With Pride Month upon us, LGBTQ+ stories often become the focus of many corporate companies. We typically see logos become dressed up, in one way or another, with the Pride flag. LGBTQ+ history and advocacy, of course, run much deeper than that which is (attempted to be) conveyed by these corporate messages. Indeed, it's important us, especially LGBTQ+ allies, to educate ourselves on this very important difference.

Stories regarding real-life people throughout history in the form of documentaries is one of the surest ways to contextualize where we are today and how we got here. With respect to LGBTQ+ political and social movements, documentaries are a prime source of information about periods and events of history that would have otherwise censored such stories. To celebrate Pride Month, here are nine of the most important LGBTQ+ documentaries to watch.

9 How To Survive A Plague

how to survive a plague
Public Square Films

How to Survive a Plague is a documentary by David France. It follows the lives and careers of activists who committed themselves to finding a treatment for the AIDS/HIV epidemic. The documentary uses archive footage and interviews, focusing on the founders of the group Act-Up, which formed in 1987 in response to the AIDS crisis. The film highlights the group’s formulation as well as the real change they made through U.S. law and drug companies, which was monumental to the fighting of the virus.

Related: A Brief History of LGBTQ+ Cinema

8 Welcome to Chechnya

Welcome to Chechnya
Public Square Films

Welcome to Chechnya is another David France documentary that was released in 2020. It sheds light on the ongoing anti-LGBTQ+ persecution taking place in Chechnya. The film focuses on a group of activists who strive to help queer people escape from capture and fates as grievous as execution. The film exposes the horrors that queer people face in the country and champions the brave activists who are tackling the issue directly at the source. The film received widespread critical acclaim and was one of the most praised films of 2020.

7 United in Anger: A History of ACT UP

United in Anger- A History of ACT UP
Bronx Documentary Center

United in Anger: A History of ACT UP was released in 2012 and directed by Jim Hubbard. The film depicts the beginning of the AIDS activist movement from the point of view of those who were fighting the epidemic. The film makes use of archival footage and interviews from members of ACT UP, depicting the fight against corporate greed and social indifference as well as a lack of attention from the government during the AIDS crisis.

6 My Name is Pauli Murray

My Name Is Pauli Murray
Storyville Films

My Name is Pauli Murray is a 2021 documentary directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen, which focuses on the life of activist and lawyer, Pauli Murray, who was, per The Guardian, a key figure in arguing the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment that outlawed discrimination based on sex. The film focuses on the coverage of Murray’s papers and the significance they hold. It’s an educational experience and sheds much needed light on an important figure in history.

5 A Secret Love

a secret love
Blumhouse Productions

A Secret Love is an incredibly moving documentary directed by Chris Bolan and produced by Ryan Murphy. The story follows the 65-year-long secret relationship between Terry Donahue, a former All-American girls professional baseball league player, and her partner, Pat Henschel, including the challenges they faced after coming out. The film is incredibly moving and is beautifully directed. A Secret Love is one of the many great social justice documentaries you can stream on Netflix.

Related: 12 Groundbreaking LGBTQ+ Movies of the 21st Century

4 The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson

marsha p johnson
Public Square Films

The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson is another entry on the list directed by David France. The film focuses on the life of Johnson, who was a monumental figure in the Stonewall riots, and her legacy as a pioneer for LGBTQ+ rights. The film also focuses on the suspicious circumstances of her death, which was ruled as suicide without extensive investigation. Her friends and fellow activists found this suspicious, and the film investigates the events surrounding this. This doc is an excellent homage to a key figure in queer history and is well worth a watch.

3 I Am Divine

i am divine
Wolfe Video

I Am Divine is a 2013 documentary produced and directed by Jeffrey Schwarz and focuses on the actor, singer, and drag performer known as Divine, who is a long-time friend and collaborator of John Waters, producing iconic films together such as Divine.

2 Paris is Burning

Paris Is Burning
Off-White Productions

Paris is Burning is a legendary 1990 documentary that depicts the ballroom culture of New York and its members. The film explores themes of gender, class, race, and sexuality in 1980s America, and is credited with bringing mainstream attention to vogueing and the ballroom scene. The film was directed by Jennie Livingston and served as an inspiration for Ryan Murphy’s hit series Pose.

1 Disclosure

disclosure
Netflix

Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen was directed by Sam Feder and released in 2020. The film explores Hollywood’s depictions of transgender people and the real impact this has had on the lives of transgender people. It examines harmful stereotypes and the importance of correct representation and features insight from stars such as Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Laverne Cox, Trace Lysette, Angelica Ross, and Lilly Wachowski. Per Variety, the documentary received widespread acclaim and won several awards.