Looking for things to do, see, listen to and learn during Pride month? Take a look at the recommendations from the chairs of our Pride Network here at Goodman Masson, Ashley and Sophie.
Books:
Cheer The F**k Up! By Jack Rooke:“I personally recommend this book, which combines wit, 00s pop culture, and deep emotion. Prepare to be captivated from start to finish. It’s the only book which I can say I read entirely in one sitting. If you enjoy it, I highly recommend watching the Channel 4 TV show ‘Big Boys,’ loosely based on Jack’s personal coming-out experience.” – Sophie
The Transgender Issue by Shon Faye: In this powerful book, Shon Faye reclaims the idea of the ‘transgender issue,’ shedding light on what it truly means to be trans in a transphobic society. Faye offers a compelling analysis of various aspects of trans lives, from youth to old age, covering work, family, housing, healthcare, the prison system, and trans participation in LGBTQ+ and feminist communities, both in Britain and beyond.
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo: This captivating novel is a must-read for anyone interested in LGBTQIA+ narratives. Spanning generations and locations, the book follows twelve diverse characters as they embark on personal journeys through the last hundred years. Each character seeks something vital, be it a shared past, an unexpected future, and a sense of belonging.
TV shows:
Heartstopper: This one is sure to tug on those heartstrings and make you all warm and fuzzy. It’s a tv show on Netflix that most of all the LGBTQ+ community can relate to. The central theme of Heartstopper is the challenges of coming out and how someone with an attraction to people of the same sex comes to develop self-acceptance in a world of judgment and beratement.
It’s a sin: A real tear-jerker that’s beautifully written and produced. It’s a Sin is a British drama miniseries. Set in London between 1981 and 1991, it depicts the lives of a group of gay men and their friends during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the United Kingdom
Queer Eye: An amazing show on Netflix that follows the fab 5 as they travel across the world and improve the lives of deserving and unsuspecting guests on their show. It’s one that will make you laugh, love and cry, and is completely binge-worthy.
Podcasts:
I’m Grand Mam: Join Kevin and PJ, two hilarious gay men from Cork in Ireland, living in London, as they navigate through life with wit and humour. This uplifting podcast is guaranteed to make you burst out laughing, even on your daily commute. There’s even an episode featuring Paul Mescal if there are any Normal People enthusiasts at GM!
Making Gay History: Take a journey through history as host Eric Marcus, author of the book “Making Gay History,” presents exclusive interviews, his own storytelling, and archival footage. Discover the remarkable stories of LGBTQ+ icons who paved the way from 1945 onwards.
The Things That Made Me Queer: Crystal from Drag Race UK hosts this podcast, where she sits down with celebrity guests and friends to explore the touchpoints of their queer journeys through the items they bring to the studio. Notable guests include Jake Shears from the Scissor Sisters and Omari Douglas from “It’s A Sin.”
Movies:
Love Simon: A complete rollercoaster and an amazing watch. It follows 17-year-old Simon Spier. He hasn’t told his family or friends that he’s gay, and he doesn’t know the identity of the anonymous classmate that he’s fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing.
Boys Don’t Cry: Filmed in 1999, the film is a dramatization of the real-life story of Brandon Teena (played by Hilary Swank), an American trans man who attempts to find himself and love in Nebraska but falls victim to a brutal hate crime perpetrated by two male acquaintances. The film co-stars Chloë Sevigny as Brandon’s girlfriend, Lana Tisdel.
The Birdcage: A lighthearted romantic comedy. The Birdcage is an English-language remake of the 1978 Franco-Italian film La Cage aux Folles and the musical of the same name. The film handles the conflict between conservatives and the queer community and does so gracefully, utilising humour to ease tensions.
Events:
Pride’s Got Talent: Witness the culmination of months of live heats across London as five music finalists and five cabaret finalists compete to be crowned the winner of Pride’s Got Talent 2022. Join the group from GM heading to this event on the 27th! Contact Sophie or Ashley if you’re interested in joining.
Pride Parade 2023: On July 1st, join over 500 groups and 30,000+ participants as they march from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall Place in the iconic Pride in London Parade. This iconic event is not one to miss.
La Cage Aux Folles: Immerse yourself in the outrageously funny play that provides a glimpse into the nightlife of St. Tropez. Follow nightclub owner Georges and his partner Albin, known for their fabulous shows. The real excitement begins when Georges’ son announces his engagement to the daughter of a right-wing politician determined to shut down the town’s nightlife. Catch this show at Regents Park Open Air Theatre from July 29th.
Brokeback Mountain: Experience the play adaptation of the hit movie starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. Running at Soho Place until August 12th, this emotional journey is bound to tug at your heartstrings. Don’t forget to bring tissues!
If you would like to learn more about our approach to Diversity, Inclusion & Respect, please visit our D&I page!
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