By Beds SU
Wednesday, 1 February 2023
Please note, this article includes some language that many have reclaimed but may still cause offence to some.
Introduction
To celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, we’ve gathered a list of compelling and critically acclaimed TV shows, films, books, and podcasts.
In our list, we’ve gathered pieces of media that explore and celebrate queer people and campaigns. We’ve included resources that look at the traditional and modern history of the LGBTQ+ movement, as well as pieces of media that celebrate the everyday life of queer people today.
TV shows
Feel Good
Stand-up comic Mae Martin navigates a passionate, messy relationship with her girlfriend, George, while dealing with the challenges of sobriety.
Available to stream on Netflix and All 4.
Heartstoppers
Heartstoppers is a British coming-of-age romantic drama following teens Charlie and Nick who discover their unlikely friendship might be something more as they navigate school and young love.
Available to stream on Netflix.
Queer Britain
Riyadh Khalaf aims to shine a light on both queer culture and the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in this documentary series.
Available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Special
A young gay man with cerebral palsy decides to do away with his identity as an accident victim and go after the life he desires. This semi-autobiographical comedy series stars actor-writer Ryan O’Connell and is based on his memoir.
Available to stream on Netflix.
It’s a Sin
A drama from Russel T Davies, It’s a Sin follows the stories of five friends who grew up during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the UK.
Queer as Folk
Enjoyed It’s a Sin? Then you’ll love one of Russel T Davies early shows, Queer as Folk, which follows the daily lives of three gay friends living in Manchester.
Available to stream on Netflix and All 4.
Films
My Policeman
A tale of forbidden romance and changing social conventions. Harry Styles stars as Tom, a policeman in 1950s Britain, who falls in love with a schoolteacher on the Brighton coast. However, tension builds when he begins a passionate same-sex affair with museum curator Patrick, despite homosexuality being illegal.
Available to stream on Amazon Prime.
Carol
Set in 1950s New York, things take an unexpected turn when department store worker Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara) develops strong feelings for Carol (Cate Blanchett).
Available to stream on Amazon Prime.
The Boys in the Band
At a birthday party in 1968 New York, a surprise guest and a drunken game leaves seven gay friends reckoning with unspoken feelings and buried truths. Stars Jim Parsons, Zachary Quinto and Matt Bomer.
Available to stream on Netflix.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Inspired by a true story and based on a hit musical, Everyone’s Talking about Jamie tells the story of Jamie Campbell, who overcomes prejudice and bullying to follow his dream of becoming a drag queen.
Available to stream on Amazon Prime.
Everything Everywhere All At Once
At the heart of this sci-fi, action, kung-fu, comedy, multiverse-ending genre blend, is a story about a mother accepting her daughters queerness.
Available to stream on Amazon Prime.
Moonlight
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture, Moonlight depicts a coming-of-age story and queer love.
Available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Books
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Set during the Greek Heroic Age, The Song of Achilles is a reinterpretation of Homer’s Iliad as told from the perspective of Patroclus and follows his romantic relationship with Achilles.
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
Enjoyed the Heartstopper Netflix series? Why not check out the collection of graphic novels the show was based on with four volumes to dive into.
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart
Winner of the 2020 Booker Prize, Shuggie Bain follows the youngest of three children, Shuggie, discovering his queerness in 1980s post-industrial working-class Glasgow.
Greedy: Notes from a Bisexual Who Wants Too Much by Jen Winston
Provocative and charming, Greedy is a collection of essays by Jen Winston which offers an intimate look at bisexuality, gender, and general sexuality.
Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
A national bestseller, this book follows the story of three people, diving into the themes of gender identity, parenthood, and modern relationships.
Margaret and the Mystery of the Missing Body by Megan Milks
A coming-of-age novel exploring gender, sexuality, and mental health, this book reimagines 1990s adolescence and the process of self-discovery.
Podcasts
The LGBT Sport Podcast
Featuring various guest athletes, host Jack Murley looks at past and current LGBTQ+ issues in sport.
One From the Vaults
Interested in learning more about trans history? Then you’ll love hearing all the dirt, gossip, and glamour explored in One From the Vaults!
Making Gay History
For a more personal account of LGBTQ+ history, Eric Minus repurposes old archival interviews to create intimate portraits of both known and long-forgotten champions, heroes, and witnesses to history.
Food 4 Thot
A multiracial mix of queer writers talk about sex, relationships, race, identity and what they’re reading.
Dyking Out – a Lesbian and LGBTQIA Podcast for Everyone!
A podcast about queer life, news and pop culture hosted by comedians Carolyn Bergier and Melody Kamali. Regularly features guests ranging from comedians, musicians and actors to discuss topics relevant to the LGBTQ+ world.
Totally Trans Podcast Network
Lover of the arts? Why not check out this podcast that discusses finding trans representation in film, TV and literature.
Support is on hand
At Beds SU, we have an LGBTQ+ society and an LGBT+ Student Network. If you’d like more information about either of these groups, email help@bedssu.co.uk.
If you need support this LGBTQ+ History Month, there are plenty of resources you can utilise:
• Switchboard – Switchboard provides a one-stop listening service for LGBTQ+ people on the phone, by email and through instant messaging.
• Stonewall – Information and support for LGBTQ+ communities and their allies, and a free support phone line.
• Samaritans – A free listening and support service for anyone who needs to talk.
• Mermaids – Mermaids provide a helpline and web chat service for transgender and gender diverse people up to and including the age of 19, their families, and professionals working with them.