#shortbus

(tagged by @befuddledcinnamonroll tysm 😊)

The rules of this tag game are simply “shows or movies that give you hope” so I took that a couple different ways.

1. Cutie Pie

(gif by @rinsarchive )

An odd one to start with, I know, but I will forever love this weird show in a special way because it was my entree into BL, which overall is one of my greatest sources of pleasure and, yes, hope in this dystopian timeline.

I’d seen “Wish You” and “Gameboys” on Netflix but had no idea they were part of a vast genre. I’d fallen in love with “Heartstopper” and was scrolling my FYP on instagram where I saw some Cutie Pie posts—and getting fixated on that show (and ZeeNunew) was how I found out about the wide amazing world of QL.

2. DNA Says Love You

(gif by @cytharat )

I was so happy to see this on a few other folks’ lists. There is something so hopeful about this series—the acceptance, the cozy supernatural elements, the found and blood family ties, the utter sweetness of the MCs when they finally become a couple…it just makes my heart happy.

3. Some More

I literally don’t know how this isn’t on everyone’s faves list—it is perfect in every way. And conveniently, it’s the epitome of hope. Shy city boy is burnt out by work. Taciturn older country boy left the exhausting city behind but is now starved for love. Luckily they meet by chance and get brave enough to get together in short order. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched this.

4. Love Is Science

(gif by @gabrielokun )

Okay I’ve only watched the BL cut, but the all-in devotion of the seemingly asshole straight guy once he falls in love is breathtaking—and one of the most hopeful character transformations I’ve ever seen.

5. Cherry Magic Thailand

(gif by @aprilblossomgirl )

This is one of two shows that engulfed my heart and soul from beginning to end. No two main characters have ever struck me as this incredibly adorable. And it’s one of the most hope-inspiring shows too—the way they enrich each other’s lives and help each other gain confidence is intoxicatingly optimistic. Oh! And in the spirit of hope, they filmed two versions of the mom’s wedding speech—one talking about marriage equality being law of the land—just in case it had happened by the time the show aired!

6. City of Stars

(gif by @alejunsu )

While not as overall amazing as Cherry Magic, this series featured two of the kindest, gentlest couples ever—I find myself thinking about them often. I also loved how the movie star had the courage to come out, suffered real career consequences, but found a way to keep acting on his own terms.

7. Monster Next Door

(gif by @loveisactivated )

Yeah, gentle characters give me hope (don’t get me wrong though I love toxic gray characters too!) The way these two slowly adjusted to and learned to honor each other’s personalities and friend groups was SO darling. The one serious fight they had only strengthened their bond in the end.

8. Meet You at the Blossom

(gif by @khunkinn )

This one embodies hope for me as the first uncensored Chinese BL since the censorship crackdown! Although I didn’t live through that era as a BL fan, I felt the visceral incredulity, nervousness and ultimately excitement as it proved to indeed be uncensored. And my fear each time a new Chinese show airs is nonetheless always tempered with hope because of MYATB.

9. Short Bus

(gif by @mythcreant )

I thought I’d throw in one non-BL little queer show. I haven’t seen this movie in ages so I don’t know if it aged well but I remember it being so exhilarating and liberating—sex positive, poly-affirming and so, so hopeful about people’s ability to connect with one another on every level.

SHORTBUS (2006)

When I say this movie was absolutely 1000% foundational to my sexuality and how I move through the world with that sexuality. And it’s just such a sweet and loving movie, and somehow even though the on-screen sex is unsimulated (gasp!) it’s surprisingly not lurid or titillating about it