Out at the Movies: A History of Gay Cinema

Updated and expanded edition

Over the decades, gay cinema has reflected the community's journey from persecution to emancipation to acceptance.

Politicized dramas like Victim in the 60s, The Naked Civil Servant in the 70s, and the AIDS cinema of the 80s have given way in recent years to films which celebrate a vast array of gay lifestyles. Gay films have undergone a major shift, from the fringe to the mainstream and 2005's Academy Awards were dubbed ''the Gay Oscars'' with gongs going to Brokeback Mountain, Capote and Transamerica.

Producers began clamoring to back gay-themed movies, including I Love You Phillip Morris with Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor, Gus Van Sant's Milk, starring Sean Penn, the feel-good British movie Pride and The Imitation Game with Benedict Cumberbatch. And recent additions such as Call Me By Your Name, Moonlight, Love, Simon, Carol and Rocketman have continued to receive widespread acclaim.

Out at the Movies looks back, decade by decade, at the history of gay cinema, celebrating films which have defined the genre. Indie films, the avant-garde, sex on screen, bad guys, lesbian lovers, transgender films, camp comedies, musicals and gay rom-coms - all are featured here. As well as highlighting key movements and triumphs in gay cinema, the author includes information on gay filmmakers and actors, and their influence within the industry. Interspersed throughout are some of the most iconic scenes from gay cinema and the most memorable dialogue.