There’s a reason why people trust documentaries over films when it comes to knowing real life events. Documentaries are more real, raw and present a story with utmost honesty.
This Pride Month, we’ve rounded up five queer documentaries that represent the everyday struggles LGBTQ members have to go through owing to their gender identity.
1. Breaking Free
Credit: YouTube/SolarisPictures
This 90-minute documentary by Indian filmmaker Sridhar Rangayan brings forth the injustices and human rights violation queer members face in the Indian society that is steeped with homophobia and patriarchy. This passion project of Rangayan took seven years in the making, and it shows how LGBTQ members’ right to love whoever they want was forbidden because of their gender identity.
Available to stream on YouTube
2. Purple Skies
Credit: YouTube/PSBT India
Another great documentary by Sridhar Rangayan, Purple Skies was the very first LGBTQ+ issues documentary that was aired on the national television in India. With this movie, the filmmaker has delved into what it means to be a bisexual, lesbian or trans as well as the struggles they go through in the country. It consists of several interview shots taken between 2008 and 2013.
Available to stream on YouTube
3. Of Love & Law
Credit: YouTube/The Hakawatis
This award-winning documentary revolves around the story of two Japanese lawyers—Fumi and Kazu—who are in a relationship. Of Love & Law showcases discrimination on a national scale. The couple’s real life story explores how their individual rights were stripped away due to their work in high-profile legal cases.
Available to stream on Vimeo
4. A Secret Love
Credit: YouTube/Netflix
This documentary tells a forbidden love story that had to be kept hidden from the society’s eye at a time when every corner of the world was brimming over with homophobia. It follows the journey of Terry Donahue, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player, and her partner, Pat Henschel, who kept their relationship secret from friends and family for nearly seven decades.
Available to stream on Netflix
5. State of Pride
Credit: YouTube Originals
Raymond Braun is a famous YouTuber in America as well as an LGBTQ advocate. For this documentary, he came together with Oscar-winning filmmakers Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman to explore different American states and interview queer people on what Pride Month means to them.
Available to stream on YouTube Originals
Social and lead image credit: iStock and Shutterstock
