Like most self-respecting (albeit then-closeted) queer lady, I happened to be conscious of “The Real L Word,” Ilene Chaiken’s 2010-12 spin-off with the show that described a generation people within one method or another. At that time the program aired, I becamen’t interested. It had nothing to do with my personal assertion of my bisexual identity and every little thing to do with the fact I happened to be however pissed at Chaiken for carrying out
my lady Jenny Schecter
so really, really wrong for the period finale for the initial “The L keyword.”
Fast onward 10 years when the gay stars aimed for me personally and I discovered me bingeing all three months in one few days. Many aspects contributed to this involuntary decision. One: I happened to be in the home stretch of edits for my 2nd queer YA novel in 2021 and that I seriously needed mind candy. Two: Showtime hit upwards my personal inbox with a 30-day free trial, basically when it comes to year of “Billions,” a show I have never viewed. Three: Well, I Became inquisitive.
Back in the day, I happened to be a dedicated enthusiast of “The Hills,” MTV’s entirely absurd, thoroughly addictive fact crisis about fairly, hetero 20-somethings surviving in LA. “The Real L phrase” possessed the exact same sun-drenched, sugary sense of escapism â only way, way,
method
gayer â plus with increased canines and, beginning in period two, a rather adorable kitty. Yes, there is mess: artificial drama that’s demonstrably staged by producers, some real shouting in very packed organizations, and really, Romi. Having said that, “the actual L Word” had plenty of good stuff that held me personally seeing till ab muscles conclusion of Whitney and Sara’s large gay wedding ceremony, right away Googling just what everybody’s up to today, and after my faves on Insta (
hi, Kacy!
) â and additionally dorkily dancing around my apartment to
that snappy motif tune
. Here is what I unexpectedly adored:
Strong Coupling
Jill and Nikki are adorable as they squabble over a chandelier and preparing a marriage that wasn’t legal at the time but was actually important for them on your own amount. Kacy and Cori keep the thought of a baby whom might not appear, while never ever wavering within love and help for example another. Tracy and Stamie learn how to balance work, gender, plus the proper care of three lovable kids â among who had special requirements. We completely liked the storylines of those three couples navigating lesbian existence in a straight globe with each other. (and I also ended up being solidly Team Jill in Chandelier-Gate. That thing was hazardous!)
Sweet Smashing
At the beginning of season three, I becamen’t positive how I thought about Kiyomi, the Hunter Valentine frontwoman whose method of training polyamory was not precisely reasonable to the woman partner, Allie. Whenever Kiyomi found enviably pink-haired and pearly white-teethed Angeleno Lauren at Dinah Shore, however, all wagers had been down. Whenever they kissed regarding lawn, it was sweet. If they shyly gazed at one another and giggled during confessional interviews, it actually was cuter. And when Lauren cannot steer clear of Kiyomi’s residence of brand new York City for starters more min? Cutest.
Moments With Moms
Hunt, we’re in
quarantine
and I also neglect my
mommy
. This might describe precisely why it rained-on my face anytime a warm mom figure showed up. Whether it ended up being Jill shouting cheerfully whenever the woman mom made a surprise visit to assist her select a marriage outfit, Kacy’s mom satisfying her girl for lunch and consoling her about child Charlie, or Whitney’s grandma witnessing Whitney’s garden Connecticut event, I was in pretty bad shape, y’all. Let us remember Francine developing to the woman ultra-glam mommy Yoko, just who right away responded “Everyone loves love a whole lot you,” and Sadjah’s mummy Sarita praising Sadjah’s Vote for Equality peers for residing their reality.
”
I just believe that its breathtaking individually all to face right up to suit your rights and fight for what you truly, genuinely believe in,” she says.
Actual, Real Time Bisexuality!
Carry out i enjoy the way Chaiken handles bisexual characters and storylines? Not always. But as a of other bi personally, i’m starving for and all representation of my people in the mass media (Spoiler: nonetheless perhaps not much!). Immediately, I’ll take the things I could possibly get, and I found it heartening to see Romi with boyfriends inside the tv show’s third period, plus the ensuing talks of just how bi/queer/pansexual women usually believe excluded through the gay society in general. Its unusual i came across Romi relatable, but We relished this kind of topic that ‘s stilln’t discussed sufficient.
Claire. Enough mentioned.
Oh, Claire. She remaining her absolutely gorgeous girlfriend Vivian in nyc to “begin a lesbian web site” in LA â and shack with ex Francine (imagine how well that last one moved). She blithely turned down an internship with “But I’m a Cheerleader” manager and queer symbol Jamie Babbit. And she would drunkenly scream in organizations. Claire ended up being the undeniable
queen.
This season two major player had been since sloppy as the woman â80s rock and roll star-esque golden-haired shag, in fact it is
exactly
what you want in fact TV. Don’t get me incorrect, I was a fan of the quieter minutes in “the true L Word,” but Claire brought the sheer dramz, and that I was actually here because of it. (Also, I was raised not far from her home town of St. Louis, so hell yeah for other weirdo Midwesterners!)
Here Is The Method In Which We Live
Bringing it back once again to “The L keyword” theme tune we all enjoyed: There however are not a lot of programs, movies, etc. about queer females
present
(chatting, chuckling, enjoying, breathing, etc.). Even when I became frustrated with Whitney’s pre-engagement player steps, Sajdah and Chanel getting too major too fast and reading the millionth difference of “so what’s up with you and so-and-so,” we relished hanging out with queer feamales in various stages of their physical lives, just calculating circumstances down. I can’t say We miss the times whenever unscripted shows reigned over the airwaves, but “The Real L Word” had been worth seeing, not simply the club-screaming, chandelier-squabbling and damaged keyboard-pouting (poor Somer), but also for the big lady-loving lesbian energy.
Added bonus: No one dies in a swimming pool.