Pride in 2026 hits a bit differently this year. The United States is a mess, with the safety of our trans siblings up in the air. It’s not any better for those in the UK either. And fascism is unfortunately becoming more and more popular. So many are feeling a sense of despair, wondering what can be done in such difficult times.
It’s helpful to remember that we’ve been here before.
Queer history is full of oppression, ignorance, hatred, and worse. Yet throughout key events in our own history, we have stood up and not only held our ground – but fought for a better world. One where being LGBTQ is acceptable in society. Where we are free to marry our same-sex partner, have children, and establish our own families. Granted, even now, there are many queer folk around the world who are still fighting for all of that. But we’ve fought hard to achieve the wins we’ve gained – and we won’t let them take those away.
And that’s why it’s important to reflect back on our queer history.
And the best way to do that is by watching Queer Documentaries! They recap historical events in LBGTQ history from a vantage that provides additional insight. I’ve actually highlighted some great queer documentaries before. So go check them out first.
Back already, or you’ve already read my pervious post? Awesome! Let’s dive into even MORE queer documentaries.
The five queer documentary films below are a collection of different viewpoints about key moments in queer history. Four documentaries unfortunately have quite tragic outcomes, but each one still provides a unique viewpoint that is important to know about. I hope that you are at least familiar with each historical event, but I anticipate that some of you who are a bit younger may not know them all. And I have to confess that the fifth documentary I’ve included today was a story that even I didn’t know about until I watched the documentary!
So have a look at these 5 MORE Queer Documentary Films – perfect to watch for Pride Month!
5 MORE Queer Documentaries for Pride Month
“Friends and family reflect on the life and death of 21-year-old Matthew Shepard, who was murdered in a targeted homophobic attack in Wyoming in 1998.” – IMDb
It has taken me years to finally sit down and watch this documentary about Matthew Shepard. And even then, it was difficult to watch. Not because it’s a bad documentary! But because it’s about a tragedy that affects me harder than most. You see, Laramie, Wyoming is my hometown. So when “Matt Shepard Is A Friend Of Mine” starts off by recapping his murder, it hit home. Thankfully, rather than being another news documentary that covered the incident or the aftermath, this queer documentary focuses more on Matt himself. This angle was actually refreshing to watch: getting to know Matt through his classmates, friends, and family.
But even through these personal recollections, I knew that they couldn’t ignore the crime and aftermath. The documentary was harder to watch during this segment, but I appreciated that they kept the focus on others telling the story – and how it impacted themselves. It’s not just a news recap. So while this queer documentary was difficult for me to watch, I still strongly encourage everyone to watch it. Not only because Matthew Shepard’s murder shocked the world, and is key part of our queer history. But because it’s actually a good queer documentary.
Watch “Matt Shepard Is A Friend Of Mine” on Amazon, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Dekkoo, Tubi, and YouTube.
“This film recounts the lives and deaths of various victims of AIDS who are commemorated in the AIDS quilt. It is a massive cloth collecting each piece as a memorial for each victim of the disease to both show the death toll and to show the humanity of the victims to those who would rather demonize them.” – IMDb
I still need to watch this queer documentary, but reviews online are quite positive. While it unfortunately deals with much loss, the AIDS crisis is a key part of our LGBTQ history.
Watch “Common Threads: Stories From The Quilt” on Criterion Channel.
“Tells the story of the rise and fall of Michael Alig, a kid from Middle America who aspired to take the place of Andy Warhol. Michael quickly rose to become the biggest party promoter in New York and King of the so-called Club Kids. But after spiraling into drug addiction, Michael brutally murdered his roommate Angel Melendez.” – IMDb
If you’ve seen “Party Monster”, then this documentary that explores even more about Michael Alig, the Club Kids, and the murder of Angel is a MUST see! Using interviews from those directly involved such as Gitsie, James St. James, and even Michael himself, the story of Michael’s rise to fame along with the club kids is told in a way that keeps you enthralled. The only thing I wasn’t too keen on was the excessive use of text screens rather than a naration, but it was more an irk than something that distracted. If you’re looking to know even more about Michael Alig and the Club Kids, this queer documentary will answer your questions!
Watch “Party Monster: The Shockumentary” on WOW Presents Plus.
“2 Members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors Harvey Milk and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone were assassinated by recently resigned Supervisor Dan White on Monday, November 27, 1978, approximately 8:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.. Milk’s life leading up to his election, his successful efforts to politically represent San Francisco’s gay community, and the city’s reaction to the assassinations are documented with extensive news film and personal recollections.” – IMDb
I’ve seen “Milk” – but I actually haven’t yet seen this documentary about Harvey Milk’s life and unfortunate assassination. But that’s actually more reason to watch queer documentaries like “The Times of Harvey Milk” – especially when our LGBTQ rights are yet again under fire.
Watch “The Times of Harvey Milk” on Amazon, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Criterion Channel and YouTube.
“Twelve years after the dramatic collapse of the Christian empire of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, this documentary tells for the first time what really happened when they lost control of the first and most successful TV ministry of its kind.” – IMDb
I probably wouldn’t know much about Tammy Faye if it weren’t for RuPaul’s unique fascination of her, which I only discovered through Drag Race. As a gay man who grew up in the Catholic Church before turning away for many reasons I don’t need to mention, I had little interested in the wife and cofounder of a mega Christian ministry empire. But after watching RuPaul’s documentary about her, even I have a unique appreciation for the woman who is Tammy Faye! Her life story, as recounted by herself in this documentary, is fascinating and one that shows a women who overcame hurdle after hurdle – yet her faith never faltered. But it was the little details that drew me in, such as being the first Christian TV evangelist to welcome a man with AIDS. Or who later on in life, cohosted a talk show with a gay man whom she still considered a dear friend. I may not agree with her faith, but after watching “The Eyes Of Tammy Faye”, I appreciate her more. This is a documentary that is truly worth watching!
Watch “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” on WOW Presents Plus.
So what did you think about these 5 MORE Queer Documentaries to Watch for Pride Month that I’ve chosen? Hopefully they are ones you haven’t seen before – and that you want to watch now. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
(Remember that you can Pin your favorite queer documentary to your Pinterest boards for later!)
But remember that are MANY more queer documentary films out there. I haven’t been able to add them all to my Queer Film, Short, & Series Database – let alone review many of them.
And if I still haven’t include your favorite queer documentary anywhere on the site, let me know HERE. I will certainly add it to my Database – and perhaps give it a full review.
