June 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Pride Month. This year, Pride celebrations honor diversity, solidarity, and local heroes virtually (a list of helpful links with free activities to follow). Also for your viewing pleasure, we've assembled a list of LGBTQ+ films available for free on the Mechanics’ Institute Kanopy streaming service. All you need is your MI library card. Grab your popcorn and enjoy!
Moonlight - Oscar-winner for Best Picture, Moonlight is a moving and transcendent look at three defining chapters in the life of Chiron, a young man growing up in Miami.
Maurice - Set in pre-World War I England, Maurice is a story of coming to terms with one's sexuality and identity in the face of disapproval and misunderstanding.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post - Based on the novel by Emily Danforth, the Miseducation of Cameron Post follows the titular character (Chloe Grace Moritz) as she is sent to a gay conversion therapy center after getting caught with another girl in the back seat of a car at prom.
The Watermelon Woman - A fledgling filmmaker becomes obsessed with a character she sees in a 1930s movie. This is the story of the filmmaker’s search to find the actress and what she learns. Winner of the Best Feature Film at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Hearts Beat Loud - Set in Brooklyn's hip Red Hook neighborhood, a single dad and his college-age daughter team up in a live musical act which leads to many discoveries along the way. A Sundance Film Festival Official Selection.
1985 - A closeted New York City advertising executive returns to his Texas hometown during the first wave of the AIDS crisis. There, he reconnects with his family and an estranged childhood friend, forcing him to confront unresolved issues and an uncertain future.
Anchor & Hope - In their mid-30s, a lesbian couple living happily and simply in a London canal boat are pressured by a family member to have children.
Free Virtual Activities During Pride Month:
San Francisco Pride - Look here for information about SF Pride's annual parade online.
GLBT Historical Society - Learn the history of the Pride movement through the GLBT Historical Society's online art exhibitions, and virtual events.
Smithsonian's Project Pride - Free activities including a virtual Pride concert; drag queen story-time; a digital time-capsule celebration of LGBTQ+ Heritage, Culture, and History; and highlights of Smithsonian's special collections.
The Library of Congress - You'll find documentary footage of the first Pride march in New York City on June 28, 1970, as well as many other free LGBTQ+ online resources.
New York City's Pride March - Special broadcast in partnership with ABC 7 on June 28, hosted this year by actor Dan Levy.
Castro District - Take a self-guided online tour of the Castro’s queer street art.
San Francisco City Hall - Schedule of this month's lighting events honoring Pride and diversity.
Commonwealth Club's Lavender Talks - Free panel discussions every other Thursday night.
