In a continuing effort to receive support from readers, the Bay Area Reporter has launched its membership program.

Some new series debut this month. The combination of fire season and extreme heat is keeping many of us indoors, so TV is a reliable go-to: An endorphin rush for calming nerves jangled by a rogue president, climate crisis and the pandemic.

Kicking off with a high-flying drag satire, Frameline44, the SF International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, will screen 77 films from 24 countries in a wide array of genres, from features and documentaries to short subjects and animated films.

The first virtual Democratic National Convention in the time of the corona pandemic was an entirely different event from the previous DNC, and a wholly TV extravaganza.

MHz hosts a broad range of European programming, including matter-of-fact gay characters, among their diverse array of mysteries and adventurous series.

'Umbrella Academy's' season two includes gay and lesbian longing, 'Lovecraft Country' inhabits a creepy inherited mansion that leads to frightening netherworld amid real racist horrors, and 'NOS4A2' blends supernatural limos and vampire kiddies.

Since moving to London with his husband Chris Turner, Bay Area fans of best-selling 'Tales of the City' author Armistead Maupin have missed his local appearances. On August 12, he'll discuss his life and writing with his friend, actor Sir Ian McKellen.

After years of producing straight-only romance films, Lifetime this week announced pre-production on the network's first holiday-themed cable film with gay male leads.

The 'Ellen' show is under investigation, 'Grantchester's gay story line gets more compelling, and 'The Alienist' (with out gay actor Luke Evans) addresses historic and contemporary problems.

The late Naya Rivera is remembered for her cheerleader role on 'Glee,' and was also a strong LGBT ally. Also, The CW's 'Batwoman' gets a new star, Black bisexual actress Javicia Leslie.

Walter Mercado will make you laugh, make you surprised, make you raise an eyebrow or two. And he will bring you to tears with his sincerest wish that you have love, the "Mucho mucho amor" part of the title of the new Netflix documentary about his life.

Black Lives Mattered in recent broadcasts, and casting decisions in animated series; plus, the popular 'Noah's Arc' will enjoy a new episode and online cast reunion.

The PBS documentary 'Prideland,' the premiere show in their June LGBTQ programming, arrived like a healing balm. Prideland is now also a six-episode short-form series on PBS Voices, hosted by Dyllón Burnside.

'Pose' season 2 hits Netflix, 'Queer Eye' takes a fifth, 'Hannibal' is devilishly delicious, 'Dear...' showcases iconic Americans, and Pride simulcasts should rainbow up your viewing.