As part of LGBTQIA+ History Month UK, we have collated a useful list of films, series, books and podcasts recommended to help you get educated on LGBTQIA+ history as well as learn more about different sexualities within the community.
Marsha ‘Pay It No Mind’ Johnson was a prominent figure in the gay liberation and transgender rights movement in New York and co-founder of activist group S.T.A.R alongside Sylvia Rivera. This documentary explores activist Victoria Cruz investigating Johnson’s suspected death as well showing archive footage of Johnson’s life and Sylvia’s important role in the movement.
A documentary on intersex individuals, who have a combination of what is generally thought of as male and female anatomy. An interesting watch which shows the challenges and discrimination that these individuals face in everyday life.
A brand-new drama from Russell T Davies (Doctor Who fans rejoice) set in the 1980s that explores a group of gay friends living together at the onset of the AIDS crisis. With an amazing cast (Olly Alexander, Stephen Fry, Neil Patrick Harris and more) this is a brilliant watch to learn about recent history in an engrossing drama!
A documentary chronicling six decades in the lives of Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, a lesbian couple who launched the first public organisation for lesbians in 1955. It shows the early challenges they faced and the constant struggles they had throughout their relationship.
Biographical film about Harvey Milk, a gay rights activist and politician who became the first ever openly gay person to be elected to public office in California. A big Oscar winner at the time, the film is a great positive depiction of the man and his work.
A non-fiction graphic novel about the histories of queer thought and LGBTQIA+ action. It explores a wide range of areas as well as key landmarks that shifted what’s ‘normal’ in terms of sexuality, such as Kinsey’s view of sexuality as a spectrum. An engaging read with really witty illustrations to go alongside it!
This book (released in 2019 to mark fifty years since the Stonewall uprising) is a collection of first-hand accounts, diaries and articles from LGBTQIA+ magazines and newspapers that document the years leading up to and after the riots, with the rise of the Stonewall gay liberation movement.
A hilarious yet heart-breaking memoir about Amrou’s life in the UK as a Muslim in a strict household, how he realised he was queer and went on to become a drag queen. It’s an unflinching autobiography that doesn’t shy away from an often harsh reality but remains entertaining throughout.
This is the biggest single collection of bisexual literature in one book! 220 essays that explore the identity of bisexuality from different perspectives all across the world. A really enlightening read for both those who identify as bisexual and those wanting to be better allies.
A book which explores male sexuality in British culture over a 1000 year period through famous and unfamous historical personalities. A compelling read showing the various ways that British men have expressed their love for each other over different eras!
This is an insightful podcast that explores untold stories from Britain’s queer history with the use of handwritten log books from Switchboard, the LGBT+ helpline, from decades ago. Every episode features a different story or theme and is a fascinating look into the experience of the LGBTQIA+ community at a more dangerous and unsafe period in time.
Oxford University has hosted some fantastic lectures during their own LGBTQIA+ history month and you can listen to them all on its dedicated podcast. There are fascinating lectures on topics such as LGBT equality in the 21st century and the life of Alan Turing.
One of the biggest LGBTQIA+ podcasts right now, Two comedians and friends, James Barr and Dan Hudson, discuss everything from current social issues to their own respective love lives. An entertaining podcast that shows how sexual identity doesn’t need to be a barrier to friendship!
This is a queer history podcast that covers stories and real-life people around the world, both past and present. Presented by four queer Melbournians friends, it’s a fun and informative listen that covers some interesting figures you may not be aware of like Emperor Nero, Frederick The Great and Pope Joan!
The BBC spoke to a number of individuals who identify as asexual and asked them what things are not helpful to say to them. A quick informative read that breaks down stereotypes and stigmas around asexuality.
A 15-minute documentary when Stacey Dooley went to Florida in the aftermath of the Pulse Bar shootings to explore the prejudice and homophobia faced daily by the LGBTQIA+ community.
There is a lot of recent LGBTQIA+ history so it is interesting to go back even further in time and read stories from centuries ago. This blog covers the relationship between the Roman emperor Hadrian and his relationship with Antinous.
A short documentary series that tells of LGBTQIA+ icons. There are five in the series and you can watch the one about trans activist and pioneer Lou Sullivan here.
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