LGBTQ+ Resources: Film & Video

Late Bloomers (1996)

• Late Bloomers (1996) is a heartfelt comedy-drama directed by Julia Dyer, depicting the coming-of-age journey of two high school misfits, Sandra and Rhea, as they navigate friendship, love, and self-discovery. Set in the 1970s, the film explores themes of acceptance, identity, and the transformative power of friendship during adolescence.

The Watermelon Woman (1996)

• The Watermelon Woman is a groundbreaking 1996 film directed by Cheryl Dunye. It follows Cheryl, a young Black lesbian filmmaker, as she embarks on a quest to uncover the untold story of a Black actress from the 1930s known only as "The Watermelon Woman." Blending fiction and documentary, it explores race, sexuality, and representation in cinema.

But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)

• But I'm a Cheerleader is a 1999 satirical romantic comedy directed by Jamie Babbit. It follows Megan, a high school cheerleader, who is sent to a conversion therapy camp when her parents suspect she's a lesbian. Through humor and heart, the film challenges gender stereotypes and celebrates self-acceptance and love.

Transamerica (2005)

• Transamerica (2005) is a poignant comedy-drama directed by Duncan Tucker. Felicity Huffman stars as Bree, a transgender woman on the verge of gender confirmation surgery, who discovers she has a long-lost son. The film follows their cross-country journey, exploring identity, acceptance, and the complexities of family bonds with humor and heart.

Alex Strangelove (2018)

• Alex Strangelove (2018) is a coming-of-age comedy directed by Craig Johnson. It follows Alex Truelove, a high school senior with a perfect girlfriend and a plan for his future, until he meets a charming boy, leading him to question his sexuality and navigate the complexities of teenage relationships with humor and authenticity.

Love, Simon (2018)

• Love, Simon (2018) is a heartwarming romantic comedy-drama directed by Greg Berlanti. Simon Spier, a high school student, navigates the ups and downs of coming out as gay while also trying to uncover the identity of an anonymous classmate he's fallen for online. The film celebrates love, friendship, and self-acceptance.

Booksmart (2019)

• Booksmart (2019) is a hilarious coming-of-age comedy directed by Olivia Wilde. It follows best friends Molly and Amy, high school seniors determined to make up for lost time by cramming four years of fun into one epic night of partying. The film celebrates friendship, self-discovery, and embracing life's unexpected adventures.

The Half of It (2020)

• The Half of It (2020) is a heartfelt romantic comedy directed by Alice Wu. It tells the story of shy, introverted student Ellie Chu, who agrees to help the school jock, Paul, write love letters to a girl they both admire. Through their unlikely friendship, they discover the complexities of love and identity.

Bros (2022)

• Bros (2022) is a comedy film directed by Nicholas Stoller. It follows two estranged brothers who embark on a hilarious and chaotic road trip across the country to fulfill their late father's final wishes. Along the way, they confront their differences, bond over shared experiences, and rediscover the meaning of family.

Crush (2022)

• Crush (2022) is a heartwarming romantic comedy directed by an up-and-coming filmmaker. It follows the story of two childhood friends who realize their feelings for each other during a high school reunion. As they navigate the complexities of romance, misunderstandings and humorous mishaps ensue, leading to unexpected revelations and true love.

Fire Island (2022)

• Fire Island (2022) is a captivating drama directed by an emerging filmmaker. Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Fire Island, it follows the intertwining lives of a diverse group of individuals over the course of a summer. Secrets, desires, and personal struggles surface, challenging friendships and igniting unexpected romances.

Bottoms (2023)

• Bottoms (2023) is a hilarious LGBTQ+ high school comedy directed by a rising filmmaker. It centers on a group of diverse students navigating the ups and downs of adolescence, friendship, and love. Through witty banter, awkward encounters, and unexpected twists, they learn to embrace their identities and support each other in a world full of challenges and surprises.

Egghead & Twinkie (2023)

• After coming out to her parents, an Asian American teenage girl takes off on a road trip to meet her online crush with the help of her nerdy best friend.

Good Grief (2023)

• Good Grief (2023) is a poignant drama directed by a promising filmmaker. It follows a diverse group of individuals as they navigate loss, love, and healing in the wake of a tragedy. Through heartfelt performances and raw emotion, the film explores the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community support.

Red, White, and Royal Blue (2023)

• Red, White, and Royal Blue" (2023) is a captivating romantic comedy directed by an emerging filmmaker. It follows the whirlwind romance between the First Son of the United States and a British prince, whose secret relationship sparks international intrigue and personal growth. Through humor and heart, the film celebrates love's transformative power.

Drive-Away Dolls (2024)

• Jamie regrets her breakup with her girlfriend, while Marian needs to relax. In search of a fresh start, they embark on an unexpected road trip to Tallahassee. Things quickly go awry when they cross paths with a group of inept criminals.

Orlando (1992)

• Orlando (1992) directed by Sally Potter, is a visually stunning adaptation of Virginia Woolf's novel. Tilda Swinton stars as Orlando, a nobleman who mysteriously lives for centuries, changing gender along the way. The film explores themes of identity, gender fluidity, and societal constraints across different historical periods.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

• Brokeback Mountain (2005), directed by Ang Lee, follows the forbidden love affair between two cowboys, Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal), set against the backdrop of the American West. Their enduring bond spans decades, grappling with societal expectations and the complexities of their own identities.

Pariah (2011)

• Pariah (2011), directed by Dee Rees, is a coming-of-age drama following Alike, a black teenager embracing her lesbian identity while navigating the challenges of family acceptance and self-discovery. Set in Brooklyn, the film delves into themes of identity, sexuality, and the struggle for authenticity amidst societal pressures and expectations.

Tomboy (2011)

• Tomboy (2011), directed by Céline Sciamma, portrays a young girl named Laure who, upon moving to a new neighborhood, presents herself as a boy named Mikäel. As Mikäel, she explores gender identity and friendship, facing the complexities of self-discovery and societal expectations in this tender and introspective French drama.

Southern Baptist Sissies (2013)

• Southern Baptist Sissies (2013), directed by Del Shores, follows the lives of four gay men growing up in the Southern Baptist Church. Through humor and heartache, they grapple with their faith, sexuality, and the conflict between their identities and their conservative upbringing, offering a poignant exploration of self-acceptance and resilience.

Carol (2015)

• Carol (2015), directed by Todd Haynes, depicts the forbidden romance between aspiring photographer Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara) and the elegant Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett) in 1950s New York. Their love defies societal norms and familial pressures, beautifully captured in this visually stunning and emotionally resonant period drama.

Danish Girl, The (2015)

• The Danish Girl (2015), directed by Tom Hooper, portrays the groundbreaking true story of Danish artist Einar Wegener (Eddie Redmayne), who undergoes one of the first gender reassignment surgeries to become Lili Elbe. Set in the 1920s, the film explores identity, love, and the courage to live authentically in a world of prejudice.

Lovesong (2016)

• Lovesong (2016), directed by So Yong Kim, follows the emotional journey of two friends, Sarah (Riley Keough) and Mindy (Jena Malone), whose deep bond evolves into a fleeting romance during a road trip. Their complex relationship explores themes of love, intimacy, and the blurred lines between friendship and desire.

Moonlight (2016)

• Moonlight (2016), directed by Barry Jenkins, is a poignant coming-of-age tale that chronicles the life of Chiron, a young black man grappling with his identity and sexuality in a tough Miami neighborhood. Through three defining chapters, the film explores themes of masculinity, love, and the search for self-acceptance with grace and depth.

The Hand Maiden (2016)

• The Handmaiden (2016), directed by Park Chan-wook, is a mesmerizing tale of deception and desire set in 1930s Korea. A pickpocket poses as a handmaiden to swindle a wealthy heiress, but unexpected passions complicate their plans. This visually sumptuous thriller weaves a web of intrigue and sensuality, blurring lines of trust and betrayal.

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

• Call Me By Your Name (2017), directed by Luca Guadagnino, is a sensuous and tender coming-of-age romance set in 1980s Italy. Elio (Timothée Chalamet) and Oliver (Armie Hammer) discover a powerful connection over a sun-soaked summer, navigating desire, love, and heartache in this evocative exploration of first love and self-discovery.

God's Own Country (2017)

• God's Own Country (2017), directed by Francis Lee, is a raw and intimate drama set in the rugged Yorkshire countryside. It follows the turbulent relationship between Johnny, a young sheep farmer, and Gheorghe, a migrant worker. Against the backdrop of nature, they find solace and passion, challenging their own prejudices and fears.

Boy Erased (2018)

• Boy Erased (2018), directed by Joel Edgerton, is a harrowing portrayal of Jared, a teenager forced into gay conversion therapy by his conservative Baptist parents. Based on a true story, the film delves into the trauma and resilience of those struggling to reconcile their identity with societal and familial expectations.

Rafiki (2018)

• Rafiki (2018), directed by Wanuri Kahiu, is a vibrant and groundbreaking Kenyan drama portraying the forbidden love between Kena and Ziki, two young women in a conservative society. Despite societal pressure and familial expectations, their bond blossoms, challenging norms and celebrating the resilience of love in the face of adversity.

Tell it to the Bees (2018)

• Tell It to the Bees (2018), directed by Annabel Jankel, is a tender period drama set in 1950s Scotland. When Dr. Jean Markham returns to her hometown, she befriends a young mother, Lydia, sparking a forbidden romance. Their love blossoms amidst societal prejudice, evoking both hope and heartache in this beautifully crafted tale.

Lingua Franca (2019)

• Lingua Franca (2019), directed by Isabel Sandoval, is a poignant drama following Olivia, an undocumented Filipina trans woman working as a caregiver in Brooklyn. Amidst fears of deportation, she finds solace in an unexpected romance with Alex, a man who challenges her notions of love and belonging in an uncertain world.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

• Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019), directed by Céline Sciamma, is an exquisite period romance set in 18th-century France. A painter is commissioned to secretly paint a portrait of a young woman for her impending marriage, but their intimacy sparks forbidden desires, leading to a profound exploration of love, art, and freedom.

Your Name Engraved Herein (2020)

• Your Name Engraved Herein (2020), directed by Kuang-Hui Liu, is a poignant Taiwanese LGBTQ+ romance set in the 1980s. Amidst the aftermath of martial law, two high school boys, Fang and Jia-han, navigate their burgeoning feelings for each other amidst societal and personal struggles, shaping their lives and identities in profound ways.

Close (2022)

• The 13-year-old boys Léo and Rémis have a close friendship at school and in the flower fields where they and their parents pick the harvest for home. When schoolmates shoot a wedge into the relationship, the consequences are fatal.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

• Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, is a mind-bending sci-fi comedy starring Michelle Yeoh. It follows a woman who discovers multiple parallel universes, each containing versions of herself and her family. As chaos ensues, she must navigate these worlds to save her loved ones and uncover the truth.

All of Us Strangers (2023)

• A screenwriter drawn back to his childhood home enters into a fledgling relationship with his downstairs neighbor while discovering a mysterious new way to heal from losing his parents 30 years ago.

Cabaret (1972)

• Cabaret (1972), directed by Bob Fosse, is a dazzling musical drama set in pre-World War II Berlin. Amidst the rise of the Nazi regime, an American cabaret performer, Sally Bowles (Liza Minnelli), navigates love and politics while performing at the Kit Kat Club. The film explores themes of decadence, desire, and societal upheaval.

Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

• The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), directed by Jim Sharman, is a cult classic musical comedy horror. Brad and Janet, a newly engaged couple, stumble upon the eccentric mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite scientist. They are thrust into a night of wild antics, decadence, and sexual liberation.

Fame (1980)

• Fame (1980), directed by Alan Parker, is a vibrant musical drama set at New York City's High School of Performing Arts. It follows a group of talented students as they navigate the challenges of fame, friendship, and self-discovery while pursuing their dreams of stardom in the competitive world of entertainment.

Victor/Victoria (1982)

• Victor/Victoria (1982), directed by Blake Edwards, is a delightful gender-bending comedy set in 1930s Paris. Victoria, a struggling soprano, poses as a male female impersonator, captivating audiences. As her act gains popularity, romantic entanglements and mistaken identities ensue, leading to uproarious comedy and heartwarming moments of self-discovery.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert   (1994)

• The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994), directed by Stephan Elliott, is a flamboyant Australian comedy-drama. Drag queens Tick, Adam, and Bernadette embark on a journey across the Outback aboard their colorful bus, Priscilla. Along the way, they encounter adventure, acceptance, and unexpected connections, celebrating the power of friendship and self-expression.

Velvet Goldmine (1998)

• Velvet Goldmine (1998), directed by Todd Haynes, is a visually dazzling homage to the glam rock era of the 1970s. Set in London, the film explores the rise and fall of a fictional rock star, Brian Slade, and the journalist Arthur Stuart's quest to uncover the truth behind his mysterious disappearance.

Hedwig & the Angry Inch (2001)

• Hedwig & the Angry Inch (2001), directed by John Cameron Mitchell, is a punk rock musical following Hedwig, a genderqueer East German rock singer, and her band, the Angry Inch. Through electrifying performances and poignant storytelling, Hedwig navigates love, identity, and the search for wholeness amidst heartache and triumph.

Kinky Boots (2005)

• Kinky Boots (2005), directed by Julian Jarrold, is a heartwarming British comedy-drama. Charlie, a struggling shoe factory owner, teams up with Lola, a glamorous drag queen, to produce sturdy boots for drag performers. Their unlikely partnership challenges societal norms and revitalizes the factory, celebrating acceptance, diversity, and the power of friendship.

Rent (2005)

• Rent (2005), directed by Chris Columbus, is a vibrant adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical by Jonathan Larson. Set in New York City's East Village during the late 1980s, it follows a diverse group of artists and activists as they struggle with love, loss, and the impact of HIV/AIDS on their community.

Hairspray (2007)

• Hairspray (2007), directed by Adam Shankman, is a joyous musical comedy set in 1960s Baltimore. Teenager Tracy Turnblad dreams of dancing on "The Corny Collins Show" and fights against racial segregation on the dance floor. With infectious songs and energetic performances, the film celebrates diversity, acceptance, and the power of change.

The Big Gay Musical (2009)

• The Big Gay Musical (2009), directed by Casper Andreas and Fred M. Caruso, is a lively and irreverent comedy-musical that follows the lives of two theater actors rehearsing for a gay-themed musical about the life of Jesus. Through humor and heart, the film tackles themes of faith, sexuality, and self-acceptance.

Bessie (2015)

• Bessie (2015) is a biographical drama directed by Dee Rees, portraying the life of legendary blues singer Bessie Smith. Queen Latifah delivers a mesmerizing performance, capturing Smith's raw talent, resilience, and personal struggles in the racially charged music industry of the early 20th century. The film celebrates Smith's enduring legacy.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

• Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), directed by Bryan Singer, is a biographical film celebrating the legendary rock band Queen and its enigmatic frontman Freddie Mercury. Rami Malek delivers an electrifying performance, capturing Mercury's charisma, struggles, and iconic performances. The film chronicles Queen's rise to fame, their music, and Mercury's journey to self-acceptance.

Rocket Man (2019)

• Rocketman (2019), directed by Dexter Fletcher, is a musical biopic portraying the extraordinary life of Elton John. Taron Egerton delivers a mesmerizing performance, capturing John's highs and lows, his music, and his personal struggles with addiction and identity. The film offers a vibrant and emotional journey through John's transformative career.

Everybody's Talking About Jamie (2021) 

• Everybody's Talking About Jamie (2021), directed by Jonathan Butterell, is a heartwarming musical inspired by the true story of a teenager, Jamie New, who dreams of becoming a drag queen. With support from his friends and mentor, he embraces his identity and challenges prejudice, celebrating acceptance and self-expression.

The Color Purple (2023)

• The Color Purple (2023), directed by Blitz Bazawule, is a vibrant adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Set in the early 20th century American South, it follows Celie, a young African American woman, as she navigates oppression, resilience, and ultimately finds empowerment and sisterhood amidst adversity and injustice.

Suddenly, Last Summer (1959)

• Suddenly, Last Summer (1959), directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, is a gripping psychological drama based on Tennessee Williams' play. After the mysterious death of her cousin Sebastian, Catharine Holly (Elizabeth Taylor) undergoes a traumatic experience while being interrogated by Sebastian's mother (Katharine Hepburn) and a doctor (Montgomery Clift), revealing disturbing truths.

Victim (1961)

• Victim (1961), directed by Basil Dearden, is a groundbreaking British thriller addressing homosexuality at a time when it was illegal. Lawyer Melville Farr (Dirk Bogarde) risks his career to expose a blackmail ring targeting gay men, confronting societal prejudices and personal struggles in this courageous exploration of injustice and integrity.

Reflections in a Golden Eye (1967)

• Reflections in a Golden Eye (1967), directed by John Huston, is a brooding drama set on a military base in the Deep South. Major Weldon Penderton (Marlon Brando) and his wife Leonora (Elizabeth Taylor) grapple with repressed desires and psychological turmoil, leading to a tragic spiral of obsession and betrayal amid the stifling atmosphere of the military.

Mulholland Drive (2001)

• Mulholland Drive (2001), directed by David Lynch, is a surreal neo-noir mystery exploring identity and illusion in Los Angeles. Betty (Naomi Watts), an aspiring actress, and Rita (Laura Harring), an amnesiac woman, unravel a cryptic puzzle of dreams and reality, leading to a mesmerizing journey through love, loss, and Hollywood's dark underbelly.iption

Hours, The (2002)

• The Hours (2002), directed by Stephen Daldry, intertwines the lives of three women across different time periods. Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman) writes "Mrs. Dalloway" in 1920s England, Laura Brown (Julianne Moore) reads the novel in 1950s Los Angeles, and Clarissa Vaughan (Meryl Streep) navigates contemporary New York City, each grappling with existential crises and the search for meaning.

Kill Your Darlings (2013)

• Kill Your Darlings (2013), directed by John Krokidas, is a gripping drama based on real events in the lives of Beat Generation writers. It explores the tumultuous relationship between Allen Ginsberg (Daniel Radcliffe), Jack Kerouac (Jack Huston), and Lucien Carr (Dane DeHaan), leading to a shocking murder that tests their loyalty and artistic integrity.

Love Lies Bleeding (2024)

• Gym manager Lou falls for Jackie, a bodybuilder who is passing through town en route to a competition in Las Vegas.