Already binged all of It’s A Sin? Here’s some impactful and important films about queer activism
BY SOPHIE GRIFFITHS
What better way to honour those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today than by binge-watching some educational films about our history? The history of queer activism is deeply linked with the history of queer identities and lives and there are so many excellent films available that tell those stories.
We’ve picked the best documentaries, films and TV shows for you to stream during lockdown that tell the inspiring tales of those individuals who stood up for LGBTQI rights, paving the way for us today. So grab the tissues, gather your snacks and settle in for an evening of rich LGBTQI history and activism.
Pride
An absolute classic, but definitely worth mentioning and a re-watch if you’ve already seen it. Pride follows the work of a group of U.K. gay activists as they help miners during their lengthy strike of the National Union of Mineworkers in the summer of 1984.
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson
LGBTQI rights activist Victoria Cruz investigates the mysterious death of black gay rights activist and Stonewall veteran, Marsha P. Johnson, who was a central figure in the Stonewall riots using archival interviews and new interviews with Marsha’s family, friends and fellow activists.
120 Beats Per Minute
One for the French film fans! 120 BPM follows a young man called Nathan who joins an AIDS activist group in 1990s Paris. As he attends the weekly meetings, he learns that some members prefer a more radical approach to their protests.
Milk
The story of Harvey Milk and his struggles as an American gay activist who fought for gay rights and became California’s first openly gay elected official.
Pride & Protest
Opening with the anti-LGBTQI lessons protests in Birmingham, the modern face of activism is the focus of this timely and necessary documentary.
We Are The Radical Monarchs
Activism is alive and well in this documentary portrait of a group of women who champion the importance of community, and this joyous film is full of hope and inspiration to see the next generation of fierce confident young women more than ready to take on the world.
Paris Is Burning
This acclaimed documentary is essential viewing for everyone in the LGBTQI community. It delves deep into the vibrant, flamboyant ball culture and drag house system of New York City in the late ’80s.
Featuring many Black and Latinx queer and trans individuals, the documentary explores how the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality created a special culture.
It’s A Sin
It’s not a film about queer activism, but it’s the TV show everybody is talking about right now from award-winning screen writer Russell T Davies.
Five 18-year-olds move to London in 1981, where they all meet and form a gang and move into a flat together. They begin exploring their identities and become who they truly are, but a distant disease threatens their future.
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