Reality television is an unavoidable phenomenon in today’s world. Not surprisingly, television’s GLBT network, LOGO has a hand in the reality TV market. While I’ll admit my own television provider does not carry LOGO, Gimme Sugar is one of my guilty indulgences. Fortunately, logoonline.com provides the video for those of us without access on our home TVs.

The premise of Gimme Sugar is simple. A group of twenty-something women in L.A.’s lesbian club scene are working to launch and promote their own club night in this competitive market. Not surprisingly, this isn’t exactly a drama free undertaking, and there are break ups and make ups, fights and friendships.

Any reality show is only as good as the cast. If you don’t care about the lives of the people on the show, you simply will not care about the show itself. Fortunately, it’s quite easy to get wrapped up in the lives of Charlene, Alex, Robin, Sayeh, Davonee, and Bathilda. Charlene is the manager of the Truck Stop and one of the minds behind the L.A. lesbian club scene. L.A. just wouldn’t be L.A. without those looking for the spotlight, and Alex and Davonee are both hoping for that spotlight. Sayeh and Robin are both new to the club scene in Los Angeles, and Sayeh is new to the group of friends. Bathilda is the hit of the club scene, both gay and straight.

Is this deep and life changing television? Well, no…but it is a fun summer romp. There are some great things about this little show. First, the women are all friends in real life, who started their venture to offer the underage Alex a chance to go clubbing with all the rest. It’s racially diverse, offering young women of color a chance to see media images that look like them reflected in this show. It features a gay-positive social environment and network, and presents an image of successful and happy young queer women. Nothing is perfect, however, and the show does often reflect the biphobia of our community in the women’s critical interactions with bisexual Alex. It is, fundamentally, just another show in this genre, this one just happens to have young lesbians as its cast.

This new reality show airs on LOGO on Mondays at 10:00 PM with regular re-airings throughout the week. The six episode season will wrap up soon, but it’s sure to be replayed if you have missed it. You can also find episodes online at logoonline.com , as well as recaps available at afterellen.com.

GLBT folk are appearing on more and more reality shows, ranging from major network offerings to shows on more typically gay friendly networks like LOGO and Bravo. In fact, if you are looking for out GLBTQ individuals, you are far more apt to find them on reality television than on the scripted sort. There is never a shortage of drama, whether the cast is gay or straight, so if you need mindless summer entertainment on a hot evening, Gimme Sugar may be just what you need.

My favorite show on LOGO happens to be Sordid Lives.  They recently did a series with Beth Grant, Rue McClanahan, and Leslie Jordan.  Leslie Jordan was even in drag dressed up as Tammy Wynette.  I think Sordid Lives will be the hit TV show that LOGO is looking to win the TV ratings battle!