2018 has been an incredible year for LGBTQ representation in the art world. We’ve seen proud trans characters land on our favorite TV shows , watched gay kids fall in love on the big screen, and thumbed our way through fantastic fiction written by and for the queer community.
And what’s even greater than all this? With six more months left in 2018, the best is yet to come. In celebration (and eager anticipation!), we’ve assembled some of the fabulous LGBTQ movies set to hit theaters soon.
Boy Erased
Based on the 2016 memoir of the same name, Boy Erased charts the story of Jared (portrayed by Manchester by the Sea standout Lucas Hedges ), a 19-year-old preacher’s son forced to decide between conversion therapy or exile after being outed to his southern parents (played by Oscar winners Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe). While we won’t spoil the ending for you, the movie is sure to start an important conversation about the dangers of the ex-gay movement. Check it out in theaters this September.
We the Animals
Another movie based on a book, We the Animals tells the story of a trio of brothers growing up in a dysfunctional and often violent family in 1980s upstate New York. While all three struggle to discover who they are, things get particularly complicated for youngest brother Jonah once he realizes that he’s gay. What unfolds is a deeply heartbreaking portrait of a family coming to terms with their differences and a young man realizing his life is his own to live. The film debuted at this year’s Sundance and will be coming to theaters across the U.S. this August.
McQueen
This much-anticipated deep dive into the life of couturier Alexander McQueen is hitting theaters this June and already has critics buzzing. Using archival footage and interviews with close friends and family, the documentary tracks the out designer’s journey from art school in London to his time at Givenchy, all the way to his eventual suicide in 2010.
Howard
A celebration of the late, great American lyricist Howard Ashman (the man behind such canonical hits as “Under the Sea ” and “Be Our Guest ”), Howard is sure to be one of the fan favorite LGBTQ movies of the year. The documentary, which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival, tells the story of Ashman’s life, from his early playwriting days through his successful Disney collaborations with composer Alan Menken to his death from AIDS-related complications in 1991. The movie’s theatrical debut is still TBD.
The Happy Prince
The Happy Prince explores the tumultuous relationship between literary icon Oscar Wilde (Rupert Everett) and Lord Alfred “Bosie” Douglas (Colin Morgan), as well as the proceeding indecency trial that derailed the famed author’s career. While the material itself is super interesting, getting to see Everett in the titular role adds another layer of depth to the film, as the out actor has routinely lambasted Hollywood for being homophobic. The Happy Prince drops in the U.K. on June 15 and opens in the U.S. on October 5.
Rafiki
Set amid the backdrop of modern day Kenya, Rafiki offers a tender glimpse into the blossoming relationship between protagonists Kena and Ziki. Despite the long-established political rivalry between their families, the young women can’t help but develop a friendship and eventual romantic love for one another that might just transcend the bigotry of their community. While the film had an official debut at this year’s Cannes festival, it’s since become the subject of scrutiny in Kenya where it’s been banned “due to its homosexual theme.” This is certainly one of the LGBTQ movies to keep an eye on in 2018.
