The Black List and GLAAD have announced the 10 most promising LGBTQ+ scripts for 2024. These scripts cover diverse genres and unique perspectives, showcasing fresh stories of self-discovery, courage, and personal transformation. Known as the “GLAAD List,” this annual selection spotlights unproduced scripts that bring underrepresented voices and stories to the forefront.
Since 2019, the Black List and GLAAD have worked together to create a platform for scripts that feature LGBTQ+ characters and themes, providing an opportunity for emerging writers to gain visibility in the entertainment industry. This collaboration has already seen successes: four previous GLAAD List scripts have made it to the big screen, including Anything’s Possible, Three Months, Knock at the Cabin, and Before I Change My Mind.
Over a dozen other projects from past lists are also in development, highlighting the GLAAD List’s importance in helping diverse voices find their place in Hollywood. For the 2024 finalists, this recognition marks the beginning of a journey with real potential for future film or TV adaptations.
Highlights of the 2024 GLAAD List: A Range of Bold and Transformative Narratives
The 2024 GLAAD List scripts delve into a range of experiences, from young people navigating cultural and sexual identities to sci-fi tales set in post-apocalyptic worlds. Here’s a look at some of the standout entries:
- ACIDS by Tamar Feinkind: Set in 1982 New York, a closeted lesbian doctor forms a life-changing bond with a pregnant AIDS patient she invites into her home. This script sheds light on the struggles of stigma and trauma while offering a powerful portrayal of healing and acceptance.
- CHASING TAILLIGHTS by Harrison Hamm: In the New Mexico desert, a trans Filipina truck driver and a “lot lizard” (a slang term for sex workers) meet after a fleeting encounter. The two navigate their shared and unique challenges as they experience a strange July snowstorm that changes their course.
- DUJA by Ambar Riat: Bhagat, a transgender Punjabi-American, finds himself experiencing a “second coming-of-age.” As he embarks on a relationship with a charismatic young woman named Gigi, Bhagat explores self-acceptance, opening up pathways to personal growth and meaningful relationships.
- JULIET by Jen Richards: Diana, a transgender theater tech, unexpectedly lands the lead role in her high school’s Romeo and Juliet production. As she steps into the spotlight, Diana learns the importance of embracing her full self while navigating first love and the challenges of teenage life.
- OFFSIDE by Natalie Cutler: This historical drama tells the story of Lily Parr, a British coal miner turned soccer player, who faces prejudice from the football association. Her struggle embodies the difficult choice between her passion for the sport and her right to love freely.
These stories reflect different cultures, settings, and life experiences, unified by the common themes of resilience, identity, and personal growth.
Diverse Genres Showcasing LGBTQ+ Narratives: From Sci-Fi to Coming-of-Age Dramas
One of the 2024 GLAAD List’s standout qualities is its mix of genres, with writers weaving LGBTQ+ stories into period dramas, futuristic sci-fi, and coming-of-age tales:
- QURAN CAMP by Samah Meghjee: Set in a Muslim summer camp, this heartwarming story follows shy Tanveer, who finds herself unexpectedly drawn to her bunkmate. The script highlights the unique cultural context of a young girl grappling with her identity in a safe, yet unfamiliar, environment.
- SUMMER 58 by Estephan Khattar: A young man in Lebanon in 1958 must adopt masculine traits to fit a film role, despite being secretly gay. With the guidance of a militia fighter, he learns to confront his internal struggles. This narrative, set against a turbulent Mediterranean backdrop, captures the challenges of masculinity and acceptance.
- WHEELS COME OFF by Kryzz Gautier: Set in a post-apocalyptic 2065, this sci-fi tale follows a teenager, her mother who uses a wheelchair, and their robot companion as they struggle to survive. The story adds an LGBTQ+ lens to the adventure genre, with themes of survival and connection.
- WINGBOY by Grace Mei Ng: In Singapore, a young boy named Adam helps a “wingboy” embrace his unique feathered mutation, symbolic of queer identity and self-acceptance. The story shows the challenges of finding confidence in a society that may not understand or accept differences.
- WOODSIDE by Gerard Shaka: In the Bahamas, a young boy coping with family issues finds solace in replanting mangroves with a conservationist. Through this connection, he learns the importance of self-love and healing.
These narratives offer windows into the diverse worlds of LGBTQ+ people, showcasing how stories can explore identity, belonging, and resilience in unexpected ways.
Black List and GLAAD Celebrate Inclusivity and Representation
The GLAAD List is one of several initiatives aimed at promoting diverse voices in Hollywood. With each annual list, GLAAD and the Black List continue their mission of amplifying stories from underrepresented communities. These scripts not only offer entertainment but also challenge perceptions and bring much-needed representation to mainstream media.
“While some loud voices try to challenge LGBTQ+ stories, audiences are still demanding inclusivity and fresh perspectives,” noted GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “The GLAAD List gives studios and networks a chance to discover unique, intersectional stories that break stereotypes and showcase the breadth of the LGBTQ+ community.”
Franklin Leonard, Black List founder, echoed this sentiment: “This partnership with GLAAD brings incredible stories to light. We’re thrilled to see this list inspire new perspectives and hope the industry continues to bring these narratives to screens everywhere.”
The Black List, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, has long been an influential force in Hollywood, giving space to unmade scripts that resonate with diverse experiences. The collaboration with GLAAD serves to remind both the entertainment industry and audiences of the powerful stories that can emerge when inclusivity is prioritized.
The 2024 GLAAD List is more than just a collection of scripts; it’s a reminder of the importance of visibility, acceptance, and the joy that stories can bring, regardless of background or identity.
