Autostraddle’s Favorite and Least Favorite Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans TV Characters of 2020
Here’s what we loved this year, and what pained us to see.
“Adventure Time: Distant Lands — Obsidian” Gives the Gays Everything They Want
Marceline and Pricness Bubblegum return for one more adventure, and we get all the answers to all the questions we asked for eight years.
Pop Culture Fix: “The Last of Us” Is Bringing its Lesbians and Clickers and Trauma to HBO
Also: The teaser for Batwoman season two!!!!, don’t hold your breath for a GLOW movie, Dua Lipa’s out here licking Miley Cyrus’ face, how Sailor Moon taught us femininity isn’t fragile, and more!
The Angsty Buddhist: “Avatar” & Telling Our Own Stories
I don’t think it matters much whether Avatar: The Last Airbender is “respectful” of Asian culture. I think the show is racist, and also I like it. I’m interested in what we do with the sense of agency it gives us, how it allows us to critique the structures that exist and envision our own worlds.
Boobs on Your Tube: “Station 19” Succeeds in the World’s First Fire Truck U-Haul!
In the ultimate primetime television U-Haul, Dr. Orgasm from Grey’s Anatomy has moved to Station 19 (and her girlfriend, Captain Bisexual) full time. Plus, an update on S.W.A.T. and what the heck was that queer storyline on The Queen’s Gambit?
Boobs on Your Tube: Shondaland Has Returned! Captain Bisexual and Dr. Orgasm Would Like Your Tears!
After an almost six-month hiatus, “Boobs On Your Tube” is BAAACK! With a recap of the “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Station 19” crossover event destined to make you weep into your pillow, lesbian teenage rebellion in Doc Martens on “This Is Us,” and the best casting news ever for Thunder Grace fans on “Black Lightning”!
“We Are Who We Are” Doesn’t Do Labels
Are they dating, are they in love, are they having sex, are they best friends? It’s one of We Are Who We Are ‘s queerest pleasures that it’s not about definition.
“To L and Back” L Word Podcast Episode 512: Loyal and True
Riese: One boob out. I love the one boob out.
Carly: One boob out is incredible.
Scarlet Screens: The Fallen Tracee and Sex Industry Labor Rights in “The Sopranos”
In the first essay in Scarlet Screens, we look at the “University” episode of the Sopranos, where Ralphie murders Tracee. We explore the labor conditions at the Bada Bing Club, Tony’s “humanity,” and how violence against sex workers is used as plot point.
“To L and Back” L Word Podcast Episode 511: Lunar Cycle
Riese: And then she explains that they have different core values.
Carly: Then Jodi says, “What are my core values?” And Bette says, “It doesn’t matter. It’s not a judgment.” What? What?
Riese: I want Bette to be like, “I see the beauty in things.”
Carly: And what do you see, Jodi? Also the beauty in things? Oh.
Riese: And Jodi’s like, “I’m wearing your exact outfit. Obviously, I also see the beauty in things.”
What’s New and Gay To Stream in November 2020
November 2020 is a big month for homoerotic ’90s movies on Hulu, Netflix, Amazon and HBO Max as well as the much-anticipated lesbian rom-com “Happiest Season” starring Kristen Stewart on Hulu!
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts’ Final Season is Bursting With Humor and Hope
STANDING ALONG IN MY FIRE, YOU’RE NOT ALONE!
Warrior Nun, Donald Trump, and the Misguided Definition of Able-Bodied Strength
Disability tropes are all rooted in the same failure of imagination. Most writers are simply unable to envision a world where people with disabilities live fulfilling, happy lives.
“To L and Back” Episode 510: Lifecycle with Erin Sullivan!
Erin: Wow, they have really done you dirty. I would love to make you two s’mores.
Carly: Thank you!
Riese: Let’s go glamping!
Characters From Gay Cartoons as Zodiac Signs (by Someone Who Only Knows Astrology From Instagram Memes)
I AM AN ETERNAL FLAME, BABY!
How and Why We Like to Be Scared by TV and Movies
Horror has always been my favorite genre. I’m a very anxious person and something about having that anxiety externalized in a way that’s fun or cathartic has always really appealed to me. I like roller coasters too. How often is our fear so wonderfully contained?
HBO Max’s “Equal” Celebrates the Deviants of Pre-Stonewall LGBT Activism
In HBO Max’s LGBTQ documentary “Equal”; Samira Wiley, Jamie Clayton, Isis King, Shannon Purser, Heather Matarazzo, Theo Germaine and more embody key historical figures in the pre-Stonewall fight for LGBTQ rights and visibility.
Ryan Murphy’s “The Prom” Trailer Is Here to Gay up Your Day
Go big or you’ve blown it!
11 of the Best Lesbian and Bisexual TV Butt Moments
If you’re not complimenting your friends’ butts what even are you doing?
“The Boys” Season 2 Gets Meta About Lesbian and Bisexual Representation
Elena pushes back on all this, saying she doesn’t want to change how she dresses and that actually Maeve is bisexual, but they say that the term lesbian is “an easier sell” because it’s “more cut and dry.”