7 Things That Are Everything This Week

Watch, listen, party, yaaaaas, wherq, and geek out with the 7 things that are everything this week.

Faking It
Faking It returns to MTV Monday with a whole new season of drama in a high school where, surprisingly, it is cool to be queer. This premise led to two friends, Karma (Katie Stevens) and Amy (Rita Volk), to fake a lesbian relationship in the show's first season. But the ruse has unraveled, and the pair must now work on restoring their friendship. But there are obstacles. Amy, who is now dating another girl, slept with Karma's new beau Liam in a jealous rage, as she may actually be in love with Karma. Meanwhile, their friend Shane (Michael J. Willett), who is not faking any gayness, has outed his current boyfriend, an MMA fighter. But he's trying to hide the fact he did so. Kids these days! Who's straight, who's LGBT, and who's just faking it? Find out Monday at 9:30 p.m. on MTV.

Burning Man 2015
Queer and straight alike are welcome at Burning Man, the alternative cultural event that prides itself on "radical inclusion." Participants join in to create a temporary city, dedicated to art and community, in the Nevada desert. This year the festival pays homage to old-fashioned carnivals, but in a way that includes both carny hucksters and the supposed rubes they draw in. Burning Man opens Sunday and runs through September 7; get more information here.

Carly Rae Jepsen, E.MO.TION
Ms. Jepsen's sophomore album, E.MO.TION, proves she's no one-hit wonder. The artist recently sat down with The Advocate to dish the deets on her creative process while she was working on the 12-track record, revealing she was heavily influenced by iconic artists who made their mark in the 1980s like Prince and Cyndi Lauper. No wonder this album sounds like a slice of pop perfection with a scoop of nostalgia on top.

Midnighter #4
This isn't your daddy's dynamic duo! In the continuing adventures of DC Comics' highest-profile gay superhero, Midnighter kidnaps the former Robin, Dick Grayson, to help him out with an important mission. Of course, we can't blame our out hero for his actions. After all, many a gay fan has fantasized about teaming up with Mr. Grayson over the years. Written by out scribe Steve Orlando with art by Stephen Mooney, the action unfolds Wednesday.

Drown
It's a tale as old as time. Three chiseled lifeguards decide to have a fun night on the town, and the evening, which is fraught with jealousy and suppressed desires, ends in tears and grave-digging on the beach. Wear sunscreen and bring a life preserver, kiddies, and watch the Australian thriller Drown in select theaters this weekend.

2015 MTV Video Music Awards
Music videos have helped blaze a trail for LGBT visibility and contributed to queer culture numerous times since MTV debuted in 1981. (Take a look at our list of 60 of those works here.) Hosted by Miley Cyrus, the 2015 VMAs will feature performances by several artists who have been powerful allies for our community, including Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Demi Lovato. And with Kanye West receiving the 2015 Video Vanguard Award, this is bound to be an awards show for the history books. The fun begins Sunday at 9 p.m. Eastern/8 p.m. Central.

Vicious
It's time to get Vicious again! The great (and gay) actors Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi have returned for a second season as hilariously quarrelsome long-term couple Freddie and Stuart. In episode 2, airing Sunday at 10:30 p.m. on most PBS stations (check your local listings), the pair join a gym at the urging of their handsome young neighbor Ash, leaving pals Violet and Penelope to discover how pleasant Freddie and Stuart's flat can be when they're gone. In case you missed the first episode of the season, you can view it below.