Celebrating Pride Month
Reccommended Films and Reading for PRIDE Month.
Recommended Films and Reading for PRIDE Month.
In honor of Pride Month, we’re celebrating the vibrant spectrum of LGBTQ+ experiences with a curated list of must-watch movies and essential reads. These selections offer a mix of heartfelt narratives, profound insights and cultural significance, beautifully capturing the essence of LGBTQ+ stories, struggles and triumphs.
Top 5 Movies to Watch
1. “Moonlight”
This Academy Award-winning film explores black queer identity through the poignant life journey of Chiron as he navigates love, identity and resilience in a challenging environment.
2. “Call Me by Your Name”
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Italian countryside, this film depicts the intoxicating summer romance between Elio and Oliver, filled with longing and self-discovery.
3. “The Handmaiden”
Adapted from Sarah Waters’ “Fingersmith,” this visually stunning thriller weaves a tale of romance and deception in 1930s Korea, highlighting forbidden love.
4. “Portrait of a Lady on Fire”
A visually poetic tale of love and desire, this French film tells the story of an intense and forbidden romance between an aristocrat and the painter commissioned to paint her portrait.
5. “Paris Is Burning”
This iconic documentary offers an in-depth look into the ball culture of New York City, celebrating the resilience and creativity of the drag queens and trans people who inhabit it.
Top 5 Books to Read
1. “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller
A beautifully crafted retelling of the Iliad from Patroclus’ perspective, exploring his deep, poignant love for Achilles.
2. “Giovanni’s Room” by James Baldwin
A groundbreaking novel that delves into complex themes of identity and love through the experiences of an American in Paris.
3. “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong
Written as a letter from a son to his mother, this novel offers a lyrical and heart-wrenching exploration of race, class and queerness.
4. “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston
A charming and witty romance between the First Son of the United States and a British prince, blending personal and political narratives.
5. “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows the life of Celie, an African American woman in the early 20th century, as she finds her identity and voice.
Explore these stories and share your experiences. How many of these have you explored? Do you have additional suggestions to contribute? Share your thoughts in the comments by recommending titles or authors you believe should be included. Together, let’s celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community through these powerful narratives. Happy Pride!