Queer Movies

Relaying the story of a closeted, lesbian couple in the 1950s, Carol explores the growth of their relationship through the countless hardships they encounter: namely a discriminatory society forcing them into fitting heteronormative standards. The film portrays the pain they undergo as they have to keep their sexualities and love for one another secret. This movie does not sexualize their love, making it out to be solely erotic as many movies about lesbians unfortunately do. As such, there’s no surprise that the production was nominated for 6 Oscars in 2016!

This is the bittersweet story of two young men who happen to cross paths in 1980s Italy. Together, they discover love, happiness, desire and pain amidst a society that rejects the mere thought of homosexuality.  Call Me by Your Name offers an interesting depiction of life; as one cannot fully experience joy without the emptiness that follows. Overall, this is an amazing movie with a heartbreaking storyline.

Moonlight follows the story of a gay Black man through different chapters of his life, as he struggles with his sexuality and learns to accept himself for who he is; all the while facing poverty, abuse, addiction, and discrimination because of his multi-faceted identity. There is a lot of emphasis on color schemes and the beauty of the cinematic shots that can be found throughout the movie, which makes for an aesthetically pleasing experience.

This movie portrays the self-discovery of a Black teen as she develops her identity, discovering and accepting her sexuality. She falls in love with a female friend of hers, all the while dealing with discouragement from her family, who deemed it all to be nothing but “a phase”. The film is a perfect representation of the hardships members of the LGBTQ+ community often go through as they figure out and come to terms with their identities and sexualities.

Follow the journey of a trans-woman, as she grieves the death of her boyfriend and realizes the transphobia that’s spread in her community. While investigating the death of her boyfriend, officials refuse to treat her as a woman, attempt to frame her for the murder, and even go as far as denying her access to the funeral. The film is based in modern-day Chile, and it exposes the stigma that surrounds LGBTQ+ folks in Latin America.

A depiction of a Victorian tale in which the themes of love, homosexuality, manipulation, and humanity are delved into. Follow the story of a con man trying to trick a Japanese heiress into marrying him and ultimately, giving him access to her wealth. His plan starts with a female maid he hires to try and convince the heiress to gain interest in him. However, the two women slowly fall in love and work to turn his plan against him.

Follow the relationship between a young trans woman and her grandmother as they enter New York as undocumented Mexican immigrants. The Garden Left Behind depicts the trials she must face as she struggles with her identity, her transition, and her new life. The main character in this movie is also played by a real-life trans Latina woman. 

Set in 1700s France, a female painter is commissioned to do make a wedding portrait of a young woman. Day by day, the two women get closer, the painter slowly falling in love. Portrait of a Woman on Fire is filled with gorgeous scenery, stunning shots ,a heart-wrenching plot, and stellar acting.

Follow a transgender sex worker who attempts to get back at her boyfriend for cheating on her. Throughout the otherwise funny, light-hearted ambiance of the film lie glimpses of transphobia that the woman faces, providing the audience with a clear representation of what it’s like to be transgender in our current society. The entire movie was filmed using nothing but an iPhone 5s, which is remarkable considering the impressive shots that make up the production. 

Follow two high school girls who set up a fight club as a way to hook up with cheerleaders who soon find themselves in over their heads when other students start beating each other up in an act self-defense. This movie updates teen movie tropes, disguising a smart comedy as a stupid one.

A naive teenager who excels in school and cheerleading is sent to conversion therapy camp when her prudish parents and friends suspect her of being a lesbian. While there, she meets an unashamed lesbian and starts developping feelings for her.

A shy, straight-A high school student in need of cash strikes a deal with a jock, writing love letters for him to his crush. She doesn't expect to become friends with him, connecting over the nature of love; she doesn't expect to fall for his crush either.