While LGBTQ+ Pride Month at the University of Miami wraps up, there are countless resources available to continue raising awareness and celebrating a vibrant community of people and their allies. “Films are a window that allows us to explore unseen stories about LGBTQ people throughout cultures and generations,” shared Ivan Puente Davalillo, clinical research coordinator in the Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences. “Some of my personal favorites are from France, Sri Lanka, Georgia, and my country, Venezuela.”
Whether you prefer reading books and online publications or watching television shows or films, we’ve curated a list of recommended LGBTQ+ media recommendations worth exploring. Browse the following list of items submitted by fellow ’Canes. And you can share your favorites by completing this form.
The Andy Warhol Diaries (docuseries)
Andrew Rossi
“This television documentary is about the most important 20th century American artist who was gay. The Warhol Museum social media account features the documentary, because the film’s director interviewed staff members and used the museum's archives for research.” ―Shane Elipot, research assistant professor, ocean sciences, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
Attitudes! (podcast)
Bryan Safi and Erin Gibson
“This podcast discusses current events with a focus on LGBTQ+ and gender issues while keeping it real and fun.” —Melissa Drown, student
Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out (book)
Lani Ka'ahumanu, Loraine Hutchins
“Excellent life stories that show how we can't reduce our diverse experience to just four letters.” —Francisco Insignares, almuna ’85
Genres: anthology, personal narrative
The Body Is Not An Apology (book)
Sonya Renee Taylor
“This book is essential to embarking on a journey of radical self-love, particularly for those in marginalized bodies. Sonya Renee Taylor is a queer author and poet that advocates for self-compassion and healing by deconstructing shame.” ―Lily Ezersky, student
Genre: self-help
A Boy's Own Story (book)
Edmund White
“This book is a pivotal piece of literature.” —Gene Sulzberger, alumnus
Genre: autobiographical novel
Dancer from the Dance (book)
Andrew Holleran
“This is a classic of North American literature that tells the story of gay men in New York City in the 1970s, with all that came with it. Beautifully written, it's a story of the eternal quest for love and friendship.” ―Martin Nesvig, professor, history, College of Arts and Sciences
Genres: novel, gay literature, gay fiction, humor, psychological fiction
DIVA (podcast)
“This podcast offers great information for LGBTQ women and non-binary people.” —Carol Shipman, engagement officer, Alumni Engagement
Food 4 Thot (podcast)
“It's a spicy podcast produced over the past few years by a group of academics, scientists, journalists, and authors. In each episode, they'll go through a number of topics, always intimate, funny, and relatable to all LGBTQI+ people.” ―Steven Calle, senior administrative assistant, audiology services, UHealth
Genre: society and culture
Gentleman Jack: The Real Anne Lister (TV series)
Sally Wainwright
“It’s a historical and true story of a lesbian in the 1800, fascinating!” —Carol Shipman, engagement officer, Alumni Engagement
Grindr (YouTube channel)
“The Grindr YouTube channel paradoxically has very good and fun-to-watch content. Particularly the ‘Old Gays’ series makes me laugh so much, but it also reminds me to value and embrace being part of this community every step of the way.” ―Ivan Puente Davalillo, clinical research coordinator, Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Invisible Life (book)
E. Lynn Harris
“This book is a classic in African American pop literature from the 1990s. Readers will get a feel for Black queer social life in the period between Stonewall and the end of sodomy laws in the U.S.” —Marlon Moore, associate professor, English, College of Arts and Sciences
Genres: novel, romance novel, bildungsroman, gay fiction, young adult fiction
Let The Record Show: A Political History of ACT UP New York, 1987-1993 (book)
Sarah Schulman
“I recommend this book along with the ACT UP Oral History Project, which collects the testimonies of the founders, participants, and activists of the USA's most effective LGBTQ+ Public Health group. It is full of ideas on how to be an effective activist." ―Gema Pérez-Sánchez, associate professor, modern languages and literatures, College of Arts and Sciences
Genre: biography
Maintenance Phase (podcast)
Aubrey Gordon and Michael Hobbes
“This queer-hosted podcast about the science behind weight, weight stigma, diet culture, and 'biohacking' is a hilarious and honest walk through the pseudo-science so many of us take as gospel. Well-cited, well-produced, and incredibly binge-able, ‘Maintenance Phase’ has something for everyone.” ―Nick Metheny, assistant professor, School of Nursing and Health Studies
Genre: health and fitness
One Last Stop (book)
Casey McQuiston
“This title has a happy ending and is inclusive, multiracial, and relevant.” —Raeann Raisor, alumna
Genres: romance novel, new adult fiction, contemporary romance, lesbian literature
Queerty.com (news and entertainment online publication)
“I recommend this site for staying connected on LGBT news.” —Gene Sulzberger, alumnus
Red, White, and Royal Blue (book)
Casey McQuiston
“The book is a great read and was recently featured in a New York Times article dedicated to LGBTQ+ romance novels.” ―Alex Mas, associate director, Graduate School
Genres: romance novel, humorous fiction, LGBT literature
Redefining Realness (book)
Janet Mock
“The author handles the complexity of the subject so gracefully. Her personal and universal experience transcends the narrative.” ―Lauren Foster, director of LGBTQ services, patient experience, UHealth
Genres: memoir, biography, autobiography
Sex Talks to Girls (book)
Maureen Seaton
“This memoir written by a longtime UM creative writing professor won the Lambda Literary Award in 2009. It is funny, poignant, and raw—a tumble through the life of a masterful poet and storyteller who navigates marriage and motherhood, alcoholism, and an awakening of her sexual orientation.” —Meredith Camel, executive director, University Communications
Genres: memoir, biography, autobiography
The Truth of A Thousand Nights (film)
Chris Molina
“It’s a beautiful film about a night between two gay men.” ―Ashley Navarro, senior program coordinator, Office of the Registrar
WOWPresents UNHhhh (YouTube channel)
Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamalodchikova
“It's lighthearted, hilarious, and normalizes gay culture.” —Ronks, alumnus ’15
Review additional recommendations.
TV series
- Legendary (HBO)
- Veneno (HBO)
Films
- And Then We Danced (2019)
- Bad Hair (Pelo Malo) (2013)
- Brokeback Mountain (2005)
- Cheila: Una Casa Pa' Maita (2009)
- A Fantastic Woman (Una Mujer Fantástica) (2017)
- Flee (2021)
- Funny Boy (2020)
- Girl (2018)
- The Invisible Thread (2022)
- Laurence Anyways (2012)
- Liz in September (2013)
- My Straight Son (Azul y No Tan Rosa) (2012)
- Out in the Dark (2012)
- Pariah (2011)
- Summer of 85 (2020)
Publications
- Autostraddle, a digital publication and real life community for multiple generations of LGBTQIA+ people and their friends
- Counterpunch, an online magazine
