By Haylee Thorson
With this year’s Pride celebrations cancelled due to the lingering effects of COVID-19, things are looking a little different this year. Instead of parading through the streets with flags, friends and festive apparel, we’re still stuck at home. However, just because Pride events are cancelled does not mean we can’t celebrate! While it would be nice to gather together and toast to the LGBTQ+ community, we can still do that from the comfort of our homes. So, gather up your besties on Zoom and celebrate by watching one (or all) of these LGBTQ+ films and shows this month!
Films
1. Moonlight
Revered as the best LGBTQ+ movie of all time on Rotten Tomatoes, Moonlight tells a story of intersectionality and struggle in three chapters. This riveting film examines what it means to struggle with and accept one’s own sexuality from the perspective of a young black boy growing up in Miami. Complete with emotional performances, captivating cinematography and an unforgettable storyline, this film is an absolute must-watch.
(Available on Netflix)
2. Portrait of a Lady on Fire
A period piece taking place in 18th century France, this film follows the story of two women who are forbidden to be together. Marianne is a young painter who has been commissioned to create the wedding portrait of bride-to-be, Héloïse. However, intense feelings emerge as Marianne observes Héloïse during the day and paints her in secret at night. This film is a slow burn romance between two women that is bound to stick with you.
(Available on Hulu)
3. Love, Simon
Simon knows he’s gay, but no one else does. Well, except for the classmate he fell in love with online. In this coming-of-age film, we follow a high schooler’s journey to finally coming to terms with his sexuality and all of the ups and downs that come alongside it. From fights and first kisses to embarrassment and exhilaration, this movie is a roller coaster of emotions that you have to see.
(Available on YouTube)
4. Booksmart
One of the most progressive coming-of-age stories ever told, this film directed by Olivia Wilde is an absolute gem. The movie follows high school overachievers, Molly and Amy, on the eve of their graduation as they attempt to fit four years of partying into one night. Amy, a lesbian who has been out for two years, finally decides to go for her crush in the movie and her story is depicted in an authentic and raw way that is hardly ever seen in cinema. 10/10—go watch!
(Available on Hulu)
5. The Handmaiden
This erotic South Korean film follows the story between handmaiden Sookee and Japanese heiress Hideko in 1930s Korea during the time of Japanese occupation. While Sookee was an undercover pickpocket hired to help a conman seduce Hideko and rob her of her inheritance, her feelings for the heiress begin to complicate things. Complete with crime, deceit, passion and violence, this masterpiece of a film will keep you on the edge of your seat.
(Available on Amazon Prime)
TV Shows
6. Euphoria
This HBO series is a chilling, yet realistic tale of what it means to be a high schooler in today’s society. From drug addiction and intimate partner violence to transphobia and fat shaming, Euphoria gives viewers raw insight into issues that are typically sugar-coated in teen dramas. Although the series can be quite dark at times, the queer love story between Rue and Jules is approached in such a delicate and thoughtful manner. This show will change your life.
(Available on HBO)
7. Sex Education
Sex Education is a Netflix original series that follows the story of socially awkward Otis as he attempts to run a “sex clinic” at school—giving peers all of the advice that he learned from his sex therapist mother over the years. Apart from being hilarious and well-written, this series features incredibly diverse characters with a wide array of sexual orientations. Asexual, bisexual, gay, pansexual, lesbian—you name it! This show has it all and is an absolute must-see.
(Available on Netflix)
8. Pose
Pose is a dance musical set in the late 80’s and explores the world of ballroom culture and how it impacts a diverse group of individuals living in New York City. After Blanca, a trans woman, finds out she has been diagnosed with HIV, she decides to open up a “house” for LGBTQ+ youth who were rejected by their families. However, that is only the tip of the iceberg. The series tackles issues of racism, sexism and transphobia and looks incredible while doing it.
(Available on Netflix)
9. Vida
When news of their mother’s death hits Mexican American sisters, Emma and Lyn, they are forced to return to their old neighborhood for the funeral. Upon arrival, they are shocked to learn that their mother had been married to a woman and they had no idea. The show follows the sisters as they deal with the aftermath of their mother’s death and one of them comes to terms with their own identity in the process. Groundbreaking and super queer, this series is a must-watch!
(Available on Hulu)
10. Special
Special is unlike any other. A semi-autobiographical account of Ryan O’Connell’s life, the show follows Ryan—a gay man with cerabral palsy—as he attempts to finally get his life together and start #adulting on his own. From landing his first job to moving out of his mom’s house, this series examines the intersectionality between disability and sexuality and how it affects every aspect of one man’s life. At only eight episodes, this is a quick and heartwarming watch!
(Available on Netflix)
Haylee Thorson is an editorial writer who specializes in beauty, culture, and travel. Follow her on Instagram.