One of the best ways to learn about the past is to watch a documentary, and when it comes to LGBTQ+ history there are quite a few docs currently streaming that put a spotlight on important, impactful, and underrepresented issues. There’s the iconic “Paris Is Burning,” which shined a light on classic New York City ballroom culture, which continues to influence drag performers and mainstream pop culture to this day. There’s “The Times of Harvey Milk,” the true story of the famed California politician who was murdered. There’s the new documentary, “Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed,” which tells the actor’s story from his Hollywood beginnings to his death from AIDS. And there’s films like “Disclosure,” which lets trans people, activists, and actors do a full appraisal of how those who are trans and nonbinary have been represented in Hollywood – and how things can change.
The documentaries ahead are thoughtful, sometimes painful stories of how LGBTQ+ people have existed and will continue to exist. Even in the stories with tragic endings, there’s still the hope, love, and connection of the queer community, a vision for a better future found when everyone comes together.
Ahead, these are 12 LGBTQ+ documentaries you can stream right now on Netlix, Max, and more.