Roku has released the first episode of Butch Pal for the Straight Gal, a comedy makeover series inspired by Queer Eye.
“Five lesbians attempt to make the first all-female makeover show where they teach straight women to defy female stereotypes while simultaneously perpetuating their own,” the show’s website reads.
The 30-minute mockumentary comedy “comes complete with kitchy opening sequences, talking heads, and unconventional before-and-after storylines. It drinks up the traditional makeover show format while giving it the healthy dose of camp it deserves.”
“It should be noted that these women aren’t sexy, cosmo-drinking L-Word lesbians. They’re real, IDGAF lesbians, which creates frequent tension with the veteran reality show camera crew. As the series chugs along we see more moments not meant for the camera, providing glimpses into the real lives of the Fierce5 and the challenges they face keeping their show on the air. We see flashbacks, on-set shennanigans, and glimpses of the Fierce5’s inevitable lesbian drama.”
“While every episode features a “case of the week,” the B and C storylines that began in the background eventually reach front and center, birthing the hybrid of a narrative comedy and a fast-paced reality show. That being said, things get real from time to time. These ladies genuinely want to change lives, and often succeed in doing so in their renegade way. They seek to redefine what it means to be a woman, or at least convince everyone to adopt a pitbull.”
The fundraising campaign
The team behind Butch Pal for the Straight Gal have raised over $16,000 to make the series happen. “If you’re reading this right now, chances are you’ve heard of the show Queer Eye,” their fundraiser website reads. “But have you asked the question “Why has a female makeover show never existed?” Well, we certainly have! So much so that instead of wondering and complaining about why this show didn’t exist, we decided to make it. Butch Pal for the Straight Gal is a mockumentary comedy series about the first-ever queer female makeover show. Because lesbians can do makeovers, too.”
“Butch Pal for the Straight Gal is a unique reality-based comedy about five women (aka the Fierce5) empowering straight women to throw away societal gender norms and fearlessly harness their unique inner voice. So many women suffer from poor body image, low confidence levels, or find themselves stuck in codependent relationships that can limit their true potential. The Fierce5 hones in on a woman’s true voice, then helps her step into her power and bring that voice to the forefront. That can mean restructuring a woman’s closet, minimalizing her makeup routine, showing her how to change own tire, or literally teaching a woman to fish!”
“In 2017, only 21% of TV programs featured casts with more female than male characters. In 2018, only 8.8% of series regulars on TV identified as LGBT. Butch Pal aims to increase this representation dramatically, creating forward progress for diversity in the industry, all while making people laugh.”
Who are the Fierce5?
“Leslie (COOKING) Recipes, restaurant recommendations, nutrition advice, etc.
Moana (CULTURE) Dating advice, movie & book recommendations, uplifting words in your inbox, etc.
Rei (FASHION) Clothing recommendations, budget tips, fashion hacks, match a vest to your personality, etc.
Sam (DESIGN) DIY projects, color scheme advice, pet care, car maintenence turorial, etc.
Tegan (GROOMING) Skincare advice, holistic relaxation techniques, crystal recommendations, aura cleansing etc.”
The series has already won Official Selection (US Premiere) for 2020’s ClexaCon Film Festival and Official Comedy Script Selection for 2019’s Catalyst Content Festival.
