June is finally here. Happy Pride to all who celebrate!
Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or a caring ally, June is a great time to dive into some terrific queer books, TV shows or movies.
I happen to consume and enjoy queer media all year long, so I’m a good person to give you pointers!
Here are my latest favorite fabulous, rainbow-hued reading, eating and watching recommendations. Books first:
- Ocean Vuong’s On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous. This book is a young gay man’s coming-of-age story, a Vietnamese immigrant’s American story, and so much more. It reads like poetry – absolutely beautiful even when the subject matter would be otherwise hard to read. After reading this, I can understand why Oprah herself was in tears at the idea of meeting Ocean in person. I get it. His writing is transcendent. I recommend this for absolutely anyone and everyone.
- TJ Klune’s Somewhere Beyond the Sea. This is the long-awaited sequel to Klune’s beloved The House in the Cerulean Sea, which I wrote about here. The books take place in a fantasy world where magical people exist alongside non-magical folk and some of the non-magical folk can be a bit bigoted and discriminatory at times. I was afraid this one was getting a bit too political and heavy-handed, but then the story took off and I forgot to worry about all that jazz. If you liked the first, you’ll love this one, too. Expect to shed some happy tears!
Note to self, I’m noticing that I haven’t read any books written by lesbian, trans, nonbinary or bisexual authors lately – I will be rectifying that and I’ll report back before next year’s Pride.
Now, on to current TV shows, where wouldn’t you know it, I’ve got the same problem. I have two fantastic, recent shows to recommend for you, but they both center gay men. What’s with that? I will start looking into some lesbian, trans, nonbinary and bi women-focused shows and movies!
- Overcompensating, starring and created by the adorable Benito Skinner, is a must-watch show on Amazon Prime. It’s about a popular young athlete who goes off to college unsure about his sexuality. He’s pretty sure he’s gay, but he’s also deeply closeted and terrified to find out. He ends up hooking up with, and ultimately realizing he’s much better off being best friends with, a fellow freshman named Carmen, played by the amazing Wally Baram. The show is edgy, funny and heart-warming, just the way I like it. Benny may screw up a lot, but he’s so lovable that it’s not hard to forgive him. I really enjoyed the character development of other players in the show, as well.
- The English Teacher, starring and created by the irresistible Bryan Jordan Alvarez, is a Hulu must-see with a killer soundtrack. I wrote about my love for this show, and BJA’s charms, last year. The English Teacher is clever, gorgeously written and so very funny. Watch for great performances from scene-stealers Stephanie Koenig as the best friend and Jordan Firstman as the boyfriend. Season 2 has been announced but I don’t know yet when it will air. I already can’t wait!
Now, you might be thinking “What on earth is she going to recommend to eat during Pride month?” and here’s your answer…
- Angie’s Rainbow Cookies are a traditional Italian pastry made with almond flour and brightly-colored food dye. I am obsessed with these local favorites! Made right here in Lewis Center, you can find Angie’s Rainbow Cookies at local farmer’s markets or order directly from her. They even have a gluten-free version, which I’ll be trying soon. Sometimes she makes a true rainbow-hued version for Pride month and they are almost too pretty to eat. Even in the traditional “rainbow” of red, green and white, these cookies are beautiful and delicious. The perfect sweet treat for Pride festivities!
If you’re hungry for more LGBTQ+ content, check out some of our past posts. The rest of my “what to read, eat and watch” series is here. And, whoever and wherever you are, happy Pride!🌈
