Joy and thoughts in the month of June

We're a little over halfway through June, better known as Pride month (or "slaying slick moves and rainbows all day" month by... no one, actually, ever) and I wanted to share some thoughts, put together some recommendations and make a space for breathing and kindness.

My own journey with Pride and the experience of being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community is an ever changing thing; last year I started using she/they pronouns and doing drag as I understood my identity and self better, I went to my first Queer event and put more focus into creating more lgbtqia+ content - be that storytelling, crafts, writing or just showing up even louder and prouder on socials.

There can be a sense of needing to have everything together when you're part of the Queer community, of needing to know every answer to every question and to be perfect in your sense of self, to have the ideal blend of sassy and educational response for the moments you face hate and to not let any of it get to you.

You're allowed to let it get to you.

You're allowed to not have all the answers.

You're allowed to change and evolve and ask questions, to discover a new aspect of yourself every week, month, year. Imagine how beautiful that would be to sit with the knowledge you don't know half as much as you will in a year, to see that as an exciting thing to look forward to?

June is a month of celebration and remembrance, of learning about how Pride started and doing our bit to support those most at risk in our community. It's not all rainbows and parades and for so many people this won't be the year they come out, and there is no shame in that. I see you and you are just as valid a part of this beautiful community today as you will be the day you can safely come out.

In a decade we will have more opportunities to shine, more knowledge at our fingertips, more stories all our own, more recognition in the media. You'll be a part of these stories. I'll be a part of these stories.

Until then, here are some of my favourite LGBTQIA+ pieces of media (because damn, aren't we all tired of being recommended "Queer" things only to find out they're either entirely performative or feature the age old "kill your gays" trope?) in case you're after some recommendations!

Stellar Firma, a podcast by Rusty Quill:

I literally finished this last night and I will be dreaming of Bathin Galactonium forever, thank you. About a clone called David 7 and the living nightmare they have to work with by the name of Trexel Geistman. Full of comedy, charm, bewildering planetary building and a heck of a lot of alcohol, it's delightful from start to finish.

Our Flag Means Death, a series:

Queer pirates doing dasterdly and fashionable deeds! And yes, they're actually part of the lgbtqia+ community! And we get multiple kisses! From the multiple Queer couples! This one is a bit of a tearjerker (and really got my eye-phobia screaming), but with a second season coming out soon and the pure joy the community felt upon its release, I can't *not* include it.

The Two Princes, a podcast:

A podcast about adventure, living up to who YOU are, and singing. Also, a dragon? Who's an utter cutie? I made a whole video about this series when I first listened to it and honestly it's time for a relisten. Everyone is adorable and the messages are so beautiful.

Anything and everything by Kay O'Neill:

From Princess Princess to Tea Dragons, Kay weaves stories that are so beautiful you might never want to read anything else. Everytime I pick up one of their books (or games), I am immediately transported to a space of safety and comfort with art and words that are genuinely that special. The Tea Dragon Society will always hold a special place in my heart.

Legends and Lattes, a book by Travis Baldree:

If you were on tiktok when this one came out, you'll know just how wildly beloved it is in the cosy fantasy realm, but it's also hecking QUEER! Soft, sweet, joyous and full of ruddy gorgeous descriptions of food (it's set in a cafe), a tender story of blossoming romance and hope reignited.

Heartstopper:

Webtoon and/or series, this is a fluttery, sweet and honest journey through self discovery that also discusses topics things like mental health, homophobia and eating disorders sensitively and compassionately. The netflix series became a favourite around the world when it came out and with it brought so much joy to members of the lgbtqia+ community, who got to see themselves authentically on screen. For some of us it was bittersweet, witnessing a story of community that we didn't get to experience, but I think we were predominantly united in pure joy for the wonderful story.

Always Human, a webtoon:

This beautiful story is one of thje first webtoons I ever read and it's stayed with me deeply over the years. Following the story of Sunati and Austen, two women living in a futuristic world and falling in love with all the classic steps (I wanted to do something cool there about past and present and it didn't pan out, but just keep reading, it's all fine); the romance is raw and honest and the characters face their ups and downs, this story really shows the importance of communication and identity and it's amazing.

Les Nomaux, a comic series:

I've read this a couple of times and never fail to *adore* it. Paris opens up to magic and monsters- and dating! Such beautiful and diverse representation, I don't recall whether this one had an official ending but from absolutely stunning art to a unique and captivating story, it doesn't disappoint.

Daybreak, a webtoon:

One of my current reads, Daybreak is just ruddy adorable. Two teens become friends and then begin to crush on each other as dates, flirting and karaoke insue. Kindness and confusion, softness and staunch support, it's just a consistent delight.

I've been working on this post for most of the day and, in addition to now needing to reconsume all that glorious queer media, I've also made a decision: from now until the 17th of June, 2024, I'll be watching one lgbtqia+ film each week and reporting back. Lets find some gems, shall we?

Happy pride, my loves. May the rest of this month be educational and inspirational.

Love,

Romi 🌈