Queer historical fiction books full of the steaminess, lush historical detail, and drama of Sarah Waters’s iconic lesbian coming of age story Tipping the Velvet.

If you’re looking to escape reality for a little while, look no further than this year’s absolute bumper crop of queer novels. As late spring and summer literary events are postponed and cancelled, writers are looking for ways to connect virtually with readers and the publishing community – and finding ways to keep their creativity flowing in a difficult time.

Plus updates on: Harley Quinn, How To Get Away with Murder, In the Dark, Motherland: Fort Salem, Tommy, Roswell, The Baker and the Beauty, 911, Top Chef, and Siren.

“You can’t have a rulebook or a playbook for how to connect. When you’re queer, it’s about negotiating your own way, when the blueprint doesn’t work for you.” Fatimah Asghar discusses queerness, intimacy and her new short film Got Game, that you can watch exclusively on Autostraddle.

It can feel like the only responsible story is one where a trans teen is certain of their identity and is allowed to transition. But that’s not the experience of so many kids both trans and cis.

I was ready to declare myself and to bring everyone else who was ready along for the ride. I thought, “I’m going to put as many women as I can into one publication, and they’re gonna get to say whatever the f*ck they want.” And Selfish, the magazine, was born.

“Watching season four episodes — the feeling of normalcy, of connection, of being able to laugh. I’m so grateful to be with our fans and live-tweet. It’s almost like Tuesdays are the only time I know what day of the week it is! I put lipstick. I feel like a real person, just to sit in the before for just a second.”

Inspired by a caterpillar, cocooning describes a time when you are forced to wait and prepare for the transformation that is taking place inside you. Thanks to Covid-19, many of us are dealing with career cocoons right now. Here’s how to cope.

This week’s Extra! Extra! takes a look at the state of democracy, the use of the pandemic as an excuse for discrimination and harassment, climate change and more.

Are you ready to get this Prop 8 thing taken care of once and for all? SO ARE WE. We recap today’s closing arguments on the Prop 8 trial on gay marriage in California, with characteristic Autostraddle style and class.

Also, Gaby Dunn is still hot, Rhea reminds me of outerwear, Stephanie Beatriz dyes her hair and dogs continue to be the best friend celebrities need in these times.

Comfort reads with queer characters to soothe you in today’s rough times! I’ve specifically picked books that are available in ebook format so that you can get a hold of them from the comfort of wherever your shelter in place is.

All the Spring TV coming up definitely or probably queer this March, April and May — lesbian and bisexual female characters and non-binary people investigating murders, surviving post-apocalyptic frozen tundras, skateboarding in New York City and so much more!

LeVar Burton is bringing back Reading Rainbow when we need it most, remembering lesbian singer Lesley Gore and the anthem that powered “The First Wives Club,” and friends don’t let friends cross picket lines.

In a time when digital resources and connection are more vital than ever — including workplaces that employ LGBTQ people sustainably — Autostraddle wants to not only keep our lights on, but ensure they’ll keep burning as brightly as possible.

It’s a tragedy when any publication shuts down, but for the state of Ohio, Prizm Magazine was the lifeblood of the LGBTQ+ community in an area still lacking statewide LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination protections; losing it is an example of what we’re losing in the world of arts and media due to COVID-19.

“I am queer. I am into ALL humans. I guess maybe I am just really into love? Who knows? But finally… I am OUT.”

Story #6 titled “Honeymoon” is very gay. Not with a Disney-style exclusively gay moment, but with some actual textual ‘Le mot L’ dyke drama.

Whatever you think of Biden or Sanders, they stood on last night’s debate stage with a firm command of the facts, plans to tackle the issue and a willingness to let America’s response be dictated by experts. The difference between the parties could not be more stark.

Plus updates on the All American and Black Lightning season finales, Legacies, and Batwoman!