Our Flag Means Death

Taika Waititis’ Little Gay Pirate Show

BY ZOË MEYER

Like many queer kids growing up in the 2000s, Pirates of the Caribbean was one of my first sexual awakenings. I mean come on—low-cut white pirate shirts, Kiera Knightly as the pirate queen, and Orlando Bloom in literally any scene? What more could a young queer need!

Director and actor Taika Waititi saw an opportunity to fulfill all of these queer kids’ dreams and create the gayest, funniest, silliest little pirate show he could come up with. Our Flag Means Death follows Sted, quoted the Gentleman Pirate (which is an ode to his rich upbringing, but also has the whiff of a gay innuendo), Blackbeard, and the crew they develop over time. The show balances funny dialogue and the gory pirate life, all while showcasing the perfect execution of found family. Many queer media involve found family—a trope of finding community in ones that are like you rather than your blood family who typically have either died or disowned you for varying reasons.

Highly anticipated season two of the show was released weekly throughout October, and it did not disappoint. Albeit, it was way more violent and graphic than season one, but the character development and new plot lines were fantastic.

So if you, like me, are looking to relive the glory days of hot pirates fooling around at sea, but this time gay, this show is perfect for you.

(warning, sexualities may be questioned in the viewing of the show).