How ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ Changed Australia and Drag Forever: WATCH

In his latest episode of Culture Cruise, Matt Baume takes a look back at the iconic gay classic Priscilla, Queen of the Desert starring Hugo Weaving, Terence Stamp, and Guy Pearce.

Writes Baume: “In 1994, a broken-down bus named Priscilla departed Sydney’s gay enclave, carrying three glamorous performers to the rural heart of Australia on the most perilous journey of their lives. And although only three of them set out in the film, they were soon followed in real life by an entire drag army.”

Baume explains how Australia reacted to the film at the time, when gangs roamed Sydney looking to beat up gay men and the city had been ravaged by the AIDS epidemic.

“Australia just totally embraced this film,” says Baume. “In fact this movie was so beloved that six years later Australia paid tribute to it at the Sydney Olympics. A contingent of drag queens appeared in the Closing Ceremonies and Kylie Minogue performed one of the ABBA songs from the film.”

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How ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ Changed Australia and Drag Forever: WATCH

Dan Levy breaks down reading a thank you note from moms of LGBTQ kids

Schitt’s Creek may have ended, but its impact has not. Following the series finale of the beloved sitcom, the cast and crew gathered for a follow-up special to discuss their involvement in the show. Things took an emotional turn nobody expected.

The show earned wide praise for its depictions of queer characters, especially that of David (played by series co-creator Dan Levy) and his boyfriend Patrick (played by Noah Reid). During the special, Reid read aloud a letter from “Serendipity Do Dah for Moms,” a Facebook group for mothers of LGBTQ children. Their letter praised the show and thanked the crew and cast–Levy in particular–for its depiction of LGBTQ people. 1,800 people signed the letter of thanks.

Related: ‘Schitt’s Creek’ to air hour-long special after series finale

“Your commitment to represent love and tolerance in your show is so important to families like ours,” the letter read. “Your willingness to explore, inform and educate about LGBTQ people and their relationships in an entertaining but respectful and positive manner sets a tone that is often missing.”

It continued: “You have created new ways for queer viewers to see themselves represented, and in its own way, that is just as important as the battles we are still fighting. Therefore, the work you have all done on Schitt’s Creek has encouraged us greatly and given us hope about the future for our kids.”

“We sincerely believe,” the letter went on, “that shows like Schitt’s Creek will serve as a catalyst to help change the world into a kinder, safer more loving place for all LGBTQ people to live, and because of that, we will remain forever grateful. You’ve made a lot of mamma bears happy and as a result, you have a whole bunch of fans forever.”

Dan Levy broke down in tears after taking just one look at the letter. By the time Reid had finished reading the letter, everyone sitting around the table had teared up. We did too.

The finale of Schitt’s Creek earlier this week. The show is available to watch on Netflix.

www.queerty.com/watch-dan-levy-breaks-reading-thank-note-moms-lgbtq-kids-20200411?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Burning Man Festival Canceled as Organizers Announce ‘Virtual Black Rock City’

The annual Burning Man festival that takes place in the Nevada desert the week before Labor Day and welcomes more than 60,000 people has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Wrote organizers: “After much listening, discussion, and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision not to build Black Rock City in 2020. Given the painful reality of COVID-19, one of the greatest global challenges of our lifetimes, we believe this is the right thing to do. Yes, we are heartbroken. We know you are too. In 2020 we need human connection and Immediacy more than ever. But public health and the well-being of our participants, staff, and neighbors in Nevada are our highest priorities.”

“We are, however, going to build Black Rock City in The Multiverse,” organizers added. “That’s the theme for 2020 so we’re going to lean into it. Who’d have believed it would come true? We look forward to welcoming you to Virtual Black Rock City 2020. We’re not sure how it’s going to come out; it will likely be messy and awkward with mistakes. It will also likely be engaging, connective, and fun.”

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Burning Man Festival Canceled as Organizers Announce ‘Virtual Black Rock City’