Five documentaries to watch during LGBTQ History Month

Written by Anna Baker

October is LGBTQ History Month. While pride month is a celebration of being queer today, history month is a celebration of past achievements by the LGBTQ movement. However, many of us were not taught LGBTQ history school, so it’s hard to know what to even celebrate. Here are some documentaries that educate on certain aspects of LGBTQ history.

Wednesday, October 30

Doors open at 6:15pm Student Center South, Theater Room 103

1. Before Stonewall

The 1969 Stonewall Riots is thought of as the beginning of the LGBTQ rights movement, but the lives of queer people before then are not as talked about. The 1984 documentary Before Stonewall, directed by Greta Schiller and Robert Rosenberg discusses the gay community before Stonewall, all the way back to the 1920s. The film tells a history of gay people we don’t often hear about. A history of not having the word “gay”, and underground communities and clubs. The documentary interviews people who describe their experiences as gay people before there were gay rights. Learning about queer people in a time where their existence was basically illegal, is important to since it puts in perspective how far the LGBTQ community has come. Before Stonewall is available for rent on Amazon Prime.

2. How to Survive a Plague

Directed by David France, How to Survive a Plague, follows the 1980s AIDS epidemic and the various activist groups who fought to make the government fund research for HIV drugs. The 2012 documentary features footage of demonstrations and past and recent interviews with activists. At the time, people were dying left and right from HIV because a majority of them were gay males, a cure wasn’t a priority for the U.S. government. The film showcases the bravery and heroism of LGBTQ activists who rose up to fight to find a cure and fight a system that was killing them.

To understand LGBTQ history, understanding the AIDS epidemic is critical. How to Survive a Plague is available for rent on Amazon Prime.

3. Paris is Burning

The documentary, Paris is Burning, touches on a specific part and time of LGBTQ history: the New York 1980s Ball scene. This film, directed by Jennie Livingston, shows

The documentary follows his campaign, his busy and successful political career, its tragic end, and aftermath. Harvey Milk’s work to protect gay rights in the state of California and San Francisco leaves a mark on LGBTQ political history in the U.S. The Times of Harvey Milk is available to rent on Amazon Prime.

5. The Life and Death of Martha P Johnson

If you want to be familiar with LGBTQ history, then learning about Martha P. Johnson is a must. A black trans sex worker, Johnson had a huge influence on the LGBTQ a community that came together and put on events called balls. Balls are events where gay and trans people compete in costume categories. They are places where queer people could be themselves among people like themselves. The documentary features footage of these balls and interviews with numerous participants talking about difficulties of being LGBTQ, but also about Ball culture’s influence.1980s Ball culture came up with the dance move voguing and the phrases “throwing shade” and “realness” which are still used today by the LGBTQ community. 1980s Ball culture still has influence on the current queer community. In fact, the Balls still happen today, so it’s important to learn about them. Paris is Burning is available on Netflix.

4. The Times of Harvey Milk

The Times of Harvey Milk directed by Rob Epstein, talks about the first openly gay elected official. The documentary interviews friends and coworkers Milk and talk about his political career. He served the Castro district, and gave a voice to gay people in his city, something that hadn’t happened before in America.

rights movement, being a leader in the 1969 Stonewall riots and providing housing for homeless queer youth and sex workers. The 2017 documentary, The Life and Death of Martha P. Johnson, directed by David France, follows Anti-Violence Project worker, Victoria Cruz who tries to solve the mystery behind Johnson’s death. While deemed a suicide by the NYPD, many believe she was murdered. Cruz interviews family and friends of Johnson to discuss her life, death, legacy, and the problems facing the transgender community today. The Life and Death of Martha P. Johnson is available on Netflix.

These documentaries cover a wide range of subjects regarding LGBTQ history, but they barely scratch the surface. They are however a good starting point into the stories, struggles, and figures of queer history, and hopefully will make you want to learn more about it. Happy LGBTQ history month!