Which film was your gay awakening?

Did you have a gay awakening? Was there a moment when it suddenly all clicked into place and you realised that you were into dudes?

Often, a film can be the catalyst that helps you figure out who you are or what you're into.

It doesn't necessarily have to be a gay film or a queer character, but it's generally when you see some kind of representation on screen that resonates with you that you have that light-bulb moment that you're not alone in the world.

It's almost a sense of relief to realise that others feel what you feel, that others desire what you desire - that your people are out there, somewhere.

Let's take a look at some of the films that are probably responsible for a lot of gay awakenings.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Gay Cinema Classic: Brokeback Mountain

Ang Lee’s adaptation of the novella by Annie Proulx brought the heartbreaking story of Ennis and Jack to the big screen.

G-TVGareth Johnson

Call Me By Your Name (2018)

Gay Cinema Classic: Call Me By Your Name

Problematic, sure - but it’s an interesting exploration of an age-gap relationship.

G-TVGareth Johnson

From Beginning to End (2009)

Gay Cinema Classic: From Beginning to End

Do Começo ao Fim presents us with an unusual love story.

G-TVGareth Johnson

Hustler White (1996)

Gay Cinema Classic: Hustler White

The 1996 film from Bruce LaBruce and Rick Castro that put the hustlers of West Hollywood on the big screen.

G-TVGareth Johnson

Midnight Cowboy (1969)

Gay Cinema Classic: Midnight Cowboy

A buddy film driven by loneliness and the dream of something better.

G-TVGareth Johnson

Moonlight (2016)

Gay Cinema Classic: Moonlight

The film by Barry Jenkins won the Oscar for Best Picture.

G-TVGareth Johnson

Sequin in a Blue Room (2019)

Gay Cinema Classic: Sequin in a Blue Room

Exploring a young gay guy’s power and potential.

G-TVGareth Johnson

Stranger by the Lake (2013)

Gay Cinema Classic: Stranger by the Lake

A sexed-up thriller that’s definitely worth adding to your watch-list.

G-TVGareth Johnson

The Living End (1992)

Gay Cinema Classic: The Living End

Gregg Araki’s nihilistic road-trip captures the essence of queer identity in the early 90s.

G-TVGareth Johnson