You know what we need more of in this world?
Queer joy and representation.
It can be hard to find media that shines the spotlight on the LGBQ+ community, but fear not, we’ve found a handy little helper. Though it may not be as many as we prefer, there are some fabulous movies out there with queer themes and representation, it’s all about knowing where they are hidden away and ready for the viewing.
At PridePosterStudios you’ll find (among other great items) a wonderful poster of 100, yes 100 LGBTQ+ films in a wonderful list ready for you to start working your way through. Oh and to make things even better, there’s a charity donation involved too.
Now we already enjoy a movie marathon, but this posted amps things up and makes it even more fun due to being interactive. Each time you watch a move on the list, you can then scratch off the little panel and reveal a stunning piece of artwork themed around the many iconic pieces of inclusive art.
So basically, it’s a big ol’ queer challenge!
We’ve been really enjoying ourselves so far between revisiting some great movies we’ve seen before and discovering new favourites, that completed poster is going to look so good on our wall.
Let’s get to know the fantastic individual behind the creativity.
Firstly, please introduce yourself, the person behind the posters.
Heyy, GURL Global! I’m Scot, a Greater Manchester-based queer creative originally from East Yorkshire, and creator of PridePosterStudios. When I’m not playing badminton or breaking out of escape rooms, I’m seeking out new gay films!
What first inspired you to create the posters?
I felt the need to brush up on my pop culture knowledge through a ‘100 Movies Bucket List’ poster. There was a real lack of LGBTQ+ content, and any reference to our community was almost always negative, hurtful and slur-ridden. So yeah, partway through this poster I was like, “I need to make a gay version!”
I wrote a list of over 300 films: to my surprise, many of them had absolutely terrible representation. We’re discriminated against, rejected, experience unrequited love, beaten, get AIDS and die. I made it my mission to ensure that only those with positively refreshing, trailblazing if not pivotal representation would feature on the final product. Some sad stories still have a place as they are important, but I mostly wanted to introduce audiences to more uplifting narratives.
Can you tell us more about Iris Prize, the fabulous charity you donate 10% of the profits to?
Founded in 2006, Iris Prize challenges discrimination on the grounds of gender and sexuality by sharing LGBTQ+ stories on screen and presents the annual Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival. While primarily Wales-based, they bring film screenings across the UK via Iris on the Move.
Their raison d’être so closely aligns with my motivation to set up PridePosterStudios. It therefore made perfect sense for my creations to also contribute to the promotion and supporting of emerging queer filmmaking talent
What are your personal top 3 movies that are included on the 100 LGBTQ+ poster?
Where are my lesbians? My number one spot has to go to Pride (2014). The unlikely alliance between gay activists and striking miners makes for one of the most heartwarming stories I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing. Based on true events, too. Also- the legendary Gwen!
Bound (1996)is a sapphic neo-noir crime thriller from the Wachowski Sisters. The tense, action-packed plot is accelerated by truly kick-ass lesbian main characters. “What did she do to you?” “Everything you couldn’t”.
I was moved by Flee (2021), another true story following the terrifying journey of a gay refugee from Afghanistan as he escapes to Denmark. Hand-drawn animations are used to protect the protagonist’s identity. An absolute must-see
Of the musicals listed on the other poster, which song do you have on repeat?
Ooh, tough choice when there’s 24 to choose from! Given that Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is in my top 5 musicals, it has to be Spotlight. It’s a sweet ballad in which aspiring drag queen Jamie New is encouraged to step ‘out of the darkness’ in order to show his true self to the world.
Is there a moment or line from any LGBTQ+ movie that has influenced your life more than any other?
From the 1995 documentary The Celluloid Closet: “There are lots of needs for art. The greatest one is the mirror”. Minority audiences being given the opportunity to see themselves portrayed on-screen is pivotal. I see it as a rallying cry to LGBTQ+ creatives: be heard. Be seen. Our experiences matter. They shape us, and help others to shape themselves. This quote epitomises the need for queer media.
How has your personal experience been as a queer person?
My first relationship wasn’t meant to be as a result of stigma. I came out three times to my immediate family- there was a lot of dread attached to the build up each time, and there was also a period of denial about me being gay. Since then, though, I’ve received nothing but love and support.
I experience the occasional slur (though I took flaming tennis player in my stride- even if my sport is badminton) and the UK’s current, right-wing-induced social landscape has me slightly fearful to show same-sex displays of affection in public.
While it’s not been the easiest of rides, as a gay man I acknowledge the progress and rights I have that others in +60 countries still do not. Right now, I recognise the need for our community to rally around trans people, who are experiencing relentless attacks from our hate-fuelled politicians and media.
Finally, what advice could you offer to young queer people growing up in our current climate?
Join LGBTQ+ clubs- whether it’s sport, film or crafts- to meet like-minded people and form lifelong friendships. Connect with charities such as the LGBT Foundation and George House Trust. Avoid doomscrolling and get your news from reliable sources such as QueerAF.
Enjoy the wonderful LGBTQ+ films that we are fortunate to have. They’ll teach you about the build up to Stonewall, Harvey Milk, Section 28, the fight for gay marriage and our community’s revolutionary response to the HIV epidemic. When you’re feeling troubled by the present environment, use my poster to wind down with a heartening gay romcom with a happy ending- trust me, they exist!
So whether you’re buying for yourself, as a cute gift for someone else, a challenge among friends or maybe even as part of a queer group online, you can pick up all of the fantastic products on the store right here.
Go and give this fabulous individual some love on social media too!
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