LVW takes place on 22-28 April this year, so plan a movie marathon to celebrate
BY SOPHIA GRACE, IMAGE BY LIONSGATE
Often, lesbian and queer stories aren’t at the forefront of films and are included as side stories. That’s why we’ve created this list of films that showcase these stories front and centre because our identities don’t belong in the background.
With Lesbian Visibility Week coming up, what better way to celebrate?
Titane (2021)
First up is Titane, a French film that follows a woman with a titanium plate in her head as she goes on a murderous journey, allowing her to find herself through her identity.
Through the film, we find out that she has a strange affinity towards cars and is often seen in sexual scenes with them. Despite this theme, the film has a huge focus on gender exploration leaving you overcome with emotion after each gut-wrenching scene.
This film won at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021 so if that’s not enough to convince you to watch it then check it out for its incredible depiction of a strong woman with badass energy and intent.
Pariah (2012)
This film follows a black teenage girl, Alike, played by Adepero Oduye, coming to terms with her sexuality. She explores her identity as a butch lesbian and hangs out at lesbian bars with her much more confident friend Laura.
Throughout the film, Alike develops a strong connection and feelings for a friend while struggling with rejection from her mother who disapproves of her identity.
It’s a great film about choosing your own path and the characters’ journey is inspiring to watch, which makes it a fantastic addition to your favourite lesbian films.
Bottoms (2023)
Bottoms came out in 2023 and stars Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri in the lead roles.
It follows two unpopular teens in high school, and if that isn’t hard enough on its own, they’re also lesbians in love with cheerleaders. After some rumours about them spending time in a juvenile facility start to spread around the school, they set up a feminist self-defence club. Both of their crushes join and the film follows them in their plight to find love.
As ridiculous as it sounds, this film is a witty, fun depiction of lesbian love and the growing pains of navigating high school alongside it.
Portrait Of A Lady On Fire (2019)
If you’d like to delve deeper into historical depictions of sapphic love look no further. This French historical romantic drama, set in the 18th century, tells the story of a painter, Marianne, commissioned to paint a woman of the gentry Héloïse. However, this proves difficult as she refuses to sit for portraits, forcing Marianne to befriend her and paint her in secret. The two eventually develop feelings for one another, and their passion inspires Marianne’s art. The film won the Queer Palm at Cannes, becoming the first film directed by a woman to win the award.
But I’m A Cheerleader (1999)
It would be a crime to leave this out of the list. A cult favourite, this film stars Natasha Lyonne as 17-year-old Megan Bloomfield, a cheerleader with a secret. Her friends and parents get suspicious that she might be a lesbian so they surprise her with a two-month conversion therapy camp! If you’re a fan of Lyonne’s character on the Netflix series Orange Is The New Black, then give this film a watch to see her lesbian character debut.
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