The evolution of the LGBTQ community in movies has been groundbreaking these days. People thought being different was a crime – and were considered abnormal during the old days. Using homosexuality as a crime, sexual predator, and transgender as comic relief was habitual.
However, people started coming out openly during the 80s. The great gay panic was resolved when popular Hollywood celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, Billy Eichner showed their real self. The good news is Netflix, Hulu, and other Hollywood production companies are producing more movies and tv series that you can binge-watch during spare time.
During the end of pride month, we want you to get indulged into some mind-blowing movies. So, if you’re bored – and want to watch something really good, no worries, the Tribune has picked five best LGBTQ Movies for you.
5. Philadelphia (1993)
The duo of Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington in an American legal drama directed by Jonathan Demme raises Homosexuality and HIV/AIDS. The film reflects the predominant hatred for the marginalized community during the 90s.
Hanks won the ‘Best Actor” award in 66th Academy Awards, and the film was nominated in various categories. Philadelphia is regarded as one of the best movies that raise issues of Queer – and HIV/AIDS patients. This movie led to a revolution of minorities – which later succeeded after establishing rights in American law.
4. A Fantastic Woman (2017)
The movie revolves around a transgender woman – Marina, who is a singer and waitress. She falls in love with a man accepting her identity.
The plot moves after the death of her boyfriend, Orlando. The incident turns tragic to her, and she sees Orlando everywhere. To cope-up, she visits Orlando’s family and tries to get empathetic.
Instead of having companionship, she is harassed by Orlando’s son. He asks personal questions, bullies for a date, and calls her Marissa. The whole movie revolves around Maria – and shows her identity crisis.
3. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Our all-time favorite actors, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Heath Ledger play the role of Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist in this mainstream queer film. It depicts the sexual and emotional relationship between two male American cowboys.
Mainly targeted for LGBTQs, Brokeback Mountain breaks the stigma of homosexuality. The film shows sex and love in a different way. Despite having children, the characters open up as gay when they are in their own world.
The mesmerizing scene of two actors’ have kissing on-screen was considered bold by the audiences. Trying to portray the real gay men, their acting is seriously good.
When you’re watching this film, you won’t feel bored for a second.
2. Beats Per Minute (2017)
It is a French film showing the struggle of HIV/AIDS activists on ACT UP protest during the 90s. Even though the French Government declared to help the Gay, it turns sluggish and people have outrage over the policy. So some activists (Sean Dalmazo, Nathan) are protesting with Gay parade.
The movie shows the harsh reality of people living with AIDS, depicting the pain they’ve endured. Without treatment, they had to die, so some patients used to euthanize them. Nathan, the major character in this movie, also chooses assisted suicide.
1. Moonlight (2016)
Well, how can’t you forget this Oscars Best Picture award-winning movie? Moonlight is a movie that explores the three stages of a Black boy. It shows the physical, emotional abuse and trauma he experiences when he grows up.
Chiron, a young boy coming from Miami, grapples with his sexual identity and relationship. Finally, he escapes from his drug-addicted mother and sets on a journey with his male counterpart.
The positive side of Moonlight is that it’s a LGBTQ movie with all black characters.
Honorable Mentions:
- Pariah (2011)
- Before Night Falls (2000)
- Carol (2015)
- The Boys in the Band (1970)
- Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971)
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