PBS SoCal is spotlighting Southern California’s vibrant cultural scene this June, offering viewers a deep dive into the region’s arts, entertainment, and creative communities. From documentaries to special features, the programming aims to capture the unique spirit of the area, which is often seen as a cultural epicenter for artistic expression.
Southern California is a hub for artistic expression, drawing creatives from all over the world. PBS SoCal, one of the region’s most trusted media outlets, is making it a point to highlight and showcase the creative talents and diverse communities that shape Southern California’s cultural landscape.
PBS SoCal’s June Programming
On June 11, PBS SoCal will air Mustache Mondays, a documentary about an event that has been growing in significance in Los Angeles’ artistic scene. The program explores the history of this unconventional gathering, which was first introduced in 2018 at a downtown LA nightclub. What began as a casual gathering of local artists soon turned into an important event that helped foster a new generation of creators, offering them not only a platform but also a sense of community. The event has become a creative incubator for contemporary artists, where visual artists, musicians, dancers, and performers gather to showcase their work.
The documentary provides an intimate look into the evolution of this weekly celebration, delving into how such gatherings give creatives the freedom to express themselves without the constraints of formal gallery shows or traditional performances. This type of cultural movement is vital to the heart of Los Angeles, an area historically known for fostering new movements in art and culture.
Mustache Mondays is more than just an event; it symbolizes the evolution of the city’s underground arts scene, a movement often underrepresented in mainstream culture. It highlights the importance of community in the creative process, showing how these informal yet profound gatherings can be a catalyst for artistic innovation and social change.
Spotlight on LGBTQ+ Community and Cultural Influence
On June 14, PBS SoCal will shift its focus to a different but equally significant area of Southern California’s cultural fabric. The station will feature Being Bebe: The Bebe Zahara Benet Documentary, which traces the rise of the first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Bebe Zahara Benet.
This documentary not only chronicles her journey to stardom but also examines the profound impact she has had on the LGBTQ+ community, both in Southern California and worldwide. Bebe Zahara Benet’s success on Drag Race was groundbreaking, and she continues to be a trailblazer in the world of drag performance, influencing a new generation of queens and allies.
The film focuses on Bebe’s personal journey, her roots in Cameroon, and her migration to the United States, where she found her voice as a performer. Through interviews and archival footage, viewers are introduced to Bebe’s role in the broader cultural landscape. Her legacy transcends her Drag Race win, as she continues to advocate for equality and acceptance within and outside the LGBTQ+ community.
This documentary stands as a testament to the diverse voices that shape Southern California’s identity. Drag culture has long been a cornerstone of the region’s artistic and LGBTQ+ movements. Los Angeles, in particular, has been a global epicenter for drag performances, where performances often take on a political dimension, addressing issues such as gender identity, racial justice, and societal norms.
PBS SoCal’s Continued Commitment to Culture
These two programs are just a small part of PBS SoCal’s broader commitment to celebrating Southern California’s rich cultural and creative history. This June programming aligns with PBS SoCal’s mission of fostering diversity and inclusion by shedding light on the artists, activists, and communities that contribute to the region’s cultural vitality.
PBS SoCal has also committed to expanding its programming to include more content that represents the experiences of marginalized communities. In particular, they have expanded their LGBTQ+ programming, showcasing stories that explore the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality in contemporary culture.
Community Impact and Cultural Celebrations
Programs like Mustache Mondays and Being Bebe give audiences the opportunity to reflect on how the arts have been used as a tool for social change, as well as a space where creativity knows no boundaries. The documentaries not only provide exposure to the artistic process but also bring awareness to the struggles of communities fighting for recognition, visibility, and equality.
Southern California, particularly Los Angeles, has long been a haven for creative thinkers, and this continued celebration of the region’s artists plays a key role in how the world perceives the city. The arts community in LA is vast, encompassing music, fashion, visual art, theater, film, and, increasingly, digital arts. PBS SoCal’s programming brings attention to these diverse voices, elevating them to a level of mainstream recognition while keeping their authentic stories intact.
In a city where cultural movements often begin in niche communities, programs like Mustache Mondays serve as a reminder that art doesn’t always have to be polished or refined to be important. These grassroots movements are often the breeding grounds for some of the most innovative and disruptive forms of artistic expression, proving that Southern California’s influence on the global stage continues to grow stronger each year.
Looking Forward to More Cultural Programming
Looking ahead, PBS SoCal plans to continue showcasing the diverse stories that form the backbone of Southern California’s identity. In addition to Being Bebe and Mustache Mondays, upcoming programs will focus on topics ranging from Latinx identity in the arts to the environmental activism taking place in the region’s artistic communities.
By continuing to put the spotlight on local artists and movements, PBS SoCal ensures that Southern California’s creative spirit remains a source of inspiration for generations to come.
