10 Binge-Worthy Movies and TV Shows for Pride Month 2019
June is often considered a Pride Month after the 1969 Stonewall incident, where members of the LGBT Community held a demonstration against a police raid in New York City. These days, Pride Month is commemorated around the world through various events including the Pride March.
Also Read: March Together at the Metro Manila Pride 2019 this June
To celebrate Pride Month, here are some binge-worthy movies and TV Shows that not only promote acceptance and equality but also help us further understand the LGBTQI+ Community.
RuPaul’s Drag Race
Most people will know RuPaul’s Drag Race as the “biggest stage for drag” in the world. This reality TV show documents RuPaul Charles in the search for “America’s Next Drag Superstar”. While some people might pass this off as “another” reality show, RuPaul’s Drag Race has been a witness to some of the most touching and inspiring stories of the LGBTQI+ Community. These include the story of season 9 alumni Peppermint, who, after the show, became the first trans woman to originate a principal role on Broadway in the production Head Over Heels.
This show is more than just drama because these Drag Queens are able to share their stories to the world, as well as inspire others to take a stand and be who they really want to be.
Queer Eye
Queer Eye takes audiences to Atlanta and other towns in Georgia, where a group of style experts known as the “Fab Five” forge relationships with people who often have different beliefs with them—leading to moments of social commentary peppered with style advice. The Fab Five include interior designer Bobby Berk, food and wine specialist Antoni Porowski, grooming consultant Jonathan Van Ness, culture expert Karamo Brown, and fashion designer Tan France.
Tales of the City
Based on a novel by Armistead Maupin, Tales of the City follows Mary Ann who returns to San Francisco after 20 years. She reunites with her daughter Shawna and her ex-husband to flee a midlife crisis that was created by her life in Connecticut. Tales of the City is a queer classic that reflects an extraordinary journey.
Call Me by Your Name
Call Me by Your Name (Italian: Chiamami col tuo nome) is a coming-of-age film that was based on André Aciman’s novel of the same name. The film is set in 1983 where 17-year-old Elio Perlman meets Oliver, a doctoral student who happens to be an intern of his father. This is a sensual yet transcendent tale of first love that viewers will surely learn a thing or two.
Die Beautiful
Die Beautiful is a Filipino tragicomedy that follows Trisha, a transgender beauty queen who suddenly dies during her coronation at a pageant. Her last wish was to appear as a different celebrity on each night of her wake. However, her father insists that she will be buried as a man. Left with no other choice, Trisha’s friends steal the body and hold her wake in a secret location. In accordance to her wish, she is made up to look like different celebrities as the film looks back at her vibrant and extraordinary life as a son, a mother, a friend, a sister, a love, and a queen.
RENT
Based on the rock musical of the same name, RENT tells the story of a group of Bohemians who live in the East Village of New York City as they struggle with love, life, and AIDS—and the impact of these in America. More than just a musical, RENT documents life and the struggles that come along with it.
Rainbow Sunset
Rainbow Sunset is a Filipino family drama that follows the story of an 84-year-old man who comes out as gay to his children, in order to take care of his cancer-stricken lover. His family is burdened with troubles and victories as he is torn between his duty to his family or his true love.
Paris is Burning
If you’re a fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race, you’ve probably heard of Paris Is Burning at least once in the course of the show’s 11-season run. Paris Is Burning is an American documentary film portraying New York City’s ball culture, as well as the Latino, African-American, gay and transgender communities that are involved in it. It’s a thoughtful exploration of sexuality, gender, race, and class in the United States.
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson chronicles the mysterious death of black gay rights activist and Stonewall veteran, Marsha P. Johnson, in 1992. In a series of archival interviews with Johnson and new interviews with her family, friends and fellow activists, a transgender crime advocate Victoria Cruz succeeds in getting answers in the death of a spectacular person.
State of Pride
State of Pride is a Youtube Original documentary where Raymond Braun, a Youtuber and activist, along with Jeffrey Friedman and Rob Epstein explore the LGBT rights movement. It’s the first of 3 documentaries by Youtube for Pride 2019.
Which movies are you planning to binge watch? Happy Pride Month!
