We're here, we're queer ... and we're streaming on CBC Gem

In the early 1990s, LGBTQ people came together to create the direct action organization Queer Nation. Their goal was to counteract an escalation of anti-LGBTQ violence and increase and improve our visibility in the arts and media. And their now-famous chant, which they would loudly and proudly take to the streets, was: "We're here, we're queer, get used to it!"

That chant is the inspiration for the title of our LGBTQ-focused talkshowHere & Queer, the entire first season of which launches today on CBC Gem. Through unfiltered conversations with performers and creators,the series really aims to essentially continue the spirit of that now-iconic 30-year-old chant. Except we're not particularly concerned about making anyone "get used to it." It'smore like: "we're here, we're queer ... period."

The unfortunate thing, of course, is how necessary a show like this still feelsin 2023.Being visibly and openly queer is still somehowa very dangerous thing to be for a lot of people in this world. And the remarkable strides we've made in being more visible and open than ever in mainstream culture has clearly ruffled the feathers of those that don't want us to exist.

As a result, there has beenrampant homophobia and transphobiarearing its ugly head as people and politicians aggressivelytargettrans rights, queer and trans youth and their parents, anddrag queens.And all this rhetoric is leading to an extremely scary situation.

This is why it is all themore reason to celebratethe LGBTQ folks who are thrivingdespite this as they offer us representation that provides a beacon of light for so many that need it folks like Billy Eichner, Tegan & Sara, Lido Pimienta, Bilal Baig, Chase Joynt, Matt Rogers andElegance Bratton, all of whom stopped by our big queer couch during the first season.

Folks like these arefighting back against the hate in this world simply by creating. We're excited for to hear what they have to say, and we're even more excited for what this show has in store for you in the very near future. Until then, you can watch the entire first season now on CBC Gem.

Here & Queer Season 1 is streaming now on CBC Gem.