5Queer Summer Romance Films

As queer people, we are hardpressed for romance films. In recent years, gladly, this has changed. With summer fast approaching here is a list of some amazing summer queer romance films to get you ready for your sunshine fling.

Words by ARRAN PROCTOR

Fire Island - 2022

Set on the iconic gay party island, a group of five queer friends make their way for a week of sun, sex, and soirées. Our lead, Noah (Joel Kim Booster), is a serial anti-monogamist and terrified of intimacy, a fear faced by too many queer people. The film touches on being an outcast in a place where being white, muscular, and rich is the norm. It shows the importance of friendship within the queer community, and it shows that love can blossom in the most unlikely of places.

But I’m a Cheerleader - 1999

Released in 1999, Jamie Babbit’s cult classic But I’m a Cheerleader is a hilarious telling of a lesbian relationship sparked from a conversion camp. Not only does this film tell a queer love story it also dips its toes into really important issues. It finds a way to influence your opinion with comedy.

Beautiful Thing - 1996

Directed by Hettie Macdonald, this coming-ofage film revolves around two teenage boys, Jamie and Ste, who live in a London council estate and fall in love with each other. Beautiful Thing is a heart-warming and poignant film that deals with themes of love, acceptance, and the challenges of growing up gay in a working-class environment. This landmark film in British LGBTQ+ cinema is guaranteed to make you cry and fill you with queer joy.

Call Me by Your Name - 2017

A beautifully stunning film, adapted from the novel of the same name by André Aciman, that broke so many hearts when it was released in 2017. A coming of age story which sees a young man becoming more aware of his sexuality and ultimately falling in love with a man who is working for his father over the summer. Set in the north of Italy this film is as stunning in its visuals as it is heart-warming. Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer give equally outstanding performances. It is quintessential queer love but at the same time, you can’t help but cry.

Three Months - 2022

This coming-of-age comedy tells the story of a gay teenager who was exposed to HIV. Caleb (Troye Sivan) has to wait three months before he finds out if he has contracted the virus and, in that time, he meets someone going through the same thing. This film removes any stigma towards HIV, it plainly tells the story of a queer boy, his friendship, his family life, and a potential budding romance.