While someLGBTQIA+ movies explode into the mainstream scene (Bohemian Rhapsody), and some are slow-burning cult classics (My Beautiful LaunderetteandMy Own Private Idaho) there are still those that slip through the pop-culture cracks.Oftentimes this is due to the low-budget nature of New Queer cinema, and not the quality of the content. There are also instances where, in a bid to appeal to a wider audience, a film is misleadingly promoted (Jennifer’s Body) resulting in poor reviews and a missed opportunity, but that’s been covered enough.This article contains spoilers for the featured films.
‘Bound’ (1996)
Where to stream:Stan, Amazon Prime,YouTube,Google Play, andApple TV.
Neo-noir sapphic delightBoundavoidsthe queer villain tropeby having an ex-con lesbian (Gina Gershon)evolve into the hero who gets the girl. It’s also the directorial debut ofTheWachowskis—talk about influential.
RELATED:The Wachowskis Movies, Ranked From Worst to Best
Boundis a refreshing take on the crime drama but, more poignant than anything, it allowed two women a happy ending. Frustratingly, even in 2022, this is still hard to come by. Telling of the times, and after her success inShowgirls, Gershon’s agent advised her that taking the part of Corky would be the death of her career, and they would not allow it. Thus, she changed agents. To this day,Boundis one of her favorite parts.Jennifer Tillynamed her cat Corky, which speaks for itself.
‘Edge of Seventeen’ (1998)
Available to rent:Prime Video
Not to be confused with the 2016 film starringHailee Sateinfeld, this camp classic set in 1984 is the coming-of-age cliché we love, drenched in pastel. The film takes place in small-town Ohio so as you can imagine, the fashion is majestic.Lea DeLariaeven has a small role as theme park manager Angie.
The soundtrack is killer, to say the least. If you’re not already a Eurythmics fan, you will be by the end. There’s an honesty to this film that a lot of other teen movies take for granted, so be prepared for awkward flirting and baby’s first drag show.
‘Frida’ (2002)
Available to stream:Stan, Amazon Prime,YouTube,Google Play, andAppleTV
Now thatHarvey Weinstein is in jail and no longer profiting from our indulgence,Fridais back on the table. Yes, it won two Oscars (for best music, and best makeup), but that doesn’t mean the powerful bisexual disabled woman of color representation has been appreciated. Too much of the film’s attention was diverted because of the monster who produced it.
Salma Hayekis a master of her craft, and this film tells the unflinching story of queer artist and iconFrida Kahloin the throes of pain, self-expression, and discovery. It was also directed by another incredibly talented woman,Julie Taymor. Their work andwhat they went through to create itdeserves recognition. Let’s hope a director’s cut will one day be released.
‘Young Soul Rebels’ (1991)
Available to stream:AppleTV
Told alongside the events ofQueen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee in 1977, this film incorporated identity politics, sexuality and thriller quite magnificently. At a time in British history when cliques clashed and your taste in music defined who you were,Young Soul Rebelsasks, “why?”
RELATED:Why Are Straight People Always Hogging the Spotlight of Queer Stories?
Black queer films like this andThe Watermelon Womantell the side of the story that history forgot.YSRis an important watch for anyone, especially those with a keen interest in music from the 70s and 80s. It’s a timely reminder of the hatred and fear endured by black and queer communities back then, and as the proverb goes, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it”.
‘Imagine Me & You’ (2005)
A lesbian-centered romantic comedy? Unheard of untilImagine Me & You! Our teenage crushesLena Headey(Game of Thrones) andPiper Perabo(Coyote Ugly) star in this adorable tale of love conquering all.
This film was ahead of its time. It helped fill in a gap of queer cinema by being a simple, straightforward rom-com. Of note, this is Perabo’s second sapphic swing afterLost and Delirious, which also featuresJessica Paré,Emily Van Camp, andMischa Bartonwhen they were just getting their start.
‘Beautiful Thing’ (1996)
WhereGet Real(1998) is the British counterpart ofEdge of Seventeen,Beautiful Thingis raw and subtle. This is the film adaptation of the stage play by the same name and features asoundtrack almost exclusively filled with hitsfrom the Mamas and the Papas.
Set on a council estate in South East London, the grittiness of the surroundings lends to a realistic portrayal of growing up in working-class Britain, with the added element of this being a homosexual awakening story. The legendary Shirley ofEastenders,Linda Henryis fantastic as Sandra Gangel. This is a cast of characters that pull on the viewers' heartstrings from the get-go.
‘Fire’ (1996)
Available to stream:YouTubeandPrime Video
The groundbreaking and controversial Bollywood filmFiretells of an affair between two women who are trapped in loveless arranged marriages. It is the first installment in directorDeepa Mehta’sElements Trilogythat addresses controversial social issues in India.
Conservatives within the country rioted upon its release, one of them being a woman named Mina Kulkarni, who was quoted saying “If women’s physical needs get fulfilled through lesbian acts, the institution of marriage will collapse, reproduction of human beings will stop”. Sadly, because of the outrageFirehas since been banned in both India and Pakistan. The debates around the film and its handling of feminism and lesbianism are worth a deep dive, once you’ve seen it.
‘Appropriate Behavior’ (2014)
Available to stream: Stan,Youtube,Google Play, andAppleTV
The multitalentedDesiree Akhavannails bisexual comedy-drama. Her 2018 seriesThe Bisexualbroke down long-held stereotypeswith humor and honesty, but it’s her directorial debutAppropriate Behaviorthat deserves more attention. Akhavan explores the challenges of being a queer ethnic minority, balancing family expectations with being authentic.
RELATED:Groundbreaking LGBTQ+ Storylines On Television
It’s a side of the coin not nearly seen enough in pop culture, considering the large number of bisexual people that belong to religions and traditions outside of Christianity. At its core,Appropriate Behavioris a romantic comedy for all queers, but it’ll always have a special place in BIPOC hearts.
‘Gia’ (1998)
Available to stream:YouTube
Made-for-TV movies often get swept under the rug, but in the following years, this movie became a queer cinema cult classic: it exists, and it’s incredible. Based on the life of pioneering supermodelGia Carangi, this TV movie made one hell of a casting choice withAngelina Jolie.
One of the few films tofeature a woman battling AIDS,Giais haunting and heartbreaking. Carangi was said to “epitomize lesbian chic” long before the term was coined, and her tragic death at age 26 made her one of the first famous people to pass away from AIDS complications. It is assumed that she contracted the disease from a contaminated needle while abusing heroin. There’s a lot more to Gia Carangi’s story than what’s covered in this film, but it is a worthy tribute.
‘Saved!’ (2004)
Available to stream:YouTube,Google Play, andAppleTV
This movie is a hot mess but in all the best, campy ways possible. Teenage Christian Mary (Jena Malone) finds out her high school sweetheart Dean (Chad Faust) is gay. Naturally, she sacrifices her virginity in the hopes of converting him. It doesn’t work, and now she’s pregnant. Cue religious panic andMandy Moore.
By today’s standards, it would be classed as problematic, but for a film madeduring the heyday of teen parodies, it’s pretty clever commentary, leading the film to be more charming rather than off-putting.
