Reel Love: The LGBTQ+ films and shows that hold a special place in Philly hearts

For anyone who thinks curling up on the couch with their loved one is the best way to spend Valentine’s Day, here are some reflections from several members of the local queer community on what films and TV series make them swoon.

Filmmaker, curator, and journalist Kristal Sotomayor’s favorite queer romance is “Mosquita y Mari” directed by Aurora Guerrero. They enthused, “When I first watched it, I was just a baby gay in college figuring out who I was and who I loved. It wasn’t until I watched that movie that I saw queer Latinx femme people discovering their sexuality and I realized that I related deeply to their exploration. Not only did I personally relate to the story, but I love the soft lighting and cinematography. I found myself reflected back in this film and it made me less afraid to be myself. Now, when I rewatch the film, I feel a deep nostalgia for a time when I came into being.”

Tyrell Brown, executive director and president of Philly Pride 365, said, “There are a few films that I love and reflect on. Some of them are queer, and others have just been emblematic to some degree of my personal dating experience. It’s hard to nail down one, but if pressed, I would say it would be between ‘Shortbus,’ ‘The Object of My Affection,’ and ‘Moonlight.’”

They explained, “‘Shortbus’ is more of an erotic comedy, but it is whimsical and explores how love, attraction, sex and therapy all converge for personal and relationship growth in sort of a comedic way. “The Object of My Affection” stars one of my teenage crushes Paul Rudd, with Jennifer Aniston playing his best friend. The movie centers around them navigating the sometimes difficult and complex feelings of love, attraction, romance and friendship. Last but not least, ‘Moonlight’ explores the very personal dynamics of being Black and gay and growing up in society that requires so much overcoming from prejudice, abuse and economic hurdles all while trying to find softness, security and love.”

Jacen Bowman, celebrity make-up artist and vice president of Philadelphia Black Pride, also chose “Moonlight.” He effused, “Whenever I want to revisit a film that speaks to my journey of self-discovery, I turn to “Moonlight.” It’s my favorite queer bromance. The movie always brings me back to my own early years, just like Chiron’s journey of navigating his identity as a Black man grappling with his sexuality in a society that constantly shames him for it. From childhood to adolescence to early adulthood, the film delves into the hardships he faces as a Black gay man, including the physical and emotional abuse he endures. What resonates with me the most is how ‘Moonlight’ explores the complexity of relationships and self-exploration, especially for someone who presents as masculine but doesn’t fit traditional ideals of masculinity. It delves into the experiences of homophobia and the grace, compassion and respect it takes to embrace one’s true identity. My favorite scene? It’s when Juan (Mahershala Ali) and his girlfriend Teresa (Janelle Monáe) become his first real support system, and one afternoon, Juan takes Little to the beach and teaches him to swim. That moment feels like a baptism — a spiritual connection between the two that I’ll never forget.”

“Love is a journey,” says queer author, playwright and performance poet, TS Hawkins. They explained, “Much like my early foray in finding stories that mirrored how I walk through the world. My inamorata had me attached to ‘The L Word.’ With heart aflutter, awaiting ‘L Word Night’ was just as magical as the evening itself. Snuggled with the one that made my soul sing, we watched the characters unfold as we navigated the raw emotions that we had for one another. Even through the peaks and valleys (us and the characters), ’The L Word’ opened my eyes to seeking more avenues for my story to be seen on TV, stage or film.”

They continued, “Years later, on a random Saturday afternoon visit to Giovanni’s Room, I stumbled upon ‘The Watermelon Woman,’ written, directed and starring Cheryl Dunye. This 1996 romantic comedy, set in Philadelphia, centered on a Black lesbian working in a video store who is inspired to make a documentary on Black actresses while diving into interracial relationship along the way. Though Dunye finds a way to enwrap historical nuance with romance and comedy, I still desired more.”

“The Watermelon Woman” eventually led Hawkins to “A Luv Tale,” a 1999 film by Sidra Smith. “It captured a 45-minute sensual slow-burn between two women finding love — after love — and this was my first spark of feeling ‘seen.’ From that moment, a path of self was forged, and I was forever changed. So, at times when the world feels too loud, I can nuzzle up to all three as nostalgia, comfort and joy.”

Sydni Perry-Anderson, TransWork administrator at Independence Business Alliance, responded, “I’ll never forget when a friend in college showed me ‘D.E.B.S.,’ written and directed by Angela Robinson. It was more than a decade after the film’s release, but the portrayal of queer — and specifically lesbian — relationships as a normal part of life was profoundly shocking. It beautifully combines the thrills of international espionage, forbidden love and queer characters who live happily in the end, and it’s also campy enough to roast a vegan s’more. Though described in a one-star review from ‘Rolling Stone’ as ‘libido-killing,’ there’s nothing sexier to me than feeling that I am safe and welcome in my queer identities.”

Tara Rose Brown, organizing director at the Philly Children’s Movement, shared her deep adoration for Patrick-Ian Polk’s series, ‘Noah’s Arc,’ effusing, “The show features four Black gay best friends navigating life and love in Los Angeles. I can still remember staying up late with my sister and religiously tuning into Logo, never missing an episode. I was enchanted! Polk poignantly depicts Black queer love and how it spans both romantic and platonic relationships. Their stories of unconditional support and uninhibited joy have stuck with me over the years, ‘Noah’s Arc’ will always hold a special place in my heart.”

As for me, whenever I want to cuddle up with my spouse, Michael, I turn on “Luster,” written and directed by Everett Lewis. As soon as he hears the theme music, Michael comes running towards the TV like Pavlov’s dog. This early 2002’s romance has Jackson (Justin Herwick), a blue-haired skater punk, crushing on his sexy cousin Jed (B. Wyatt) while an adorable shy guy, Derek (Shane Thibodeau), quietly pines for Jackson. This charming and scrappy indie film also features a fabulous supporting queer cast. Full of longing, heartache, sex and love, for us, “Luster” shines.