MUSTS: Read, Watch, See, Listen, GO!

GO’s guide to what not to miss.

MUST SEE:

“3 Generations.” Susan Sarandon plays a lesbian grandmother in this family drama revolving around a teenager’s transition. Controversial for writer/director Gaby Dellal’s choice to cast a cis actress (Elle Fanning) in the role of a young trans man, this film has been delayed in its release and undergone a few name changes, but will finally hit select theaters (for better on worse) this spring. Opens in New York and L.A. May 5.

“Paint it Black.” Amber Tamblyn makes her directorial debut in this punk rock thriller adapted from Janet Fitch’s novel of the same name. Alia Shawkat stars as Josie, a young woman whose boyfriend commits suicide and who later develops a queer relationship with his mother (Janet McTeer). Out actress Emily Rios stars as Josie’s gay best friend, Pen. In theaters May 19.

MUST WATCH:

“The Handmaid’s Tale.” Samira Wiley and Alexis Bledel play pivotal lesbian roles in this incredible adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian sci-fi novel with strong feminist themes. Elisabeth Moss leads a stellar cast in an alternate reality that is almost too close to coming true to be pure entertainment, and the entire series is expertly directed by a woman: filmmaker and cinematographer Reed Morano. On Hulu now.

“Famous In Love.” Bisexual Bella Thorne leads this new soapy series from out “Pretty Little Liars” Executive Producer I. Marlene King about a rising starlet, Paige, who gets cast in her first breakout role while her fellow struggling actress roommate gets left in the shadows. Niki Koss co-stars as Alexis, another actress who is friends with Paige and also has a secret but explicit interest in women. On Freeform now.

MUST GO:

The Lesbian Avengers: 25th Anniversary Exhibition. Relics from the radical lesbian activist group will be on display at Bureau of General Services—Queer Division at the LGBT Center in New York City. Photos, videos, posters and flyers from the Avengers’ time as a functioning group will be accompanied by special events, including appearances from members like Sarah Schulman and co-founder Ana Simo (June 2). On display now through June 4.

Fueling the Frontlines Awards 2017. The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice hosts a very special night honoring activists and cultural change-makers Patrisse Cullors (Black Lives Matter), Jennicet Gutiérrez (Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement), Jorge Ramos (Univision News) and Paola Ramos (Hillary for America). Although based in New York, Astraea is bringing this fundraiser to Los Angeles’s Ace Museum with a high-profile host committee that includes Ilene Chaiken, Ellen Page, Melissa Etheridge and Isis King, just to name a few. May 25.

MUST READ:

Lidia Yuknavitch’s “The Book of Joan.” Best-selling queer writer Lidia Yuknavitch (“The Small Backs of Children”) offers a retelling of Joan of Arc in this highly-anticipated historical sci-fi novel. It’s up to a young woman named Joan to save a fictional world ravaged by war, while also exceeding expectations and boundaries that are set up for women in the world as it exists today. Available now from HarperCollins.

Samantha Irby’s “We Are Never Meeting in Real Life.” The black bisexual blogger’s book of essays is a poignant and hilarious follow-up to her 2013 offering, “Meaty.” With musings on budgets, “The Bachelorette” and bad sex, this collection is as relatable as it is specific to Irby’s own quirky way of thinking about the world. Get a copy of your own and you’ll be in good company: Lindy West and Roxane Gay are fans. Available May 30 from Knopf Doubleday.

MUST LISTEN:

Brandi Carlile’s “Cover Stories.” Out musician and philanthropist Brandi Carlile enlisted 14 other artists to cover some of her most-loved songs, and it’s all to benefit children affected by war. Dolly Parton, Adele, Pearl Jam, the Indigo Girls and Torres are just a few of the names that make this a must-purchase, and all for a good cause. Available May 5.

Beth Ditto’s “Fake Sugar.” Queer vocalist and former Gossip front-woman Beth Ditto is back with an-other solo effort, just in time for summer. If her first single “Fire” is any indication, the album will be the same hybrid of soul-pop and disco-punk that we’ve come to expect from the indie scene star turned fashion icon.  Available June 16 from Capitol Records.


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