10 Things to Get You Through Spring
| 03/14/19
1. Crowning Mr. Gay America
Who will take home the crown when Mr. Gay America 2019 is named July 7? The annual pageant, which also sees a drag contestant named Miss Gay America, draws queer contestants from across the country, especially in the South and Midwest, where pageants are most popular. As reigning Mr. Gay America, 2018's winner Judas Elliot (above) will oversee the competition.
(@MrGayAmerica)
2. Rick and Morty Come Home
Binge Rick and Morty Seasons 1-3, the award-winning comedy on Adult Swim from creators Dan Harmon (Community) and Justin Roiland (Adventure Time) featuring the misadventures of misanthropic scientist Rick Sanchez and his good-hearted grandson Morty Smit. Newly released on Blu-ray and DVD, the box set comes with an exclusive poster. (Amazon.com)
3. Disney Channel Comes Out
The Disney Channel nonchalantly made history recently with a simple, five-word conversation. In its popular tween series Andi Mack, character Cyrus (Joshua Rush) confides, "I'm gay" -- to which pal Jonah (Asher Angel) replies, "Yeah? OK, cool." It was the first time a character has ever uttered those words on the kid-friendly channel. (DisneyNow.com)
4. Drink with Purpose
Chug a rainbow with Gay Beer, a new brew by Loyal Brands, which decided to market to the queer community not with cliche Pride colors and thirst trap marketing, but the visibility inherent in naming and branding their beer cans "Gay Beer." Now everyone will know your spirit from your six-pack. (Your other six-pack.) (@DrinkGayBeer)
5. All-Inclusive Brand
We are obsessed with ultra-inclusive British fashion brand ASOS. Not only did they hire a Muslim hijab-wearing model and recruit the Paralympian athlete and BBC reporter Chloe Ball-Hopkins to create and model a tie-dyed jumpsuit designed to comfortably fit people who use a wheelchair (pictured), but now it's also designed clothing for folks with big boobs! It's "Fuller Bust" line features supportive and comfy tops), dresses, and bikinis (even strapless!) for the well-endowed, in designs ranging from conservative to racy. (ASOS.com)
6. Saving Her Soul
Black transgender soul singer, Jackie Shane, packed nightclubs in Toronto throughout the 1960s. Renewed interest in the trailblazing singer was rewarded with 2018's Any Other Way, a two-disc album featuring Shane's live and studio recordings. A 2019 Grammy Award nomination for best historical album cemented the 78-year-old's legacy.
7. Still Loving Her
The groundbreaking 1974 lesbian novel by Ann Allen Shockley, Loving Her, which was the first by an African-American author to deal explicitly with interracial lesbian love, will be honored with the 2019 Lee Lynch Classic Award from the Golden Crown Literary Society at a July 13 ceremony in Pittsburgh, Pa. (GoldenCrown.org). Tennessee-based Shockley, a Black feminist, also authored Say Jesus, Come to Me and The Black and White of It.
8. This Butterfly Brings Trans Visibility
Three-part U.K. series Butterfly, from BAFTA TV Award-winning writer Tony Marchant (The Mark of Cain) and starring Anna Friel (Pushing Daisies, Land of the Lost), centers on a family divided over their gender-questioning 11-year-old, Max (played by Callum Booth-Ford), who has resorted to self-harm. Now streaming on Hulu.
9.These Queens Are Packing
Game of Queens: A Drag Queen Card Race pitches 1970s female impersonator pioneers against today's drag superstars. Who will win in a head-to-head throw down between RuPaul and Divine, or Trixie Mattel versus Dame Edna? Queens are scored on performance, comedy, look, outrageousness, stand, and legend factor. From publisher Laurence King, by Greg Bailey (editor of drag scene zine Alright Darling), and featuring art of Chilean illustrator Daniela Henriquez. (LaurenceKing.com)
10. Pop This Pill
The touching song "Party Pill" is the latest single from Australian alt-pop band Cub Sport's highly anticipated self-titled third album released in January. The album follows the true love story of Tim Nelson and Sam "Bolan" Netterfield, the now-married gay couple at the heart of the four-member group (alongside Zoe Davis and Dan Puusaari). On streaming services worldwide. (CubSport.com)
