AILUROPHELLE'S FAVOURITES: TOP 10 LGBTQA+ FILMS

                                

As a self confessed film addict, I can think of nothing better than to count down a few of the AILUROPHELLE team's favourite films with LGBTQA+ themes. So here they are; in no particular order, of course.

 

 1) If you're looking for a lighthearted and easy to watch film, then the 2013 teen comedy 'GBF', which has been named the new 'Clueless', will definitely be your cup of tea. When Tanner is outed as the schools only openly gay student, three queen bee's battle it out to acquire him as their 'GBF' (gay best friend) in their race to win prom queen. If you can get past the level of cringe, its actually watchable and rather funny.

2) 'Carol' (2015)  follows the love story of two women from very different backgrounds, both living in New York City in the 1950's. Like all love stories, theirs has its complications, mainly being that it is set in the 50's and love between two women was far from being accepted. Without giving anything away, if you are a true romantic, you will most definitely enjoy this film.

 

3) 'Tangerine' (2015) tells the tale of transgender sex worker Sin-Dee Rella, who upon her release from prison discovers that her boyfriend(and pimp) has been cheating on her. What gives the film a quirky edge is that it was shot entirely using iPhone 5s. A hilarious watch and like nothing you will have seen before.

4) 'Kill your Darlings' made its debut at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. The story follows the college days of some of the earliest members of the Beat Generation, a group of authors whose literature explored and influenced American culture in the post-World War II era. The story focuses on young poet Allen Ginsberg, and his infatuation with fellow college student Lucien Carr.







 




5) Based on a true story,  'Pride' (2014) tells the story of a group of lesbian and gay activists showing their support for the striking coal miners in 1984 Wales, after realizing they share a common enemy in Margaret Thatcher. A touching comedy.







 



                                  

6) Set in 1920's Copenhagen, 'The Danish Girl' tells the inspiring story of artist Einar Wegener who, with the support of his wife Gerda, would be one of the first to undergo a sex change operation. Einar's struggles with identity are documented throughout the film in a beautiful and thought provoking way. The film is a fictionalized account of artist Lili Elbe's life. 

  

7) This list would be incomplete without mentioning the iconic 1990 documentary, 'Paris Is Burning'.  Focusing on the New York City drag scene, the documentary showcases the extravagant ball culture and voguing, whilst also exploring race, sexuality and gender issues in America. As timeless as it is influential.






 

8) Directed by the infamous John Waters, 'Pink Flamingos' (1972) has become one of the most notorious films for it's hilarious yet controversial 'black comedy' themes. The story follows Divine, the iconic drag queen, and her battle to keep the title of 'the filthiest person alive'. Without a doubt a must-see for lovers of all things outrageous.






 

9) 2013 French romantic drama 'Blue is the Warmest Colour' has quickly become almost a cult classic. The film follows the story of fifteen year old Adele as she struggles with her sexual identity. Her life is changed when she falls in love with blue haired painter, Emma. A wonderful story of young love and growing up.






 

10) Another iconic film, 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert' (1994) follows the story of three performers traveling across the Australian desert in their colourful bus named 'Priscilla'. Read more about the film and its impact in Izzy's article HERE.

Thank you all for reading!
Rach x