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Best LGBTQ movies to watch
Are you always wondering what to watch right now? Well, we've put together this list of LGBTQ+ movies that should be on your queue. These are some of the best LGBTQ+ movies streaming on Netflix right now and for good reason. They range from LGBTQ thrillers to love stories to LGBTQ+ documentaries.
Heart Shot
Heart Shot movie short
Photo courtesy of Netflix.
Sam’s family is out for two days, and even though they forbid her to invite anyone over, Sam still invites her girlfriend Nikki. Sam and Nikki spend their time imagining a future together, but Nikki’s dark past will soon get in their way. This movie short is heartfelt and a little bit of a thriller. Directed by Marielle Woods.
Duration: 19 minutes
Year: 2022
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The Invisible Thread
The Invisible Thread
Photo courtesy of Netflix.
Leone creates a school project about LGBTQ+ rights, deciding he will bring his own personal example: his two fathers. This particular quality about his family sets him apart from the other schoolmates, but while he struggles with love affairs of his own, he finds out the perfect family he was hoping to portray doesn’t really exist. This movie explores the concept of family, especially in a country where a same-sex couple is not allowed to have children. Directed by: Marco Simon Puccioni.
Duration: 103 minutes
Year: 2022
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The Boys in the Band
The Boys in the Band
Photo courtesy of Netflix.
Michael is hosting a birthday party for his friend Harold together with their gay friends, when an old roommate of Michael, Alan, calls in distress wanting to meet him. Michael doesn’t want Alan to meet the group, as Alan doesn’t know he is homosexual, but eventually, Alan crashes the party. As the evening proceeds, all of the guests confront their past and present through a telephone game; it is worth watching even just for Hank and Larry’s phone calls. Ryan Murphy Production presents this openly gay casted movie based on the 1968 play by Mart Crowley and directed by Joe Mantello; their theater production in 2018 with the same cast won a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.
Duration: 122 minutes
Year: 2020
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Ride or Die
Ride or Die
Photo courtesy of Netflix.
Rai’s love of her life calls after ten years since they’ve last seen each other. Nanae cannot bear the thought of living another day under her husband's domestic abuse: either he dies, or she dies. So Rai has to decide whether to give up her life and her girlfriend to run away with Nanae, in a great Thelma-and-Louise-style. This movie is at times delicate, sensual, and a bit of a live-action; it’s worth watching even just for Rai’s sister-in-law. It is based on Ching Nakamura's manga series Gunjō, and is directed by Ryuichi Hiroki.
Duration: 142 minutes
Year: 2021
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The Half of It
The Half of It
Photo courtesy of Netflix.
Ellie doesn’t have many friends and mainly sustains her family by selling homework to other students. She is approached by Paul, a football player, asking her to write love letters to his crush Aster. Ellie takes the job, finding she has a lot in common with the girl she secretly loves as well. This movie is a coming-of-age drama, heartfelt and heartwarming, written and directed by lesbian Taiwanese-American director Alice Wu.
Duration: 104 minutes
Year: 2020
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The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson
Photo courtesy of Netflix.
Marsha P. Johnson was an activist, drag queen, and veteran of Stonewall, and was found dead in 1992. As violence against the transgender community rises, trans activist, Victoria Cruz investigates the death of Marsha through interviews with friends and family. This documentary is directed by David France, and it is powerful, current, and in its own way, heartwarming.
Duration: 105 minutes
Year: 2017
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Handsome Devil
Handsome Devil
Photo courtesy of Netflix.
Ned is the only gay boy out in his boarding school, and he is bullied – hard – by the rugby team that carries the pride of the institution. When Connor, a boy who was transferred for fighting everyone at his old school, becomes his roommate, Ned builds a wall of furniture to divide their space. When a new teacher gives them material to discuss, Ned finds out he might not be alone after all. This movie is about coming out, owning one’s identity, and gay friendship. It is directed by John Butler and it has won Best Actor, Best Narrative Feature and Best Cinematography at the FilmOut San Diego LGBT Film Festival in 2017.
Duration: 95 minutes
Year: 2016
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Your Name Engraved Herein
Your Name Engraved Herein
Photo courtesy of Netflix.
Birdy meets A-han when he transfers to a Catholic all-male school in 1987 and the Taiwanese martial law fell. They become best friends, and their bond is strong, so much so that in different incidents they dream of becoming more than that. This movie is about homophobia, the violence that comes with it, but also the deepest, real love that bonds people for a lifetime. It was the highest-grossing LGBT film in Taiwan's history, as well as the most popular Taiwanese film of 2020, and it was directed by Patrick Kuang-Hui Liu.
Duration: 114 minutes
Year: 2020
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I Care a Lot
I Care a Lot
Photo courtesy of Netflix.
Marla is a con artist that tricks the legal system into giving her guardianship of elderly people, which she then places in assisted living facilities where they lose contact with the outside world. She lives happily with her girlfriend and business partner Fran until they target the mother of a dangerous gangster. This movie is a satirical black comedy, with a bit of thriller tropes. It is directed by J Blackeson.
Duration: 118 minutes
Year: 2020
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So My Grandma’s a Lesbian!
So My Grandma’s a Lesbian!
Photo courtesy of Netflix.
Eva is getting married to her Scottish fiancé, whose big flaw is his conservative family. Eva’s grandmother, Sofía, is also planning on getting married soon – to Celia, a woman everyone in the family has always believed to be a close friend. This love story between women in their seventies is campy, heartwarming, and goofy at times. It is directed by Angeles Reiné.
Duration: 94 minutes
Year: 2020
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Single All the Way
Single All the Way
Photo courtesy of Netflix.
Peter is planning on taking his boyfriend home for Christmas to meet his family – until he finds out the boyfriend has a wife. Then Peter decides to take Nick, his roommate and best friend, home instead to pretend he’s the one Peter is dating. But before they can make the announcement, Peter’s mother has already set him on a date… This is a campy, Christmassy movie that is cute to watch even in the summer. It is directed by Michael Mayer.
Duration: 101 minutes
Year: 2021
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Trixie Mattel and Kim Chi Makeup Collaboration
If you haven't heard of Kim Chi, she is the first Korean-American on RuPaul's Drag Race and was named one of the most powerful drag queens in America. Kim Chi was runner-up on Season 8 of RuPaul's Drag RaceRuPaul's Drag Race and was sent home by Bob The Drag Queen later in the season. Well, since then, she's been quite busy. She started her own makeup line and has been making appearances all over the place. Now, she's teamed up with none other than Trixie Mattel to do a limited edition makeup collaboration.
We got in a little chat with Kim Chi where she talks about life, love, the runway...nah, just kidding. She did take some time out to answer a few questions for us on what it was like being on RPDR, what one product she can't live without, and so much more.
All of the products are cruelty-free and 2% of all sales to The Trevor Project. If you haven't checked out Kim Chi's beauty line, you should, the KimChi Chic Beauty line is stocked with a ton of makeup products and that bowtie is pretty cute too.
Q: What brought you to the decision to start a makeup line?
WTHighlight Double Diamonds makeup
Photo courtesy of KimChi Chic Beauty
A: The options were very limited for good affordalbe makeup, so it was important to me to create quality makeup that every makeup lover could enjoy.
Q: What does the collaboration between you and Trixie Mattel look like?
A: Putrid. Pungent. Audacious. It is a perfect representation of both Trixie and my style!
Q: Where and how did the two of you meet and subsequently become BFFs?
A: She stalked me on Facebook and forced me to book her in Chicago. Haven’t been able to get away from her since!
Q: What makeup product can you NOT live without?
A: Definitely eyeliner. The KimChi Chic Beauty Stage Proof Liquid Liner and The Effin Liner never leaves my makeup kit.
Q: Can you give us some makeup tips?
A: Don’t be afraid to experiment. It's okay to wipe away mistakes and start over if needed.
Q: How has appearing on RuPaul shaped your lives, career, and outlook?
A: It has made me the 17th most powerful drag queen in the world according to some list by a famous publication. Kidding again! It gave me this really amazing platform to live out my wildest dreams, connect with people all around the world, and hopefully inspire others like myself. It showed me the importance of holding on to your passions and living life authentically.
Q: What are your top 3 charities to support?
A: Seniors Fight Back, The Trevor Project, Elton John Aids Foundation
Q: What 2 things would you say to an aspiring drag queen?
A: Success doesn't happen overnight, be patient and prepare to spend a lot of money!
Q: How big of a difference is it between your drag queen persona and non-drag queen persona? Or is there? Do you sometimes forget when you’re “on” or “off”?
A: It depends on whether I’m wearing a wig or not. Kim is a little louder, snarkier, and outgoing than Sang.
Q: What’s next? You have the appearances, the collaboration, the friendship…What is on the horizon?
A: Lots of touring, more KimChi Chic Beauty launches, and one day...hopefully, retirement!
Q: What would you be doing if you weren't a drag queen performer and makeup entrepreneur?
A: Before doing drag I was an art director, so probably something similar relating to fashion design, art, or something similar.
KimChi Chic Beauty
KimChi Chic Beauty and Trixie Mattel Makeup Line
Photo courtesy of KimChi Chic Beauty
You can see the limited edition Trixie x Kim Chi Collab BFF4EVR on KimChi's Chic Beauty site. It's a fun and whimsical product line. The limited edition includes 5 different products with various shades and colors to choose from as well as a KimChi and Trixie Girl Fan or purchase the entire line in one bundle.
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Rumble Boxing Gulch, Nashville
Rumble Boxing, the boxing-inspired group fitness studio, opened its doors for the first time in Nashville on June 20 at 609 Overton St, Nashville, TN. The hottest workout on the block is hosting its official grand opening from August 4th-7th with daily classes, membership specials, and prizes from local vendors. The new Rumble Boxing studio is currently offering a buy one class, get one free promotion for the Nashville community.
Rumble Boxing delivers 45-minute, 10-round, strength and conditioning group workouts, crafted around teardrop-style aqua boxing bags and high-intensity strength training circuits. This brings all fitness levels together to experience what Rumble is known for: combining the sweet science of boxing with high energy and positive vibes.
Boutique Fitness
Rumble Boxing Fitness Studio
Photo courtesy of Rumble Boxing Gulch Nashville
This boutique fitness brand offers serious benefits like increased stamina and strength, with cardio that’s actually fun. The seasoned trainers at the new studio are thrilled to serve their local community while offering this fun, new modern approach to boxing and welcome members of all fitness levels to the Rumble family.
The new Rumble Boxing studio is owned and operated by Blake Baskin and Antonio Compton. With their background in the fitness industry, this dynamic duo is excited to bring their passion for boxing and group fitness to Nashville. As business and life partners, Blake and Antonio aim to create a strong community within their new Rumble Boxing studio and share their message of non-apologetic inclusivity.
Black and Gay-Owned Business
Rumble Boxing Store with Dolly Parton Mural
Photo courtesy of Rumble Boxing Gulch Nashville
“We own who we are, and this brand aligns with that perfectly,” said Antonio. “This is what we want to create and bring to this community: a fitness class that is designed for anyone and a place for people to be who they are. As a Black and gay-owned business, we want to help lower the division we see in the world right now. Our goal is to bring people together through Rumble, set everything aside, and have fun.”
To echo their message of acceptance and inclusion, Blake and Antonio commissioned a local Nashville artist to paint an 11 X 6-ft. mural of Nashville icon and philanthropist, Dolly Parton. The massive portrait features the country star in Rumble Boxing gear in the lobby of the studio.
The excitement and buzz around Rumble allowed Blake and Antonio to recruit top-tier trainers to head up the new studio, including Head Trainer Oronde Jones, a well-known celebrity trainer in the Nashville market.
Rumble Boxing Fitness Studio
Photo courtesy of Rumble Boxing Gulch Nashville
“Compared to other fitness classes, Rumble is a class you can truly get lost in for 45 minutes. With the dark room, you don’t have to worry if anyone is paying attention to you. The music is awesome and inspiring, and the beat drops right when you need it the most. Also, with boxing being a sport you can never truly master, you’re always improving and crafting your skill. On the floor, you’re consistently doing something new, which prevents you from ever hitting a plateau.” Said Oronde Jones about his favorite part of Rumble.
Rumble has massive brand loyalty and widespread appeal, partly thanks to attracting top names like Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, Jason Derulo, David Beckham, and Kevin Hart to its studios.
About Rumble Boxing
Founded in New York City in 2017, Rumble is a group fitness concept delivering a mix (or combination) of boxing-inspired circuits and the transformative power of resistance training. Pro and amateur fighters glove up together, no matter their fitness level or skill, to reveal their inner fighter. The experience is a 45-minute, 10-round, full-body cardio and strength workout crafted around specially designed water-filled, teardrop-style boxing bags. Rumble was founded by Noah Neiman (former Barry’s Bootcamp Master Trainer, and cast member of Bravo’s Work Out New York), Eugene Remm (Co-Founder of Catch Hospitality Group (Catch Restaurants, CATCH STEAK, Lexington Brass), Andy Stenzler (Co-Founder Cosí, Kidville), and Anthony DiMarco (13-time IRONMAN, former Managing Director, Google).
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Mjolnir
Like many of the recent Marvel Cinematic Universe films, LGBTQ+ fans awaited the release of Thor: Love and Thunder in open anticipation of the inclusivity that both Marvel and Disney had promised. However, the fans were only setting themselves up for disappointment when the film was finally released.
Despite passionate assurances from studio heads to key actors, Thor: Love and Thunder was NOT spectacularly gay. It wasn’t even that good…Premiere Night Promises
Lightning bold across the sky
Photo by Bill D.
Standing on the red carpet at the London Premiere of the film, director and actor Taika Waititi and fellow cast members Natalie Portman and Tessa Thompson were offered up the inevitable question: “How gay is the film?”
Amidst some laughter from the crowds, Waititi gestured towards Portman to respond. The actress (who plays Thor’s love interest, Jane Foster, throughout the franchise) raised the microphone to her lips and thought for a moment, before delivering a quiet yet fateful: “So gay!”
Barely a moment had passed before the gathered fans went wild and Taika Waititi gave his own verdict: “Super gay!”. Tessa Thompson made no statement on the ‘gayness’ of the film, instead opting to swing her microphone around suggestively. As more cheers erupted, a second round of “super gay” slipped out of Waititi’s mouth, before he urged the fans to enjoy the film.Thor: Love and Thunder’s LGBTQ+ Potential
Thor’s movie-goers were definitely hyped up for a gay extravaganza and they had a specific character in mind. The fan-favorite Valkyrie, played by Tessa Thompson, stumbled her way into the MCU during Thor’s third film, Ragnarok. The Asgardian warrior won many people over with her wit, sarcasm, and pure badassery.
After the events of Avengers: Endgame *spoilers*, Thor Odinson gives up his claim to the throne of Asgard and names Valkyrie as king in his stead. This left many fans excited to see what would become of the character, especially after certain revelations were made at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con:
“As a new king, she has to find her queen. So that’ll be her first order of business.”
With these words, Tessa Thompson threw her LGBTQ+ fans into a frenzy, with heavy expectations for the then-upcoming fourth installment of the Thor films. Indeed, in an interview with the LA Times, shortly before the film's release, Tessa Thompson was asked to comment on the sexuality of her character. She responded with several promising remarks, including “there’s a lot of folks that are righteously very hungry for that representation to exist in these movies, as am I”.
*Warning: spoilers ahead!*
So, How Gay Was Thor 4?
To put it simply: not gay at all. Not only did Valkyrie end up without a fabulous new queen, her non-heteronormative sexuality only got the barest mention (a brief line about a previous, now dead, girlfriend). Valkyrie may have made bedroom eyes at some pretty ladies before an action scene spoils the moment, but that’s about as much as we get.
The film does get some credit for introducing a trans character in a minor yet significant role. Thor returns to his people (after a brief stint as a Guardian of the Galaxy) only to find out that the daughter of one of his closest (and deceased) friends is now a boy. The issue is, whether due to personal prejudice or some alien inability to grasp the concept of being transgender, it does take Thor a frustrating few moments to come to terms with the change. And to stop deadnaming.
In fact, the only concession to the queer community was Taika Waititi’s extraterrestrial character Korg finding a husband in one of the closing scenes. This heartfelt moment was somewhat underscored by the revelation that Korg’s entire species is male, meaning he had no other choice but to be ‘gay’.This Is Not Marvel’s First Queerbaiting Attempt
Photo by Harry Q.
This is, by far, not the first time that LGBTQ+ fans have been sorely disappointed by the workings of Marvel and Disney. In fact, people across many social media platforms have been chiding expectant viewers for once again falling for classic queerbaiting tactics. “Being queerbaited by the MCU is like being a golden retriever with a human who always pretends to throw the ball”, one Tumblr user declared.
Captain Marvel, starring Brie Larson, was the perfect moment for the MCU to introduce its first lesbian lead. Larson’s character seemed to have an intense relationship with another woman, going so far as to help raise her child (before Larson’s Carol Danvers disappeared from Earth for 6 years). Despite leaning into several romantic tropes, the status of their relationship was never fully fleshed out. However, it was also the franchise’s first female-led superhero movie, so maybe they thought that introducing her as a lesbian would make the film too awesome.
The heavily anticipated Avengers: Endgame was also slated to introduce the MCU’s ‘first gay character'. While many fans were excited, particularly as this would be the second of Larson’s appearances on screen, the big gay build-up was a massive letdown. The film’s director Joe Russo made a cameo as a blip survivor mourning the loss of his husband. A five-second throw-away scene that had no impact on the outcome of the film. Big whoop...
Even when we did see a film with a gay lead, The Eternals, there were also ten other straight leads. At that point, it just seemed more like basic probability than an attempt at pushing LGBT+ superheroes into the spotlight.
Why Can’t Disney Let Marvel Be Gay?
The big problem with allowing a few characters to be anything other than cishet is that there are still many countries in the world that outlaw homosexuality. As much as we like to think that the MCU is being made for comic book fans, we all know the purpose of the films is to make money for Disney. And without certain markets in Asia and the Middle East, Disney wouldn’t be raking in up to (and over) one billion dollars per theatrical release.
Is There Any Hope For LGBTQ+ Fans In The MCU’s Future?
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the second in the much-loved Black Panther arc, will be released in cinemas this November. The studio has confirmed that the film will contain a queer character. Actress Michaela Coel will play Aneka, a warrior, and trainer of the king’s guard. Whether or not her diversity will stand out in the film (let alone endure for more than a 10-second scene that can be easily cut) remains to be seen.
Next year’s The Marvels film, starring Brie Larson, Iman Vellani, and Lashana Lynch may offer the MCU a chance to redeem itself in the eyes of its LGBT+ fans. The studios may feel it’s finally time to offer us the heartwarming lesbian relationship between Larson’s Carol Danvers and Lynch’s Maria Rambeau that seemed to be teased in the first Captain Marvel. Don’t raise your hopes too high, though, as you may yet end up as a stubborn golden retriever waiting for a cinematic universe to finally throw that rainbow ball.