The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBTQ-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend.
1) A first look has been released for documentary Disclosure, which follows the history of 100 years of trans representation on screen. The documentary is directed by Sam Feder, with appearances from trans creatives and artists including Laverne Cox (who also executive produced the documentary), Mj Rodriguez, Jamie Clayton, Lilly Wachowski, Yance Ford and more. GLAAD’s Alex Schmider is an associate producer on Disclosure, and our Director of Transgender Representation Nick Adams is a consulting producer and also featured in the documentary, which will be released on Netflix on June 19.
.@Disclosure_Doc — from director Sam Feder and producer Laverne Cox — features interviews with MJ Rodriguez, Jamie Clayton, Jen Richards, Lilly Wachowski, Yance Ford, and more in taking a vital and unprecedented look at the history of trans representation across film and TV pic.twitter.com/yJTNKf765o
— Netflix (@netflix) June 11, 2020
2) Festival-favorite documentary Mucho Mucho Amor has announced that it will be coming to Netflix on July 8. The film takes a look at the life and legacy of Walter Mercado, the famed Puerto Rican astrologer who made waves as a television personality. The first trailer has been released for Freedia Got a Gun, which follows out musician Big Freedia on their personal journey and opposition to gun violence, and how it affects queer and Black communities. Watch the trailer below.
3) Documentary I am Samuel will be available to watch as part of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival on Sunday. The film follows Samuel, who grew up on a farm in the Kenyan countryside, where tradition is valued above all else. He moves to Nairobi in search of a new life, where he finds belonging in a community of fellow queer men and meets and falls in love with Alex. Click here for more information and to screen the film Sunday at 2:15 EDT. A trailer has been released for upcoming documentary Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn. The film follows Cohn as he worked for McCarthy and against the LGBTQ community, while being closeted himself. Those interviewed in the documentary include John Waters, Nathan Lane, and Tony Kushner. Watch the trailer below.
4) All Boys Aren’t Blue, the memoir from queer Black writer George M. Johnson, will be adapted into a television series by Sony Pictures TV and Gabrielle Union. “I needed to do my part to make sure the next generation of Black queer children had something they could relate to and connect with,” Johnson said of the project, with Union adding, “being a parent to a queer identifying daughter has given me the platform to make sure that these stories are being told in a truthful and authentic way.”
Soooooo excited!! Lets gooooooo!! https://t.co/BfWHTpK8qo
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) June 11, 2020
5) Starz’ Hightown, which stars out actress Monica Raymond as the lead lesbian character, has been renewed for a season two. Also coming back for a second season is HBO’s We’re Here, the unscripted show following drag queens Bob the Drag Queen, Shangela and Eureka O’Hara. Disney+’s Diary of a Future President, which features queer character Camila, was also renewed for season two.
6) Out singer Shamir released a new single this week, “On My Own,” which follows his journey after a breakup. Shamir also announced that he will be putting out a full-length album later this fall. Listen to “On My Own” here and watch the video below.
7) Alternative band Neon Trees, led by out singer Tyler Glenn, announced a new album I Can Feel You Forgive Me, which will be released on June 26. The band also released a single “New Best Friend,” this week. Listen to it here, and preorder the album here. Out singer Rufus Wainwright has released a new music video for his single “You Ain’t Big” off of his upcoming album Unfollow the Rules. Pre-order the album here and watch the music video below!
8) A new DC Comics’ graphic novel You Brought Me the Ocean was released this week. The book is a new story about queer hero Aqualad from out writer Alex Sánchez and artist Julie Maroh. It follows Jake (aka Aqualad) as a he navigates college applications, a lifelong friendship, a burgeoning crush and the unexpected development of his latent superpowers. Click here to purchase the book.
9) On Wednesday, the 2020 Peabody Awards were announced for broadcasting and digital media. Among the winners were LGBTQ-inclusive series David Makes Man, Dickinson, Stranger Things, Watchmen, and When They See Us. See the full list of winners here. The nominations for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards were also announced this week with nominees including RuPaul’s Drag Race, Cheer, We’re Here, Queer Eye, Next in Fashion and more! See the full list of nominees here.
10) The 32nd Lambda Literary Award Winners were announced last week, honoring outstanding achievements in LGBTQ literature. Winners includes out writers Nicole Dennis-Benn for her novel Patsy, Saeed Jones for his memoir How We Fight For Our Lives, Michael J. Jackson for his stage musical A Strange Loop, and more! See the full list here.