Queer Up with Lily & Robin

In our first episode of the year, we're taking a break from queering up to instead talk about some existing queer media that we enjoy. We'll be recommending some of our favourite queer films, books, and games, in a relaxed chat before we head into 2025 gayer than ever.Films: Tokyo Godfathers (2003)Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same (2011)Merry & Gay (2022)Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)Pride (2014)Books:"Deadendia" by Hamish Steele"Gideon the Ninth" by Tamsyn Muir"Roadqueen: Eternal Roadtrip to Love" by Mira Ong Chua"This Is How You Lose The Time War" by Amal El-Mohtar and Max GladstoneGames: "Secret Little Haven" by Hummingwarp Interactive"Ascension: Transition and Silver" by SulMatul"Get in the Car, Loser" by Love Conquers All Games"Newfound Courage" by Cafe Empty"An Outcry" by Quinn K."Super Lesbian Animal RPG" by ponett"Extreme Meat Punks Forever" by Heather FlowersMusic:Pansy DivisionAgainst MeEthel CainChappell RoanPupil SlicerJasmine.4.t

Everything is pleasant in Pleasantville - until it isn't. In this episode, we watch a film that feels out of time in many ways, but still manages to be strangely prescient. We dig into the many mixed metaphors of Gary Ross' splendid debut film, and see how it could be read a parable for queer awakenings.CW: Mentions of misogyny, racism, racial violence, Nazism, fascismReferences:DVD Commentary by director Gary RossGoing back to ‘Pleasantville’: when doing a DI wasn’t so easy by vfxblogTotally Trans podcast

Robert Downey Jr really wanted to play a gay Sherlock Holmes and he so nearly did. In this episode, we look at the somewhat maligned Sherlock Holmes films directed by Guy Ritchie, starring Downey Jr and Jude Law. We discuss why the first one is such a delightful romp and how the two leads play with the intensen queer subtext to great effect. We spend less time talking about the dreadful sequel, except to dig into the behind-the-scenes drama that forced Sherlock deeper into the closet.CW: Mentions of homophobia, drugs, misogynyReferences:Is Sherlock Holmes Gay? by Nikki GloudemanSherlock Holmes: Queer, Straight, Neither? by Lambda LibraryIs Sherlock Holmes gay? by The WeekRobert Downey Jr.'s allegedly gay 'Sherlock Holmes.' Seriously?! by PopWatch (archived)No Holmes 2 for Ritchie? by Film News (archived)

In a shocking twist to our usual formula, we are compelled to say many nice things about a Tim Burton film. You see, once upon a time, Burton truly had the juice and made a messy masterpiece that's only sort-of a Batman film. We are also extremely proud to welcome our very first guest; the amazing Raptor, who will help us tackle this delightful disaster.Follow her on https://cohost.org/RaptorCW: Child abuse, murder, misogynyReferences:Batman Returns (1992) feat. Alex Hall by Horror Queers PodcastThe (not) gay movie club – Batman Returns by Jonny StoneTim Burton's Unmade Catwoman Spin-Off Would’ve Been a 'Boys'-Like Experience Ahead of Its Time by Collier Jennings"Look what I found" and "Just like riding a bike" on Michelle Pfeiffer's Instagram

Equilibrium is a film that we have a lot of feelings about, which is perfectly fitting. We take a look at this unfairly maligned flop from the post-Matrix era of philosophical action films, and discuss how its themes of emotional repression, self-expression, and waking up to who you truly are can be turned into a queer story. Also, about how totally awesome gun kata is.CW: Death, suicidal ideation, mental health, anti-depressants, transphobia, homophobia, gender dysphoria, police violence, fascismReferences:Equilibrium Director's Commentary by Kurt WimmerEquilibrium Director and Producer Commentary by Kurt Wimmer and Lucas FosterEquilibrium by Kill James Bond

Well, we've had a good run, so it was about time we watched something mediocre. In this episode, we take a look at Tim Burton's mostly failed attempt to recapture the magic of The Nightmare Before Christmas, and why it fails to make us care for its tepid characters or lifeless love story. It needs a good queering up, and we're just the ones to do it.CW: Mentions of death, suicide, forced marriage, murder, poisonReferences:Tim Burton's World of Sadboys by Infinite Snow ProductionsLooking For Meaning in Tim Burton's Movies | An Analysis by Maggie Mae FishThe Corpse Bride is Actually Jewish by Jewitches