SELECTION MADE BY GAY TIMES EDITORIAL TEAM

Due to COVID-19, the entertainment industry has been greatly impacted this year – with a plethora of films scheduled for theatrical release postponed to 2021 or allocated to streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu.

Although we’re still waiting until it’s safe to see our most-anticipated blockbusters in cinemas, viewers around the world have been able to sit and watch the latest releases from the comfort of their own homes – creating an escape from our grim reality in the process.

Here, we’ve selected our ten favourite LGBTQ films of the year. Like we said before, this isn’t a ranking – we’ve simply listed then in alphabetical order.

Once you get to the end of the list, however, you’ll see our top pick of the year, which was unanimous amongst the GAY TIMES editorial team.

The Boys in the Band

Based on the off-Broadway production of the same name from the late Mart Crowley, Netflix’s adaptation of The Boys in the Band boasts career-high performances from original stars Jim Parsons, Matt Bomer and Andrew Rannells. Although the film is set in 1968, it surprisingly holds modern relevance as the characters delve into issues that still plague the LGBTQ+ community today, such as shame, self-hatred and internalised homophobia.

Circus of Books

Directed by Rachel Mason, Circus of Books tells the story of her conservative Jewish parents who operated one of the most prolific gay porn empires in the United States for more than 30 years. The film showcases how the Masons dealt with with their son coming out as gay and how their store provided the LGBTQ+ community in Los Angeles a space to socialise and celebrate themselves without judgement. It’s a story that hasn’t been told, and reminded us all of the power of safe spaces and chosen families.

Happiest Season

Upon release, Happiest Season received widespread critical acclaim for the cast’s performances – especially Aubrey Plaza, whose character proved to be the breakout on social media – Clea DuVall’s direction, and for finally providing LGBTQ+ audiences with some much-needed festive queer. It is widely regarded as the first major LGBTQ+ Christmas rom-com.