By Corina Mendoza
Speaking about diversity can be a tough subject, and not because of the taboo it still implies, but because no matter how advanced we might think we are as a society, as a whole, we still aren’t able to accept that we are all different and that it’s okay. The following filmmakers have given direct (and some times quite subtle) testimonies about how freedom isn’t something many LGBTQ+ people enjoy; on the contrary, discrimination, in one way or another, still guides our lives. But more importantly, the resilience of a community that is willing to thrive no matter what.
El lugar sin límites (1978)
Dir. Arturo Ripstein
Manuela is the protagonist of this Mexican film based on the novel by the same name written by José Donoso. The story is set in a little rural town that isn’t only away from urban commodities, but also from a freer way of thinking, thus quite reticent to accept diversity. In this environment, Manuela, a trans woman, is the target of hate because of her identity and the fact that she runs a small brothel in town. The discrimination she endures is brutal, but her will to be herself is even bigger.
Before Night Falls (2000)
Dir. Julian Schnabel
Based on Reinaldo Arenas’ autobiography, it shows the struggle and fight the Cuban author lived during the Cuban revolts during the seventies, and the horrors of the concentration camps for homosexuals. The author speaks about his youth and his experiences (including more than a hundred sexual encounters), his role as a dissident writer in his home country, the time he spent in prison, and his experience as an AIDS patient. Not only does this become a story about the difficult political situation in Cuba, but also the hardship the LGBTQ+ community endured during those times.
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Dir. Ang Lee
Two men that, according to society’s standards, represent the epitome of masculinity, discover in the secrecy of the mountains the profound love and passion they feel for the other. However, no matter how strong their feelings are, they have to keep them away from the scrutinizing eyes of their community. Once their passion leaves the solitary mountains that saw it grow, their lives become a living hell. This makes us think about how love isn’t as free as we’d love to think and how sometimes it’s our judgment what pushes others to keep it a secret.
The Danish Girl (2015)
Dir. Tom Hooper
A happily married man suddenly discovers he feels comfortable wearing his wife’s clothes one day, while the couple is being playful. The game suddenly becomes a need for him and makes him realize he actually identifies as a woman. This successful film gives us a glimpse into the history of transsexuality and the medical dangers (even beyond the social ones) so many trans people have endured in their hopes of finding who they really are.
Our Lady of the Assassins (2000)
Dir. Barbet Schroeder
Based on a novel by Colombian writer Fernando Vallejo, this movie talks about what it is like to be a gay man in a highly discriminatory society. The movie also deals with subjects like prostitution, drug trafficking, and crime in Colombia. It is in this violent and turbulent world where loving can become a mortal crime.
Fresa y chocolate (1993)
Dir. Tomás Gutiérrez Alea & Juan Carlos Tabío
Also based on a novel, El lobo, written by Cuban author Senel Paz, the movie tells a story of friendship between two men. Tensions begin when one of them comes out as a gay man and his friend can’t really understand him. The movie also deals with the historical imprisonment of gay men in Cuba and the concentration camps they were sent to during the dark regime of Batista and later on Castro’s era. It’s a touching story about discrimination and the resilience of LGBTQ+ people.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhy7O_ONd2Q
As Good as It Gets (1997)
Dir. James L. Brooks
This movie deals with the subject of discrimination towards the LGBTQ+ community. We see how the main character is constantly rejected, attacked, and even beaten due to his identity. Still, the movie presents its character as a marginal victim who doesn’t really manage to stand up for his rights. At the end of the day, as Hollywood tends to do, it becomes a movie that keeps perpetuating offensive stereotypes. In a way, it’s discriminatory by itself.
Moonlight (2016)
Dir. Barry Jenkins
Being black in the US is cause for discrimination already, but being a black, gay man means double the discrimination. The Oscar-winning movie shows the emotional, physical, and even mental conflict a young boy endures in the discovery of his identity.
The Imitation Game (2014)
Dir. Morten Tyldum
With an impressive performance by Benedict Cumberbatch, the movie tells the story of Alan Turing, the genius mathematician who helped end WWII. Still, his great contribution was ignored when he was judged and sentenced for being gay. It’s the story of many personalities and people in general who have been persecuted and even killed for their identities.
American Beauty (1999)
Dir. Sam Mendes
Though the main plot has nothing to do with sexual identity, one of the subplots does and gives us some insight about the nature of discrimination and hate. Here, a retired marine despises his son because he thinks he’s gay. However, secretly he’s dealing with an inner conflict between his own queerness and his backward ideals. Not being able to accept himself as a gay man ends up pushing him to do horrible things.
Watching these movies can be a great exercise to think about how our actions, whether conscious or not, can affect others. The sooner we start being more sympathetic with other realities, the less hatred the world will experience.
Translated by María Isabel Carrasco Cara Chards
Read more:
Why Diverse Children’s Books Are So Important
“A Fantastic Woman” Might Be The Most Important Movie You Watch This Year
5 Movies About Coming Out That Even Straight People Will Love
