Arts & Entertainment
Amazon cancels series The Wilds
Fans noted how rare it is to see a queer Indigenous character on the screen
Amazon Prime Video has cancelled the young adult series The Wilds only three months after releasing Season Two.
The Wilds depicts a story about eight young women from different backgrounds trying to survive on a deserted island after a plane crash. As one of Amazon Studios’ very first attempts entering the young adult arena, The Wilds earned great responses and feedback after first airing on December 11, 2020, earning it a quick renewal.
The cancellation of The Wilds is unexpected news even to the cast and crew, who “were just told about the decision,” according to Deadline.
Fans actively responded to the cancellation of this beloved series, making #RenewTheWilds trending on Twitter.
Most posts focus on the female figures depicted in The Wilds, despite the fact that Season Two mainly focuses on another group of male survivors. According to supporters, The Wilds provided a rare Indigenous representation of queer young women Toni and Shelby, and cancelling the show would inevitably cause a great loss of such representation.
let’s talk about the importance and rarity of indigenous representation in media!! canceling the wilds means losing two indigenous characters, played by indigenous actresses, one who’s playing a queer young woman. this representation is so important. #SaveTheWilds #RenewTheWilds pic.twitter.com/7T09xIFOCy
— julia💭 (in mourning) (@irrelephantkoi) July 30, 2022
Not one, but TWO indigenous women played by two indigenous women. No one’s doing it like them #RenewTheWilds #SaveTheWilds pic.twitter.com/zGZRotqPcR
— griffin (fic librarian) (@GriffinLiftin) July 31, 2022
shoni is such amazing lesbian representation and i can’t accept never getting a resolution to their story #SaveTheWilds #RenewTheWilds pic.twitter.com/RSkIgDYDnm
— samara (@wildscherie) July 29, 2022
Erana James, who played the role of Toni, spoke with The Advocate. “Speaking to Toni’s queer identity, I felt so lucky to tell that story. It’s not a story of someone coming out or coming to terms with their identity, but more that she fiercely knows who she is and she’s proud of that. She knows herself.” She continued, “I think it’s beautiful being able to tell a story of love and loving someone whoever they are.”
The Wilds hasn’t made an official response directly addressing its cancellation. Its last tweet, featuring Martha’s character photo, was posted on July 28, right before the cancellation notice news broke.
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony
The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
A performance featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and local drag artists was held at the end of the first act of the program to celebrate WorldPride 2025.
The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
a&e features
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
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