LGBTQ+ films have been released more and more in the past few decades, and a lot of them have told some really important stories. It doesn’t matter how old you are, who you’re attracted to, or who you identify as, the following movies discuss LGBTQ+ issues in history that aren’t often talked about. Take a look at some of these trailers!
1. PRIDE
Let’s start with the obvious; it’s a crowd favourite! This film is based on a true story from the 1980s about LGBTQ+ acitivists who built bridges between their community and the mining community. Through fundraising for the miners and their families, the Lesbian and Gays Support the Miners movement was founded. It’s a touching story that is beautifully filmed, shedding light on an important part of LGBTQ+ history.
2. The Normal Heart
This film is impossible to watch without a box of tissues. Based on the highly autobiographical play by Larry Kramer, and written by Larry Kramer, this film is set at the same time as Pride. It focuses on the epidemic of AIDS in New York City and how it affected so many members of the LGBTQ+ community. It captures the government’s disregard for the disease because of America’s widespread hostility towards homosexuality, and tells beautiful stories of love, friendship and support. This film is massively underrated and I’m so glad I discovered it.
3. Boys Don’t Cry
Although it’s another sad one, it’s another really important narrative. This film tells the true story of a young trans man called Brandon Teena, who tries to be who he is and make his own way but struggles when his birth name and gender is discovered. It may be an old movie but it illustrates the life of a very significant man in LGBTQ+ history.
4. Brokeback Mountain
Although it’s not a true story, it is one of the most iconic gay movies of all time. It revolves around the complex and confusing relationship between Ennis and Jack who work on a ranch together every summer. Set in 1960s Mid-West America, it incorporates social attitudes towards homosexuality at the time in the way both men feel about their own relationship as they juggle feelings of anger, shame and acceptance.
5. Freeheld
Again, this biographical film is based on the story of a police officer who is diagnosed with terminal cancer. This develops into a fight for her domestic partner to be entitled to pension benefits after her death. Exploring themes of justice, love and loss, this film illustrates the way that even in the 21st century, LGBTQ+ families were still fighting with the government for equal rights to heterosexual families.
I hope some of these trailers have stuck out for you or maybe even told you a new story! Remember to share the films you love, but also the films that teach you something important.
6. Moonlight
I’ve saved the best for last! Directed by Barry Jenkins and starring Naomie Harris, André Holland, Mahershala Ali, Janelle Monáe and Trevante Rhodes, this film is is one of the very few LGBTQ+ films to centre the experiences of a gay person of colour. We watch the main character, a black child named Chiron, grow up in Miami. The film is split up into three chapters and the cinematography is mind-blowing! The score written for the film is magnificent and a lot of the scenes in the film have a Wes Anderson vibe to them making them striking and powerful. This film will definitely make you cry while you watch shy, gentle, and introverted Chrion become comfortable in his sexuality and with himself. This film is a must watch!