Movies are an essential tool in forming compassion for others.

There are ways a film can move us deeply whenever we find ourselves engrossed in its story. During divisive times, cinema can be effective in sharing the backgrounds of the marginalized, in this case, the LGBTQIA+ community. In celebration of Pride Month, here are seven films LGBTQIA+ folks and allies can enjoy.

For fans of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “Paris is Burning” almost comes off as required viewing before watching the reality series due to how many times the documentary is referenced. In “Paris is Burning,” we learn about the ballroom culture of New York City in the ’80s. We are shown how ballroom culture allows minorities to express themselves freely. It’s not all smiles as we are also shown the prejudice and dangers some of the interviewees face while trying to be themselves.

Though Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, and John Leguizamo sound like a trio for an action blockbuster, these three star in “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar,” a film about three drag queens stranded in a small rural town. At first, the trio feels out of place until they manage to form a charming connection with the townsfolk while helping them put up a festival. We come to see that, though unwelcome at first, forming a connection and understanding each other’s struggles are essential to ending gender discrimination.

Imagine if Timon from The Lion King and the Genie from Aladdin were in a relationship. It’s as chaotic as it sounds, but there’s a lot of charm that Nathan Lane and Robin Williams bring to their roles as a gay couple. Together, the two have to put up a false front after their son intends to marry the daughter of a conservative senator played by the late Gene Hackman. It offers an interesting look into gay parenting and manages to bring hearty laughs from the duo.

“Chasing Amy” might come across as a dated pick, especially with its main plotline following a straight man trying to “convert” a lesbian woman to get with him. Yet, there’s something about Kevin Smith’s flick that brings up elements of gender fluidity and bisexuality that were unthought of at the time of its release. It bodes well to remember that this was also from a time when such discussions about sexuality were limited, and having such a film exist at the time helped people talk about such themes.

It's important to remember that the freedom to be out is largely thanks to the sacrifices made by older generations of the LGBTQIA+ community. Without their stories being shared, many would not know about the struggles that much of the community went through and continues to face. Markova: Comfort Gay is based on the true story of Walterina Markova, portrayed by the late Dolphy, a gay man forced into sex work during the Japanese occupation.  

Samantha Lee’s “Rookie” is likely a familiar story for students who came from an all-girls Catholic school upbringing. In “Rookie,” we follow Ace, an introverted transferee, who ends up being recruited into the school’s varsity volleyball team after the coach sees potential in her. Though she finds it difficult to fit in at first, she slowly proves her worth and manages to catch feelings for their team captain along the way. “Rookie” also managed to bring home three awards when it was shown during the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

For those in the closet (hiding their sexuality), “Young Hearts” is a touching tale showcasing the importance of being supportive for anyone coming out to their family and friends. Here, we follow the story of a young boy, Elias, trying his best to understand how he feels about his newfound friend and neighbor, Alexander. Overall, it’s a brilliant coming-of-age film that helps viewers understand the fears closeted people have to deal with.