Coming of age gay films

In recent years the likes of CarolCall Me by Your Name and A Fantastic Woman have all made significant contributions to queer cinema, and now Love, Simon sees a major studio getting involved. To celebrate the release of the first mainstream rom-com to feature a gay protagonist, here are nine great LGBT-themed coming-of-age romances you may have missed.

When Tanner Michael J Willett is forcibly outed, the three most popular girls at school are determined to have him as their gay best friend to secure their bids for prom queen. The film provides a remarkable analysis on the commodification of homosexuality. While crushing stereotypes, it creates a hilarious, heartwarming, and endlessly quotable experience.

It is also a celebration of camp men, celebrating the embrace of typically feminine qualities. Though her journey is a difficult one, there is never any doubt that Alike is at peace with and embraces her butchness, finding comfort in baggy clothes and boxer shorts. Featuring sensational cinematography from Bradford Young ArrivalPariah is a powerful meditation on self-love.

Excited to escape her depressive father, 16 -year-old Cyd Jessie Pinnick spends the summer with her aunt, a novelist, in Chicago. Director Stephen Cone expertly combines the warm nostalgic colours of summertime with a thoroughly modern and of its time romance. What makes Princess Cyd so lovely is its host of fascinating female characters, all enveloped in a rich warmth and generosity.

LGBTQ+ Youth & Adult Resources: Movies: Coming of Age

Desiree Akhavan directs, writes, and stars in Appropriate Behaviour as Shirin, an Iranian American bisexual who is trying to rebuild her life after breaking up with her girlfriend. The film has a particularly fresh feeling, focusing not only on bisexuality but also Iranian American culture, two things brushed aside by Hollywood.

The film has a lot to say about the pressures of being closeted while in a relationship, and also happens to be consistently funny throughout. New York rom-coms have been done to death, but Akhavan brings an irreverent and exciting take, making the film worthwhile viewing. The film revolves around Hubert and his mother the great Anne Dorvalwho are constantly fighting.

Hubert has a boyfriend, unbeknownst to his mother. Oozing with style and delivering wild performances, I Killed My Mother is a fascinating look at being in the closet and mother son relationships. Y gay another Canadian film coming a young gay man, but in this instance focuses on the relationship between father and son.

Bolstered by a terrific soundtrack with hits by David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and The Rolling Stones, the film explored the life of Zac as he deals with homophobia in s, 70 s and beyond in Quebec. Joseph Gordon Levitt shines as reckless young prostitute Neil, while Brady Corbet plays Brian, who is convinced he was part of an alien abduction.

The film is frequently hard to watch and emotionally draining, but is absolute must-see cinema. A portrait of growing up not quite like anything you have seen before. This Brazilian coming-of-age romantic drama features Leonardo Ghilherme Loboa blind teenager hungry for independence.

He spends most of his film with his female best friend, but his world is changed completely when a new male student arrives. The Way He Looks is like being wrapped in a warm hug — it is charming, sweet, and a wish-fulfilment fantasy that feels rightfully earned. Laure is a 10 -year-old girl moving age a new home in Paris with her family.

A local girl mistakes Laure for a boy, and asks her name.