It's LGBTQA+ History Month, and there is a multitude of ways to celebrate. One way to entertain yourself while simultanesouly learning about the community is to watch any of these acclaimed movies and TV shows recommended by UNL's LGBTQA+ Center.
The Watermelon Woman (1996)
The first feature film by a black lesbian, "The Watermelon Woman" tells the story of Cheryl, a young black lesbian who works at a video rental store. She is simultaneously trying to make a film about an actress known as the Watermelon Woman who played a mammy-type figure in an old movie she watched.
Desert Hearts (1985)
Helen Shaver plays Professor Vivian Bell, who is staying at a Nevadan ranch while she waits for her divorce to finalize. She has taken the first step towards independence, but isn’t sure what’s next. The answer? Cay Rivers. Their romance is fraught, but absent is the melodrama one might expect from a film made in the 1980s about the 1950s. It’s a quieter, more grounded affair that still finds time for an iconic kiss in the rain. You don’t have to believe in love to believe in this movie — it’ll do that for you.
Sex Education
If you crave TV that makes you feel something, check out “Sex Education.” Packed with a gorgeous array of characters that reflect the real world, beautifully lensed, and brimming with wit, Laurie Nunn’s tender high school comedy is a balm in dark times. The concept is simple yet brilliant: Raised by a therapist mom, a teenage boy begins doling out amateur sex advice to his classmates for a small fee. “Sex Education” is full of characters of all persuasions you’re sure to fall hard for, but Ncuti Gatwa’s Eric is the show’s gay heart and soul, boasting fabulous style, a supportive religious family, and two incredible love interests. Gillian Anderson plays the mom and almost exclusively wears killer jumpsuits. “Sex Education” is available on Netflix.
Handmaiden (2016)
Inspired by the novel “Fingersmith” by Sarah Waters, a woman is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress but is secretly involved in a plot to defraud her. This movie is one of a kind, with twists and turns that you will never see coming. We think it’s best to just watch the trailer.
Tangerine (2015)
The story follows a black transgender sex worker who discovers her boyfriend and pimp has been cheating on her. As a unique filmmaking approach, the film was shot with three iPhone 5S smartphones. This film has been critically acclaimed for its screenplay, direction, performances, and portrayal of trans characters.
Milk (2008)
This biographical film is based on the life of Harvey Milk, an activist and politician, who was the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California.