June marks Pride Month all over the world, and whilst many Pride events have unfortunately been cancelled due to the Coronavirus outbreak, that doesn’t mean Pride month is.
So, whilst you’re stuck at home, why not be prideful by watching some TV and film that represents the LGBT+ community? Here’s our list comprising of TV series and films to keep you prideful.
Pride
Nominated for a BAFTA and a Golden Globe, Pride tells a dramatized version of the true story of the “Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners” campaign – created by gay rights activist Mark Ashton. Both inspiring and heart-breaking, Pride is a film that illustrates the power of communities coming together to support each other during hard times, despite the rest of the world wanting to see the communities fail. With performances from cinema powerhouses including Imelda Staunton, Bill Nighy, George Mackay, and Andrew Scott, the film is a must see for anyone and everyone during Pride month.
Love, Simon
Love, Simon focuses on closeted high schooler Simon Spier, who after falling in love with an anonymous closeted classmate has to defend himself from a blackmailer who threatens to out him to everyone. The film broke ground as the first major Hollywood blockbuster to focus on a gay teenage romance, and garnered huge critical acclaim for its portrayal of a sweet and affecting gay romance, whilst also treating it with a genuine normalcy. The film won the award for an Outstanding Wide Release Film at the 2019 GLAAD Media Awards – an awards show dedicated to honouring outstanding presentations of the LGBT+ community. A spin-off series named Love, Victor also airs soon on Hulu, created by Disney.
Carol
Carol tells the story of a forbidden affair between an aspiring female photographer and an older woman going through a divorce. The film opened to critical acclaim, earning over 275 industry and critic nominations, including Oscar nominations for both Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara who star as the two lead characters. The film was praised for natural depiction of two women who have no interest or need to define the bond in which they share and instead focus on the “simple happiness of being together”.
Schitt’s Creek
This sitcom follows the once rich Rose family – who after losing all their money – are forced to relocate to a small town they once purchased as a joke. The series garnered acclaim for its humour and acting, but also for its portrayal of pansexual character David, and how his sexuality was accepted by all the characters, with no need to rely on homophobia as a storyline. Schitt’s Creek (available to watch on Netflix) is the perfect feel good sitcom that lets you watch a queer love story grow into a happy, and accepting small town. It also features Catherine O’Hara – recognisable as the mother in Home Alone – as an outrageously absurd soap opera actress which is a performance that should not be missed by anyone.
One Day At A Time
Much like Schitt’s Creek, this series takes on a 70s-classic sitcom. The series earned praise for the way in which it handled its LGBT+ characters. The show centres on a Cuban American family living in Los Angeles, focusing on Army veteran single mother Penelope who is raising her two teenage children whilst also living with her Cuban mother. One Day At A Time touches on major issues such as mental illness, racism, homophobia, and gender identity. After becoming a fan-favourite, Netflix cancelled the series after three seasons, but a Twitter campaign similar to the one that saved Brooklyn Nine-Nine helped to renew the show, which was picked up by American broadcast company CBS.
Pose
Created by the same producers from Glee and American Horror Story, Pose is another of Ryan Murphy’s latest offerings. Set in New York City, the show focuses on the Black and Latino LGBTQ+ ballroom culture scene during the late 80s and early 90s and the network of chosen families they live in called “Houses”. The show lead to Billy Porter becoming the first openly gay black man to be nominated and win in a lead acting category at the 2019 Emmys. The show has been praised for depicting a world and culture that has never been seen before on TV and its representation of the black trans community.
Whatever you watch to celebrate Pride, these are just some of the recommendations for you to check out. Happy Pride!
By Robbie Nichols
Feature image: Film Daily