Movies Where Black Queer Characters Throw the Best Parties

Movies often show parties and celebrations as places where people connect and express who they are. For Black LGBTQ+ characters, these events are especially important for building and strengthening friendships through music and shared culture. Whether it’s the famous ballroom scenes in New York City or smaller, private parties throughout history, films reveal how LGBTQ+ communities come together and celebrate life with one another.

‘Paris Is Burning’ (1990)

As a total cinema lover, I was completely captivated by this documentary. It takes you back to the late 80s New York City drag ball scene – these incredible gatherings were so much more than just parties. They were vital spaces where the Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ community found family and support. The film really dives into the world of ‘houses’ competing in different categories, showing off amazing fashion and this incredible dance style called vogueing. Through interviews and actual footage, it beautifully captures the unique social dynamics and incredible creativity that thrived within these ballroom communities.

‘The Boys in the Band’ (2020)

As a film buff, I’m really intrigued by this movie. It centers around a birthday party in 1960s New York, following a group of friends – including Bernard, a Black man – as they navigate the complexities of their relationships. What starts as a fun get-together with dancing and good vibes takes a turn when they start playing a revealing parlor game. It’s a really intimate look at queer friendships and the challenges they faced during that time period, and I think it’s going to be a powerful and moving story.

‘The Color Purple’ (2023)

Shug Avery comes home and throws a party to celebrate her success. The party, filled with music and dancing, draws people from around town eager to see her perform. This event highlights Shug’s impact on Celie and the community, and represents a turning point in the lives of the characters as they connect through music and shared experience.

‘To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar’ (1995)

Three drag queens on a road trip decided to host a community event called the Strawberry Social in a small town. Noxeema Jackson was key in planning the party and bringing the townspeople together. The event is a major part of the story, allowing the community and the queens to connect and interact. It shows how gatherings like these can help people from different backgrounds communicate and build relationships.

‘Pariah’ (2011)

Alike, a teenager, is figuring out who she is by going to LGBTQ+ clubs in New York City. These clubs are a welcome escape from her strict family life and a place where she can connect with other Black queer women. Surrounded by music and dancing, Alike feels more comfortable expressing herself. These experiences are an important part of her journey to understand and accept herself.

‘Saturday Church’ (2017)

Ulysses, a young LGBTQ person, finds a sense of belonging at a church-based youth program. The program includes lively balls and parties where participants express themselves through fashion and performance. These events are more than just fun – they offer a safe and encouraging space for Ulysses and his friends to discover who they are and showcase their creativity, becoming vital for their well-being.

‘Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom’ (2008)

‘Noah’s Arc Jumping the Broom’ follows four friends as they head to Martha’s Vineyard for a wedding. Throughout the weekend’s events, they’re forced to confront issues within their own relationships. The film highlights the strength of the bonds these friends share, showing how they support each other through both celebration and personal struggles.

‘B-Boy Blues’ (2021)

‘B-Boy Blues’ is a film about Mitchell and Raheim’s love story, set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City’s Black queer community. The film showcases parties and social events where the characters connect, fall in love, and come to understand themselves better. These lively gatherings are presented as a vital part of city life.

‘Port Authority’ (2019)

The movie follows a young man who discovers the vibrant ballroom scene in New York City after meeting a woman named Wye. It showcases the energy and talent of the community, highlighting how these balls and parties are crucial spaces for Black and brown LGBTQ+ people to connect and support each other. Through these gatherings, Wye helps the main character understand the importance of creating your own family.

‘Punks’ (2000)

The film follows four Black gay friends living in West Hollywood and explores their lives, loves, and challenges. Much of the story unfolds at parties they go to and throw, which become central to their relationships. These parties showcase the vibrant and varied experiences of the Black queer community, offering both fun and a strong support system for the friends.

‘The Watermelon Woman’ (1996)

‘The Watermelon Woman’ shows Cheryl going to different social events and dinner parties, giving viewers a glimpse into the lives of Black lesbians in the 1990s. These gatherings are where people discuss movies, relationships, and build a sense of community. The film uses these scenes to explore themes of identity and the importance of preserving history.

‘Brother to Brother’ (2004)

The movie tells the story of a budding artist who becomes friends with an older man who was part of the vibrant Harlem Renaissance. It showcases lively scenes of gatherings where Black LGBTQ+ artists and thinkers came together to express themselves. These parties weren’t just social events; they were spaces where creativity flourished and people found freedom during a challenging era. The film draws a connection between these historical celebrations and life today.

‘Holiday Heart’ (2000)

Holiday is a drag performer who becomes a chosen family member to a mother and daughter facing hard times. The film highlights community gatherings where Holiday performs, bringing much-needed hope and happiness to her neighbors. These performances demonstrate how Holiday supports and uplifts her community through kindness and her art.

‘Young Soul Rebels’ (1991)

In late 1970s London, Caz, a Black gay man, frequents local soul clubs. The film ‘Young Soul Rebels’ vividly portrays the lively party scene and how music and personal identity connect. These clubs offer characters a place to deal with the social and political issues of the time, and the film captures the energy and culture of the era through dancing and performance.

‘Kiki’ (2016)

The documentary ‘Kiki’ explores the vibrant ballroom culture of New York City and the people at its heart. It showcases the energetic atmosphere of these ‘balls,’ which are like huge community parties. Beyond the competition and dancing, these events offer crucial social support, acting as safe spaces and providing a sense of belonging for LGBTQ young people.

‘Rustin’ (2023)

The film ‘Rustin’ depicts Bayard Rustin as a skilled organizer who brought people together through lively social events and parties. These gatherings, often featuring music and conversation, weren’t just for fun – they were strategic meetings where Rustin inspired and united activists. The film emphasizes how these social connections were key to the culture of the civil rights movement he helped lead, showcasing his talent for building relationships and motivating others.

‘Bros’ (2022)

The movie ‘Bros’ includes scenes of parties and gatherings, like a big holiday celebration, where several Black LGBTQ+ characters are part of the group. These events help move the central love story forward and are shown as a realistic look at modern LGBTQ+ life in the city.

‘Dope’ (2015)

In the movie ‘Dope,’ Diggy, a Black and queer teen, hangs out with her friends in Inglewood. A big, secret party becomes a key event in the story. Diggy confidently moves through the party, showing how important she is to her group of friends. The scene really captures the vibe of the local youth culture with its music and the way people interact.

‘Jewel’s Catch One’ (2016)

‘Jewel’s Catch One’ is a documentary about a famous Los Angeles nightclub owned by Jewel Thais-Williams. For forty years, the club was a central gathering place and party spot for the Black LGBTQ+ community. The film showcases footage of the lively events and performances held there, which were vital in creating a secure and welcoming space during a period of significant prejudice.

‘Rafiki’ (2018)

‘Rafiki’ is a Kenyan film about two young women, Kena and Ziki, who find love in Nairobi despite facing disapproval from those around them. They connect at lively social events and parties, where they can freely enjoy being together. These joyful moments stand in contrast to the limitations placed on them by society, and the film uses them to emphasize the happiness they find in their connection.

2025-12-24 12:46