Gays Gaze

We have returned from break, and are celebrating 100 episodes of Gays Gaze! Join us as we revisit several properties we've discussed in previous episodes, including Studio Killers, Overwatch, Scott Pilgrim, Monster High, Monster Prom, Murcielago, Warrior Nun, 90 Day Fiance, She Loves to Cook She Loves To Eat, and 12 Days!

This week we are talking about the 2006 graphic novel by June Kim, 12 Days. Join us as we talk about a story of loss and the ethics of eating your ex-girlfriend - even when pretty sure that's what she would have wanted.

We also share what's in store for our 100th episode, so give a listen now!

CW: teacher/student relationships, suicide, murder, abandonment, loved ones with cancer

This week, we talk through what has been translated of Kyouko Ariyoshi's 1990s yuri manga, Applause. The translation includes two stories - Bruges, the tale of girls at a retreat reenacting a murder story, and San Francisco Story, a tale of love and pining and pride parades.

We loved this manga and encourage you to seek it out!!!

It’s time for a bit of a road trip. We’re going back to 2016 to see Lily Gladstone and Kristen Stewart in Certain Women. Join the Erins as they discuss health, pining, and the incredible performances in this film. You won’t want to miss it!

Season's greetings fellow grinches. Another holiday, another lesbian romcom to close out the year. This week, the topic is Tello Film’s 2023 movie: A Holiday I Do. Join the Erins as they struggle to find something to talk about. Curl up by the fire and give a listen to this low energy episode. We hope you enjoy it!

CW: Suicide, grooming, psychological abuse, murder, sexual misconduct, mentions of cannibalism.

This week, we read Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, the 1938 gothic novel about romance, jealousy, and murder! We also watched the Hitchcock adaptation (1940), and the Wheatley adaptation (2020). We loved this dark, gripping, dramatic story, and its sapphic characters - join us on our journey through Manderly!

The more things change, the more they stay the same! Happy four years of everyone's favorite lesbian media podcast with two hosts named Erin. This week, we're talking about Gays Gaze!

Listen to some of our favorite clips from the last year, and hear the Erin's thoughts on the past and future. It was a great year filled with wonderful interviews, hidden gems, and fantastic guests. Special thanks to Erica Friedman, Christin Baker, Hoopz and Jenny for joining us!

And of course, thanks for listening! Tune in as we make our way to 100 episodes.

Check out - 

Erica Friedman: https://okazu.yuricon.com/

Tello: https://www.tellofilms.com/

Battle City Broads: https://open.spotify.com/show/4dmsW6QVJhPGbv6e2dUOCt

CW: Discussions of horror media, including gore, body horror, child death, murder, violence against sex workers, etc.

We're back, and we're talking about Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and some of our favorite adaptations:

• James Whale's Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein
• I Was A Teenage Frankenstein
• Young Frankenstein
• Rocky Horror Picture Show
• Frankenhooker
• Junji Ito's Frankenstein
• Katsuhisa Kigitsu's Franken Fran
• The Prometheite
• Frankie Stein - Monster High

CW: discussion of sexual assault, homophobia, transphobia, gore, violence, and murder in horror movies.

Hoopz joins us as we discuss the Shudder docuseries Queer for Fear, which gives a short history of queer representation in horror literature and film. We talk about our experience with some of the books and films featured, and which movies we want to add to our watchlist. Get your pen and paper ready, you might find a few new things for your watchlist this October!!

What queer horror movies do you love? E-mail us at erin@gaysgaze.com !

This week we are exploring the first two volumes of the Yuri manga, “She Loves to Cook and She Loves to Eat”! Join the Erins as they stay uncharacteristically on topic, discussing why this manga is so good and a must read. Plus, you’ll get to hear from Erin’s new cat! We love to talk, and we hope you’ll love to listen!

CW: Parental abuse, gore, child death, war and war crimes

We watched the groundbreaking new yuri anime, Mobile Suit Gundam: Witch From Mercury. The first Gundam to feature a female and LGBTQ protagonist, this series will hopefully kick off a trend of more mainstream yuri!

We talk through the convoluted plot, the happy ending, and the controversial statements by bandai after the finale.

CW: murder, homophobia

G’day lesbians and listeners! This week we’re talking about Crocadyke Dundee, the 2015 documentary about Dawn O’Donnell, who pioneered the Sydney gay and lesbian club scene. We also quickly mention Crocodile Dundee, as well as reminisce on some Australian memories. Everything was illegal, but this episode isn’t!

CW: sexual assault, child abuse, murder, suicide, gore, rape revenge stories, etc.

Jenny from Battle City Broads is back to talk about another lesbian assassin story - Lady Snowblood, the manga by Kazuo Koike and film by Toshiya Fujita. This franchise inspired Tarantino to make the Kill Bill movies, but both the Japanese film and Kill Bill omit the very sapphic themes of the source manga. We talk through the plot and history of this franchise, as well as the importance of citing your inspiration... :)

Find Jenny at:

Battle City Broads: https://open.spotify.com/show/4dmsW6QVJhPGbv6e2dUOCt

Twitter: https://twitter.com/battlecitybroad?lang=en

CW: Abusive relationships 

The Erins are once again joined by friend of the show, Hoopz! We’re on a journey to find our people and speak our truths! Or something like that. Maybe we’ll just talk in riddles about the toxic lesbian representation we all crave. Netflix made it, and like it or not, we’re watching it - so tune in to hear our thoughts!

Step on it! We need to talk about the 2004 movie Taxi, and fast! Join the Erins as they discuss talk show hosts, evil muppets, and the hardest question of them all… is this a good movie, or is it just that Queen Latifah is on screen with four supermodels? Take a listen and decide for yourself.

CW: Light sensitivity warning in the movie!! Religious trauma, abusive/controlling parents, attempted suicide, attempted homicide of a child, infant death, drugging, repression.

We watched Thelma (2017), a Norwegian thriller by Joachim Trier. This film, which is about a young woman who develops a seizure disorder then discovers her psychic powers as she falls in love with her classmate, really manifested our interest. We had a lot to say about power, manipulation, queer repression, and finding your place!

Watch first, then join us as we talk through it!

CW: homophobic violence, misgendering, assault, slurs, BDSM, descriptions of sexual scenes 

This episode, we’re taking a trip across the pond to experience the 2012 movie, Stud Life! Come hear our takes on a movie that explores queer romance and friendship in a way you don’t often see on screen. We may get distracted on our journey, but what else can you expect from the Erins? We're having fun, innit?

CW: police brutality, the AIDS epidemic

This episode, we talked about the 1993 documentary Last Call at Maud's by Paris Poirier. The documentary chronicles lesbian bar history, particularly the closing of Maud's in San Francisco.

We talked bar culture, online dating, and the joy in our community's history!

This week, we’re talking about the reality dating show based on Naked and Afraid, Naked and Afraid of Love! Can the Erins survive the ultimate endurance test of watching heterosexuals shenanigans for 12 episodes? Rest easy knowing there will be some women loving women to replenish their stamina. Hear our thoughts on the show, and find out if it’s worth a watch too!

Erin’s computer has risen from the dead in order to bring you this week’s episode on Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same (2011). Hear the Erins thoughts on the film, a couple of New York City recommendations, and even a recollection of a botched date. Those jeans aren’t going to clip themselves into jorts! Get out your scissors and take a listen. 

CW: unsupportive and abusive families, homophobia, repressed sexuality, cheating on a partner, gatekeeping and exclusion from the community

Today we talked about the 1994 film Go Fish by Guinevere Turner and Rose Troche. We adored this low budget film about lesbian community and finding love with an unlikely partner - so many of the beats are still issues faced by lesbians today. Give it a watch, and join us for the discussion!

CW: abusive caretakers, blood, demons, possession, ableism

This week, we talked about Warrior Nun, the tragically cancelled Netflix series by Simon Barry. We give an overview of the series and talk through major plot beats, plus, we talk a little about why the show was cancelled and what threads would impact a season 3 if renewed.

CW: Manipulative and emotionally abusive partners, implied sexual abuse, suicide, public acts of violence

This week, the Erins are talking about Tár, a biopic-esque film from the past year. We’ll be discussing our feelings on the intent of the director before inevitably getting sidetracked pondering "why is it called 'Fortnight'?"

And don’t worry, we’re answering the question on everyone’s mind: was Tár really better than The Batman (2022)? Listen in to find out!

CW: suicide, death of a loved one, drug addiction, attempted sexual assault, incest, divorce, cancer, bullying

This week, we watched and read Oniisama E (Dear Brother) by Riyoko Ikeda. This 1970s drama series had us yelling "OOOH I can't stand the suffering that comes with desire!" at every twist and turn in this whirlwind plot.

We’re keeping it merry and gay as we watch the first Lifetime lesbian movie, Under the Christmas Tree (2021). How much Christmas is it giving? We'll tell you! Plus, make sure you keep your ears perked for a special surprise guest. Although, if you’re British, you can skip the outro. Happy Holidays from the Erins!

Come with us as we sample three lesbian-centric sitcom episodes. This week we’re checking out the lesbian weddings on Living Single and Friends, as well as a lesbian kiss from Roseanne. There’s a surprising amount to dig into. Twitter might be dying, but we’re not! Grab your copy of Minecraft and settle in to listen. 

CW: Parental abuse, sick/dying parent mentions, transphobia, attempted sexual assault, incest.

Jump on the fujoshi yacht, we’re setting sail for Ouran Academy! This week the Erins are talking about Bisco Hatori’s Ouran High School Host Club. Batten down the hatches as we’re about to reminisce about 2000s anime, ponder the lobelia, and tell you why you should not take candy from strangers. It's sure to be a refreshing listen!

Happy three years of your favorite lesbian media podcast with two hosts named Erin, Gays Gaze!

We reflect on the last year, bringing you our favorite clips! We loved getting to co-host with Samantha, Katie Hoopz, Ellie, and Jenny, and we loved laughing so much with you all.

Thanks for listening, and we're excited for the next year to come! :)

Check out - 

Sammy's project: https://transcribe.ink/

Battle City Broads: https://twitter.com/battlecitybroad

This week, we talk about Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland's animated Adult Swim series, Rick and Morty. We talk about its creation, Dan Harmon's myriad scandals, and the sapphic representation, including Space Beth x Beth, and the "One Experimental Summer" comic.

We also talk about Reigen, since he won the poll. Oops.

CW: Stalking, gore, murder, cannibalism, eye horror, pet death, animal abuse. 

It's the nicest episode of all! Join special guest, Katie Hoopz, and the Erins as we talk about fandom twitter polls, Monster High, Video Game cookbook recipes... oh, and we also mention the 2002 movie, May. It's a dark comedy horror that touches on perfection, identity, and maybe even being a manic pixie dream girl. We hope you laugh at least half as much as we do throughout this episode! 

CW: domestic violence, sexual assault, gore, incest, pedophilia/grooming, abusive relationships, homicide, suicide, animal abuse

This week, Jenny from Battle City Broads joined us as we read the incredibly dark and gory yuri manga, Murcielago by Yoshimurakana! We talk about female assassin stereotypes, a variety of sewer monsters, and perhaps most importantly, one stone butch serial killer's quest to sleep with every MILF. 

Find Jenny on Battle City Broads here:
https://twitter.com/battlecitybroad
https://anchor.fm/battlecitybroads 

CW: homophobia, suicide, child abuse.

This week, we watched the 1961 film, The Children's Hour. It was captivating, and depressingly relevant to this day and age. Tune in this week to hear our thoughts about this film, and to find out who the Erins cancelling and why. You're going to be the one being cancelled unless you listen to this week's episode!

CW: Transphobia, misgendering, diet culture and fatphobia

This week, Samantha (@lilestradiol and transcribe.ink) joined us to talk about the 2018 4-episode J-Drama, Joshi-teki Seikatsu or My Life as a Girl. We had mixed feelings - the transphobia was bad, but there were pieces that were interesting! Listen along for discussion about humiliation kinks, crab hot pot, and all the missed opportunities for stronger lesbian rep.

CW: NSFW. Child sexual abuse, grooming, child abuse, mentally ill parents, abusive relationships homicide

This week, we talk about Yun Kouga's manga Loveless, about a boy named Ritsuka who gets dragged into a dark world of spellfighting after his brother's murder. The series is unfinished, so we talk about theories, Yun Kouga's intent, and also about fanworks and fan reception as this was released.

This week, we talk about Nakamura Ching's manga Gunjou, or Ultramarine Blue, which has since been adapted into the Netflix original film, Ride or Die. We loved the manga, and think the movie can be skipped. Join us as we walk this psychological manga and discuss the ways it's successful at getting you thinking...

CW: Alcoholism, institutionalization, cops, blood, gun use, parental abuse, unplanned pregnancy, possession and memory loss, demons/monsters

We watched all four seasons of Wynonna Earp, and we loved it! We knew it would be cheesy, but Doc Holliday as a vampire? Hello? We talk about lesbian sex, demonic possession, and one unique character's supernatural genitals.

CW: Violence, gore, sexual assault overtones.

This week, Samantha (@lilestradiol on twitter, or http://transcribe.ink/) joins us to talk about the Wachowski sisters' Jupiter Ascending, a 2015 film of a woman's intergalactic journey to learn she is the queen of Earth. We talked about why the movie flopped, and we also searched for Eddie Redmayne ABO fanfiction. 

CW: homophobia and bury your gays, murder, animal death, toxic relationships

This week, Hoopz joins Erin and Erin to discuss the highly controversial and homophobic finale to Killing Eve. We go through each episode in Season 4, talk about what we liked and what we hated, and we share what we wish season 4 looked like.

Thank you to each and every one of you who took the time to share your thoughts with us this week!

CW: prop guns, mild homophobia.

Discipline. Energy. Beauty. Strength. These are traits that all secret spies, or D.E.B.S., must embody to join the force. But what happens when the top D.E.B.S. student falls head over heels for the nation's most threatening criminal, Lucy Diamond? Erins discuss, and also discuss other campy spy movies, and the use of spies as an allegory for closeted queerness. Thanks to Alpaca for suggesting this, and Asis and Samantha for writing in!

CW: Homophobic slurs/language, abusive homophobic parents, hate crimes

We're back for another Dee Rees movie, with Pariah (2011)! This is both our favorite movie that we've watched for the podcast yet, and we became immediate die-hard fans. This film is about a young Black girl growing up in Brooklyn who navigates young adulthood and bravely comes out as a lesbian to her unsupportive parents. Join us as we talk the difficulties of navigating teen relationships, and homophobic parents. And come back next week as we debut Gays Gaze Coin, our new cryptocurrency (jk, we hate that shit).

CW: Sexual abuse, institutionalization, hanging (death penalty / suicide)

This week, Katie Hoopz joins us for the BBC miniseries based on Sarah Water's novel, Fingersmith! We loved it! We talk The Handmaiden comparisons, female autonomy, Taika Waititi, and... Greek Mythology? We got a little derailed, oops! 

CW: Passive suicidal thoughts, light body horror.

This week, we talk about the anime Otherside Picnic, an isekai yuri anime inspired by the novel Roadside Picnic and film Stalker. While we can't give our full recommendation, we can give our hot takes, so tune in to hear why these two lesbians are stronger than the entire Okinawan US Marine branch.

CW: Anti-Black racism, abusive relationships, child abuse, attempted sexual assault

Dee Rees' film Bessie (2015) is an incredible dive into the life and loves of Bessie Smith, famed blues musician played by Queen Latifah. We talk Bessie's life, queerness in the blues, Rees' filmography, and Erin's crush on Queen Latifah.

CW: transphobic language and slurs, abusive relationships, parental abandonment, police brutality/discrimination, victim blaming, outing, lesbiphobia.

Samantha, @lilestradiol, joins us to discuss Her Story (2016), a short series on Youtube about the experiences of transgender women and love. We appreciated this series for its work highlighting the experiences of transgender women in sapphic communities!!

Watch Her Story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkHicPm7C6Q 

Check out Samantha's site, Transcribe, here: https://transcribe.ink/ 

NSFW, CW: sexual torture, sexual abuse, incest, suicide, death, the plague.

Paul Verhoeven's Benedetta (2021) is coming in hot with some strange nun sex scenes, speculative burning-at-the-stake, and most importantly, transgender Jesus? This biopic about real-life 17th century Italian Nun, Benedetta Carlini, is a wild ride from start to finish!

CW: Animal neglect and death, alcoholism, HIV and AIDS, homophobic assault, poverty, hoarding.

Can You Ever Forgive Me? is a biographical film about the life of Lee Israel, a lesbian in New York who committed a series of literary forgeries in the early 1990's. We loved it! If you haven't seen it, consider giving it a watch before jumping into this new episode! 👀

CW: Suicide, sexual assault, age gap relationships, and fear of aging/death.

Clouds of Sils Maria (2014) is a beautiful movie by Olivier Assayas about inevitabilities of aging and the difficulty actors face when drawing the line between fiction and reality - if you haven't seen it, you might be interested to watch it before listening to this episode! We attempt to give our interpretation of the film, while also talking about a lot about its inspiration from The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant and a little about Assayas' other works and controversies.