Wearing: Denim shorts, blue tank top, and a button-down shirt printed with foxes.
Reading: I finished Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang. It has elements of horror and sci-fi, like her first book, but that one seemed to lean more into the former while this one leaned more into the latter. And although there were very satisfying amounts of Mind Stuff in Immaculate Conception, and I think it did a good job of examining the art industry and dysfunctional friendships, I think that I still liked Natural Beauty more.
Writing: Still, alas, between projects!
Planning: I'm spending a couple of days with my parents, and we'll hopefully pick strawberries with my sister and cousins.

What about you?

Pride Month has begun, so I’m here to share some of my favorite queer characters from (live action) television.

1. Tara Maclay (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Although it’s easy to dismiss Tara as “only” a love interest for Willow (who is also a great character!), there’s a lot to love and admire about her in her own right: she’s brave and wise and compassionate, and her story beautifully demonstrates the show’s enduring theme of found family. I am one of many, many fans who wish that she’d survived the series, and I was thrilled to recognize both the deliberate use of her name and a cameo appearance by Amber Benson in the recent horror movie I Saw The TV Glow. Tara was also the focus of a tie-in prequel that was published a couple of years ago, although I haven’t read it.

2. Jack Harkness (Doctor Who/Torchwood)

I was delighted by Jack from the very first time that I saw him in “The Empty Child.” andrastewhite once pointed out, in a LiveJournal/Dreamwidth post that I can no longer find, that although charming rogues with hearts of gold have never been a rarity in science fiction, Jack stood out as a Doctor Who companion in particular because of his previous experience traveling the universe, and, of course, his uninhibited sexuality. I adored his relationships with the Doctor and Rose. And although the writing on Torchwood was often extremely uneven and sometimes seemed to be coasting on the memorable elements of other shows, Jack’s protective love for his team was always a joy to watch, and the devotion between him and Ianto was a noteworthy step forward for sci-fi action media (even if, like Willow and Tara’s story, it ended tragically).

3. Miranda Callendar (Jekyll)

Steven Moffat has (and deserves) a dubious track record when it comes to writing female characters, but I think he did a decent job with the ladies of Jekyll. Miranda – a private detective who becomes entangled in the drama between the modern-day Jekyll and Hyde – is smart and stubborn and resourceful and funny, and her bond with her wife and business partner, Min, is clear in every scene. I would watch an entire show about the two of them as supernatural investigators.

4. Eric Effiong (Sex Education)

Eric is one of the most lovable characters in a varied and engaging cast. He could have been nothing more than a fabulous accessory to his (sometimes insufferable) straight white best friend’s storyline, but increasingly layered writing and Ncuti Gatwa’s remarkable performance allow him to transcend that stereotype magnificently. I like that Eric is mostly secure in his identity and aesthetic when the story starts, but – like any teenager – he’s on a journey to figure out who he wants and what kind of person he wants to be, and his sexuality and religion and family and friendships all play significant and interconnected parts in that journey.

5. Theodora Crain (The Haunting of Hill House)

I have yet to read Shirley Jackson’s original novel, but when I watched Mike Flanagan’s screen adaptation (which I understand is very different from the source material), I remarked to a couple of my friends, “of course the damaged psychic lady is my favorite.” I love Theo’s snark, the contrast between her accomplished professional identity and her messy personal issues, her determination to help children who have been harmed, and the way that she both fears and yearns for intimacy. I was so happy for her at the end of the series.

Honorable mentions: Nomi Marks and Amanita Caplan (Sense8), Anissa Pierce (Black Lightning), Sara Lance (Legends of Tomorrow)

I haven't finished watching any of those shows yet but I love these characters based on what I've seen!

Wearing: A dress printed with cats wearing neckties or sunglasses. Today's storytime theme was "Clothing." I read this book in a pirate voice.
Reading: I finished Blazing Eye Sees All, which was excellent, and am about to start Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang. Her first book, Natural Beauty, blew me away, and her new one seems like it'll be even more up my alley. I also recently read a fantastic essay by Jude Doyle about Watchmen and Gritty Reimaginings in general.
Writing: Still between projects!
Planning: I'm going to a friend's Pride brunch tomorrow! Planning to start a batch of mini quiches as soon as I finish this post. On Sunday, I'm volunteering for a few hours in the afternoon, but hope to attend at least one craft market before or after.

What about you?

I wrote about one of my favorite toxic, manipulative fictional relationships: Alex and Roger from Tamora Pierce's Tortall series.