Congrats fellow queers, you’ve made it to the halfway point between pride months and it’s all easy sailing from here! I know these next few months can be overwhelming as school cracks down and the weather gets gloomy, but here’s some little tidbits of queer joy to get you through the winter season. 

Books

Now I love a good read on a cold winter night, and no one likes a sad gay ending. So, here’s my recommendation for a happy queer book that still packs a punch.

“One Last Stop” by Casey McQuiston 

This is a beautiful story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is  one of the greatest queer books I’ve ever read. My favorite part was the big reveal on who Jane is, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Mcquiston is never a wrong choice. Other books by her are “Red White and Royal Blue” and “The Pairing”, both of which throw you through an emotional roller coaster with a joyful ending. This book specifically focuses on a lesbian relationship and finding your chosen queer family.

Movies

Sometimes our academic brains need a break, and rather than scrolling, throw on one of these queer media moments. Both excellently produced and downright hilarious. 

“The Birdcage” (1996)

This absolutely hilarious movie on queer culture in the 90s is an important and hysterical piece of queer media. The comedic relief and wonderful plot line is unmatched. Enjoy the hilarious and acting genius of Robin Williams. One of my favorite scenes is in the kitchen with the shrimp. There’s something so incredible about this special family bond. 

“Bottoms” (2023) 

This campy queer story is an absolutely crazy movie that feels like a roller coaster. If you need a good laugh make sure to watch this. Though this movie can feel insane at times, there’s something so iconic about changing the common dynamic of most movies set in high school.

Music

Need a jam session? Here’s some wonderful queer artists and one of their albums, along with my favorite song from each. 

“The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” by Chappell Roan

This album is an upbeat queer pop. Need a pick-me-up after a long day? Getting ready to go out for the night? This is the perfect album for that. My favorite song off the album is ‘Super Graphic Ultra Modern.”

“To Be Continued…” by Elton John

This album is a glam pop genre and a perfect evening music classic. This and a mug of tea sounds like a great way to get through the gloom. My favorite song off this album is “Bennie And The Jets.”

“HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” by Billie Eilish

This indie pop album is great for an early morning listen. Have an 8am you’re dreading? Turning this on can really change your day. My favorite song off this album is “WILDFLOWER.”

“Hesitant Alien” by Gerard Way

This album is an alternative rock genre perfect for a good jam session. Great background music for chill afternoons filled with homework and leisure. My favorite song off this album is “Drugstore Perfume.”

“Wishbone” by Conan Grey

This album is a pop rock genre full of good vibes and high energy. Great music for a late night homework session with just a few more assignments to finish. My favorite song off this album is “Caramel.”

Some Good News

On Nov. 10, the Supreme Court chose not to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, a huge win for the LGBTQ+ community, protecting queer marriage for hopefully decades to come. The case protects same-sex marriage for everyone and turned 10 years old in June of this year. While it’s just one small win for the LGBTQ+ community, it’s still worth celebrating. As Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said, “Today, love won again.” 

A recipe 

On our menu tonight, we will be cooking up these famous recipes by queer chefs. Homey, filling, cozy meals for the winter with plenty of leftovers.

“Red Vegan Bean Stew” by Zoe Adjonyoh for our appetizer 

Zoe Adjonyoh is a queer chef and food justice activist from both Ghanaian and Irish heritage. Her food typically focuses on West African cuisine. 

“Almond Basil Pesto and Artichoke Faraefelle” by Antoni Porowski for our entrée

Antoni Porowski is a Canadian born queer chef and “Queer Eye” star. He is not only an Emmy winning artist but he also wrote and published a New York Times bestselling book. 

“Skillet Berry Crisp” by Lazarus Lynch for our dessert 

Lazarus Lynch is a queer African-American entrepreneur, musician,  and author of his own cookbook. 

Hotlines and help

Nonetheless, sometimes winter gets the best of us. It’s okay to not be okay and you are not alone. If you need to talk to someone there are options below. Stay warm and we will see you in June. 

• • The LGBT National Youth Talkline (youth serving youth through age 25): 

• (800) 246-7743. 

• • A non-judgmental hotline for those 25 years old and below with LGBTQ-sensitive trained counselors you can contact through a call, text, or chat during a mental health crisis and/or suicidal thoughts.
  • Hours of operation can be found here. 

• • Trevor Lifeline
    •  Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25 years of age

• 1-866-488-7386

• • • Available 24/7     
  • Trans Lifeline
    • A hotline available in the U.S. and Canada staffed by transgender people for transgender people. Trans Lifeline is primarily for transgender people in a crisis, from struggling with gender identity to thoughts of self-harm.

• 1-877-565-8860

• • Available 24/7
• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Work cited 

Adjonyoh, Zoe. “Red Red Vegan Bean Stew.” Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen, www.zoesghanakitchen.com/recipes/red-red-vegan-bean-stew.

“Album cover for Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish.” 2024. Darkroom/Interscope Records, www.billieeilish.com.

“Album cover for Hesitant Alien by Gerard Way.” 2014. Reprise Records, www.gerardway.com.

“Album cover for The Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan.” 2023. Warner Records, https://www.iamchappellroan.com/. 

“Album cover for Wishbone by Conan Grey” 2025. Republic Records, https://shop.conangray.com/. 

“Album cover for To Be Continued… by Elton John.” 1990. MCA Records, www.eltonjohn.com.

“Antoni’s Farfalle with Almond-Basil Pesto and Zucchini.” Today, 10 June 2021, www.today.com/recipes/antoni-s-farfalle-almond-basil-pesto-zucchini-t256072.

“Book cover for One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston.” 2021. St. Martin’s Griffin, us.macmillan.com/smp.

“Book cover for The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune.” 2020. Tor Books, us.macmillan.com/torforge.

“Crisis Hotlines.” oSTEM, ostem.org/page/crisis-hotlines.

“Skillet Berry Crisp with Almond-Cornmeal Topping.” Today, 25 Apr. 2019, www.today.com/recipes/skillet-berry-crisp-almond-cornmeal-topping-recipe-t157495.

Fritze, John. “Supreme Court Declines to Revisit Landmark Same-Sex Marriage Precedent.” CNN, 10 Nov. 2025, www.cnn.com/2025/11/10/politics/supreme-court-same-sex-marriage-obergefell-kim-davis.