Explore Pride Month Through Books and Films

Pride Month is an opportunity to explore and celebrate the many voices, experiences and stories that make up LGBTQ+ communities.

Whether through fiction, biographies, documentaries or feature films, these works offer unique perspectives on identity, resilience, relationships and self-expression across different generations and cultures.

To mark the month, the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Council has gathered a collection of books and films for you to explore.

Books

Fiction

  • Cinema Love by Jiaming Tang: A moving, multi-generational novel spanning China, Chinatown and New York that explores forbidden relationships, hidden secrets and the lasting impact of memory.
  • Sword Stone Table edited by Swapna Krishna and Jenn Northington: An anthology of LGBTQ+ retellings that reimagines the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table with fresh, inclusive perspectives.
  • Loveless by Alice Oseman: A heartfelt coming-of-age novel about a college student who discovers and embraces her identity as asexual and aromantic while learning what love and connection mean to her.

Nonfiction

  • Marsha by Tourmaline: A compelling biography that explores the life, activism and enduring legacy of LGBTQ+ pioneer and civil rights advocate Marsha P. Johnson.
  • The Stonewall Reader by New York Public Library and Jason Baumann: A powerful collection of firsthand accounts and historical writings that chronicles the events leading up to and following the Stonewall uprising and the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
  • Queer Love in Color by Jamal Jordan: An inspiring collection of photographs and stories celebrating the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ couples and families across cultures, identities and generations.

Movies

Contemporary Films

  • I Saw the TV Glow (2024) A surreal psychological drama that uses a mysterious TV show to explore identity, self-discovery and the struggle to live authentically.
  • Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) A biographical drama that chronicles the rise of Freddie Mercury and the band Queen, exploring his journey through fame, identity and personal challenges.
  • Nimona (2023) An adventurous animated fantasy about a disgraced knight and a shape-shifting teen who join forces to uncover the truth and challenge expectations about heroes and villains.
  • The Prom (2020) A feel-good musical comedy about a group of Broadway performers who support a teenager fighting for the chance to attend prom with her girlfriend.

Classic Films

  • Cabaret (1972) A classic musical set in 1930s Berlin that explores love, identity and the vibrant nightlife of a rapidly changing era.
  • The Birdcage (1996) A timeless comedy about a longtime couple who go to great lengths to impress their son’s conservative future in-laws, leading to a series of humorous misunderstandings.

Documentaries

  • Paris Is Burning (1990) A landmark documentary that explores New York City’s 1980s ballroom culture and the vibrant LGBTQ+ communities that shaped it.
  • The Freedom to Exist (2026) This documentary highlights contemporary transgender experiences through an intimate interview with actor and advocate Elliot Page.
  • Mama Bears (2022) A heartfelt documentary about a group of Christian mothers who become passionate advocates for their LGBTQ+ children and families.
  • A Secret Love (2020) A touching documentary about a former baseball player and her partner, whose lifelong relationship remained hidden from family and society for decades.

We hope you enjoy exploring these stories, voices and experiences throughout Pride Month and perhaps discovering a new book, documentary or film along the way.