Documentary films play a crucial role in preserving the rich and impactful history of the Black queer community and its narratives. From Paris is Burning to Mama Gloria, these films illuminate the intersections of race, sexuality, and identity within the Black queer experience.

We’ve compiled a list of essential documentaries that showcase compelling stories of Black queerness across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. These films have not only shaped popular culture but also continue to inspire global change.

This groundbreaking documentary takes viewers deep into the ballroom culture of 1980s New York City, where Black and Latin queer communities forged a space for self-expression, challenged societal norms, and built chosen families. Directed by Jennie Livingston and released in 1990, the film highlights the lives of legendary figures such as Pepper LaBeija and Dorian Corey, delving into issues of gender, sexuality, race, and class. While it honors the creativity and strength of the ballroom scene, it also addresses the harsh realities of homophobia, transphobia, racism, and the AIDS crisis. Paris Is Burning stands as a vital work for understanding the resilience of queer Black history and cultural innovation.

The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson

This moving documentary by David France delves into the mysterious death of Marsha P. Johnson, a Black gay activist and co-founder of the Gay Liberation Front. Renowned for her involvement in the Stonewall uprising, Johnson passionately fought for LGBTQ+ rights, especially for homeless trans youth. By weaving together archival footage and interviews with activists like Sylvia Rivera, the 2017 film reveals the systemic violence that Black queer individuals face. It serves as both a homage to Johnson’s lasting impact and a call to action for justice, emphasizing the intersections of racism, homophobia, transphobia, and the ongoing struggle for equality within the trans community.

Kiki

Directed by Sara Jordenö, Kiki takes a fresh look at New York’s ballroom scene through the lens of a younger generation. This 2016 documentary shifts its emphasis to activism, showcasing how the Black and Latin LGBTQ+ community leverages the Kiki scene as a platform for social justice. By presenting intimate portraits of leaders and performers, the film delves into issues like homelessness, health disparities within the queer community, and systemic inequality, all while celebrating resilience and creativity. Featuring electrifying voguing performances and open discussions, Kiki embodies a movement that reclaims space, confronts stigma, and fosters solidarity, providing a lively testament to the transformative strength of chosen family and community.

Tongues Untied

Marlon Riggs’s groundbreaking film from 1989 blends poetry, music, and personal storytelling to express the Black gay experience in a world filled with racism and homophobia. With its unapologetically raw approach, Tongues Untied confronts stereotypes while honoring self-expression and identity. Featuring spoken word performances by Essex Hemphill and Riggs himself, the documentary elevates the voices of Black queer men, highlighting their challenges and victories. As a bold act of resistance against marginalization, it stands as a timeless piece of art and activism, pushing limits in its examination of love and the resilience of Black LGBTQ+ individuals.

Check It

Check It tells the story of the Check It gang, a group of Black youth in Washington, D.C., who create a family to navigate the violence and discrimination they encounter every day. Directed by Dana Flor and Toby Oppenheimer, this 2016 film documents their experiences with systemic poverty, homophobia, and incarceration, while showcasing how they embrace fashion as a form of self-expression and empowerment. Both gritty and uplifting, Check It stands as a testament to the resilience of community and the transformative impact of creativity when facing challenges.

Mama Gloria

This powerful 2020 documentary honors Gloria Allen, a Black trans elder whose life narrative embodies self-love. Directed by Luchina Fisher, Mama Gloria follows Allen’s path from her upbringing in Chicago’s South Side to her role as an activist and inspiration for younger generations, including her establishment of a charm school for homeless trans youth. The film delves into the wider landscape of trans activism and Gloria’s challenges, presenting a touching portrayal of a woman committed to uplifting others.

Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin

Bayard Rustin, often overlooked in the Civil Rights Movement, is spotlighted in this gripping 2003 documentary by Nancy Kates and Bennett Singer. As the mastermind behind the 1963 March on Washington, Rustin was crucial in shaping nonviolent activism and helping to spark the signing of The Voting Rights Act. Yet, his open homosexuality frequently kept him from receiving the public acknowledgment he deserved. Through a mix of interviews and archival footage, Brother Outsider highlights Rustin’s trailblazing contributions and the obstacles he encountered as a Black gay man in the 20th century. This film offers a vital examination of the intersections between race and sexuality.

All Boys Aren’t Blue

Inspired by George M. Johnson’s acclaimed memoir, this 2023 docudrama transforms Johnson’s experiences of growing up as a Black, gender nonconforming individual into a visually captivating and profoundly personal story. Directed by Nathan Hale Williams, the documentary intertwines Johnson’s insights with interviews, dramatizations, and archival footage, crafting a rich depiction of identity. Viewers are encouraged to contemplate how themes like family, masculinity, gender, and self-discovery influence the Black queer experience. All Boys Aren’t Blue serves as a tribute to resilience and a rallying cry to foster environments where future generations can flourish.

Kokomo City

Kokomo City is a bold and visually captivating documentary that came out in 2023. It explores the experiences of four Black trans women, including two from Atlanta, as they navigate love, identity, sex work, and survival. Directed by Atlanta native D. Smith, the film presents an unfiltered look at their journeys, illuminating the intricacies of being Black and transgender in today’s world. With a mix of raw honesty and humor, this documentary confronts stereotypes while celebrating the realities of the trans community.

Additionally, the film pays tribute to Koko Da Doll, a cherished cast member whose life and narrative continue to inspire the queer community.