With Pride recently upon us, we thought we would take the time to honor a few of the many LGBTQ films and filmmakers that helped paved the way for a more just and equitable society.
Rafiki
Rafiki is a cinematically beautiful Kenyan film about two young women in love. Directed by Wanuri Kahiu, Rafiki dramatically changed the landscape for African LGBTQ cinema while simulataneously challenging many western assumptions about Afrfican life. A modern-day Romeo and Juliet (or Juliet and Juliet) tale tells the story of two young women who fall in love despite being the daughters of rival politicians.
For many Kenyans, “viewing Rafiki may be the first step toward building more empathy and acceptance of LGBT people.”
Pedro Almodovar
One of Spain’s premiere filmmakers, Pedro Almodovar directed a long list of critically acclaimed films. Volver, his 2006 film starring Penelope Cruz is an ode to female resilience. Not one to shy away from difficult topics, Almodovar’s 2004 Bad Education delves into sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, and transsexuality. His most recent film, Pain and Glory, is an autobiographical tale that was chosen by Time Magazine as the 2019 film of the year.
Cinema can fill in the empty spaces of your life and your loneliness.
-Pedro Almodovar
Boys Don’t Cry
Boys Don’t Cry was the first major Hollywood film to tell the story of a transgender man. The film details the life of Brandson Teena, a transgender man from Nebraska who was brutally raped and murdered. Boys Don’t Cry is notable because viewers witnessed Teena’s life from his own perspective, awakening many to the harsh realities of life as a transgendered person. The film was also responsible for launching Hilary Swank’s rise to stardom, winning her the Best Actress award at the 2000 Academy Awards. “While the film has since drawn criticism — representing a marginalized group is a huge burden to bear, after all — it symbolized an important milestone, helping shift the transgender experience into the mainstream.”
While we may have come a long way in the struggle for LGBTQ rights, actions by the current administration, and rising levels of hate crimes and attacks on LGBTQ people worldwide are a sobering reminder that the fight for equality must continue. If you would like to contribute to the fight for LGBTQ civil rights, we recommend donating to Lambda Legal.