As a pioneer in the streaming platform industry, you can easily see that Netflix offers a wide variety of films, including a focus on LGBTQIA+ diversity in reality shows and film and television works. In June, Pride Month, Netflix has specially selected the “See Us: International LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Celebration Playlist” to help viewers better understand the inner world of LGBTQIA+ individuals and learn to respect and acknowledge them. Let’s take advantage of the last week of Pride Month to choose one or more films from this playlist to watch, embrace diversity, and welcome the rainbow! (Of course, you are also welcome to enjoy these films on days outside of Pride Month.)
1. “RuPaul’s Drag Race Behind the Sequins: Season 12”
A reality show that tells the story of a group of drag enthusiasts who go all out to impress the legendary Drag Queen RuPaul with their designs, styles, and runway performances, with the winner receiving a $100,000 prize and the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar.” The added elements of rivalry, intrigue, and gossip significantly increase the excitement and watchability of the show!
2. “Pink Rescuers: Season Five”
Many viewers are probably not unfamiliar with the “Queer Eye” series, and the new season will continue to showcase a diverse lifestyle attitude from various categories such as fashion, beauty, food and wine, interior design, and cultural literacy. The biggest highlight is that the “Fab 5” will interact with guests with different values, discussing gender diversity and social issues, while also hoping to see many different sparks!
3. “Ellen DeGeneres: Empathy”
Famous talk show host Ellen DeGeneres is one of the first openly gay women in Hollywood, who has faced discrimination and even had her show canceled because of her sexual orientation. However, she did not let this defeat her, and her outstanding achievements since then are believed to be well-known to everyone. After a 15-year hiatus, she returned to the comedy stage to share her entertainment journey and path to fame, allowing us to get to know this brave woman in a deeper way.
4. “Half-hearted Understanding”
Directed by Taiwanese-American lesbian filmmaker Alice Wu, the film tells the story of introverted gifted student Ellie ghostwriting love letters for athlete Paul to pursue the goddess Asther, only to fall in love with the same girl in the process. The story unfolds as Ellie discovers her own lesbian identity while suddenly facing the dilemma of Paul confessing his feelings to her. Set in a school campus, the youthful atmosphere is sure to resonate with young audiences.
5. “Who Loved Him First”
Directed by renowned directors Xu Yuting and Xu Zhiyan, the film depicts the female protagonist Sanlian discovering that after her husband’s death, he changed the beneficiary of his insurance policy from their son to a stranger. She decides to confront this man, only to find out about his romantic relationship with her late husband, while their son moves in with this man. The film’s style is humorous and entertaining, presenting a seemingly heavy topic in a light-hearted manner, allowing viewers to watch it with ease yet still provoke some reflection.
6. “Strange Love Alex”
Set against the backdrop of campus life, the protagonist Alex is the president of the student council with a beautiful girlfriend. He originally wanted to give his first sexual experience to his girlfriend, but surprisingly, he finds himself thinking about his new friend Elliot. After a series of events, she slowly learns to understand herself and falls in love with her true self. It is a very healing piece.
7. “Hollywood”
After World War II, a group of actors and filmmakers with dreams went to Hollywood, revealing their behind-the-scenes struggles through each character (including the first Chinese-American actress to step into Hollywood, Anna May Wong), exposing prejudices against gender and sexual orientation, as well as addressing racial discrimination, long-standing power structures, and systemic injustices, prompting reflection.
8. “New York Kaleidoscope: Season 2”
The story is set in New York in 1987, where the celebrity of the diverse gender dance party, Blanca, decides to start her own family and takes in a talented dancer and a sex worker who falls in love with an upscale client. The series was nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Series, and Billy Porter also won Best Actor that year.
9. “Miss Feel Good”
Mae Martin is a newcomer in the stand-up comedy scene, currently in a stage of recovery, and falls in love with George during this time. The overall plot focuses on depicting relationships between people, with parents, with fellow members of the recovery group, with colleagues at the comedy club, and with George in an addictive relationship. It is a humorous yet touching story.
10. “Love in the Dark”
Tell the love story of professional baseball players Terry Donahue and Pat Henschel, who have been together for 70 years, detailing their moments of acquaintance, their respective careers, coming out, and struggles with whether to get married, witnessing their unwavering love and teaching us how to love and maintain a relationship.
