Bshares six books, films, and artists from the past 100 years that areabsolutely worth revisiting this monthOver LGBTQ+ History Month, revisiting media from the past and present that either emerged from or prominently features queerness in all its forms is a wonderful way to connect with the history and evolution of queer culture. It allows us to reflect on the struggles, triumphs, and ongoing journey of the LGBTQ+ community., I’ve compiled a list of six books, films, and artists from the past100 years that I believe are absolutely worth revisiting this month, each offering a unique perspective on queer life and history:
Books
- Orlando by Virginia Woolf (1928)
Orlando begins as a young man in Elizabethan England, only to mysteriously transform into a woman. The narrative spans 300 years, exploring Orlando's journey through different eras as both genders. The novel is, short and easy to read, offering an early exploration of identity that exists fluidly through gender, rather than being confined to one. (If you don’t particularly fancy reading the book, there is an excellent film adaptation of the book, staring Tilda Swinton). - Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin (1956)
Baldwin’s novel tells the story of David, an American man struggling with his sexual identity as he falls in love with Giovanni, a bartender, while still involved with a woman It’s a heavy read, but a worthwhile one—especially as an introduction to Baldwin’s work, as a civil rights activist and writer. - Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde (1982)
Part memoir, part myth, Lorde’s Zami blends biography and mythology to reflect on her experiences growing up as a Black lesbian in Harlem. The book explores the complexity of race, sexuality, and self-empowerment, emphasizing the importance of community, particularly among women. - Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg (1993)
Stone Butch Blues follows Jess Goldberg, a butch lesbian who struggles to reconcile her masculinity and lesbianism in a world hostile to queer people, particularly those who do not conform to traditional gender norms. We trace Jess’s journey to adulthood, exploring themes of gender, sexual identity, and the violence and discrimination faced by those outside the mainstream. Fienberg, like Audre Lorde, was part of a distinct group of New York lesbians who, from the 1970s to the mid-90s, were instrumental in shaping both the cultural and political landscape for queer women; creating female spaces through activism, art, and community. - The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst (2004)
Nick, a young man from a working-class background, enters the world of London’s 1980s elite, navigating complex relationships and political tensions, particularly against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis. The book, which won the Booker Prize, delves deeply into the gay experience of the time, capturing both juxtaposing the hedonism of the elite with the looming tragedy of the era. - The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy (2017)
Roy’s sprawling novel intertwines the lives of several characters in contemporary India, focusing on Anjum, an intersex woman who runs a mausoleum in Old Delhi. The voices in the story highlight the struggles and triumphs of marginalized individuals, particularly those on the edges of society, and the complex intersections of gender, identity, and culture.
Film
- Some Like It Hot (1959)
Two musicians disguise themselves as women to escape the mob after witnessing a crime. They join an all-female band, adopting new identities to avoid detection. As expected, chaos follows. The film was produced without approval from the Motion Picture Production Code (Hays Code), due to its portrayal of crossdressing which it plays for laughs and without any moral condemnation. Despite this, Some Like It Hot became a huge success and is often credited with contributing to the eventual retirement of the Hays Code. Widely regarded as one of the greatest film comedies of all time, it is absolutely worth the watch if only for the greatest last line in cinematic history. - The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
This kind of list deserves a cult classic. The film follows a young couple, Brad and Janet, who find themselves stranded at the castle of the eccentric Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a flamboyant and unpredictable scientist who is in the middle of creating a man—a perfect, muscle-bound creation named Rocky. As the night unfolds, Brad and Janet are thrust into a world of sexual liberation, strange experiments, and outrageous performances.
- Paris Is Burning (1990)
You may have heard of Paris is Burning before, and I highly recommend giving it a watch. It’s a ground-breaking and powerful documentary that takes you deep into New York’s drag ball scene during the 1980s. The film focuses on the lives of Black and Latinx drag queens and trans individuals, capturing their experiences of self-expression, resilience, and community-building in the face of systemic oppression. Through intimate interviews and stunning footage of the ball culture, showing the joy and artistry that has been born out of challenging circumstances. - But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)
The film follows Megan, a cheerleader whose life takes an unexpected turn when her parents send her to a conversion therapy camp, believing she’s a lesbian after catching her kissing a girl. The camp, called True Directions, is run by a hilariously over-the-top couple, who insist on “retraining” their young charges to be straight. But But I’m a Cheerleader doesn’t play it straight (literally) it’s a campy, satirical take on the absurdity of these programs, the movie follows her progress towards her an acceptance of her sexuality as she begins to fall for Graham, one of her camp mates. It’s a classic for lesbian cinema and remains light-hearted, in the face of the challenging issue of conversion therapy. - Moonlight (2016)
This Academy Award-winning film unfolds in three chapters, each depicting a pivotal moment in the life of Chiron, a young Black man navigating his identity, sexuality, and place in the world. Set in a rough neighbourhood in Miami, Moonlight shows Chiron growing up in an environment where both his queerness and his vulnerability are seen as weaknesses. As a young boy, he’s bullied by his classmates and finds solace in the caring arms of Juan, a local drug dealer who becomes a father figure. An older Chiron struggles with his emerging sexuality, at odds with the hyper-masculine ideals surrounding him. The film tenderly explores the complexity of identity, showing how love and acceptance — even in the most unlikely places — are key to self-realization. What makes Moonlight so powerful is how it transcends the typical coming-of-age story. It’s not just about Chiron coming to terms with being gay, but also about navigating the intersections of race, masculinity, and family in a world that often forces you to choose between parts of yourself.
- Blue Jean (2022)
Blue Jean takes a look at the inner turmoil of a closeted teacher in 1980s Britain, offering a subtle yet gripping exploration of the intersection between personal desires and the political pressures of the time. The film follows Jean (Rosy McEwen), a high school gym teacher, as she navigates life during the rise of anti-gay legislation in the UK. Set against the backdrop of Thatcher-era politics and the infamous Section28, which sought to restrict the "promotion" of homosexuality in schools, Jean’s life becomes an intricate balancing act between her personal relationships and her professional responsibilities. As Jean is forced to confront the very real danger of being outed — both personally and professionally. The film is a deeply empathetic and well-crafted look at what it means to exist in a society that punishes you for your identity. It’s an important, thought-provoking film that sheds light on the quiet struggles many face when forced to hide who they truly are, and it’s a poignant reminder of how far we've come — and how much work remains to be done.
Music
- Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday's voice is an emotional force of nature and one of my personal favourites. It was well-known among those close to her that she had relationships with both men and women, although this aspect of her life didn’t necessarily come through in her music as Holiday didn’t write her own songs, instead primarily performing the jazz and pop standards of the time. The arts have long been a space where queerness thrives, and many of the songwriters behind these standards, such as Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Harold Arlen were themselves believed to be queer. Billie Holidays renditions of their songs are beautifully sung and arranged, carrying the kind of lyrical richness that draws me to this period of music.
- David Bowie
David Bowie’s influence on music, fashion, and gender expression is immeasurable. As an artist who consistently reinvented himself, his fluid approach to identity, both musically and personally, made him a beacon of self-expression and artistic freedom. Bowie openly discussed his bisexuality in the 1970s, and while his statements on sexuality evolved over the years, his fearless embrace of androgyny and queer aesthetics left an indelible mark on pop culture. His alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, blurred the lines of gender and sexuality in a way that was both revolutionary and deeply influential.
- Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman’s introspective music, with its soulful lyrics and emotional depth, speaks to themes of longing, personal freedom, and self-discovery. Known for her powerful voice and poignant song writing, she has been an important figure in the LGBTQ+ community, both through her music and her own identity. While she’s kept a relatively private personal life, her queerness has been openly acknowledged, and many of her songs capture the yearning for change, escape. Her music has had a profound ability to connect with listeners on such a personal level, offering both comfort and empowerment.
- Frank Ocean
Frank Ocean’s albums Channel Orange and Blonde offer profound, emotionally charged reflections on love, identity, and self-discovery. His genre-defying sound blends R&B, soul, and experimental elements, creating a space where vulnerability and queerness are deeply woven into the fabric of his music. Frank Ocean's openness about his queerness—particularly his coming out—has had a significant cultural impact, as his work touches on themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth from a queer perspective. His music remains a testament to the power of authenticity and emotional honesty.
- Kim Petras
If you’re missing the essence of brat summer, Kim Petras is definitely a great replacement. She brings that same hyperpop, dance-pop energy with an extra layer of playful, unapologetic flair. Known for her bold and often scandalous lyrics, Petras doesn’t shy away from pushing boundaries—whether it’s through the infectious beats or the cheeky, edgy content she delivers.
- Doechii
Breaking through with an eclectic mix of sounds and bold self-expression, Doechii has quickly established herself as a force in music. Recently gaining recognition as a Grammy-winning artist, she showcases her unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and experimental elements, with lyrics that embrace individuality and confidence. Doechii’s music offers a fresh perspective, her boldness ,both sonically and lyrically, means she stands out in an ever-evolving musical landscape, and her attitude, style and skill has made her a trailblazer for new generations of queer artists.
Hopefully you’ve found some new favourites amongst this list! We’ve also got our next Community Book Club event coming up on 24 February discussing ‘We are Everywhere’ by Matthew Riemer and Leighton Brown.
If you’d like to explore some local creative talent, come along to our Creative Exhibition on 27 February.