Nichelle Nichols: Woman on the Move
Whatever your entertainment needs, we’ve got you (and hopefully your mind) back with Queerty’s weekly ‘Culture Club’ column featuring some of the highlights from new releases, streaming shows, classics to. review and what to drink while you watch.
Kick-off: Frankie Grande’s Rainbowthon
Los Angeles Pride may not have its festival this year (thanks again, COVID), but thank goodness for Rainbowthon, the live concert to start the party from your home. This special event, sponsored by the LA Gay & Lesbian Center, will feature special appearances and live performances by Alexandra Billings, Shoshana Bean, Alyson Stoner, Laith Ashley, JoJo Siwa and Jewel. And, of course, count on host Frankie Grande to get in on the shenanigans. Best of all, viewers can donate to help the Gay & Lesbian Center and all of the queer programs of all ages it serves. It’s a great, and philanthropic, way to start Pride Season.
Airs June 3 at 6 p.m. PST on rainbowthon.org.
The Inspirer: Nichelle Nichols – Woman on the Move
Queer sci-fi fans already know: Few icons dominate the stature of Nichelle Nichols, the chic and ripped bombshell actress known for playing Lt. Uhura in Star Trek. Few fans are also likely familiar with his work as a NASA spokesperson and the far-reaching effect of his work as a recruiter for the agency. Nichols made it her goal to reach women and people of color when she took the job in 1977, ultimately attracting 8,000 African-American, Asian and Latino people to the agency. This includes Sally Ride, Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, as well as Christa McAuliffe, who died in the Challenger disaster. With in-depth interviews with Nichols discussing the influence of Hiking, Civil rights activism and its role in bringing diversity to space, moving woman argues that Nichols is more than just an actress or an icon, he is an unsung hero in real life.
Airing on Paramount + on June 3.
Reading: Doubting Thomas
via YouTube
Queer author Matthew Davison is releasing his long-awaited novel, a review of Cancel Culture, #MeToo, gender roles and homophobia this week. Doubt Thomas follows the story of Thomas, an openly gay teacher at a prestigious elementary school. Thomas finds his life in chaos when a student falsely accuses him of improper touching and struggles to endure the fallout. Call it an update to Lilian Helman’s classic Children’s hour—one who asks serious questions about gender, race, class, and politics, and one smart enough to raise those questions in the first place.
On sale June 8.
The Jam: “Pixelated Love” by Brandon Anderson
Maybe we’re just crazy and looking for some pride action, but we can’t escape the overwhelming urge to dance a little. As a accompaniment, singer Brandon Anderson’s new electro-pop dance track “Pixelated Love” sounds just perfect. The song draws a romantic connection to the digital landscape, capturing the longing for human contact that many of us feel, with or without a pandemic to interfere. As we all rush to dance in the sun once more (completely vaxxed, natch), we recommend playing it at maximum volume… especially with someone to have sex with nearby.
The Sweet: “Nothing But The Love” by Wrabel
Queer ballad king Wrabel is releasing his latest track this week, another moving ode to love and the inspiring power he has over lovers. Wrabel’s pop voice this time around proves he can buckle up (or even slip away) with people like Sam Smith or Rufus Wainwright (more on him in a second). Plus, her simple lyrics capture the painful joy of being in love and wanting to be a better person for it. Note to the radio gods: Wrabel is ready to conquer the Top 40.
Feed on YouTube.
Dance: Technopera feat. “Ampersounds” by Rufus Wainwright
For a sweet and sexy jam ready for dance, don’t miss this new collaboration between electronica artists Technopera and the always wonderful Rufus Wainwright. “Ampersounds” combines synthwave pop with a sexy dance rhythm that immediately made us want to let go. Add to that the silky bass of Wainwright’s vocals, and we have immediate flashes of a sultry night on the dance floor. With COVID-19 on the decline, we’re putting this (in addition to visiting a sultry dance venue) at the top of our reading list.
Feed on YouTube.
The sip: the Moonwalk
In honor of Nichelle Nichols and her contribution to NASA, we suggest this week’s sip: The Moonwalk. A tangy, exotic and sparkling concoction, you’ll be taking off in no time.
- 1 ounce fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 ounce Orange liqueur
- Shoot the rose water
- Champagne or sparkling wine
Combine the juice, orange liqueur and rose water in a flute glass. Garnish with champagne.
