Learn more about our LGBTQIA+ ancestors from herstory
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY NETFLIX
For centuries, queer history was erased, destroyed and forgotten about. The contributions and lives of LGBTQIA+ women in particular were often overlooked. This Women’s History Month, join us as we piece together the history of queer women throughout time through these documentaries.
The Black Lesbian Handbook
This guide from 2015 documents all aspects of Black lesbian culture and community in the UK. It contains episodes on everything from strap-ons to Pride, displayed in bite-sized clips that make it perfect for casual watching.
A Change Of Sex
This groundbreaking BBC series first aired in 1979, following the life of trans woman Julia Grant. The documentary sees Julia undergo gender-affirming treatment and live as her authentic self. After the first series, follow-up documentaries Julia: The First Year and Julia: My Body, My Choice were also broadcast.
Gentleman Jack Changed My Life
Who isn’t inspired by the incredible story of the UK’s first modern lesbian, Anne Lister? This documentary follows six women who rediscover their sexuality, come out to themselves and their families after watching the BBC adaptation of Anne’s life, Gentleman Jack.
Lyra
The media was rocked in 2019 when journalist Lyra McKee was murdered in Northern Ireland. Directed by Alison Millar, the intimate film uses voice recordings, home footage and Lyra McKee’s remarkable writing to explore the life and death of the renowned Northern Irish queer journalist and LGBTQIA activist – allowing her story to be told in her own words.
Out On Strike
Channel 4
If you’re looking for love, why not check out this candid true story of two miners’ wives who fell in love during the 1984 miners’ strike? Yep, this is a story that should 100% be on your radar.
Willem & Frieda: Defying The Nazis
Presented by LGBTQIA+ icon Stephen Fry, this documentary tells the true story of two gay members of the Dutch resistance during the Second World War, Willem Arondeus and Frieda Belinfante.
I’m Your Venus
This powerful documentary explores the unsolved murder of Venus Xtravaganza, who was a key figure in the iconic documentary Paris Is Burning. I’m Your Venus watches as Venus’ two families – biological and ballroom – come together to search for answers.
Rebel Dykes
Directed by Siân A. Williams and Harri Shanahan, Rebel Dykes takes us back in time to the lesbian scene in London in the 80s. This documentary delves into the history of the Rebel Dykes, the S&M club Chain Reactions, abseiling into the House of Lords and more.
A Secret Love
This special Netflix documentary follows the real story of Terry and Pat who met in 1947. What followed was a love story they had to keep secret for seven decades. It’s both a heartwarming and devastating look at the lives of lesbians before marriage equality.
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