Its long-running tagline, “It’s not TV, it’s HBO” spoke to the core of what has made HBO such an institution. To say HBO, as a cable provider, as a television network, and as an independent film producer, has changed the media landscape is perhaps a bit of an understatement. And so, to fill the void and build up to a very gay-friendly upcoming HBO film roster ( Queen Latifah’s Bessie, that rumored Matt Bomer/Montgomery Clift biopic, the Looking wrap-up film), we’re diving headfirst into a crafting an oral LGBT history of the network that gave us Patrick, Richie, Kevin, Agustin, and Dom, but which had clearly paved the way for such a show with a long storied list of LGBT stories even before it became the ratings giant it is now. As we all know, shortly after the season 2 finale, HBO understandably pulled the plug the show garnered a mere 0.298 million viewers for that episode, a mere pittance when compared to their Westeros-set hit, but also nearly half of what Lena Dunham’s show metered that same evening. I spent much of this spring recapping Looking here at The Film Experience and as polarizing as many (both here and elsewhere) found the show, it remained the sole American television show centered on the gay male experience to air last year. There are much more shows, movies, and exclusive content beyond what I’ve listed, and it’s all worth it.Manuel here kicking off a mini-series of sorts focusing on HBO's decades-old commitment to telling quality LGBT stories. Whether you’re looking for your next binge-worthy series, heart-tugging documentary, or you want to know how you can help support LGBTQ+ lives this Pride month, “Shine On” through HBO Max is the place to go. And outside the content found directly in the streaming service, Human by Orientation will also share the names of 30+ nonprofit organizations dedicated to the betterment of LGBTQ+ lives. Pride 2021 will also feature exclusive behind-the-scenes conversations with members of the cast of Hacks and other Max originals. The digital event will include musical performances from KING PRINCESS, Raveena, and more, drag performances from the We’re Here Queens, and comedy specials from comics like Meg Stalter, Ali Kolbert, and Ashley Ray, among others. Teaming up with Human by Orientation, Max is inviting its subscribers to Pride 2021, a massive event that will be available in the streamer all month long. HBO Max’s final offering this Pride month is nothing to scoff at. Gather your friends and family and introduce them to the story of Harvey Milk, San Fran’s first elected gay councilor in The Times of Harvey Milk, or remember the lives of some of the most important (and often overlooked) names if the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement.Ĭelebrate the life and career of renowned author and activist Larry Kramer in Larry Kramer in Love & Anger, or acknowledge the struggles of being Trans in America with powerful docuseries like Transhood and The Trans List.
Representation in fictional media is one thing, but if you’re looking for incredible true stories about some of the most influential figures in Pride history, HBO has you covered there too. And films with stories centered on Pride POC like Carmen y Lola and Happy Together. Along with some incredible shows, HBO Max also features groundbreaking, history-making films that bring representation to the big screen with power and grace.įilms like Looking: The Movie, a hilarious and realistic look at the life of a three gay men in modern San Francisco.