![\"\"](\"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/parting-glances-1024x701.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nParting Glances is one of the few, if only films set during the beginning of the AIDS epidemic in New York City to have been produced during the epidemic. For being not just a reflection of what once was, but telling history as it was happening, the independent film is regarded as one of the most important films of LGBTQ+ cinema. It would be director and writer Bill Sherwood\u2019s only feature film, before his death at the age of 37 years old from AIDS complications. Parting Glances is a slice-of-life look inside a 24-hour period, with a script so true to life and realistic in its characters and settings that you\u2019ll forget you\u2019re even watching a fictional movie at all, rather than an unscripted documentary. Robert and Michael, a couple in their late 20s, attend a formal dinner party followed by a more casual party in preparation for Robert\u2019s upcoming departure to Africa, where he plans to work for two years. Also in attendance at the latter party is Nick, Michael\u2019s ex-boyfriend whom he still loves and attends to, who is rapidly dying of AIDS. Michael is reluctant to accept the prognosis and spends a portion of the 24 hours pushing different remedies and diets on Nick. The emotions are real and unexaggerated, though we know that Robert, Michael, and Nick were far from the only ones living this same experience. It\u2019s raw and bittersweet, and even comedic at times, while showcasing urban LGBTQ+ culture of the 1980s and the realities of AIDS for exactly what they were, free of any embellishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bound (1996)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/bound-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBefore asking the question: red pill or blue pill, the Wachowskis made their directorial debut with Bound. Starring Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon, Bound never tries to hide what it is: a sultry, violent, lesbian crime thriller. It\u2019s a breath of fresh air from the hundreds of crime thrillers with male leads that are already out there, though it wasn\u2019t easy to get made. Especially not in the 1990s. Studio after studio turned down the script when the Wachowskis refused to make the lead character a man, until Dino De Laurentiis, whom the Wachowskis worked with on Assassins (1995), offered to produce the movie on a tiny $6 million budget. Even Gina Gershon\u2019s agents warned her against doing the movie, but not willing to budge on her own desire, she left them. Bound was never much of a commercial success, though it was praised by critics for its sophistication and confidence, being likened to the films of Tarantino and Hitchcock. The LGBTQ+ community applauded Bound as one of, if not the first, mainstream films with a central, sympathetic lesbian relationship, especially one featuring both a butch woman and a femme, Asian character. Even better, this one has a happy ending, at least for Corky and Violet. Not so much for the Mafia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/hedwig-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhile more films have started to feature gay, lesbian, and bisexual characters in major or minor roles, it\u2019s less common for films to focus on transgender characters. Adapted from the 1998 stage rock musical of the same name, John Cameron Mitchell\u2019s Hedwig focuses on a genderqueer, gay rock musician. To flee from East Germany, a teenage Hansel takes his mother\u2019s name and undergoes a botched operation to marry an American soldier, only for the Berlin Wall to fall a year after their escape to Kansas. Hedwig successfully furthers her music career until her songs are stolen after her gender identity is revealed, leading her to seek revenge in the form of a lawsuit against a competing musician. The musical explores the search for love, explaining that humans originally had two faces, four arms, and four legs \u2013 either two men back-to-back, two women, or one man and one woman \u2013 before being split in half by an angry Zeus, condemning them to a life of searching for their missing half. Though Hedwig has partners throughout the film, she doesn\u2019t attain peace until she learns that her other half is within herself. She must learn to love and accept her whole self, finally becoming confident as a self-proclaimed misfit. So much of the transgender experience is being able to love and accept oneself, regardless of how anyone else views you, and Hedwig portrays this message beautifully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rent (2005)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/rent-1024x527.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBe sure to bring the tissues for this one. Adapted from the 1996 musical of the same name by Jonathan Larson, the 2005 feature film brings back a majority of the original Broadway cast. Rent tells the story of a group of seven friends \u2013 four of which are HIV positive \u2013 consisting of multiple LGBTQ+ couples, struggling to survive in New York City in 1989 and 1990. Found families are a core concept in the LGBTQ+ community. Just like any family, things aren\u2019t always perfect. There are fights, breakups, and tragedies, but at the end of the day, they still always have each other, even if it is only in spirit. Rent also highlights the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and stays away from stereotypes. All three of the central relationships are between interracial couples, and their professions range from filmmaker to professor, performance artist to lawyer, street performer to musician, and a dancer. It\u2019s equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming, but it\u2019s the heartbreak that makes the sweet, tender moments more meaningful. Ultimately, we all have \u201cno day but today,\u201d so why not live in love rather than living in fear?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brokeback Mountain (2005)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/brokeback-mountain-1024x682.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhen Ang Lee\u2019s romantic Western won three Academy Awards and smashed the box office by raking in $178 million, despite facing censorship in numerous countries, including in parts of the United States, LGBTQ+ cinema was finally pushed into mainstream culture. Though often referred to as \u201cThe Gay Cowboy Movie,\u201d critics, cast, and viewers alike still debate over the sexualities of the two leads, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, portrayed by the late Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, respectively. Ultimately though, that\u2019s the beauty of the film. It\u2019s never explicitly stated if the men are gay, bisexual, straight, or otherwise, which leaves it up to audience interpretation. Each viewer can experience the film differently, based on their own perceptions of the characters as well as of themselves. Brokeback touches on the lasting effects of homophobia through Ennis\u2019s reluctance, in contrast with the pursuit of happiness through Jack\u2019s willingness. The film subverts the hyper-masculine Western frontier by allowing two lonely, repressed men the chance to experience what it\u2019s like to be loved and to love another. The beautiful, star-crossed love they find together just happens to be with someone of the same sex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moonlight (2016)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/moonlight-1024x683.jpeg\")
20151023_Moonlight_D08_C2_K2_0537.tif<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIntersectionality is a key component of the LGBTQ+ community and their history \u2013 especially that of Blackness and queerness \u2013 that is often left out of wider discussions. Which is why it is crucial that these parts of the community are highlighted in films. Not only was Moonlight the first LGBTQ+ film to feature an entirely Black cast, but it was the first LGBTQ+ film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, and all on a mere $1.5 million budget. Black masculinity is presented as a central element of the film in all of Chiron\u2019s stages of life. In Chiron and Kevin\u2019s community, hyper-masculinity is not a mere desire, but an unfortunate requirement to survive, leading to Kevin hiding his sexuality from their peers, while Chiron is bullied for it. An easy, simple answer to the dichotomy of black masculinity and toughness against sexuality and vulnerability is never found or presented, because there isn\u2019t one. Chiron grows up to feel that he must adopt the persona of tough masculinity, as he does not live in a society that permits him to continue to embrace his sexuality, and his struggle between the two continues until the film\u2019s final beats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Love, Simon (2018)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/love-simon-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTake a trip back to the days of heartwarming John Hughes teenage rom-coms with the story of Simon, a closeted gay, suburban teenager, and his secret, online romantic love interest, \u201cBlue\u201d. LGBTQ+ youth are an often-overlooked audience, but Love, Simon became the first major Hollywood film to center on LGBTQ+ kids discovering their first love. Navigating high school is hard enough, and no one feels like they fit in, but navigating high school while queer and terrified to come out to family and peers for fear of rejection makes it all that much more difficult. Especially in smaller towns where LGBTQ+ youth might feel isolated, out of place, and unfamiliar with the larger queer community, having teenage characters that they can relate to and see their story in is critical for survival. But it\u2019s not enough for queer teenage stories to be seen on the big screen, it\u2019s important that these movies portray hope and happiness, even if the road to get there can be rocky at times. When kids see that Simon and Blue can be happy and accepted by their peers and family, it offers a much-needed, metaphorical hug to tell them that everything does get better and who they are is nothing short of perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Keeps You Alive (2018)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/what-keeps-you-alive-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWould you be surprised to learn that LGBTQ+ films have also entered the horror genre? Right off the bat, there\u2019s the potential for negative tropes and harmful stereotypes to be portrayed, whether it\u2019s the \u201cbury your gays\u201d trope \u2013 where LGBTQ+ characters are viewed as more expendable, resulting in their deaths \u2013 or the objectification of women. Thankfully, Colin Minihan\u2019s What Keeps You Alive is a breath of fresh air as it avoids negative stereotypes against the LGBTQ+ community while also leaning into the established elements of the psychological horror genre in new ways, such as expanding upon the \u201cfinal girl\u201d trope. Jackie and Jules, a lesbian couple, celebrate their first wedding anniversary at a cabin from Jackie\u2019s childhood. With any horror movie, things quickly take a turn for the worst. Remember when Rose turns on her boyfriend Chris in Get Out (2017)? Well, it\u2019s kind of like that when Jackie starts to go after Jules. But the film never uses or explains queerness as a reasoning for Jackie\u2019s evil actions. Rather, the film is more about emotional manipulation and being psychologically abused by someone you once loved \u2013 and exploring why a victim might stay in a toxic relationship to endure that pain. With any horror story, there are great twists that keep the viewer on the edge of their seat as Jules fights to get the upper hand over her abuser. It\u2019s not a queer story, but rather a story that just happens to be queer. In fact, when the film was first being developed, the characters of Jackie and Jules were originally a husband-and-wife duo. It\u2019s a thrilling cat-and-mouse game until the final moments. Just be sure to stay away from steep cliffs after watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
George Michael Freedom Uncut (2022)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/george-michael-freedom-uncut-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA pioneering LGBTQ+ icon and advocate, George Michael remains to be one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 115 million records before his passing at the age of 53. Michael rose to fame as a founding member of the English pop duo Wham! in the early 1980s, releasing hits that still have not dwindled in popularity, including \u201cWake Me Up Before You Go-Go\u201d, \u201cFreedom\u201d, \u201cCareless Whisper\u201d, and the holiday classic, \u201cLast Christmas\u201d. He of course would go on to achieve solo success with his debut album Faith selling over 25 million copies alone and received continued success throughout his 30-year career. The upcoming documentary, George Michael Freedom Uncut, was narrated by Michael before his passing, and will focus heavily on his personal life and career leading up to his best-selling album Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 and the tragic loss of his first love, Anselmo Feleppa, to AIDS-related complications in 1993, though Michael didn\u2019t come out as gay to the public until 1998. George Michael was more than just commercial success though. Even more importantly, he was a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and supported numerous HIV\/AIDS organizations. He donated anonymously to numerous children, HIV, and cancer charities, as well as anonymously funded private medical procedures for women who experienced difficulties conceiving. No artist since has matched Michael\u2019s style, personality, philanthropy, and voice, and seeing his final work is one you won\u2019t want to miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBefore asking the question: red pill or blue pill, the Wachowskis made their directorial debut with Bound. Starring Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon, Bound never tries to hide what it is: a sultry, violent, lesbian crime thriller. It\u2019s a breath of fresh air from the hundreds of crime thrillers with male leads that are already out there, though it wasn\u2019t easy to get made. Especially not in the 1990s. Studio after studio turned down the script when the Wachowskis refused to make the lead character a man, until Dino De Laurentiis, whom the Wachowskis worked with on Assassins (1995), offered to produce the movie on a tiny $6 million budget. Even Gina Gershon\u2019s agents warned her against doing the movie, but not willing to budge on her own desire, she left them. Bound was never much of a commercial success, though it was praised by critics for its sophistication and confidence, being likened to the films of Tarantino and Hitchcock. The LGBTQ+ community applauded Bound as one of, if not the first, mainstream films with a central, sympathetic lesbian relationship, especially one featuring both a butch woman and a femme, Asian character. Even better, this one has a happy ending, at least for Corky and Violet. Not so much for the Mafia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhile more films have started to feature gay, lesbian, and bisexual characters in major or minor roles, it\u2019s less common for films to focus on transgender characters. Adapted from the 1998 stage rock musical of the same name, John Cameron Mitchell\u2019s Hedwig focuses on a genderqueer, gay rock musician. To flee from East Germany, a teenage Hansel takes his mother\u2019s name and undergoes a botched operation to marry an American soldier, only for the Berlin Wall to fall a year after their escape to Kansas. Hedwig successfully furthers her music career until her songs are stolen after her gender identity is revealed, leading her to seek revenge in the form of a lawsuit against a competing musician. The musical explores the search for love, explaining that humans originally had two faces, four arms, and four legs \u2013 either two men back-to-back, two women, or one man and one woman \u2013 before being split in half by an angry Zeus, condemning them to a life of searching for their missing half. Though Hedwig has partners throughout the film, she doesn\u2019t attain peace until she learns that her other half is within herself. She must learn to love and accept her whole self, finally becoming confident as a self-proclaimed misfit. So much of the transgender experience is being able to love and accept oneself, regardless of how anyone else views you, and Hedwig portrays this message beautifully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rent (2005)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBe sure to bring the tissues for this one. Adapted from the 1996 musical of the same name by Jonathan Larson, the 2005 feature film brings back a majority of the original Broadway cast. Rent tells the story of a group of seven friends \u2013 four of which are HIV positive \u2013 consisting of multiple LGBTQ+ couples, struggling to survive in New York City in 1989 and 1990. Found families are a core concept in the LGBTQ+ community. Just like any family, things aren\u2019t always perfect. There are fights, breakups, and tragedies, but at the end of the day, they still always have each other, even if it is only in spirit. Rent also highlights the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and stays away from stereotypes. All three of the central relationships are between interracial couples, and their professions range from filmmaker to professor, performance artist to lawyer, street performer to musician, and a dancer. It\u2019s equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming, but it\u2019s the heartbreak that makes the sweet, tender moments more meaningful. Ultimately, we all have \u201cno day but today,\u201d so why not live in love rather than living in fear?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brokeback Mountain (2005)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhen Ang Lee\u2019s romantic Western won three Academy Awards and smashed the box office by raking in $178 million, despite facing censorship in numerous countries, including in parts of the United States, LGBTQ+ cinema was finally pushed into mainstream culture. Though often referred to as \u201cThe Gay Cowboy Movie,\u201d critics, cast, and viewers alike still debate over the sexualities of the two leads, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, portrayed by the late Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, respectively. Ultimately though, that\u2019s the beauty of the film. It\u2019s never explicitly stated if the men are gay, bisexual, straight, or otherwise, which leaves it up to audience interpretation. Each viewer can experience the film differently, based on their own perceptions of the characters as well as of themselves. Brokeback touches on the lasting effects of homophobia through Ennis\u2019s reluctance, in contrast with the pursuit of happiness through Jack\u2019s willingness. The film subverts the hyper-masculine Western frontier by allowing two lonely, repressed men the chance to experience what it\u2019s like to be loved and to love another. The beautiful, star-crossed love they find together just happens to be with someone of the same sex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moonlight (2016)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n20151023_Moonlight_D08_C2_K2_0537.tif<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIntersectionality is a key component of the LGBTQ+ community and their history \u2013 especially that of Blackness and queerness \u2013 that is often left out of wider discussions. Which is why it is crucial that these parts of the community are highlighted in films. Not only was Moonlight the first LGBTQ+ film to feature an entirely Black cast, but it was the first LGBTQ+ film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, and all on a mere $1.5 million budget. Black masculinity is presented as a central element of the film in all of Chiron\u2019s stages of life. In Chiron and Kevin\u2019s community, hyper-masculinity is not a mere desire, but an unfortunate requirement to survive, leading to Kevin hiding his sexuality from their peers, while Chiron is bullied for it. An easy, simple answer to the dichotomy of black masculinity and toughness against sexuality and vulnerability is never found or presented, because there isn\u2019t one. Chiron grows up to feel that he must adopt the persona of tough masculinity, as he does not live in a society that permits him to continue to embrace his sexuality, and his struggle between the two continues until the film\u2019s final beats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Love, Simon (2018)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTake a trip back to the days of heartwarming John Hughes teenage rom-coms with the story of Simon, a closeted gay, suburban teenager, and his secret, online romantic love interest, \u201cBlue\u201d. LGBTQ+ youth are an often-overlooked audience, but Love, Simon became the first major Hollywood film to center on LGBTQ+ kids discovering their first love. Navigating high school is hard enough, and no one feels like they fit in, but navigating high school while queer and terrified to come out to family and peers for fear of rejection makes it all that much more difficult. Especially in smaller towns where LGBTQ+ youth might feel isolated, out of place, and unfamiliar with the larger queer community, having teenage characters that they can relate to and see their story in is critical for survival. But it\u2019s not enough for queer teenage stories to be seen on the big screen, it\u2019s important that these movies portray hope and happiness, even if the road to get there can be rocky at times. When kids see that Simon and Blue can be happy and accepted by their peers and family, it offers a much-needed, metaphorical hug to tell them that everything does get better and who they are is nothing short of perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Keeps You Alive (2018)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWould you be surprised to learn that LGBTQ+ films have also entered the horror genre? Right off the bat, there\u2019s the potential for negative tropes and harmful stereotypes to be portrayed, whether it\u2019s the \u201cbury your gays\u201d trope \u2013 where LGBTQ+ characters are viewed as more expendable, resulting in their deaths \u2013 or the objectification of women. Thankfully, Colin Minihan\u2019s What Keeps You Alive is a breath of fresh air as it avoids negative stereotypes against the LGBTQ+ community while also leaning into the established elements of the psychological horror genre in new ways, such as expanding upon the \u201cfinal girl\u201d trope. Jackie and Jules, a lesbian couple, celebrate their first wedding anniversary at a cabin from Jackie\u2019s childhood. With any horror movie, things quickly take a turn for the worst. Remember when Rose turns on her boyfriend Chris in Get Out (2017)? Well, it\u2019s kind of like that when Jackie starts to go after Jules. But the film never uses or explains queerness as a reasoning for Jackie\u2019s evil actions. Rather, the film is more about emotional manipulation and being psychologically abused by someone you once loved \u2013 and exploring why a victim might stay in a toxic relationship to endure that pain. With any horror story, there are great twists that keep the viewer on the edge of their seat as Jules fights to get the upper hand over her abuser. It\u2019s not a queer story, but rather a story that just happens to be queer. In fact, when the film was first being developed, the characters of Jackie and Jules were originally a husband-and-wife duo. It\u2019s a thrilling cat-and-mouse game until the final moments. Just be sure to stay away from steep cliffs after watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
George Michael Freedom Uncut (2022)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA pioneering LGBTQ+ icon and advocate, George Michael remains to be one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 115 million records before his passing at the age of 53. Michael rose to fame as a founding member of the English pop duo Wham! in the early 1980s, releasing hits that still have not dwindled in popularity, including \u201cWake Me Up Before You Go-Go\u201d, \u201cFreedom\u201d, \u201cCareless Whisper\u201d, and the holiday classic, \u201cLast Christmas\u201d. He of course would go on to achieve solo success with his debut album Faith selling over 25 million copies alone and received continued success throughout his 30-year career. The upcoming documentary, George Michael Freedom Uncut, was narrated by Michael before his passing, and will focus heavily on his personal life and career leading up to his best-selling album Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 and the tragic loss of his first love, Anselmo Feleppa, to AIDS-related complications in 1993, though Michael didn\u2019t come out as gay to the public until 1998. George Michael was more than just commercial success though. Even more importantly, he was a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and supported numerous HIV\/AIDS organizations. He donated anonymously to numerous children, HIV, and cancer charities, as well as anonymously funded private medical procedures for women who experienced difficulties conceiving. No artist since has matched Michael\u2019s style, personality, philanthropy, and voice, and seeing his final work is one you won\u2019t want to miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhile more films have started to feature gay, lesbian, and bisexual characters in major or minor roles, it\u2019s less common for films to focus on transgender characters. Adapted from the 1998 stage rock musical of the same name, John Cameron Mitchell\u2019s Hedwig focuses on a genderqueer, gay rock musician. To flee from East Germany, a teenage Hansel takes his mother\u2019s name and undergoes a botched operation to marry an American soldier, only for the Berlin Wall to fall a year after their escape to Kansas. Hedwig successfully furthers her music career until her songs are stolen after her gender identity is revealed, leading her to seek revenge in the form of a lawsuit against a competing musician. The musical explores the search for love, explaining that humans originally had two faces, four arms, and four legs \u2013 either two men back-to-back, two women, or one man and one woman \u2013 before being split in half by an angry Zeus, condemning them to a life of searching for their missing half. Though Hedwig has partners throughout the film, she doesn\u2019t attain peace until she learns that her other half is within herself. She must learn to love and accept her whole self, finally becoming confident as a self-proclaimed misfit. So much of the transgender experience is being able to love and accept oneself, regardless of how anyone else views you, and Hedwig portrays this message beautifully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rent (2005)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBe sure to bring the tissues for this one. Adapted from the 1996 musical of the same name by Jonathan Larson, the 2005 feature film brings back a majority of the original Broadway cast. Rent tells the story of a group of seven friends \u2013 four of which are HIV positive \u2013 consisting of multiple LGBTQ+ couples, struggling to survive in New York City in 1989 and 1990. Found families are a core concept in the LGBTQ+ community. Just like any family, things aren\u2019t always perfect. There are fights, breakups, and tragedies, but at the end of the day, they still always have each other, even if it is only in spirit. Rent also highlights the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and stays away from stereotypes. All three of the central relationships are between interracial couples, and their professions range from filmmaker to professor, performance artist to lawyer, street performer to musician, and a dancer. It\u2019s equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming, but it\u2019s the heartbreak that makes the sweet, tender moments more meaningful. Ultimately, we all have \u201cno day but today,\u201d so why not live in love rather than living in fear?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brokeback Mountain (2005)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhen Ang Lee\u2019s romantic Western won three Academy Awards and smashed the box office by raking in $178 million, despite facing censorship in numerous countries, including in parts of the United States, LGBTQ+ cinema was finally pushed into mainstream culture. Though often referred to as \u201cThe Gay Cowboy Movie,\u201d critics, cast, and viewers alike still debate over the sexualities of the two leads, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, portrayed by the late Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, respectively. Ultimately though, that\u2019s the beauty of the film. It\u2019s never explicitly stated if the men are gay, bisexual, straight, or otherwise, which leaves it up to audience interpretation. Each viewer can experience the film differently, based on their own perceptions of the characters as well as of themselves. Brokeback touches on the lasting effects of homophobia through Ennis\u2019s reluctance, in contrast with the pursuit of happiness through Jack\u2019s willingness. The film subverts the hyper-masculine Western frontier by allowing two lonely, repressed men the chance to experience what it\u2019s like to be loved and to love another. The beautiful, star-crossed love they find together just happens to be with someone of the same sex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moonlight (2016)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n20151023_Moonlight_D08_C2_K2_0537.tif<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIntersectionality is a key component of the LGBTQ+ community and their history \u2013 especially that of Blackness and queerness \u2013 that is often left out of wider discussions. Which is why it is crucial that these parts of the community are highlighted in films. Not only was Moonlight the first LGBTQ+ film to feature an entirely Black cast, but it was the first LGBTQ+ film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, and all on a mere $1.5 million budget. Black masculinity is presented as a central element of the film in all of Chiron\u2019s stages of life. In Chiron and Kevin\u2019s community, hyper-masculinity is not a mere desire, but an unfortunate requirement to survive, leading to Kevin hiding his sexuality from their peers, while Chiron is bullied for it. An easy, simple answer to the dichotomy of black masculinity and toughness against sexuality and vulnerability is never found or presented, because there isn\u2019t one. Chiron grows up to feel that he must adopt the persona of tough masculinity, as he does not live in a society that permits him to continue to embrace his sexuality, and his struggle between the two continues until the film\u2019s final beats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Love, Simon (2018)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTake a trip back to the days of heartwarming John Hughes teenage rom-coms with the story of Simon, a closeted gay, suburban teenager, and his secret, online romantic love interest, \u201cBlue\u201d. LGBTQ+ youth are an often-overlooked audience, but Love, Simon became the first major Hollywood film to center on LGBTQ+ kids discovering their first love. Navigating high school is hard enough, and no one feels like they fit in, but navigating high school while queer and terrified to come out to family and peers for fear of rejection makes it all that much more difficult. Especially in smaller towns where LGBTQ+ youth might feel isolated, out of place, and unfamiliar with the larger queer community, having teenage characters that they can relate to and see their story in is critical for survival. But it\u2019s not enough for queer teenage stories to be seen on the big screen, it\u2019s important that these movies portray hope and happiness, even if the road to get there can be rocky at times. When kids see that Simon and Blue can be happy and accepted by their peers and family, it offers a much-needed, metaphorical hug to tell them that everything does get better and who they are is nothing short of perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Keeps You Alive (2018)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWould you be surprised to learn that LGBTQ+ films have also entered the horror genre? Right off the bat, there\u2019s the potential for negative tropes and harmful stereotypes to be portrayed, whether it\u2019s the \u201cbury your gays\u201d trope \u2013 where LGBTQ+ characters are viewed as more expendable, resulting in their deaths \u2013 or the objectification of women. Thankfully, Colin Minihan\u2019s What Keeps You Alive is a breath of fresh air as it avoids negative stereotypes against the LGBTQ+ community while also leaning into the established elements of the psychological horror genre in new ways, such as expanding upon the \u201cfinal girl\u201d trope. Jackie and Jules, a lesbian couple, celebrate their first wedding anniversary at a cabin from Jackie\u2019s childhood. With any horror movie, things quickly take a turn for the worst. Remember when Rose turns on her boyfriend Chris in Get Out (2017)? Well, it\u2019s kind of like that when Jackie starts to go after Jules. But the film never uses or explains queerness as a reasoning for Jackie\u2019s evil actions. Rather, the film is more about emotional manipulation and being psychologically abused by someone you once loved \u2013 and exploring why a victim might stay in a toxic relationship to endure that pain. With any horror story, there are great twists that keep the viewer on the edge of their seat as Jules fights to get the upper hand over her abuser. It\u2019s not a queer story, but rather a story that just happens to be queer. In fact, when the film was first being developed, the characters of Jackie and Jules were originally a husband-and-wife duo. It\u2019s a thrilling cat-and-mouse game until the final moments. Just be sure to stay away from steep cliffs after watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
George Michael Freedom Uncut (2022)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA pioneering LGBTQ+ icon and advocate, George Michael remains to be one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 115 million records before his passing at the age of 53. Michael rose to fame as a founding member of the English pop duo Wham! in the early 1980s, releasing hits that still have not dwindled in popularity, including \u201cWake Me Up Before You Go-Go\u201d, \u201cFreedom\u201d, \u201cCareless Whisper\u201d, and the holiday classic, \u201cLast Christmas\u201d. He of course would go on to achieve solo success with his debut album Faith selling over 25 million copies alone and received continued success throughout his 30-year career. The upcoming documentary, George Michael Freedom Uncut, was narrated by Michael before his passing, and will focus heavily on his personal life and career leading up to his best-selling album Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 and the tragic loss of his first love, Anselmo Feleppa, to AIDS-related complications in 1993, though Michael didn\u2019t come out as gay to the public until 1998. George Michael was more than just commercial success though. Even more importantly, he was a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and supported numerous HIV\/AIDS organizations. He donated anonymously to numerous children, HIV, and cancer charities, as well as anonymously funded private medical procedures for women who experienced difficulties conceiving. No artist since has matched Michael\u2019s style, personality, philanthropy, and voice, and seeing his final work is one you won\u2019t want to miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBe sure to bring the tissues for this one. Adapted from the 1996 musical of the same name by Jonathan Larson, the 2005 feature film brings back a majority of the original Broadway cast. Rent tells the story of a group of seven friends \u2013 four of which are HIV positive \u2013 consisting of multiple LGBTQ+ couples, struggling to survive in New York City in 1989 and 1990. Found families are a core concept in the LGBTQ+ community. Just like any family, things aren\u2019t always perfect. There are fights, breakups, and tragedies, but at the end of the day, they still always have each other, even if it is only in spirit. Rent also highlights the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and stays away from stereotypes. All three of the central relationships are between interracial couples, and their professions range from filmmaker to professor, performance artist to lawyer, street performer to musician, and a dancer. It\u2019s equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming, but it\u2019s the heartbreak that makes the sweet, tender moments more meaningful. Ultimately, we all have \u201cno day but today,\u201d so why not live in love rather than living in fear?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brokeback Mountain (2005)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhen Ang Lee\u2019s romantic Western won three Academy Awards and smashed the box office by raking in $178 million, despite facing censorship in numerous countries, including in parts of the United States, LGBTQ+ cinema was finally pushed into mainstream culture. Though often referred to as \u201cThe Gay Cowboy Movie,\u201d critics, cast, and viewers alike still debate over the sexualities of the two leads, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, portrayed by the late Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, respectively. Ultimately though, that\u2019s the beauty of the film. It\u2019s never explicitly stated if the men are gay, bisexual, straight, or otherwise, which leaves it up to audience interpretation. Each viewer can experience the film differently, based on their own perceptions of the characters as well as of themselves. Brokeback touches on the lasting effects of homophobia through Ennis\u2019s reluctance, in contrast with the pursuit of happiness through Jack\u2019s willingness. The film subverts the hyper-masculine Western frontier by allowing two lonely, repressed men the chance to experience what it\u2019s like to be loved and to love another. The beautiful, star-crossed love they find together just happens to be with someone of the same sex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moonlight (2016)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n20151023_Moonlight_D08_C2_K2_0537.tif<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIntersectionality is a key component of the LGBTQ+ community and their history \u2013 especially that of Blackness and queerness \u2013 that is often left out of wider discussions. Which is why it is crucial that these parts of the community are highlighted in films. Not only was Moonlight the first LGBTQ+ film to feature an entirely Black cast, but it was the first LGBTQ+ film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, and all on a mere $1.5 million budget. Black masculinity is presented as a central element of the film in all of Chiron\u2019s stages of life. In Chiron and Kevin\u2019s community, hyper-masculinity is not a mere desire, but an unfortunate requirement to survive, leading to Kevin hiding his sexuality from their peers, while Chiron is bullied for it. An easy, simple answer to the dichotomy of black masculinity and toughness against sexuality and vulnerability is never found or presented, because there isn\u2019t one. Chiron grows up to feel that he must adopt the persona of tough masculinity, as he does not live in a society that permits him to continue to embrace his sexuality, and his struggle between the two continues until the film\u2019s final beats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Love, Simon (2018)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTake a trip back to the days of heartwarming John Hughes teenage rom-coms with the story of Simon, a closeted gay, suburban teenager, and his secret, online romantic love interest, \u201cBlue\u201d. LGBTQ+ youth are an often-overlooked audience, but Love, Simon became the first major Hollywood film to center on LGBTQ+ kids discovering their first love. Navigating high school is hard enough, and no one feels like they fit in, but navigating high school while queer and terrified to come out to family and peers for fear of rejection makes it all that much more difficult. Especially in smaller towns where LGBTQ+ youth might feel isolated, out of place, and unfamiliar with the larger queer community, having teenage characters that they can relate to and see their story in is critical for survival. But it\u2019s not enough for queer teenage stories to be seen on the big screen, it\u2019s important that these movies portray hope and happiness, even if the road to get there can be rocky at times. When kids see that Simon and Blue can be happy and accepted by their peers and family, it offers a much-needed, metaphorical hug to tell them that everything does get better and who they are is nothing short of perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Keeps You Alive (2018)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWould you be surprised to learn that LGBTQ+ films have also entered the horror genre? Right off the bat, there\u2019s the potential for negative tropes and harmful stereotypes to be portrayed, whether it\u2019s the \u201cbury your gays\u201d trope \u2013 where LGBTQ+ characters are viewed as more expendable, resulting in their deaths \u2013 or the objectification of women. Thankfully, Colin Minihan\u2019s What Keeps You Alive is a breath of fresh air as it avoids negative stereotypes against the LGBTQ+ community while also leaning into the established elements of the psychological horror genre in new ways, such as expanding upon the \u201cfinal girl\u201d trope. Jackie and Jules, a lesbian couple, celebrate their first wedding anniversary at a cabin from Jackie\u2019s childhood. With any horror movie, things quickly take a turn for the worst. Remember when Rose turns on her boyfriend Chris in Get Out (2017)? Well, it\u2019s kind of like that when Jackie starts to go after Jules. But the film never uses or explains queerness as a reasoning for Jackie\u2019s evil actions. Rather, the film is more about emotional manipulation and being psychologically abused by someone you once loved \u2013 and exploring why a victim might stay in a toxic relationship to endure that pain. With any horror story, there are great twists that keep the viewer on the edge of their seat as Jules fights to get the upper hand over her abuser. It\u2019s not a queer story, but rather a story that just happens to be queer. In fact, when the film was first being developed, the characters of Jackie and Jules were originally a husband-and-wife duo. It\u2019s a thrilling cat-and-mouse game until the final moments. Just be sure to stay away from steep cliffs after watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
George Michael Freedom Uncut (2022)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA pioneering LGBTQ+ icon and advocate, George Michael remains to be one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 115 million records before his passing at the age of 53. Michael rose to fame as a founding member of the English pop duo Wham! in the early 1980s, releasing hits that still have not dwindled in popularity, including \u201cWake Me Up Before You Go-Go\u201d, \u201cFreedom\u201d, \u201cCareless Whisper\u201d, and the holiday classic, \u201cLast Christmas\u201d. He of course would go on to achieve solo success with his debut album Faith selling over 25 million copies alone and received continued success throughout his 30-year career. The upcoming documentary, George Michael Freedom Uncut, was narrated by Michael before his passing, and will focus heavily on his personal life and career leading up to his best-selling album Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 and the tragic loss of his first love, Anselmo Feleppa, to AIDS-related complications in 1993, though Michael didn\u2019t come out as gay to the public until 1998. George Michael was more than just commercial success though. Even more importantly, he was a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and supported numerous HIV\/AIDS organizations. He donated anonymously to numerous children, HIV, and cancer charities, as well as anonymously funded private medical procedures for women who experienced difficulties conceiving. No artist since has matched Michael\u2019s style, personality, philanthropy, and voice, and seeing his final work is one you won\u2019t want to miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhen Ang Lee\u2019s romantic Western won three Academy Awards and smashed the box office by raking in $178 million, despite facing censorship in numerous countries, including in parts of the United States, LGBTQ+ cinema was finally pushed into mainstream culture. Though often referred to as \u201cThe Gay Cowboy Movie,\u201d critics, cast, and viewers alike still debate over the sexualities of the two leads, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, portrayed by the late Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, respectively. Ultimately though, that\u2019s the beauty of the film. It\u2019s never explicitly stated if the men are gay, bisexual, straight, or otherwise, which leaves it up to audience interpretation. Each viewer can experience the film differently, based on their own perceptions of the characters as well as of themselves. Brokeback touches on the lasting effects of homophobia through Ennis\u2019s reluctance, in contrast with the pursuit of happiness through Jack\u2019s willingness. The film subverts the hyper-masculine Western frontier by allowing two lonely, repressed men the chance to experience what it\u2019s like to be loved and to love another. The beautiful, star-crossed love they find together just happens to be with someone of the same sex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moonlight (2016)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n20151023_Moonlight_D08_C2_K2_0537.tif<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIntersectionality is a key component of the LGBTQ+ community and their history \u2013 especially that of Blackness and queerness \u2013 that is often left out of wider discussions. Which is why it is crucial that these parts of the community are highlighted in films. Not only was Moonlight the first LGBTQ+ film to feature an entirely Black cast, but it was the first LGBTQ+ film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, and all on a mere $1.5 million budget. Black masculinity is presented as a central element of the film in all of Chiron\u2019s stages of life. In Chiron and Kevin\u2019s community, hyper-masculinity is not a mere desire, but an unfortunate requirement to survive, leading to Kevin hiding his sexuality from their peers, while Chiron is bullied for it. An easy, simple answer to the dichotomy of black masculinity and toughness against sexuality and vulnerability is never found or presented, because there isn\u2019t one. Chiron grows up to feel that he must adopt the persona of tough masculinity, as he does not live in a society that permits him to continue to embrace his sexuality, and his struggle between the two continues until the film\u2019s final beats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Love, Simon (2018)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTake a trip back to the days of heartwarming John Hughes teenage rom-coms with the story of Simon, a closeted gay, suburban teenager, and his secret, online romantic love interest, \u201cBlue\u201d. LGBTQ+ youth are an often-overlooked audience, but Love, Simon became the first major Hollywood film to center on LGBTQ+ kids discovering their first love. Navigating high school is hard enough, and no one feels like they fit in, but navigating high school while queer and terrified to come out to family and peers for fear of rejection makes it all that much more difficult. Especially in smaller towns where LGBTQ+ youth might feel isolated, out of place, and unfamiliar with the larger queer community, having teenage characters that they can relate to and see their story in is critical for survival. But it\u2019s not enough for queer teenage stories to be seen on the big screen, it\u2019s important that these movies portray hope and happiness, even if the road to get there can be rocky at times. When kids see that Simon and Blue can be happy and accepted by their peers and family, it offers a much-needed, metaphorical hug to tell them that everything does get better and who they are is nothing short of perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Keeps You Alive (2018)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWould you be surprised to learn that LGBTQ+ films have also entered the horror genre? Right off the bat, there\u2019s the potential for negative tropes and harmful stereotypes to be portrayed, whether it\u2019s the \u201cbury your gays\u201d trope \u2013 where LGBTQ+ characters are viewed as more expendable, resulting in their deaths \u2013 or the objectification of women. Thankfully, Colin Minihan\u2019s What Keeps You Alive is a breath of fresh air as it avoids negative stereotypes against the LGBTQ+ community while also leaning into the established elements of the psychological horror genre in new ways, such as expanding upon the \u201cfinal girl\u201d trope. Jackie and Jules, a lesbian couple, celebrate their first wedding anniversary at a cabin from Jackie\u2019s childhood. With any horror movie, things quickly take a turn for the worst. Remember when Rose turns on her boyfriend Chris in Get Out (2017)? Well, it\u2019s kind of like that when Jackie starts to go after Jules. But the film never uses or explains queerness as a reasoning for Jackie\u2019s evil actions. Rather, the film is more about emotional manipulation and being psychologically abused by someone you once loved \u2013 and exploring why a victim might stay in a toxic relationship to endure that pain. With any horror story, there are great twists that keep the viewer on the edge of their seat as Jules fights to get the upper hand over her abuser. It\u2019s not a queer story, but rather a story that just happens to be queer. In fact, when the film was first being developed, the characters of Jackie and Jules were originally a husband-and-wife duo. It\u2019s a thrilling cat-and-mouse game until the final moments. Just be sure to stay away from steep cliffs after watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
George Michael Freedom Uncut (2022)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA pioneering LGBTQ+ icon and advocate, George Michael remains to be one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 115 million records before his passing at the age of 53. Michael rose to fame as a founding member of the English pop duo Wham! in the early 1980s, releasing hits that still have not dwindled in popularity, including \u201cWake Me Up Before You Go-Go\u201d, \u201cFreedom\u201d, \u201cCareless Whisper\u201d, and the holiday classic, \u201cLast Christmas\u201d. He of course would go on to achieve solo success with his debut album Faith selling over 25 million copies alone and received continued success throughout his 30-year career. The upcoming documentary, George Michael Freedom Uncut, was narrated by Michael before his passing, and will focus heavily on his personal life and career leading up to his best-selling album Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 and the tragic loss of his first love, Anselmo Feleppa, to AIDS-related complications in 1993, though Michael didn\u2019t come out as gay to the public until 1998. George Michael was more than just commercial success though. Even more importantly, he was a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and supported numerous HIV\/AIDS organizations. He donated anonymously to numerous children, HIV, and cancer charities, as well as anonymously funded private medical procedures for women who experienced difficulties conceiving. No artist since has matched Michael\u2019s style, personality, philanthropy, and voice, and seeing his final work is one you won\u2019t want to miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Intersectionality is a key component of the LGBTQ+ community and their history \u2013 especially that of Blackness and queerness \u2013 that is often left out of wider discussions. Which is why it is crucial that these parts of the community are highlighted in films. Not only was Moonlight the first LGBTQ+ film to feature an entirely Black cast, but it was the first LGBTQ+ film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, and all on a mere $1.5 million budget. Black masculinity is presented as a central element of the film in all of Chiron\u2019s stages of life. In Chiron and Kevin\u2019s community, hyper-masculinity is not a mere desire, but an unfortunate requirement to survive, leading to Kevin hiding his sexuality from their peers, while Chiron is bullied for it. An easy, simple answer to the dichotomy of black masculinity and toughness against sexuality and vulnerability is never found or presented, because there isn\u2019t one. Chiron grows up to feel that he must adopt the persona of tough masculinity, as he does not live in a society that permits him to continue to embrace his sexuality, and his struggle between the two continues until the film\u2019s final beats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Love, Simon (2018)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTake a trip back to the days of heartwarming John Hughes teenage rom-coms with the story of Simon, a closeted gay, suburban teenager, and his secret, online romantic love interest, \u201cBlue\u201d. LGBTQ+ youth are an often-overlooked audience, but Love, Simon became the first major Hollywood film to center on LGBTQ+ kids discovering their first love. Navigating high school is hard enough, and no one feels like they fit in, but navigating high school while queer and terrified to come out to family and peers for fear of rejection makes it all that much more difficult. Especially in smaller towns where LGBTQ+ youth might feel isolated, out of place, and unfamiliar with the larger queer community, having teenage characters that they can relate to and see their story in is critical for survival. But it\u2019s not enough for queer teenage stories to be seen on the big screen, it\u2019s important that these movies portray hope and happiness, even if the road to get there can be rocky at times. When kids see that Simon and Blue can be happy and accepted by their peers and family, it offers a much-needed, metaphorical hug to tell them that everything does get better and who they are is nothing short of perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Keeps You Alive (2018)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWould you be surprised to learn that LGBTQ+ films have also entered the horror genre? Right off the bat, there\u2019s the potential for negative tropes and harmful stereotypes to be portrayed, whether it\u2019s the \u201cbury your gays\u201d trope \u2013 where LGBTQ+ characters are viewed as more expendable, resulting in their deaths \u2013 or the objectification of women. Thankfully, Colin Minihan\u2019s What Keeps You Alive is a breath of fresh air as it avoids negative stereotypes against the LGBTQ+ community while also leaning into the established elements of the psychological horror genre in new ways, such as expanding upon the \u201cfinal girl\u201d trope. Jackie and Jules, a lesbian couple, celebrate their first wedding anniversary at a cabin from Jackie\u2019s childhood. With any horror movie, things quickly take a turn for the worst. Remember when Rose turns on her boyfriend Chris in Get Out (2017)? Well, it\u2019s kind of like that when Jackie starts to go after Jules. But the film never uses or explains queerness as a reasoning for Jackie\u2019s evil actions. Rather, the film is more about emotional manipulation and being psychologically abused by someone you once loved \u2013 and exploring why a victim might stay in a toxic relationship to endure that pain. With any horror story, there are great twists that keep the viewer on the edge of their seat as Jules fights to get the upper hand over her abuser. It\u2019s not a queer story, but rather a story that just happens to be queer. In fact, when the film was first being developed, the characters of Jackie and Jules were originally a husband-and-wife duo. It\u2019s a thrilling cat-and-mouse game until the final moments. Just be sure to stay away from steep cliffs after watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
George Michael Freedom Uncut (2022)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA pioneering LGBTQ+ icon and advocate, George Michael remains to be one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 115 million records before his passing at the age of 53. Michael rose to fame as a founding member of the English pop duo Wham! in the early 1980s, releasing hits that still have not dwindled in popularity, including \u201cWake Me Up Before You Go-Go\u201d, \u201cFreedom\u201d, \u201cCareless Whisper\u201d, and the holiday classic, \u201cLast Christmas\u201d. He of course would go on to achieve solo success with his debut album Faith selling over 25 million copies alone and received continued success throughout his 30-year career. The upcoming documentary, George Michael Freedom Uncut, was narrated by Michael before his passing, and will focus heavily on his personal life and career leading up to his best-selling album Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 and the tragic loss of his first love, Anselmo Feleppa, to AIDS-related complications in 1993, though Michael didn\u2019t come out as gay to the public until 1998. George Michael was more than just commercial success though. Even more importantly, he was a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and supported numerous HIV\/AIDS organizations. He donated anonymously to numerous children, HIV, and cancer charities, as well as anonymously funded private medical procedures for women who experienced difficulties conceiving. No artist since has matched Michael\u2019s style, personality, philanthropy, and voice, and seeing his final work is one you won\u2019t want to miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTake a trip back to the days of heartwarming John Hughes teenage rom-coms with the story of Simon, a closeted gay, suburban teenager, and his secret, online romantic love interest, \u201cBlue\u201d. LGBTQ+ youth are an often-overlooked audience, but Love, Simon became the first major Hollywood film to center on LGBTQ+ kids discovering their first love. Navigating high school is hard enough, and no one feels like they fit in, but navigating high school while queer and terrified to come out to family and peers for fear of rejection makes it all that much more difficult. Especially in smaller towns where LGBTQ+ youth might feel isolated, out of place, and unfamiliar with the larger queer community, having teenage characters that they can relate to and see their story in is critical for survival. But it\u2019s not enough for queer teenage stories to be seen on the big screen, it\u2019s important that these movies portray hope and happiness, even if the road to get there can be rocky at times. When kids see that Simon and Blue can be happy and accepted by their peers and family, it offers a much-needed, metaphorical hug to tell them that everything does get better and who they are is nothing short of perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Keeps You Alive (2018)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWould you be surprised to learn that LGBTQ+ films have also entered the horror genre? Right off the bat, there\u2019s the potential for negative tropes and harmful stereotypes to be portrayed, whether it\u2019s the \u201cbury your gays\u201d trope \u2013 where LGBTQ+ characters are viewed as more expendable, resulting in their deaths \u2013 or the objectification of women. Thankfully, Colin Minihan\u2019s What Keeps You Alive is a breath of fresh air as it avoids negative stereotypes against the LGBTQ+ community while also leaning into the established elements of the psychological horror genre in new ways, such as expanding upon the \u201cfinal girl\u201d trope. Jackie and Jules, a lesbian couple, celebrate their first wedding anniversary at a cabin from Jackie\u2019s childhood. With any horror movie, things quickly take a turn for the worst. Remember when Rose turns on her boyfriend Chris in Get Out (2017)? Well, it\u2019s kind of like that when Jackie starts to go after Jules. But the film never uses or explains queerness as a reasoning for Jackie\u2019s evil actions. Rather, the film is more about emotional manipulation and being psychologically abused by someone you once loved \u2013 and exploring why a victim might stay in a toxic relationship to endure that pain. With any horror story, there are great twists that keep the viewer on the edge of their seat as Jules fights to get the upper hand over her abuser. It\u2019s not a queer story, but rather a story that just happens to be queer. In fact, when the film was first being developed, the characters of Jackie and Jules were originally a husband-and-wife duo. It\u2019s a thrilling cat-and-mouse game until the final moments. Just be sure to stay away from steep cliffs after watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
George Michael Freedom Uncut (2022)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA pioneering LGBTQ+ icon and advocate, George Michael remains to be one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 115 million records before his passing at the age of 53. Michael rose to fame as a founding member of the English pop duo Wham! in the early 1980s, releasing hits that still have not dwindled in popularity, including \u201cWake Me Up Before You Go-Go\u201d, \u201cFreedom\u201d, \u201cCareless Whisper\u201d, and the holiday classic, \u201cLast Christmas\u201d. He of course would go on to achieve solo success with his debut album Faith selling over 25 million copies alone and received continued success throughout his 30-year career. The upcoming documentary, George Michael Freedom Uncut, was narrated by Michael before his passing, and will focus heavily on his personal life and career leading up to his best-selling album Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 and the tragic loss of his first love, Anselmo Feleppa, to AIDS-related complications in 1993, though Michael didn\u2019t come out as gay to the public until 1998. George Michael was more than just commercial success though. Even more importantly, he was a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and supported numerous HIV\/AIDS organizations. He donated anonymously to numerous children, HIV, and cancer charities, as well as anonymously funded private medical procedures for women who experienced difficulties conceiving. No artist since has matched Michael\u2019s style, personality, philanthropy, and voice, and seeing his final work is one you won\u2019t want to miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWould you be surprised to learn that LGBTQ+ films have also entered the horror genre? Right off the bat, there\u2019s the potential for negative tropes and harmful stereotypes to be portrayed, whether it\u2019s the \u201cbury your gays\u201d trope \u2013 where LGBTQ+ characters are viewed as more expendable, resulting in their deaths \u2013 or the objectification of women. Thankfully, Colin Minihan\u2019s What Keeps You Alive is a breath of fresh air as it avoids negative stereotypes against the LGBTQ+ community while also leaning into the established elements of the psychological horror genre in new ways, such as expanding upon the \u201cfinal girl\u201d trope. Jackie and Jules, a lesbian couple, celebrate their first wedding anniversary at a cabin from Jackie\u2019s childhood. With any horror movie, things quickly take a turn for the worst. Remember when Rose turns on her boyfriend Chris in Get Out (2017)? Well, it\u2019s kind of like that when Jackie starts to go after Jules. But the film never uses or explains queerness as a reasoning for Jackie\u2019s evil actions. Rather, the film is more about emotional manipulation and being psychologically abused by someone you once loved \u2013 and exploring why a victim might stay in a toxic relationship to endure that pain. With any horror story, there are great twists that keep the viewer on the edge of their seat as Jules fights to get the upper hand over her abuser. It\u2019s not a queer story, but rather a story that just happens to be queer. In fact, when the film was first being developed, the characters of Jackie and Jules were originally a husband-and-wife duo. It\u2019s a thrilling cat-and-mouse game until the final moments. Just be sure to stay away from steep cliffs after watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
George Michael Freedom Uncut (2022)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA pioneering LGBTQ+ icon and advocate, George Michael remains to be one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 115 million records before his passing at the age of 53. Michael rose to fame as a founding member of the English pop duo Wham! in the early 1980s, releasing hits that still have not dwindled in popularity, including \u201cWake Me Up Before You Go-Go\u201d, \u201cFreedom\u201d, \u201cCareless Whisper\u201d, and the holiday classic, \u201cLast Christmas\u201d. He of course would go on to achieve solo success with his debut album Faith selling over 25 million copies alone and received continued success throughout his 30-year career. The upcoming documentary, George Michael Freedom Uncut, was narrated by Michael before his passing, and will focus heavily on his personal life and career leading up to his best-selling album Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 and the tragic loss of his first love, Anselmo Feleppa, to AIDS-related complications in 1993, though Michael didn\u2019t come out as gay to the public until 1998. George Michael was more than just commercial success though. Even more importantly, he was a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and supported numerous HIV\/AIDS organizations. He donated anonymously to numerous children, HIV, and cancer charities, as well as anonymously funded private medical procedures for women who experienced difficulties conceiving. No artist since has matched Michael\u2019s style, personality, philanthropy, and voice, and seeing his final work is one you won\u2019t want to miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA pioneering LGBTQ+ icon and advocate, George Michael remains to be one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 115 million records before his passing at the age of 53. Michael rose to fame as a founding member of the English pop duo Wham! in the early 1980s, releasing hits that still have not dwindled in popularity, including \u201cWake Me Up Before You Go-Go\u201d, \u201cFreedom\u201d, \u201cCareless Whisper\u201d, and the holiday classic, \u201cLast Christmas\u201d. He of course would go on to achieve solo success with his debut album Faith selling over 25 million copies alone and received continued success throughout his 30-year career. The upcoming documentary, George Michael Freedom Uncut, was narrated by Michael before his passing, and will focus heavily on his personal life and career leading up to his best-selling album Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 and the tragic loss of his first love, Anselmo Feleppa, to AIDS-related complications in 1993, though Michael didn\u2019t come out as gay to the public until 1998. George Michael was more than just commercial success though. Even more importantly, he was a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and supported numerous HIV\/AIDS organizations. He donated anonymously to numerous children, HIV, and cancer charities, as well as anonymously funded private medical procedures for women who experienced difficulties conceiving. No artist since has matched Michael\u2019s style, personality, philanthropy, and voice, and seeing his final work is one you won\u2019t want to miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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