I’ve said many times on Gaelick how I love a good awards show, and none more so than the GLAAD Media Awards.  It’s an awards show and it’s gay, I mean come on, someone pass me the popcorn.  Over the last few years I have been stunned by the magnitude of the nominations.  Gone are the days when the nomination panel must have had to thrall through all of the LGBT movie festivals to scrounge for possible winners.  There are gays on TV now you know, and in movies and on talk shows, who knew?  I for one am delighted.  I attended many a film festival to watch 20 films and enjoy perhaps 2 of them, seriously.

So lets have a look at some of the main categories and who might be walking away with the awards.  There are some mainstream, some independent films and some great documentaries, as well as some of the best TV shows around.

Outstanding Film -- Wide Release

Albert Nobbs
J Edgar
Beginners

Three great films. J Edgar is an amazing film and packs a real punch.  Beginners is just wonderful and Christopher Plumber puts in one of his best performances.  I want to say Albert Nobbs will win because it is set in my home town of Dublin and Janet McTeer is phenomenal in it, however, I think the sentiment of Beginners just might bring it over the line.  It’s a tough one to call.

Outstanding Film -- Limited Release

Circumstance
Weekend
Tomboy
Pariah
Gun Hill Road

I can’t remember ever seeing such a strong list of nominations in one year.  However, if I was to pick the winner it would have to be Pariah.  As much as Circumstance stayed with me for weeks and Tomboy was deeply moving, Pariah is just incredible and I’d recommend you take the oppertunity to see it when it comes your way.  Having said that, Weekend has won lots of awards around the festivals and Gun Hill Road is provacative, so time will tell.

Outstanding Documentary

Becoming Chaz (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)
The Strange History of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (HBO)
The World’s Worst Place to be Gay? (Logo)
Two Spirits (PBS)
We Were Here (Red Flag Releasing)

I can’t say who I think such walk away with this one having only seen Becoming Chaz, The World’s Worst Place to be Gay? and We Were Here.   The other two are, however, top of my to-do-list.  Becoming Chaz is a great movie which chronicles Chaz Bono’s life as he transitions, it was followed up on OWN by Being Chaz.

We have all read about Uganda’s kill the gays bill but what’s it like to actually call it home?  The World’s Worst Place to be Gay? shows an openly gay reporter, who has never had to deal with homophobia in his own life, see for himself the devastation to every day people.

We Were Here is an intensely moving documentary which explores the AIDS crisis as it happened.  It is deeply inspiring and again I would recommend you see it.  Be warned though, it’s heartbreaking.

Outstanding Drama Series

Degrassi (TeenNick)
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)
Pretty Little Liars (ABC Family)
Shameless (Showtime)
Torchwood: Miracle Day (Starz)

So much lesbian goodness in the nominations this year, and yes, you read that right, TeenNick and ABC Family are among the networks with nominated shows.  For me this category will go to Grey’s Anatomy simply because it had a lesbian wedding on prime time.  To be fair however, Calzona aren’t centre stage on the show and I’d be inclined to hope Pretty Little Liars gets the nod, it’s overflowing with lesbo goodness.  I have watched all these shows and any one of them could win.

Outstanding Comedy Series

Exes and Ohs (Logo)
Glee (Fox)
Modern Family(ABC)
Happy Endings (ABC)
The Big C (Showtime)

Although I really want Exes and Ohs to win this one I can’t see past Modern Family.  It is the stand out among these five with Santana, Kurt and Blaine probably gaining a lot of favour for Glee.  Happy Endings and The Big C just aren’t in it for me but I could have my tail between my legs when it’s announced.

Outstanding Talk Show Episode

“Zach Wahls” The Ellen DeGeneres Show (syndicated)
Chaz Bono” Late Show with David Letterman (CBS)
“Children & Teens Caught in the Wrong Bodies” Anderson (syndicated)
“Coming Out on the Oprah Show: 25 Years of Unforgettable Guests” The Oprah Winfrey Show (syndicated)
“The Wedding of Scott Cronick & David Gorshein” Conan (TBS)

If you haven’t seen these shows then get yourself to YouTube this instant.  Talk shows are such a powerful way to get stories into people’s living rooms and I would be amazed if, for that reason, anyone other than the queen herself, Oprah, was given this important award.  Just look at the title and it says it all, Coming Out on the Oprah Show: 25 Years of Unforgettable Guests, say no more.  When I was young I ran home from school everyday in the hopes Oprah was doing an LGBT related show as it was the only, and I mean only, place I ever heard it mentioned.  Well done Oprah and thank you.

There are many other categories, individual episodes, blogs, music, comics as well as awards for journalism and even theatres.  You can see all the nominees here, or the highlights on this video.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCPp9M_WskA

So who was left out and who deserves to walk away a winner?  Let us know in the comments section below.

There will be the usual three annual award ceremonies.  New York on March 24th, Los Angeles April 21st and finally San Fransisco on June 2nd.  We gays sure now how to make a party last.

Related posts:

1. GALECA nominees announced
2. GLAAD Awards 2011
3. Glee’s Naya Rivera Hosts 22nd GLAAD Awards in San Fran

Last weeks episode covered a few months at Seattle Grace Mercy West hospital, as we saw both patients battle to survive.  Poor Arizona, didn’t you just wanna hug her?  The episode was called It’s a Long Way Back and indeed it was, both for Callie and little Sofia Robbins Sloan Torres!  The show saw all the characters pull together to help our lovely little family.  Callie was not allowed see Sofia due to risk of infection but her colleagues managed to wheel her to the window for a little look, ahhhhhhh!  In the end both made a full recovery and so it is on to tonight’s episode, entitled White Wedding -- I wonder what that could be about?

SPOILER ALERT

The wedding episode was very well done with everyone suitably excited about the big day.  We see both Callie and Arizona sitting down to a family lunch with their parents, Mark in toe.  Arizona’s father keeps referring to Mark as “the donor” and asking why he is there, which is funny and kind of sweet.  Of course, having your parents together isn’t as much fun as it sounds!  The main culprits being Arizona’s father who insists on being called ‘colonel’, and Callie’s mother who won’t hold baby Sofia.

Poor Callie has bent over backwards for her mother but inevitably it turns out her mother isn’t keen on her marrying a woman and doesn’t stop there, saying a baby out of marriage is no good either.  Callie sends both her parents home much to the disappointment of her father.

When the minister who is scheduled to carry out the marriage cancels due to a family emergency Callie breaks down and cancels the wedding.  Queue Bailey coming in and reminding her what is really important and what a marriage really means.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj8nEwDbX38

I love Bailey, best character in the show by a mile!  You just gotta love her.  Not only did she save Callie’s life after the accident but now she tells her what’s what as only she can.

The wedding itself is gorgeous and in true Grey’s fashion they don’t miss a chance to make a point.  At the same time the shows main couple, Derek and Meredith, are getting a civil marriage in the registry office.  The show cuts from one to the other, while Calzona’s is romantic as hell, the other is just them signing a document, however, Calzona’s is not recognised by law while theirs is, gotta love Grey’s!

All ends well as Callie’s father shows up to dance with his daughter at the reception and we are left smiling like idiots.  Yay for Calzona and positive visibility yet again on Grey’s.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhHa5vlhBC0

Related posts:

1. Álainn or Appallin’: Calzona
2. Calzona Update
3. Grey’s Anatomy SPOLIER

OMG as the kids say these days, where did that come from?  One minute the beautiful Callie is having a baby shower and the next she is head first through the windscreen of the car!  Aside from the fact that as soon as she took her seat belt off we all knew what was to follow, I think the two episodes, This is How We Do It and Song Beneath the Song were really interesting and covered some very important issues.  Firstly Arizona; she wasn’t big into the baby shower and it was clear she still has issues with Mark and the whole “three parents” thing.  Callie of course saves the day by thanking her for being there and booking them on a weekend away.  Into the car they get and we are all thinking how cute and lovely that is and sure the episode is about to end so what could happen in the next two minutes?  Well, what happened was Arizona asked Callie to marry her and the next second a truck came out of nowhere and bang -- end of episode!  I have to say, if they had a break and not shown the next episode for weeks they would have had lesbians from all over the world marching on the studio demanding to see what happened next.

Thankfully the next episode started at exactly the same point in the same scene -- I like when they do that.  Arizona calls for an ambulance and the unconscious Callie starts to see her spirit walking around and singing.  Yes, you read that right, singing.  At this point I had a very definite thought, please oh please let her just sing once, please don’t let this be a musical episode, not this one, please.  After all, Sara Ramírez is a Tony Award winner, girl can sing.  Why not have her sing one song at this point?  Well I was to be disappointed, it turned into a musical episode and they all got in on the act.  For my money it wasn’t the correct episode to have a musical, it was to emotional, but there you go.  We had surgeons bursting into song during surgery on a character we care about.  I thought it was a poor attempt to cash in on the likes of Glee, perhaps I am alone in that, but I was not impressed.

Leaving the songs out of it, this episode was brill, it was well written and acted to perfection.  The two main characters were Arizona and Mark.  I have written about the set up before, but a brief recap:  Mark is Callie’s best friend, when Arizona left her they had a one night stand, Arizona came back to a pregnant Callie and now they are all having a baby, got it?  Arizona and Mark had to have a conversation about Callie’s care and what she would want, to save her or the baby?  Mark wanted Callie to take priority, Arizona knew Callie would never get over loosing their baby.  Mark (who I have to remind you all is lovely) said those words he later had to beg forgiveness for -- I’m the Dad -- you’re nothing.  Tut tut Mark, I know you are beside yourself but that is just dreadful.  Of course, we know why the writers put that in there, to challenge the viewers, I wanted to applaud.

All the doctors saw the two as co-parents and it was amazing, even when Mark thought Callie was going to die, he said to Arizona that the child is theirs, hers and his.  It was  all very moving, I may have had something in my eye at this point.  In the end it all looks good, Arizona, a pediatric surgeon, saved the baby, and Callie woke up and said “yes”, in response to the marriage proposal.  Not a dry eye in the house.

It is a real shame they chose this episode for the musical.  I know Callie is a wonderful singer so it makes sense to have her at the centre, but this was a really important story to get across to people and, unfortunately, I think it may well be overshadowed by the fact the musical aspect let it down so much.  Time will tell.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYigdoAZFhw

Related posts:

1. Calzona Get Married on Grey’s
2. Álainn or Appallin’: Calzona
3. Grey’s Anatomy SPOLIER

Lets start with some good celeb news, spoilers ahead folks if you’re a fan of the two lovely ladies on Grey’s Anatomy, consider yourself forewarned!

Staying with another fav lesbian couple here at Gaelick HQ, the news is not so good with another person entering the mix. The couple are featured in the latest issue of Diva, they are featured. The Daily Fail was delighted to announce:

Rather appropriately, the teenage actresses have posed in a titillating shoot for lesbian magazine Diva, which sees them sharing a romantic bath together.

Seriously, Fail, “titillating”? God bless your cottons.

Aw, congrats to Helene Faasen and Anne-Marie Thus celebrate their tenth anniversary tomorrow:

On April 11, 2001, The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage. Helene and Anne-Marie were one of four same-sex couples who tied the knot at the stroke of midnight by the Mayor of Amsterdam.

Mary Byrne apparently shocked everyone by announcing during the week:

She told New magazine, “A long time ago, in my early 20s, I had a fleeting relationship with a woman. It was just a one-off thing. I’d just come out of a bad relationship with a man and someone was there.”

Prepare yourself to be shocked some more, I’m about to reveal the results of a study. Whew, I felt faint there for a second, having control over sharing this information makes me feel weak

The study, which was conducted by a British funeral business, found that on average, men start to feel old at age 58. Unfortunately, women start to feel older far earlier — around age 29. Which is more than a little depressing.

I don’t want to be morbid but if you’re going to assess someone who’s in your funeral parlour picking out a coffin, they are probably not feeling on top of the world and would be a tad negative? Just a thought.

Even poor Gandhi isn’t safe from us ‘moes and our agenda.

Thankfully I didn’t see this ‘story’ yesterday, I would have fallen for it. Seriously, gullible.com is moi!

Sigourney Weaver, you are a goddess. That’s all I have to say on the matter.

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1. A Suppa Earl Gae
2. A Suppa Earl Gae
3. A Suppa Earl Gae

Callie became great friends with Dr Erika Hahn at the end of the fourth season and a wonderful chemistry turned into a romantic relationship. Erika realised she’s gay and Callie that she is bi.  When Erika left I cried buckets but it wasn’t long before Callie had a new love in her life, namely the new Pediatric surgery attending, Dr Arizona Robbins.  When Arizona first came into the show she was immediatly a great character.  She was openly gay and unapologetic about it to boot.  How did she introduce herself to the gorgeous Callie, well she kissed her in the ladies room of the local bar of course.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IK2JR_lWyT0

What an introduction!  You have to like Arizona even though at the start I really didn’t want to.  She’s so perky it hurts.  However, she does grow on you, at last a real lesbian on TV.  One who, when she realised Callie had only been with one woman before, proclaimed she couldn’t go on a date with a newbie.

However, they of course did start a romance and they have had a fair few ups and downs.  I won’t go into them here as they would be “spoilers” to those who are watching on Irish TV, but if you wish to read about the storyline just have a look at my blog here.

One of my favourite story lines was when Callie’s father came to Seattle to try to convince his daughter she was on the wrong path.  Callie tells him “you can’t pray away the gay” but he isn’t convinced. Callie is very close to her father so you really feel for her.  It is at this point Arizona steps up to the plate and has a chat with him.  My mother is a massive Grey’s fan and when she saw this episode she called me in floods of tears.  Here’s a taster of that episode.

It looks like Callie and Arizona are in it for the long haul and that can only be a good thing.  they are both strong independent women who are capable and loving.

So what do you think of these ladies in love?  Alainn or Appalling?

Related posts:

1. Calzona Get Married on Grey’s
2. Calzona Update
3. Grey’s Anatomy SPOLIER

Thankfully it is the latter and, with 14 episodes shown, there has been plenty for us to enjoy.  So if you don’t want to know what has happened (UK and Irish TV have only shown 7 episodes to date) the look away now.

SPOILER ALERT

The last episode aired on Irish TV showed Callie saying she would go with Arizona to Africa as she won a famous grant to go save the kids, she is a paeds surgeon after all.  However, Callie wasn’t exactly thrilled about it deep down, and who could blame her, her life was in Seattle after all and she hadn’t planned on moving across the world for a few years.  Arizona senses this but instead of talking it through with her one evening over a nice glass of wine, like most sensible people, she decides to leave Callie at the airport.  Yes, that’s right, at the airport.  Callie has jacked in her job, sublet her apartment and is now left standing in the airport, jilted.  It reminded me of when Erika left her in the car park, poor Callie, it’s becoming a habit.

So what does she do?  Well after a night at Joe’s bar with all her mates and feeling heart broken she has a one night stand with her best friend, Mark.  Now I really like the friendship between Mark and Callie on the show, it’s great to see male-female friendships portrayed so well.  Mark told Callie she needed “sexual sorbet” as in, something to clear her palate.  He didn’t mean himself but he’s her best friend and she felt comfortable with him so there you go.  It all makes wonderful sense when you watch it.

After a few months pass Mark gets back with his ex-girlfriend Lexie and Callie turns up to work to see none other than Arizona, back from Africa and wanting to try again.  Callie is not exactly delighted to see her and you could understand, you have to remember, Arizona’s great show of love in coming home for her was only necessitated by the fact she left her in the first place.  Of course we know they are mad about each other, but to be fair, Callie has a point.

At this stage Callie discovers she’s pregnant.  Last season Callie and Arizona broke up as Callie said she wanted kids some day and Arizona didn’t.  I doubt when Arizona relented and said she’d be open to it that this is what she had in mind.  At this point you feel for everyone.  Mark and Callie have both always wanted children but they are both in relationships with people who don’t want kids yet.  When Callie tells Mark she is pregnant he is delighted and tells her he’ll be there all the way.  It’s great as they are best friends and will both make wonderful patents, however, what will Arizona and Lexie say? Callie offers Mark what she calls a “get out of jail free card” saying he can be the “cool uncle” but Mark is having none of it, so they set of to convince their ladies that this is all going to work out beautifully.

Arizona comes around to it and when she, Mark and Callie see the baby’s heartbeat on a scan they all fall madly in love.  So it looks like our lovely duo are in for some interesting times ahead.  Unfortunately Lexie, Mark’s girlfriend, was not so pleased.  I hope they work it out, they are great together and to my mind Callie, Arizona, Mark and Lexie are by far the nicest characters in the show, so how lucky is this baby?

Interesting times ahead no question.  To have a story like this on prime time is great, not just for lesbian visibility but to show people an alternative family unit.  One filled with people who love each other and only want the best for the child.  Well done Grey’s.

Related posts:

1. Calzona Update
2. Álainn or Appallin’: Calzona
3. Calzona Get Married on Grey’s

Glee

Glee season 2 premiers on September 20th.  Will Rachel and Finn last?  How will Puck and Quinn cope now that Beth is gone?  Will Kurt get this boyfriend I keep hearing about?  Will Sue be as hilarious as ever?  Will Santana and Brittany be as cute as ever?  So many questions.  What we can assume is that Ryan Murphy and co will produce another season to fill your iPOD.

Grey’s Anatomy

September 23rd sees the long awaited return of Callie and Arizona on Grey’s Anatomy.  Season 7 of this hit show is bound to start with a bang after the finale to season 6 was such a shocker.  Thankfully our lovely duo made it through and I can’t wait to see what the wonderful writers of this show have in store for them.  Will there be talk of a baby?  Only time will tell.

Criminal Minds

Unfortunately the lesbian interest in Criminal Minds (returning Sept 21st) is going to wan a bit this season as AJ Cook, who plays JJ will be leaving the show after the second episode.  Worse still Paget Brewster’s contract, although renewed, will be on a reduced episode basis!  Why loose the sexy ladies with the subtext? Tut tut.

This show is still one of my favourites as it never disappoints, I’m always to afraid to go to bed having seen it.  Last seasons finale was the first part of a particularly scary storyline, I hope my housemate will be in when I watch the conclusion!

Modern Family

This contemporary classic returns to the screen on September 21st.  Our favourite new Dads Mitch and Cameron continue to fly the flag on what has to be one of the best comedy shows around.  If season 2 is half as funny as it’s predecessor then we won’t be disappointed.  I think Modern Family is one of those rare shows that really does appeal to everyone.  If you haven’t watched it yet, check it out.

Brothers and Sisters

Returning on September 25th Brothers and Sisters has a wonderful casted headed by the unstoppable Sally Field.  I must admit that after some wonderful opening seasons my interest in this show diminished but some good writing has pulled it back up.  Matthew Rhys plays Kevin Walker and is the gay interest in this show.  He married his partner Scotty in season 2.

Fringe

I don’t know about you, but knowing Anna Torv is back on September 22nd in those delicious suits of hers is making my transition into the darker nights a little warmer. Olivia Dunham is only at 8% on our fair cops poll, you can vote for her here. Last season’s end saw our heroine stuck on “the other side” with her counterpart making her way to our world, no doubt she will cause mayhem – Brill.

Dexter

My favourite TV show of them all is coming back on September 25th (does happy dance).  Last season’s finale left us all open mouthed staring blankly at the screen.  What will Dex do without Rita?  I’m beside myself here.  Who knew I could be cheering on a serial killer but it’s Dex, and you just can’t help yourself can you?

If you have managed to let Dexter pass you by then I strongly recommend you give it a look, it becomes unmissable very quickly.

I know there are a few more out there, the likes of Law and Order SVU but rather than going on all day I will just ask you to comment below with any recommendations so we don’t miss any.

Happy viewing

Related posts:

1. Álainn or Appallin’: Calzona
2. Exes & Ohs Season 2
3. Glee Season 3 Preview!

Since then we’ve had a few outstanding lesbian pairing on TV. For no good reason, other than the fun of researching the images, we decided to ask you, “Who is your favourite lesbian couple?” Here they are in rough chronological order. There are o spoliers in here but some of the vids aren’t safe for work.

Beth & Margaret

The writers of soap-opera Brookside had every shied away from controversial topics, including homosexuality. Gordon was out and proud in the late ’80′s causing all sorts of chats over tea in the UK. It was in 1993, however, that they changed the lives of man young lesbians, yours truly included.

They introduced a young women, Beth, who was, while killing her abusive father and burying him in the back garden, questioning her sexuality. Actually, she wasn’t questioning it, she was sure of who she wanted and it was the gorgeous red-head next door, Margaret. It was revolutionary. Here were two beautiful young women who were hugely popular characters and they fancied each other. There was nothing negative a person could say about them. Plus, as with everything in Brookside, the acting was top-notch. Anna Friel was heart-breaking as she went through her attraction to Margaret and coming out to her mother. She succeeded in letting Beth grow into the knowledge that it was ok to be gay; she became more confident and proud of her sexuality.

When they kissed (and my heart stopped for a second), discussion programme were suddenly full of people discussing homosexuality. It opened the door, without a doubt, and poor Anna Friel (who played Beth) has been typecast since, even though she was only in the show for two years, ending her time on Brookie fifteen years ago.

Love Them For: That kiss at the bottom of the stairs

Zoe & Emma

At the same time as Beth was macking with Margaret, Zoe Tate in Emmerdale was starting to think she might be a friend of Dorothy. Some viewers thought the storyline was a reaction to Brookside‘s popularity but you have to hand it to the Emmerdale writers, they stuck with Zoe’s sexuality. Until she lost it, got preggers and stuff. But still….

Zoe had a few relationships along the way, but the most serious was with Emma Nightingale. They were two middle-class lasses to showed the TV-watching world that lesbian couples were pretty much the same as straight ones. They went through family crises together, drank in the Woolpack with everyone else and were your usual couple. They caused a bit of scandal when they decided to get married but the only thing Molly Sugden was worried about was whether you wear a hat to a lesbian wedding.

Love Them For: Just how boringly normal they were

Xena & Gabrielle

Don’t even try to tell me that they weren’t a couple. These ladies were the quintessential lesbian couple: they met, ran away with each other the same day and tried to change the world for the better. While wearing leather.

When Xena: Warrior Princess started in 1995, it wobbled a bit. People didn’t know what to make of it. Here’s a gorgeous woman going around ‘doing a kung-fu’ with her side-kick. Once they got over the breat-plate, that much people could understand. However, viewers of a certain age and ilk were wondering if they were the only ones thinking “they’re dykes!”. The first season was a hit, as kids loved it for all it’s chop-sockey good versus evil fun; but the creators had hit a nerve with adults too. This was something they weren’t expecting, thinking the viewers would be pretty much the same as those who enjoyed their other show Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. To their eternal credit, the creators responded positively and not only acknowledged the sexual tension between Xena and Gabrielle but encouraged it. Indeed, from season 5 onwards, it was pretty much assumed that they were lovers. In the final season there is a three-episode arc where Gabrielle needs her true love to save her, many men try but it turns out to be Xena who is her true love. Hello?

The romantic relationship between Xena and Gabrielle brought the notion of “lesbian subtext” to the fore in American TV and film and the spilled-over into real-life debates about same-sex sexuality and gay rights.

Love Them For: Getting people talking

Helen & Nikki

It was, rather embarrassingly, my mother who told me to watch Bad Girls when it came out first. In another case of superb British television, excellent writing and perfect acting joined to create something special. It came on to TV in 1999, no fanfare, no hype but immediately grabbed everyone’s attention. The first season started as they meant to go on, covering controversial topics like drugs, suicide and murder. Every character was three-dimensional and the writers mixed the comic with the shocking. During the shows eight seasons, there were many lesbians and lesbian relationships, but it’s Helen and Nikki who still make the heart skip a beat.

It could have been such a cliche; misunderstood crim calls for right-on officer. However, the writing and the acting were sublime. Both actresses submerged themselves in the characters and created such chemistry that we were hanging on every word.

At the end of the last season who can forget the immortal line, “Life is shit”? Then, through the next couple of seasons, they went through some topsy-turvy times with hot-headed Nikki losing the rag and principled Helen wondering what the hell she was getting herself in for. Top class drama with a top notch couple.

Love Them For: Their passion and intelligence. Plus that Scottish accent.

Willow & Tara

When did we get to the stage were it was ok for Tara to sing “Lost in ecstasy, spread beneath my Willow tree”? Things in the US seemed to go from lez-less to singing from the rooftops in double-time. When Buffy the Vampire Slayer started back in 1997, Willow Rosenberg was your standard geek played with miles above standard cuteness by Alyson Hannigan. It was in season four that Willow meets Tara and falls in love. There’s a nice correlation between Willow realising the extent of her magic and her love for Tara; each empowering the other.

It was another year, though, before we saw them kiss in a lovely scene where Tara is calming an upset Willow down after the death of Buffy’s mother. Willow’s coming out to her friends and her openness about her sexuality was dealt with as you’d expect from series creator Joss Whedon; funny, smart and right on the button. Her long-lasting relationship with Tara is treated with warmth and understanding, never hidden away to be used when the writers felt like it.

In season six, as Willow’s power becomes stronger and stronger, it seemed natural for the writers to make her the next ‘big bad’. But how would they turn the ultimate good-guy into a baddie? By killing the thing she loved most in the world – Tara. There was an uproar when Tara was killed off, some fans still haven’t forgiven Whedon. Her next girlfriend may have had the added advantage of a pierced tongue, but she was no Tara.

Love Them For: “Can you just be kissing me now?”

Bette & Tina

Love it or hate it, The L Word was revolutionary TV. In 1997, Ellen was shafted off the air for being a gay character but just seven years later, American TV had it’s very own all-lesbian show. The characters were apologetically gay, they talked like us, dressed like we might if we had more money and sat around in cafes like we would if we had more money. They slept with actual women and talked about things like orgasms and girlfriends and lovers, oh my!

In the first season, the couple at the centre of things were Bette and Tina; they were the mammies who grounded the others as they went about their gay ways. When we met them they were eight years into their relationship and completely dedicated to each other. They had the cutest child on television (I dare you to disagree) and raised her in their own modern barely-functioning family environment. They had their difficulties through the next seasons but we all knew that they were destined to be together, it was only a matter of Bette growing up and Tina getting a life. Once those two things clicked into place, presto!

The L Word was (in)famous for its sex scenes. Some were hilariously bad, some cringe-worthy but most were hot as hell. All of Bette and Tina’s fall into the last category. Whether it was a loving joining, an angry shag or lonely embrace, you always felt the heat and the love between these two. Bette and Tina were also one of very few grown-up lesbian couples on television; at the time most lesbian storylines were about coming out, or looking for love, but here were two women living the life, making the sacrifices and reaping the loving rewards.

Love Them For: Living happily ever after

Alice & Dana

A lot of The L Word was, frankly, unbelievable. Maybe I’m saying that because I don’t want to believe that anyone like Jenny Schecter could actually exist, but as the seasons progressed The L Word suffered from what a lot of shows go through. Instead of extending plots, examining issues and enriching characters, they make it shinier, with bigger guest stars, better clothes and cars, cooler sets and more sex. One thing they were consistent with though, were the relationships between the characters.

They nailed it with Alice and Dana. Here we had best buds, the comic element of the show, but whose friendship was as real and authentic as it was tender. When their relationship loved to a sexual one, we were all delighted. Their verbal sparring continued and even their sex scenes were funny (as well as hot). But this was a complicated relationship. Dana had just had her heart broken and was raw, Alice thought she’s found her soulmate but was too vulnerable for it to last. They were always destined to be the perfect double-act, but that doesn’t mean it’s the perfect romantic partnership.

Love Them For: Cracking you up

Dana & Lara

Yep, we’re still with The L Word. One of the best scenes in the show was in the first season, when all of the girls got together to see if a woman Dana liked was gay. In efficient FBI-style they assessed her but came up empty; Lara was her own woman, not a cliché. The kiss that followed, just to show Dana the truth of her sexuality, set the precedent for their relationship; quirky and sexy.

Dana Fairbanks was one of the best characters on the show. She was smart, talented and hilarious. Coming from a conservative family, she had to fight for her right to be out, but did so with a little help from her friends and a big push from Lara. The ideal foil for Dana’s neurotic, vulnerable personality, Lara was strong, soft and well-able to talk her off a ledge when necessary.

When the writers imploded and decided to give Dana cancer, Lara was unforgivably pushed aside by the writers. It seemed as if they didn’t know where she fit in the mix so they kicked her out. Were they afraid that Lara’s struggle would take away from Alice’s? Or did they run out of ideas? It was a huge misstep either way and a major mistake on the part of The L Word‘s creator, Ilene Chaiken.

Love Them For: Being so cute

Olivia & Natalia

Guiding Light was the longest-running soap opera in history when it went off the air in 2009, running for a jaw-dropping 72 years. Back in 2008, Olivia and Natalia hated each other. In fairness, poor Gus (Natalia’s hubbie) died because he was rushing to hospital to see Olivia, but his heart was a match for Olivia’s so she had her transplant, but Natalia hated her for it, but then she sees that Olivia’s daughter needs a mother so she starts to help her feel better and then they become friends. Breath. So then Olivia gets sick again and Natalia gets her to move in so she can help her and they’re so different it’s tough, but they get over it and they get even closer. Breath. Then people start to see them as the “two mommies” of the kids (they each have one) and they laugh about the lesbian connotation and then Olivia kisses her! O.M. G!

Ok, I’m mocking, but I have to take my hat off to the writers of Guiding Light, operating within huge restrictions they managed to portray a loving lesbian couple, who were smoking hot and deeply committed to one another. American soap operas aren’t known for a high standard of acting, but Crystal Chappell (Olivia) and Jessica Leccia (Natalia) did an excellent job. Their chemistry pinged off the chart. Now consider that they weren’t allowed kiss on-screen. The network were so afraid of a backlash that they banned it. Seriously, not a peck. It takes acting of a certain calibre to be able to communicate sexual heat when all you can do is hug, peck on the cheek or maybe have the odd forehead bump.

There was understandable uproar online from both straight and gay people – here were two characters who had been to hell and back in true soap style, who were raising their kids in a loving family but couldn’t even have a small kiss? This anger turned to unadulterated joy when the actresses announced that they could be part of the cast of the web series Venice: The Series playing a lesbian couple. When, in the opening scene, the two were in bed kissing, Otalia fans gave a global woop for joy. It was a long time coming.

Love Them For: “Do you want to see my ‘I love Olivia’ dance?”

Pepa & Silvia

I’m sure the folks who make the Spanish show Los Hombres de Paco were wondering who all of these Spanish-speaking people all over the world were and how they suddenly discovered the program. The success and popularity of the Pepa and Silvia was an internet phenonenon. Lesbians all over the world, who hadn’t a word of Espanol, were hooked. Then a few amazing women came together and not only edited the show to take out the non-Pepsi bits, but also added subtitles and uploaded to You-Tube. Genius!

Los Hombres de Paco is a cop show, filmed in dodgey cardboard sets with the actors hold water pistols trying to be taken seriously. It would have passed us all by had the creators not cast Spanish supermodel Laura Sánchez in the role of Pepa. Pepa, a cop and sister to the titular Paco, comes into town out and proud and with her eye set firmly on Silvia who she’s loved since she was a teenager. Silvia’s character had been in the show for years and had never shown an ounce of sapphism. But if Laura Sánchez can’t make you gay no one will.

Pepa and Silvia were great together. Pepa all fire and attitude – shooting from the hip; Silvia all patience and understanding – thinking before she acted. When it came to love though, Silvia followed her heart and could only resist Pepa’s charms for so long. In the episodes that followed, the pair went through the usual dramatic ups and downs but remained strong, even getting married in the last episode of season eight.

It was also in this episode that the writers swallowed their creative tongue, killing off Silvia. At her wedding. Still in her dress. I mean, please! Anyway, the folks who make the  Los Hombres de Paco will now be wondering were all those viewers disappearred to when the next season starts. Maybe it’s already started, meh, who cares anymore.

Love Them For: That scene in the garage. Dayum!

Maca & Esther

Spanish telly continues with more lesbians in Hospital Central. On the air for 18 years (they run long in Spain), the show’s main character Dr Macarena “Maca” Wilson Fernández, has been on the show for 10 of those years, and her relationship with Esther has lasted as long, with the odd drama thrown in for good measure.

It’s fascinating to watch as Maca and Esther’s partnership reflects the growing acceptance of gay couples in Spain over those years. Their relationship is treated exactly the same as others on the show; no muttered jokes, just complete acceptance. Unfortunately, though, it looks like they’ll leave the show this season. Exciting times but not half as exciting as all of the crap this pair have had to go through in their decade together. Affairs, break-ups, reunions, weddings and divorces – it’s all part of life on the box.

Buzz on the internet has been huge, and Hospital Central had the same fans as Los Hombres de Paco, waiting up all hours to get the next translated installment of their favourite couple. It doesn’t harm things that Patricia Vico, who playes Maca, is an absolute babe. But what will happen next? All eyes are on the pair as Maca finds out she has a sister she didn’t know existed. What will happen and will she be as gorgeous as Vico? Get thee on to You-Tube.

Love Them For: Battling hard to be so happy

Arizona & Callie

When the writers of Grey’s Anatomy decided not to bring back Dr Erica Hahn in season five, the world went “huh?”. It didn’t make much sense to viewer, or to the actress, but she was gone and Dr Calliope Torres was single again. The internet went nuts, we had a perfectly good lesbian couple and they went and ruined it on us. There was real dread that Callie and her sex-friend McSexy would hook up again.

We need not have worried. As the door slammed behind Erica, Arizona strode through it. Originally, the people behind Seattle Grace were worried about Dr Arizona Robbins. They brought her in as a guest to see what the viewers would think. Would we like her? Yes we would!

Jessica Capshaw, who played Arizona, was hot off the set of The L Word and was well used to playing gay. She was open about chasing the role and hoping against hope that she would be kept on. Little did she know she would end up being the only lesbian character on prime-time US television.

Calzone have been hugely popular with audiences gay and straight. For a start, the individual characters are great fun; Arizona is all childish energy and sunny outlook, backed-up with brains to burn and Callie is quirky, self-deprecating and a bit geeky. Together they click. Another aspect of interest has been the difference in their stages of coming out.

Arizona is out and proud, while Callie is just getting used to being gay and having to tell people about it. Indeed, the stand-out episode in recent times has been the one in which Callie comes out to her father. The reaction is bad, so Arizona confronts him. Goosebumps ensue.

After the debacle that was Callica and its end; Calzone are a breath of fresh air.

Love Them For: How they get each other

Naomi & Emily

Seventeen years after Beth and Margaret got it on, British television continues to give us realistic depictions of young gay people. It’s also interesting to see the difference in the character’s reaction to their own sexuality and the reaction of the viewing public to an on-screen gay couple, since the Brookside story. Nowadays, the characters are much more sure of themselves and their rights as gay people and the viewers just don’t give a damn, once the show is entertaining and the couple believable.

From the moment Emily comes on screen in Skins, she is nervous about her attraction to Naomi, but never conceals it from her. She fancies her and chases her in a realistic way, with lots of flirting and lingering looks. When Naomi starts to realise that she feels the same way, it’s hard on her, just as it is for us all. But kids these days are tough and honest, she gets over the panic and falls into Emily’s arms.

The actresses who play Naomily are over the moon with the positive response to their characters. It’s a hugely positive sign when two up-and-comers jump at the chance to pose for lesbian mag like Diva, and talk openly and intelligently about their roles. If we continue to have couples like these ladies, we’ll be doing alright.

Love Them For: “Be brave, and want me back”

So, after that run-down, what do you think? Who are you’re favourite lesbian couple? Have I forgotten anyone? Do I need flogging for over-looking something obvious?

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Basically fan fiction does exactly what it says on the tin.  Fans write stories about their favourite shows and believe you me, they can take weird twists!  One example of a good site is www.fanfiction.net where there seems to be endless stories of varying lengths taking all kinds of angels and going in weird and wonderful directions.  You can search by TV show and then narrow your search to characters and genre.

So, for example, if you’re sick on Emily and JJ only being friends on “Criminal Minds” you can click in and pick their characters and look under “romantic” and there you have it, an Aladdins cave of stories, some good, some not so good, but all written by fans for fans.  Femslash is a term often used by the writers to describe to prospective readers that the content is of a romantic or sexual nature.  The stories are also rated so you know what you’re getting yourself into.

There are also ‘cross-over’ stories which can be interesting.  Let’s say, for example, one of our Criminal Minds agents is injured in the line of duty, well, they may be in Seattle and end up at Seattle Grace being treated by one Dr Callie Torres from Grey’s anatomy – see – clever!

So if you are gutted that your favourite character was killed or even worse, straight, just pop along to your nearest fan fiction site where someone out there will have a happy ending all ready for you.

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However, when I actually sit down and think about it I can only think of one lesbian character on what the Americans call “prime time” and that is Dr Arizona Robbins on Grey’s Anatomy (played by Jessica Capshaw).  She’s it, the only one.  She was brought in for three episodes in season 5 and managed to stick around and is now a full cast member.  She’s head of pediatrics on the show and is out and proud.  Which is all great but at the risk of throwing all my toys out of the pram, I’d have thought that Arizona would have some company by now, it is 2009 after all.

Those of us who frequent YouTube have been able to watch story lines from around the world and one or two actually have happy endings – I know – how novel.  However, what I want is to turn on the TV and see some happy lesbians.  British TV gave us Bad Girls and now Skins (reviewed here)  but is it too much to ask that the top shows have lesbian story lines regularly rather than throwing us a crumb?  Is Arizona Robbins on Grey’s Anatomy because the makers think it’s great to have diverse characters or is she there because of the controversy surrounding Isaiah Washington calling TR Knight a f*g on the set?  Frankly, I don’t care, I’m just delighted that we have Arizona at all.

For example, I’m watching season one of “Fringe” at the moment.  The main character’s sister and niece live with her and it’s just so annoying that it isn’t her partner and daughter.  I mean, they’re a family, so why not?

So what can we do?  Accept couples like Otalia who are totally desexualized or look to another medium, one that is not run by the sponsors who shutter at the word gay?

Well one group of women is doing just that.  Crystal Chappell who played Olivia (half of Otalia) on “Guiding Light” is reuniting with Jessica Leccia (the other half of Otalia) to make a web-series called “Venice“.  Chappell was so taken with the response to Otalia that she is producing “Venice” and taking it to the net.

Along with writer/producer Kim Turrisi, Chappell is making the show free from sponsors or TV executives.  It will follow the relationships of Gina (played by Chappell), who is a gay designer.  Chappell has promised us a kiss within the first episode and for those of us who suffered the cringing lack of any kiss on Otalia, this is welcome news.

I’m not saying I’m happy that people who wish to bring us lesbian story lines being made to feel as though they can only do that, to any real degree, by turning to the net is a good thing, we should be on TV.  However, I do hope that between the lovely Dr Robbins and the unstoppable Ms. Chappell, we will have some choice in the matter.

We have come a long way but we have much further to go.  We shouldn’t have to be on YouTube etc to see ourselves represented, but having said that, I’m delighted that some women have taken it upon themselves to get  lesbian visibility on the agenda.  Hopefully this web series will show TV stations that there is a real audience out there.

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So in the last nine months or so I have stopped watching TV almost completely and am totally addicted to YouTube. I have watched all of the interesting scenes from Skins and have since become a massive fan of another Spanish show called “Hospital Central” and an American soap opera “Guiding Light”.  In fact last Saturday I stayed up till 6am watching it, it’s just brilliant.   I know I should be embarrassed by this but I’m not – so there.  Who knew an American Soap could have such a deep storyline?

I am now eagerly awaiting September when the next season of two of my shows start and am constantly on the look out for more to watch.  This is the great thing about YouTube, you can watch TV shows from around the world and there is always some nice lesbian out there ready to edit all the crap out so you only have to watch the storyline you’re interested in.  I also have to thank the extra special lesbians out there who put up subtitles for those of us who can barely speak one language.

So who needs a TV when there is all this out there on the net?  I’d love to get some recommendations from any of you – what shows, if any, do you watch in this way and do you prefer it to watching them on TV?  Let us know what you think.

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Basically, for those who missed it, Dr Hahn is the head of cardiothoracics, she’s one of those characters that you just love.  She’s the top in her field and married to her job – you know the type.Most of the characters in the show are utterly intimidated by her and think she’s a total b*tch but her scenes are always funny and Brooke Smith plays her to perfection.  Dr Torres (Sara Ramirez) is a  Orthopedic resident who is funny, lively and loved by everyone.

They aren’t two characters you’d put together usually but the formation of their friendship and the development of their feelings for one another was done brilliantly, even this sarcastic lesbian was all loved up just watching it.

Don’t get me wrong, the writing had flaws, like Callie constantly going to her friend Mark for advice on sleeping with women, but I was still hooked.  I loved the part when Erica finally said she was gay and was totally chuffed with herself…

So I was horrified beyond belief when I read that Brooke Smith (Dr Hahn) had been “fired” from the show.  Not only did they end this relationship and cancel the best character in the show but they did it so badly I’m still lost for words.  She just left – walked away – totally out of character -  I’m raggin’!!!!!!!!!!!

The series creator,Shonda Rhimes, has said:

“Brooke Smith was obviously not fired for playing a lesbian. Clearly it’s not an issue as we have a lesbian character on the show, Calliope Torres. Sara Ramirez is an incredible comedic and dramatic actress and we wanted to be able to play up her magic.” She adds, “Unfortunately, we did not find that the magic and chemistry with Brooke’s character would sustain in the long run. The impact of the Callie/Erica relationship will be felt and played out in a story for Callie.

What a load of old rubbish.  There’s an interesting interview with Smith here, in which she says

I don’t know for sure, but it definitely seemed like [Shonda's] hands were tied. That was just my gut.

So it’s ABC that I have my rage pointed squarely at, I even emailed them a complaint, even though I know no one will read it, I just felt compelled to.

What makes it even worse is that they are keeping Callie “gay” and have her with another female doc now, so why cut out Erica?  Don’t give me crap about “we did not find that the magic and chemistry with Brooke’s character would sustain in the long run”, she was the best thing about the show.

If ABC read lesbian webpages they’d see that us laserbeams have been obsessing about our ‘doctor mc steamy’ for a long time now, then they make her gay for us, then they cut her – raggin’!!!!!!!!!!!

This blog probably doesn’t make much sense since my glasses are steaming with anger so do be patient with my little rant – I need to get this off my chest.

The star of the show Patrick Dempsey was on Ellen after all this happened and when Ellen asked him about it he said that the network had given him an answer to say if she asked him!!!  Fair play to him for letting that be known.

Have you ever been so annoyed at a TV show that you stopped watching it?  Well I haven’t seen an episode of Grey’s Anatomy since Brooke Smith’s last and I don’t plan to.  Let me take this opportunity to thank all the fan fiction writers out there who have gotten me through this tough time .  For those of us who saw the character development in the show, hers a little reminder…

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Over yonder in America, two lesbian judges have been appointed to the New York State appellate court by Governor David Paterson.

Gay guys do great at the Oscars, with Milk winning in 2 of the major categories; Best Original Screenplay for Dustin Lance Black(who looked gorgeous) and Best Actor for Sean Penn whose speech hit the mark.

In the ‘you don’t say’ corner, the British Psychological Society’s Division of Occupational Psychology report that homophobia is “more common than racism”.

There is serious concern expressed in the UK, as the murder of Ronald Dixon is not seen as homophobic even though the young person found guilty of his killing taunted him with homophobic remarks and spat at him.

Sydney was the party centre of the universe as they celebrated Mardi Gras.

The UK’s Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, called Prop 8 “unacceptable” recently. He went on to say “this shows why we have always got to be vigilant, always got to fight homophobic behavior and any form of discrimination.” Go Gordo!

There seems to be lots happening in Tellyland:

The folks over at Grey’s Anatomy are doing their damnedest to clean up the mess they made of Erica and Callie’s relationship and the sudden disappearance of Erica. Some say the actresses dismissal was to de-gay the show (more here), but then why bring in Arizona, a new lady love for Caliie?

More telly news….the internet went wild (ok a certain section of the internet) with the announcement that Stephanie Marsh is to return as Alex Cabot in Law & Order: SVU. The character has always been a favourite of those of us who have always sensed a certain something between her and the star of the show, the gorgeous Olivia Benson.  But there’s more, in an article on the wonderful afterellen.com Marsh discussed the energy between the characters.

Why do lesbians on UK soaps end up mad or in prison? The latest to end up in the big house were Emmerdale’s Debbie and Jasmine, who went down for killing Shane.

OK, sometimes they get it just right over there. The cute as a button relationship in Skins is definitely worth checking out.

Afterellen discusses Marge Simpson’s lesbian kiss.

It looks like there will be a lesbian cop joining the excellent The Closer. The cop, Mikki, will act as a foil for our heroine, Brenda (played by the incomparable Kyra Sedgwick).

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Everyday

The Ellen Degeneres Show - Check out Her Royal Gayness, King of Queens. TV3 at 2.10pm

Buffy the Vampire Slayer- Tara is alive in these episodes, but not for long…Channel 6 at 5.10pm

Will & Grace -The box-set of the complete seasons is €250, see it here for free. Living 7pm and 1am

3 Monday

Katherine Lynch’s Wonderwomen – Dubs who’ve been on the gay scene will recognise Katherine Lynch as one half of Lynch and Hamilton, the duo who entertained a few years ago. Here’s hoping she can make it on RTE. RTE2 at 10pm

Law & Order SVU - A gay episode!!!!! TV3 at 10pm

Grey’s Anatomy- It’s getting closer to that kiss. Living at Midnight

South of Nowhere- This is a ridiculous time to screen a tv show for teens. This hit American show tells the story of Ashley and Spencer (above left), two girls who fall in love. RTE2 at 3am

4 Tuesday

Coming Out to Class – Openly gay British rapper Marcos ‘QBoy’ Brito investigates the realities of coming out in Britain’s schools. Channel 4 at 10.05am

Dreamgirls – So bad it’s…well awful, but before Corky in Bound, Gina Gershon played a lesbian in this camp as knickers film (right). Sky Movies Modern Greats at 2.05pm

How the Irish Have Sex – Continuing the series looking at how Irish people’s views towards sex have change over the years. TV3 at 9pm

Mr and Mrs Smith – Switch off the sound and enjoy. E4 at 9pm

5 Wednesday

Batty Man - Follow comedian and actor Stephen K Amos as he explores why homophobia is so prevalent in the black community. He travels to Jamaica to meet people living in fear for their lives for being gay. Channel 4 at 10.05am

Rachel Allen: Bake! - Gorgeous Rachel Allen cooks up some yumminess. Pity she’s so posh, they’re cupcakes love, not ‘capcakes’. RTE1 at 7.30pm

Fire - Excellent film about two Indian women who risk everything to enjoy the love that dare not speak its name. Sky Movies Indie at 8pm

Boys Don’t Cry- Hilary Swank is superb in this devastatingly moving film about trans-guy Brandon Teena. Sky Movies Indie at 10pm

Rick and Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in All the World - Although America’s gay sweethearts (Rick & Steve) and America’s lesbian sweethearts (Kirsten & Dana) do not get along at all, they decide to have a baby together. Steve is jealous that the lesbians prefer Rick’s sperm, so he comes up with an alternate plan – with the help of Pussy the cat. Synopsis from imdb.com. E4 at 10.30pm

The L Word - Shane and Carmen (left….sluuurp) get ready to tie the knot. Channel 6 at Midnight

Laramie Inside Out - Filmmaker Beverly Seckinger, who grew up in Laramie, was compelled to return to her hometown to see how the murder of Matthew Shepard had altered the site of her own closeted adolescence. RTE1 at 1am

6 Thursday

Underdogs - It’s back. Check out how the girls get on trying to make it onto the Underdogs footie team. TG4 at 9.30pm

Aeon Flux- Ridiculous sci-fi shenanigans, but check out Charlize (right)….drool. RTE2 at 9.30pm

7 Friday

In and Out - According to this silly film, the only thing you need to know to be gay are the complete works of Barbra Streisand. I’m straight so. Film4 at 9pm

Katherine Lynch’s Wonderwomen- Dubs who’ve been on the gay scene will recognise Katherine Lynch as one half of Lynch and Hamilton, the duo who entertained a few years ago. Here’s hoping she can make it on RTE. RTE2 at Midnight

Nina’s Heavenly Delights - Soppy but sexy story of a young woman who comes home to Scotland to look after the family’s Indian restaurant. Sky Movies Indie at 3.20am

8 Saturday

Wilde - Tender biopic of author and acclaimed wit Oscar Wilde, focusing on his affair with Lord Alfred Douglas at a time when homosexual liaisons were illegal. Sky Movies Modern Greats at 7.30am#

Maverick- Jodie does blonde-giggly girl schtick. Cringe. Sky Movies Modern Greats at 11.50amand 5.50pm

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Everyday

Will & Grace -Still making us laugh 10 years later, still should be called Jack & Karen. Living 7pm and 1am

29 Monday

Anna and the King - Jodie manages to hold her own in a fairly bad remake of the King and I, sans singing. Sky Movies Modern Greats at 11.15am

Little Man Tate – More Jodie. Sky Movies Family at 1.15pm

Grey’s Anatomy - It’s season 4, so get setting your timer, this is the one that ends with the hottest lesbian kiss in many a year (right). Living at 3pm

Law and Order SVU – Dial M for Mariska , hubba hubba. TV3 at 10pm

30 Tuesday

Wilde - Excellent telling of the trial and downfall of Oscar Wilde. Jude Law plays Bosie and the fabulous Stephen Fry is the Wilde man. Sky Movies Modern Greats at 6pm

Nina’s Heavenly Delights - Feel-good rom-com about a (gorgeous) Scottish woman coming to terms with her Indian heritage, and picking a girlfriend up on the way. Sky Movies Indie at 6.40pm

Law and Order SVU – Just in case you can’t get enough of Mariska. Five at 11pm

GAA - If you missed the fantastic women’s football final on Saturday, now’s your chance to catch up. TG4at 12.25am

Boys Don’t Cry - If you haven’t seen this heart-breaking account of the last days of Brandon Teena, here’s your chance before they take your queer-card back. Hilary Swank is charmingly charismatic as Brandon. Sky Movies Drama at 12 midnight.. Sky Movies Drama at 11.45pm

1 Wednesday

Living with…Boy George - The wonderfully entertaining and gender-bending Boy George let’s us follow him around while he meets up with mates and goes to visit his mammy in Ireland. Living at 10pm

Rick and Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in All the World - Although America’s gay sweethearts (Rick & Steve) and America’s lesbian sweethearts (Kirsten & Dana) do not get along at all, they decide to have a baby together. Steve is jealous that the lesbians prefer Rick’s sperm, so he comes up with an alternate plan – with the help of Pussy the cat. Synopsis from imdb.com. E4 at 10.30pm

The L Word - Tina continues to explore men. Bleugh… Channel 6 at 11.30pm

2 Thursday

Flashdance - Check out Bette, I mean Jennifer Beals (right), as a sexy as hell welder (yes I said welder) who just wants to dance. Follow your dream Bette! Sky Movies Modern Greats at 110.40am

The Truth About Cats and Dogs - Silly modern remake of Cyrano de Bergerac in which always-watchable Janeane Garofalo falls for Ben Chaplin but he has the hots for Uma Thurman. Watch it with mates and rewrite it in your head – you just know Janeane and Uma would hit it off if the English bloke would leave them to it. Sky Movies Comedy at 11.20am

Some Like It Hot - Almost perfect, comedy with Marylin Monroe. She’s fab but it’s Jack Lemmon who steals the show as one of a couple of musician hiding from the mob as a woman. Best last line in a movie – ever. Sky Movies Classics at 1.30pm

3 Friday

The World’s Richest Women in Entertainment -You can be guaranteed that canny-with-her-millions Ellen will be in here somewhere. TV3 at 10pm

Law & Order SVU - Look who it is; hey there Mariska (left). Five at 10pm

The Haunting - Unscary remake of a classic 1963 horror. The wonderful Lily Taylor is in it though and she plays the role which was originally a lesbian but who’s sexuality was cloaked it was kind of hard to tell. Sky Movies Horror at 3.20pm

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