Like most self-respecting (albeit then-closeted) queer woman, I became conscious of “the actual L keyword,” Ilene Chaiken’s 2010-12 spin-off associated with the show that identified a generation folks in a single method or another. At the time the program broadcast, I found myselfn’t interested. It had nothing at all to do with my personal assertion of my bisexual identity and every thing to do with the fact I was still pissed at Chaiken for carrying out


my personal woman Jenny Schecter


so very, extremely incorrect during the period finale with the initial “The L keyword.”

Fast onward ten years if the homosexual stars lined up personally and I also discovered my self bingeing all three conditions in a single week. A lot of aspects added for this involuntary decision. One: I found myself in the house extend of edits for my personal second queer YA book out in 2021 and I also frantically required head chocolate. Two: Showtime struck right up my personal email with a 30-day free trial, evidently when it comes down to new season of “massive amounts,” a show i’ve never ever seen. Three: Well, I Happened To Be interested.

In older times, I was a devoted fan of “The Hills,” MTV’s entirely absurd, entirely addictive real life drama about quite, hetero 20-somethings surviving in LA. “The Real L Word” held similar sun-drenched, sweet feeling of escapism — only way, way,



way



gayer — plus with increased dogs and, beginning in period two, an extremely adorable kitty. Positive, there’s mess: artificial crisis that is plainly staged by manufacturers, plenty of genuine shouting in really crowded organizations, and really, Romi. That said, “The Real L Word” had most good things that kept me personally seeing till the conclusion of Whitney and Sara’s huge gay wedding ceremony, immediately Googling what every person’s around nowadays, and soon after my faves on Insta (


hi, Kacy!


) — not forgetting dorkily moving around my apartment to


that catchy theme song


. Some tips about what I unexpectedly adored:

Strong Coupling

Jill and Nikki are lovable while they squabble over a chandelier and planning a wedding that has beenn’t legal at that time but was essential for all of them on your own degree. Kacy and Cori hold on to the notion of a baby whom may appear, while never ever wavering within love and assistance for example another. Tracy and Stamie learn how to balance work, intercourse, and the care of three lovable children — among who had unique needs. We completely adored the storylines of the three partners navigating lesbian existence in a straight globe with each other. (and I also ended up being completely group Jill in Chandelier-Gate. That thing had been dangerous!)

Sweet Smashing

At the start of period three, I happened to ben’t positive the way I felt about Kiyomi, the Hunter Valentine frontwoman whose method of training polyamory wasn’t just fair to the woman companion, Allie. Whenever Kiyomi met enviably pink-haired and pearly white-teethed Angeleno Lauren at Dinah Shore, however, all bets were off. Whenever they kissed regarding yard, it had been attractive. Whenever they shyly gazed at each other and giggled during confessional interviews, it absolutely was cuter. As soon as Lauren could not stay away from Kiyomi’s house of the latest York City for starters a lot more moment? Cutest.

Times With Moms

Check, we are in
quarantine
and I also skip my personal
mommy
. This could describe precisely why it rained on my face everytime a warm mom figure came out. Whether it was actually Jill screaming joyfully whenever her mom made a shock trip to help her choose a wedding outfit, Kacy’s mother satisfying her child for lunch and consoling the woman about infant Charlie, or Whitney’s granny witnessing Whitney’s lawn Connecticut event, I happened to be a mess, y’all. Why don’t we remember Francine being released to her ultra-glam mommy Yoko, who immediately reacted “I love love much you,” and Sadjah’s mummy Sarita praising Sadjah’s Vote for Equality colleagues for residing their unique truth.


”


I just believe that it is beautiful for your family all to face right up for your liberties and battle for what you really, truly rely on,” she claims.

Real, Real Time Bisexuality!

Carry out Everyone loves the way in which Chaiken manages bisexual characters and storylines? Not necessarily. But as a bi me, i will be eager for just about any as well as representation of my people in the news (Spoiler: however maybe not a large number!). Nowadays, I’ll take the thing I can get, and I also found it heartening to see Romi with boyfriends in the tv show’s next season, along with the causing conversations of exactly how bi/queer/pansexual women typically feel omitted through the homosexual neighborhood all together. Its uncommon i came across Romi relatable, but I relished this topic that ‘s stilln’t talked about adequate.

Claire. Enough said.

Oh, Claire. She remaining the woman absolutely attractive gf Vivian in New York to “begin a black lesbian website” in LA — and shack with ex Francine (imagine how well that last any moved). She blithely rejected an internship with “But I’m a Cheerleader” manager and queer symbol Jamie Babbit. And she’d drunkenly scream in groups. Claire ended up being the undisputed



queen.



In 2010 two primary member had been since sloppy as the woman ‘80s rock and roll star-esque golden-haired shag, basically



just



what you want in reality television. Don’t get me personally completely wrong, I became keen on the quieter minutes in “the true L keyword,” but Claire delivered the sheer dramz, and I also was here for this. (Also, I grew up not definately not her home town of St. Louis, so hell yeah for other weirdo Midwesterners!)

This Is Basically The Way That We Live

Bringing it to “The L term” motif track most of us cherished: There nonetheless are not lots of programs, flicks, etc. about queer females



current



(chatting, chuckling, enjoying, inhaling, etc.). Even when I happened to be frustrated with Whitney’s pre-engagement user ways, Sajdah and Chanel acquiring as well really serious 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 different stages of the lives, simply figuring situations on. I can’t say We miss the days when unscripted shows ruled the airwaves, but “The Real L keyword” was worth watching, not only for any club-screaming, chandelier-squabbling and broken keyboard-pouting (bad Somer), but also for the major lady-loving lesbian energy.

Added bonus: nobody dies in a pool.