These cult classics celebrate the beauty and power of the Black LGBTQIA community
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY FOCUS FEATURES
As the temperature dials down, Black History Month is the perfect time to stay in and have a movie marathon. From trailblazing indies to cult classics, here are five films that break boundaries and shatter stereotypes.
Moonlight (2016)
This Oscar-winning drama follows the life of Chiron, a queer Black man grappling with identity, masculinity, and love from childhood through adulthood in Miami’s streets. Spanning three stages of his life, Moonlight offers a heart-wrenching look at the impact of race, trauma, and sexuality on one’s sense of self. Barry Jenkins crafts a visually poetic and emotionally raw exploration of Black queerness, intimacy, and resilience, making it a landmark film in LGBTQIA cinema.
The Watermelon Woman (1996)
This trailblazing indie is the first feature film directed by an out Black lesbian. Cheryl Dunye stars as a filmmaker researching a forgotten Black actress from the 1930s, who was relegated to stereotypical roles. Part documentary, part narrative, the film blends personal exploration with cultural commentary on Black women’s invisibility in Hollywood. A witty, meta-critical commentary on race, sexuality, and cinema, The Watermelon Woman remains a milestone in queer filmmaking and feminist storytelling.
Pariah (2011)
In this tender coming-of-age drama, we follow 17-year-old Alike, a Black lesbian navigating her identity within a conservative Brooklyn family. As she struggles between living authentically and conforming to her family’s expectations, the film depicts the tension between repression and freedom with raw, emotional depth. Directed by Dee Rees, Pariah is a visually lyrical and deeply human portrait of a young woman’s journey to self-acceptance. The film’s portrayal of Black queer life is both authentic and poignant, a must-see in LGBTQIA cinema.
Tangerine (2015)
Shot entirely on an iPhone, Tangerine offers a raw glimpse into the lives of two trans sex workers in Los Angeles. After discovering her boyfriend’s infidelity, Sin-Dee, alongside her best friend Alexandra, embarks on a chaotic journey across the city. Full of humour, grit, and heart, the film captures the vibrancy and struggles of trans women of colour with unflinching honesty. Tangerine is both wildly entertaining and deeply humane, providing a powerful narrative of resilience and friendship.
Rafiki (2018)
Banned in Kenya for its LGBTQIA themes, Rafiki became a symbol of resistance in African queer cinema. The film tells the story of Kena and Ziki, two young women who fall in love in a society that criminalises same-sex relationships. Vibrant and visually stunning, Rafiki explores the tension between personal desire and societal repression, while also celebrating queer joy and first love. Wanuri Kahiu’s film pushes against the boundaries of homophobia and censorship with warmth and defiance, offering a groundbreaking narrative for LGBTQIA rights in Africa.
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