Joanna Marie O. Santos
June 07, 2022

Wear your colors proudly this month as we celebrate Pride Month 2022. While it's confirmed that the Metro Manila Pride Month is returning this year, not all of us are comfortable joining crowds just yet. If you don't know what you're doing this Pride Month, why not binge-watch a couple of movies that raise the flag?Â

  We've compiled a list of eight (8) shows that will help you celebrate Pride Month even when you're in the comforts of your home.  

Gaya sa Pelikula

Gaya sa Pelikula is a Filipino web series that follows the life and romance of an architectural student and his neighbor. The series highlights the struggles of same-sex relationships and how difficult it is for individuals to come out in a society where the LGBTQIA+ community is not as accepted as it should be. The series sends out a message that being yourself is okay and that you are in charge of your own truth.Â

RuPaul's Drag Race Franchise

    The RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise has had its fair share of the limelight for showcasing the best that the colorful world of Drag offers. It’s become an avenue for different ‌Drag Queens to share their mastery of the art form with the world. From featuring queens like Bianca del Rio to highlighting transgender women such as Kylie Sonique Love - RuPaul’s Drag Race has become a Pride Month staple you can watch all year round.  

Pose

POSE tells the story of the drag ball culture scene in New York City. It also shows the LGBTQ subculture in the African-American and Latino communities in the 80s and 90s. It also features the contrasts of life and society in New York. It also tackles sexually transmitted diseases, political conflict, and how they affected the community. POSE is a great show if you're feeling ‌ loud and proud.Â

Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration

Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration is a comedy event that features stand-up comedy from queer and trans performers such as Patti Harrison, Margaret Cho, Tig Notaro, Gina Yashere, and many more. It's hosted by Bob the Drag Queen (known for winning RuPaul's Drag Race) and Billy Eichner. It's a nice show to watch if you’re in the mood to laugh your hearts out!

RENT

RENT is a movie musical lauded for addressing societal issues such as sexuality, substances, AIDS, and paying their rent. It features several bohemians who are trying to get by in New York City's East Village in the 90s. It's an emotional narrative that will surely tug at your heartstrings this Pride Month. RENT also does a good job at LGBTQIA+ representation with couples like Angel and Collins and Maureen and Joanne. If you're looking for a movie to jam to, RENT is the best way to go this Pride Month.Â

HeartstopperÂ

Adapted from Alice Oseman’s webcomic of the same name, Heartstopper is a trending series starring Charlie and Nick, who meet each other at secondary school. What started as a friendship later bloomed into an unexpected romance. It's worth checking out if you're a fan of adaptations or if you're a fan of webcomics because this surely deserves the recognition that it's given.Â

Dear ExÂ

Dear Ex is a Taiwanese film is a drama-comedy that captures the whirlwind of emotions that comes with a family feud. It also tells a narrative of grief, revelations, motherhood, and so much more than many can relate to after losing a parent. Further, it follows the relationship between Chengxi and Jay as they get mixed up in a fight for what's left after the death of Chengxi's father.Â

Dear Ex is also a monumental film that shows how the Taiwanese society treats gay men. Since Taiwan is the first and only country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, the film means so much more than just your typical queer film.Â

Fathers

Fathers is another Asian LGBTQIA+ film that deserves to be seen. It’s a Thai film that follows the life of two gay fathers and their son. The film also tackles how society reacts to gay marriages and families and how the lack of laws protecting them also takes a toll on how they function as a family. If you’re looking for a tear-jerker to watch, this should be on your list.Â

Pride Month has just started, but the celebration of identity doesn’t stop there. There are films and shows that you can watch year-round to celebrate your identity. These are just some of the amazing shows this Pride Month, so grab some popcorn and get watching!