TV is killing me this year

My heart has always been broken by TV, but 2016 has been the worst ever!

Lexa dying was the beginning of a movement that was already overdue, but now was desperately needed.

However, my personal heartbreak started with knowing that 'Person of Interest' was cancelled and we only had a brief final season to look forward to. It was - in my opinion - a great final season, given that they had to rush a few things because of the short season.
 

And yes, we did get Shoot, but then we also lost Root and my heart did indeed break many times along the way. 

 
Still, I do love 'Person of Interest' in every way, and if Netflix does a spin-off or continues it in some form, I will definitely be there.

The two heartbreaks that hit even harder were those I really didn't see coming, because they were never warned:

1) Sara Ramirez leaving Grey's Anatomy, which was announced right after the season 12 finale aired.

This means Callie Torres (my spririt animal) will no longer be on my TV. At least not for a while... and I don't know that I want to watch the show without her. Or actually, I do know and I don't really.
We lost a beautiful, bisexual badass woman of color... not many of those on screen. Especially after this first half of 2016.

2) 'Penny Dreadful' being cancelled, which was announced right after the season 3 finale aired.

Especially because it was presented as "the plan all along" which is just plain bullshit. This show had some of the best acting from Eva Green and Billie Piper, who played beautiful and strong women.

In fact, 'Penny Dreadful' was ALL about strong women taking charge and being the real saviours of their own stories.

I mean, you do not see a female character like that every day! Also, Billie Piper did get to kiss another woman (played by Jessica Barden) quite a few times, and they had a deep and very loving relationship, so there's that of course.

So yeah, I'm just all kinds of heartbroken... no more Root, Sameen Shaw, Callie Torres, Vanessa Ives or Lily (Frankenstein, if you will). Who will fill this void?

Sad and heartbroken,
- GayGirl

P.S. Yes, I bingewatched "Orange Is The New Black" which is in a league ALL of it's own, when it comes to heartbreak. Especially at the heels of the Pulse Orlando shooting. But that heartbreak needs a post of its own... if ever I have the heart to write it.

Our hearts are breaking

After having been subjected to watch our LGBT brothers and sisters die on TV week after week, the mass killings in Orlando happened

It's hard not to draw a comparison, since it seems to have been the trope of 2016. "Bury your gays" and "Queer bating" has been in use far more in the first months of this year than the last ten years combined.

 

HeatherHogan has made a list over at Autostraddle, and it is beyond sad to look at this statistic. 

Still, this year just took a reality turn of the truly heartbreaking kind, when 49 LGBT people were brutally murdered at the Pulse night club in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. 

Right in the middle of our people celebrating Pride month.

Words cannot express the heartbreak and sadness, and yet somehow it feels like we've been experiencing this for months already. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to compare fictional characters with real, flesh and blood human beings.

Still, the fact that we've been watching ourselves get killed on screen has had a real impact on flesh and blood human beings all along. Depression, suicide and overall feelings of being worthless have been the very real and dangerous side effects of showing these LGBT characters dying left and right. Often right after finally finding someone to love.

If that's not a sick and twisted way to tell young LGBT people that our "lifestyle choices" come at a price, then I don't know what is!

While we're coming together as a LGBT family, we're also being subjected to having everyone - including those that have never attempted to hide their contempt and hatred of us - stating how awful this is. And yes, it is truly awful, but every single person who has been preaching hatred of LGBT people is part of this tragedy.

 

This Friday, I'm in love with life for those who no longer have one. 

I will stand with my entire LGBT family as I always have... and we need our allies to do the same. Not just when it's trendy or convenient, but every single time someone makes a joke and talks of hatred or disgust for any LGBT person or issue. And the same goes for gender, race, religion, etc.

 

If you're not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem. 

We cannot be nice or pleasant in a world that is still filled with people, who would rather we didn't exist at all.

 

We must be the light in this time of darkness.

Peace and love,

- GayGirl

 

P.S. There's been talk of the killer, Omar Mateen, being a closeted gay man himself, and while I don't know if this is true, I do think it is a beautiful rumor; If you are willing to die to show you hate us, then in death we will make you one of us!

Queerly beloved

Happy Pride everyone of my queerly beloved!

I know, I know, I've already talked about this before, but come on, it's Pride month... I have to mention it yet again.

Statement T-shirts and novelty items (such as an awesome new coffee mug for work or a laptop sleeve to show off) are just my weakness. Well, along with note books!

Anyway, right now, this is my absolute favorite (you can get it here):

Let me tell you, people just can't help but smile, when they see this "Queerly Beloved" statement. And I'm all about bringing smiles to the people. Only light can drive out the dark, so I'm trying to do my part.

Have a beautiful gay - in every sense of the word - day,
- GayGirl

P.S. I also got this... I miss Root way too much!

You can get this one here...

Welcome to the Gun Show - Team Shoot edition!

When it comes to giving a great gun show - both the weapon and the bicep kind - then Sarah Shahi is one to deliver!

I mean, hello...

 

I'm not really into weapons, but Sameen Shaw makes it look so good

Of course, she's not the only one who can rock a weapon

Looking mighty fine with the two guns there, Root!

 Just rocking the two guns like a pro..

Though she absolutely prefers just watching Shaw work

 

And really, they're the perfect gun duo... 

Like a "Four Alarm Fire" indeed

 And you have to love the fact that Sarah Shahi is also a total geek... *swoon*

 

For the record, YES, I did watch the latest episode of Person of Interest and I am in total denial, which is why I like to focus on the good old days.

Stay happy - and in denial - out there,

- GG

Callie Torres is my Spirit Animal

Sara Ramirez is taking a break from Grey's Anatomy, which means no more Callie Torres, so I'm not a happy camper!

Yep, pretty much...

Basically, Callie Torres is my Spirit Animal and Sara Ramirez is just an overall amazing human being, so I'm really not happy that she's taking a break from Grey's Anatomy. Not only because this means no hope for a Calzona reunion anytime soon, but because I'll miss Callie.

The official message from Sara Ramirez' own social media accounts

Officially, it's being called "taking time off", so she's not completely leaving the show for good. And I'm very happy that this is clearly her own choice. But who knows how things will play out with both the show and her own wishes for the future. With no real goodbye or any kind of chance to prepare for this, I've just been sad about it.

My wife actually saw the news first - amazingly enough since I always tend to be with one, who gets the spoilers - and even noted to me later that it clearly took me a few hours to process this information. Now, I feel like I've gone through all the five stages of grief...

 The 1st stage: Denial

The 2nd stage: Anger

  

The 3rd stage: Bargaining 

The 4th stage: Depression 

The 5th stage: Acceptance

Ahh, who am I kidding... Truth is, I'm still in complete denial and haven't watched the last episode of Grey's Anatomy because it also marks the last episode with Callie Torres and Sara Ramirez...

Callie Torres is my Spirit Animal

Yep, that's my way of keeping control: You say I only have one episode left? Well, then I won't watch it till I'm ready. So yeah, I get to decide when it's the last episode for me.


Much love - especially to Sara Ramirez for all she's given us both on screen and off - but not too many smiles right now,
- GayGirl

P.S. This is the latest message from Sara via social media, so maybe we'll have the chance to see her in something else soon. I'm certainly ready to go to New York and watch her on Broadway! Just sayin'...

Spring time is Statement time

I love Spring because - even more so than New Years Eve - it feels like everything is starting over and coming to life again

Also, people are coming out (pun intended) a lot more, and seem more open to both life and other people. Yes, even those of us that are actually pretty introverted!

An all-time favorite!

Also, I love seeing all the FABULOUS statement T-shirts out there, and yes, I do own quite a few of the ones I'm about to share with you.


Like the headline says: Spring time is Statement time... and my statements tend to revolve around LGBT puns and jokes.

There's the plain and simple:

 

Ahh yes, Galpals... ;-)

A little something for a gal's best friend:

And do remember to stay hydrated - maybe while matching your dog's bandana?

How about a little something for being out - or just being an ally - at work?

Ahh yes, Spring time is indeed here... and I'm all about being out and proud. 

And honestly, I love the recognition in the eyes of other queer people (or just the acceptance from anyone really).

Have a great day,
- GayGirl

Happy Friday the 13th

Yeah, I couldn't really do a post today and NOT let it be about this special horror day.

But I'll keep it short and sweet, since I'm just recommending you check out this Top 5 of the best horror short films.


Yep, that's free (and legal) entertainment for you.

You're welcome,
- GayGirl

'Person of Interest' is finally back

And I'm in love with the show all over again

It really couldn't be any other way; It's Friday and I've already stated that I love 'Person of Interest' so all I want to say is this: Watch it! ALL of it. And enjoy!

Here's a trailer for you to get started:



Not only does the show have Root and Shaw, who are played by Amy Acker and Sarah Shahi respectively, the show is also so intelligent and relevant that it should appeal to anyone on multiple levels.

Also, we already know Root and Shaw (or "Shoot") will have some steamy and loving moments this final season...

... so if you're not already on board, you need to get up to speed asap.

Have a great weekend,
- GayGirl

That's Not Us - Quick and Dirty review

Looking for a sweet and realistic little film about relationships, then That's Not Us is just what you need!

Relationships can be hard work, but really, communication is key - and I do say this as someone who has been married for +10 years. Trust me, just talk to each other!

Anyway, That's Not Us focuses on three relationships: On consisting of two women, another consists of two men and then there's a straight couple. Yeah, I know, don't you just love it, when we're the majority!

Oh, and no lesbian dies in this movie... no need to bury your gays in movies made for us!

These three couples are friends because one half of the lesbian couple is best friends with one of the men in the gay couple and the other half of the lesbian couple is the sister of the woman in the straight relationship. Got it?

Yes, the lesbians are at the heart of everything... and they're good at helping everyone else talk about things, but very bad at talking to each other.

In fact, the problem in all three relationships is communication. There's plenty of love, and lots of "I want what's best for you even if it's not what I want".

I don't want to spoil anything (hence the "quick and dirty" review), but I will say this: That's Not Us is a wonderful and sweet FEEL-GOOD movie... with some pretty steamy scenes. You feel me?! ;-)

Here's the trailer for it:
Directed by William Sullivan, who also co-wrote the script with Derek Dodge, the movie stars Elizabeth Gray (Liz) and Nicole Pursell (Jackie) as the lesbian couple, David Rysdahl (Spencer) and  Mark Berger (James) as the gay couple and finally Tommy Nelms (Dougie) and Sarah Wharton (Alex) as the straight couple.

And also, for good measure, this is the official storyline synopsis:

Three twenty-something couples – gay, lesbian and straight – travel to an upstate New York beach house to enjoy the last days of summer, but what was meant to be a fun, carefree retreat transforms into an intimate exploration of sex and commitment. Moment-to-moment, relationships are tested as tensions between the couples and friends begin to simmer. THAT’S NOT US is a romantic comedy that questions what it takes to sustain a healthy long-term partnership. While gender and sexuality may vary, the struggles to make love last do not.

Strand Releasing is distributing, which is always a good thing in my book. Click this link to head on over to the official page at their website.

Look at those happy lesbians not dying!

For the record: No, I'm not getting paid to write about this movie... Wifey and I just saw the film on Netflix this past weekend and loved it.

Loving the LGBT love,
- GayGirl

I just love this Liberal Redneck

Don't you just love it, when someone words what you've been thinking? Thank you, Liberal Redneck. 

Liberal Redneck is the BEST and - for once - I'll just let someone else rant on. Especially because I agree with every word he says!


Okay, I do have to share just one quote from the video with you:

"... because like most things that disgust you, you lack the capacity to understand it. You know, [like] homos, algebra... shit like that!" 

That's right, he said it! Thank you, Liberal Redneck. Just... thank you!

To whoever is reading this; I hope you have a beautiful and safe day!

Much love,
- GayGirl

Jena Malone and Elle Fanning get together in new movie

There's a new trailer out for the movie 'The Neon Demon' by Danish director, Nicolas Winding Refn (he made 'Drive' starring Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan).

This time around the star is Elle Fanning, but also Keanu Reeves, Christina Hendricks and Jena Malone star in the movie.

Especially interesting - for those of us with rainbow vision and searching for anything LGBT inclusive - is the brief glimpse of what looks like a sex scene (or the beginning of one anyway) between Elle Fanning and Jena Malone.

The trailer is here:


Have a great Friday,
- GG

Not all LGBT representation is created equal

LGBT representation is so very important, but not all representation is created equal and right now we're seeing ourselves killed (often even murdered) in TV shows on an almost weekly basis.

That's why I'd like to - once again, yes, I know - celebrate the horror genre, where we might die as well, but we seem to have much better odds.

Right now Heather Langenkamp - one of the biggest horror icons ever since the 80's where she starred in 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' - is playing one half of a lesbian married couple in the indie horror movie 'Home'.

Just a sweet and loving married couple in a horror movie

Her wife is played by Samantha Mumba, who many will know as a singer (I sure did!) even though she's primarily been acting for the past many years.

I read a review over at my favorite horror website Heaven of Horror and it sounds like an almost picture perfect example of good LGBT representation. You can read the review here!

I've already seen it and it's a pretty good ghost story... plus, if you love horror, then it's always great to see Heather Langenkamp again.

Freddy Krueger wanted Nancy (Heather Langenkamp)
in a bad way in 'A Nightmare On Elm Street'

The movie is out On Demand now, so if you're in the mood for some horror tonight and still want a bit of gay action - so to speak - then this is a pretty safe pick.

Have a beautiful weekend,
- GG

P.S. I got tired of calling every single Friday segment "Friday I'm In Love" in the title, so now you can just follow the tags instead. I'll still use "FIIL" or "Friday I'm In Love".

Wonder Woman is the BEST thing about Batman v Superman

And everybody is saying the same damn thing, so it's not just gay ol' me.

If you haven't already watched "Batman v Superman" then you've probably at least heard the hype that Wonder Woman is the best thing about this film... and it's true. Very true!

Gal Gadot is Wonder Woman

Now we'll all just have to wait until June 23, 2017 for the Wonder Woman movie, but it should be well worth the wait since the cast is nothing short of stellar. 

The cast of the Wonder Woman (2017) movie

The bad-ass Amazonian women, who raised the warrior princess, are portrayed by the following amazing women: Connie Nielsen is her mother, Queen Hippolyta, and her two aunts who taught her how to fight are played by Robin Wright as General Antiope while Lisa Loven Kongsli is Antiope's lieutenant, Menalippe. 


I am loving how Robin Wright's career as a fierce woman has evolved since House of Cards started, so let's just take another look at her character... I mean "WOW!"

Robin Wright as General Antiope

Oh yeah, and Chris Pine is also starring as Wonder Woman's sidekick, Steve Trevor. But honestly, we're all too excited about these amazing warrior women to really care about him right now.

And Gal Gadot is already saying all the right things about how important this character is, because representation matters:

This is SO important!

And this is equally important!

This Friday, I'm in love with the superhero women everywhere,
- GayGirl