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LGBTQ+ History Month, celebrated every October, is a time to reflect on the long and ongoing fight for equality, dignity, and rights for LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide. It is a month dedicated to remembering the milestones in the LGBTQ+ movement, honoring trailblazers who fought for freedom, and educating people about the historical and cultural contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The observance was founded in 1994 by Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson, who wanted to ensure that LGBTQ+ history was included in curricula across the United States. Since then, LGBTQ+ History Month has become an important time to raise awareness about the struggles and achievements of the community, providing an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain.
Why LGBTQ+ History Month Matters
LGBTQ+ History Month shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked contributions and stories of LGBTQ+ people around the world. It’s more than a celebration; it’s an acknowledgment of the past’s hard-won victories and the sacrifices made by individuals to push for civil rights and acceptance.
For decades, LGBTQ+ people have been marginalized, their stories untold or erased. This month seeks to right that wrong by educating current and future generations about LGBTQ+ pioneers, activists, and ordinary people who played critical roles in shaping history. From the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, to the legalization of same-sex marriage in many parts of the world, LGBTQ+ History Month gives us the space to honor those victories while recognizing the work that remains.
It’s also a time to foster understanding and build bridges between the LGBTQ+ community and allies. By highlighting key figures and events, LGBTQ+ History Month helps to reduce stigma, challenge prejudice, and promote acceptance.
Five LGBTQ+ Movies to Watch This Month
To better appreciate the struggles, triumphs, and diverse experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, here are five impactful films that capture different facets of LGBTQ+ life and history.
1. The Inspection (2022)
Based on the film director Elegance Bratton’s own life, The Inspection tells the story of Ellis French, a young Black gay man who joins the Marines to gain the approval of his mother and find a sense of belonging. The film addresses the intense challenges he faces during basic training, including homophobia and abuse, while highlighting his resilience and search for identity. It’s a deeply personal and raw look at the intersections of being Black, gay, and in the military.
2. My Policeman (2022)
My Policeman is a British romantic drama set in the 1950s, telling the story of a love triangle between Tom, a closeted policeman, Marion, his wife, and Patrick, a museum curator. As Tom’s relationship with Patrick unfolds, the film highlights the emotional toll of living in secrecy in an era when homosexuality was illegal. This poignant film—directed by Michael Grandage—examines love, duty, and societal pressure.
3. All Boys Aren’t Blue (2021)
Based on George M. Johnson’s memoir, All Boys Aren’t Blue (directed by Nathan Hale Williams) is an exploration of Black queer identity and coming-of-age. The film presents Johnson’s deeply personal experiences growing up Black and queer, dealing with family, sexual identity, and self-acceptance. Through a blend of personal narratives and interviews, this documentary-style film is a moving testament to the power of storytelling in the LGBTQ+ community.
4. Fire Island (2022)
Directed by Andrew Ahn, Fire Island is a modern-day romantic comedy inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The film follows a group of gay friends spending a week on Fire Island, a popular vacation spot for LGBTQ+ people, as they navigate love, friendship, and heartbreak. Filled with humor, heart, and representation, this film provides a lighthearted and refreshing take on gay romance.
5. Brother to Brother (2004)
Though not as recent, Rodney Evans’ Brother to Brother remains a seminal film in Black gay cinema. The story centers on Perry, a young, gay Black artist who befriends an elderly man, Bruce Nugent, a Harlem Renaissance poet. The film delves into the intergenerational connection between them, exploring themes of race, sexuality, and the struggle to live authentically in different eras.
LGBTQ+ History Month is an important time to honor the progress of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, reflect on the past, and work toward a more inclusive future. One way to do this is by watching films that tell LGBTQ+ stories, from historical biopics to heart-wrenching romances and thought-provoking documentaries. Whether you’re familiar with LGBTQ+ history or just beginning to learn, these films provide a meaningful and accessible way to engage with the experiences and struggles of the community.
So this October, take some time to educate yourself, celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, and reflect on the importance of equal rights for all.
Happy viewing!
