The LGBTQ+ community need some laughs too

By: Angel Agbontaen

From watching Kat Stratford and Patrick Verona build a slow burning romance in 10 Things I Hate About You to learning about the complexities of human emotions with Tom Hansen and Summer Finn in (500) Days of Summer, romantic comedies have been capturing the hearts of romance lovers everywhere; they provide a heart-warming escape from reality. But it is no secret that romantic comedies have always catered to white, heterosexual audiences, following the predictable formula of a male and female lead falling in love after a series of (not so) comedic misadventures.

In recent years though, the world of cinema has undergone a shift towards more diverse and inclusive storytelling, even within the formulaic universes of romantic comedies. Queer television in the past tackled topics of coming out, being outed and others — which are important stories to tell — but if we’re being real, the queer community needs some laughs and love too.

Gone are the days of you stalking a stranger’s Letterboxd list, because here are a few good queer rom-coms that you should add to your watch list.

The Watermelon Woman (1996)

Written and directed by Cheryl Dunye, this story follows Cheryl, a young, Black lesbian filmmaker and her journey to finding an obscure Black actress from the ‘30s. Further into her research, Cheryl discovers more about herself personally and creatively.

The Watermelon Woman has received critical acclaim for its examination of race, sexuality and representation in mainstream and independent media. The film has played in various film festivals, including the Tokyo International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Currently, you can't stream The Watermelon Woman in Canada, but the film is available on various archival websites.

But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)

But I'm a Cheerleader uses satire, humour and overexaggerated stereotypes to criticize the practice of conversion therapy. Directed by queer filmmaker Jamie Babbit, the 1999 film follows a story of a high school cheerleader, Megan, who gets sent to a conversion camp because her parents suspect she is a lesbian. Megan must learn to come to terms with her sexuality and stand up to her parents. Canadian actor Elliot Page cites the film as one that helped him with his struggles as a young LGBTQ+ person.

You can watch But I'm a Cheerleader on Prime Video.

Saving Face (2004)

Saving Face, directed by Alice Wu and premiered at TIFF in 2004, revolves around a Chinese-American family and how they navigate relationships that go against their cultural expectations. Protagonist Wil Pang and her mother, Joan Chen, must deal with the challenges of their personal relationship with each other and with others around them.

You can rent Saving Face for $4.99 on Youtube.

D.E.B.S. (2004)

D.E.B.S. is an action-comedy driven by its romantic plotline. The movie follows four teenage girls — Amy, Dominique, Max and Janet — who are recruited by a secret government organisation. Exploring the struggle between duty and desire, Amy has to choose between her responsibility as an agent or her new-found romance with the agency’s arch-enemy.

You can rent D.E.B.S. for $4.99 on Youtube.

Fire Island (2022)

In this modern-day adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, Joel Kim Booster not only stars in but also writes a compelling story centred around a group of friends who have become a chosen family as they voyage to the vacation spot, Fire Island. While Fire Island is light-hearted and humourous, this film also tackles thought-provoking themes such as economic status, class, heteronormativity and societal perceptions.

Fire Island is available to watch with a Disney+ subscription.

Punks (2000)

Punks follows the lives of four gay African-American friends living in Hollywood. They navigate love, friendship and romance in a world that frequently marginalizes them. The movie sheds light on a group that is underrepresented in the media, while also celebrating the power of friendship.

Punks is not available for streaming, but you can watch it on various archival websites.

Portrait of a Serial Monogamist (2015)

This heartfelt Canadian film directed by Christina Zeidler and John Mitchel explores the challenges of commitment in modern relationships. Following the story of Elsie and her journey to realisation after a breakup, Portrait of a Serial Monogamist offers viewers the perspective of a woman who has to face her insecurities and fears in order to discover what is best for herself.

You can watch Portrait of a Serial Monogamist on Roku.

Whether you’re seeking a heartwarming coming-of-age or a gripping story exploring the complexities of love, this list has got you covered. With this curated selection, you are now ready to laugh, cry and hang on to the edge of your seat while immersing yourself in some compelling queer stories.