Gaycation

'Gaycation' is an outstanding documentary brought to us from the folks at Viceland, designed to explore the cultures around the world of the LGBTQ community, both publicly visible and behind-the-scenes. Hosted by Ellen Page and Ian Daniel, the two travel to countries such as Brazil, Japan and the Ukraine shedding light on the often misunderstood and frequently maligned LGBTQ community ~ which the program beautifully shows are people just trying to live authentic, but often difficult, lives.

'Gaycation' brings issues to light such as homophobia in Jamaica, the highest LGBTQ death rate in the world in Brazil, and the stigma that still exists in the Deep South.

Now in its second season, 'Gaycation' has been an amazing vehicle that has shed light on a community that has had some recent successes (such as the Supreme Court making gay marriage valid in all 50 states), but more-so the incredible ignorance and hate that still exists for these people throughout every corner of the world. Highly recommend.

I came back and watched this show after seeing Page's post. To be honest, I was a little bit shocked, but then I felt so happy for them. It immediately reminded me of this show they did a few years ago, as you can tell how much they really care about LGBTQ community and how much effort they have put into learning more about them. The intelligence, sympathy, and courage they have shown will never be forgotten. In the last episode of season 1, they also discussed their own experience. There's no doubt that coming out in Hollywood at the top of their career is a very brave choice, it's admirable that they did it again. But I'm happy to see that things have changed a little bit as the whole environment has changed with the support of people like Elliot Page and the same sex unions. Just like what we've seen in the show, things are still changing, and we still have so much to look forward to.

Ian and Ellen. The subject is HARD. It can and has been done badly over and over again by multiple news agencies, documentaries, reality shows etc. Which is why I rated this so high.

Their personalities, their friendship, their intelligence, their bravery makes this show excellent. The time and money investment by HBO, the producers and the hosts were exactly what this subject needs. Its not just about gay and trans and questioning lives its about the political climates, the social norms, the beautiful backdrops and the ugly places where non mainstream people are pushed. And its a truly global reach.

I learned a lot by watching this.

10 years ago this series came out. Somehow I had missed it.

Elliot (then Ellen) Paige and her friend Ian Daniel traveled around the world to tell us about the experience of the LGBTQ communities in select locations. And I'm glad they did.

Japan was, of course, the most interesting for me. But the other places were as interesting as well. The stories and experiences of people are told with sincerely, compassion, and respect - which is why the series is so good.

But also the interactions that Paige and Daniel have - sometimes new and eye-opening for them - felt genuine and unexpected, which is another reason why is the series is so good.

Even if you're not interested in LGBTQ issues, but if you are interested in human issues, then you should give this series a try.

This show offers a beautiful, intimate look into the lives of LGBTQ+ people across cultures, addressing subcultures, discrimination, and issues that all LGBT people face in their lives. The hosts, Ellen Page and Ian Daniel share their own personal experiences as they venture through gay bars and clubs, discuss LGBT rights with politicians, and explore same-sex unions and coming out in various cultures. Their own friendship and care for each other is palpable and endearing. I would recommend this series to anyone who is not a homophobe (and sincerely hope that those homophobes who do watch this learn some acceptance through the experience).