10 Queer Films That Will Teach You More LGBT History Than 'Stonewall'

From: Mic.com

6. 

Boys Don't Cry 

(1999) 

Boys Don't Cry is the real-life story of Brandon Teena, a transgender man who was beaten, raped and murdered when his gender status was discovered by his attackers. The film addresses myriad issues, including gender identity, lesbianism, class, rural LGBT life and violence against queer people. Hilary Swank would go on to win the Academy Award for best actress for the role.

Director Kimberly Peirce spoke extensively about the many roadblocks Boys Don't Cry faced after it was filmed in the documentary This Film Is Not Yet Rated , which explored the often-homophobic tendencies of the Motion Picture Association of America. The board rated Boys Don't Cry as NC-17 because it featured ejaculate, an anal rape scene and because "Lana's orgasm [was] too long," which was deemed "offensive."