October is National Queer History Month, a time to celebrate the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities. The month honors the long fight for LGBTQ+ rights and the progress of related civil rights movements.
Shane Brown, founder and president of the Queer History Club at UMass Boston, emphasizes the importance of celebrating queer media, especially in the current political climate.
“Our community has come so far. We must continue the fight that our ancestors worked so hard for, lost their jobs for, and sacrificed their lives for. We must not let all of their efforts go to waste,” he said. “Let this month be a moment for us to remember and recognize everything our ancestors fought for.”
To honor Queer History Month, here is a list of films and documentaries that hold meaning within queer culture and history.
“Disclosure,” a documentary by Sam Feder, examines how Hollywood has portrayed transgender people and the effects those portrayals have had on trans actors and the broader community. Featuring celebrities like Laverne Cox, the film explores topics like harmful stereotypes and the ongoing debate of whether or not cisgender actors should take on trans roles.
Beyond being a compelling and insightful watch, “Disclosure” offers a powerful look at how media representations shape the lives of trans people and influence public understanding of gender identity.
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” directed by Céline Sciamma, is a French sapphic romance set in the 18th century. Marianne, a painter, is commissioned to create a wedding portrait of Héloïse, a young woman reluctant to marry. Throughout the film, the two develop an intimate relationship and are forced to conceal their feelings in a time marked by intense homophobia.
The film powerfully explores themes of patriarchy, forced marriage, lesbian love and bodily autonomy. What makes it especially distinctive is the near-total absence of male characters, allowing the stories of the women to fully take center stage.
Directed by Andrew Haigh, “All Of Us Strangers” follows Adam, played by Andrew Scott, a lonely screenwriter who reconnects with his deceased parents after a chance encounter with his neighbor Harry, played by Paul Mescal. As Adam revisits his childhood home and develops a tender relationship with Harry, the film blurs the lines between imagination and reality.
While the story is deeply personal and emotional, it carries an undercurrent of collective queer history. The film subtly evokes the shadow of the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s through its themes of loss, survivor’s guilt and generational silence. The result is a film that speaks to the enduring ache and resilience within queer communities.
“Rafiki,” directed by Wanuri Kahiu, tells the story of a friendship between two young women that blossoms into a lesbian romance. Kena and Ziki are drawn to each other despite living in a society that condemns same-sex relationships. Taking place in Kenya, the film captures the struggles of Nairobi youth, especially when it comes to queer relationships.
In Kenya, homosexual acts between men remain illegal and can carry a prison sentence of up to 14 years. While the law targets men specifically, widespread homophobia affects the entire LGBTQ+ community. Though there is progress being made, the film was initially banned in Kenya for “promoting” same-sex relationships.
While many queer films end in some form of tragedy, they don’t always have to. “But I’m a Cheerleader” proves that joy and satire can be equally powerful. Directed by Jamie Babbit, this cult-classic romantic comedy takes place at a gay conversion school, where parents send their children to be “corrected.” Megan, played by Natasha Lyonne, is sent to the school after her parents and friends suspect she may be a lesbian. During her time at the school, she begins to accept her identity and even finds love in an unexpected place.
Despite its dark premise, this film remains light-hearted, campy and unapologetically funny. With memorable performances from Lyonne, Clea DuVall and RuPaul, “But I’m a Cheerleader” tackles homophobia and conversion therapy through humor and satire, showing that queer stories can be both critical and joyful.