The Interlude

Whether I was decorating my valentine box in elementary school with extra stickers and glitter or enjoying a picnic date with my S.O., I have always loved celebrating Valentine’s Day. It’s the perfect opportunity to express how much you cherish your friends, family, and romantic partners.

February 14 is all the more special to me as a member of the LGBT community — celebrating love means more when society tries to dictate who you can and can’t love. Watching movies featuring gay romances has helped me feel more comfortable as a bisexual woman and reminded me that happy endings aren’t just for straight people. So since you’re probably stuck inside this Valentine’s Day like me, here are eight gay movies to make your holiday special.

A Secret Love (2020)

Screenshot from “A Secret Love.”

Former professional baseball player Terry Donahue has been partnered with her wife Pat Henschel for nearly seven decades, but up until a couple years ago, everyone in their families thought they were just good friends. The interviews, old photographs, and tear-jerking love letters in this documentary offer an intimate look into the deep commitment between these two women, while at the same time giving you a glimpse into 20th century LGBT history. After this movie, you’ll be taking extra time to cherish all the little moments dancing in the kitchen, cuddling on the couch, and making breakfast with your beloved.

Rafiki (2018)

Screenshot from “Rafiki.”

Rafiki follows the relationship between two young women in Kenya, Kena and Ziki (portrayed by Samantha Mugatsia and Sheila Munyiva, respectively), at odds due to their political rival fathers. The story arc isn’t exactly a new one, but the movie’s stunning color schemes and lively settings makes this tale of two gay teenagers finding love amid an unaccepting community feel fresh and new. The film was initially banned in Kenya, emphasizing just how controversial — and crucial — gay love stories still are. The love story in this movie is sweet, but it’s not without some harshness: be cautious of scenes depicting anti-LGBT violence.

Saving Face (2004)

Screenshot from “Saving Face.”

If you enjoyed last year’s Netflix original film, The Half Of It, you should watch director Alice Wu’s feature length debut. Wilhemina “Wil” Pang (Michelle Krusiec) would much rather romance a professional ballerina (Lynn Chen) than the nice Chinese boys her mother tries to set her up with. But when her unmarried 48-year-old mother (Joan Chen) becomes pregnant and moves in with her, it’s harder than ever to keep her relationship private. The film perfectly juggles the two women’s struggles to fit into their Chinese-American community. Every character is lovable and relatable, and their interactions are funny, sweet, and also a little bit soapy, making for the perfect fluffy Valentine’s Day flick.

Princess Cyd (2017)

Screenshot from “Princess Cyd.”

16-year-old Cyd (Jessie Pinnick) visits her aunt Miranda (Rebecca Spence) for the summer, where she learns more about sex, spirituality, adulthood. It’s one of those indie movies where nothing much happens, but the smart acting and dialogue between the characters reel you in. And the movie is also not too romantic — the relationship between Cyd and her aunt takes center stage over Cyd’s budding romance with butch barista Kate (Malic White). The development of both Cyd’s familial bond and summer fling are tender and heartwarming. The film serves as a good reminder of the importance of all relationships, romantic or otherwise. This film also gets props for not treating bisexuality like a phase, punchline, or indicator of promiscuity.

Imagine Me & You (2005)

Screenshot from “Imagine Me & You.”

Imagine Me & You is like every other trope-y, early 2000s romcom — I mean, it’s complete with a car chase scene and public declaration of love. However, there is one notable difference: the romance is between two women. The movie begins with protagonist Rachel (Piper Perabo) marrying her longtime love, Hector (Matthew Goode). The two are supposedly a perfect match, but Rachel isn’t blissfully swept up in the honeymoon phase. Instead, she’s become enchanted by her wedding florist, Luce (Lena Headey). The two strike up a friendship, inviting each other over for dinner and going to soccer games together, but pretty soon Rachel can’t resist her attraction to Luce. This is the cheesy rom-com gay women need and deserve.

Thelma (2017)

Screenshot from “Thelma.”

Not in the mood for anything too romantic this Valentine’s Day, but still want to keep movie night ~gay~? Consider watching Thelma. In this Norwegian psychological horror movie, new college student Thelma (Eili Harboe) is finally away from her traditional, religious parents’ watchful eyes. As she explores her newfound freedom and begins falling for her college classmate, Anja (Kaya Wilkins), she discovers terrifying psychokinetic powers. Horror movies are best when infiltrated with meaning, and here the horror represents a lot about repression, self-discovery, and a little bit of good, old-fashioned revenge. The visual language of the film is also striking, and the writing subtly builds suspense until the arresting finale.

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (2019)

Screenshot from “Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga.”

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, or “What I Felt When I Saw A Girl,” tells the story of Sweety Chaudhary (Sonam Kapoor) as she struggles to come out to her traditional family. It’s one of the first Bollywood movies to center a lesbian romance and was released only a year after India’s Supreme Court decriminalized homosexuality. The love interests don’t kiss each other, but the film indicates a strong — though sanitized — first step toward celebrating LGBT relationships. Social significance aside, the movie is simply a delightful romantic comedy. The melodramatic music cues and goofy side characters (especially the father played by Bollywood veteran Anil Kapoor) made me smile all the way through.

But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)

Screenshot from “But I’m a Cheerleader.”

High school cheerleader Megan (Natasha Lyonne) is trying to live a perfect, all-American life, until her parents suspect she is a lesbian and send her to conversion camp. While there, she meets a quirky set of “ex-gays,” including the intriguing Graham (Clea DuVall) and Mike, played by RuPaul Charles himself. Older, more seasoned members of the wlw community might be wondering why I am bothering to include a movie that is already recognized and deeply adored by LGBT film canon. But everyone was a baby gay who hadn’t heard of this classic at some point in your life, so I’m here to make sure you know about it. This campy, color-coordinated film is filled to the brim with warmth and style. It’s a classic for good reason.