OPINION: My favorite LGBTQ+ Romantic Comedies
I’ve noticed that movies surrounding LGBTQ+ love stories always seem to be in a heavy drama category. There always seems to be death or a heartbreaking circumstance where the two leads remain forbidden to love each other. We deserve lighthearted and humorous plotlines centered on romantic ideas. In this list, you’ll see romantic comedies that prioritize the LGBTQ+ experience and romantic desires. Romantic dramas like Moonlight, Brokeback Mountain, The Way He Looks and a few others will not be included.
SPOILER ALERT!!!
My favorite LGBTQ+ Romantic Comedies
Wild Nights With Emily
Like the Apple TV+ show Dickinson, this movie chooses to explore the famous poet Emily Dickinson’s love life with other women. In the fictitious reimagining, Emily meets Susan Gilbert during a Shakespeare festival where they play lovers in a scene together. They fall for each other and even when Susan moves away, she and Emily keep up with love letters. We find out later that Emily’s brother tried to edit her letter to exclude Susan. Both a story of hidden love and the attempt to erase Emily Dickinson’s reported lesbian relationships, it proves that historical romances can be just as funny and poignant as contemporary ones.
But I’m A Cheerleader
For better or for worse, this cult classic will always define Natasha Lyonne to her LGBTQ+ fans. She stars as Megan, a cheerleader dating a football player. She’s blonde, perky, and well… a cheerleader. However, it becomes clear to her friends and family that her interest in vegetarianism and Melissa Etheridge proves she is a lesbian.
Although this remains a tragic situation for many real-life teenagers, the movie mocks the ridiculous idea that any of these kids have to be fixed to live happy lives. The movie resonates with so many young LGBTQ+ teens’ fears about coming out and then turn them into this candy-colored confection with a happy ending for our lesbian protagonist.
Happiest Season
Under the direction of LGBTQ+ icon Clea DuVall, the movie is the lesbian holiday romantic comedy we never saw coming. Harper loves Christmas and her girlfriend Abby doesn’t. So, she asks her to come home with her for Christmas. The catch? Harper’s family doesn’t know she’s a lesbian and therefore, doesn’t know that she’s in a relationship with Abby.
Now, her girlfriend has to pretend to be her roommate instead of her long-time partner. LGBTQ+ people both onscreen and off-screen become the groundbreaking thing about this film. With Clea DuVall behind the camera, we can see Dan Levy and Kristen Stewart in front of it.
Love, Simon
Based on an award-winning novel, this was dubbed as the first movie about gay teenage romance to be released by a major studio – 20th Century Fox. This movie allows us to watch Simon fall hopelessly in love with a fellow closeted gay teen over e-mail. When another student finds Simon’s e-mails to “Blue,” he tries everything he can to avoid a public outing for the both of them.
But, it blows up in his face. When Simon’s parents and friends give him support, he’s able to proudly declare who he is and stages a big romantic gesture for Blue. This movie gives us gay teen romance and parental acceptance… a truly happy ending.
Other LGBTQ+ romantic comedies like The Thing About Harry, Alex Strangelove, Let It Snow, Dating Amber, and The Half of It aren’t on this list. Mainly because I haven’t actually watched it yet. Although I acknowledge their presence in other lists of having the best lines of comedies and cliched romantic gestures, I have yet to see it for myself. So, yeah. Don’t hate me.
Did I miss out on your favorite LGBTQ+ romantic comedy? Let us know!
