For most of the film industry’s history, LGBTQ stories were hidden away or relegated to cautionary tales or comic relief. If LGBTQ characters were featured in films, they were often just there to support the growth of the main character without the audience learning anything meaningful about them. That being so, the LGBTQ romance is a fairly new phenomenon in cinema but one that, thankfully, is flourishing. Recently, new movies made by and for gay people like Fire Island have stolen audiences’ and critics’ hearts, but there are so many more gay romance movies, many made before their time, that deserve a lot more play. This Pride Month, celebrate with some funny, beautiful, and sexy queer romance stories!
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Call Me By Your Name, directed by Luca Guadagnino, is an Italian-flavored coming-of-age story that combines the joys and sorrows of youth. Elio (Timothee Chalamet), a Jewish Italo-French teenager living in Northern Italy, falls in love with Oliver (Armie Hammer), a grad student staying with his family. Written by James Ivory, the film captures the essence of youthful sexuality and nature’s allure, tinged with a sense of mortality and sensuality.
Love, Simon (2018)
Simon (Nick Robinson) has a pretty nice, normal life with great friends and a supportive family. He just has one secret: He’s gay and is unwilling to come out for fear it will upset his world. But his anonymous correspondence with a guy named Blue changes all of that as he begins trying to figure out who his mystery man is.
Glee (2009)
Get ready to rejoin the Glee club! Glee, the musical teen drama created by Ryan Murphy, was a vibrant showcase of LGBTQ+ representation. The series beautifully depicted the relationship between Kurt and Blaine, capturing their heartfelt journey. Additionally, the romance between Santana (portrayed by the late Naya Rivera) and her fellow cheerleader Brittany added further depth and authenticity. It’s time to immerse yourself in the world of Glee once again!
Fire Island (2022)
Starring Joel Kim Booster, Bowen Yang, and Margaret Cho, this groundbreaking film takes inspiration from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Set on Fire Island, a group of friends realizes that this summer might mark their final time together. Determined to seize the moment, they embark on a whirlwind of parties and romance, cherishing every moment of this memorable season.
Heartstopper (2022)
Adapted from Alice Oseman’s heartwarming comic, this enchanting coming-of-age romance traces the journey of Charlie and Nick, two teenagers who gradually realize that their friendship holds a deeper and sweeter connection.
The L Word (2004)
When The L Word made its debut, it broke new ground in television. Created by Ilene Chaiken, with assistance from Michele Abbot and Kathy Greenberg, this remarkable drama aired on Showtime from 2004 to 2009. The series’ portrayal of lesbian and bisexual women was revolutionary at the time and remains impactful even today.
Set in West Hollywood, The L Word delves into the lives of these women, capturing their experiences in dating and beyond. It quickly garnered a devoted following among queer and gender non-conforming viewers, who often gathered together to watch the show in real-time.
Sex Education (2019)
Sex Education is an incredibly refreshing TV series that offers a much-needed perspective on sexuality and sexual experiences. It’s the kind of show we wish had existed during our own teenage years, helping us understand that a diverse range of sexual identities and experiences is perfectly normal. The story revolves around Otis, an awkward teenager struggling to navigate his own sexuality while his sex therapist mother discusses all things related to sex. Unexpectedly, Otis becomes the go-to sex therapist at his school.
Grace and Frankie (2015)
This diverse Netflix comedy set in San Diego’s La Jolla area brings refreshing representation of LGBT characters and age diversity. Starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, Grace and Frankie tells the story of two arch-rivals who become unlikely friends when they discover their husbands are in love with each other. As they navigate life together, the show evolves with bolder humor, well-developed characters, and the exciting addition of RuPaul in Season 5. It’s a heartwarming series that tugs at your heartstrings while providing plenty of laughs.
Carol (2015)
Todd Haynes, a prolific gay director known for psychological dramas and unconventional biopics, showcased his tender romantic touch in the 2015 film Carol. Based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel, it follows Therese, a young photographer in 1950s New York, who falls for the alluring Carol, an older married woman. This mesmerizing movie beautifully captures the essence of an impossible love, evoking both heart-pounding moments and a sense of optimistic realism. Haynes’ skill shines through, creating a captivating and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Moonlight (2016)
Moonlight is an unforgettable cinematic masterpiece that chronicles the birth and salvation of a human soul. Director Barry Jenkins fearlessly portrays a story of light and love amidst challenging circumstances, with striking realism and captivating visuals. This award-winning film, including a Best Picture victory marred by a historic blunder, solidifies Moonlight’s place among the greatest films of all time, joining the ranks of timeless classics like Casablanca and The Godfather.
God’s Own Country (2017)
In the solitude of his Yorkshire farm, Johnny Saxby (Josh O’Connor) leads a life of isolation, seeking solace in drinking and casual encounters. But everything changes when Gheorghe (Alec Secareanu), a Romanian migrant, arrives, sparking a profound and unexpected passion within Johnny. Their encounter sets in motion a transformative journey that challenges Johnny’s preconceptions and opens his heart to a new kind of love.
Maurice (1987)
With standout performances from Hugh Grant, James Wilby, and the talented ensemble, the film showcases sympathetic and nuanced portrayals. Notably, Maurice breaks convention with its ahead-of-its-time, rebellious and uplifting ending, delivering a sense of joy, at least for two of the characters. The film earned an Oscar nomination for its visually stunning and meticulously crafted period costumes, adding to its acclaim.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Transporting us to the 18th century, the acclaimed masterpiece by Céline Sciamma, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, mesmerizes with its remarkable performances by Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel. This exquisite drama unveils a tale of forbidden love between an aristocrat and a painter, capturing the essence of their passionate connection. As one of the timeless wonders of widescreen cinema, Sciamma’s film blends old-fashioned craftsmanship with a compelling force that leaves audiences captivated. .
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain made a profound impact on Hollywood and popular culture. The tragic Western garnered numerous awards, including Best Film and Best Director in major ceremonies like the Golden Globes and BAFTAs. At the 78th Academy Awards, it secured three wins out of eight nominations, but its loss for Best Picture to Crash remains one of the most surprising upsets in Oscar history. Brokeback Mountain stands as a powerful and influential film that left an indelible mark on the industry.
Happy Together (1997)
Happy Together, the artistically stunning drama from Hong Kong film legend Wong Kar-wai, showcases the captivating performances of Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Leslie Cheung. Portraying an on-again, off-again couple with a tumultuous bond, their relationship unfolds amidst a captivating backdrop. Drawing its name from the Turtles’ song, the film not only won the prestigious Best Director award at Cannes but also received a Palme d’Or nomination.
