LGBTQ+ representation has had major highs and lows on the small screen and we’re here to talk about it. Hosted by Entertainment Weekly editor-in-chief Patrick Gomez, the panel will include Peter Paige and Nicole Maines. They will discuss the queer stories they’ve put on screen, how they got there, and what they think about where we’re headed. This event is organized in partnership with GLAAD.
Participant Bios:
Prior to becoming editor-in-chief of Entertainment Weekly, Patrick Gomez served as an executive editor at the brand, as well as editor-in-chief of The A.V. Club, a senior writer at People Magazine, and co-host of the primetime LGBTQ talk show Glitterbomb. The Texas native is a graduate of the University of Southern California and now resides in West Hollywood, California.
Peter Paige began his career in Hollywood as an actor, guest starring in sitcoms and procedurals before eventually landing one of the leads in Showtime’s acclaimed hit Queer as Folk. Since transitioning to writing/directing, Paige has co-created the long-running shows The Fosters and Good Trouble, as well as pilots for everyone from ABC to Netflix. As a filmmaker, he has directed three features – Say Uncle, Leaving Barstow, and The Thing about Harry (which has a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes). He was co-showrunner for the ABC/Shondaland mega-hit Station 19‘s celebrated final season, and is attached to write/direct the film Cover/Story (starring Nathan Lane and Bowen Yang).
Nicole Maines is a talented and versatile actress and writer making her make in film and television, and as a socially engaged activist, she is paving the way for LGBTQ+ youth on and off screen. Maines won a GLAAD Media Award and was a VARIETY “Power of Young Hollywood” and VARIETY “Power of Pride” honoree. For her activism, Maines was a 2020 Human Rights Campaign “Upstander Award” honoree and continues to be a tireless champion for trans rights.
This program is organized by One Institute and is co-presented with GLAAD and the Los Angeles LGBT Center as part of Circa: Queer Histories Festival 2025, presented by One Institute.
Founded in 1985, GLAAD is a non-profit organization focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change. GLAAD works to ensure fair, accurate, and inclusive representation and creates national and local programs that advance LGBTQ acceptance. Serving as a storyteller, media force, resource, and advocate, GLAAD tackles tough issues and provokes dialogue so that authentic LGBTQ stories are seen, heard, and actualized. GLAAD strives to protect all that has been accomplished and helps create a world where everyone can live the life they love.
As a dynamic media force, GLAAD ensures fair, accurate, and inclusive representation that rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and envisions a world with 100% LGBTQ acceptance.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center is a safe and welcoming place where the LGBTQ+ community finds help, hope, and support when it is needed the most.
Founded in 1952, One Institute is the oldest active LGBTQ+ organization in the country and the proud presenters of Circa: Queer Histories Festival. It's mission is to elevate queer and trans history and embrace emerging stories through collaborative education, arts, and cultural programs.
Each year, One Institute produces one-of-a-kind exhibitions and public programs connecting LGBTQ+ history and contemporary culture to effect social change. Through unique K-12 teacher trainings, lesson plans, and youth mentorship programs, One empowers the next generation of teachers and students bringing queer history into classrooms and communities. As the independent community partner of ONE Archives at the USC Libraries, One Institute helps promote the largest collection of LGBTQ+ materials in the world.