When it comes to family, make your own rules

Drag queen and reality star Courtney Act reveals why she’s streaming movies and TV shows that embrace doing things differently

At this time of year, I’d love to be spending time with my nephew, Billy. He’s three, and watching cartoons with him (is Toy Story a cartoon? ‘Animated feature’ doesn’t have quite the same ring…) would be the perfect way to spend a cold, grey day – the only problem is, he’s in Australia and I live in the UK. But I make the effort to see him at least once or twice a year. At the moment he has a penchant for trucks that I can’t quite relate to, so I buy him as many fluffy pink toys as I can.

I started to get clucky when Billy was born and tried to conceive, but with no luck at the time. I’m not sure I want kids now, though. I feel like a partner and family are what you’re supposed to do, but I’m fine if it doesn’t happen for me.

The cool thing about being queer is that often there isn’t a precedent, so you get to make your own rules; but I think everyone should do that. Whether it’s partners, babies, careers or fashion, cast off people’s expectations and do what’s best for you; it always works out better in the long run.

Take Mark Wahlberg in the comedy-drama movie Instant Family, streaming on NOW TV; he plays a hot foster dad to three kids. I’ve had a crush on Mark ever since I saw him in those ‘90s underwear ads. Forget what I said earlier; I would totally bear Mark’s children and live with him happily ever after if I could.

Next up, I’ll be streaming The Favourite. With a stellar cast of Emma Stone, Olivia Colman and Rachel Weisz, a wickedly funny plot and some serious costume inspiration, I can. Not. Wait.

Another thing I’m really excited about is that Parks

And Recreation is streaming on NOW TV. I’ve heard so many good things about it and I love Amy Poehler. Confession: I’ve never seen The Office (either version), but Parks And Recreation is produced by the peeps who made the US version of that, and it’s won heaps of awards. If that isn’t enough, my friend Brad, who hates most things, says it’s brilliant, so I’m going to stream it all and ease my winter blues with a good dose of laughter.