With recent attacks on trans rights and some conservative lawmakers calling on the Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges within the last few months, LGBTQ+ representation in media feels more important right now. For many people, seeing themselves represented in film, television, and literature can be the difference between feeling understood and feeling completely alone. Queer stories not only allow LGBTQ+ audiences to see themselves reflected on screen and in books, but they also start conversations and remind people that their identities and experiences deserve to be seen too.
While there’s still progress to be made when it comes to representation, there are many incredible LGBTQ+ stories worth celebrating this Pride Month (and all year round). From chaotic comedies to emotional coming-of-age stories, here are some of my top picks:
1. But I’m a Cheerleader
How could I not start this list with a cult classic?! But I’m a Cheerleader follows Megan, a high-school cheerleader, who is sent to conversion therapy to get rid of her feelings for women. As she tries to survive her days at the camp, she meets Graham, another girl who doesn’t believe what they are teaching, and encourages Megan to be herself. This colorful, campy cult classic is a more lighthearted take on a very dark subject. There’s also RuPaul playing a straight man, and who wouldn’t want to see that?!
2. Bottoms
As someone who usually finds comedy films painfully unfunny, I think this film is absolutely hilarious, and it’s one of my favorites. Best friends and “ugly, untalented gays,” PJ and Josie start a fight club with hopes of getting the attention of their cheerleader crushes. Through all the chaos, they find love and rediscover what it means to be friends along the way. This comedy centers on lesbian relationships, whether they be romantic or platonic. It’s a chaotic 90-minute movie that’ll leave you wanting to watch it over and over again.
3. Brokeback mountain
Even years after its release, Brokeback Mountain remains one of the most impactful LGBTQ+ films ever made. The film follows Ennis and Jack, two cowboys who develop a deep romantic relationship after working together one summer in Wyoming. What makes the movie so heartbreaking is the way it explores love, repression, and the pressure to hide one’s identity in a society that refuses to accept it. It’s emotional, beautifully acted, and one of those films that stays with you long after you finish watching it.
4. moonlight
Few films portray identity and masculinity as beautifully as Moonlight. The movie follows Chiron through three stages of his life as he struggles with his sexuality, loneliness, and sense of self while growing up in Miami. Every performance in this film is incredible, and the storytelling feels intimate and deeply human. It’s one of those movies that just quietly breaks your heart.
5. yellowjackets
If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I will recommend Yellowjackets to literally anyone who will listen. The series follows a high school girls’ soccer team after their plane crashes in the wilderness, while also showing the lives they have attempted to piece back together as adults. The show perfectly balances psychological horror, mystery, and drama, which makes it nearly impossible to stop watching once you start. It also has a huge queer fanbase thanks to its complex queer characters and relationships that feel messy and genuinely compelling.
6. young royals
If you love emotional teen dramas, Young Royals deserves a spot on your watchlist. The series follows Prince Wilhelm as he navigates royal expectations, boarding school drama, and falling in love with another student, Simon. The chemistry between the leads feels incredibly genuine, and the show handles themes of identity, pressure, and first loves with lots of care.
7. the l word
To this day, The L Word remains one of the most iconic lesbian television series ever made. The show follows a group of queer women in Los Angeles as they navigate relationships, careers, friendship, and heartbreak. While some aspects of the show definitely feel dated now, its impact on queer television is undeniable.
8. Sunburn
This coming-of-age novel is beautifully written and emotionally devastating all at once. Set in a small Irish town during the ‘90s, Sunburn follows Lucy as she develops an intense relationship with her best friend, Susannah. The novel perfectly captures the confusion and intensity of first love, especially when you’re trying to suppress feelings you don’t fully understand about yourself.
9. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
This story follows Aristotle and Dante, two Mexican American teens who form a deep friendship that slowly changes both of their lives. The book explores identity, family, masculinity, and love in a genuine, heartfelt way. There is also a sequel, Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World, and a film adaptation.
10. Call me by your name
This novel captures the intensity of first love in a way that feels almost painfully intimate. Set during a summer in Italy, the story follows Elio as he develops a relationship with Oliver, a graduate student staying with his family. The writing is emotional, obsessive, and deeply reflective, making it the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you finish it.
Pride Month is ultimately about celebrating LGBTQ+ people, stories, and history—and media can play a major role in that. Whether these stories make you cry, laugh, feel seen, or simply introduce you to experiences different from your own, queer media deserves to be celebrated not just during Pride Month, but all year long.