50 greatest LGBT moments in pop culture since Stonewall

In the 50 years since the Stonewall riots, the visibility of the LGBT community in public life has increased exponentially. Petitions, protests and politics have all played a key role in this, but the representation of LGBT people in music, film, art, TV and other areas of modern pop culture has been arguably as important for changing hearts and minds.

As with many other minority groups, it is remarkable how consistently the art created by LGBT people so skilfully coats powerful political messages in the guise of contemporary entertainment, which is often at the very centre of the zeitgeist.

This list could go on and on, but below are 50 such moments when culture helped wider audiences gain a greater appreciation of the differences which mark us out as LGBT, as well as an understanding of our desire to be treated as equally as everyone else.

50. My Beautiful Launderette (1985)

Daniel Day-Lewis stars in this cult film about the relationship between two young men in 1980s London, exploring race, class and sexuality along the way.

49. Panti Bliss addresses Ireland (2014)

When Ireland’s most famous drag queen delivered this powerful monologue about homophobia at the Abbey Theatre, the video became a global sensation – setting the tone for the country’s referendum on same-sex marriage.

48. A Little Life (2015)

This tome of a novel from Hanya Yanagihara explored the blurring boundaries of relationships between men at the advent of the 21st century, but be warned – its dark subject matter makes for a gut-wrenching read.

47. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

This film about two drag queens and a transgender woman venturing across Australia has become a major cult hit, with a stage version that plays in countries across the world.

46. Boys Don’t Cry (1999)

Portraying the real-life murder of transgender man Brandon Teena, Hilary Swank’s performance shone a light on violence against LGBT people, at a time when the US was also reeling from the murder of Matthew Shepard.

45. Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Something about this love story between a teenager and an older student staying at his house in 1980s Italy struck right at the heart of the experience of young gay people – as well as the most profound scene between a father and his gay son ever written.

44. Bette Midler – The Divine Miss M (1972)

After years of performing cabaret at gay bathhouses in New York with piano accompanist Barry Manilow, Midler immortalised the show into her much-loved debut album.

43. Eastenders gives soap its first gay kiss (1987)

Played by Michael Cashman, Colin was Eastenders’ first gay character. When he pecked boyfriend Barry on the forehead in 1987 it caused a tabloid backlash and MPs discussed whether it was ‘irresponsible’ in the context of the Aids crisis. The show pushed on, and continued to break new ground with similar characters.

42. Hayley arrives on Coronation Street (1998)

ITV broke new ground with transgender character Hayley (portrayed by the endearing Julie Hesmondhalgh), who earned a special place in the hearts of the nation.

41. Cabaret (1972)

The musical adaptation of Christopher Isherwood’s Berlin novels explored the queer culture of Weimar Germany, with Liza Minnelli in an unforgettable performance.

40. The Line of Beauty (2004)

A masterful depiction of gay life in Thatcher’s Britain, Alan Hollinghurst’s Booker Prize-winning novel is a must-read.

39. Leave Britney Alone (2007)

This viral video may seem like an odd inclusion, but Chris Crocker’s impassioned defence of Britney Spears during her most difficult period perfectly sums up the gay community’s fierce loyalty to its heroes, and is an early example of our dominance in internet fandom.

38. The Village People (1978)

Dressed as popular gay macho stereotypes like the leather biker and the construction worker, The Village People produced tongue-in-cheek gay hits, like “YMCA.” and “In the Navy”.

37. Brookside’s lesbian kiss (1994)

Beth and Margaret’s pre-watershed kiss was big news in 1994, but its impact went much further when it was included during the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony – being broadcast uncensored to five billion people, including many countries where homosexuality remains illegal.

36. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Richard O’Brien’s cult musical is an explosion of androgyny, sexually ambiguous shenanigans, and Tim Curry in fishnets. Enough said.

35. Elsa sings “Let It Go” (2013)

It’s the standout moment in Frozen, as Elsa runs away from home to unleash and embrace the secret part of her that society sought to oppress. Many in the LGBT community saw a perfect metaphor for coming out. Is Elsa a gay Disney princess? The film’s director said her narrative is open to interpretation. 

34. Scissor Sisters’ debut album (2004)

Jake Shears and friends broke into the mainstream with homoerotic imagery and an album filled with disco hits like “Take Your Mama” and “Filthy/Gorgeous” which spoke unashamedly about the gay experience.

33. Ziggy Stardust on Top of the Pops (1972)

When David Bowie presented as his alien alter-ego on prime time BBC TV, 1970s Britain didn’t know what to make of it. The unmistakable queerness of Ziggy that night has been cited as an inspiration by many of the New Romantics who would make a similar impact in the 1980s.

32. Rent (1996)

A modern-day rock remake of La bohème, this beloved musical presented the gay and transgender creatives of New York’s East Village living in the shadow of the Aids crisis at the turn of the millennium.

31. Frankie Goes to Hollywood – “Relax” (1984)

After being banned by the BBC for its explicit lyrics, “Relax” cruised all the way to number one, ironically becoming an inescapable hit, with Holly Johnson and his Liverpudlian bandmates as symbols of youth rebellion.

30. Tales of the City (1976)

Currently enjoying a Netflix revival, readers have been enjoying Armistead Maupin’s stories of LGBT life in San Francisco for decades.

29. Brian Dowling wins Big Brother (2001)

Big Brother played a crucial role in inviting people from all walks of life into living rooms across the country, and presenting them simply as they are. Brian was one of the first gay contestants, and his win represented shifting waves in public opinion.

28. Nadia wins Big Brother (2004)

Portuguese Nadia was the first transgender winner of Big Brother, and like Brian Dowling before her, went some way to broadening the minds of British TV viewers.

27. Elton John eulogises Princess Diana (1997)

Given that she was a staunch ally of the gay community and an advocate for those affected by HIV/Aids, it was remarkably fitting that Diana’s send-off included her friend Elton John’s unforgettable reworking of “Candle in the Wind”, referencing how she had “whispered to those in pain”. The recording became the bestselling single of all time.

26. Gloria Gaynor – “I Will Survive” (1978)

With its dancefloor hits celebrating triumph over adversity, disco was practically a soundtrack for gay men in the 1970s, and “I Will Survive” is perhaps the ultimate anthem.

Click through to the gallery below to reveal the top 25 LGBT moments:

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