Following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, Queer film, starring Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey, has garnered significant attention from audiences worldwide. The film explores a heartfelt story that celebrates identity, love, and self-discovery. To complement the excitement ahead of its impending release, we have compiled a selection of audiobooks and films that offer powerful, inclusive stories filled with hope, resilience, and connection. From soul-stirring tales to feel-good stories, these recommendations are perfect for those who want to celebrate and explore the spectrum. Tune in and dive into a world of stories that truly matter!
Being Queer
What does love, identity, and friendship look like through the lens of queer lives? In this moving anthology, you’ll hear diverse voices sharing intimate stories—from Heer and Sumira’s bond that defies the complexities of transgender experiences to Adira’s reflection on how parental disconnection shaped her first love, Sudipta taking us back to an unexpected queertopia, while HSW explores the journey of understanding asexuality, each story is a window into the queer journey. It’s raw, real, and unmissable!
Desi Down Under
In Desi Down Under, childhood besties Devan, Meenu, and her twin brother Rahul land in Sydney for their first-ever trip abroad. It is a coming-of-age story filled with adventure, romance, and comedy set against the breathtaking Coogee Beach. As Rahul steps into Sydney, he meets Taylor, an Italian resident who challenges his fear of commitment and ignites a thrilling path of self-discovery, love, and surprises. This podcast series promises an inspiring and relatable tale that celebrates the courage to be oneself.
Shikhandi and Other Queer Stories They Don’t Tell You
Indian mythology is brimming with stories that challenge our understanding of gender and identity. Mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik dives into Hinduism’s 2,000-year-old tales—like Shikhandi, who became a man for her wife, or Mahadeva, who turned into a woman to help a devotee—that redefine queerness beyond modern or Western notions. By comparing these profound tales from around the world, Devdutt Pattanaik unearths an Indian perspective on gender fluidity and queerness. A thought-provoking listen that bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary discussions!
Red, White & Royal Blue
Casey McQuiston’s sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance follows Alex Claremont-Diaz, the charming, brilliant son of the U.S. President, who finds himself in a fiery relationship with Prince Henry after a scandalous photo turns their worlds upside down. What starts as a staged truce to save face becomes something far more intense and risky. As their secret romance deepens, the stakes rise, threatening not just their personal lives, but the fate of two nations. This chapter-turner is an absolutely thrilling listen.
Joyland
Set against the backdrop of deep-rooted family traditions, Joyland is a stirring tale of love and defiance. While the Rana family dreams of a baby boy to carry on their legacy, the youngest son, Haider, dares to chase his own desires, secretly joining an erotic dance theatre. There, he falls for a trans starlet, Biba, sparking a love story that shakes up the family’s suppressed longings. It’s a bold yet tender exploration of the courage to break free and chase what one truly desires.
Call Me by Your Name
In the sun-drenched summer of 1983, Elio, a curious 17-year-old, is enjoying a carefree life at his family’s villa in Italy. But everything changes when Oliver, an American scholar, arrives to work with Elio’s father. As their connection deepens, a passionate and complicated romance blooms between them, setting the stage for a transformative summer that will leave them forever changed. “Call Me by Your Name” is a captivating story of love, desire, and self-discovery in the most beautiful setting.
Brokeback Mountain
A powerful and heart-wrenching story of two cowboys, Ennis and Jack, this film chronicles their deep bond that transforms into a secret romance that spans over decades. In the vast, rugged landscapes of Wyoming, their love grows in a world that forces them to hide their true selves. As they navigate the challenges of their feelings, they face heartache, longing, and the painful consequences of living in secrecy. It’s a love story that will stay with you, filled with raw emotion and unforgettable moments.
