Messy Makeouts and Making Queer Art: Breanne Williamson’s Journey to Authentic LGBTQ+ Storytelling

Breanne Williamson has become a recognized force in the world of queer media, known for her unapologetically authentic storytelling and comedic prowess. The Vancouver-based director, writer, and YouTuber sat down recently with the Los Angeles Blade to discuss her latest project, "Basement 51," and the wider landscape of queer art in 2025

Williamson’s journey began with a moment that many LGBTQ+ people dread: being outed before she was ready. Rather than retreating, she reclaimed her narrative by posting a candid YouTube video titled "Coming Out," which soon amassed millions of views and established her as one of the platform’s most prominent queer creators . Today, her channel boasts nearly 100,000 subscribers, a testament to the demand for honest, relatable queer content .

Her body of work, including short films such as "Coming Out" and "Aging Out," has garnered praise for its comedic approach to the universal—and often awkward—experiences faced by queer women. Williamson’s acting portfolio and stand-up performances have further cemented her reputation as a rising comedy star in Vancouver’s LGBTQ+ community .

The director spoke candidly about the unique struggles of producing LGBTQ+ media in the current climate. Despite increased visibility, queer creators continue to face barriers to telling their stories authentically. Williamson is committed to representing the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ life, moving beyond basic inclusion to embrace the messy, funny, and sometimes uncomfortable realities of the community .

In "Aging Out," Williamson captures the relatable journey of Jenn, a single lesbian navigating romance, speed dating, and existential anxieties as she approaches her thirties. The film’s bathroom makeout scene, pulled directly from Williamson’s own life, exemplifies her commitment to grounding stories in lived experience .

Williamson notes that many coming-of-age and coming-out narratives focus on teens, but she saw a gap in stories about older LGBTQ+ characters facing adult pressures and growth. “We also deserve a queer film that feels safe and cosy,” Williamson said in her film’s press release, highlighting the need for diverse representation across age groups .

Her latest project, "Basement 51," is a YouTube web series blending science fiction and romantic comedy. The story follows a lesbian comedian trapped with coworkers—including a former partner—during an alien invasion. Williamson uses the absurd premise as both metaphor and comic relief, exploring the stress and unpredictability of life and love in the LGBTQ+ community .

Above all, Williamson aims to provide audiences with laughter and escape. She stresses the importance of making LGBTQ+ media that she herself never saw growing up, encouraging others to create and share their own stories despite pushback against queer art in today’s world .

Williamson’s advice for aspiring LGBTQ+ creators is simple but powerful: “Set the camera up, and just get going…if you wait and wait for the perfect project, you’re going to be waiting forever. and wish you did things differently, but then the next time, you’ll do those things differently and . It’s all a learning experience—you’ve just got to go for it” .

Williamson’s trajectory shows that queer art thrives on authenticity, resilience, and community. Her work continues to inspire audiences and future creators, proving that visibility and laughter remain vital tools in the ongoing fight for inclusive representation.