Celebrating Lesbianism: A Week of Black Lesbian Cinema

Happy Lesbian Visibility Week! To celebrate, I decided to revisit my favorite Black lesbian films and find new ones to appreciate. There truly aren’t enough lesbian romance movies, and unfortunately the ones starring Black women are very few, so this list may be concise, but very special nonetheless. These films highlight the adoration shared between two women in love, appreciating lesbians and sapphics alike.

1. Rafiki (2020)

‘Rafiki’ is a Kenyan love story that follows two teenage girls, Kena and Ziki, whose fathers are political rivals. Despite their conservative town and family conflicts, Kena and Ziki’s longing and deep feelings for each other prosper. There’s nothing quite like a sweet, playful romance, and they embody it flawlessly. This film effortlessly dispels the myth that queerness is somehow ‘unAfrican’.

‘Rafiki’ remains number one on my list, there’s so much love to witness between Kena and Ziki. Tragedy is present, but in the end, they persevere. I’d much like a sequel with them in Paris, or traveling the world together, but I know that’s a bit far-fetched.

This film is currently banned in Kenya, but when the government lifted its ban for a week, ‘Rafiki’ quickly became the second-highest grossing film in Kenya. That alone speaks volumes, and my thoughts are with lesbian and queer Africans who face prosecution, discrimination, and death, for loving who they love.

2. Pariah (2011)

‘Pariah’ is a coming-of-age movie that follows Alike, a teenage lesbian who’s navigating her sexuality and gender expression. Due to her devout Christian mother, Alike’s ‘tom-boy’ style and love life are under a watchful eye, but that doesn’t stop her from escaping to embrace her identity. This film takes us on many highs and lows as we witness Alike’s journey as a lesbian, and sheds light on the many issues Black LGBTQ+ individuals face within our own community.

This film is amazing and will always hold a special place in my heart!

3. Beauty (2022)

‘Beauty’ follows a young talented singer, Beauty, who’s struggling to maintain her voice and identity after being offered a lucrative record deal. Beauty’s best friend and lover, Jasmine, is on this journey with her and their romance is hidden from the public. For legal reasons they don’t state it, but this film is inspired by the legendary vocalist Whitney Houston. Since the start of Whitney’s career, there have been speculations that she was lesbian, due to her closeness with her friend Robyn Crawford. This film depicts the late singer’s love life, and the heartbreaking sacrifices she made to follow her dreams in the ’80s.

The moments shared between Jasmine and Beauty were so intimate and loving, it’s a shame they could never be together publicly. ‘Beauty’ serves as a sobering portrayal of the struggles faced by lesbian couples in a heteronormative society.

4. Stud Life (2012)

Now delving into the realm of newly discovered films, I stumbled across ‘Stud Life’. This British romance centers ‘JJ’, a lesbian who’s working and living alongside her closest friend Seb, an openly gay guy. When JJ’s love life takes off upon meeting Elle, JJ must choose between her best friend and her lover. From discussions about sex to explorations of identity, love, and lifestyle, this film navigates between playful and serious tones while encompassing the theme of lesbianism.

This film blew me away because I didn’t expect all of THAT. I appreciate the uniqueness and romance, JJ and Elle are truly a lovely pairing. (Seb and his partner are so cute too!!)

5. Bessie (2015)

First of all, this cast is STACKED! Queen Latifah, Monique, Tika Sumpter; ALL playing sapphics, plus lots more iconic faces! Less than 5 minutes in and I’m already obsessed. ‘Bessie’ unveils the tales of Bessie Smith, the incomparable blues singer who rose to fame during the 1920s and ’30s. Bessie was openly bisexual, and some may even say polyamorous. Throughout the movie, her love for women is apparent and delightful to witness. While Bessie and Lucille’s romantic screentime is brief, their feelings for each other are displayed continuously, deep and profound. The visibility of sapphics and lesbian relationships is so beautiful and important.

This movie is phenomenal, I enjoyed learning about Bessie Smith and the lasting resonance of her legacy.

6. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)

After watching ‘Bessie’ and seeing Ma Rainey’s appearance on there, I quickly decided this would be the next film I watch. Can I just say I’m obsessed with the fact that the prominent women of Jazz & Blues were sapphics?! The film ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ is an adaptation of August Wilson’s play about pioneering Blues singer Ma Rainey and her band gathering at a recording studio in Chicago in 1927. The primary setting remains constant with the characters confined to the overheated studio as the band recalls old tales, Ma barks orders, and bouts of chaos ensue. Although Ma’s and Dussie Mae’s lesbian relationship is given scant attention in the film, I love how loud and unashamed Ma Rainey was about her sexuality and love for women.

I will say, this movie was a slight disappointment on its focus. Perhaps they intended for the film to focus more on Levee and the band, but I’d much prefer a film centered on Ma Rainey. A greater emphasis on Ma’s relationship with Dussie Mae would’ve been nice. I was shocked to see two of my favorite actresses portraying that couple, they were incredible. I feel the writers/directors should’ve gone deeper because Ma Rainey’s character somehow felt sidelined. Again, that could’ve been intentional and possible homage to the late and great Chadwick Boseman. (Sidenote: VIOLA LOOKED AMAZING! I’m obsessed with this look!)

7. Set It Off (1996)

Cleo and Ursula are the next lesbian pairing with ‘Set It Off’, an action-packed drama about 4 women who become armed robbers. Now, Cleo and Ursula’s scenes are minimal with barely any dialogue but still, the visibility is everything. They look absolutely amazing together. Alright, not to sound greedy, but I need a Queen Latifah queer romcom. She effortlessly embodies lesbian and sapphic characters (recently discovered she’s married to a woman), and I’m already obsessed with her romance movies!

This movie was long overdue on my watchlist, I’m glad I finally got to it. Fingers crossed for another lesbian Queen Latifah role!

8. The Color Purple (2023)

This latest version of ‘The Color Purple’ is a movie musical of Alice Walker’s acclaimed novel of the same title. The story follows Celie, an African American woman who endures a life fraught with abuse in the American South during the early 1900s. I do feel the musical aspect definitely lifted the spirits of this tragic story, and that is something I can appreciate. The love Celie and Shug have for each other is truly heartwarming, and their duet ending with a kiss was everything I hoped for.

I’m personally not a big fan of musicals, but I enjoyed watching this film, it’s amazing. (BTW this cast of women is extraordinary!!)

1985 Version

While I’m choosing to not watch ‘The Color Purple’ (1985), I still think Celie and Shug’s relationship is beautiful and in need of some recognition as well!

The End

That concludes my week of Black lesbian cinema! Although I watched a few more films, they didn’t make the cut due to their heavier themes and/or oddities. Nevertheless, I’m happy with the list I’ve curated and the new films I discovered along the way. I truly love seeing us on screen, the Black lesbian experience is one I wouldn’t trade for the world. I’m always on the lookout for more projects showcasing lesbians and sapphics, and trust, they’ll make an appearance on Sudani Diaries!