The sound of identity
Whatever your entertainment needs, we’ve got you (and hopefully your mind) here for you with Queerty’s weekly Culture Club column featuring some of the highlights of new releases, streaming shows, classics worth revisiting and what to drink while you watch.
The right moment: to change the game
The high-profile documentary chronicling the plight of transgender athletes in the United States finally landed on Hulu this week. Today, it is even more topical today than it was when it debuted on the festival circuit two years ago. Change the game examines how different states are approaching the role of trans athletes in sport. For Mack, a trans man living in Texas, that means competing on the women’s wrestling team. For Andraya, a woman from Vermont, that means running with the girls… and being ridiculed by the crowd. Change the game personalizes the struggles of trans teens in a way never quite seen on film before as it highlights the passion of athletes and the venom they inevitably face. Additionally, at a time when states have started targeting transgender teenage athletes like never before, the film highlights the need for a thoughtful, well-behaved, and scientific discussion of how best to facilitate – and protect – transgender athletes. transgender youth. A film that is both provocative and inspiring, it’s a great way to kick off Pride Month.
Streams on Hulu on June 1.
The art house: the sound of identity
Director James Kicklighter returns with this documentary, his first film in seven years. The sound of identity follows opera singer Lucia Lucas, a transgender woman who lands the title role in a production of Mozart’s Tulsa by Don Giovanni. While the format follows the typical ‘race to opening night’ scenario focusing on the stress of rehearsals on the cast and crew, Kicklighter punctuates this story with Lucas’ own struggles as a married woman and transgender somewhat distant from family. Meanwhile, the Tulsa Opera House struggles to use the notion of opera with a transgender lead as a hook to attract audiences, without standing out as Jerry springer–Style exploitation.
The sound of identity really takes off when he focuses on actress Lucas. Armed with a majestic baritone voice and passionate acting skills, she commands the screen (and stage) with an imposing presence. With a magnificent score of Mozart arias and an immense original talent in its center, The sound of identity acts as a reminder to viewers around the world: what an actor does on stage or on screen has nothing to do with his real life.
Available on request June 1st.
The Guncle-Ready: Madagascar – A bit wild
This animated spin-off of the popular Madagascar The film series returns for a third season this week, bringing with it a welcome queer character. This season features the character Odee (voiced by non-binary actor Ezra Menas), a non-binary okapi (an actual animal that looks like a zebra but is technically a member of the giraffe family) bringing some fabulousness to the zoo. from New York. This season also takes the drastic decision to bring a pride parade into the proceedings, and includes a full song and dance number sung by Menas (whose credits include the upcoming West Side Story and Broadway Little jagged pill). It’s a delightful way to ring in June with the kids, nieces, nephews, or just your toddler.
Streams on Peacock & Hulu May 27.
The Camp Out: Mommie Dearest 40th Anniversary Collector’s Edition
Put away the wire hangers: The “mom” of all camp classics returns this month as a new 40th Anniversary Collector’s Edition Blu-ray set. Chances are, if you are reading this column, you have already seen (and can quote from memory) Dear mom, the unbelievably bad biopic of screen legend Joan Crawford, in which Faye Dunaway doesn’t chew up the scenery as much as she swallows it whole, like a boa constrictor. This new set includes a new 4K restoration of the film, a new commentary by avowed fan and drag queen Hedda Lettuce, a biographical documentary on director Frank Perry, as well as a previously posted commentary by John Waters and several other additional short films. It is a must for Mom hobbyists, Crawford fans, camp goers, or anyone who enjoys a train wreck style campfest.
Available June 1 at Paramount Presents.
The Rock: Melissa Etheridge “One Way Out”
Oscar and Grammy Award-winning lesbian mermaid Melissa Etheridge returns with her latest single this week, a rock ballad and the first single from her upcoming album. Rumor has it, Etheridge actually wrote and recorded “One Way Out” years ago before stumbling across it earlier this year in their archives. The song – which she never released – had some urgency about it now. Hence the new recording. We’re still fans of the hoarse fury of Ms. Etheridge’s vocals, and the return of this tune to some of her early blues work is a welcome addition to her catalog.
Stream on YouTube.
The sip: Rainbow Paradise
Pride month has finally arrived, and this year it looks like we can really celebrate together (once again… vaccinated). As such, we offer you this fruity, fragrant and fun drink that channels a little rainbow magic. There is no doubt that you will be ready to show yours as well.
- 1 oz. grenadine
- 1 C. crushed ice
- 4 oz. pineapple juice
- 2 oz. coconut rum
- 1 oz. the water
- ½ oz. blue curacao
Add grenadine to a storm glass. Mix the pineapple juice, ice and rum separately, then top with grenadine. Mix the water and the curacao, and later on top.
