Digital platforms have now given audiences access to LGBTQ+ films that were once hard to find; even more these platforms have allowed the diverse stories of a variety of voices to be seen by a wider audience. The ability to share one’s own story and to have others observe and learn from these stories is central to how people learn about each other–our differences and our similarities; but mostly our respective humanity. During this Black History month why not take some time to do the reciprocal learning needed to ensure we each have a better understanding of the other. Here are a selection of films that put forward a different story of the queer experience:
- “Rafiki” (2018)
- This film about a romance between two Kenyan women was shown at Cannes after being banned in Kenya.
- “Saturday Church” (2017)
- “Pose” actresses MJ Rodriguez and Indya Moore star in this musical about a young boy struggling with gender identity who finds solace within a transgender group of friends.
- “The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson” (2017)
- Activist Victoria Cruz explores the suspicious death of her friend Marsha P. Johnson, who was at the forefront of the Stonewall Riots.
- “Check It” (2016)
- Documentary that follows queer and transgender Black teenagers in Washington, D.C. who formed a street gang for self-protection.
- “Jewel’s Catch One” (2016)
- Documentary about one of the first gay black discos in the country and its owner, Jewel Thais-Williams, who broke down racial and cultural barriers.
- “Kiki” (2016)
- Documentary focusing on the modern ballroom scene as it intersects with Black Lives Matter and trans rights.
- “Moonlight” (2016)
- A coming-of-age drama presented in three stages of a young Black man’s life, dealing with sexuality and identity. It won the Oscar for best picture.
- “Blackbird” (2015)
- Homosexuality, religion, Black-American culture and small-town mentalities intersect.
- “Major!” (2015)
- A loving portrait of trans activist Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, who helps other transgender women of color navigate life in and after prison.
- “Naz & Maalik” (2015)
- Two closeted Muslim teenagers in a new relationship inadvertently end up under FBI surveillance.
- “Tangerine” (2015)
- This darkly funny buddy comedy stars Mya Taylor and Kitana Kiki Rodriguez as trans sex workers chasing down a pimp boyfriend.
- “Stud Life” (2012)
- A lesbian is caught between her new girlfriend and gay best friend.
- The Skinny (2012)
- Five Brown University classmates, four gay men and a lesbian, reunite in New York City for PRIDE weekend–full of fun, sins, secrets, lies and drama.
- “Pariah” (2011)
- A coming-of-age film about a 17-year-old embracing life as a lesbian, despite disapproving silence from her parents.
- “Children of God” (2010)
- A film that tackles homophobia in the Caribbean, it follows two Bahamian men who fall in love and the wife of a secretly gay pastor.
- “Finding Me” (2009)
- A man of Haitian descent struggles with family, friends and relationships in New Jersey.
- “Mississippi Damned” (2009)
- A family in rural Mississippi faces tragedy and triumph against the cycles of abuse, addiction and violence; based on a true story.
- “Dirty Laundry” (2006)
- A young gay man discovers he has a son and returns home to his conservative Southern family. With Loretta Devine and Jenifer Lewis.
- “Brother to Brother” (2004)
- An art student, who is thrown out of his home because he’s gay, befriends a homeless man who was a pivotal gay figure in the Harlem Renaissance.
- “Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin” (2003)
- Chronicling the life of gay civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, who organized the 1963 March on Washington, D.C.
- “PUNKS” (2000)
- A film made by Noah’s Arc creator Patrik-Ian Polk, follows four Black gay men who are all close friends searching for a fulfilling romantic relationship.
- “Blind Faith” (1998)
- The son of a Black policeman is arrested for murdering a white man. The young man is defended in court by his uncle, who discovers there is much more to the case that everyone refuses to talk about.
- “Black Is … Black Ain’t” (1994)
- An exploration of Black identity, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ community,
- “Paris is Burning” (1990)
- The documentary chronicling ball culture in New York City, featuring Black and Latino performers, is a classic.
- “Portrait of Jason (1967)
- Jason Holliday is the title subject of this 1967 documentary where the Black and gay cabaret performer, hustler, and sex worker shares various tales from his life.
Bonus! Because clearly 25 wasn’t enough…and these…well…you’ll see for yourself!
- “bwoy” (2017)
- “Rent” star Anthony Rapp stars as a closeted, married man in an obsessive online relationship with a young Jamaican man.
- “Bessie” (2015)
- Queen Latifah portrays legendary singer Bessie Smith, who had relationships with men and women.
- “Gun Hill Road” (2011)
- Harmony Santana is a teenager in the midst of transition when her father returns home from prison. Santana was the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for an Independent Spirit Award.
- “The Color Purple” (1985)
- Steven Spielberg’s award-winning adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel stars Whoopi Goldberg as Celie Harris, who overcomes immense trauma throughout her life.
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