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Queens of the B's

Queens of the B's

By Thomas West and Mark Muster

Join co-hosts T.J. West III and Mark Muster for a discussion of under-appreciated queer films of the past and the present. Every two weeks, they'll discuss a particular film with the humor, affection, and critical insight as only two queer recovering academics can.
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"I Care a Lot"

Queens of the B'sSep 19, 2023

00:00
51:52
"I Care a Lot"

"I Care a Lot"

In this week's episode, Aaron and T.J. talk about how much of a wicked pleasure I Care a Lot really is. We talk about Rosamund Pike's performance, the power of queer villainy, and the film's narrative absurdities. Plus, T.J. gives Aaron and a hard time for not knowing how Troye Sivan is (or that he's a top). Give it a listen!

Sep 19, 202351:52
"Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed"

"Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed"

In this week's episode, Aaron and T.J. talk about the new documentary Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allows. They talk about how the documentary frames its subject, their own longstanding relationship with Hudson's star image, and so much more. Plus, they have even more viewing recs. What are you waiting for? Give it a listen!

Sep 03, 202350:24
"Heartstopper: Season 2"

"Heartstopper: Season 2"

In this week's episode, Aaron and T.J. discuss the second season of the Netflix series Heartstopper. They talk about the way the season explores the difficulty of young relationships, the issue of eating disorders, and so much more. You won't want to miss this one!

Aug 27, 202301:04:13
"Rope"

"Rope"

Join Aaron and T.J. this week as they discuss Alfred Hitchcock's Rope, a tautly constructed drama about two men who murder their classmate, thinking that they've pulled off the perfect killing. They discuss the erotics of suffering and the star text of Farley Granger, the film's aesthetics and, of course, the most pressing question of all: just what makes these two characters gay, anyway? Plus, they talk about the ethics of staying on Twitter in the aftermath of Elon Musk's takeover. Give it a listen!

Jun 23, 202351:06
"Schmigadoon!" and "Schmicago"

"Schmigadoon!" and "Schmicago"

In this week's episode, Aaron and T.J. discuss Schimigadoon! and Schmicago, the hilarious musical series from Apple TV+. They discuss the queerness of the musical, the utopian pleasures the genre offers, and the simple joy of seeing the form brought to life on the small screen. They also talk about the importance of small town Pride festivals. Give it a listen!

Jun 13, 202351:29
"The Little Mermaid" (1989)

"The Little Mermaid" (1989)

In this week's episode, Aaron and T.J. explore just what it is that makes The Little Mermaid such a perennial favorite for queer audiences, from its expressions of utopian longing to Pat Carroll's exuberantly queer performance as Ursula. Plus, T.J. grills Aaron about what he doesn't know about gay culture.

Jun 05, 202354:28
"Mommie Dearest"

"Mommie Dearest"

In this week's episode, Aaron and T.J. discuss Mommie Dearest, one of the biggest camp classics of them all! They talk about Faye Dunaway's scenery-devouring performance, Joan Crawford's career and, of course, the tragedy at the heart of it all. You won't want to miss this one!

May 12, 202354:29
"Party Monster"

"Party Monster"

In this week's episode, Aaron and T.J. discuss Party Monster, the 2003 film starring Macaulay Culkin and Seth Green. Focusing on the infamous Michael Alig, it's a cotton-candy acid trip of a film but, beneath of all of its camp excess there lurks a rich and resonant queer tragedy. In addition to diving into the film, your favorite co-hosts also discuss their own deeply personal relationships to the film.

May 05, 202355:51
"Knock at the Cabin"

"Knock at the Cabin"

In this week's episode, Aaron and T.J. discuss the film Knock at the Cabin, the new film from M. Night Shyamalan. They talk about Shyamalan's status as a director, the way the film plays with his usual directorial style, as well as the weighty philosophical issues it raises. Plus, they talk about the vital importance of trans visibility. You won't want to miss this one!

Apr 28, 202354:54
"Date and Switch"

"Date and Switch"

In this week's episode, Aaron and T.J. discuss Date and Switch, a surprisingly funny stoner/sex comedy. They look at its examination of gay masculinity, as well its surprising connections to both Succession and The White Lotus. Give it a listen!

Mar 31, 202358:25
"M3GAN"

"M3GAN"

This week, Aaron and T.J. discuss the new sci-fi horror film M3GAN, focusing on its camp appeal, its engagement with the uncanny and AI, and everything else that makes it queer. They also talk about the BAFTAs and, of course, the Twitter Gays. 

Mar 03, 202354:41
"The Favourite"

"The Favourite"

In this week's episode, Aaron and T.J. discuss The Favourite, doing a deep dive into the film's great performances, its queerness, and its exploration of the fraught dynamics of royal power, gender, and desire. T.J. also quizzes Aaron on what he knows (and doesn't know) about the real Queen Anne.

Feb 24, 202356:60
"Close"

"Close"

This week, Aaron and T.J. discuss the beautiful but heartbreaking Belgian film Close. They share their interpretations of the film, as well as their deep emotional responses to it. And, of course, they harass each other for their gaps in queer knowledge.  

Feb 17, 202354:37
"Spoiler Alert"

"Spoiler Alert"

This week, T.J. and Aaron discuss the new film Spoiler Alert, looking at the way it addresses grief, terminal illness, and love. And, of course, Aaron gives T.J. a hard time for not having seen The Devil Wears Prada until recently.

Feb 10, 202357:25
"A Christmas to Treasure"

"A Christmas to Treasure"

This week Aaron and T.J. discuss the new Lifetime movie A Christmas to Treasure, discussing its narrative, its characters and, of course, its queerness. 

Dec 23, 202259:39
"American Horror Story: NYC"

"American Horror Story: NYC"

This week Aaron and T.J. talk about the complicated nature of the most recent season of American Horror Story. Also, T.J. confesses that he's never seen Waiting to Exhale! ~Gay gasp~

Dec 17, 202252:55
"Interview with the Vampire" (2022)

"Interview with the Vampire" (2022)

In this much-delayed (and much-anticipated!) episode, T.J. and Aaron discuss the new AMC Interview with the Vampire, talking about what makes it so queer and why it is very much in keeping with the spirit of the original novels. 

Dec 08, 202258:36
"Interview with the Vampire (1994)

"Interview with the Vampire (1994)

This week, Aaron and T.J. talk about the 1994 film version of Interview with the Vampire, unpacking just what makes it queer and asking (and answering) the pressing question: is it camp?

Nov 21, 202259:38
"My Policeman"

"My Policeman"

In this week's episode, Aaron and T.J. talk about the new film My Policeman, discussing its tragic narrative, the performances of its cast (including Harry Styles), and whether (and if) it's a film of its time.

Note: T.J. mistakenly refers to Emma Corrin as "her." This misgendering of the nonbinary Corrin was in error, and we apologize for the mistake. 

Nov 10, 202253:59
"Leslie Jordan, Angela Lansbury, and the Passing of Queer Icons"

"Leslie Jordan, Angela Lansbury, and the Passing of Queer Icons"

This week, T.J. and Aaron talk about the passing of Leslie Jordan and Angela Lansbury, and what it means to lose queer icons like them.

Nov 01, 202255:26
"Bros"

"Bros"

This week, T.J. is joined by his good friend Ben (famous for his erudite commentary on Mambo Italiano), and the two of them gab about how much they love the new film Bros. They talk about its engagement with queer culture, queer joy, queer history...in fact, all things queer. This is definitely one that you won't want to miss!

Oct 14, 202201:12:56
"Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story"

"Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story"

In this weeks episode, T.J. and Aaron do a deep dive into Dahmer--Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, exploring the shows themes, its exploration of Dahmer's motivations, and the various discourses surrounding it. In addition, T.J. heckles Aaron for not having seen the instant queer classic, Hocus Pocus 2. 

Oct 03, 202201:00:55
"I Love You Phillip Morris"

"I Love You Phillip Morris"

In this week's episode, Aaron and T.J. discuss I Love You Phillip Morris, covering such issues as Jim Carrey's performance, Ewan McGregor as a cute Southern twink, and the film's critique of the carceral state. Give it a listen!

Sep 21, 202201:00:23
"A League of Their Own" (2022)

"A League of Their Own" (2022)

In this week's episode, T.J. and Aaron discuss the new series A League of Their Own. They discuss its anachronisms, its forthright engagement with queerness, and its queerly utopian sensibility. Give it a listen!

Sep 06, 202201:03:05
"A League of Their Own" (1992)

"A League of Their Own" (1992)

This week, T.J. and Aaron look back at the 1992 film A League of Their Own, taking a look at just what, exactly, makes it so queer. They also share their deeply personal responses to the film.

Aug 23, 202201:04:48
Uncoupled

Uncoupled

This week, Aaron and T.J. about the new Netflix series Uncoupled. They talk about the way it depicts gay relationships, gay friendships, and gay culture in the 2020s. Plus, Aaron reveals a truly stunning lack in his gay knowledge, leading T.J. to wonder just who it is that he's in a relationship with.

Aug 15, 202201:01:13
"They/Them"

"They/Them"

This week, Aaron and T.J. discuss the new slasher film They/Them. They unpack the good, the bad, and the ugly, as well as everything else in-between. And, course, they harass each other about how out of touch they are with what's new in gay culture. You won't want to miss this one!

Aug 08, 202257:44
"The Golden Girls"

"The Golden Girls"

In this week's very special episode, T.J. and Aaron talk about all that's queer about The Golden Girls, from great characters such as Jean and Clayton to the series' embrace of camp. Plus, they share their own deep emotional bonds with the series and its characters. This is a can't-miss episode!

Aug 03, 202201:05:45
"Rocketman"

"Rocketman"

T.J. and Aaron are joined this week by Abigail, and together they discuss the film Rocketman. They talk about its genre, its depiction of Elton John's fabulous (and sometimes tragic) life, and everything that's queer about it. This is another can't-miss episode of your favorite queer movie and TV podcast.

Jul 25, 202201:04:15
"Maurice"

"Maurice"

In this week's episode, T.J. and Aaron talk about the 1987 film Maurice. They talk about the film's engagement with desire, romance, and history, and they also ponder its place in the queer film canon. Plus, they give each other Hell about Funny Girl. 

Jul 18, 202201:05:38
"Serial Mom"

"Serial Mom"

Join T.J. and special guest Matt Connolly this week as they discuss Serial Mom, John Waters' hilarious 1994 film. They talk about Kathleen Turner, the film's skewering of '90s bourgeois culture, and everything else. You won't want to miss this one!

Jul 11, 202201:09:12
"Queer as Folk" (2022)

"Queer as Folk" (2022)

In this week's special Pride Month episode, Aaron and T.J. discuss the newest version of Queer as Folk, focusing on its engagement with disability, representation, sex, desire, friendship, trauma, and the general messiness of queer life. Plus, they deliver a couple of Pride Month PSGays and, of course, they rib each other about what they don't know about queer culture. You won't want to miss this great episode. 

Jun 27, 202201:09:43
"Fire Island"

"Fire Island"

In this week's episode, Aaron and T.J. discuss the new film Fire Island, looking at its depictions of Asian American gay men, its interpretation of Jane Austen and, of course, its depiction of gay male desire. Plus, T.J. ridicules Aaron for not having watched the Tony Awards!

Jun 14, 202258:28
"Crush"

"Crush"

This week, T.J. and Aaron discuss the Hulu original film Crush. They talk about the film's humor, the importance of queer joy, and why it's so hard for filmmakers to get lesbians right. You don't want to miss this one!

May 30, 202252:59
"Free Fall"

"Free Fall"

In this week's very special episode, T.J. is joined by his old friend, Aaron. The two talk about the 2013 German film Free Fall, discussing the film's engagement with masculinity, intimacy, and identity. Give it a listen!

May 16, 202201:06:15
"Heartstopper"

"Heartstopper"

It's a very special episode this week, as Aaron and T.J. discuss the new Netflix series Heartstopper. They talk about the series' depiction of young queer romance, the joy of seeing queer love on-screen, and the show's global viewership. It's a deeply personal, yet very fun, episode of your favorite queer movie podcast. 

May 02, 202201:04:34
"The Hours"

"The Hours"

In this week's episode, Jarrell and T.J. talk about the 2002 film The Hours. They talk about the film's use of its stars, its melodramatic content, its score and, of course, it's queerness. You won't want to miss this one!

Apr 18, 202201:00:05
"Touch of Pink"

"Touch of Pink"

in this week's episode, T.J. and Aaron talk about Touch of Pink, a delightful gay homage to the romantic comedies of classic Hollywood. Plus, they give each other a hard time about some notable lapses in their queer knowledge. 

Apr 04, 202244:55
"Pillow Talk"

"Pillow Talk"

In this week's fabulous episode, Bridget Kies joins T.J. to talk about 1959's Pillow Talk. They talk about the star texts of Doris Day and Rock Hudson, the film's playing with postwar gender ideologies, and lots of other fun stuff. You won't want to miss this one!

Mar 21, 202256:58
"Joe vs. Carole"

"Joe vs. Carole"

In this week's episode, T.J. and Aaron talk about the new series Joe vs. Carole, discussing the many ways that it improves on the version of Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin created by Tiger King, focusing on issues such as performance, genre and, of course, queerness. T.J. also harasses Aaron about Dua Lipa, and T.J. shares his country queer experiences. 

Mar 07, 202256:13
"Flee"

"Flee"

In this bonus episode, T.J. talks about the powerful poignance of the animated documentary Flee, talking about its aesthetic, its emotional power, and its engagement with the queer refugee experience.

Mar 04, 202216:29
"Happy Together"

"Happy Together"

This week, T.J. is joined by his old friend Jarrell, and the two discuss the fantastic film Happy Together, directed by Wong Kar-wai. They touch on the film's evocative exploration of queer love, its aesthetic, and power of queer ephemerality. Plus, Jarrell shares his experiences watching the film when he was young, and T.J. harasses him for not having heard of Leo Bersani.

Feb 21, 202254:55
"Swan Song"

"Swan Song"

Welcome back, everyone! This week, T.J. is joined by his full-time/part-time co-host Aaron, and they discuss the 2021 film Swan Song. They talk about queer aging, queer history, and queer grief, as well as Robyn's hit song "Dancing On My Own." It's another can't-miss episode of your favorite queer movie podcast!

Feb 07, 202248:06
"Portrait of a Lady on Fire"

"Portrait of a Lady on Fire"

Join T.J. for a special bonus episode, as we does a deep dive into Portrait of a Lady on Fire, a haunting period piece that reflects on female desire, the gaze, and the ephemerality of the present.

Feb 02, 202215:43
The Queer Pathos of Adele

The Queer Pathos of Adele

In this special bonus episode, T.J. talks about the specifically queer appeal of Adele, and how much of this stems from the wrenching pathos at the heart of her music. 

Jan 24, 202215:16
"Tick, Tick...Boom!"

"Tick, Tick...Boom!"

There are big things coming to Queens of the B's in 2022, but while we gear up for our relaunch--with new co-hosts and a new home here on Anchor--please enjoy T.J.'s discussion of the 2021 film Tick, Tick...Boom! 

Jan 17, 202212:37
"Single all the Way"
Dec 06, 202101:16:57
"What's Cooking?"
Nov 22, 202101:01:08
"Moonlight"
Nov 08, 202101:09:43
"Cat People"
Oct 25, 202155:49