Every week, 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.) Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé hits theaters today! Ahead of the release of Beyoncé’s seventh studio album, the Vanguard Award-winner dedicated Renaissance to her children and husband, her late gay Uncle Jonny and LGBTQ change-makers who have shaped Black popular culture. The Renaissance film is believed to honor the Black community and embrace queerness by incorporating the LGBTQ community within the film and music. Check out the trailer below and catch Renaissance: A film by Beyoncé in a theater near you!
2.) From GLAAD Media Award-winning filmmaker Sekiya Dorsett comes the short film Caribbean Queen. In partnership with the LGBTQ non-profit Caribbean Equality Project, the upcoming film bridges the intergenerational gap between Caribbean LGBTQ folks and their families with the story of Q, a young Caribbean individual facing adversity and prejudice in pursuit of their dreams to become the Queen of the West Indian Day Carnival Parade. Carribean Queen is expected in February, 2024; learn more here!
3.) Hulu is releasing the documentary We Live Here: The Midwest on December 6. The series follows different LGBTQ people who are connected to the midwest despite prejudice. The show follows a trans and queer family in Iowa, a gay Black couple with a young daughter in Nebraska, a lesbian couple in Kansas, a gay teacher in Ohio, and a trans couple in Minnesota. Watch trailer below.
4.) Doctor Who is getting in the holiday spirit with a first look at out Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa in the Chrismas special “The Church on Ruby Road.” In his debut episode, Gatwa, the first gay Doctor of the series, comes face-to-face with mythical and mysterious goblin creatures as his life collides with Ruby Sunday. To round out the queerest season yet, drag queen extraordinaire Jinkx Monsoon, gay actor Neil Patrick Harris, and trans actors Yasmin Finney and Pete McHale take the small screen! Check out the image below and watch the Doctor Who special episode on Disney+ Christmas day.
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5.) Saturday Night Live’s holiday show is closing out 2023 with the Barbie duo of out stars Kate McKinnon and Billie Eilish! Fan-favorite cast member McKinnon is making her debut as a host and Eilish is taking the stage as a musical guest for the third time. Tune in to Saturday Night Live on NBC or Peacock December 16.
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6.) FX has announced the upcoming workplace comedy English Teacher, created by and starring gay actor Brian Jordan Alvarez. The series follows a high school teacher (Alvarez) in Austin who must balance the competing demands of students and their parents in a world where the rules are ever-changing. Stay tuned for more details!
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7.) Anon Pls, a forthcoming Max series based on DeuxMoi’s novel, has attached gay actor, director, and activist Ryan O’Connell as a writer alongside Diablo Cody. The one-hour drama series centers on Cricket Lopez, the fictionalized creator of the wildly popular anonymous celebrity gossip Instagram account DeuxMoi.
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8.) The Fifth Wheel, written by lesbian power couple Paula Pell and Janine Brito, has been sold to Netflix. Though the logline is under wraps, the comedy package stars Kim Kardashian amongst a female ensemble. In more TV news, OUTtv has ordered Looking For a Third, a dating competition series featuring one gay couple and one lesbian couple, each searching for a third partner to add to their relationship.
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9.) Lesbian actress T’Nia Miller has boarded the upcoming season of Gangs of London. The series follows the struggles between rival gangs and criminal organizations in present-day London. In the anticipated third season, Miller plays the new Mayor of London, who is set to wreak havoc for the gangs.
EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Koji, Richard Dormer and T’Nia Miller have boarded the upcoming season of ‘Gangs of London.’ They join the likes of Phil Daniels and Ruth Sheen in the anticipated third season of the Sky and AMC+ series (click photo below for story) https://t.co/fmUYVpLz3t
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) November 29, 2023
10.) Queer alt-pop artist RAEGAN has unleashed the official music video to empowering single “COINS” and queer artist Magnus Riise has dropped a new music video for his latest single “Still Here,” featuring an all queer, all deaf cast. “Still Here” is the final video for Riise’s debut EP Until Tomorrow, an unapologetic album about queerness, mental health, loss, and self-acceptance; watch the video below! Gay singer-songwriter Wrabel has also released his new album based on a true story. Finally, The Boulet Brothers have dropped a brand-new single “Gods of Death,” featuring a contestant from the current season of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, Orkgotik.
11.) Tony Award-winning musical Spamalot is back! Featuring queer actor Michael Urie as Brave Sir Robin, Spamalot has everything that makes a great knight at the theater, from flying cows to killer rabbits, and of course, the lady of the lake; find a sneak peek below and buy your tickets today! The Olivier-nominated musical Tammy Faye, starring out performers Elton John and Jake Shears, is also coming to Broadway during the 2024-2025 season. The show centers on Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker as they revolutionize religion, preaching to millions 24 hours a day.
12.) Sarah Paulson is returning to the stage after 13 years in Appropriate. The play revolves around the Lafayette family as they return to a decaying plantation mansion and uncover a relic buried deep in the recesses of their family’s past. Catch Appropriate December 18 at the Second Stage’s Hayes Theater. In more theater news, transgender comedian, actor and activist Eddie Izzard is playing 23 characters in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet this winter in a new Off Broadway production. The Izzard’s Hamlet will begin a six-week limited run on January 25 at the Greenwich House Theater, with opening night set for February 11. Buy your tickets today!
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13.) This weekend, the 36th Annual Soul Train Awards renamed the “Lady of Soul Award” award to the “Spirit of Soul” award in order to “honor the diversity and inclusion” of this year’s recipient, nonbinary multi-hyphenate Janelle Monáe! Bisexual singer-songwriter Victoria Monét also took home awards for “Best Dance Performance” and “Video of the Year.” In more award news, this year’s BAFTA Breakthrough talents cohort has been set, including nonbinary actor Bella Ramsey, out writer and director Georgia Oakley, and more queer talent!
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