As more andmore queer content is released in the world of entertainment, viewers have innovative queer creators (including writers and directors) to thank. Whether it’s standup specials, movies finally being produced by major studios or TV shows that go viral with their phenomenal storylines and captivating characters.
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Even when it is not Pride Month or National Coming Out day, it is so important to recognize and celebrate the queer and genderqueer creatives making a true difference in the industry.
Joel Kim Booster
Joel Kim Boosteris a standup comedian, writer, and actor. He’s known for his hilariousstand-up specialPsychosexualand for writing and starring in one of the best queer films of the summer,Fire Island.
RELATED:‘Fire Island’ Review: The Queer Rom-Com Update of Jane Austen Works Best on Its Own Terms
Booster is actively creating space for queer actors who aren’t just white and male-identifying and is a champion for the queer AAPI community (who are historically underrepresented in the entertainment industry). Fans ofFire Islandshould be thrilled to see what this hilarious creative does next.
Jerrod Carmichael
As one of the best comedians in the country,Jerrod Carmichaelused his masterpiece of a standup special,Rothaniel,to come out to the world. Talk about courage!He hosted SNL in 2022and wrote and directed many of the shows that he had performed in for the span of his career…and he’s still going strong.
He is currentlyworking on a film titledPoor Things, where he will portray a character named Harry Astley.
Julio Torres
Julio Torresis yet another queer comedian who is absolutely worth paying attention to! Known for his absurdist comedy special where they explained why a variety of little figurines, tiny items, and dioramas are his favorite,My Favorite Shapes.
Torres also stars, writes, and executive produces the HBO seriesLos Espookys, which follows a group of friends who turn their love for all things spooky into a successful business. Season 2 ofLos Espookyswas just released.Torres is also slated to direct his own A24 film!
Victoria Alonso
Victoria Alonsois a widely-recognized film producer. She serves as the President of Physical, Post Production, VFX, and Animation atMarvel Studios. She also happens to be queer! She has worked on all the movies andDisney+television shows in theMarvel Cinematic Universe.
RELATED:Marvel’s Victoria Alonso Says More LGBTQ+ Representation Is Coming to the MCU
While Alonso may not be a movie star or appear in any of the films, having a queer individual behind the scenes in high-ranking positions will help create more safe and inclusive spaces for future queer creatives!
Mae Martin
The Canadian comedian, actor, and writer known for the seriesFeel GoodisMae Martin.They are a queer creative who made their mark on the entertainment industry. Martin originally started in a comedy troupe, and eventually moved to film and television writing. They identify as non-binary and queer.
Their work has been widely recognized and celebrated, and in 2022 they appeared in theHBO MaxseriesThe Flight Attendantas Grace St. James. Who knows what will happen next, but fans shouldn’t doubt they have some wonderful projects in the making.
Silas Howard
Silas Howardis most known for becoming the first trans director to direct an episode ofTransparent.
Since then, he has gone own to direct episodes of popular shows includingThe Fosters,This is Us,Pose,Grand Army, and most recentlyA League of Their Own. In June 2019, Queerty named him one of the Pride50!
Lilly and Lana Wachowski
LillyandLana Wachowskiare a duo of acclaimed directors, writers, and producers. They are both trans women and have worked together for most of their careers.
They are known for directing huge box-office hits likeThe Matrixfranchise, writing and producingV for Vendetta,Cloud Atlas, and for co-creating theNetflixseriesSense8. Most recently, Lana filmedThe Matrix Resurrectionswhile Lilly directed, wrote, and executive-produced many episodes ofWork in Progress.
Known for feature filmsPariah,Bessie, andMudbound,Dee Reesis the screenwriter and director the world should hear more about. Rees identifies as a lesbian and stated that much of her filmPariahis semi-autobiographical.
In June 2021, she was announced as the first African-American woman to direct a Criterion film! She has directed some episodes ofMasters of the Air, an upcoming miniseries.
Billy Eichner
Billy Eichner, otherwise known as his alter-ego Billy On the Street, is an actor, comedian, and producer. He is most known for his comedy game showBilly on the Streetand for his acting roles like Craig Middlebrooks inParks and Recreation, Timon in the live-actionThe Lion King, and a variety of roles inAmerican Horror StoryandImpeachment: American Crime Story.
RELATED:Billy Eichner Brings Back ‘Billy on the Street’ With Paul Rudd to Promote ‘Bros’
Just recently, Eichner wrote, produced, andstarred in the fourth gay rom-com from a major legacy studio,Bros. Be a Bro, go out and support Eichner!
Jared Frieder
Jared Friederis a writer known for writing the 2022 queer filmThree MonthsandTV seriesSweet/Vicious.Three MonthsstarsTroye Sivanas Caleb in this coming-of-age film.
When Caleb finds out he was exposed to HIV and waits for results, he ends up finding love in a place he never thought he would find it. Frieder’s script is genius, and the movie is available to watch onParamount+.
