Celebrating Pride Month
Pride Month is about remembering the history of LGBTQIA+ people and communities around the world and celebrating their achievements. It’s also about continuing to strive for full acceptance and equality of all people, no matter who they are and who they love. One of the best things you can do this month is take the time to learn more about LGBTQIA+ people and their stories.
Here are several books, TV shows and films about Australian LGBTQIA+ people and movements, both historical and contemporary, to get you started:
BOOKS
Holding The Man (1995) by Timothy Conigrave
Queer love has been forbidden for about as long as it’s existed – but nothing could keep Tim and John apart, could it? A tragic, true story that’s been adapted for film and stage.
Growing Up Queer in Australia (2019) by Benjamin Law (ed.)
This collection explores the intersections of LGBTQIA+ experience and disability, rural origins, First Nations identity, and gender. Prepare to laugh and cry in equal measure.
The Swift Dark Tide (2023) by Katia Ariel
What happens when you’re a woman whose life’s sorted – marriage, kids, house, job – but then you fall in love… with another woman? Melbourne/Naarm-based, Stella Prize shortlisted writer Katia Ariel’s answer requires a journey into her past and her heart.
A Language of Limbs (2024) by Dylin Hardcastle
One of our CEO Joy’s favourite reads of last year! A sweeping historical narrative, full of complex and loveable personalities, masterfully told.
TV SHOWS
Wentworth (2013-2021)
A gripping remake of the 80s series Prisoner, set inside a women’s prison and featuring plenty of lesbian drama performed by the who’s-who of queer Australian talent.
Queerstralia (2023)
Brain-child of the brilliant comedian Zoë Coombs-Marr, this three-part docu-series traces a fascinating history of Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community.
In Our Blood (2023)
Featuring a stunning cast, and with a surprising musical twist, this drama reimagines the heartache and activism that the AIDS crisis brought to 1980s Sydney/Gadigal.
FILMS
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
It’s hard to avoid words like ‘classic’, ‘hilarious’, ‘inspirational’ – because that’s exactly what this fabulous tale of a trans-continental road trip (pun intended!) has given us for more than 30 years.
Gayby Baby (2015)
Told by the kids themselves, this doco invites us inside the homes of families with same-sex parents. From award-winning director Maya Newell, it was once banned from being shown in schools…
Boy Erased (2018)
Though it’s an American story, this film was made by Joel Edgerton and stars a bunch of other Australians, so I’m claiming it for the list as a reminder to celebrate the end of conversion practices in NSW.
There are heaps more great texts to help you learn and celebrate during Pride Month this year – like this list from the good people at the Booker Prizes! Also, to find out about Pride Month events near you, head to the Australian Pride Network website.
Happy Pride Month, friends!
