A lesbian’s guide to Pride: What to read, watch and listen to
Image via Lionsgate Films
Words by Amelia McQuoid
A queer media syllabus.
Happy Pride! To celebrate my favourite month of the year, I’m indulging in all the queer media I can. I’ll be rewatching my all-time favourite film from 1999, But I’m a Cheerleader, adding a new spicy read, Eros: Queer Myths for Lovers, to my reading list and watching the drag queens fight for the crown in All Stars season 11.
Interested to see more recommendations from the FJ team? Head to our Life section
Pride is a great time to celebrate being queer or become a more educated ally. Revisit the classics or maybe learn something new by immersing yourself in some fabulous LGBTQ+ books, movies, music and more.
Books
Eros: Queer Myths for Lovers by Zoe Terakes
View this post on Instagram
Offering a sexy, modern take on the ancient Greek myths, Eros: Queer Myths for Lovers highlights the truth of trans and queer experiences. This collection of five stories is the perfect mix of yearning, passion, revenge and sex. If you’re looking for something to spice up your winter reading, this one’s for you.
Invisible Boys by Holden Sheppard
This moving read will tug on your heartstrings. Set in regional Western Australia, the novel follows three sixteen-year-old boys coming to terms with their homosexuality. Invisible Boys is an emotional roller coaster of gay identity, masculinity and trauma. For those who’ve come out, and those who haven’t, this book will hit close to home.
Movies
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
View this post on Instagram
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert follows two drag queens and a trans woman as they travel across the Aussie Outback in their pink bus named Priscilla, to perform cabaret in Alice Springs. It’s a camp piece of local film history and queer storytelling.
My First Summer
Warning, this Australian queer coming-of-age story will make you cry. My First Summer captures the confusing feeling of first love. Set against the rural Australian bush, the story follows isolated teen Claudia, whose world is changed when Grace appears in her garden. It’s a heartwarming story of young, sapphic love that’s bound to move you to tears.
But I’m a Cheerleader
View this post on Instagram
To me, But I’m a Cheerleader is the perfect movie. It’s sweet, honest and camp as hell. What could be better than Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall falling in love, not to mention a young RuPaul in mini shorts? If you’re looking for a queer movie with a happy ending (don’t get me started on dead lesbian syndrome) and the perfect amount of satire, this one’s for you.
TV
Dickinson
If you’re looking for something to get you by before we finally get to see Franchaela in Bridgerton season five, Emisue is there for you. Dickinson follows the lifelong romance between Emily Dickinson and her sister-in-law, Susan Gilbert. It’s the perfect mix of raunchy period romance, pure sapphic love and endless drama.
Deadloch
This is by far my favourite Australian TV show. I’m a sucker for a mystery series, especially one where the lead detective is a lesbian. Deadloch follows detective Dulcie Collins and partner turned friend Eddie Redcliffe as they race to solve a murder with a rising body count. It’s full of unlikely twists and outrageous Aussie humour.
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars
View this post on Instagram
They got me, gal, I’m hooked on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. In classic Drag Race fashion, it’s all tea and all shade. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in some gay reality TV this Pride, RuPaul’s Drag Race is a rite of passage. If you’re not already caught up on All Stars season 11, you still have time before the finale!
Podcasts
Queerstories
Hosted by Australian writer, director and performer, Maeve Marsden, Queerstories is a celebration of queer experiences. The award-winning podcast moves away from classic ‘coming out’ narratives, instead encouraging strangers and celebrities alike to share the stories they actually want to tell. These tales are both hilarious and heartbreaking, a true celebration of the Australian queer experience.
Las Culturistas
View this post on Instagram
If you’re looking for a new pop culture kick, Las Culturistas is the one for you. The weekly podcast is hosted by comedians and friends Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers. The self-proclaimed ‘culture consultants’ take you on a witty and often chaotic journey through iconic moments in pop culture. They have fabulous chemistry with every celebrity guest, from Lena Dunham to John Waters. It never fails to make me cackle.
Music
Kee’ahn
Kee’ahn’s vocals meander over horn-backed melodies with harmonies to die for. The name derives from a Wik word meaning to sing and dance, a fitting origin for this proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist who honours ancestors through soulful music. Their work weaves lyrics and melodies of heartbreak and healing. It’s music that sits with you quietly.
Dancing on the Wall by Muna
In need of a queer anthem you can dance your heart out to and scream in your bedroom at the same time? Muna’s fourth studio album, Dancing on the Wall, will have you doing both. The American indie-pop band is known for their danceable tunes, and this album is no exception.
Mo’Ju
View this post on Instagram
A soulful mix of R&B, hip hop and electric beats, Mo’Ju makes songs you can’t help but dance to. Their music is anchored in their First Nations and Filipinx heritage, combined with deeply personal storytelling of their experience as a third culture and third gender kid. What emerges is a collection of music with rich vocals, political messaging and electric self-empowerment.
For more to watch this Pride, try this.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
