Gay kiss in film
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After ruling out numerous options and being outed on his school’s gossip website, Simon finally dares his crush to meet him at the school’s carnival. In one of the most iconic LGBTQ+ kisses of all time, Ben and fellow counselor McKinley sneak off to the tool shed together for some passionate alone time. The scene is even more powerful for the courage it demonstrates in a context where same-sex attraction is met with stigma.
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#3: Simon Spier & Abraham "Bram" Greenfeld
“Love, Simon” (2018)
There are precious few teen films that focus on LGBTQ+ love stories, but this romantic comedy-drama is one of the best.
That said, the LGBTQ+ community has faced an uphill battle for queer representation in movies, going as far back as 100 years to the earliest days of cinema.
Historically, depictions of the LGBTQ+ community have been less than flattering: LGBTQ+ characters were either queer-coded or portrayed as deviants to appease the inequitable Hays Code (1934-1968), which prohibited movie studios from producing favorable LGBTQ+ content, as one was not allowed to portray subjects deemed “immoral.” During this time, it was a rarity to see a touching and emotional story with any truth to it, let alone any outright LGBTQ+ romance movies.
It wasn’t until the Stonewall Riots in 1969 that queer movies began to infiltrate the mainstream as movie studios began to see the untapped potential in the queer community and began creating stories to draw in queer audiences.
Her family and friends, however, are not convinced and send Meghan to True Directions, a “sexual redirection” camp to encourage her heterosexuality.
Recently, Nick and Charlie in Heartstopper melted hearts with their innocent romance. This Valentine’s Day, let’s cherish these unforgettable moments that continue to inspire and validate queer love on screen.
Happening Out Television Network
Top 10 Best LGBTQ+ Movie Kisses
#10: Cheryl & Diana
“The Watermelon Woman” (1996)
This romantic comedy-drama was the first feature directed by a Black lesbian.
This comedy-drama combines irresistible romance with social commentary on the experiences of Pakistani communities in the U.K. of the 1980s. Cheryl Dunye also wrote, edited, and starred in the film, which centers on a video store employee’s quest to research a little-known Black actress from the 1930s. While queer storytelling still faces hurdles like conservative backlash and casting controversies, some iconic moments have brought authentic gay representation to our screens.
Given the illicit nature of their affair due to systemic homophobia, it’s a sheer thrill to see the star-crossed pair finally consummate their love. The kiss is iconic as it is a moment that breaks down all the walls of toxic masculinity as Chiron and Kevin see and accept each other fully before giving in to each other in an incredibly intimate moment that leaves a lasting impression.
Related: Best Movies About Black LGBTQ+ Characters, Ranked
Adele & Emma — Blue is the Warmest Color
Blue is the Warmest Color is based on the graphic novel of the same name by Jul March.
When Adele catches a glimpse of Emma in passing one day, she can't get her out of her mind. It’s one of the coming-of-age drama’s most memorable moments, and for good reason. The trip challenges their perceptions of each other and ultimately brings them closer together. Although she isn’t accepted by the congregation, she finds refuge with her now-married childhood friends Dovid and Esti.
Sure enough, when aspiring photographer Therese and older housewife Carol celebrate New Year’s Eve together, their undeniable chemistry comes to a head. The pair is later reunited at a lesbian bar and strike up a friendship. The pair passionately locks lips between swigs of wine, perfectly capturing the reckless spirit of young love.