This month and every month, Kargo supports LGBTQ+ rights, community and culture. See how below.

You’re Invited

DRAG QUEEN BINGO

It’s a Kargo Pride tradition—Drag Queen Bingo with Dame Charlie Hides. Join us for a funny and fab evening of virtual gameplay mixed with cabaret. Prizes go to the top three winners. Kargo will donate $25 per player to the American LGBTQ+ Museum.

Wednesday, June 26
5:30PM ET | Zoom

Amplifying Pride

In 2023, Kargo launched the Multicultural Amplifier (MCA), a unique initiative supporting the growth of media by and for diverse audiences. Meet three of our LGBTQ+ publisher partners.

The world’s largest LGBTQ+ media brand, PinkNews leads the way in coverage that informs, inspires and empowers its global audience to celebrate their true colors.

The publishing powerhouse behind OUT, The Advocate, Pride.com, Plus, Outtraveler.com and mroe is also now on CTV with the Advocate Channel.

B. Scott is the Black trans non-binary blogger called ‘The Queen of Tea’ by USA Today. Fans count on LoveBScott.com to serve up juicy pop culture and entertainment news.

Pride Stories

Great additions to your summer entertainment lists: Shows, performers and books that shine a light on LGBTQ+ voices and stories.

Fellow Travelers

Showtime

Based on the 2007 novel from Thomas Mallon, this Showtime miniseries strikes an interesting balance between sexy, emotional, and educational. Two government workers carry out an epic, though tragic, decades-long love affair that takes them through the Lavender Scare of the 1950s to the AIDS epidemic of ythe 1980s. Jonathan Bailey and Matt Bomer absolutely sizzle with onscreen chemistry while capturing the anguish of two people cracking under the pressure of hiding their true selves.

Bottoms

Prime & OTHERS

Theatre-goers in the summer of 2023 were obsessed with the Barbenheimer phenomenon, so it is not shocking if this film flew under your radar. The movie stars Ayo Ediberi, of The Bear fame, and Rachel Sennott, part of The Bear writing team, as two girls in high school committed to losing their virginities to cheerleaders via a fight club sponsored by their teacher…who is played by former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch. Don’t worry, the movie is as hilariously absurd as its description.

Doctor Who

Prime & Others

No—the fifteenth doctor in the Doctor Who series is not canonically an LGBTQ+ character (yet), but he is played by a queer actor, Ncuti Gatwa—so that’s something to get excited about. And the show is taking a decidedly queer turn with non-binary drag queen Jinx Monsoon, gay actor Jonathan Groff, and trans actress Yasmin Finney all playing major roles in the series. The new season launched in May with new episodes coming out weekly throughout the month of June.

CHAPPELL ROAN

Rise & Fall of a midwest princess

Chappell Roan’s music is where heavy synth pop meets salacious lyrics and ballad-style vocals wrapped in a drag-adjacent stage presence that drips with camp. She made a splash in the queer music scene a few years ago, but her popularity on social media and an opening spot on Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS tour have catapulted her into the mainstream. You may have heard her hits “Good Luck, Babe” and “Red Wine Supernova.” If not, start there and then take a deep dive into all of her offerings—you won’t want to come up for air.

brittany howard

What now

If Brittany Howard sounds familiar to you, it is most likely because you know her as the lead singer of Alabama Shakes. The band went on hiatus in 2018, so Howard could pursue a solo career. Her first solo album produced the hit “Stay High” which has been popularly remixed by Childish Gambino. Her second album dropped earlier this year with more of her distinct and sonically diverse sound. Start with the funky garage rock title track “What Now” and springboard from there.

WET LEG

WET LEG

This British indie rock band is a must for any chill summer playlist. While Wet Leg only has one released studio album (so far), their hits have cast a wide net in the cultural zeitgeist with features on everything from Love Island to blockbuster movies like Anyone But You. Launch the pool float and grab an ice cold beverage of your choice—Summer starts here.

A Little LIFE

BY HANYA YANAGIHARA

This 2015 novel was nominated for Best Fiction Book of the Year and, more recently, has taken BookTok by storm. The story follows a withdrawn genius, Jude, and his friends through their lives in New York. As the decades pass, Jude’s friends and lovers begin to learn more about the horrors of his past and how he struggles to cope with everything that he has endured. Readers beware: this is an intense book with a trigger warning list almost as long as the book itself. Please proceed with caution.

THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE

BY SAMANTHA SHANNON

Fantasy is having a moment right now. This 848-page behemoth of high fantasy centers around a queen struggling to protect her realm from chaos and her lady-in-waiting who protects the queen with forbidden magic. Oh, also there are dragons, a secret society of mages, and of course an irresistible, slow-burn romance. So basically everything you need for an epic adventure.

HI HONEY, I’m HOMO!

BY MATT BAUME

For almost a decade, Matt Baume has been using his popular YouTube channel to analyze queer media. In 2023, he used his expertise to dissect the place of queer and queer-coded characters in American sitcoms, arguably the most powerful platforms depicting the “norms” of the idyllic American life. From subversive storylines, to network censorship, to the out-and-proud characters of today, his pages are filled with exclusive commentary and interviews from celebrities, behind-the-scenes creators, and more. Baume’s work offers insightful and entertaining commentary on the world of media and entertainment.