Hi! My name is Yankai. As a media student at Liverpool and someone passionate about representation, I know how powerful representation in books, films, and media can be in revisiting the past, imagining new futures, and celebrating everyday queer experiences. These stories matter!
To celebrate LGBT+ history month, I want to shine a light on books, films and other forms of media that capture the historical roots and modern progress of the LGBT+ movement, as well as those that showcase the everyday lives and experiences of queer individuals today.
Films
I Saw the TV Glow (2024)
This psychological horror film dives into themes of trans identity, nostalgia, and repression of queerness through a surreal lens. It tells the story of two teens who become obsessed with a mysterious TV show, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Think Donnie Darko meets Euphoria, but queerer and more unsettling. If you love eerie, personal, and thought-provoking cinema, add this to your watchlist!
Paris Is Burning (1990)
A legendary documentary capturing New York’s 1980s ballroom scene, where Black and Latinx queer communities built a space for self-expression, survival, and family. If you’ve ever watched RuPaul’s Drag Race and heard terms like “realness” and “throwing shade,” this is where it all started and is the blueprint for modern day queer lingo.
Joyland (2022)
This Pakistani drama made history as the country’s first film to be shortlisted for the Oscars. It tells the story of a young man who joins an underground dance theatre and falls for a transgender woman, challenging gender norms and societal expectations. Joyland is a beautifully shot, emotionally complex film that highlights the struggles and desires of marginalized communities.
Books
The Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller
Set in the Greek Heroic Age, this stunning novel reimagines Homer’s Iliad through the perspective of Patroclus, Achilles’ closest companion and lover. It’s a beautifully written story of love, destiny, and war that brings an intimate and emotional lens to one of mythology’s most famous relationships. If you love historical fiction and tragic romances, this one’s for you.
The Well of Loneliness – Radclyffe Hall
First published in 1928, this ground-breaking novel is often considered one of the earliest works of lesbian literature. It follows the life of Stephen Gordon, a woman who struggles with societal rejection due to her attraction to women. Though controversial at the time of publication, The Well of Loneliness is an important historical piece that paved the way for LGBT+ representation in literature.
Podcasts
Queer Talk
If you’re looking for a podcast that highlights the uplifting and joyful side of the LGBT+ experience, Queer Talk is a must-listen. Hosted by Mufseen and Spencer, this show celebrates queer voices through positive storytelling, insightful conversations, and a touch of humour. While it doesn’t shy away from important topics, the overall vibe remains energetic and inspiring, making it a great listen for anyone who loves engaging and feel-good content.
Making Gay History
History comes to life in Making Gay History, where host Eric Marcus uncovers the hidden voices of the LGBT+ past. Using archival interviews, the podcast paints intimate portraits of activists, trailblazers, and everyday individuals who shaped queer history. Whether featuring well-known figures or unsung heroes, each episode offers a deeply personal glimpse into the moments that defined the fight for LGBT+ rights.