Joseph Jarrett

Much like music, the movies they love act as a way to get a glimpse into the facets of people’s inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Though everyone has their own style and taste, the beauty of it all is understanding how these pieces show the uniqueness of the person. In the last decade or so, we have seen a good amount of movies focused on LGBTQ+ people and their stories come to the forefront. These movies serve as a vital reminder of the hardships queer people experience. Today, I want to share with you some of my favorite queer-based films and how they make me feel seen. Roll the tape!

Love, Simon (2018)

            Yes, I am talking about this one again. If you haven’t pieced it together between some of my previous blogs and some mentions in Mishaps & Mistakes, this film is one of the most important to me. It was my mom’s idea to go see it, and I’m still grateful for it to this day. The titular Simon experiences the hardships of being a gay high schooler at an intense rate. No one ever deserves to be outed, but no one especially deserves to be blackmailed and outed. Simon is much stronger than I because I think I would’ve gone ballistic if that were how my story unfolded. However, we got the heart-to-heart conversation between Nick Robinson’s Simon and Jennifer Garner as his mom, Emily. Emily is a highly regarded character on social media, as she makes it evidently clear that she wants her son to be able to open up and live his truth on his own terms. This is an experience many young gay men did not get to have, but I am one of the lucky ones who did. I remember crying in the theatre with my mom, holding hands as they let their walls fall down for each other. God, I want to cry remembering it.

Red, White, and Royal Blue (2023)

            Everyone needs to say thank you to Prime Video for this masterpiece of an adaptation. Casey McQuiston had given me one of my favorite books of all time with the source material, but the film version also holds a special place in my heart. I adore this story so much because of how closely I relate to Henry’s character. The heaviness he feels in the depths of his soul, knowing that he can never be happy if he continues to choose putting others before himself. It’s something that so many gay men understand, me included. Anyone who relates to Henry prays that they find themselves an Alex, the person who is the complete opposite of them, but it works perfectly. Seeing their story come to life on a screen was so exciting, and it left me laughing, then sobbing, then laughing again, then sobbing some more. I’d watch it again a million times over. But a major shout-out to Zahra for being the best film character, probably ever!

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)

            Now, this one may be a deep cut that not many have seen or remember. For me, this is a perfect movie, especially during Pride Month. You have drag queens stuck in a country town, and it ends up being a happy story? Come on, that’s art. I think this movie is so important because it helps us to remember that if you choose to be open-minded and give people a genuine chance, you might just make some lifelong friends. You have Vida, played by the amazing Patrick Swayze, becoming a protector and friend of Stockard Channing’s Carol Ann. Both, in their own ways, are victims, but they grow strong together and heal their broken pieces as a team. Wesley Snipes’ Noxeema befriending the quiet widow Clara is just adorable and makes you smile ear to ear. But it’s also important to note how we see John Leguizamo’s Chi Chi mature and understand that being selfish will get you nowhere good, but being selfless will get you everywhere. This is a movie for everyone, not just the gays. And it’s one I think everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.

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            There are so many amazing movies I could continue on with. Honorable mentions to Moonlight, Call Me by Your Name, and Summer of 85, all amazing movies that maybe I’ll dive into deeper in a later post. But for now, here is where we conclude. Now, these were movies that made me feel seen, but what are some that you felt were reflective of your story? Let me know, friend!