Daughters of Bilitis

Wings (1927) Dir. William A Wellman

Portrait of Jason is a groundbreaking 1967 documentary film directed by Shirley Clarke. The film is an intimate and unfiltered portrait of Jason Holliday, an African-American gay man and aspiring cabaret performer, as he shares his life story and experiences while being filmed over the course of one night in a New York City apartment. Throughout the film, Jason recounts tales from his past, including his experiences with racism, homophobia, and substance abuse. He tells the story of his relationships, aspirations, and complex identity as a gay black man in 1960s America.

As the film progresses, Jason becomes increasingly candid and vulnerable, offering viewers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into his life and psyche. The film challenges societal norms and stereotypes, offering a poignant and often confrontational exploration of race, sexuality, and identity. This film is celebrated for its innovative approach to documentary filmmaking and its groundbreaking portrayal of LGBTQ+ and African-American experiences. It remains a powerful and enduring work that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Near the documentary's conclusion, Jason's demeanor shifts as he becomes increasingly intoxicated while conversing with the crew. Gone is the facade of a documentary subject merely performing for the camera. Previously, he had recounted tales of his encounters with a veneer of humor and wit. However, as tears well up in his eyes and he collapses onto the floor, Jason sheds the pretense and exposes his innermost vulnerabilities: he is not only a victim of societal prejudice as a black, gay man in the 1960s, but also acknowledges his own responsibility for his struggles.

Funeral Parade of Roses is a groundbreaking 1969 Japanese avant-garde film directed by Toshio Matsumoto. The film is a loose adaptation of the Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex and is set in the underground gay subculture of Tokyo. The story follows Eddie, a transgender hostess at a bar in Tokyo, who navigates her relationships and struggles with her identity. Eddie becomes entangled in a love triangle involving her boyfriend, the bar owner, and a rival hostess named Leda.

As the film unfolds, Eddie's life becomes increasingly turbulent as she grapples with her past, her desires, and the complexities of her relationships. Flashbacks and dream sequences reveal traumatic events from Eddie's childhood, adding layers to her character and motivations. Amidst the personal drama, Funeral Parade of Roses also explores broader themes of gender identity, societal repression, and the search for self-acceptance. The film is renowned for its experimental visual style, including surreal imagery, avant-garde editing techniques inspired from the French New Wave era, and bold cinematography. Funeral Parade of Roses is a provocative and visually stunning exploration of identity, desire, and the human condition, challenging societal norms and pushing the boundaries of cinematic expression.

Matsumoto's inaugural feature defies simple categorization as it plunges viewers into the depths of 1960s Japanese counterculture. Attempting to capture its essence in words proves futile; it's an experience that demands firsthand viewing. Remarkably ahead of its time, it stands apart from the era's typical trashploitation offerings that tackled similar themes. Blending experimental cinematic techniques with flawless execution, it immerses audiences in a feverish whirlwind of sex, drugs, love, and decay. 

Happy Together is a 1997 film directed by Wong Kar-wai, renowned for its poignant portrayal of love and longing. The film follows the tumultuous relationship between two young men from Hong Kong, Lai Yiu-Fai and Ho Po-Wing, who travel to Argentina in search of a fresh start. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, the couple's relationship becomes strained as they grapple with their own personal demons and the challenges of being in a foreign land. Their journey is marked by moments of passion, tenderness, and heartache as they navigate the complexities of love and desire.

Lai Yiu-Fai and Ho Po-Wing find themselves caught in a cycle of love and loss, unable to escape the emotional turbulence that defines their relationship. Despite their efforts to find happiness together, they are ultimately forced to confront the harsh realities of their situation and the limitations of their love. Happy Together is celebrated for its visually stunning cinematography, evocative soundtrack, and nuanced performances. It offers a poignant exploration of love, loneliness, and the quest for connection, leaving a lasting impact on viewers long after the credits roll.

Wong Kar Wai crafts a tale of wandering, aimlessness, and solitude, capturing fleeting bursts of emotion. Scenes are brief, only sometimes extending their emotional resonance into the next, mirroring the transient nature of human feelings. Against this backdrop of impermanence, Wong Kar Wai constructs a narrative that defies conventional plot structures, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the metaphorical journey and experience the profound alienation felt by Ho Po-Wing and Lai Yiu-Fai, displaced from their native Hong Kong.

Moonlight is a 2016 coming-of-age film directed by Barry Jenkins, divided into three chapters that chronicle the life of Chiron, a young African-American man, as he navigates his identity, sexuality, and place in the world. The film is divided into three chapters: Little, Chiron, and Black, each chapter expressing a moment in Chiron's life as he evolves into a different person than the last. 

In the first chapter, Little, we meet Chiron as a young boy living in a tough neighborhood in Miami. Bullied at school and neglected at home, he finds solace and guidance from Juan, a drug dealer, and his girlfriend Teresa. Through their nurturing, Chiron begins to explore his own identity and sexuality. The second chapter, Chiron, follows a teenage Chiron as he grapples with his burgeoning feelings for his childhood friend Kevin while dealing with the challenges of his troubled home life and the harsh realities of growing up in a rough environment. In the final chapter, Black, we encounter Chiron as an adult, now going by the nickname "Black." He has transformed himself into a hardened drug dealer, mirroring Juan's lifestyle from his youth. However, beneath the tough exterior lies a vulnerable and conflicted soul still haunted by his past and struggling to reconcile his true self with societal expectations.

Moonlight is celebrated for its intimate portrayal of Chiron's journey, its poetic visuals, and its exploration of themes such as identity, sexuality, masculinity, and the enduring power of love and compassion. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2017, cementing its status as a modern cinematic masterpiece. Subtly impactful and visually stunning, Moonlight stands as an exquisitely crafted cinematic marvel destined to leave an indelible mark. 

The Watermelon Woman is a 1996 independent film directed by Cheryl Dunye, who also stars as the protagonist sharing the same name. The film is a groundbreaking exploration of race, sexuality, and identity in the context of filmmaking. The story follows Cheryl, a young black lesbian working in a video store, who becomes fascinated with a mysterious black actress credited as the "Watermelon Woman" in old Hollywood films. Determined to uncover the identity and history of this overlooked actress, Cheryl embarks on a journey of self-discovery and historical investigation.

As Cheryl delves deeper into her research, she confronts issues of representation, erasure, and the complexities of identity within both the black and LGBTQ+ communities. Along the way, she grapples with her own romantic relationships, friendships, and aspirations as a filmmaker. The Watermelon Woman is celebrated for its innovative blending of documentary and narrative filmmaking techniques, as well as its bold and unapologetic exploration of intersectional identities. It remains a landmark work in queer cinema, challenging viewers to rethink the ways in which stories are told and history is remembered.

As a black lesbian filmmaker, Cheryl Dunye has filled her career with fearless examination and deconstruction of the intersections of race, sexuality, and gender, presenting her insights with a natural blend of fierceness and tenderness, inviting others to engage in the dialogue. Despite these distinctions, Dunye's career and influences are captivating in practice.

Paris is Burning is a 1990 documentary film directed by Jennie Livingston, offering an intimate and captivating glimpse into the underground ballroom scene of New York City in the late 1980s. The film primarily focuses on the lives of African American and Latino LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly drag queens and transgender women, who participate in elaborate ballroom competitions. These competitions provide a platform for participants to showcase their skills in dance, fashion, and performance, while also allowing them to express their identities and aspirations in a supportive community.

Through candid interviews and footage from the balls themselves, Paris is Burning explores themes of race, class, gender, and sexuality, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of its subjects as they navigate the complexities of life in marginalized communities. The film also delves into the broader cultural impact of the ballroom scene, highlighting its influence on mainstream fashion, music, and dance. However, it does not shy away from addressing the harsh realities faced by its participants, including poverty, discrimination, and the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Paris is Burning is known for its raw honesty, vibrant energy, and unflinching portrayal of a subculture that remains both influential and marginalized. It has become a landmark work in LGBTQ+ cinema, inspiring countless viewers and filmmakers alike with its powerful message of resilience, creativity, and self-expression.

I recall an interview with Hunter Schafer where she talked about her admiration for this film, sparking my interest some time ago. After watching it, I was able to understand why: the film is so incredibly raw in its storytelling, that I felt as if I were living through it alongside each character. I can't think of a documentary that more effectively exposes the societal hostility towards queer individuals, particularly people of color, just over three decades ago. This film remains outstanding, and I hold it in high regard.

Tongues Untied is a groundbreaking 1989 documentary film directed by Marlon Riggs, offering an unflinching exploration of black gay identity and experience in America. The film combines personal testimony, poetry, music, and visual imagery to create a powerful and intimate portrait of the lives of black gay men. Through a series of vignettes, interviews, and poetic reflections, the film discusses the intersectionality of race, sexuality, and masculinity, shedding light on the challenges and joys faced by its subjects.

Riggs uses the film as a platform to confront issues such as racism, homophobia, violence, and HIV/AIDS, while also celebrating the resilience, creativity, and community within the black gay community. Tongues Untied received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to storytelling and its unapologetic celebration of black gay identity. It remains a seminal work in LGBTQ+ cinema, challenging viewers to confront their own prejudices and expand their understanding of the diversity of human experience.

Tongues Untied stands as a remarkable achievement in independent filmmaking. It confronts the societal erasure of black gay men by presenting them as vital and affirming presences. Marlon Riggs deftly fills the void, effectively crafting a cinematic space where these individuals are not just represented but celebrated. Riggs acknowledges that black gay men exist at the margins of both mainstream gay and black cultures, and he imbues this outsider status with revolutionary potential, asserting that "Black men loving Black men is a revolutionary act."

Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a 2019 French film directed by Céline Sciamma, set in 18th-century France. The story follows Marianne, a young painter, who is commissioned to paint a portrait of Héloïse, a reluctant bride-to-be who refuses to pose for portraits. Marianne is tasked with painting Héloïse in secret, pretending to be her companion during walks along the cliffs and beaches of Brittany. As Marianne and Héloïse spend time together, their initial professional relationship evolves into a deep and passionate romance. Against the backdrop of the stunning coastal landscape, they explore their desires and form a profound emotional connection. However, their love affair is complicated by the societal constraints of the time and Héloïse's impending marriage.

The film explores themes of love, desire, freedom, and the role of women in society, offering a visually stunning meditation on the nature of art and love. Portrait of a Lady on Fire has been praised for its exquisite cinematography, evocative score, and powerful performances, particularly those of its lead actresses, Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel. 

Portrait of a Lady on Fire is considered a landmark film for LGBTQ+ representation due to its nuanced portrayal of a lesbian romance set in the 18th century. The film deviates from the typical tropes and stereotypes often associated with LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream cinema, offering a sensitive and authentic exploration of same-sex love. One of the film's most notable aspects is its focus on the emotional and romantic connection between the two female protagonists, Marianne and Héloïse, without sensationalizing or fetishizing their relationship. Director Céline Sciamma depicts their love story with tenderness and depth, allowing viewers to empathize with their struggles and desires, and after every rewatch of this film, I feel more strongly than the last. 

Brokeback Mountain is a 2005 romantic drama film directed by Ang Lee, based on the 1997 short story of the same name by Annie Proulx. The film follows the complex and forbidden romance between two cowboys, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, set against the backdrop of the American West in the 1960s and 1970s. Ennis and Jack are hired to tend sheep on Brokeback Mountain during a summer season. Despite their initial reservations, they develop a deep emotional and physical connection. Their relationship continues after they leave the mountain, but they must navigate societal expectations, internalized homophobia, and the pressures of their personal lives.

As the years pass, Ennis and Jack struggle to maintain their relationship while living separate lives. They marry women and start families, but their feelings for each other persist, leading to clandestine reunions over the years. Their love is tested by the oppressive social norms of the time, culminating in a tragic and heart-wrenching conclusion that leaves both men longing for the life they could have had together. Brokeback Mountain is celebrated for its raw exploration of love, desire, and the consequences of societal prejudice. 

For two hours, Brokeback Mountain immerses viewers in a whirlwind of emotional intensity that is both draining and cathartic. Jake Gyllenhaal and the late Heath Ledger deliver powerful performances, brimming with passion and vitality, captivating audiences and drawing them into the heart of the story. The film remains a staple in LGBTQ+ cinema, breaking barriers and sparking important conversations about identity and acceptance.