Wordless Wednesday – Double Rainbow
Wordless Wednesday – Double Rainbow Read Post »
Rewatching an Old Favorite — Why “Latter Days” Still Hits Different After All These Years
So I had this random urge to revisit “Latter Days” the other night, This gem actually came out in 2003 and quickly became one of my favorite films. This is a beautiful mess of a film that somehow manages to be heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time.
I’ll be real with you – I went into this rewatch expecting it to feel dated or cheesy, but damn if it didn’t grab me by the feelings again. The whole thing revolves around Christian, this party boy living in West Hollywood who’s basically the human equivalent of a glitter bomb. Steve Sandvoss plays Aaron, one of the Mormon missionaries who moves in next door, and honestly, the chemistry between these two just jumps off the screen in the most unexpected way.
What gets me every single time is how the movie doesn’t paint anyone as completely good or evil, you know? Christian starts out as this shallow club kid who makes a bet with his friends about seducing one of the missionaries. It sounds gross when I put it like that, but Wes Ramsey brings this vulnerability to the character that makes you root for him even when he’s being awful. And Aaron? He’s not just some naive religious boy—Sandvoss gives him this quiet strength that builds throughout the film.
The supporting cast is pretty solid too. Joseph Gordon-Levitt has this tiny role as a hustler, and even though he’s barely in it, he leaves an impression. Jacqueline Bisset shows up as Christian’s boss at the restaurant, and she’s got this world-weary wisdom thing going on that I absolutely love. But honestly, it’s Mary Kay Place as Aaron’s mother that just destroys me every time. That woman can say more with a look than most actors can with a whole monologue.
What I appreciate about this movie is how it doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of faith and sexuality colliding. Director C. Jay Cox doesn’t give us easy answers, and some of the religious stuff might make you squirm—but that’s kinda the point? The whole excommunication subplot is brutal to watch, especially knowing that this stuff happens to real people every day.
The pacing feels a bit uneven in places, I’ll admit. There are moments where it drags, and some of the dialogue gets a little preachy. But then you get these absolutely gorgeous quiet moments between Christian and Aaron that just hit you right in the chest. That scene where they’re talking on the roof? Pure magic.
Here’s something wild I learned while looking this up again—the movie was actually banned from playing in Salt Lake City when it first came out because of its content. According to The Salt Lake Tribune, several theater chains refused to show it, which is both infuriating and sadly not surprising. You can check out their coverage from back then if you want to dive deeper into that particular drama.
I think what makes this movie stick with me is how it captures that feeling of discovering parts of yourself you didn’t know existed. Both Christian and Aaron go through these massive transformations, but they feel earned rather than forced. It’s messy and imperfect, just like real life.
And OMG…that ending! But I shall not say more lest I venture into spoiler territory.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, 100%. Is it perfect? Not even close. But sometimes the flawed movies are the ones that end up meaning the most to us.
Nick’s Awakening is the first book in my Ghost Oracle series and follows a teen boy who reads Tarot cards, receives visions and sees ghosts. Follows his adventures as he tries to help the spirits that come to him: https://buff.ly/3R31RCV
When Life Doesn’t Give You Doors, Grab a Hammer
So I’ve been thinking about this Milton Berle quote lately: “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” And honestly? It hits different when you’ve actually lived it, you know? Like, really lived it with all the messy, terrifying, exhilarating parts that come with telling the traditional career path to take a hike.
I realized pretty early in my working life that I absolutely despised having bosses. I mean, loathed it with the fire of a thousand suns. There’s something soul-crushing about sitting in a beige cubicle, watching the clock tick toward 5 PM while someone else decides your worth and your schedule. The fluorescent lights buzzing overhead, the mandatory team-building exercises, the passive-aggressive emails about proper microwave etiquette in the break room. Ugh. Just thinking about it makes my skin crawl.
The thing is, I knew I couldn’t spend my entire adult life feeling like I was slowly dying inside every Monday morning. So I did what any reasonable person with a healthy dose of stubborn determination would do – I built not one, but two doors. First came my wedding officiating business, which was honestly a blast while it lasted. There’s something magical about being part of people’s happiest moments, even if you do retire from it eventually. Then came my computer courseware company, which became my main gig for many years and my ticket to freedom.
Was it scary? Absolutely terrifying. Did I have moments where I questioned my sanity? Daily, for the first few months. But you know what felt scarier? The thought of spending decades trapped in someone else’s vision of what my life should look like.
But let’s be real here – entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone, and I totally get that. Some people break out in a legitimate cold sweat at the thought of not having that reliable Friday paycheck landing in their account like clockwork. Benefits packages, paid time off, the security of knowing exactly how much money will be there next month – these aren’t small things. They’re huge, life-changing things that affect everything from your ability to get a mortgage to your peace of mind when you’re trying to fall asleep at night.
I have friends who thrive in corporate environments. They love the structure, the clear hierarchies, the defined roles and responsibilities. They find comfort in knowing exactly what’s expected of them and when their next performance review will happen. And honestly? Good for them. Seriously. The world needs people who can work within existing systems and make them better.
But for those of us who feel like we’re slowly suffocating in traditional work environments, Milton Berle’s words ring true. Sometimes you have to create your own opportunities because the ones that exist just don’t fit who you are or what you need.
The door-building process isn’t pretty, by the way. It involves a lot of late nights, financial uncertainty, and moments where you wonder if you’ve made a terrible mistake. I remember sitting at my kitchen table at 2 AM, working on course materials while wondering if I’d ever make enough money to justify the stress I was putting myself (and my spouse) through. But then I’d think about my old cubicle, and suddenly the kitchen table felt like paradise.
What I discovered is that being your own boss doesn’t mean you don’t have a boss – it just means your boss is every single customer or client you serve. In some ways, that’s more pressure. In other ways, it’s incredibly liberating because you’re building something that reflects your values and your vision.
The best part? When things go well, you get to take credit for your own success. When they go poorly, you get to learn from your mistakes without someone else’s interpretation clouding the lessons. Every decision, every pivot, every small victory belongs to you.
So whether you’re dreaming of starting your own business, changing careers, going back to school, or just making any kind of change that feels impossible – remember that sometimes the door you need doesn’t exist yet. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. It just means you get to design exactly the kind of door you want to walk through.
P.S. If you’re thinking about building your own door, start small. Test your ideas. Talk to people. And remember that every successful entrepreneur started with that same terrifying first step into the unknown.
Anaconda! is a ghost story where a teenage boy encounters the ghost of an angry solder who doesn’t realize he’s dead: Anaconda! https://books2read.com/u/mV6y2A
When Life Doesn’t Give You Doors, Grab a Hammer Read Post »
Why Reddit Is My Favorite Corner of the Internet (And No, It’s Not That Kind of Social Media)
So, I’ve mentioned before that I’ve kinda bailed on most social media platforms (though recently, I’ve discovered BlueSky and I’m semi-obsessed). You might remember me ranting about the endless scrolling, the algorithm doom spiral, and the fact that I was basically stalking people I haven’t seen since middle school. But Roger, you might be thinking, isn’t Reddit social media? And honestly, maybe? Or maybe not? It’s like Schrödinger’s cat of internet platforms. Reddit’s technically a massive collection of forums, and really, that feels more like chilling in a library with a bunch of different club meetings happening around you than anything else.
I think the best part is that there’s a forum (or subreddit, if we wanna be fancy about it) for literally any interest you might have. Seriously, if you love Labradors, there’s a subreddit full of people posting pics of chonky lab pups living their best lives. Into playing cards? Yup, you got your r/playingcards subreddit ready with people discussing rare decks like they’re sports cars. Obsessed with credit card rewards? You bet there’s a group of folks in r/creditcards, plotting how to max out those sweet cashback points. It’s a little wild how niche it gets. Like the other day, I stumbled upon a subreddit all about sharpening knives. Knives! (Apparently, it’s a whole vibe.) And beyond that, you can even find local communities—cities like Milwaukee or Chicago have their own subreddits, and heck, even whole states do. It’s like the internet’s equivalent of a community potluck; everyone brings something to the table, even if it’s just memes.
So, I’m not hanging out on r/pics waiting for someone to “like” my selfie (because, shockingly, I’m way past my selfie phase—I think). No, I’m over here searching things like, “Kobo ereader Reddit” or “Best post-shave balm Reddit” because seriously, when Google throws up nothing but sponsored reviewers trying to sell me stuff, Reddit is like a breath of fresh, unsponsored air. I just want to know if that Kobo is gonna feel like holding a tiny paperback in my hands or if it’s gonna make me long for the smell of bookshop dust. Is that too much to ask? And I’ll tell you what: Reddit doesn’t try to sell me $1,000 headphones I didn’t ask for, so it’s already earned major points with me.
It’s wild how Reddit has actually become part of how I search for things. Try it. Google anything—anything at all—and slap “Reddit” at the end of your search. Boom. You’ve unlocked a portal to real people’s real experiences, with zero immediate pop-ups asking you to subscribe to insert tech blog that you’ve never heard of. Honestly, it’s kinda refreshing not having an algorithm shove carefully curated (and sometimes suspiciously sponsored) content down your throat. You just wade into whatever topic you’re curious about and see what other folks have to say. Does it require an occasional grain of salt? Sure. But hey, Reddit’s kinda like scouring the world’s most eccentric public library—some days you find treasure, other days… well, let’s just say r/conspiracy theories exists for better or worse.
But okay, disclaimer: I get dangerously sucked in sometimes. Like, you’ll think you’re just dipping your toe in on a quick search, and suddenly it’s three hours later, and you’re on page 7 of a thread about whatever niche thing you’d never even thought about till now. One moment you’re reading honest reviews of an e-reader, next you’re 60 comments deep in some dude’s account of how his Roomba staged an uprising. Time? What is time on Reddit? So yeah, just saying, proceed with caution—Reddit is both the savior of your Google searches and the black hole you never see coming until it’s already eaten your afternoon. Yup, sounds fun, right?
I guess the “secret sauce” is that Reddit is this mishmash of education and entertainment. You’re learning stuff (the other day I learned that sloths actually poop only once a week, and admittedly that’s a weird thing to know), but it’s also, let’s be real—like super binge-able. One second you’re the responsible adult, researching real estate advice, then wham, you’re laughing at a meme about capybaras in hats. Seriously… capybaras! Why are they so chill all the time?
This whole “subscription” thing is genius, too. Not in the money-sucking, algorithm-feeding, soul-draining way that other platforms do. Nope. On Reddit, you subscribe to forums—or subreddits—that actually interest you, and suddenly your feed is filled with discussions, links, memes, and rants all tailored to whatever niche you’re vibing with at the moment. Checking out a new city? There are subreddits for that. I’m not even kidding, r/Milwaukee is a legit community where locals talk about my fair city’s best spots or complain about the weather (classic, right?). Add in a subreddit for Chicago, Wisconsin as a whole, heck even Lasagna probably has its own corner. There’s legit space for everything here.
Anyway, if you haven’t tried appending “Reddit” to your searches, I low-key challenge you to give it a go. It changes the game! Plus, there’s something unique about knowing you’re digging into thoughts from fellow internet adventurers, rather than getting spoon-fed by SEO-optimized, commercially-driven content. I’m forever grateful to those random humans typing away on long threads, especially at 3 AM when I’m deciding between two air fryers.
And hey, maybe the next time you get “lost” in Reddit-land, you’ll discover something that’s unexpectedly useful! Or at least get hot takes on the latest mediocre Netflix show. We can dream.
Until next time (maybe tomorrow?)…safe scrolling… and, uh, don’t blame me when the hours disappear.
Weekly Roundup for July 5, 2025
I’ve decided to bring back my Weekly Roundup. For those new around here, the weekly round up is a blog post every Saturday where I chat about any updates and include links to things I shared on social media during the week. A lot of those posts are about the craft of writing but there are some about queer cinema, queer novels and whatever caught my fancy for that week.
So, here’s what’s been going on in my writing cave (which is really just my kitchen table, but let’s pretend there’s more mystery and less leftover coffee). I’m deep in the middle of my Detective Noir series, and honestly? Things are heating up. We’re talking late-night typing sessions, whispered threats in alleyways, suspicious dames, and enough trench coats to clothe an entire jazz band. I’ve been making HUGE progress, like, “someone give me a trophy shaped like a fedora” kind of progress.
And because apparently I don’t know how to sit still, I also started working on a short story featuring Nick Michelson. You remember Nick—ghost-seeing, emotionally-damaged, way-too-curious-for-his-own-good Nick. Yeah, well. That “short story” had other ideas. It looked me dead in the eye and said, “Sir, I am a novella.” And I just kind of shrugged and said okay, because that’s the way I roll. Short stories? Apparently not in this house (except for my weekly newsletter that is).
Alright, I’m off to go wrangle some plot twists and probably let a ghost or two cause chaos. More updates soon—unless I get possessed by one of my characters, which honestly feels like a real possibility at this point.
Oh, and while I have your attention – have you checked out “The Golem’s Guardian” yet? If you haven’t gotten your hands on a copy, you can snag one HERE. I’m still pretty excited about how that one turned out.
By the way, I also send out a weekly newsletter where I chat about my upcoming releases, offer discounts, and other related goodies. Plus you’ll receive a free short story in your inbox every week. So if you wish to receive it, you can subscribe HERE.
Some Things I Thought Were Worth Sharing
My writers friends may find this of value: When the Second Draft Feels Like a Step Back https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/06/when-the-second-draft-feels-like-a-step-back/
What the first film to say “gay” tells us about Hollywood’s queer-coded history—& Cary Grant’s sexuality https://www.queerty.com/what-the-first-film-to-say-gay-tells-us-about-hollywoods-queer-coded-history-and-cary-grants-sexuality-20250623/
I need to start watching this — Playing Roque Was Personal: Agustín Della Corte Opens Up About ‘Olympo’ https://gayety.com/agustin-della-corte-pressure-power-pride-olympo
Did you know there was a Queer-led Skincare Brand? Queer-Led Skincare Brand Grimoire Launches Just in Time for Pride Month https://gayety.com/queer-led-skincare-brand-grimoire-launches-just-in-time-for-pride-month
Guess which major US airport could be the first in the world to have its own gay bar? https://www.queerty.com/guess-which-major-us-airport-could-be-the-first-in-the-world-to-have-its-own-gay-bar-20250620/
Strange Moments From Victorian Times That Still Fascinate Us Today https://www.boredpanda.com/interesting-victorian-era-photos-msn/
Historic Photos That Show People Had More Class In The Past https://www.boredpanda.com/classy-vintage-style-historic-photos-msn/
My author friends might find this article of interest: Two Questions to Ask for Stronger Character Goals and Motivations http://blog.janicehardy.com/2014/01/two-questions-to-ask-for-stronger.html
An article for my writer friends about secondary characters: Secondary Characters: All the Fun, a Lot Less Work https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/05/secondary-characters-all-the-fun-a-lot-less-work/
If you’re a writer and work with an editor, you may find this of interest: How to Prepare Your Manuscript for a Developmental Edit https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/06/how-to-prepare-your-manuscript-for-a-developmental-edit/
Just for fun (and a bit of cuteness): Paw-Some Dog Photos https://www.boredpanda.com/best-dog-photos-community/
Just for fun: “Today Vs The Good Old Days”: 23 Things That Changed And You Decide – For Better Or For Worse https://www.boredpanda.com/then-vs-now-poll/
A helpful article on book marketing: What I’ve Learned Disrupting Book Marketing Venue by Venue https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/06/what-ive-learned-disrupting-book-marketing-venue-by-venue/
In case you missed it — Agustín Della Corte plays a gay rugby star with secrets—& muscles—to spare in ‘Olympo’ https://www.queerty.com/agustin-della-corte-plays-a-gay-rugby-star-with-secrets-muscles-to-spare-in-olympo-20250620/
Kit Williamson keeps getting queer stories out there in ‘Unconventional’ ways https://www.queerty.com/kit-williamson-keeps-getting-queer-stories-out-there-in-unconventional-ways-20250622/
A Touch of Cedar — A ghost in the present….a murder in the past…a time-traveling adventure: Marek puts on an old suit he finds in the attic & is transported back to the year 1870 where he has to solve a 150-year-old murder.
Weekly Roundup for July 5, 2025 Read Post »
Sunscreen & Sand – Queer Books to Devour at the Beach (Or Your Couch with a Margarita)
Okay, so there is nothing quite like stretching out on a beach towel that’s slowly being colonized by sand, your sunglasses slipping down your sweaty nose, and losing yourself in a queer book that makes you laugh-snort into your iced latte or quietly sob into your watermelon chunks. If you’re anything like me, beach reads should be a little salty, a little sweet, maybe slightly chaotic, and full of feelings. Preferably gay ones.
So, I’ve gathered a delightful stack of queer reads that are perfect for poolside lounging, ocean breeze daydreaming, or even hiding in the shade pretending you don’t hate the sun. (You’re not alone, I see you.) Let’s go:
1. One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
Okay, if you’ve been anywhere near queer BookTok, you’ve heard of this one. But it deserves the hype. Imagine meeting a mysterious, gorgeous girl on the subway only to find out… she’s displaced in time from the 1970s and can’t leave the train. August, our sarcastic, somewhat cynical protagonist, sets out to solve the mystery and gets a big ol’ dose of queer community and found family along the way. Bonus: pancakes, drag queens, and a lot of longing looks in fluorescent subway lighting.
2. Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Historical lesbian drama? Say no more. This is set in 1950s San Francisco (cue smoky jazz and neon lights) and follows Lily Hu, a Chinese-American teen who stumbles upon a lesbian bar and, well, kind of stumbles into herself. It’s gorgeously written, layered with identity, politics, and culture—and yes, it might break your heart a little. In a good, cathartic way. Like that one time you cried into your snorkel.
3. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Yeah, I know McQuiston is on this list twice, but this book is basically a queer romcom smoothie and I’m not gonna apologize. The First Son of the United States falls in love with Prince Henry of England. It’s charming, ridiculous, full of political banter, spicy texts, and fake friendships-turned-real-love (and the movie is just as good!). Take this one to the beach and prepare to grin like a fool. Just watch out for seagulls. They judge.
4. She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
If you like your beach reads with a dash of dynasty takeovers and gender rebellion, this one’s for you. It’s a reimagining of the rise of the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty—except in this version, the “he” is actually a girl who assumes her dead brother’s identity to escape famine and become something… greater. It’s sweeping, brutal, tender, and very queer. A perfect blend of historical fantasy and existential thirst.
5. Nevada by Imogen Binnie
This one hits differently. A trans woman named Maria, living in New York, goes on a very not-so-typical road trip after breaking up with her girlfriend and, basically, spirals a bit. It’s messy. It’s raw. It’s super smart and darkly funny and kind of like having a conversation with that one brutally honest friend who doesn’t sugarcoat anything but still hugs you after. If you like your beach reads with bite, this one’s a winner.
6. The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles
Regency romance, but gay. And with smugglers! This one has a sunshine/grump pairing, a moody marshland setting (very aesthetic), secret identities, and illicit midnight meetings. There’s real emotional depth here, alongside the dashing escapades and slow-burning desire. Warning: you will end up swooning, and possibly googling “how to run away with a smuggler.”
7. You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
Is it queer? Yes. Is it messy? Extremely. Is it sexy, heartbreaking, lush, and chaotic in all the best summer read ways? Also yes. Feyi is an artist who’s grieving and trying to figure out who she is, and the story explores love, healing, bisexuality, and complicated relationships in a totally addictive way. Like emotional sunscreen: necessary and a little stinging.
8. Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
Another Emezi gem, but this one’s different—dreamier, stranger. It’s technically YA, but don’t let that fool you. It’s about a trans girl named Jam who lives in a supposedly utopian world where monsters no longer exist… until one shows up. It’s short but haunting, and there’s something beautiful about reading this one under a bright blue sky, feet buried in the sand, while contemplating justice and truth.
9. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
If you’re in the mood for a hilarious and heartwarming rom-com, look no further than Boyfriend Material. The book follows Luc, a very awkward, very single man who’s forced to pretend to be in a relationship with the grumpy, enigmatic Oliver to improve his reputation. It’s filled with witty dialogue, funny moments, and, of course, some adorable romance. It’s a perfect read for when you need a light, yet satisfying story with a bit of emotional depth. Trust me, you’ll root for these two from start to finish.
10. Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden
This one is a bit of a classic in the queer literature world. Though it’s a bit older, it still holds up as a sweet and heartfelt coming-of-age story. The book follows Liza and Annie, two teenage girls who fall in love while navigating the complexities of friendship, family, and self-identity. It’s one of the first mainstream YA novels to feature a positive portrayal of a lesbian relationship, and its tenderness and innocence still resonate today. While it focuses on a female-male romance, it’s still a great pick for anyone looking for representation of love in all its forms.
11. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Okay, Simon might be a little bit YA, but it’s too good to leave off this list. Simon Spier is a high school junior who’s secretly gay—until his secret is almost exposed when his flirtatious emails to another closeted boy, Blue, are discovered. The book is funny, witty, and relatable, with a romance that’ll make you feel all the butterflies. If you haven’t seen the movie adaptation, definitely add that to your list too, but trust me, the book is where all the magic happens.
12. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
If you want something that’ll make you cry for days, A Little Life is your book. This is an incredibly intense and heartbreaking novel that follows four friends, focusing particularly on Jude, a man with a traumatic past who struggles with self-worth and identity. It’s a powerful exploration of friendship, trauma, love, and healing, but be prepared for an emotional journey. While it’s deeply heavy, it’s also beautifully written, with intricate relationships and characters you won’t easily forget. Just keep the tissues nearby.
13. The Lover’s Dictionary by David Levithan
Levithan is no stranger to queer love stories, and this novel is one of his most charming. Told through the format of a dictionary, it explores a relationship between two men through a series of definitions—each word shedding light on their evolving love story. It’s quirky, sweet, and introspective, and each page feels like it has a little nugget of wisdom or emotion packed into it. It’s short enough to read in one sitting (you know, if you’re on a beach and don’t want to get distracted by the waves).
14. Surrender Your Sons by Adam Sass
For a little bit of suspense, a bit of danger, and some serious character growth, Surrender Your Sons is a high-stakes, thrilling read. The story follows Connor, a gay teenager who’s sent to a “conversion therapy” camp in a remote, tropical setting. What follows is a suspense-filled journey of escape, rebellion, and uncovering dark secrets. It’s not your typical romance story, but it’s compelling, fast-paced, and incredibly relevant in today’s world. If you’re looking for something a little more action-packed, this one’s for you.
15. The City of Devi by Manil Suri
This one’s got a bit of everything: romance, intrigue, and a backdrop of the chaotic city of Mumbai. The book centers on Sarita, a woman who is on a mission to find her husband amid the ruins of a war-torn city. But what makes it even more interesting is the relationship that forms between Sarita and a fellow traveler, a man named Karim, who is trying to understand his own feelings and identity amidst the chaos. It’s a unique exploration of love, identity, and survival—and it’ll definitely keep you thinking long after you’ve finished reading.
16. Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin
If you love classic queer fiction with a good dose of humor and heartfelt moments, Tales of the City is a must-read. Set in 1970s San Francisco, this novel follows a group of quirky characters living in a boarding house, exploring their personal dramas, romantic entanglements, and identity struggles. It’s a great introduction to Maupin’s work, filled with humor, sharp wit, and a whole lot of charm. Think of it like the queer Friends, with a lot more heart (and, you know, a little less coffee shop). This one is my all time favorite gay book series.
17. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
Schwab’s exploration of love, time, and identity is incredibly relevant in this book. Addie is a woman who makes a deal with the devil to live forever, only to be cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. She has a brief but powerful encounter with Henry, a man who remembers her, and their connection is electric. While Addie herself is the star of the show, Henry’s story is deeply emotional and explores queer identity, love, and the idea of being seen in a world where you might feel invisible. It’s a stunning and poignant novel, with romance, magic, and heartbreak galore.
So, there you go! A round of queer books that should definitely make their way into your beach bag. Whether you’re into light-hearted rom-coms, emotional rollercoasters, or something a little more action-packed, there’s something here for everyone. Let me know which ones you’re planning to dive into next.
Got a fave queer beach read I didn’t mention? Please tell me. I’m one sand-dusted tote bag away from adding five more books to my ever-growing TBR pile.
🌈📚 Happy reading and don’t forget sunscreen—skin is important, friends.
Sunscreen & Sand – Queer Books to Devour at the Beach (Or Your Couch with a Margarita) Read Post »
Spellbound & Fabulous — Queer Icons Who Deserve Supernatural Roles
So, I’ve been thinking (always a dangerous start, right?): What if we could pick our favorite queer actors and bless them with supernatural roles? Like, how amazing would it be to see some of the most talented LGBTQ+ folks playing witches, warlocks, vampires, shapeshifters, or whatever other magical beings are lurking out there? I mean, supernatural stories thrive on drama, with all the brooding and epic battles, and who does high drama better than queer folks?? Answer: No one, honestly. The casting universe needs to get with the program and give us more of this.
Okay, let’s dive in.
First on my list—and this might be influenced by my low-key obsession with him—Billy Porter. We already know Billy brings flair, elegance, and power to pretty much everything he does (like, POSE anyone? Have you seen that wardrobe?). Now, imagine him as the most extra, fashion-forward warlock, living in some chic urban magical headquarters. He’d be the kind of warlock who’s ten steps ahead of everyone else, raises an eyebrow and—bam—summons a dragon. And don’t even get me started on the outfits. He’d slaughter in those sweeping ceremonial robes. Plus, his voice alone could literally enchant an entire council of elders into agreeing with whatever scheme he’s cooking up.
Now, let’s talk Indya Moore. If Indya wasn’t already a real-life goddess, I’d say it’s time for them to enter the supernatural world. Indya would make an incredible vampire queen—like, picture it. Regal, ancient, and incredibly fierce. The kind of vampire that doesn’t just sip tea (uh, blood) in a castle, but…stalks the night in designer heels. There’s something in their quiet intensity that screams “ancient power in a very modern world.” Plus, those eyes? Hypnotic. Probably doesn’t even need vamp powers to get you under their thrall (I mean, don’t pretend you’d resist).
I feel like Elliot Page would be such a phenomenal shapeshifter. Hear me out. Elliot has this really grounded, subtle approach to acting—you totally believe him in whatever he’s doing—with the ability to make you care about his character’s journey. A department store shapeshifter, living among ordinary humans while secretly bouncing between identities for fun? Honestly, his dry humor would make those interactions so relatable and hilarious. One second, he’s a sassy cat refusing to get off a random stranger’s car, the next, he’s casually rescuing people without anyone noticing. He’d definitely be chaotic neutral.
And uh, speaking of chaos—Laverne Cox as a kickass witch. So we already know Laverne has this incredible, commanding screen presence, right? Well, imagine her character as this stunning, highly powerful witch who walks into a magical council meeting and just takes over with perfect composure. Everyone else is fumbling around with their spell books, and Laverne’s already untangling interdimensional knots with a snap of her fingers and a perfectly arched eyebrow. I bet she’d have snarky, layered spells where the magic’s elegant, but deadly—and that’s exactly what we need in a world that doesn’t take magical queens seriously. Trust Laverne to shut that down.
Also, I’m going to sneak in Dan Levy for a role as some chaotic, ethereal fae king. Come on, you know it works. The man was born to be a snarky magical creature. I envision him leading a band of misfit fae, being salty about literally everything but also very on top of an ancient war over enchanted forests or whatever it is fae squabble about. There’s such an “I don’t have time for humanity’s shenanigans” look in his eye that he’d wear the crown without even trying. And don’t you just know David Rose believes in magic? No one who owns that many scarves doesn’t believe there’s a magical manatee somewhere out there.
Next up for hero vamp status: Tessa Thompson. Look, we’ve already seen some insane action from Tessa in Thor: Ragnarok as Valkyrie (she literally showed up on a spaceship, casually, while flipping off all kinds of danger). Imagine that energy as a rogue vampire, equal parts conviction, rebellion, and stunning. The blade work alone would be freaking epic. I just want her dressed in leather, owning the night with a cool smirk and her swanky vampiric underground headquarters. Honestly, she could take down a whole council of ancient vampires while sipping a cocktail and not look even mildly stressed. And I’d be lining up for that battle scene.
Last, but nowhere near least, Janelle Monáe needs to play a goddess—preferably one who shifts between realms like it’s just… brunch plans. I mean, have you seen her entire aesthetic? I’m imagining a goddess of chaos and cosmic justice, one who’s got one foot in the real world and the other in something totally otherworldly. She’d wear those super sleek, futuristic outfits from her music videos, but in a divine way, and her powers would just be unstoppable. Oh, and music would definitely bend to her will—so calling on different dimensions with a different style of music every time? Yeah, that.
Okay, I realize I could go on for hours—Sara Ramirez would make a gnarly werewolf leader who’s actually balancing classes at law school, and don’t get me started on Ezra Miller—but we don’t have all day. So, if you’re feeling any of these picks, let me know, and we can totally start drafting some petitions to send to Hollywood. They’re way overdue on queer magical representation. 😉
Spellbound & Fabulous — Queer Icons Who Deserve Supernatural Roles Read Post »