With 2020 behind us, we can finally start looking forward to a brighter future where life will, hopefully, return to some sort of normalcy soon. In the meantime, though, we can continue to turn to books, films, and shows to help us escape reality during these trying times. Fortunately for us, 2021 will be a promising year for queer media to fall in love with. While there’s no shortage of new queer creations this year, below is a list of some of the most anticipated books, movies, and shows for you to look forward to throughout the year.
Between Perfect and Real by Ray Stoeve
April 13th, 2021
Ray Stoeve’s Between Perfect and Real tells the story of high school student Dean who knows that he’s trans but hasn’t come out. His girlfriend and the rest of his peers think he’s a lesbian and he wonders if he should just come out in college instead of high school. However, when he’s cast as Romeo in the school play, he decides that it might be the right time to show the world who he is.
This novel shows the power of acceptance, self-love, and being true to who you are. It has a little bit for everyone and is sure to make you feel a whole mess of different emotions.
Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli
April 20th, 2021
From the author of Simon vs. The Homosapien’s Agenda comes a new tale of queer romance. Two best friends, Kate and Anderson, do basically everything together but, of course, that doesn’t mean they should share everything. Unfortunately, though, they both share a crush on the same guy. This rom-com includes best friends crushing on the same guy, theater, and lots of laughs. If you’re a fan of any of Albertalli’s other works, you’re sure to love this one, too.
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
June 1st, 2021
In this highly anticipated novel, McQuiston returns to bring us another queer rom-com but, this time, a few things are different. In One Last Stop, the love interests are two women: August and Jane. And, for the other twist, Jane is actually from the 1970s. The novel follows these two women as they fall in love on the subway where, it seems, Jane is stuck. Unable to leave the subway, August meets her and together they try to find a way to get Jane back to her own time. The problem with this plan is, of course, that they fall desperately in love along the way.
McQuiston’s first novel, Red, White & Royal Blue, was an instant hit, and this novel promises to live up to our expectations. Advanced reader copies have already gone out and all of the reviews are great––this novel is sure to be an exciting, sexy, and hilarious tale to uplift all of our spirits and make us wish we had a love like Jane and August’s!
Any Way the Wind Blows by Rainbow Rowell
July 6th, 2021
The third and final installment in the Simon Snow Series will finally give readers answers to the questions they’ve formed for the past two books. In this final book, Simon and Baz return with the whole gang to Watford because, as the last book said, danger looms, and they lure the Chosen One back for one final fight. As can be seen on Rainbow Rowell’s Instagram (@rainbowrowell), the first two words of the novel are “Lady Ruth” which, as we know from the other books in the series, means that we will finally hear from one of Simon Snow’s family members. Of course, this will also likely mean that there’s a great deal of emotional pain in the novel because of the discovery that the Mage is Simon’s biological father, so it is expected that Simon might have some inner turmoil about having killed him.
Hopefully, though, Baz will be there to support him. While the last book left things a bit rocky with our star-crossed lovers, this book might give them the happy ending that they both deserve. With Baz finding out more about his vampirism and Simon hopefully starting to let Baz in more, these two might finally find peace in each other’s arms instead of pushing each other away.
The Eternals
November 5th, 2021
One of Marvel’s upcoming films is The Eternals which will feature Marvel’s first gay superhero and the universe’s first gay kiss. While there isn’t a lot of plot information out there for this film quite yet, probably due to Marvel’s fondness of keeping secrets and building anticipation, the gay hero and kiss have been confirmed by the studio. The film will likely follow the Eternals from the comics which are a race of immortal beings who lived on Earth and created their own histories and civilizations. This is a promising film for both action and romance fans that will hopefully be a good addition to media representation for the LGBTQ+ community.
Atypical (Season 4, the final season)
2021 (Date TBD)
While Atypical focuses on Sam Gardner, a young adult with autism figuring out college and living on his own for the first time, the show also includes the drama of his family. In this last season of the show, one of the key relationships audiences are excited to see again is Casey (Sam’s sister) and Izzie. In season three, the two start seeing each other on and off as both girls struggle with their sexualities and how to start dating without feeling like they have to hide.
While it’s unfortunate that this is the final season of the show, one can only hope that everything will tie up neatly for the finale and that each character will get their happy ending.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
2021 (Date TBD)
Originally a musical and based on a true story, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is an upcoming drama film about a young British student who finds his calling: drag. The problem with chasing his dream is that his town is not as accepting as he’d like, especially his school. Jamie knows that he wants to be a drag queen, though, and he’ll stop at nothing to follow his passion, wherever that may take him. In the end, it’s an uplifting tale about acceptance and love in the face of hardship.
The film also promises the same awesome music that the musical had so, if you want a sneak peek, you can check out the original cast albums on Spotify!
Feature Image Credit: MEAWW
