sofía Vergara & Julie BowenI hear they don’t get along on the set. But, clearly, that’s a cover to hide the sexual tension. Clearly.

Criminal Minds: Kirsten Vangsness, A.J. Cook
& Paget BrewsterGranted, Kirsten is a GG instead of a SG. But A.J. and Paget look incredibly eager to, shall we say, experiment.

Glee: Jenna Ushkowitz, Lea Michele & Amber RileyWhat, you thought I’d forget “Glee” entirely?

Glee: Jessalyn Gilsig & Jayma MaysCould you imagine if Terri and Emma hooked up instead? Best of all, there’d be no need to fake any sort of pregnancy.

Like I was saying, God bless television.