LGBT storytelling definitely hasn’t always been progressive but this year has packed a library full of honorable mentions and buckets full of tears. While the mainstream movie industries in Africa are shying away from featuring LGBT characters and storylines, we are proud to have the likes of Wanuri Kahiu’s Rafiki and TIER’s ‘We Don’t Live Here Anymore’ holding down the fort. Unfortunately we haven’t seen these films yet but once we get to, we will dish the tea.
So far, we’ve had some really amazing LGBT features this year and we decided not to wait for next year to talk about them. So here’s our roundup of all the awesome shows and movies to add to your must watch list or simply watch again:
Love, Simon
Love, Simon follows the story of a teenager struggling to come out to his family and friends. He falls in love with an anonymous classmate online and plays dirty to keep his secret hidden when another classmate blackmails him. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing but all together the movie promises to a thrilling ride while taking shots at bullying, acceptance, family and friendships.
A very English Scandal
Starring Golden Globe-nominated actor Hugh Grant and based on a true story, “A Very English Scandal” tells the story of Jeremy Thorpe, a member of Parliament who, in 1979, was tried and later acquitted of conspiring to murder his ex gay lover, Norman Scott. Beginning in the 1960s, Thorpe is the leader of the Liberal Party, the youngest head of a political party in 100 years. But he is hiding an affair with a man at a time when homosexuality is still illegal. When Scott threatens to reveal the affair, Thorpe decides upon a plan of action that eventually exposes the scandal and leads to a watershed moment in British social and political life, illuminating the level of dark secrets and cover-ups in the British establishment. With just 3 episodes, this mini series promises to be entertaining and refreshing every step of the way.
RuPaul’s DragRace Season 10
If you don’t watch RuPauls Drag Race, you haven’t really lived yet. RuPaul welcomes 12 new drag queens to compete for the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar and take home $100,000. The show offers a refreshing glimpse into the struggles LGBT communities face with a humorous attempt at educating everyone on being more accepting. The recently concluded season 10 is packed full of surprises and must see moments.
https://youtu.be/qGXQNWzeoVU
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story is the second season of the FX true crime anthology television series American Crime Story. The season consists of a total of 9 episodes, and explores the murder of fashion designer Gianni Versace by spree killer Andrew Cunanan. The show offers a surprising insight into the life of Gianni as he lived as a gay man in a time where it wasn’t acceptable and a front sit view on life as a gay man the in 90’s.
Pose
Set in the 1980s, “Pose” is a dance musical that explores the juxtaposition of several segments of life and society in New York: the ball culture world, the rise of the luxury Trump-era universe, and the downtown social and literary scene. It follows Blanca who forms a “house,” a self-selected family that provides support to LGBTQ youth who have been rejected by their birth families. Together, they compete in the balls where house members challenge each other in various categories and are judged on their outfits, attitude, or dance skills — against Blanca’s former house mother, Elektra. 6 episodes in and the show is already shaping up to be one of the most amazing representations of the LGBTQ community and we bet it will be on for a very long time.
Queer Eye
Queer Eye is probably the most important LGBTQA show in the world right now as it bridges the gap of homophobia with the help of a new Fab Five: Antoni Porowski, food and wine expert; Tan France, fashion expert; Karamo Brown, culture expert; Bobby Berk, design expert; and Jonathan Van Ness, grooming expert. The fab 5 help straight couples and families (mostly) fix up their lives for the better and it is packed full of happy tears.
Saturday Church
Ulysses is a shy and effeminate boy who finds himself coping with new responsibilities as man of the house after the death of his father. Living alongside his mother, younger brother, and conservative aunt, Ulysses is also struggling with questions about his gender identity. He finds an escape by creating a world of fantasy filled with dance and music. Ulysses’ journey takes a turn for the better when he finds a vibrant transgender community. Overall the films packs a magical experience and it is evidently a must watch.
Did your fav skip the list? Let us know what you think in the comment section.
