5. GBF

This was just a horrible representation of the gay community. Everything bad you could ever say about how token characters work in media was definitely ticking off all of the boxes. I watched this movie when I was around 12 years old and even then I found it extremely off-putting. The plot was badly designed, the movie was badly acted, honestly, the list can go on and on. The reason why I added it to the list was that some people genuinely need to see and understand how bad representation of people part of the LGBT community has been throughout the years. Especially considering this movie was made in 2014, you would honestly expect a lot better. Not to say that this movie is everything that’s wrong with society, but…  

4. Love, Simon

I wanted to include in this list a movie about coming out. Not just movies where characters are already written in as gay, but one where a totally ‘normal’ person realizes that they are homosexual and want to come out to their friends and family. I think this movie is one of the most accurate, recent depictions of the issues a gay teenager faces nowadays, and although it’s cringe, and not necessarily the best movie ever, it’s certainly one to watch if you want to feel less alone. To me, it feels comforting and is easier to watch than a lot of other more hard-hitting movies. 

3. Moonlight

It had to make the cut, guys! It’s a beautiful, just breathtaking movie. This one is a lot more serious and anxiety-inducing than the others on this list, but besides being intense, it is a masterpiece. The soundtrack is wonderful, and the cinematography and colour palettes are absolutely immaculate. This movie is a trip to partake in, and one in which to create a real relationship between the viewer and the characters. 

2. Brokeback Mountain

It’s a classic, especially if you love Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. Heart-wrenching is one of the only ways I can describe this one. Beautiful scenery and the story reels you in like no other. A fun little anecdote for you: I first watched this movie when I was a young little girl and was traumatized – we live in a society. Look at me now. 

1. Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Who doesn’t love WLW? Exactly. Brace yourself for the sheer beauty and poetic essence of this French masterpiece. Truly a wonder to behold, the fact that it’s a historical drama only holds that much more power. It goes to show how far back issues of equality toward the LGBT community goes. Besides this, it’s intense, it’s thought-provoking, it’s truly one of a kind.