Here are all of the best LGBQTIA films, TV, music, and books coming out at the start of this year
BY ELLA GAUCI
2024 has only just begun but the first month of the year is already packed full of exciting new releases for us to dig our teeth into. From iconic films to queer bops to page-turning books, we’ve compiled one handy list to help beat the January blues this year.
TV and film
Good Trouble: Season 5 Part 2
When: 2 Jan
Where: Freeform
Good Trouble – the spin-off show of LGBTQIA classic The Fosters – is back for the second instalment of its fifth season. The show has always delved into LGBTQIA storylines through characters such as lesbian parents Stef and Lena, as well as newer characters like Alice.
RuPaul’s Drag Race: Season 16
When: 5 Jan
Where: MTV
It’s time to meet the new queens! RuPaul is back once again to find the new reigning queen in season 16 of the highly anticipated show. The new series is set to boast special guest judges and queer icons Charlize Theron and Becky G.
Mean Girls
When: 12 Jan
Where: In theatres
We just can’t shut up about how excited we are to watch the new reboot of the classic film Mean Girls! Starring none other than bisexual icon Reneé Rapp as Regina George, the film is sure to be an instant hit with the LGBTQIA community.
True Detective: Night Country
When: 14 Jan
Where: HBO
Jodie Foster is starring in the new instalment of this detective series which is set to bring a lot of suspense and dark twists to our screens. Set in Alaska, this thriller is sure to keep you on the edge of your seats this winter.
Sort Of Season Three
When: 18 Jan
Where: HBO
Bilal Baig and Fab Filippo’s Max comedy series Sort Of is coming to a close with this final series. The beloved show follows non-binary millennial Sabi Mehboob as they attempt to grapple with their multiple identities.
Hazbin Hotel
When: 19 Jan
Where: Amazon Prime
We absolutely cannot wait for this new animated series created by Vivienne “VivziePop” Medrano. In an attempt to reduce Hell’s population, the daughter of Lucifer opens a special rehabilitation hotel to give a number of Hell’s misfits a chance at reaching heaven.
Love On The Spectrum US Season Two
When: 19 Jan
Where: Netflix
After a heartwarming first series, the Netflix show is back again! Following the lives of adults living with autism, the show delves into their journeys to finding love. This series seems to follow a sapphic couple based on the snippet shown in the trailer.
LOL: One Last Laugh Ireland: Season One
When: 19 Jan
Where: Amazon Prime
If you’re looking for something to bring you some light in these darker days, then Graham Norton has the show for you. 10 comedians come together with the intention of making each other laugh… without laughing themselves. This instalment features the iconic queer comedian Catherine Bohart.
Griselda
When: 25 Jan
Where: Netflix
Watch Sofía Vergara as you’ve never seen her before in Netflix’s new miniseries about the bisexual cartel leader Griselda Blanco. The cartel leader was known for loving sex, money, and blood. We’re not sure yet whether the new Netflix show will feature some of her infamous orgies…
Housekeeping For Beginners
When: 26 Jan (US)
Where: In theatres
Goran Stolevski’s new film Housekeeping For Beginners follows Dita – a queer woman who never wanted to be a mother but is forced to raise her girlfriend’s two daughters.
Music
Claire Littley – Insecure
Universally everyone has felt insecurity at some point in their lives. Whether about our looks, if we are smart enough, good enough, worthy of love – the list goes on. Known as the voice behind the performance of Fly Me To The Moon featured on the hugely successful anime Evangelion, Claire Littley is back with her new track Insecure.
Kali Uchis – ORQUÍDEAS
When: 12 Jan
Bisexual icon Kali Uchis is coming back with her fourth studio album ORQUÍDEAS this month. The Spanish full-length album has been hotly anticipated by the Dead To Me singer and is sure to follow her previous soulful records.
Marika Hackman
When: 12 Jan
Often praised for her “unapologetically queer” music, singer-songwriter Marika Hackman is back with her first studio album in four years. Following her masterpiece album Any Human Friend, Big Sigh follows her life during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and the emotions it brought up.
We spoke to Marika about the new album, and you can listen to our #podDIVA episode here:
Reneé Rapp & Auli’i Cravalho – Mеan Girls (Music From The Motion Picture)
When: 12 Jan
We are so ready to let the new Mean Girls soundtrack take over our playlist this year!
Katy Kirby – Blue Raspberry
When: 26 Jan
Alternative indie singer Katy Kirby is releasing her second album Blue Raspberry later this year. Known for tracks like Juniper and Cool Dry Place, the New York singer has described this album as being “more personal than I intended it to be”.
Books
Just Happy To Be Here by Naomi Kanakia
When: 2 Jan
In a YA novel reminiscent of Tobly McSmith and Meredith Russo’s work, Tara, the first trans girl at Ainsley Academy, faces a choice: blend in or stand out. Joining a sisterhood sparks debates about girlhood. Facing media scrutiny, Tara seeks her voice amid the power of others’ words and personal struggles.
Cupid’s Revenge by Wibke Brueggemann
When: 2 Jan
In Cupid’s Revenge, Tilly unexpectedly falls for her best friend’s crush, Katherine. Teddy ropes her into a plan to win Katherine’s heart, but Tilly’s burgeoning feelings create a dilemma. Balancing friendship, new emotions, and personal struggles, she navigates love, loss, and family challenges, all while Cupid’s mischievous arrows complicate matters.
Don’t Want You Like A Best Friend by Emma R. Alban
When: 9 Jan
In a charming Victorian tale, anxious debutante Beth seeks a husband to secure her future. Gwen, uninterested in marriage, hatches a plan: unite their widowed parents. As they navigate their matchmaking scheme, unexpected suitors and growing feelings complicate their friendship. Amidst romantic entanglements, they realise love might be closer than they thought.
Bachelorette Number Twelve
When: 10 Jan
In a frosty workplace, ER nurse Ellie clashes with the formidable Regina, an attending physician. An accidental bid at a singles auction leads to unexpected dates. Amid baking competitions and a revealing road trip, their animosity transforms into something warmer. As barriers melt away, they discover unexpected romance in the least likely of places—the emergency room.
Escaping Mr. Rochester by L.L. McKinney
When: 16 Jan
In a modern twist on Jane Eyre, Jane takes a governess job at Thornfield Hall, encountering the enigmatic Edward Rochester. As she uncovers eerie secrets, she discovers Bertha, imprisoned by Edward’s cruelty. Together, Jane and Bertha confront dangers lurking in the house, relying on each other for safety and possibly more, in a race against Edward’s sinister plans.
Not In The Plan by Dana Hawkins
When: 31
In Seattle, Mack, a writer battling a deadline, finds inspiration in Charlie, a struggling coffee shop owner. Their opposite personalities collide but sparks fly. As Mack uses Charlie’s life for her novel and a storm traps them together, a passionate kiss ignites. Yet, Mack’s secret threatens their budding connection, leaving them questioning if their chemistry can overcome the truth.
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