Visibility and representation matters, and in this day and age when people are trying to eliminate DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), challenge hard-fought rights, brand our content unsafe to watch and eradicate trans people, it matters even more. For this PRIDE Month I thought I'd share some screen-used costumes from LGBTQ movies and television shows that celebrate gay, lesbian and transgender icons and queer stories.
Elton John costumes from Rocketman
First up are these movie costumes from 2019's Elton John biopic, Rocketman, which starred Taron Egerton as the out and proud music legend.
Fans of the British singer, songwriter, pianist and HIV/AIDS activist can also enjoy these other Rocketman film costumes previously temporarily on display the Downtown LA's FIDM Museum.
Billie Jean King film costume
from Battle of the Sexes
Next up is another LGBTQ icon, this time from the world of sports, tennis champ Billie Jean King's costume from the 2017 movie, Battle of the Sexes.
Emma Stone played the lesbian tennis legend and trailblazer in this retelling of the 1973 tennis match between her and male ex-champ Bobby Riggs.
You can also check out more sporty costumes from Battle of the Sexes previously on display at ArcLight Hollywood cinema and the FIDM Museum.
Carol film costume exhibit
For more lesbian fare, here's a cool costume exhibit at the ArcLight Hollywood for the 2015 historical romantic drama, Carol, which starred Cate Blanchett as the titular character and Rooney Mara as her lover, based on Patricia Highsmith's 1952 novel, The Price of Salt.
Be sure to get a closer look at these Carol film costumes designed by Sandy Powell on display.
Milk movie costume exhibit
Having just celebrated Harvey Milk Day on May 22, I'd be remiss not to share these screen-worn costumes from the 2008 biopic, Milk, the story of the murdered proud activist and first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977.
This important and symbolic victory for the LGBT community was marred by his assassination, but his legacy and inspiration lives on.
The acclaimed film won two Oscars, Best Actor for Sean Penn for his portrayal as the gay pioneer and the other of gay writer Dustin Lance Black for Best Original Screenplay.
Be sure to check out more Milk movie costumes and props on display, in addition to these on display at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Phastos film costume from Eternals
In 2021 Brian Tyree Henry played the MCU's first openly gay superhero as 'Phastos' in Marvel Studios Eternals movie.
Not only did the genius wield the cosmic powers of technopathy and invention, but he was shown in a committed gay relationship raising a child together.
Be sure to check out more screen-worn costumes from Eternals on display at Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre.
King Valkyrie film costume
from Thor: Love and Thunder
Even though Phastos was depicted as openly gay on the big screen, Tessa Thompson's bisexual 'Valkyrie' actually made her debut in 2017's Thor: Ragnarok, reprising her powerful role in subsequent Avengers and Thor movies.
If you're a fan of the MCU character make sure you check out her other Valkyrie film costumes on display.
The Danish Girl movie costume exhibit
I know that some people criticize early LGBT films and TV shows for not casting transgender actors in trans roles, but it's true to say such films as 2015's The Danish Girl paved the way for more authentic casting on the big and small screen (and helped inform my education, exploration and understanding of the trans community).
Eddie Redmayne was nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal as 'Lili Elbe', one of the first transgender women to undergo sex reassignment surgery in the 1920s.
You can also check to more costumes designed by Paco Delgado for The Danish Girl on display.
Transparent TV costume exhibit
Amazon Prime's critically-acclaimed Transparent, although flawed, also brought the trans experience into the mainstream when it started in February 2014.
The comedy-drama starred Jeffrey Tambor (a cisgender man later to be accused of sexual harassment on set) as a trans woman called 'Maura' and revolved around the self-absorbed Los Angeles family, the 'Pfeffermans', and their reactions and lives after learning the truth about their parent and husband.
These screen-used costumes from the TV series were Emmy-nominated for the sophomore season of Transparent.
Pose TV costume exhibit
Another trailblazing television show that enjoyed great cultural success and acclaim was FX's 1980s New York City queer ball culture drama, Pose.
The ball culture scene with its 'Houses' and 'House Mothers' boasted the most transgender and gay cast members on a primetime drama (including Dominque Jackson, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Indya Moore, Hailie Sahar, Angelica Ross and Billy Porter), plus a diverse writing, production and directing staff behind the scenes.
Pose's costumes were also Emmy-nominated for its debut season, so be sure to enjoy more of them on display at the FIDM Museum in 2019.
RuPaul's Drag Race TV costumes
And finally for this collection of LGBT wardrobes, how could I not shine a light on undoubtably the most famous drag queen of all time, RuPaul.
RuPaul's Drag Race premiered on LGBT cable channel Logo in February 2009 and has since spawned eighteen seasons of the reality competition series, plus an All Stars format and other country spin-offs, helping to make drag a part of mainstream culture and propel many Drag Race contestants to global superstardom, including Trixie Mattel, Jinkx Monsoon, Diana Del Rio, Bob the Drag Queen, Alyssa Edwards and many, many more.
This trio of main stage judging gowns were worn by RuPaul and were captured on display at the Drag Race Hollywood pop-up store in 2017.
Fans of Mama Ru and the iconic show can also check out more RuPaul's Drag Race gowns on display in West Hollywood storefront windows and at the FIDM Museum.
This PRIDE season be sure to be safe, loud and proud. Make sure you support political candidates that champion LGBTQ equality and rights, and stop buying from companies and brands and visiting countries that throw our community under the bus to curry favour from fascist regimes.
HAPPY PRIDE!
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