Celebrate stories that capture the diversity of our community this June
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY A24
It’s Pride, which can only mean one thing: time to make another list of all the LGBTQIA+ films you still haven’t seen. It’s okay, we’ve all been there. To honour all the beautiful diversity of our community, why not add some of these incredible titles to your growing “to watch” list? Trust us, you won’t regret it.
But I’m A Cheerleader (1999)
We’re almost 99% sure that this classic 90s film is on your list already. If it’s not, what are you waiting for?! Starring Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall, But I’m A Cheerleader is a rom-com about a teen being sent to a conversion practices camp where she (ironically) comes to accept her sexuality and fall in love. Let’s go, lesbians!
Pride (2014)
Starring Imelda Staunton, Jessica Gunning, Faye Marsay and more, this powerful film is based on an incredible true story. Set in 1984, Pride recounts the landmark collaboration between a group of lesbian and gay activists and the striking miners. This ultimately forms the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners campaign.
Margarita With A Straw (2014)
This heartwarming film follows an Indian teenager with cerebral palsy who moves to America for university. It’s during this period that she begins to understand her sexuality further, eventually coming out as bisexual. It’s sad, it’s joyful, and it’s a perfect hidden gem film.
I Saw The TV Glow (2024)
If you haven’t seen Jane Schoenbrun’s psychological horror, where have you been? Starring Justice Smith and Jack Haven, I Saw The TV Glow is a complex, powerful and beautiful exploration of trans+ identities. The film follows two teenagers who bond over a fictional show called The Pink Opaque, leading to the lines between reality and another realm becoming increasingly blurred…
Bottoms (2023)
Looking for the perfect queer comedy? Bottoms has you covered. Featuring Rachel Sennott, Ayo Edebiri, Nicholas Galitzine and more, this teen drama is ridiculously funny. Bottoms follows misfits PJ and Josie, who set up a “self-defence club” so they can get closer to their crushes.
Every Body (2023)
This documentary is essential viewing for anyone who wants to learn more about the experiences of intersex people. Featuring activists Sean Saifa Wall, Alicia Roth Weigel and River Gallo, Every Body is joyful, heartbreaking and informative.
Queens Of The Qing Dynasty (2022)
Following asexual, gender-queer and neurodivergent teen Star, Queens Of The Qing Dynasty is a story all about connection. After Star is hospitalised following a suicide attempt, they befriend a student from Shanghai who volunteers to keep them company. Director Ashley McKenzie actually came out as asexual during the filming of this project.
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