Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
@mediaversityreviews.com
Founder & EIC, Mediaversity Reviews | TV & films graded on diversity | 🍅 critic | Sr. Director, Content at Common Sense Media (views her own) | 📍Seattle, WA
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Reintroducing myself and Mediaversity. Supporting emerging TV/film critics from underrepresented backgrounds since 2016, we grade TV and movies on inclusiveness. We're in this marathon for the long haul. Completely independent, consider donating ✌🏻 Either monthly: www.patreon.com/mediaversity...
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
Hoping to see ya tomorrow at 12:30pm at the Los Feliz 3! I'll be signing copies of POPCORN DISABILITIES and introducing Tod Browning's phenomenal FREAKS!! I might even tell ya what I thought of WICKED: FOR GOOD if you ask. @amcinematheque.bsky.social
www.americancinematheque.com/now-showing/...
www.americancinematheque.com/now-showing/...
Kristen Lopez Presents FREAKS - American Cinematheque
www.americancinematheque.com
November 15, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Hoping to see ya tomorrow at 12:30pm at the Los Feliz 3! I'll be signing copies of POPCORN DISABILITIES and introducing Tod Browning's phenomenal FREAKS!! I might even tell ya what I thought of WICKED: FOR GOOD if you ask. @amcinematheque.bsky.social
www.americancinematheque.com/now-showing/...
www.americancinematheque.com/now-showing/...
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
Obit from @thesicktimes.org by Alice’s friend @mileswgriffis.bsky.social thesicktimes.org/2025/11/15/a...
Alice Wong, disability activist and luminary, dies at 51 - The Sick Times
Alice Wong platformed and uplifted people with Long COVID in her final chapter as a lifelong disability advocate and storyteller.
thesicktimes.org
November 16, 2025 at 6:01 AM
Obit from @thesicktimes.org by Alice’s friend @mileswgriffis.bsky.social thesicktimes.org/2025/11/15/a...
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
“Don’t let the bastards grind you down. I love you all.”
November 15, 2025 at 6:15 AM
“Don’t let the bastards grind you down. I love you all.”
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
My latest for the Golden Globes looks at this year's disabled representation in the movies. Spoilers, it's not the best but there's still stuff to be found!
goldenglobes.com/articles/dis...
goldenglobes.com/articles/dis...
Disabled Characters Still Largely Invisible in Hollywood - Golden Globes
Disability representation in the movies has more lows than highs. According to the CDC, one in four U.S. adults have a disability, but that’s far from reflected in movies.A recent Annenberg study look...
goldenglobes.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:12 PM
My latest for the Golden Globes looks at this year's disabled representation in the movies. Spoilers, it's not the best but there's still stuff to be found!
goldenglobes.com/articles/dis...
goldenglobes.com/articles/dis...
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
So AI-generated videos of Black people yelling about public assistance, immigrants being snatched off the street, and women being choked to death seem to be the main output of this technology so far.
An account is spamming horrific, dehumanizing videos of immigration enforcement because the Facebook algorithm is rewarding them for it.
AI-Generated Videos of ICE Raids Are Wildly Viral on Facebook
An account is spamming horrific, dehumanizing videos of immigration enforcement because the Facebook algorithm is rewarding them for it.
www.404media.co
November 12, 2025 at 8:55 PM
So AI-generated videos of Black people yelling about public assistance, immigrants being snatched off the street, and women being choked to death seem to be the main output of this technology so far.
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
I've noticed the opposing team's fans only cheer when the opponents score on us. To win those fans over, I recommend we score on ourselves repeatedly; that will surely make them so happy they'll start supporting us. And I'm sure all our fans will keep cheering for us—who else is there to cheer for?
October 10, 2025 at 12:19 PM
I've noticed the opposing team's fans only cheer when the opponents score on us. To win those fans over, I recommend we score on ourselves repeatedly; that will surely make them so happy they'll start supporting us. And I'm sure all our fans will keep cheering for us—who else is there to cheer for?
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
NEW REVIEW — The topic is important. The movie is meh. #Nuremberg www.mediaversityreviews.com/film-reviews...
Nuremberg — Mediaversity Reviews
“In a sometimes cavalier movie like Nuremberg , the invocation of horrific archival footage feels misguided, even callous.”
www.mediaversityreviews.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:24 PM
NEW REVIEW — The topic is important. The movie is meh. #Nuremberg www.mediaversityreviews.com/film-reviews...
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
I was laid off from Teen Vogue this week, alongside multiple other phenomenal team members.
At our Summit, I was asked how it felt to be 1 of 2 Black women left and what that meant for representation. Now, there are no Black women at Teen Vogue and that is incredibly painful to think about.
At our Summit, I was asked how it felt to be 1 of 2 Black women left and what that meant for representation. Now, there are no Black women at Teen Vogue and that is incredibly painful to think about.
November 3, 2025 at 11:57 PM
I was laid off from Teen Vogue this week, alongside multiple other phenomenal team members.
At our Summit, I was asked how it felt to be 1 of 2 Black women left and what that meant for representation. Now, there are no Black women at Teen Vogue and that is incredibly painful to think about.
At our Summit, I was asked how it felt to be 1 of 2 Black women left and what that meant for representation. Now, there are no Black women at Teen Vogue and that is incredibly painful to think about.
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
we’re about to find out if loving SimCity makes you a better mayor
Mamdani was asked in 2002 by NY Mag what he wanted for Christmas and said SimCity 3000
Mamdani was asked in 2002 by NY Mag what he wanted for Christmas and said SimCity 3000
June 25, 2025 at 2:58 PM
we’re about to find out if loving SimCity makes you a better mayor
Mamdani was asked in 2002 by NY Mag what he wanted for Christmas and said SimCity 3000
Mamdani was asked in 2002 by NY Mag what he wanted for Christmas and said SimCity 3000
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
It’s been a pleasure working with Lex and everyone in the politics vertical at Teen Vogue. I’m heartbroken that my column, Disability Visibility, is gone. Teen Vogue was one of the few places that published disabled journalists regularly. I just spent the last 2 months working on my next column
I was laid off from Teen Vogue today along with multiple other staffers, and today is my last day.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
November 6, 2025 at 5:28 AM
It’s been a pleasure working with Lex and everyone in the politics vertical at Teen Vogue. I’m heartbroken that my column, Disability Visibility, is gone. Teen Vogue was one of the few places that published disabled journalists regularly. I just spent the last 2 months working on my next column
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
We are down to 3 signed copies of Hollywood Chinese, Arthur Dong's massive, thoroughly researched, gorgeously illustrated book about the history of Chinese and Chinese-American representation in US culture. Reading it is like seeing a documentary unfold in your mind. mzs.press/Hollywood-Ch...
Hollywood Chinese: The Chinese in American Feature Films (Hardcover, NEW/SALE)
Hollywood Chinese: The Chinese in American Feature Films presents an intimate look at the Chinese American role and influence in Hollywood, from some of the earliest films set in America’s Chinatowns ...
mzs.press
November 6, 2025 at 6:42 AM
We are down to 3 signed copies of Hollywood Chinese, Arthur Dong's massive, thoroughly researched, gorgeously illustrated book about the history of Chinese and Chinese-American representation in US culture. Reading it is like seeing a documentary unfold in your mind. mzs.press/Hollywood-Ch...
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
And also, perhaps, take 2-5 seconds to really think whether the content makes any sense at all before you believe everything. It's not just AI-generated videos, it's literally everything you see and read on the internet since oh, I don't know, the late 90s?
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
The number one sign you're watching an AI video
Your social media feed is being taken over by AI video slop. But for now, there's still one big red flag that can help you spot the fakes.
www.bbc.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:01 AM
And also, perhaps, take 2-5 seconds to really think whether the content makes any sense at all before you believe everything. It's not just AI-generated videos, it's literally everything you see and read on the internet since oh, I don't know, the late 90s?
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
My final piece for @teenvogue.com politics section was a piece titled "There's a Steep Price to Ignoring Black Expertise" and boy has that come full circle.
Thank you @allegrak.bsky.social and the politics editorial team for turning this Head Start kid into a Black woman who writes for the public.
Thank you @allegrak.bsky.social and the politics editorial team for turning this Head Start kid into a Black woman who writes for the public.
There’s a Steep Cost for Ignoring Black Expertise
We live in a world bent on undermining Black life.
www.teenvogue.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:48 AM
My final piece for @teenvogue.com politics section was a piece titled "There's a Steep Price to Ignoring Black Expertise" and boy has that come full circle.
Thank you @allegrak.bsky.social and the politics editorial team for turning this Head Start kid into a Black woman who writes for the public.
Thank you @allegrak.bsky.social and the politics editorial team for turning this Head Start kid into a Black woman who writes for the public.
NEW REVIEW — #ViolentEnds has all the tropes, all of them. www.mediaversityreviews.com/film-reviews...
Violent Ends — Mediaversity Reviews
“Without a single original idea, Violent Ends just doesn't hold up.”
www.mediaversityreviews.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:47 PM
NEW REVIEW — #ViolentEnds has all the tropes, all of them. www.mediaversityreviews.com/film-reviews...
NEW REVIEW — It's not often you find a workplace comedy that weaves in the stressors of parenting into its shenanigans. NBC series #StDenisMedical does just that; Season 2 premieres next week, I'll be watching! www.mediaversityreviews.com/tv-reviews/2...
St. Denis Medical - Season 1 — Mediaversity Reviews
“ St. Denis Medical provides a positive portrayal of a mom in the workplace that’s both heartwarming yet realistic.”
www.mediaversityreviews.com
October 28, 2025 at 7:22 PM
NEW REVIEW — It's not often you find a workplace comedy that weaves in the stressors of parenting into its shenanigans. NBC series #StDenisMedical does just that; Season 2 premieres next week, I'll be watching! www.mediaversityreviews.com/tv-reviews/2...
NEW REVIEW — I just finished the third season of #TheDiplomat and really enjoyed it. Updated my diversity review to include newer info. In short, the show's writing gets a little stronger/funnier, but it takes a step back on inclusivity :P www.mediaversityreviews.com/tv-reviews/2...
The Diplomat - Season 1-3 — Mediaversity Reviews
“Male-skewing numbers aside, The Diplomat reveals an empowering script where women drive most of the series’ events.”
www.mediaversityreviews.com
October 27, 2025 at 12:07 AM
NEW REVIEW — I just finished the third season of #TheDiplomat and really enjoyed it. Updated my diversity review to include newer info. In short, the show's writing gets a little stronger/funnier, but it takes a step back on inclusivity :P www.mediaversityreviews.com/tv-reviews/2...
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
Dennis Lim’s introduction to the Channel’s Edward Yang retrospective is personal, political, and just spot-on.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnY7...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnY7...
Spotlight on Edward Yang with Dennis Lim
YouTube video by CRITERION
www.youtube.com
October 26, 2025 at 3:23 AM
Dennis Lim’s introduction to the Channel’s Edward Yang retrospective is personal, political, and just spot-on.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnY7...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnY7...
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
I mean so what if bluesky is a retirement home for people who’ve been online too long, we get our little bingo nights & whatever popping.
October 25, 2025 at 11:38 PM
I mean so what if bluesky is a retirement home for people who’ve been online too long, we get our little bingo nights & whatever popping.
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
I had polar opposite responses to two 2025 Ethan Hawke projects.
The Lowdown, he’s a delightful dirtbag surrounded by goofy, compelling characters.
Blue Moon, he’s an obnoxious dirtbag that had me wishing I could spend more time with the supporting cast.
Great read on why 👇
The Lowdown, he’s a delightful dirtbag surrounded by goofy, compelling characters.
Blue Moon, he’s an obnoxious dirtbag that had me wishing I could spend more time with the supporting cast.
Great read on why 👇
NEW REVIEW — The dreary weather in Seattle is making me want to hide out in a movie theater this weekend. Richard Linklater's newest film #BlueMoon could fit the bill as a cozy diversion, but the sexism is 🙄 and the story ... 🥱 Might want to skip this one www.mediaversityreviews.com/film-reviews...
Blue Moon — Mediaversity Reviews
“No matter how sharply Margaret Qualley plays Blue Moon ’s blond bombshell, there’s no fixing a script that spends most of its time objectifying her.”
www.mediaversityreviews.com
October 25, 2025 at 7:21 PM
I had polar opposite responses to two 2025 Ethan Hawke projects.
The Lowdown, he’s a delightful dirtbag surrounded by goofy, compelling characters.
Blue Moon, he’s an obnoxious dirtbag that had me wishing I could spend more time with the supporting cast.
Great read on why 👇
The Lowdown, he’s a delightful dirtbag surrounded by goofy, compelling characters.
Blue Moon, he’s an obnoxious dirtbag that had me wishing I could spend more time with the supporting cast.
Great read on why 👇
NEW REVIEW — The dreary weather in Seattle is making me want to hide out in a movie theater this weekend. Richard Linklater's newest film #BlueMoon could fit the bill as a cozy diversion, but the sexism is 🙄 and the story ... 🥱 Might want to skip this one www.mediaversityreviews.com/film-reviews...
Blue Moon — Mediaversity Reviews
“No matter how sharply Margaret Qualley plays Blue Moon ’s blond bombshell, there’s no fixing a script that spends most of its time objectifying her.”
www.mediaversityreviews.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:12 PM
NEW REVIEW — The dreary weather in Seattle is making me want to hide out in a movie theater this weekend. Richard Linklater's newest film #BlueMoon could fit the bill as a cozy diversion, but the sexism is 🙄 and the story ... 🥱 Might want to skip this one www.mediaversityreviews.com/film-reviews...
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
Misty Copeland took one last spin on her pointe shoes Wednesday, as she retired after a trailblazing career in which she became an ambassador for diversity in an overwhelmingly white art form. n.pr/3JcRkWM
Misty Copeland hangs up her pointe shoes after performing at retirement show
Misty Copeland took one last spin on her pointe shoes Wednesday, as she retired after a trailblazing career in which she became an ambassador for diversity in an overwhelmingly white art form.
n.pr
October 23, 2025 at 5:40 AM
Misty Copeland took one last spin on her pointe shoes Wednesday, as she retired after a trailblazing career in which she became an ambassador for diversity in an overwhelmingly white art form. n.pr/3JcRkWM
Reposted by Li Lai • Mediaversity Reviews
It's another Popcorn Disabilities Friday! This time I'm talking about pretty disabilities, blindness, and my issues with Audrey Hepburn's WAIT UNTIL DARK. Subscribe now to read it! [Paywall]
thefilmmaven.com/audrey-hepbu...
thefilmmaven.com/audrey-hepbu...
Popcorn Disabilities: Outer Blindness, Inner Goodness, and Wait Until Dark
The movie that proved there's no being mean to Audrey Hepburn
thefilmmaven.com
October 17, 2025 at 5:42 PM
It's another Popcorn Disabilities Friday! This time I'm talking about pretty disabilities, blindness, and my issues with Audrey Hepburn's WAIT UNTIL DARK. Subscribe now to read it! [Paywall]
thefilmmaven.com/audrey-hepbu...
thefilmmaven.com/audrey-hepbu...