Looking Back At Queer Media

Olly Alexander photographed in PAPERPhotography Joshua Wilks for PAPER

Undoubtedly, 2023 stands out as an exceptional year for queer representation in media. It celebrates the inclusion of authentic LGBTQAI+ individuals in both movies and TV shows, highlights emerging queer talents, explores diverse queer relationships, addresses the challenges and stigma faced by the LGBTQAI+ community, and even delves into the realm of queer-themed dating shows. This suggests that the landscape of queer media is only going to improve even further. This article will reflect on some of the most popular queer media from the year 2023.

Fellow Travelers

Adapted from a fictional novel published in 2007, this miniseries intricately weaves together elements of romance, thriller, and political drama. Centred around the passionate secret relationship of two male protagonists, Hawkins Fuller (portrayed by Matt Bomer), a closeted gay war veteran and State Department official, and Tim Laughlin (played by Jonathan Bailey), a young Congressional employee, the narrative unfolds over decades. Set against the backdrop of historical events and the pervasive oppression faced in the United States from the 1950s to the 1980s, the series delves into the complexities of LGBTQAI+ history. Enduring obstacles over nearly four decades, the characters confront critical issues in LGBTQAI+ history, offering a glimpse into arguably the darkest chapters of 20th-century American history. From the eras of war, drugs, and the AIDS crisis, the storyline exposes power imbalances and societal paranoia, both within the relationship and among those in their orbit. While the series, like the book it is based on, is a work of fiction, it authentically captures the real-time struggles and challenges faced by its characters, shedding light on an important era in the LGBTQAI+ narrative.

Heartstopper

The beloved coming-of-age series premiered its second season in 2023, continuing to portray the journey of adolescent youth and themes of queer love. This season delves into the complexities of coming out, and skillfully navigating the challenges of friendships and relationships. Additionally, the release of Volume 5 of the graphic novel, on which the series is based, in 2023 marks a shift towards the more mature facets of the main couple’s relationships.

Strange Way of Life

On a completely different note, “Strange Way of Life” offers a unique blend as a ‘queer western with a hint of kink,’ following the relationship between two ageing gunslingers portrayed by Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal. Reunited after twenty-five years apart, these two men find themselves with a second chance at love in the rugged backdrop of the western frontier.

Red, White & Royal Blue

This film embodies all the classic elements of a romcom with a cheesy plotline, tracing the romantic journey of two male protagonists, their hiccups and their eventual relationship. Alex Claremont-Diaz (played by Taylor Zakhar Perez), the son of the first female U.S. president, finds himself in an altercation with Prince Henry (portrayed by Nicholas Galitzine) after attending a royal wedding in England. Faced with rumours and potential risks of re-election, the two men are forced into friendship. As the plot unfolds, genuine feelings begin to blossom between them.

While the movie received mixed reviews, it gained an established fan base. Rolling Stone even goes so far as to dub it ‘so bad it might be good.’ However, the film excels in portraying queer intimacy and sexuality. The on-screen and off-screen chemistry of the main actors contributes significantly to the portrayal of emotional and intimate moments within the narrative.

Marry My Dead Body

This movie is an odd one on the list, diverging from the typical romance or queer relationships genre. Classified as a gay rom-com turned murder mystery, it presents an intriguing premise. Wu Ming-han (Greg Han), a homophobic police officer, inadvertently enters into a ghost marriage with Mao Pang-Yu (Austin Lin), a young gay man who has passed away. This union is rooted in the Chinese tradition of ghost marriages, yet the movie does not explore any romantic entanglements between the two protagonists. Mao’s mysterious death becomes the focal point, compelling the unlikely duo to collaborate on an investigation.

While the film is full of suspense and mystery, it adopts a comedic approach. The essence of the narrative lies, despite the absence of a romantic relationship between the protagonists, in the development of friendship, mutual understanding, and triumph over differences. 

Bottoms

“Two unpopular queer high school students start a fight club to have sex before graduation.” Sounds interesting, right? PJ and Josie (Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri), both unpopular and inexperienced high school seniors, find themselves in love with the two popular cheerleaders, Isabel and Brittany. Their solution, starting a  self-defense club for women in an attempt to have sex with their crushes. The movie is an over-the-top satire, heavily flawed, unhinged but fun, especially as there is a lack of comedies for queer women.

Queendom

This documentary is a heavily politically fueled take against Russian oppression. Gena Marvin, the drag performance artist and documentary creator, singlehandedly challenges the country’s regime and advocates for equality. The film seamlessly intertwines art, performance, and radical activism, showcasing a powerful fusion of creativity and political engagement. For further details on the film and the remarkable artist behind it, stay tuned for the upcoming Raandoom feature next week.

Passages

While a gay married couple is going through a relationship crisis, one of them starts an affair with a young woman. This French romantic drama focuses on the intricacies of relationships, love triangles, pent-up desire, and emotional turmoil. Although the movie was expected to be critically acclaimed, it was met with mixed reviews.

The Lost Boys

Set within the confines of a juvenile reform centre, the movie unfolds as Joe (Khalil Ben Gharbia), on the brink of departing the centre, encounters William (Julien De Saint Jean), igniting a compelling connection between the two. Described as a “movingly intertwined tale of longing, loss, and liberation,” this film delves into a passionate and painful queer love story that explores the depths of emotion and the complexities of human connection.

All of Us Strangers

“All of Us Strangers,” one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year, has finally arrived. Based on a 1987 novel by Taichi Yamada, this romantic fantasy features Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal as the main protagonists. The narrative unfolds as a drunken screenwriter, Adam, encounters his neighbour, Harry, sparking a relationship between the two. While the film may not be solely focused on the relationship, it serves as an exploration of one man’s tragic life, grappling with themes of identity, grief, and trauma. Additionally, it delves into heavier themes surrounding sexuality and masculinity. The movie is rich with moving elements, including themes of grief, isolation, loneliness, and the fear of not being loved.

Nimona

As the only animated feature on this list, “Nimona” stands out as a science fantasy adventure comedy-drama film, adapted from the 2015 graphic novel by ND Stevenson. Set in a fictional techno-medieval world, a knight was wrongly accused of a crime, and the key to proving his innocence lies in the hands of Nimona, a mischievous teen shapeshifter. Without delving too deeply into the plot, it is important to highlight the film’s significant contribution to queer representation. “Nimona” excels in portraying a diverse range of LGBTQAI+ identities, delving into themes of gender fluidity and trans narratives, and ultimately celebrating the richness of these experiences.

Femme

“Femme” is a brave, fierce, and intense thriller that unfolds as a revenge story. The narrative centres around a drag queen named Aphrodite Banks, also known as Jules (played by Nathan Stewart-Jarrett), on a quest for vengeance against the men responsible for brutal homophobic attacks that have impacted their life and career. The film is characterised by its sexually charged atmosphere, suspenseful sequences, and an overall sense of unpredictability.

While “Femme” opens up new and crucial conversations about queer freedom, it is important to note that it may not be an easy watch due to its intense themes and storyline. Nevertheless, for those prepared for the emotional journey it presents, it comes highly recommended as a thought-provoking and impactful cinematic experience.

Honourable mentions:

-Certainly, this list would not be complete without acknowledging the cultural phenomenon that is RuPaul’s Drag Race. The immensely popular show premiered an impressive 14 new seasons in 2023, featuring titles such as RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15, RuPaul’s Drag Race Spain season 3, All Stars season 8, France season 2, Down Under season 3, Philippines season 2, UK season 5, Italy season 3, and Canada season 4. Additionally, new seasons introduced a fresh array of queens hailing from Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Mexico, and Brazil.

-The long-running show, Queer Eye, continued its impactful journey with the release of season 7 in 2023, touching lives once again. The series has been confirmed for yet another season scheduled for 2024.

-Sex Education, a beloved teen drama-comedy, finally concluded after a four-year run in 2023. Despite this final season not meeting the anticipated enthusiasm, it did introduce a wealth of new LGBTQAI+ characters and explored their relationships. The final season delved into discussions about gender identity, transition, and the challenges surrounding the high costs of gender confirmation surgery, receiving positive reviews.

Asa Butterfield and Ncuti Gatwa in the second season of Netflix’s Sex EducationCourtesy of Netflix

-The UK introduced their first gay dating game show, I Kissed A Boy. Hosted by Dannii Minogue, the show features ten single contestants seeking love in Italy. Excitingly, a spin-off titled I Kissed A Girl, focusing on lesbian relationships, is currently in production with a potential release next year.

-Set against the backdrop of the summer of 1999, Of an Age is a coming-of-age drama, following the intense 24-hour relationship between a 17-year-old amateur ballroom dancer and a friend’s older brother. It is a bittersweet story of first love and heartbreak. 

-Eileen, a psychological thriller set in 1960s Massachusetts, unravels the chilling tale of a toxic relationship between two women working in a juvenile detention centre for teenage boys. The film’s grotesque and morbid elements make it a taste-specific experience, not suitable for everyone's palate.