Welcome to the Weekend Binge. Every Friday, we’ll suggest a binge-able title designed to keep you from getting too stir crazy. Check back throughout the weekend for even more gloriously queer entertainment.
The Uplifting: We’re Here
Fans and non-fans of Drag Race take note: though the new HBO series We’re Here features three alumni of the beloved drag competition, do not expect tantrums and epic throwing of shade. We’re Here stars Shangela, Eureka O’Hara and Bob the Drag Queen. Each episode finds the three riding their handbag-shaped RVs to a different conservative city around the country with a singular goal: unite the queer and straight communities by putting on a drag show. For the three queens, that means finding drag protegees to add to the show in each episode. And, as anyone familiar with the work of Bob, Eureka or Shangela will attest: each drag number throbs with energy and joy.
What we didn’t expect, however, was just how poignant and moving We’re Here gets. All three queens experience moments of vulgar homophobia and racism at times, which serves to remind viewers that attitudes towards race and LGBTQ people still vary wildly around the country. Moreover, the stories of family rifts healed through drag performance had us reaching for the tissues. We’re Here reminds us that the great power of the queer community comes from its sense of love and joy, not just fabulousness. The kind of forgiving love on display here is hard to find in any TV series, scripted or reality. That earns a winning recommendation from us. The fabulous handbag RVs are just a bonus.
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Streams on HBO Max.
missvamp
i love the show & hope it continues!
man5996853
It was renewed for Season 2.
lather
I watched thinking it’d be a bit of fun and I really liked Bob The Drag Queen. I was shocked at how good it is and love Shangela, Eureka O’Hara, and Bob the Drag Queen.
They all deserve high praise. We get to hear great stories and meet a wonderful array of people. While learning about them, we also get to learn more about showing empathy and compassion. Oh and it’s great fun as well.
val_el
Shangela May have not won RPDR or RPDRAS, but man let me tell you! She is one of the most memorable Queens in the industry she is everywhere and she shines! Keep it up! Love Season 1 and can’t wait for Season 2.
nitejonboy
They filmed an episode in the town of my college Alma mater, Ruston Louisiana, it really touched me and reminded me how far and how not far we’ve come over the years. Such a beautiful show, god bless all of them, Emmy’s for them all!!