Pride month is a wonderful time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and the diverse stories that have been brought to the screen through the medium of film. From poignant dramas to joyful comedies, LGBTQ+ movies have played a significant role in raising awareness, promoting acceptance, and empowering individuals within the community. So here are some of the best LGBTQ movies to celebrate pride with:
1. “Paris is Burning” (1996): Starting off the list is the iconic documentary directed by Jennie Livingston that offers a look into New York City African American and Latinx drag-ball culture. This vibrant and liberating documentary, filmed in the midst of the AIDS crisis, offers a complex look into the resilience of queer culture alongside the competitive and exhilarating nightlife of those existing within the drag ball scene. This film explores topics from “voguing” to fashion “houses” to the homophobic world beyond the ball, visualizing the strength and tight-knit family-like dynamics prevalent throughout the drag community. The undeniable influence of this film spans far beyond the year of its release and is widely recognized today as a transformative piece of queer cinema. A must-see film and a perfect way to kick off your pride month celebrations.
2. “The Watermelon Woman” (1996): This romantic-comedy-drama film directed by Cheryl Dunye follows the day-to-day life of Cheryl, a young Black lesbian woman as she attempts to create a documentary about Fae Richards, a 1930’s black actress, consistently cast in stereotypical “mammy” roles. “The Watermelon Woman” is the first feature film to be directed by a publicly identifying Black lesbian and has paved the way for future cinematic representations. The reflexivity of the film is a narrative like no other and forces audiences to question the genre of film they are viewing, an overarching metaphor for the transformative nature of the film itself. The undeniable influence of this film stems from the centralization around a primarily Black cast, focusing on Black queer culture, navigations of interracial lesbian relationships, and the painful history of Black lesbian film representation.
3. “Pink Flamingos” (1972): The iconic trash comedy directed by John Waters is a controversial camp cult classic. While certain trigger warnings are at play when entering into this cinematic realm, if you can stomach the pure filth, shock, and repulsion, then you are in for a ride of your life time. The film centers around drag icon “Divine” as she attempts to reclaim her spot as the “Filthiest Person Alive”. The icon status of the film does not only stem from its masterclass representations of camp comedy but also brought LGBTQ+ identity to the forefront of the big screen. While this film may not be for everyone, the film’s deviations from gender norms and hetero-normativity paved new ground for queerness within the cinematic world.
4. “Moonlight” (2016): This powerful and moving coming-of-age drama directed by Barry Jenkins follows the life of a young African-American man named Chiron as he grapples with his sexuality. This film tackles issues of Black masculinity and internalized homophobia, beautifully and effectively told through its stunning visuals. Upon its release, the film earned critical acclaim and became the first LGBTQ+ film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, an important moment in LGBTQ+ cinematic history.
5. “Tangerine” (2015): This film was created by director Sean Baker and was shot entirely on an iPhone. “Tangerine” is a raw and energetic comedy-drama that follows the lives of two POC transgender sex workers on Christmas Eve in Los Angeles. The film vocalizes the stories of a demographic that is often degraded and highly stigmatized throughout society. Baker allowed the cast high levels of input and creative expression throughout the making of the film which generates an authentic and fully realized look into the lives of trans sex workers unlike ever before seen within the cinematic world.
These movies represent just a fraction of the incredible LGBTQ+ films that have been made over the years. They offer a range of perspectives and experiences, highlighting the diversity within the community and fostering empathy and understanding. Celebrate pride by enjoying these films and embracing the stories that celebrate love, identity, and the power of being true to oneself.