PBS is celebrating LGTBQ+ Pride Month with the launch of “Prideland”, a new one-hour special and short-form digital series following host and actor Dyllón Burnside (FX’s “Pose”) on a journey across the South including multiple stops in JXN.

Episode 1:, “Out, Proud & Southern” features Burnside’s story and premieres, Tuesday, May 26, on PBS Voices, a new documentary focused YouTube channel.

Episode two, “An Openly Gay Pastor’s Journey to Acceptance in the Bible Belt,” premieres Tuesday, June 2, and features JXN’s Fondren Presbyterian Church pastor Rob Lowry.

Episode five, “Championing LGBTQ+ Healthcare in Mississippi” premieres Tuesday, June 23, brings the host to JXN to meet Scott Rodgers, M.D. and Lillian J. Houston, M.D., two doctors who founded the Center for LGBTQ Health at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Episode six, “The Bakery Battleground: The Mississippi Baker Standing Up For Gay Rights” premieres Tuesday, June 30 and features Campbell’s Bakery and Campbell’s Donuts’ Mitchell Moore.

All episodes, including additional episodes on June 9 and 16, air on the YouTube channel. A one-hour companion special, also hosted by Burnside, will premiere on Friday, June 12 at 8 p.m. on Mississippi Public Broadcasting, PBS.org and the PBS Video App.

“Prideland” opens a window into the world of modern-day LGBTQ+ life in America. The series highlights authentic personal stories brought to life through Burnside’s curious, exploratory lens. As an LGBTQ+ advocate, he guides viewers into the South’s various LGBTQ+ communities, connecting with people of different backgrounds, locations, experiences and points of view.

“Being a queer boy raised in the South, I had distinct memories of feeling like I could never be my authentic-self there, so I left seeking acceptance and affirming communities. But I never left my southern roots,” Burnside said.

“I wanted to go back as an adult and see if things had changed, and I’m proud to report that they have. Although there are still many challenges for queer folks in the south, which is home to more LGBTQ+ adults than anywhere else in the U.S., I’m in awe of everyone I met who are creating change in their communities. I believe that authenticity is a superpower, and these queer heroes and allies are truly inspirational.”

See the trailer for “Prideland” below: