Here Is May's Queer Selection
It's that time of month where we bring you the latest and gayest in tv and film. In this month's list we have everything from Drag Race's return to brand new comedy specials from iconic queer comedians. Here's our roundup of LGBTQ+ movies and television shows premiering in May 2023.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story – May 4
Bridgerton fans, it’s time to rejoice! Shonda Rhimes is back with a prequel focused on the rise of Queen Charlotte, who is played by out lesbian actress Golda Rosheuvel. The series includes a very gay-romance between two supporting characters. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story premiered on Netflix on May 4.
The Other Two – May 4
After almost two years, the beloved HBO comedy The Other Two – which was lauded as the gayest show on TV and became even gayer in season 2, is back! Season 3 finds siblings Brooke and Cary escaping the shadow of their famous brother, ChaseDreams, and finally successful in their own right. The Other Two returned to HBO Max on May 4, with episodes airing weekly.
Love Again – May 5
Love Again is a romantic comedy about a woman (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) whose texts to her deceased husband are received by a journalist (Sam Heughan) who is writing a profile of Celine Dion (who also stars in the film). Gay City News reports that out gay actor Russell Tovey has a supporting role in the film as a gay man. Love Again was released in theaters on May 5.
Queens of the Qing Dynasty - May 5
Canadian filmmaker Ashley McKenzie’s film is about a teen and hospital volunteer befriending each other over their genderqueerness after the former is hospitalized. Queens of the Qing Dynasty opens in theaters on May 5.
Hannah Gadsby: Something Special – May 9
For fans of Nanette and Douglas, Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby is back with a comedy special called Something Special. During the show, which was filmed at the Sydney Opera House in Australia, Gadsby touches on everything from her recent marriage to their producer Jenney Shamash to homophobic bakers. Hannah Gadsby: Something Special premieres on Netflix on May 9.
Class of ‘09 – May 10
Even though The L Word: Generation Q has been canceled, it won’t be the last time that Sepideh Moafi (who played Gigi on Gen Q) will play a queer character. Later this month, she will star in Class of ‘09, a limited series that follows a group of FBI agents over three decades. According to FX, Moafi plays Hour Nazari, who has “crushing doubts about her sexual identity.” Class of ’09 premieres on FX on May 10.
Monica – May 12
Transgender actress Trace Lysette is already receiving Oscar buzz for her work in Monica, which premiered last year at the Venice International Film Festival. Lysette plays Monica, a trans woman who returns home to her ailing mother (Patricia Clarkson) who doesn’t recognize her. Monica will be released on May 12.
L'Immensità - May 12
A semi-autobiographical film by Emanuele Crialese, a trans man, stars Penélope Cruz, Vincenzo Amato, and Luana Giuliani. Giuliani's character comes out as a trans boy in 1970s Rome. L'Immensità follows the family at its highs and lows, as Cruz's character struggles with her marriage and motherhood. The film will be released in theaters on May 12.
Queer Eye – May 12
A new season of Queer Eye is on the horizon, and this season, the Fab Five is on their way to New Orleans. Over the course of this season’s seven episodes, the Fab Five support a diverse range of clients from a group of fraternity brothers to a thrift store owner who was previously incarcerated. Queer Eye returns to Netflix on May 12.
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars – May 12
Season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars is coming your way, with fan favorites including Heidi N Closet, Jessica Wild, Kandy Muse, Darienne Lake, Jaymes Mansfield, and LaLa Ri. This season will also feature several queer icons as guest judges, including Javicia Leslie, JoJo Siwa, Bowen Yang, and Idina Menzel. RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars will premiere on Paramount Plus on May 12, with episodes airing weekly.
I Kissed A Boy – May 14
Later this month, I Kissed A Boy will premiere on the BBC, and make history as the UK’s first-ever gay dating series on television. Hosted by Australian singer and LGBTQ+ icon Dannii Minogue, I Kissed a Boy features ten boys looking for love in an Italian villa. I Kissed a Boy airs on BBC on May 14.
The Mattachine Family – May 22 to May 29
The Mattachine Family is a dramedy about two men building a queer family that is already getting lots of buzz. Not to mention that the queer talent featured in the film includes Nico Tortorella, Juan Pablo Di Pace, Emily Hampshire, Heather Matarazzo, and Carl Clemons-Hopkins. The Mattachine Family will stream online through the Seattle International Film Festival from May 22 to May 29.
Wanda Sykes: I'm An Entertainer – May 23
Michael Tran/AFP via Getty Images
GLAAD-award-winning comedian and actress Wanda Sykes is starring in a new standup special called Wanda Sykes: I’m An Entertainer. Filmed in February in Philadelphia, Wanda Sykes: I’m An Entertainer tackles everything from same-sex parenting to being progressive in this political climate. Wanda Sykes: I’m An Entertainer premieres on Netflix on May 23.
The Ultimatum: Queer Love – May 24
Ever wondered what would happen if you gave your partner an ultimatum, and then you both went on a reality show to date other people? That’s essentially the premise of The Ultimatum: Queer Love: one partner is ready for marriage, but the couples split up to date other people before returning to their original partner and seeing if they can make it work. The Ultimatum: Queer Love premieres on Netflix on May 24.
Will-o’-the-Wisp - May 26
Gay Portuguese director João Pedro Rodrigues (The Ornithologist) has created the homoerotic futuristic fireman musical of his dreams. The film tackles colonialism and climate change as a young fictional king who becomes a volunteer firefighter and falls for a colleague at the station. There's a whole lot of nudity and erotic dancing. It debuts at the IFC Center in New York on May 26.
Drag Me To Dinner - May 31
Neil Patrick Harris, Bianca Del Rio, and Haneefah Wood judge this new competition series for Hulu. Murray Hill hosts and Harris's husband David Burtka is the food expert. Tens of queens are featured in the series so you know it's going to be good as the drag performers have to cook, decorate, and drink their way to victory. You can catch Drag Me to Dinner beginning May 31.
