I think a devastatingly toxic hookup is calling…
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY SHOWTIME
Looking for a new summer aesthetic? Why not head back to basics? And by that we mean the holy grail: The L Word. It may have been over two decades since the iconic show first aired, but that doesn’t mean it’s become any less relevant. Here are our top tips for emulating your favourite character.
Start a situationship you absolutely should not be in
Look, we didn’t say it was good advice. But if you really want to have a true L Word experience, chances are a messy, emotionally devastating situationship has got to be part of that. Fall in love with your friend’s older sister, or better yet, the unavailable-but-totally-captivating barista at your favourite coffee shop. After the inevitable heartbreak, it’s only right that you should continue to bump into each other in the strangest of places for months after.
Make your own Chart
Grab your Sharpie and a big piece of card – things are about to get serious. While you might not be able to make a Chart quite as sophisticated as Alice’s, chances are you can have a pretty good go.
Have brunch that turns into a five-hour emotional summit
Is it really an L Word summer without a few extremely long discussions about sapphic culture, dating and your exes? Camp out in your local queer brunch spot for hours as you replay old stories, still managing to find a new angle on a conversation you’ve already spoken about a million times. You might need a couple of mimosas for this one…
Wear tank tops, low-rise jeans and sunglasses exclusively
The L Word gave us plenty of things: cultural references, representation on screen, and, most importantly, a wealth of fashion inspiration. Time to whip out all your favourite Y2K staples this summer and channel your favourite character.
Rewatch all of The L Word and make your own bingo card
Bring all your friends together for a game of L Word bingo. Take a drink every time someone sees their ex at a party. There’s always a good time for a rewatch, so why not factor it in to your hungover Sunday mornings, where takeout and lying on the couch are the only remedies?
Host wine nights on random Tuesdays to debrief your friendship group’s love lives
Time to bring some Bette and Tina energy to the mix. Bring all your friends together on a random weeknight for some wine, maybe an intervention and definitely a long conversation where you unpack your love languages. It may start a few arguments, but what doesn’t after a few bottles of red?
Treat every coffee run like it’s a meet-cute
In the world of The L Word, every outing could potentially open the door to a new lover (especially if you’re Shane). Why not romanticise your morning coffee run? Put on a cute outfit and go flirt with the girl who has a mullet and a dangerous amount of piercings! It’s certainly one way to wake up in the morning.
Attend an art gallery opening just to people-watch
Pop on your best Bette powersuit and attend an event at your local art gallery. Not only will you get to have an evening of culture, but I’m sure there will be plenty of people-watching opportunities for you to debrief your friends with on a long phone call after.
Get a shaggy haircut or bangs
Embrace the Shane shag this summer with this choppy haircut. Or maybe you’re more of a Jenny and want to get some statement bangs. Use this time to be experimental with your hair – it will always grow back!
Discover your own meeting spot that you call The Planet
How many of us wished we also had a lesbian-coded coffee shop to lounge around in all day with our mates? Even if you don’t have a queer-owned coffee shop near you, find one that promotes LGBTQIA+ allyship and make it your go-to hangout spot.
Make a playlist full of iconic sapphic bangers
Sometimes we all need a queer soundtrack to our lives. Add your favourite 2000s sapphic bangers and plug those headphones in!
Love media made by and for LGBTQIA+ women and gender diverse people? Then you’ll love DIVA. We’ve been spotlighting the community for over 30 years. Here’s how you can get behind queer media and keep us going for another generation: linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine
Did you know that DIVA has now become a charity? Our magazine is published by the DIVA Charitable Trust. You can find out more about the organisation and how you can offer your support here: divacharitabletrust.com
