Sunday 17 May is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex discrimination and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). One of the ways allies can continue to combat discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people is by listening to their stories, perspectives and concerns in the art they create. These communities are incredibly diverse, encompassing a wide range of identities, experiences and viewpoints. The films below reflect only some of these stories and, in some cases, should also be understood within the social and cultural context of the time in which they were produced.
From historical documentaries and coming-of-age stories to reflections on identity, family and community, these works offer opportunities to learn, reflect and engage with a range of LGBTQIA+ perspectives.
Fractal: Stories Across the Gender Spectrum
Watch on Beamafilm
AJ described the collection of short documentaries as “delightful, gentle and moving”, particularly for the way it centres people living full and complex lives beyond simplified narratives about identity. Reflecting on the first story in the series, AJ wrote that “Brandi’s gender identity is immaterial to the story, or the people around her, which is encouraging.” It serves as a reminder that queer and trans people do not exist solely through the lens of sexuality or gender identity; like anyone else, their lives are shaped by friendships, ambitions, humour, family, work and everyday experiences that extend far beyond a single aspect of identity.
Australia Says ‘Yes’
Watch on Informit
Karl said this documentary was extremely worth revisiting due to how it captures the "Australian story of pride, survival, recognition and hard-fought progress". It inspired feelings of both hopefulness and frustration, as it demonstrated the power of collective advocacy as well as the long struggle that queer people have had to achieve basic rights and dignity. The postal survey that Australia conducted in 2017 was a hostile time, and queer people faced challenges and bigotry – particularly online. "But the result was clear: 61.6% Yes, with every state and territory returning a majority. It is worth watching as a reminder of how far Australia has come, how much people carried to get there, and how much hope and solidarity existed alongside the noise."
Kweens of the Queer Underground
Watch on ABC iView
Blue reflected on how the series highlights both the value and limitations of labels, writing that while labels can help people find “a sense of community and belonging”, the documentaries also remind viewers that “humans are not easily put into boxes”. The episode I Am Kai, focusing on an Indigenous transmasculine brotherboy, was highlighted for its warmth and thoughtful exploration of gender diversity within Indigenous cultural contexts. The third film, Lesbians on the Loose, looks at the impressive history of the same-named magazine that began in the late 1980s in Sydney and continues today online as ‘LOTL’. The magazine offered a rare community connection at the time of its inception and gave lesbians a voice and visibility.
Paris Is Burning
Borrow from our Swanston Library
Adam viewed this landmark documentary, exploring Harlem ballroom culture and the communities that pioneered voguing and ballroom performance. Focusing particularly on Black and Latinx queer communities, the film captures themes of chosen family, resilience, survival and self-expression in the face of marginalisation. Adam described it as “a powerful reminder that queer history has always been created collectively – through performance, community, language and visibility – often in spaces built by people excluded from mainstream society.”
52 Tuesdays
Watch on Kanopy
What stood out for May was the film’s “authentic and unfiltered exploration of the complexity of relationships and identity”, noting the unusual production process in which filming occurred weekly across a single year while the script was written contemporaneously. For May, one of the film’s most meaningful aspects was the way it situates LGBTQIA+ lives within broader social and political realities, making “a profound statement about how LGBTQIA+ lives are lived in the world, not outside it”. This aligns the film well with the central values of IDAHOBIT.
Trigger warning: 52 Tuesdays discusses themes of gender transition, sexuality and family conflict.
Other recommendations from Library staff
Library staff also recommended films, including:
These are each available free in the Library digital collection.
We encourage the RMIT community to engage with these stories and resources, reflect on the experiences they represent, and continue helping build an institution where LGBTQIA+ people are seen, heard and embraced – not only on IDAHOBIT, but every day.
About RMIT Library Pride
RMIT Library Pride seeks to document, preserve and highlight the stories and journeys of LGBTQIA+ people within our community. Through projects such as RMIT Transzine(login required) and through the promotion of inclusive collections and resources, the group has been reflecting on the role storytelling plays in visibility, belonging and community connection. Transzine reflects the importance of ensuring queer and trans people can see themselves represented not only in global media and history, but within their own university community as well. Keep an eye out for Vol. 2, coming soon. If you are interested in contributing a story or poem, please complete the expression of interest form (login required) by 5 June 2026.
