LGBTQIA+ in Media: A History of Struggle & Progress

Throughout history, literature and film have served as mirrors to society, reflecting the complexities of human identity, love, and struggle. Within this vast cultural landscape, LGBTQIA+ voices have long fought for visibility, often facing censorship, discrimination, or erasure. Yet, these voices persist, shaping narratives that challenge norms, inspire activism, and provide a sense of belonging for countless individuals.

LGBTQIA+ in Cultural History

LGBTQIA+ representation in literature can be traced back centuries, albeit often hidden in subtext or coded language due to societal restrictions. Writers like Oscar Wilde, whose novel The Picture of Dorian Gray subtly addressed themes of queerness, and Virginia Woolf, who explored gender fluidity in Orlando, paved the way for more open discourse. The Harlem Renaissance also saw significant contributions from Black queer writers like Langston Hughes and Claude McKay, who embedded LGBTQIA+ themes into their works, even if veiled.

In film, early queer representation was frequently filtered through censorship laws, including the Hays Code, which from the 1930s to the late 1960s restricted explicit portrayals of LGBTQIA+ themes. Queer-coded characters often appeared as villains or tragic figures, reinforcing harmful stereotypes. However, by the mid-20th century, films like Victim (1961) began to openly address LGBTQIA+ issues. The Stonewall Riots of 1969 marked a turning point in LGBTQIA+ activism, influencing the rise of more candid storytelling in literature and film. In the decades that followed, figures like James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and later, Jeanette Winterson and Alison Bechdel, further propelled LGBTQIA+ narratives into the mainstream.

Filmmakers such as Pedro Almodóvar, Cheryl Dunye, and Todd Haynes brought new dimensions to queer cinema, offering authentic and diverse portrayals of LGBTQIA+ lives. The rise of independent films in the 1990s and early 2000s, including Boys Don’t Cry and Brokeback Mountain, further broke barriers, sparking conversations about LGBTQIA+ identity and acceptance in popular culture.

Given LGBTQIA+ History Month just passed in February, it’s vital to acknowledge the deep impact of queer storytelling. From the coded subtext of early 20th-century works to the unapologetic portrayals of queer lives today, literature and film have not only documented LGBTQIA+ history but also shaped it. They have been tools for resistance, avenues for representation, and powerful forces for change.

Why LGBTQIA+ Representation Matters

For much of history, LGBTQIA+ characters in literature and film were relegated to the shadows—either as tragic figures, villains, or invisible altogether. This lack of positive representation contributed to harmful stereotypes and reinforced the marginalization of queer individuals.

However, as activism pushed boundaries, literature and film became platforms for authentic storytelling. Representation matters because it validates real experiences, fosters empathy, and challenges prejudice. A young person questioning their identity can find solace in seeing themselves reflected on screen or in the pages of a book. At the same time, non-LGBTQIA+ audiences can develop a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives, breaking down barriers of ignorance and fear.

Queer narratives have also played a crucial role in activism. Books like James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room and films like Paris Is Burning have not only told important stories but also sparked conversations about intersectionality, identity, and justice. They remind us that LGBTQIA+ history is not just about oppression—it is about resilience, joy, and the ongoing fight for equality.

Essential Reads and Watches for LGBTQIA+ History Month

To celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month, here are some must-read books, movies, and TV shows that capture the rich tapestry of queer experiences and history.

Books

1. Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin – A poignant novel about love, identity, and self-acceptance set in 1950s Paris.
2. The Color Purple by Alice Walker – A groundbreaking novel exploring race, gender, and queer love in the early 20th-century American South.
3. Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg – A seminal work on gender identity and working-class queer life.
4. Fun Home by Alison Bechdel – A beautifully illustrated graphic memoir about family, sexuality, and coming of age.
5. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller – A lyrical retelling of the legendary love story between Achilles and Patroclus.

Films

1. Paris Is Burning (1990) – A documentary showcasing New York City’s drag ball culture and its impact on LGBTQIA+ history.
2. Moonlight (2016) – An Oscar-winning film following a Black queer man’s journey through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
3. The Handmaiden (2016) – A stunning psychological thriller and love story between two women in 1930s Korea.
4. Boys Don’t Cry (1999) – A powerful dramatization of the life and struggles of transgender man Brandon Teena.
5. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) – A mesmerizing period romance that explores art, love, and fleeting passion between women.

TV Shows

1. Pose (2018-2021) – A revolutionary series that highlights the ballroom culture of the 1980s and ‘90s, featuring a predominantly trans cast.
2. Heartstopper (2022-present) – A wholesome and heartwarming coming-of-age series about young queer love.
3. Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019) – A groundbreaking show that brought diverse LGBTQIA+ representation into mainstream television.
4. It’s a Sin (2021) – A moving miniseries about the HIV/AIDS crisis in the UK during the 1980s.
5. Gentleman Jack (2019-2022) – A historical drama based on the true diaries of Anne Lister, one of the earliest recorded lesbian figures in history.

LGBTQIA+ literature and film are not just about entertainment; they are about history, survival, and truth. By reading queer books and watching LGBTQIA+ films, we engage with stories that matter—stories that shape our world, our understanding, and our empathy. This LGBTQIA+ History Month, take the time to explore these works, support queer artists, and celebrate the power of representation.

Featured Image by Alexander Grey on Unsplash