Hello everyone! In celebration of pride month I decided to creat a list of five documentaries to watch this month that celebrates the LGBT community. A lot of streaming services have curated some movies as well. Other than my list I also recommending checking out the Criterion Collection streaming app. They have put together a section called “Queersighted: Turn the Gaze Around.”

So here is my list in no particular order:

Paris is Burning (1990) directed by Jennie Livingston. Starring Xtravaganza, Dorian Corey and Paris Dupree. I remember watching this documentary in middle school when I first discover the Sundance Channel. I thought that channel was a great introduction to a lot of underground movies and themes that I did not know about. This movie and a bunch of others made my gain a wider understanding of different cultures, personalities and people. This documentary highlights and celebrates everything about that.

Available from the Criterion Collection: Paris Is Burning

The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (2017):

Directed by David France. Starring Victoria Cruz, Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson (archival footage). Marsha P. Johnson was a mixture of things. She was a drag queen, activist and known as the one of the staple figures in the Stonewall riots in 1969. A year after the riots she started the pride parades and it has been a staple every year after. This documentary discusses the mysterious circumstances of her death.

Available to watch on Netflix.

I am Divine (2013)- directed by Jeffery Schwarz and starring John Waters, Michael Musto, Frances Milstead, and Mink Stole. As you know Divine (Harris Glenn) is one of my forever icons. I first saw Divine when I was seven when channel 20 was showing the movie Hairspray. This documentary explores Divine’s life, fame and death. I totally recommend this if you are a fellow Divine and/or John Waters fan!

Available to watch from Amazon.

Circus of Books (2019) Directed by Rachel Mason. Starring Karen Mason, and Barry Mason.

A sweet couple runs a LGBTQ book store in Los Angles, California. It discusses the history of how the couple met and decided to go in to business together. And how this bookstore became a staple in LA for decades.

Available to stream from Netflix.

The Dog (2013)- directed by Allison Berg and Frank Keraudren. Starring John Wojtowicz, Carmen Bifulco and Jeremy Bowker. If you ever seen the movie Dog Day Afternoon you know that was based off a true event. Although the fictional movie is great (it is actually one of my favorite movies) the documentary that explains more of the back story is definitely worth learning!!!!

available to watch on Vudu, and Tubi

Other great documentaries to watch:

Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood

McQueen

The Gospel According to Andre

The Times of Harvey Milk

Tab Hunter Confidential

Until Next time!!!