Film is a medium that can tell many different stories in many different ways. It's also a medium where it can be proven why representation matters. For gay men, there have been a number of films over the years that have done just that. There are documentaries that tell our history, biopics that portray key figures, and fictional stories that entertain us. Here are a list of ten gay-themed films that are essential viewing.
1. "Strapped"
Directed by Joseph Graham, this film follows a young prostitute around an apartment building. Following one of his tricks, he can't seem to find his way out and runs into some interesting characters along the way. While such a film could fall into the trap of titillating shock value, our male hustler learns something from each of his encounters. It takes you on a journey of self-discovery that ends in the sweetest and unexpected way imaginable.
2. "Paragraph 175"
This is a harrowing documentary that details the persecution of gay men during the Holocaust. Narrated by Rupert Everett, this film features interviews with gay male survivors who share their story. The result is a heartbreaking yet important (and often overlooked) account of our history.
3. "Bohemian Rhapsody"
Don't let some of the critics fool you, this Queen biopic delves deep into the bisexuality of Freddie Mercury. Although a crucial part of the film relies more on fiction than fact, it's still an entertaining ride. It's one that serves as a touching tribute to a key figure in the LGBTQ community.
4. "The Universe of Keith Haring"
Keith Haring was one of the key figures of pop art in the eighties. His work began to gain attention in the subways of New York City and he was soon known around the world. He was also openly gay and died of AIDS in 1990. This incredible documentary includes interviews with Haring's closest friends and family; painting a portrait of a man who inspired millions.
5. "How To Survive a Plague"
The AIDS epidemic was one of the scariest events in our community's history. This powerful documentary follows members of the Act-Up movement as they push for research to find treatment and a cure. You grow close to each of the characters this film follows, which makes their eventual deterioration in health even more painful to watch.
6. "Tom of Finland"
Touko Laaksonen was one of the key artistic figures in the gay community. Better known as Tom of Finland, this biopic tells his story following his service in World War II. His erotic art was revolutionary and brave since it was highly frowned upon during that time.
7. "The Birdcage"
Nathan Lane and the late Robin Williams star in this comedy about a Miami drag club owner who pretends to be straight to please his son's future father-in-law. With a duo like Williams and Lane, laughs are bound to ensue during this film, with a lot of heart at the center.
8. "Love, Simon"
One of the things many of us wish we had in high school was a gay teen romantic comedy. Most of us felt frustrated as teenagers because we didn't see representations of ourselves. Well, this film is proving to fill that void for a whole new generation of gay youth. Following a high school student who is both closeted and in an anonymous online relationship, the journey is a tenderly funny one.
9. "Strike a Pose"
Madonna is one of the biggest gay icons on the planet. When her documentary "Truth or Dare" was released in 1991, fans got a behind-the-scenes glimpse of her "Blond Ambition Tour." One of the groundbreaking parts of the documentary was her army of dancers, all of whom were gay except one. This film catches up with the dancers who once became the earliest sources of representation for a whole generation of gay youth.
10. "Boy Erased"
Directed by Joel Edgerton, this film is based on Garrard Conley's memoir of the same name. Conley was sent to conversion therapy by his parents after being outed by someone at college. With a cast that includes Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman, and Troye Sivan, this film is a moving ride about growing up and being yourself. It also provides a peek inside a disturbing practice with both sympathy for the victims and empathy for those enacting it.
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