Viral Web Series ‘Young Mean Girls’ Returns With Season 2 on KindaTV

Originally based on a viral short film that amassed 3.5 million views in 2015, Gay Mean Girls premiered its first season in 2019 to a sold-out screening at TIFF Next Wave.

Focusing on the story of young queer women and non-binary folks, Gay Mean Girls‘ new season challenges what family means to young, marginalized communities and how it can change as you learn to be true to yourself.

In the first season of Gay Mean Girls, the focus is on Lucy Ching (Vicky Li), a prom committee member looking to make changes in her school starting by making prom queer inclusive. The season sees Lucy’s coming out, the interconnection of race and queerness, as well as the ups and downs of high school life.

*Gay Mean Girls* Season 1: Hannah Raine as “Miranda” and Vicky Li as “Lucy”

Now in its second season, we are back at the same high school but now following student journalist Savannah Lin (Jenna Phoa) who gets involved in the complicated dynamics of a queer POC “safe space.” She learns about chosen family but must also choose between protecting her community or the integrity of her voice in the wake of a betrayal.

(L to R) Robyn Matuto stars as “Jenn” and Jenna Phoa stars as “Savannah Lin”
Photo courtesy of KindaTV

Cinematographer Hayley Wong spoke with me about her work on Gay Mean Girls alongside series creator Heyishi Zhang, since its inception, the importance of the series, and more.