As Pride Month kicks off, the streets are set to be filled with parades, protests, and celebrations of all things queer. But for those who prefer to celebrate from the comfort of their couch, there are plenty of films that capture the essence of Pride in all its messy, sexy, lovely glory.
One such film is “The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson” (2017), a documentary available for streaming on Netflix. The film follows the heartbreaking mystery surrounding the death of Marsha P. Johnson, a transgender activist and key figure in the Stonewall uprising. Through archival footage, viewers get a glimpse of Johnson’s resilience and impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
Another must-watch film is “Gay USA” (1978), a documentary by Arthur J. Bressan Jr. that offers a glimpse into queer life in post-Stonewall America. The film captures the revelry and protest that defined the early days of the gay liberation movement, including footage from New York’s first gay pride parade in 1970.
For those looking for a more lighthearted option, “Jeffrey” (1995) is a romantic comedy set in the aftermath of the AIDS crisis. The film follows a gay man who falls for an HIV-positive muscle boy, leading to a series of comedic and heartwarming moments set against the backdrop of New York City Pride.
Other films to add to your Pride Month watchlist include “Milk” (2008), a biopic about gay rights leader Harvey Milk, and “Pride” (2014), a feel-good dramedy about the alliance between mineworkers and LGBTQ+ activists during a labor strike in 1980s Britain.
No Pride Month film list would be complete without “BPM (Beats Per Minute)” (2017), a stirring drama about the Paris chapter of the AIDS activist group Act Up. The film captures the joy and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community in the face of the AIDS epidemic, reminding viewers of the power of love and celebration in the midst of despair.
So grab some popcorn, cozy up on the couch, and celebrate Pride Month with these powerful and poignant films that showcase the beauty and strength of the LGBTQ+ community.
