Like most self-respecting (albeit then-closeted) queer girl, I was familiar with “the actual L term,” Ilene Chaiken’s 2010-12 spin-off associated with the show that described a generation people in one single means or any other. At that time the program aired, I wasn’t interested. It had nothing in connection with my personal assertion of my personal bisexual identification and every little thing related to the truth that I found myself still pissed at Chaiken for carrying out


my girl Jenny Schecter


therefore very, really wrong inside period finale on the initial “The L keyword.”


Fast ahead a decade once the gay movie stars aimed for my situation and I discovered my self bingeing all three times in a single week. A lot of factors added for this involuntary choice. One: I found myself at home extend of edits for my next queer YA unique call at 2021 and I also seriously required brain candy. Two: Showtime hit right up my personal email with a 30-day free trial offer, ostensibly when it comes down to new season of “massive amounts,” a show We have never seen. Three: Really, I was interested.


Back in the day, I became a faithful follower of “The Hills,” MTV’s entirely ridiculous, thoroughly addictive fact crisis about pretty, hetero 20-somethings residing LA. “the actual L term” had the same sun-drenched, sugary sense of escapism — only way, way,



way



gayer — plus with an increase of puppies and, starting in period two, an extremely lovable kitty. Yes, there is mess: phony drama that is obviously staged by manufacturers, lots of genuine screaming in really congested clubs, and really, Romi. Nevertheless, “the actual L Word” had a lot of good stuff that held me enjoying till ab muscles conclusion of Whitney and Sara’s big gay marriage, immediately Googling exactly what everyone’s up to today, and after my faves on Insta (


hi, Kacy!


) — and of course dorkily moving around my apartment to


that catchy motif track


. This is what we unexpectedly adored:



Strong Coupling


Jill and Nikki tend to be adorable while they squabble over a chandelier and planning a wedding which wasn’t appropriate at the time but was essential for them on your own degree. Kacy and Cori hold on to the thought of a baby whom might not materialize, while never wavering inside their really love and help for starters another. Tracy and Stamie work out how to balance work, intercourse, additionally the proper care of three adorable kids — certainly who had unique needs. I completely appreciated the storylines of those three lovers navigating lesbian existence in a straight globe collectively. (And I ended up being firmly group Jill in Chandelier-Gate. That thing was actually harmful!)



Sweet Smashing


At the beginning of period three, I wasn’t certain how I believed about Kiyomi, the Hunter Valentine frontwoman whose method of practicing polyamory wasn’t exactly fair to her partner, Allie. When Kiyomi came across enviably pink-haired and pearly white-teethed Angeleno Lauren at Dinah Shore, but all bets were down. Whenever they kissed regarding lawn, it actually was precious. Whenever they shyly gazed at one another and giggled during confessional interviews, it was cuter. Once Lauren could not keep away from Kiyomi’s home of brand new York City for example a lot more moment? Cutest.



Minutes With Mothers


Have a look, we’re in
quarantine
and that I miss my
mommy
. This may describe the reason why it rained on my face each and every time a warm mommy figure came out. Whether or not it had been Jill screaming happily whenever the woman mommy made a shock trip to help the lady choose a wedding dress, Kacy’s mom meeting her child for meal and consoling her about child Charlie, or Whitney’s grandma witnessing Whitney’s backyard Connecticut Wedding, I was a mess, y’all. Why don’t we keep in mind Francine coming out to her ultra-glam mother Yoko, who immediately responded “i really like love such you,” and Sadjah’s mother Sarita praising Sadjah’s Vote for Equality colleagues for residing their unique fact.


”


I just genuinely believe that it really is gorgeous available all to stand upwards for your liberties and battle for just what you really, certainly believe in,” she states.



Real, Live Bisexuality!


Do i really like ways Chaiken manages bisexual characters and storylines? Not at all times. But as a bi myself personally, Im starving for almost any and all of representation of my folks in the mass media (Spoiler: nevertheless perhaps not plenty!). Nowadays, I’ll simply take the things I get, and that I found it heartening to see Romi with boyfriends during the tv series’s third period, and the causing conversations of how bi/queer/pansexual women typically believe omitted from homosexual area in general. It is unusual i discovered Romi relatable, but We relished this particular topic that still isn’t mentioned adequate.



Claire. Adequate mentioned.


Oh, Claire. She remaining the woman positively gorgeous gf Vivian in nyc to “begin a lesbian website” in LA — and shack up with ex Francine (estimate how good that finally any went). She blithely turned down an internship with “But i am a Cheerleader” director and queer icon Jamie Babbit. And she would drunkenly scream in groups. Claire had been the undisputed



queen.



In 2010 two main user had been because sloppy as her ‘80s rock star-esque blond shag, that will be



just



what you need in reality TV. Aren’t getting me completely wrong, I became a fan of the quieter minutes in “The Real L term,” but Claire brought the pure dramz, and that I was right here for this. (In addition, we spent my youth maybe not definately not her home town of St. Louis, so hell yeah for other weirdo Midwesterners!)



This Is The Way That We Live


Bringing it to “The L term” motif song most of us appreciated: There nonetheless aren’t most programs, movies, etc. about queer females



existing



(talking, laughing, enjoying, inhaling, etc.). Even though I was sick and tired of Whitney’s pre-engagement player means, Sajdah and Chanel obtaining too significant too fast and reading the millionth version of “so what’s with both you and so-and-so,” we relished hanging out with queer ladies in various stages of their lives, merely figuring situations on. I can’t say We miss the days when unscripted programs ruled the airwaves, but “the actual L keyword” ended up being worth seeing, not simply for all the club-screaming, chandelier-squabbling and damaged keyboard-pouting (bad Somer), but also for the top lady-loving lesbian power.


Bonus: not one person dies in a pool.