A Perfect Pride Watch List: Celebrate LGBTQ+ Stories

A Perfect Pride Watch List: It’s more than just a list; it’s a journey of discovery, a celebration of diversity, and a reminder of the power of storytelling. This list aims to offer a curated selection of movies, TV shows, documentaries, books, music, and art that showcase the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ experiences and identities.

Whether you’re looking to delve into history, explore current issues, or simply enjoy compelling narratives, this list has something for everyone.

We’ll be diving into various genres, from heartwarming romances and thought-provoking documentaries to empowering music and captivating art. Each entry will provide a glimpse into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of LGBTQ+ individuals, highlighting their contributions to society and culture.

This list is a celebration of the past, a reflection of the present, and a vision for a future where LGBTQ+ voices are heard and celebrated.

Movies & TV Shows: A Perfect Pride Watch List

This Pride Month, delve into a world of captivating stories that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s rich tapestry of experiences. This curated list of movies and TV shows offers a diverse range of genres, from heartwarming romances to thought-provoking dramas, each highlighting the unique struggles, triumphs, and joys of LGBTQ+ individuals.

A perfect Pride watch list should be a mix of inspiring documentaries, powerful dramas, and joyful celebrations. It’s a chance to reflect on the fight for equality and celebrate the progress we’ve made. For me, it wouldn’t be complete without a dose of history, like the fascinating article about inside the secret network of women who performed abortions before Roe , reminding us of the resilience and courage that paved the way for the rights we enjoy today.

So, grab some popcorn, gather your friends, and let’s dive into a Pride watch list filled with stories that empower and inspire!

LGBTQ+ Love Stories

This section explores movies and TV shows that beautifully capture the complexities and nuances of LGBTQ+ relationships. From romantic comedies to heart-wrenching dramas, these stories offer a glimpse into the diverse experiences of love, acceptance, and finding your soulmate.

• Call Me By Your Name (2017): A coming-of-age story set in the Italian countryside, this film explores the intense and transformative summer romance between a 17-year-old boy and a 24-year-old graduate student. The film beautifully captures the raw emotions of first love, the complexities of desire, and the bittersweet nature of fleeting romance.

• Brokeback Mountain (2005): This critically acclaimed film tells the story of two cowboys who fall in love in the rugged landscape of Wyoming. Their secret romance unfolds over decades, highlighting the societal pressures and internal conflicts they face.
• Moonlight (2016): This poignant film follows the life of a young black man as he navigates his identity and sexuality in Miami. The story is told in three chapters, each focusing on a different stage of his life and the people who shape his journey.

  Creating a perfect Pride watch list is all about celebrating diversity and inclusivity. It’s a time to reflect on the progress made, but also acknowledge the challenges that still exist. As we navigate these complex times, it’s inspiring to hear insights from leaders like Tim Porter, Managing Partner at Madrona Venture Group, who are helping tech startups make sense of the uncertainty.

  His perspective on navigating the current landscape offers valuable lessons for us all. So, let’s fill our Pride watch list with stories that uplift, inspire, and remind us of the power of community and the importance of fighting for equality.

• Love, Simon (2018): This heartwarming teen comedy tells the story of Simon, a closeted gay teenager who is forced to confront his sexuality when his private emails are leaked. The film explores themes of coming out, identity, and the power of love and acceptance.

• The L Word (2004-2009): This groundbreaking television series offers a nuanced and realistic portrayal of lesbian relationships in Los Angeles. The show follows the lives of a group of friends as they navigate their careers, love lives, and personal struggles.

LGBTQ+ Coming-of-Age Stories

This category features movies and TV shows that explore the unique challenges and triumphs of growing up as an LGBTQ+ individual. From navigating school hallways to finding your place in the world, these stories offer relatable and empowering narratives that resonate with audiences of all ages.

A perfect Pride watch list should definitely include some documentaries, and I recently stumbled upon a fascinating one that explored the changing landscape of California agriculture. It turns out, illegal immigration is down, changing the face of California farms , and the documentary delves into the complex social and economic implications.

It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of immigration, labor, and the agricultural industry, especially as we celebrate Pride and its commitment to inclusivity and social justice.

• The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018): This powerful film follows a teenage girl who is sent to a gay conversion therapy camp after being caught with another girl. The film explores the harmful effects of conversion therapy and the importance of self-acceptance.

• The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012): This coming-of-age story follows Charlie, a shy and introverted freshman who finds friendship and acceptance in a group of misfits. The film explores themes of mental health, self-discovery, and the importance of finding your tribe.
• Tangerine (2015): This critically acclaimed film follows the story of Sin-Dee Rella, a transgender sex worker in Los Angeles, as she seeks revenge on her boyfriend for cheating on her. The film offers a raw and unflinching look at the lives of transgender women and the challenges they face.

• Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric (2017): This documentary series explores the complex and evolving world of gender identity. Through interviews with transgender individuals, families, and experts, the series sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of living authentically.
• Pose (2018-present): This groundbreaking television series offers a captivating glimpse into the ballroom culture of New York City in the 1980s and 1990s. The show features a diverse cast of transgender and LGBTQ+ actors and explores themes of resilience, self-expression, and the fight for equality.

LGBTQ+ History & Activism

This section focuses on movies and TV shows that shed light on the rich history and ongoing fight for equality within the LGBTQ+ community. These stories highlight the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history.

• Milk (2008): This biographical drama tells the story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. The film chronicles his rise to political power and his tragic assassination, highlighting his fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

• Stonewall (2015): This historical drama recounts the Stonewall riots of 1969, which are widely considered to be a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The film explores the social and political context of the riots and the courage of those who fought for equality.

• The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (2017): This documentary tells the story of Marsha P. Johnson, a transgender activist who was a prominent figure in the Stonewall riots. The film explores her life, activism, and mysterious death, highlighting the ongoing struggle for transgender rights.
• Paris is Burning (1990): This groundbreaking documentary offers a glimpse into the underground ballroom culture of New York City in the late 1980s. The film explores the lives of transgender women of color and the resilience and creativity they display in the face of adversity.

• The AIDS Crisis (1981-present): This period in history had a profound impact on the LGBTQ+ community, and there are numerous documentaries and films that explore the impact of the AIDS epidemic. These stories highlight the courage and resilience of those who fought for treatment and care, as well as the devastating loss and social stigma experienced by many.

Documentaries & Films

Beyond the vibrant parades and celebratory marches, Pride Month offers a deeper dive into the LGBTQ+ community’s history, struggles, and triumphs. Documentaries and films play a crucial role in amplifying these narratives, offering insights into the complexities of identity, activism, and social change.

Documentaries Exploring LGBTQ+ History and Activism

Documentaries provide a powerful platform to explore the historical context and ongoing activism within the LGBTQ+ community. These films delve into pivotal moments, shedding light on the struggles, victories, and individuals who have shaped the movement.

• “The AIDS Crisis: A History”(2013): Directed by David France, this documentary chronicles the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic on the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the systemic failures in public health response and the tireless efforts of activists who fought for recognition and treatment.

  The film underscores the importance of advocacy and community solidarity in confronting public health crises.

• “Stonewall Uprising”(2010): This film, directed by David France, explores the Stonewall riots of 1969, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history that sparked the modern fight for equality. It showcases the diverse individuals involved in the uprising, emphasizing the role of trans women of color in initiating the rebellion.

• “Paris is Burning”(1990): Directed by Jennie Livingston, this documentary offers a poignant look into the Harlem ballroom scene in the 1980s, showcasing the creativity, resilience, and struggles of LGBTQ+ people of color, particularly within the Black and Latinx communities. It highlights the power of self-expression and community as forms of resistance against societal marginalization.

• “The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson”(2017): This documentary, directed by David France, explores the life and mysterious death of Marsha P. Johnson, a transgender activist who was a prominent figure in the Stonewall riots. It sheds light on the systemic violence and discrimination faced by transgender individuals, particularly trans women of color.

Films Addressing LGBTQ+ Issues, A perfect pride watch list

Films have the power to humanize experiences and challenge societal norms. By exploring themes of coming out, discrimination, and systemic inequalities, these films offer a window into the diverse realities of LGBTQ+ lives.

• “Brokeback Mountain”(2005): Directed by Ang Lee, this film tells the story of two cowboys who fall in love in the 1960s, navigating their relationship within a homophobic society. It explores the complexities of love, identity, and the societal pressures that can limit personal expression.

• “Moonlight”(2016): Directed by Barry Jenkins, this film follows the life of a young Black man named Chiron as he grapples with his sexuality and identity in a challenging environment. It explores themes of masculinity, vulnerability, and the impact of trauma on self-discovery.

• “Call Me By Your Name”(2017): Directed by Luca Guadagnino, this film depicts a passionate summer romance between a 17-year-old boy and a 24-year-old man. It explores themes of first love, sexual awakening, and the complexities of navigating relationships across age and social boundaries.
• “The Danish Girl”(2015): Directed by Tom Hooper, this film tells the true story of Lili Elbe, one of the first known recipients of gender reassignment surgery. It explores themes of gender identity, self-discovery, and the challenges of navigating a world that does not readily accept trans individuals.

Ending Remarks

This Pride watch list is a starting point, a springboard for deeper exploration. It’s an invitation to engage with LGBTQ+ stories, to learn, to grow, and to celebrate the beauty of diversity. As you embark on this journey, remember that every story matters, and every voice deserves to be heard.

Let’s celebrate Pride together, one story at a time.