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Articles by Jess Ison
‘The Ultimatum: Queer Love’ season 2 episodes 8-10: "There's a cat. Is that a bad sign?" - Archer Magazine
Hello queers. Welcome back to my recap of season 2 of The Ultimatum: Queer Love. For my recap of episodes 1-3, head here. For episodes 4-7, head here. So, I have a confession: I became obsessed somewhere in the midst of the second trial marriage, and stayed up late into the night finishing the episodes. I didn’t have it in me to go on to the reunion… yet. I did look up who was still together, though, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
‘The Ultimatum: Queer Love’ season 2 episodes 4-7 recap: “All there have been are sex playlists”
Welcome back to my recap of‘season 2 of The Ultimatum: Queer Love. Here’s where you can read my previous recap. It has become clear to me from my friends (sample size n = 6) that you have all already finished the whole second season of The Ultimatum: Queer Love, you absolute chaotic sapphics. When did you have time in between your own drama?! So, this means you’re just here for my hot takes. I have also tried to do some actual reviewing this time, but probably not successfully.
‘The Ultimatum: Queer Love’ season 2 episodes 1-3 recap: “I will run your food truck into the river”
My dearest not-so-gentle readers, I am back with some reviews for you. I know you’ve been thirsty for them. I am going to review The Ultimatum: Queer Love season two. I must confess: I tried season one, and I lasted about half an episode before the extremely problematic behaviour was too much to bear. But, a friendly neighbourhood dyke has binged all of season two and confirms that – while just being on this show is instantly suspicious – there seems to less outright horrid behaviour.
Queer Film Review: Happiest Season
Welcome to my Archer Magazine queer film review! I rate each film against my rigorous methodology of whether a film is better than Better Than Chocolate, the infamous and questionable 90s lesbian film. You can read my review of that film right here. For Christmas, it’s only appropriate that I review Happiest Season. I originally attended the Melbourne premiere of Happiest Season in 2020 at the Coburg Drive-In, alongside every local lesbian and their Subaru. And I tried to blot it from my memory.
Queer Halloween review: Buffy The Vampire Slayer, "Once More, With Feeling" - Archer Magazine
Welcome to my Archer Magazine queer film review! Normally, I rate each film against my rigorous methodology of whether a film is better than Better Than Chocolate, the infamous and questionable 90s lesbian film. You can read my review of that film right here. But this review will be a little different. In the spirit of Halloween, I thought I better watch and review something scary. So naturally, I thought of Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
Queer film review: Imagine Me & You
Welcome to my Archer Magazine queer film review! I rate each film against my rigorous methodology of whether a film is better than Better Than Chocolate, the infamous and questionable 90s lesbian film. You can read my review of that film right here. Today I am reviewing 2005’s Imagine Me & You directed by Ol Parker.
'The L Word: Generation Q' S310: "I hope our friends get to feel this some day" - Archer Magazine
This article contains spoilers for The L Word: Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 3 of ‘The L Word: Generation Q’. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda. I’m not sorry to say that these will all be thinly veiled pro-communist rants. You can read my thoughts on earlier episodes if you need refreshers.
‘The L Word: Generation Q’ S309: “Dani has written hundreds of these public apologies”
This article contains spoilers for The L Word: Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 3 of ‘The L Word: Generation Q’. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda. I’m not sorry to say that these will all be thinly veiled pro-communist rants. You can read my thoughts on earlier episodes if you need refreshers. Image credit: Showtime, 2022 Hang on. Friends.
‘The L Word: Generation Q’ S308: “I'm not political” - Archer Magazine
This article contains spoilers for The L Word: Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 3 of ‘The L Word: Generation Q’. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda. I’m not sorry to say that these will all be thinly veiled pro-communist rants. You can read my thoughts on earlier episodes if you need refreshers.
‘The L Word: Generation Q’ S307: “I’m gutter all the way”
This article contains spoilers for The L Word: Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 3 of ‘The L Word: Generation Q’. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda. I’m not sorry to say that these will all be thinly veiled pro-communist rants. You can read my thoughts on earlier episodes if you need refreshers.
‘The L Word: Generation Q’ S306: “You are my person. Some say we only get one.”
This article contains spoilers for The L Word: Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 3 of ‘The L Word: Generation Q’. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda. I’m not sorry to say that these will all be thinly veiled pro-communist rants. You can read my thoughts on earlier episodes if you need refreshers.
‘The L Word: Generation Q’ S304: “Nothing cheap”
This article contains spoilers for The L Word: Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 3 of ‘The L Word: Generation Q’. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda. I’m not sorry to say that these will all be thinly veiled pro-communist rants. You can read my thoughts on earlier episodes if you need refreshers. Image credit: Showtime, 2022 One minute and twenty-nine seconds.
‘The L Word: Generation Q’ S304: “You have a pattern”
This article contains spoilers for The L Word: Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 3 of ‘The L Word: Generation Q’. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda. I’m not sorry to say that these will all be thinly veiled pro-communist rants. You can read my thoughts on earlier episodes if you need refreshers.
‘The L Word: Generation Q’ S303: “I’m looking for The One”
This article contains spoilers for The L Word: Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 3 of ‘The L Word: Generation Q’. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda. I’m not sorry to say that these will all be thinly veiled pro-communist rants. You can read my thoughts on Seasons 1 and 2 if you need refreshers.
‘The L Word: Generation Q’ S302: “The itch”
This article contains spoilers for The L Word: Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 3 of ‘The L Word: Generation Q’. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda. I’m not sorry to say that these will all be thinly veiled pro-communist rants. You can read my thoughts on Seasons 1 and 2 if you need refreshers. Image credit: Showtime, 2022 It happened. Finally. Tibette. They smashed.
‘The L Word: Generation Q’ S301: “Let’s buy another baby”
This article contains spoilers for The L Word: Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 3 of ‘The L Word: Generation Q’. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda. I’m not sorry to say that these will all be thinly veiled pro-communist rants. You can read my thoughts on Seasons 1 and 2 if you need refreshers.
Queer film review: When Night is Falling
Welcome to my monthly Archer Magazine queer film review! I rate each film against my rigorous methodology of whether a film is better than Better Than Chocolate, the infamous and questionable 1990s lesbian film. You can read my review of that film right here. This month I am reviewing the 1995 romance/drama When Night is Falling, directed by Patricia Rozema. Image credit: FilmRise, 1995 The film opens with a dream sequence, featuring full boobs immersed in water.
Queer film reviews: Anne+
Welcome to my monthly Archer Magazine queer film review! I rate each film against my rigorous methodology of whether a film is better than Better Than Chocolate, the infamous and questionable 90s lesbian film. You can read my review of that film right here. For this month, let’s dive in to Anne+, directed by Valerie Bisscheroux and released in 2021. As a heads up, this review contains spoilers! Anne+ comes out of a relatively popular TV series of the same name.
Queer film reviews: Better Than Chocolate
Content note: This review contains mentions of biphobia and transphobic violence. Welcome to my new monthly queer film review! Strap on for some of your fave oldies and new baby dyke films on the scene. Each film’s merit will be assessed via a rigorous method I’ve devised: I will assess each film as to whether it is better or worse than the infamous 1990s lesbian film Better Than Chocolate, directed by Anne Wheeler.
The most read pieces of 2021: Poppers, The L Word, sex and disability
As we celebrate our newly launched DISABILITIES issue, we’re also taking the opportunity to look back on all of the brilliant pieces we’ve published this year. This was my first year as Archer Magazine’s Deputy Online Editor. As a long-time Archer volunteer and hanger-arounder of editor Amy Middleton, I was absolutely thrilled to come aboard. I’ve connected with so many brilliant queer writers, who have blown me away with their insight, humour and talent.
‘The L Word Generation Q’ S2E10 Recap: "Are you going to make me fire her?" - Archer Magazine
This article contains spoilers for The L Word Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 2 of The L Word Generation Q. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda. I’m not sorry to say that these will all be thinly veiled pro-communist rants.
‘The L Word Generation Q’ S2E9 Recap: "I have a drawer full of cufflinks" - Archer Magazine
This article contains spoilers for The L Word Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 2 of The L Word Generation Q. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda. I’m not sorry to say that these will all be thinly veiled pro-communist rants.
‘The L Word Generation Q’ S2E8 Recap: “Fuck your intentions, that’s the reality”
This article contains spoilers for The L Word Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 2 of The L Word Generation Q. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda. I’m not sorry to say that these will all be thinly veiled pro-communist rants.
‘The L Word Generation Q’ S2E7 Recap: "Should we have some water?" - Archer Magazine
Content warning: This article discusses substance abuse This article contains spoilers for The L Word Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 2 of The L Word Generation Q. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda. I’m not sorry to say that these will all be thinly veiled pro-communist rants.
‘The L Word Generation Q’ S2E6 Recap: WOW
This article contains spoilers for The L Word Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 2 of The L Word Generation Q. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda. I’m not sorry to say that these will all be thinly veiled pro-communist rants.
‘The L Word Generation Q’ S2E5 Recap: “I somehow just became CEO of my family’s company”
This article contains spoilers for The L Word Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 2 of The L Word Generation Q. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda. I’m not sorry to say that these will all be thinly veiled pro-communist rants. You can read my thoughts on Season 1 and its central plot points, and my recaps of episodes one, two, three, and four, if you need refreshers.
‘The L Word Generation Q’ S2E4 Recap: "Rosie the Riveter was gay as shit" - Archer Magazine
This article contains spoilers for The L Word Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 2 of The L Word Generation Q. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda. I’m not sorry to say that these will all be thinly veiled pro-communist rants.You can read my thoughts on Season 1 and its central plot points, and my recaps of episodes one, two, and three, if you need refreshers.
‘The L Word Generation Q’ S2E3 Recap: "New zip code, new life, just like that" - Archer Magazine
***Content warning: This article makes reference to sexual assault*** This article contains spoilers for The L Word Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 2 of The L Word Generation Q. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda.
'The L Word Generation Q' S2E2 Recap: "Like a sweet feral cat" - Archer Magazine
This article contains spoilers for The L Word Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 2 of The L Word Generation Q. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda. I’m not sorry to say that these will all be thinly veiled pro-communist rants. You can read my thoughts on Season 1 and its central plot points here, and my recap of the episode one here.
'The L Word Generation Q' S2E1 Recap: "Long hours, shitty pay" - Archer Magazine
This article contains spoilers for The L Word Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch the show before reading. Welcome to my weekly review of Season 2 of The L Word Generation Q. Each week, I’ll go over the characters’ narrative arcs and pick out sections that suit my agenda. I’m not sorry to say that these will all be thinly veiled pro-communist rants. You can read my thoughts on Season 1 and its central plot points here.
Pinkwashing and the climate crisis: Time to change the Mardi Gras
Well as per usual, the Mardi Gras put us through a range of fuckery this year. Firstly, the ANZ advertisement and the cringeworthy as hell hashtag “lovespeech”. Puke. So, the ANZ ad saw a range of young LGBTQIA+ people naming the slurs that have been used against them. Ending with some rubbish about how words hurt so we need “love speech”. Along with the video was some horrible posters. To the LGBTQIA+ people who were paid to be in the ad, take that bank money.
Pinkwashing and the climate crisis: Time to change the Mardi Gras
Well as per usual, the Mardi Gras put us through a range of fuckery this year. Firstly, the ANZ advertisement and the cringeworthy as hell hashtag “lovespeech”. Puke. So, the ANZ ad saw a range of young LGBTQIA+ people naming the slurs that have been used against them. Ending with some rubbish about how words hurt so we need “love speech”. Along with the video was some horrible posters. To the LGBTQIA+ people who were paid to be in the ad, take that bank money.
The L Word: Gen Boring
This article contains spoilers for The L Word: Generation Q. It is recommended that you watch before reading. Okay, I have so much to say about the reboot. But, to be honest, I had to look up what everyone’s names were for this review. I was just so bored. Here goes: That. Opening. Scene. I don’t think I’ve ever seen period blood on the screen. Let alone during sex. Let alone during lesbian sex. The group of us who diligently gathered with homemade snacks was screaming.
Out of the Archives: Inside Out and prison abolition
Content Warning: Incarceration ALGA has a range of content relating to struggles for prison reform and prison abolition. This edition of Out Of The Archives will uncover some of this history. In the last instalment of Out of the Archives, we brought you the story of Sandra Willson, a lesbian subjected to wrongful imprisonment and the campaign from activist group Women Behind Bars to have her released. But they’re not the only prisoner solidarity group that ALGA maintains an archive of.
Out of the Archives: The story of Sandra Willson
Content warning: Incarceration, LGBTQIA phobia, Indigenous incarceration, violence, suicidal ideation, aversion therapy ALGA has a range of content relating to struggles for prison reform and prison abolition. This edition of Out Of The Archives will uncover some of this history. Historically, queers have been targeted by state violence, and still are today. It is no wonder that so much of our history is also tied up with the struggles for prisoner rights, and prisoner support.
Queering history: Brian McGahen and Bolshevik Bloomers
For this next instalment of Out of the Archives we introduce you to Brian McGahen (1952-1990). He leaves behind a complicated life which begs the question, how do we write queer legacies? Out of the archives is a series from Jess Ison looking at queer her-/their-/his-tory in Australia in collaboration with Nick Henderson from the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives (ALGA). Read the first instalment in the series here.
'This is not a one-off': Hares & Hyenas police raid shows the reality of violent policing
At 2am on Saturday morning, police raided the home of two queer community members, Rowland Thomson and Crusader Hillis. They live above Hares & Hyenas, the bookshop and community space they also run. Thinking it was a gang of homophobes, one of their friends – Nik Dimopoulos – ran outside and was so violently set upon that he may not be able to use his left arm again. The police claimed they were there looking for an “armed Lebanese gang member”.
Out of the archives: Animal Liberation at Mardi Gras
Out of the archives is a new series from Jess Ison looking at queer her-/their-/his-tory in Australia in collaboration with Nick Henderson from the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives (ALGA). Criticising Mardi Gras is not just an annual social media sport, but also a queer rite of passage. Whether it’s not enough portaloos in the staging area, or contempt about corporate sponsorship, we’ve all had something to say.
Pride parade disruptions: Keeping queerness ethical
Having been brought up on a steady diet of the gay and lesbian section of Blockbuster Newtown, I can say that my movie taste is pretty low grade. In light of this, I can be forgiven for loving the new film Riot, which was released in time for this year’s Mardi Gras and dramatizes the lead up to the first ever pride parade held in Australia. The film captured so much of the feel of Sydney and had some hilarious queer moments that made me want to click my fingers in solidarity.
Queers against gay marriage: What to do in this postal vote?
I am a queer person vehemently opposed to gay marriage. Right now, this means I am navigating so many complexities. Do I vote? Do I boycott? Do I go to the marriage rally because it is about more than just marriage now? Do I try and speak out against the institution of marriage, even though it risks being picked up by the bigots? Let me work through this here. Firstly, as queer people, one of the best things we have is our commitment to creating new family structures.
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