TL;DR
- Dan Levy stars in Netflix’s Big Mistakes.
- The show explores LGBTQ+ themes of acceptance.
- Family dynamics play a crucial role.
- Inspired by a true story of entrapment.
- Levy’s character is a gay pastor.
Get ready to laugh and reflect because Dan Levy is back in the spotlight with his new Netflix comedy, Big Mistakes. This hilarious yet poignant show features Levy and Taylor Ortega as siblings who find themselves unwillingly dragged into the chaotic world of organized crime. But wait, there’s more! The inspiration for this wild ride comes from a rather bizarre social media tale about a man who dug himself into a hole—literally—and couldn’t escape. Talk about a cautionary tale!
Levy, who wears many hats as the co-creator, showrunner, and a lead actor, opens up about his own fears in the cover story. “I have an unfounded phobia of being trapped,” he admits. And let’s be real, that resonates deeply with many in the LGBTQ+ community. After all, many of us have felt the suffocating grip of the closet, a trap that can feel impossible to escape. Levy’s character, Nicky, is a gay pastor hiding his relationship from his family and congregation, and his struggles reflect a reality many queer folks know all too well.
But it’s not all doom and gloom! Levy’s masterful storytelling showcases the power of family love to break through the chains of societal expectations. Nicky’s mother, played by the fabulous Laurie Metcalf, has her fair share of critiques for her son, but his sexuality? Not on her list. “If you can show people accepting their kids, it will reverberate,” Levy passionately states.
In the latest issue of Out, themed around Art & Design, you’ll find more than just laughs. The pages are filled with creatives who use their talents to foster greater acceptance. For instance, acclaimed interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins is not just about aesthetics; he’s also mentoring young queer people of color to help them carve their paths. And let’s not forget the rich history of Fire Island, a cherished haven for the LGBTQ+ community, which has left an indelible mark on the art world. It’s all chronicled in a must-read new art history book.
But wait, there’s more fabulousness! The theater scene is buzzing with the return of Cats, now reimagined as Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and gay icon Valerie Cherish is making her much-anticipated comeback in The Comeback season 3. Plus, Pattie Gonia, the drag queen and environmentalist, raised a whopping $1.2 million through a California hike—yes, in drag! Talk about slaying for a cause!
So, whether you’re here for the laughs, the heartfelt moments, or the stunning art, Big Mistakes promises to deliver a blend of comedy and queer truths that will resonate long after the credits roll. Levy’s journey reminds us all that while we might feel trapped at times, love and acceptance can set us free.
In the spirit of embracing our true selves, let’s take a page from Moira Rose’s book: “Take a thousand naked pictures of yourself now… one day you will look at those photos with much kinder eyes and say, ‘Dear God, I was a beautiful thing!’” So, here’s to celebrating beauty, authenticity, and the fabulous journey of being unapologetically queer!