12 Powerful, Moving LGBTQ+ Documentaries You Can Stream Right Now

Updated on 6/16/2023 at 5:10 PM

One of the best ways to learn about the past is to watch a documentary, and when it comes to LGBTQ+ history there are quite a few docs currently streaming that put a spotlight on important, impactful, and underrepresented issues. There's the iconic "Paris Is Burning," which shined a light on classic New York City ballroom culture, which continues to influence drag performers and mainstream pop culture to this day. There's "The Times of Harvey Milk," the true story of the famed California politician who was murdered. There's the new documentary, "Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed," which tells the actor's story from his Hollywood beginnings to his death from AIDS. And there's films like "Disclosure," which lets trans people, activists, and actors do a full appraisal of how those who are trans and nonbinary have been represented in Hollywood — and how things can change.

The documentaries ahead are thoughtful, sometimes painful stories of how LGBTQ+ people have existed and will continue to exist. Even in the stories with tragic endings, there's still the hope, love, and connection of the queer community, a vision for a better future found when everyone comes together.

Ahead, these are 12 LGBTQ+ documentaries you can stream right now on Netlix, Max, and more.

"Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed"

"Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed" had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival this June and will air on HBO later this month before streaming on Max. The thoughtful documentary tells the story of Hudson, an actor who was closeted for most of his career. While his fame rose, he kept his personal life a secret from the public (though, the doc explains, it was really an open secret in Hollywood). Most only learned Hudson was gay when it was revealed he had AIDS. The film carefully uncovers his life and impact.

Watch "Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed" on Max starting June 29.

"Paris Is Burning"

"Paris Is Burning" is one of the most famous LGBTQ+ documentaries of all time. The 1990 documentary directed by Jennie Livingston captures the thriving ballroom culture of New York City and the Black, Latino, gay, and trans people who made a home there. The drag queens and performers who brought balls to life were spotlighted in this film.

Watch "Paris Is Burning" on Max.

"Strike a Pose"

The 2016 documentary "Strike a Pose" looks back at Madonna's 1990 Blond Ambition World Tour and the dancers who performed with her. The documentary traces what happened to the seven dancers: Kevin Stea, Carlton Wilborn, Luis Xtravaganza Camacho, Jose Gutierez Xtravaganza, Salim Gauwloos, Oliver S Crumes III, Gabriel Trupin. Trupin had passed away from AIDS in 1995, but the six others all appear to narrate the journeys of their lives.

Watch "Strike a Pose" on Amazon Prime Video.

"Howard"

Howard Ashman was a musical lyricist who was a driving force behind "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Aladdin," helping reinvigorate Disney Animation. The 2018 documentary "Howard" chronicles his life, early work, move to Disney, and death from AIDS.

Watch "Howard" on Disney+.

"Disclosure"

Netflix's 2020 documentary "Disclosure" offers an in-depth look how how Hollywood has represented trans people and gender expression on screen. It features interviews from people including Laverne Cox, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Angelica Ross, Trace Lysette, Chaz Bono, Jamie Clayton, Zeke Smith, Leo Sheng, and more.

Watch "Disclosure" on Netflix.

"The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson"

2017's "The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson" chronicles the lives of Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, two critical figures in the fight for LGBTQ+ liberation in New York City from 1960s to the 1990s. Director David France particularly focuses on activist Victoria Cruz's investigation into Johnson's death. The police ruled her 1992 death as a suicide. The documentary chronicles a key part of queer history.

Watch "The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson" on Netflix.

"A Secret Love"

Director Chris Bolan decided to tell the true story of his two aunts: Terry Donahue and Pat Henschel. The couple ran an interior design business while keeping the fact that they were romantically together a secret from their families for seven decades. Donahue was also a player in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (the focus of "A League of Their Own"). The doc is a slice-of-life story about two queer elders and how they built a life together across the years.

Watch "A Secret Love" on Netflix.

"Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado"

Netflix's "Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado," released in 2020, tells the story of Puerto Rican astrologer Walter Mercado. Mercado became first a national and then international sensation as he provided horoscopes and astrological advice on TV, all while facing homophobia because of his androgynous appearance.

Watch "Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado" on Netflix.

"All the Beauty and the Bloodshed"

"All the Beauty and the Bloodshed" follows the life and career of activist Nan Goldin. Director Laura Poitras focuses in particular on Goldin's recent work in bringing awareness to the role the Sackler family played in causing the opioid epidemic. The doc was nominated for best documentary at the 2023 Oscars.

Watch "All the Beauty and the Bloodshed" on Max.

"Transhood"

"Transhood," released in 2020, follows four trans children as they reshape and redefine what it means to be coming of age. Director Sharon Liese followed the kids for five years as they grew up around Kansas City, discovering themselves and changing their own worlds.

Watch "Transhood" on Max.

"The Times of Harvey Milk"

"The Times of Harvey Milk" is a documentary that focuses on the titular Milk, who became mayor of San Francisco and was assassinated. The documentary, directed by Rob Epstein, was released in 1984 and features interviews with Milk's friends and colleagues as it chronicles his rise and death.

Watch "The Times of Harvey Milk" on Max.

"Art and Pep"

"Art and Pep," released in 2022, tells the story of civil rights leaders Art Johnston and Pepe Pena, who worked in Chicago to help transform the city.

Watch "Art and Pep" on Peacock.