There was a time not that long ago that queer people were unable to see themselves portrayed in movies or television. But as the world progresses, there are more fantastic films being made about the LGBT community than ever before.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’ve collected a few LGBT romance films that are currently available to stream on Netflix this month.
Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013)
This coming-of-age film tells the story of young love between two women, from the early days in the honeymoon stage of romance to all the ups and downs that follow. Adele (Adèle Exarchopoulos) is on a journey of self-discovery when she stumbles upon a woman with blue hair (Léa Seydoux) that she quickly falls for. The ladies begin a long-term relationship that takes a poignant look at what it’s like to be in love. Available on Netflix.
Weekend (2011)
A one night stand turns into so much more in this LGBT film that garnered international praise. Exploring the difficulties of life in the closet, the movie takes place during the course of two days in which closeted Russel (Tom Cullen) spends a weekend with an artist named Glen (Chris New ) that changes his life in unexpected ways. Available on Amazon.
AWOL (2016)
A young Pennsylvania woman named Joey (Lola Kirke) visits an army recruiting office in an attempt to find direction in her life. But when she meets Rayna (Breeda Wool) at a carnival, the two fall for each other. The film explores how the ladies’ environment threatens to keep them from happiness. Available on Netflix.
Carol (2015)
A young photographer named Therese (Rooney Mara) embarks on a forbidden affair with an older woman named Carol (Cate Blanchett) in the homophobic 1950s. The women embark on a road trip to the West Coast but are followed by a private investigator that was hired by Carol’s ex-husband. Both Mara and Blanchett were nominated for Oscars in 2016 for their portrayals of lesbians longing to peacefully be together in a time that forbade it. Available on Netflix.
Naz & Maalik (2015)
Curtiss Cook Jr. and Kerwin Johnson Jr. star as two closeted Muslim teenagers in Brooklyn who struggle to open up about their sexuality. As their romance unfolds, their secretive actions begin to raise the suspicions of an FBI agent who is hunting for potential terrorists. Available on Netflix.
