12 LGBT+ films to watch this Valentine’s Day
Paris is Burning (1990)
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and, in celebration of LGBT+ History Month, we’ve rounded up 12 of our favourite LGBT+ films for you to watch (or rewatch) whether you need a heartwarming tale, or a good cry.
What is LGBT+ History Month?
Celebrated every February, LGBT+ History Month was founded in 2004 by Schools OUT UK co-chairs, Paul Patrick & Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders, and first celebrated in 2005.
Not to be confused with Pride Month (that’s in June!), this month is focused on the history of lesbian, gay, bi and trans people in the UK, with a primary aim of promoting ‘equality and diversity for the benefit of the public’.
The month has been linked to a subject in the National Curriculum since 2011, and this year the theme is ‘Medicine - Under the Scope’, which you can find out more about in addition to the incredible work the charity is doing here.
12 films to watch this Valentine’s Day
Paris is Burning
1990
The landmark documentary has left a complicated legacy, but its intimate portrayal of New York City’s 1980s Harlem drag balls remains a quintessential slice of queer history.
Carol
2015
Named by the BFI as the best LGBTQ+ film of all time, this historical drama set in the 1950s has gained a cult following for its moving story and charming performances.
But I’m a Cheerleader
1999
A cult classic that explores sexuality and gender roles, Natasha Lyonne is a force in this teen rom-com that also stars RuPaul as an “ex-gay” who runs a conversion camp. Hilarious.
Desert Hearts
1985
As the first lesbian-themed feature film written and directed by a woman, this 80s romantic drama was praised for its positive portrayal of a lesbian romance.
Beautiful Thing
1996
A heartfelt coming-of-age story about acceptance, featuring working-class characters in 90s London, hailed by The Atlantic as a “masterpiece of gay storytelling”.
Moonlight
2016
The rightfully-deserved Best Picture Oscar winner explores an array of themes from sexual identity to black masculinity, with both emotional intensity and compassion.
The Watermelon Woman
1996
Cheryl Dunye’s romantic comedy-drama was the first feature film directed by a black lesbian, and is a pivotal work of the New Queer Cinema movement.
Shiva Baby
2020
An anxiety-inducing comedy with wonderfully complex characters that puts bisexual representation in the spotlight, and tackles modern topics with ease.
The Life and Death of Marsha P. Johnson
2017
Transgender activist Victoria Cruz explores the life and tragic death of Marsha P. Johnson in this difficult to watch, but powerful documentary.
God’s Own Country
2017
Following the relationship between a sheep farmer and Romanian migrant worker, this critically acclaimed drama is a deeply moving and intimate love story.
Call Me by Your Name
2017
Luca Guadagnino’s heartbreaking - and beautiful - coming-of-age story depicts the rawness of a first love with an enchanting performance from Timothée Chalamet.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
2019
Director Céline Sciamma became the first female director to win the coveted Queer Palm prize at Cannes with this romantic period piece about a slow-burning lesbian romance.
