This week we’re looking at QUILTBAG books with a female-identifying focus, those that are lesbian, bisexual, female-identifying trans, asexual. To kick off the week, I’ve pulled together a list of films focused on QUILTBAG issues focused on those with female characters/issues.
What I found was that the same thing which plagues middle grade and YA books hits harder in movies- unless you want the stereotypical, plucky sidekick/best friend, it’s extremely hard to find realistic QUILTBAG movies. And it’s even harder to find ones from a female or female-identifying perspective. From The Birdcage and Inside Out to Brokeback Mountain, Hollywood is more comfortable seeing gay men on screen. Nonetheless, I’ve pulled together a femme QUILTBAG movie playlist that showcases a variety of voices from the lesbian, bisexual, questioning, and trans perspectives.
Know of any more? Let me know in the comments and I’ll be overjoyed to add them!
BEAUTIFUL BOXER (2004): Bio-pic of transgender Muay Thai boxer Parinya Charoenphol who pursued the sport to pay for his sex change operation. Unrated. Biography.
BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS (2006): In February, 2004, with the help of Eve Ensler and Jane Fonda, a group of transgender women put on the first all-transgender production of “The Vagina Monologues”, including a new monologue. Unrated. TV Documentary.
BUT I’M A CHEERLEADER (1999): A naive teenager is sent to rehab camp when her straitlaced parents and friends suspect her of being a lesbian. R. Comedy/Drama.
CAMP (2003): After a series of Broadway flops, a songwriter goes to work at a musical camp for young performers. Inspired by the kids, he finds an opportunity to regain success by staging an altogether new production. PG-13. Musical Comedy/Drama.
CHUTNEY POPCORN (1999): Reena, a young Indian American lesbian, offers to be a surrogate mother for her sister’s baby, hoping to improve her relationship with their mother, who disapproves of Reena’s sexual orientation, but Reena has second thoughts when her girlfriend Lisa feels left out. Drama.
FLOORED BY LOVE (2005): An Asian lesbian couple and a mixed race gay teen living in the same Vancouver apartment building struggle with their cultural identities, and how to balance their family needs and relations, just after same sex marriage is legalized in Canada. TV Movie.
FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO (2007): An exploration of the intersection between religion and homosexuality in the U.S. and how the religious right has used its interpretation of the Bible to stigmatize the gay community. Unrated. Documentary.
GEOGRAPHY CLUB (2013): At Goodkind High School, a group of students with varying sexual orientations form an after-school club as a discreet way to share their feelings and experiences. PG-13. Comedy.
GOD AND GAYS: BRIDGING THE GAP (2006): explores sexuality and spirituality through the eyes and experiences of people wanting a relationship with the very religion that rejects. Unrated. Documentary.
IMAGINE ME AND YOU (2005): A newlywed bride becomes infatuated with another woman, who questions her sexual orientation, promoting a stir among the bride’s family and friends. R. Comedy/Romance.
THE INCREDIBLY TRUE ADVENTURE OF TWO GIRLS IN LOVE (1995): An adventurous love story between two young women of different social and economic backgrounds who find themselves going through all the typical struggles of a new romance. R. Comedy/ Romance.
MA VIE EN ROSE (1997): Ludovic is a transgender girl who is coming out. She talks of marrying her neighbor’s son and can not understand why everyone is so surprised about it. Her family and neighbors struggle with her actions. R. Drama.
RENT (2005): This is the film version of the Pulitzer and Tony Award winning musical about Bohemians in the East Village of New York City struggling with life, love and AIDS, and the impacts they have on America. PG-13. Drama/Musical.
SOLDIER’S GIRL (2003): The true story of the price a young soldier paid for falling in love with a transsexual night-club performer. R (TV Movie). Crime Drama.
TRANSGENERATION (2005): A look at the lives of four college students undergoing gender transition. TV Series. Documentary.