My kingdom for a lesbian sitcom

It seems every season or so for the last few years we get teased with the mythical unicorn of a lesbian-based comedy coming to broadcast television that we actually get to watch on television. First it was Carol Leifer’s gay lady pregnancy by ex-husband comedy “You Me And He” in 2009. It didn’t make it to our TVs. Then there was Jhoni Marchenko’s lesbian couple pregnancy comedy “I Hate That I Love You” for NBC in 2011. It didn’t make it to our TVs, even though the hilarious Anna Camp was cast in the pilot. And finally there was the lesbian-and-straight best friends lady comedy “My Best Friend Is a Lesbo” also for NBC in 2012. No word on if either becomes pregnant, but regardless it didn’t make it to our TVs.

During that same time we’ve had the gay male couple sitcom “The New Normal” (which made it to TV, but lasted only one season) and the gay male dad sitcom “Sean Saves the World” (which is still on TV, though rating aren’t terribly encouraging).

So into that historical framework we’re given yesterday’s news that Ellen DeGeneres and Liz Feldman are developing a lesbian and her straight male best friend pregnancy comedy for NBC. Yep, that’s a lesbian lady comedy from the last person to give us a lesbian lady comedy on TV. “Ellen” ended 15 years ago, in case you’re keeping score.

Now, I could go on a long and involved diatribe about why three out of the four gay* lady sitcoms involve gay lady pregnancy. (*Yep, I am using “gay” as an umbrella term to denote any female sexuality that is not exclusively straight. Ellen said, “Yep, I’m gay” on that Time magazine cover.) I suppose lesbian pregnancy just plays better to TV executives. Two ladies has to mean two times the maternal instinct, amirite? Oy. But pregnant or not, I’d just like one of them to actually make it to a television set near me.

Not to get our hopes up, but I think this one might actually have a shot. I mean it comes from The Great Panted One Ellen herself. And then there’s Liz Feldman form “2 Broke Girls” and her AfterEllen vlog “This Just Out With Liz Feldman.” Liz also used to write for Ellen on her talk show and other gigs. So, you know, that’s a pretty impressive lesbo street cred behind this project.

So, let us once again open our hearts to the dream of a lesbian sitcom on our television. Maybe, if we’re very lucky, this one will deliver. Sorry, with all the pregnant lesbians everywhere I just had to go there.

Ellen Squared

When people you fangirl about fangirl about other people you fangirl about, the result is 100 percent adorable. But the meeting of Kate McKinnon, the woman who impersonated Ellen on “Saturday Night Live,” and Ellen DeGeneres on Ellen’s show yesterday was more than adorable. It was lez-mazing. I mean, come on, just look at Kate’s hardcore fangirling. It makes me love Kate even more. And Ellen. And gay ladies. Also puppies. Wait, I think I’ve gotten off track here. Point being, watch.

If you stop and really think about it, we live in an extraordinary time. This week France became the 14th country to legalize same-sex marriage. And yesterday Rhode Island’s Senate passed marriage equality as well (it still needs to pass the House again, which already approved an earlier version of the bill) and is poised to become the 10th state in the nation to make it official. Just 20 years ago, fuck, 5 years ago – this all seemed so very far away. Sure, we’re not there yet. But culturally we’ve just passed the point where being a homophobic idiot is cool. Sure, there are still bastions of bigotry out there spouting their nonsense. It wasn’t easy and it wasn’t pretty and, heaven knows, it’s not done. Still the sight of the most popular daytime talk show host in America, who is an out lesbian, being lovingly impersonated side-by-side by a SNL cast member, who is an out lesbian, in front of an adoring crowd has to make you stop and smile. Here’s to the pretty, witty and gay in all of us.

Finding Squee

My reaction yesterday morning upon learning Pixar was finally going to make a “Finding Nemo” sequel and it would be called “Finding Dory” and based on Ellen DeGeneres’ forgetful fish. One, scream. Two, check the date to make sure it’s not still April Fool’s Day. Three, scream when I find out it’s not. Four, calm down before screaming again. Five, grab a sleeping bag and get in line.

Fine, so maybe I’m not literally camping out in front of my local cineplex just yet. But figuratively I’m already there. It would not be a stretch to call “Finding Nemo” one of my Top 5 favorite movies of all time. I’ve waxed on (and never off) about my love for this movie and how I carry it with me everywhere in my pocket on my iPhone. These are all just facts. Another fact is this looks to be only the second female-fronted Pixar feature to be officially announced. The first was last summer’s “Brave.” One last fact, it’s the first Pixar feature to be fronted by an out female lesbian lady. Dammit, now I’m screaming and jumping up and down again.

While I collect myself, please enjoy Ellen announcing the big news herself.



Here is the official Pixar release on “Finding Dory.” It comes out Nov. 25, 2015.

Director and Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton takes audiences back to the extraordinary underwater world created in the original film. "There is no Dory without Ellen," said Stanton. "She won the hearts of moviegoers all over the world—not to mention our team here at Pixar. One thing we couldn't stop thinking about was why she was all alone in the ocean on the day she met Marlin. In 'Finding Dory,' she will be reunited with her loved ones, learning a few things about the meaning of family along the way."

According to Stanton, "Finding Dory" takes place about a year after the first film, and features returning favorites Marlin, Nemo and the Tank Gang, among others. Set in part along the California coastline, the story also welcomes a host of new characters, including a few who will prove to be a very important part of Dory's life.

In May it will have been 10 years – a whole damn decade – since “Finding Nemo” was first released. And I am beyond thrilled that another generation of young and young at heart will get a chance to meet Dory and the gang and remember no matter life’s obstacles, the most important thing is to just keep swimming.



I shall repeat Nov. 25, 2015 in the cadence of P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way as my personal mantra from now until Nov. 25, 2015.

Ellen DeGrammyres

So, I’ve stopped watching the Grammys with anything more than the most passing interest for wardrobe malfunctions and lip-synch fails years ago. But yesterday after tuning in briefly and then turning to my good friend The Internet, to see what it thought, I was pleased to see that apparently Ellen DeGeneres won the Grammys. I mean what else can you deduce from these photos but that The Great Panted One and Portia had a ball and looked great doing it. Lesbians, we are in your music awards having all the funs.

Ellen & Beyoncé

This photo makes me wish they were in a Laverne & Shirley style sitcom where they shameel shemozzled schlemiel and schlemazeled down the street together.

Ellen & Adele

Adele wants to see that sitcom, too.

Ellen & Lena Dunham

I like how they’re both trying to pretend skeezy Willy Wonka isn’t standing creepily behind them.

Ellen & Nicole Kidman

Nicole clearly wants to kiss Ellen, but this is the most her face muscles can muster.

Ellen, Portia & Ryan Seacrest

I think Randy’s face says it all.

Ellen, Portia & Katy Perry

Best photo sequence of the Grammys, possibly ever.

Ellen, Portia & Kelly Clarkson

And then best photobomb of the Grammys, possibly every.

Supper time

[Click to embiggen the Holy]

I am not a religious person. I worship no gods except Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Rachel Maddow. But sometimes, sometimes the spirit does move me. Particularly when presented with the Lesbian Last Supper. Say hello to Lesbian Jesus and her super gay disciples by artist Bronwyn Lundberg. So while the season of faith and a fat guy in a red suit may be over, let the holy glow of Ellen and her Queer Apostles Jane, Sandra, Rachel, Linda, Shane, Portia, Heather, Wanda, KD, Lily, Melissa and Rosie warm you during these cold winter months. Except for you, Australia. You have fun worshipping in your board shorts.

p.s. I love how all the actresses are named except for “Shane McCutcheon” as Judas. Love her Chucks though. So much more fashion forward than flip-flops.
p.p.s. For the fellas, there is also a the Creation of Neil gay Sistine Chapel for your viewing pleasure.

Gender Fuck Thursday: Fall TV Edition

You know what else fall means? Our favorite TV ladies returning to us, sometimes while wearing lovely suits. Sometimes for their respective TV shows, sometimes because ladies look nice when they wear a nicely tailored jacket. Whatever the reason, we can all agree it’s a win for us, the viewing audience.

Lindsey Shaw, Pretty Little Liars

Paige McCullers channels Marlene Dietrich and I like it.

Jane Lynch, Glee

Admit it, this is a vast improvement over the rack suit.

Anna Torv, Fringe

Seeing Anna with her hands shoved into her pockets makes me feel even more terrible that I stopped watching “Fringe.”

Lana Parrilla, Once Upon a Time

You Swan Queeners sure gave Rizzles a run for their money in the AE Femslash Thunderdome. Respect. Big time.

Jaime Murray, Warehouse 13

Each time H.G. returns on screen I scream “KISS MYKA NOW, YOU BRITISH TWIT!” But on the inside – mostly.

Ellen DeGeneres

Someone grabbed her tie in the dark that morning.

Naya Rivera

I don’t understand what’s happening with the crotch of her pants here. But I thank Naya profusely for giving me more reasons to stare long and hard in that general direction. Ahem.