The History and Importance of LGBTQ+ Representation In Film - With Recommendation!
By Lucia Ene-Lesikar
As the world increases its acceptance of intersectionality, it is important to present and emphasise LGBTQ+ stories. This is not only the case for actors, but also as directors, producers, editors and designers, basically everyone in the film industry. Too often we have seen straight actors portray LGBTQ+ characters. This can ignore lived experiences of members of the community and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. That is something well worth thinking about when consuming films and TV with LGBTQ+ characters. This might not be obvious, but questioning the biases portrayed can help you to unpack some of your own privilege and think about how you unconsciously perpetuate these stereotypes.
It is also really important to consider how intersections are represented in the film industry. When there is LGBTQ+ representation it tends to focus on attractive, cis, ablebodied, white characters. It is important to think about who’s stories are not being told. Though the sets may be breathtaking, the music moving, the acting exceptional, there may be some disturbing undertones, and the film may not be as problem-free as it might first appear (I’m looking at you Call Me By Your Name). With that said, you can still enjoy watching some of the iconic LGBTQ+ films and consider how they have helped change perceptions of the community. We’ll let you be the judge of that, all we would say is watch at your own discretion.
Photo by @PentiumIII via Twenty20
HISTORY
The history of LGBTQ+ representation in the media is a fascinating one. Did you know that a German film called “Anders als die Anderen” (which translates to “Different from the others) released in 1919 was one of the first films to have a gay protagonist? These articles below provide an in-depth history of the representation of the LBGTQ+ community in film.
A History of LGBTQ+ Representation in Film
https://stacker.com/stories/4331/history-lgbtq-representation-film
LGBTQ+ Representation in Film
https://eastspotlightnews.com/2021/01/20/lgbtq-representation-in-film/
The Importance of LGBTQ+ Representation in TV and Film
http://www.theyorker.co.uk/arts-and-culture/the-importance-of-lgbt-representation-in-tv-and-film/
FILM RECOMMENDATIONS
Of course the whole point of acting is to pretend to be someone else. With that being said, many of the most famous/most popular LGBTQ+ films are played by straight/cis actors. The problem with this primarily, is that with roles so limited, it doesn’t leave space for LGBTQ+ actors, and the representation can often be bordering on, if not downright, stereotypical. Here is a list of films we’d recommend which have LGBTQ+ actors/directors, as well as being really moving and just beautifully shot. Enjoy!
Disclosure (2018)
Funny Boy (2020)
The Handmaiden (2016)
A Fantastic Woman (2018)
Boy Erased (2018)
Pride (2014)
Moonlight (2016)
Rafiki (2018)
Portrait of A Lady on Fire (2019)
Hearts Beat Loud (2018)
Tangerine (2016)
The Watermelon Woman (1997)
15 LGBTQ+ Movie Characters Who Were Played by LGBTQ+ Characters
https://gcn.ie/15-lgbtq-movie-characters-played-gbtq-actors/
20 LGBTQ movie characters who were played by LGBTQ actors
10 Movies About Queer Black Women to Stream Now!
https://meetingofmindsuk.uk/my2cents/10-movies-about-queer-black-women-to-stream-now/
17 Essential Queer Black Films
https://www.advocate.com/film/2018/2/26/17-essential-black-queer-films
SERIES RECOMMENDATIONS
Pose (2018-) - Netflix
It’s A Sin (2021) - Channel 4
Banana (2015) - Netflix
Cucumber (2015) - Channel 4
We hope you found that useful, do let us know what you think over on our social media channels!