‘How to Fail as a Popstar’ asks us to make space for failure

The series follows Vivek Shraya’s desire to become “brown Madonna” and grapples with “what happens when a star isn’t born”

By Hina Imam

Books

Bejewelled and beguiled: meet businessman and philanthropist Salah Bachir

His new star-studded memoir dishes deflection and reflection in equal measure

By Chris Dupuis

TV & Film

Pedro Almodóvar’s ‘Strange Way of Life’ answers a question ‘Brokeback Mountain’ asked 18 years ago

REVIEW: With restrained performances and über design, Almodóvar’s new short film finally lets two gay cowboys ride off into a Technicolor sunset

By Christos Tsirbas

TV & Film

The sweet radicalism of Mr. Dressup, the Canadian Mister Rogers

REVIEW: Beloved kids show had a surprising queer heart

By S. Bear Bergman

TV & Film

‘Sort Of’ to end after Season 3 drops later this year

Star and co-writer Bilal Baig discusses the messy “human” quality at the heart of their groundbreaking series, and why it’s time to call it a day

By Sanchari Sur

TV & Film

‘Sex Education’ didn’t quite get queer Christianity right

OPINION: As a queer Nigerian, I was looking forward to Eric Effiong’s storyline—but its lack of nuance left me wanting more

By Chisom Peter Job

Queer View Mirror

Twenty years later, ‘School of Rock’ still has a rocking queer spirit

Jack Black is the catalyst for a shame-free community that keeps inspiring the gays

By Jordan Currie

TV & Film

With ‘I Have Nothing,’ Carolyn Taylor dives into queer obsession

Whitney Houston, figure skating, comedy and queer obsession combine in Crave’s comedy doc-series

By Mel Woods

Queer Culture Catch-Up

Put music from Sister Wife Sex Strike, Venezuelan film ‘Bad Hair’ and a Coyote Joe Stevens musical on your culture calendar

Plus Danny Ramadan’s new children’s book and more

By S. Bear Bergman

TV & Film

‘Golden Delicious’ offers a sweet, fresh take on the classic coming-of-age sports story

Young intimacy is rarely portrayed so beautifully—plus there’s a meet-cute moment for the ages. Xtra talks with the film’s director and star

By Max Gao

TV & Film

A young boy blossoms in the desert in ‘Frybread Face and Me’ at TIFF

REVIEW: Director Billy Luther’s feature debut is an absolutely charming coming-of-age story set in the Navajo Nation of Arizona

By Danita Steinberg

Sports

Can ‘American Ninja Warrior’ stay gender-inclusive as it goes mainstream?

A ninja league sets a model for all-gender divisions, even as “American Ninja Warrior” backs away from its prior commitment to gender inclusivity

By SF Boswell

TV & Film

What makes high-intensity cheerleading drama ‘Backspot’ such a winner

REVIEW: Devery Jacobs gives a intensely physical and emotionally nuanced performance

By Barry Levitt

TV & Film

‘Solo’ at TIFF is a celebratory love letter to Montreal’s drag scene

Director Sophie Dupuis and star Théodore Pellerin discuss why the artform of drag is so contested—and necessary—right now

By Pat Mullen

Drag Race

A gringo’s guide to ‘Drag Race México’

Ahead of this week’s finale, we get the inside scoop on the debut season’s best lewks, the judges’ “riggory” and the queens’ surprising lack of drama

By Evan Lambert

TV & Film

Top 10 films at TIFF 2023

We preview the buzziest queer and trans films at this year’s festival

By Christos Tsirbas

TV & Film

‘Red, White, & Royal Blue’ sparks debate over how Hollywood depicts queer sex in film

The sex scene in “Red, White & Royal Blue” has led to significant discussions of safe sex depicted in film, realistic scenes between two men, and the continued heterosexual confusion around the most basic aspects of queer sex

By Adam Rhodes

Queer Culture Catch-Up

Author Khashayar J. Khabushani, films ‘Mutt’ and ‘Summer Qamp’ and music by Thea Grace and Um, Jennifer? top this week’s culture calendar

Plus patient advice from the Trans Handy Ma’am

By S. Bear Bergman