OUTtv’s “Wish You Were Queer” Brings Heart and Humor to America’s Queer Roadtrip

OUTtv’s latest original series, “Wish You Were Queer,” is quickly gaining traction for its refreshing blend of comedy, travel, and LGBTQ+ cultural exploration. Premiering May 22, 2025, on OUTtv and available internationally across multiple streaming platforms, the series follows comedians Michael Henry and Tim Murray as they leave the comfort of West Hollywood to traverse Middle America, meeting local queer communities and performing stand-up along the way .

Billed as a “traveling docu-follow series,” “Wish You Were Queer” launches with an irreverent challenge from drag icon and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Trixie Mattel, who dares Henry and Murray to take their comedic talents outside of the urban queer enclaves of Los Angeles and New York . The duo’s mission: to convince Trixie to produce their stand-up special, but only after proving they can win over audiences in less-expected queer spaces, from Ohio’s dive bars to the South’s performance venues .

The opening episode sets the tone with a lighthearted meeting between the comics and Trixie Mattel, who jokes about escaping the world of “straight people driving cars” and promptly tosses her laptop into a pool, declaring, “Can somebody get me another computer?” . This playful irreverence runs throughout the series, but so does a sincere curiosity about LGBTQ+ life outside big cities.

Throughout their journey, Henry and Murray discover that vibrant queer communities exist well beyond the urban centers often associated with LGBTQ+ culture. “You know, people always think, oh, you have to go to New York, LA, Chicago, San Francisco to find a gay community, but no,” Michael Henry explained in a recent interview. Their experiences mirror those of many LGBTQ+ individuals who find solidarity, creativity, and resilience in smaller towns and cities .

The first stop in Columbus, Ohio, immediately puts their assumptions to the test. There, they join local drag queens, sample regional cuisine, and rely on Tim’s parents as an impromptu PR team to help fill seats at their comedy show . The result is a series that is as much about community-building and cultural exchange as it is about laughs.

By blending stand-up with documentary-style storytelling, “Wish You Were Queer” achieves more than just humor. The series uses comedy as an entry point for conversations about visibility, acceptance, and the diversity of queer experiences across the United States. For Henry and Murray, performing in unfamiliar venues means adapting their material to new audiences and engaging with the unique joys and challenges of local LGBTQ+ life .

Their interactions—whether with drag performers in Ohio or queer organizers in the Midwest—highlight the universality of queer kinship, while also shining a light on the distinctiveness of each community. The show’s unscripted moments, including candid chats and unexpected mishaps, create an authenticity that resonates with viewers searching for representation beyond major metropolitan areas .

“Wish You Were Queer” is not just limited to North American audiences. Thanks to OUTtv’s extensive distribution network, the series is available in countries including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and across Scandinavia via platforms like OUTtv.com, Apple TV Channel, and Prime Video Channel . This accessibility amplifies the show’s message: that queer stories—especially those rooted in authenticity and joy—deserve a global audience.

Early responses to “Wish You Were Queer” have praised the series for its honest portrayal of LGBTQ+ lives outside the mainstream, as well as its capacity to foster empathy through humor. By challenging stereotypes about “flyover country” and uplifting the narratives of queer people living in smaller communities, the show offers a timely reminder of the diversity and resilience of LGBTQ+ culture in 2025 .

For OUTtv, the series continues a tradition of producing content that is both entertaining and socially relevant, leveraging its platform to elevate underrepresented voices and foster meaningful dialogue within and beyond the queer community .

“Wish You Were Queer” is released weekly, with new episodes every Thursday. Audiences can stream the series on OUTtv’s various digital channels, including its dedicated YouTube Primetime Channel and major streaming partners, ensuring broad accessibility for LGBTQ+ viewers and allies worldwide .

As Michael Henry and Tim Murray continue their roadtrip, “Wish You Were Queer” promises to deliver more laughs, heartfelt connections, and insights into the evolving landscape of queer America—one town at a time.