By Jisele Garcia, Staff Writer
Pride Month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Riots and provides visibility to the LGBTQ+ community. Here are some comedic, dramatic and heart-wrenching LGBTQ+ centered movies that illustrate queer stories.
“But I’m a Cheerleader” ®
‘90s satirical rom-com “But I’m a Cheerleader” tells the journey of typical American girl Megan Bloomfield, whose high school life comes to an end when her parents and friends manipulate her into joining a conversion camp after finding out that she is lesbian. There, she embarks on an unusual journey learning about her sexuality and possibly finding a special someone.
The humorous interpretations of gender roles and heterosexuality within the dialogue and scene visuals incites the question of how comparable this is to our heteronormative societal values. When it comes to the romance aspect, there are softer moments in which the protagonist and the love interest show affection and kindness towards each other which makes the movie even more worth watching. Aside from the main couple, other positive portrayals of LGBTQ+ partners which is refreshing.
“Moonlight” ®
Divided into three acts titled Little, Chiron and Black, protagonist Chiron’s compelling life story from child to young adult unfolds. “Moonlight” is an LGBTQ+ coming-of-age movie following Chiron, a gay Black man who lives with his drug-addicted mother in a poor neighborhood in Miami. The film brings striking cinematography and highlights Chiron’s struggles with his identity and sexuality.
There is nothing to dislike about “Moonlight”. This movie supplies Black gay individuals with relatable content and representation as they are underrepresented in LGBTQ+ films. Although some scenes display toxic masculinity and homophobia, there are touching moments of respectful talks around sexuality and beautiful interactions between Chiron and his love interest.
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” ®
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is a French, slow-burn romance movie set in 1700s France. The director paints the story of a lesbian love affair between a mysterious yet adventurous aristocrat and an artist told to paint her in secret. Encapsulated are powerful scenes executed through convincing acting where nonverbal communication tells all.
This movie is worth the watch because of the delightful build-up between the characters, Héloïse and Marianne, that builds the relationship at the right pace. Director Céline Sciamma makes it a point that the movie is for and about women as she shoots this film using the female gaze.
“The Watermelon Woman” (NR)
Aspiring Black, lesbian filmmaker Cheryl Dunye desires to create her first film on an elusive Black 1940s actress deemed the Watermelon Woman who attempts to balance her social and love life while creating a documentary. “The Watermelon Woman” is a groundbreaking yet charming ‘90s rom-com that skillfully navigates race, sexuality and gender whilst elucidating revolutionary scenes and thought-provoking dialogue for its time.
“The Watermelon Woman’’ was truly remarkable. Director Cheryl Dunye, who plays herself in the movie, perfectly balances the deep social topics with lighthearted elements so it isn’t too depressing nor too goofy. Underneath the humor lies serious commentary on racial fetishization, racism and the hidden history of LGBTQ+ and WOC individuals dissected in the film.