“Let’s show queer love and queer existence in a way that’s not just tragedy. Yes, we struggle… but struggle doesn’t exist without triumph. They are two sides of the same coin.” – Peppermint
Michelle Buteau is back and bolder than ever in Season 2 of Survival of the Thickest, the Netflix comedy inspired by her book of essays. The show follows Mavis Beaumont (Buteau), a Black, plus-size stylist navigating career pivots, dating misadventures, and deep friendships with humor and heart. But what makes Survival of the Thickest a standout in today’s entertainment landscape is its authentic queer representation—both in front of and behind the camera.
Released March 27, the new season ups the stakes on laughs, love, and visibility. With a killer cast that includes Tone Bell, Tasha Smith, and scene-stealing guest stars like Peppermint, Monét X Change, and Honey Balenciaga, Survival continues to be the fierce, fabulous, feel-good series we need right now.
From Book to Screen: “It’s My Actual Life”
The series, now in its second season, is based on Buteau’s 2020 essay collection of the same name. But adapting it for TV wasn’t always a given.
“When I wrote the book, I had no idea that anyone was going to read it,” Buteau said. “So the fact that people from Netflix read it and they were like, ‘This should be a show,’ I’m like, ‘Yes, it should!’”
Working alongside co-creator and showrunner Danielle Sanchez-Witzel and a powerhouse team of queer and BIPOC writers, Buteau brought her world to life—one filled with drag bars instead of coffee shops, big city chaos, and friendships that feel like chosen family.
“I grew up going to drag bars all over New York City,” she said. “It was really fun—and important—to showcase these spaces.”
A Love Letter to Community
For Buteau, the series is more than comedy. It’s a mission statement. “There were so many stories from my real life,” she said. “But also the things that I want for the world. I want trans people and nonbinary people to have the same rights as everyone. I want women to decide for their bodies.”
Season 2 doesn’t shy away from deeper issues. In fact, it leans into them. From Khalil’s mental health journey to a heartfelt queer wedding, the show uses its platform to make the personal political.
“Every little detail is telling,” Buteau said. “Even down to the clothes we wear—they’re nine times out of 10 from a Black or queer designer.”
Peppermint Shines Bright in Season 2
One of the most joyful additions to the series has been drag icon and activist Peppermint, who returns this season with even more heart and story. In episode six, her character gets a wedding storyline complete with a gorgeous speech—one that Peppermint helped shape.
“The speech was written initially, but they said, ‘We want this to be authentic,’” she explained. “So we collaborated. I feel like if I were in that scenario, that’s exactly what I would’ve said.”
The collaboration between Peppermint and Buteau is rooted in mutual admiration.
“She sees people,” Peppermint said. “She goes beyond what you would define as an ally. She’s a part of the queer community because of how she loves and understands us.”
Off-camera, Buteau has also proven her allyship in quiet ways. Peppermint recalled a night shoot in season one where Buteau made sure drag performers got home safely at 3 a.m. “She really took time and said, ‘Stop. These girls are in drag. We can’t just dismiss them.’ That’s not something most people would think about.”
Centering Queer Joy—Not Just Struggle
As anti-trans legislation surges across the U.S., Peppermint is using her voice to call for greater inclusion in media. A board member of GLAAD, she co-authored an open letter urging the reality TV industry to hire and represent LGBTQ+ folks both on-screen and behind the scenes.
“Let’s show queer love and queer existence in a way that’s not just tragedy,” she said. “We also struggle doesn’t exist without triumph. They are two sides of the same coin.”
That ethos is woven into every moment of Survival of the Thickest, a show that embraces queer love, body confidence, and the complicated joy of letting others in.
In the final episode of season two, Mavis has a quiet revelation: “Maybe I can let someone else take care of me.”
Buteau, who has always been proudly independent, related to that moment deeply. “For any independent bitch who just keeps fighting… someone saying, ‘I got your back. Sit down and let me do this for you’—that’s a love language.”
The Joy Is the Resistance
Both Buteau and Peppermint agree: creating Survival of the Thickest isn’t just entertainment. It’s an act of resistance—and joy.
“I get the most joy from being able to serve this show to people,” Peppermint said. “It’s one of the most joyous things I’ve ever done.”
And as for what’s next? Peppermint is manifesting a queer season of The Traitors and a trans Bachelorette. “Let’s go,” she laughed. “My partner is the refrigerator. But I’ve got my ice cream cake and I’m watching the show—alone, but happy!”
Same, girl. Same.
