C onsistent with JusticeAid’s mission to promote justice through the arts, and in keeping with our 2022 focus on LGBTQ civil rights, throughout 2022 we will feature films that address important issues to the LGBTQ community. Our film picks do not aim to represent the broad spectrum of this community—that is an impossible feat. Rather, they offer a glimpse into the complexities and strengths inherent in queer and gender non-conforming identities. We hope these films also offer inspiration, deepen our collective understanding, and prompt candid conversations with family and friends. We suggest artworks, songs, books, TV shows, and viewpoints to supplement the films below.
We welcome your reactions and suggestions and look forward to taking this journey with you throughout 2022 as we strive to forge greater empathy and deeper commitment to providing access to justice and protections for the civil rights of all persons.
This month’s film selection, Moonlight, is a vital portrait of contemporary Black life and an intensely personal and poetic meditation on identity, family, friendship, and love. Louis Fratino is our January featured LGBTQ-identified fine artist. Click on the banner art above to see the full work, and read about the artist known for his emotionally charged, atmospheric paintings that explore queer identity with a contemplative tenderness.
Moonlight
2016
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY
Barry Jenkins
STARRING
Naomie Harris
André Holland
Mahershala Ali
Janelle Monáe
AWARDS
2017 Academy Award Winner
Best Picture
2017 Golden Globe Award Winner
Best Picture
SEE IT ON
Amazon Prime
Showtime Anytime
YouTube
Also Recommended
Sweet and Salty (Netflix series) Comedy
Comedian, writer, and actress Fortune Feimster (“The Mindy Project”) recalls her childhood misadventures as a former Girl Scout, debutante, and (disqualified) swim meet champion; her family’s complicated relationship with Hooters; and how a movie helped her realize she was a lesbian. Watch the trailer.
Paris Is Burning
Directed by Jennie Livingston
A 1990 documentary that chronicled New York’s 1980s ball culture, with particular emphasis on Black and Latino trans and queer folks. More
Unprotected: A Memoir
By Billy Porter
A powerful and revealing autobiography about race, sexuality, art, and healing by Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner, Billy Porter. More
41 Queer & Trans High School Movies All Teens Should See
These selected films from Out magazine explore the teen experience, and that jungle known as high school, with humor and compassion. For a long time, LGBTQ+ teens haven’t been able to see their experiences in movies, but that’s changing. See the list.
Pose
An American drama television series about New York City’s Black and Latino LGBTQ and gender-nonconforming drag ball culture scene in the 1980s and 1990s. More
JusticeAid leverages the community-building power of art and music to transform awareness into action in the fight against injustice. Each year we identify and raise funds for justice causes by hosting music, arts, and educational events. Since 2013 JusticeAid has granted more than 1.5 million dollars to nonprofits working to ensure access to justice for the disenfranchised and marginalized. Our grantee partners are fighting racist voter suppression and racist policing, working to end mass incarceration and inhumane immigration practices, ensuring access to legal services, and addressing the criminalization and hatred of others. Throughout 2022 JusticeAid is focusing on LGBTQ civil rights and raising money for SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders). In 2022, our gift to JusticeAid will support SMYAL’s work to meet the most pressing needs of queer & trans youth. Through affirming programs and services, SMYAL equips LGBTQ youth with the resources they need to thrive as they grow into adulthood.