Taking place each February, LGBT+ History Month aims to promote equality and diversity by increasing the visibility of LGBT+ people and raising awareness of issues affecting their communities.
Keen to learn more and become a better ally? From feel-good comedies to heart-wrenching dramas, here are some of the best movies and TV shows to watch or revisit this LGBT+ History Month…
1. The Adventures Of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert
The story of two drag queens (played by Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce) and a transgender woman (Terence Stamp) travelling across the Australian Outback on a bus nicknamed Priscilla, this colourful comedy film was a surprise hit when it was released in 1994.
Now considered a cult classic, it’s been praised for introducing gay and transgender themes to a mainstream audience.
Where to watch it: buy or rent on YouTube.
2. Queer As Folk
Focusing on the lives of three gay men living in Manchester in the 1990s, Queer As Folk was penned by screenwriter Russell T Davies.
Originally airing in 1999, the two series of the groundbreaking Channel 4 drama were met with a mixed reception by the gay community – some said it failed to address issues such as the AIDs epidemic – but today it’s largely seen as essential viewing, hailed for its positive portrayal of gay characters.
Where to watch it: free on All 4.
3. It’s A Sin
More than two decades after the success of Queer As Folk, Russell T Davies is back with a five-part drama miniseries that does tackle the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s head on.
It’s A Sin follows three 18-year-olds who move to London in 1981, and looks at how the disease affects their lives over the course of a decade. It’s already being called one of the best TV shows of 2021.
Where to watch it: free on All 4.
4. Blue Is The Warmest Colour
Blue Is The Warmest Colour is a sure-fire tearjerker, but there’s nothing mawkish or soppy about this love story.
Starring Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos, the film follows the relationship between high school student Adele and painter Emma, exploring love, loss and sexual identity with devastating poignancy.
Where to watch it: buy or rent on YouTube.
5. The Boys In The Band
Featuring an ensemble cast of openly-gay actors, The Boys In The Band is set at a birthday party in 1968, based on a play that premiered on Broadway in that same year.
While it may be set in the Sixties, the issues the 2020 film raises are still relevant today, including homophobia and racism. It’s also a reminder of how far gay rights have come in subsequent decades.
Where to watch it: Netflix.
6. Queer Eye
The phenomenally successful 2018 reboot of Noughties makeover show Queer Eye For The Straight Guy took the format in a different direction, introducing a new Fab Five who focus not only on enhancing the looks of their guests (who don’t have to be male and/or straight), but work on personal and emotional growth too.
From the hilarity of grooming guru Jonathan Van Ness to the sob-worthy breakthrough moments at the hands of Karamo Brown, the series has made celebrities out of all five experts and is on its sixth season.
Where to watch it: Netflix.
7. Portrait Of A Lady On Fire
A French historical drama with LGBT+ relevance? Yes, indeed. Portrait Of A Lady On Fire, released in 2019, chronicles the illicit love affair between an aristocrat and the artist commissioned to paint her portrait.
Lead actors Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel have been praised for their magnificent performances in the much-lauded film, which garnered the Queer Palm at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019, the first film directed by a woman (Céline Sciamma) to win the award.
Where to watch it: Amazon Prime.
8. Call Me By Your Name
Set during one long, hot Eighties summer in Italy, Call Me By Your Name is a lush love story.
The tale of teenager Elio and twenty-something Oliver, the graduate assistant to Elio’s father, the 2017 film was nominated for four Oscars, winning best adapted screenplay and making a star out of best actor nominee Timothée Chalamet for his mesmerising performance as Elio.
Where to watch it: buy or rent on YouTube.
