LGBTQ+ Youth & Adult Resources: Movies: Documentaries

Traces the social, political and cultural history of homosexuality in America from the 1920s to 1969; the beginning of the Gay Liberation Movement after a police raid on Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City; and the three-day riot that followed.
Rating: UR (Unrated)

A documentary examining the life of Bayard Rustin who, although one of the first "freedom riders," an adviser to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and A. Philip Randolph, and an organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, was forced to play a background role in landmark civil rights events because of his sexuality.
Rating: NR (Not Rated)

A small town smack bang in the American Midwest. Suzanna, aged 23, transitions into a man: Coby. His transformation deeply disrupts the lives of all who love him; ultimately, Coby's chrysalis morphs into the transformation of a whole family compelled to modify their own perspectives. Not only a physical metamorphosis is at stake here, but also a spiritual one that eventually takes place under the director's bright, unusual eye.
Rating: UR (Unrated)

After a break-up with his boyfriend, journalist David Thorpe embarks on a hilarious and touching journey of self-discovery, confronting his anxiety about "sounding gay". Enlisting acting coaches, linguists, friends, family, total strangers, and celebrities, he quickly learns that many people, both gay and straight, often wish for a different voice. What starts as a personal journey becomes a chance to unpack layers of cultural baggage concerning sexuality, identity, and self-esteem.
Rating: NR (Not Rated)

Brilliantly reconciles homosexuality and Biblical scripture, and reveals that religious anti-gay bias is based almost solely upon a misinterpretation of the Bible. Through the experiences of five very normal, Christian, American familes - including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson - discover how people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child or family member.
Rating: NR (Not Rated)

Katie Couric sets out across America to meet with leading scientists, physicians, and experts to answer questions about gender and gender identity. She speaks with everyday people who find their lives and bodies on the front line of a changing world. This documentary examines the roles of science, society and culture with regard to gender, and sheds light on stories of struggle, understanding, ignorance and love.
Rating: UR (Unrated)

Examines the role played by the American evangelical movement and the International House of Prayer megachurch in the state-sanctioned persecution of homosexuals in Uganda.
Rating: UR (Unrated)

Growing Up Coy' follows a landmark transgender rights case in Colorado where a six-year-old transgender girl named Coy has been banned from the girl's bathroom at her school. Coy's parents hire a lawyer to pursue a civil rights case of discrimination, and the family is thrust into the spotlight, causing their lives to change forever. A timely topic as states across the US battle with this civil rights issue. The film also asks a universal question that every parent may face: How far would you go to fight for your child's rights?
Rating: NR (Not Rated)

A personal look at the extraordinary life, career, and artistry of Alexander McQueen. Through exclusive interviews with his closest friends and family, recovered archives, exquisite visuals and music, it is an authentic celebration and thrilling portrait of an inspired yet tortured fashion visionary.
Rating: R

Documents one girl’s struggle to form a Gay-Straight Alliance in Salt Lake City, Utah, paired with historical information about famous LGBT figures. The struggles and triumphs of civil rights activists and their stories are profiled in this powerful film. A 1998 Sundance Film Festival Winner.
Rating: R

A documentary about the young homosexual men of Harlem who originated "voguing" and turned these stylized dance competitions into glittering expressions of fierce personal pride. A story of street-wise urban survival, gay self-affirmation, and the pursuit of a desperate dream.
Rating: R

One of the first feature documentaries to address gay life in America, it's a work of advocacy itself, bringing Milk's message of hope and equality to a wider audience.
Rating: NR (Not Rated)

The legendary eclectic actor/activist George Takei has blazed his own trail while conquering new frontiers with a beaming trademark grin. The film offers unprecedented access to the daily life of George and his husband/business partner, Brad Takei, and chronicles his fascinating personal journey from Japanese American internment camp to his iconic and groundbreaking role as Sulu on Star Trek, and his rise as a pop culture icon.
Rating: NR (Not Rated)

Interviews with 26 diverse people, ranging in age from 18 to 77, who speak out about their experience as gay men and women.
Rating: NR (Not Rated)