The LGBTQ+ community has come a long way. Of course, the fight isn’t over. Everything you see has a story behind it, and even though Pride Month is often seen as a festive celebration, we shouldn’t also forget the struggles and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to the world. Today, we’ve compiled a list of heartfelt and inspiring queer content that’ll make you understand why we need  Pride month.

Transgenders: Pakistan’s Open Secret

Transgender people continue to face discrimination and violence around the world, especially in conservative countries like Pakistan. Transgenders: Pakistan’s Open Secret is an eye-opening documentary that follows the lives of three transgender people and how they face the struggles surrounding them.

Paris is Burning

This 1990 American documentary film chronicles the riveting and fabulous ball scene of New York City, which was considered a sacred space by countless LGBTQ+ folks to express themselves and their love for performance art. Paris is Burning has received numerous awards from film festivals and left a powerful mark on pop culture. Watch it on Amazon Prime.

A Secret Love

To this day, many LGBTQ+ folks keep their romantic relationships secret because of prejudice and fear of being disowned by their family. This documentary about Terry Donahue and her partner Pat Henschel explores the challenges and realities they faced as a couple at a time when being part of the queer community was frowned upon. Watch it on Netflix.

The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson

The Stonewall riots were a turning point in the fight for equality for LGBTQ+ individuals in America. Among those on the frontline of the protests were the beautiful Marsha P. Johnson, an activist and drag artist. She later co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), an organization that supports homeless gay and transgender individuals. The documentary explores not just Marsha’s life but also the mysteries surrounding her demise. Watch it on Netflix.

Why I chose my LGBTQ daughter over the Evangelical Church – Susan Cottrell, TEDxMileHigh

Alright, this isn’t exactly a documentary, but if you’re looking for something quick and inspiring, you can’t go wrong with a TED Talk. Discussions centered on religion’s impact on the LGBTQ+ community are often difficult and mired in trauma but this talk shows how love can win. In this TED talk, author Susan Cottrell shares her inspirational journey of embracing her daughter’s true identity despite the disapproval of people around her. She also discusses how this event led her to become an active voice for LGBTQ youth.

All In My Family

In many Asian countries, laws concerning the theLGBTQ+ community are either lacking or prohibitive, making it hard for Asian LGBTQ+ individuals to find acceptance and support. All in My Family follows the life of Han, a Chinese gay man, as he pursues his dream of having his own family through surrogacy while grappling with China’s cultural norms and expectations. Watch it on Netflix.

Visible: Out on Television

Consisting of five episodes, Visible: Out on Television provides viewers with eye-opening perspectives about the history, struggles, and breakthroughs of the LGBTQ+ community throughout the years. As more people discover their gender identity and expression, one can hope that a better tomorrow for queer people is on the horizon. Watch it on Apple TV+.

Pray Away

This 2021 documentary shines a light on just how dangerous conversion therapy is. Interviews of former conversion therapy leaders give us a glimpse of the deceitful (and often horrific) practices of conversion therapy, while survivors speak about how their experience has left them with trauma. Countries like Malta, Canada, and New Zealand have banned this pseudoscientific practice, but sadly, it’s still legal in many parts of the world. Watch it on Netflix.

How are you celebrating Pride Month? Check out this year’s Pride events to particpate: