June is Pride Month and, thus, the perfect time to delve into queer cinema history. If you’re looking for the best movies, we got you covered. Here are our top picks.
Paris Is Burning (1990)
Paris is Burning is a documentary depicting the ballroom scene as it flourished during the ’80s. Featuring incredible footage of the various competitions, you’ll get a unique view into subjects like homophobia, racism, and the AIDS crisis – all while following prominent members of the scene like Angie Xtravaganza, Pepper LaBeija, and Willi Ninja. One thing to keep in mind, though: Several participants took legal action against the team because they received no compensation for participating in the movie.
The White Lotus (2021-)
The White Lotus is a black comedy, romantic drama anthology, and sharp social satire series following the employees and guests of a resort chain. Each day, director and writer Mike White will make you face a new complexity – from bad romances to fluid friendships and unapologetic steamy scenes. In other words, plenty of gay men, openly queer characters, and good LGBTQ representation.
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
This movie was written by Diablo Cody (Juno) and directed by Karyn Kusama. A deeply misunderstood work of art, this demonic possession, gender-identity exploring, feminist revenge flick centers around a young woman (and cheerleader-turned-succubus) played by Megan Fox. A cult classic that embraces bisexual representation in an unexpected way the LGBTQ community has grown to appreciate.
Somebody Somewhere (2022)
This nuanced TV show about small-town life in Kansas City combines comedy and reality and finds subtle drama in daily life. The series is produced by Bridget Everett (yes, from Cabaret!) and has a gay man (Jeff Hiller) in center stage. Plus, drag performers and trans actors like drag legend Murray Hill, who bring unprecedented trans representation to HBO. A rare, understated gem you should not miss.
The Color Purple (1985)
This movie is a screen adaptation of the popular Broadway musical, an essential love story, and a highly influential classic. Producer Quincy Jones sought Steven Spielberg to direct this black drama – right after he had finished E.T! Although the movie was nominated for 11 Oscars, it won… zero. There is, however, a reason why it was considered for Best Picture.
We’re Here (2020-)
We’re Here is a reality TV series featuring renowned former Drag Race contestants Eureka O’Hara, Bob the Drag Queen, and Shangela. The raw and uncensored 20-episode series follows the drag queens as they travel across the United States, recruiting small-town residents to proudly display the depth of their inner power in one-night-only drag shows. We’re Here was created by Johnnie Ingram and Stephen Warren and premiered in 2020.
Veneno (2020)
This biographical miniseries tells the story of La Veneno, a TV personality, singer, and trans woman who used to appear on late-night shows in Spain. The series uses flashbacks and present-day recordings to show the improbable life of this charismatic persona – and the trauma Cristina Ortiz Rodríguez went through. A rather unique approach following the adventures of a fantastic woman who inspired the queer and trans community.
Sort Of (2021)
Sort Of is a series following a gender-fluid millennial and the child of a dysfunctional Pakistani family. Unlike other approaches to non-binary people, Sort Of doesn’t treat its protagonist as an educational tool for cis watchers. Instead, it focuses on the complicated and beautiful mess involving identity, culture, and personal growth.
