Gay cinema has come a long way in recent years, much to the delight of queer audiences worldwide. What was once a category of film that was largely sequestered to independent film festivals has now become much more mainstream. This is truly touching for the LGBTQ+ community, who can now feel more heard and take pleasure in watching media that feels relatable.
Notorious films like ‘Paris is Burning’ and ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ tell insightful stories about the real experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. But films can be so much more than just media to consume. Many queer films can offer insight into cinema-inspired luxury gay vacations, where you can walk in the footsteps of iconic characters and bring your favourite films to life.
In this article, we will discuss the best gay cinema destinations that you can visit. We highlight 5 of the most fabulous queer films and detail the filming locations that made these marvels of cinema so captivating. For each destination, we provide some suggestions for things to do that will make you feel as though you have stepped into the world of queer cinema.
Lombardy, Italy – Call Me By Your Name
Perhaps one of the most notable gay films in recent years, ‘Call Me By Your Name’ was released in 2017 and tells the story of Elio and Oliver as they come to terms with their feelings for one another and fall into a touching relationship. The film is set in the northern Italian region of Lombardy, which adds a charming ambience to the narrative and showcases this delightful destination in the most alluring light.
Italy is the perfect place to enjoy fabulously luxurious villa holidays. The picturesque countryside of Lombardy is the ideal destination for gay travellers who want to experience the rustic atmosphere of rural Italy. The verdant landscapes, historic buildings and inviting culture serve as a romantic backdrop, perfect for couples looking to emulate the affections of Elio and Oliver.
While visiting Lombardy, gay travellers can enjoy sumptuous tours of vineyards and ancient villas, which is the perfect setting for an intimate day out. If you find that you crave more hustle and bustle, you can spend some time in marvellous Milan, the regional capital of Lombardy. Those who desire a full imitation of the film can take a day trip to Bergamo, where you can dine in quaint cafes and trattorias just as Elio and Oliver did before their heartbreaking separation.
Copenhagen, Denmark – The Danish Girl
Eddie Redmayne captured the hearts of queer audiences with his gripping portrayal of Lili Elbe, one of the first people in history to receive gender reassignment surgery. In ‘The Danish Girl’, we explore the world through the eyes of a transgender woman as she comes to accept her gender identity in 1920s Copenhagen. The film is both cathartic and gut-wrenching, but the stunning setting reveals a picturesque destination for an unrivalled gay vacation.
Copenhagen is often regarded as one of the most inclusive and accepting cities in Europe. This makes it a veritable haven for discerning gay travellers who want to experience luxury and glamour in a modern metropolis. Copenhagen has a thriving LGBTQ+ community, with plenty of gay bars and events that speak to the city’s openness and welcoming atmosphere.
While visiting Copenhagen, gay travellers can marvel at the wonders of the Glyptotek Museum and walk the halls of opulent palaces that were once royal dwellings. Come the evening, you can explore the vibrant Copenhagen gay scene. Establishments like Jailhouse CPH and Oscar Bar & Cafe are great places to meet other gay travellers and enjoy a spirited night among your community.
England, UK – The Imitation Game
Set in Bletchley Park in England, ‘The Imitation Game’ is a biographical drama that tells the story of Alan Turing. The film details his work in breaking the Enigma code in World War II, yet despite saving countless lives, he was convicted of gross indecency and would later meet a tragic end. This moving film showcases the plight of a gay man during the turbulent early 1900s, but gay travellers can be assured that England is much more welcoming in modern times.
While Bletchley Park itself is not a top LGBTQ+ travel destination, cities like London and Brighton are exceptionally diverse and inclusive. They boast some of the best gay bars in the UK and provide a gorgeous setting for a lavish holiday. Be sure to visit over the summer when the cities host their colourful Pride events, complete with high-energy parades and performances from top talent.
Fans of ‘The Imitation Game’ will enjoy a trip up north to the vibrant streets of Manchester. Here, you can lay flowers at the Alan Turing memorial before exploring the lively venues in the Gay Village, the local hub for the LGBTQ+ community.
Alberta, Canada – Brokeback Mountain
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger, ‘Brokeback Mountain’ is a neo-Western drama film that made quite a stir when it was released in 2005. Set in the stunning Canadian Rockies, the movie explores the relationship between characters Ennis and Jack as they develop an emotional bond that will have a profound impact on both their lives. The raw beauty of the featured landscapes plays an important role in the narrative and reflects the wild love that these characters fall into.
Alberta is a great destination for gay travellers who want to embark on outdoor adventures. Visitors can admire the elegant slopes of the Rocky Mountains and take part in natural excursions like hiking and horse trekking. While it may not have a thrumming LGBTQ+ scene, it offers gay couples the chance to experience a serene escape in the heart of untouched nature, allowing for some quiet reflection and quality time together.
There are so many wondrous experiences that await gay travellers in Alberta. The immaculate environs of Banff National Park offer opportunities for nature walks as well as skiing and boating on glacial lakes. You and your partner can enjoy active pursuits during the refreshing days and retreat to your backcountry lodge for a cosy evening of uninterrupted bliss.
The Outback, Australia – The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Our final destination is inspired by one of the most iconic LGBTQ+ films of all time, ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’. The film takes place across the Australian outback, as two drag queens and a transgender woman embark on a journey across the richly rugged landscape in their tour bus, Priscilla. The group have many adventures along the way that convey themes of acceptance and self-discovery, which feel very familiar to an LGBTQ+ audience.
Australia is a very welcoming country for LGBTQ+ travellers, making it a highly sought-after destination among gay travellers. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne have energetic gay scenes which exude diversity and inclusivity. This is a great way to start a trip to Australia and you can pay homage to the film by attending a rowdy drag show in Sydney’s top gay bars.
You can then follow the footsteps of the intrepid heroes and discover the immaculate natural beauty of the Australian outback. Just like the film, you can visit Coober Pedy, an outback town that is known across the world as the opal mining capital. Alternatively, gay travellers can hike the rim of Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Summary
On this journey of LGBTQ+ cinema, we have discovered some perfect destinations for gay travellers inspired by legendary queer films. From the charming countryside of Lombardy to the rugged wonders of the Australian outback, there are so many destinations across the world that allow gay travellers to step into their favourite movie moments.
There are so many examples of gay cinema which showcase top travel destinations. As the world becomes more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, we hope to see many more stories of queer love and acceptance set in the most appealing of places.
QUEERGURU’s Lifestyle Editor PETER MINKOFF is a gay health and lifestyle writer at QUEER VOICES magazine. Besides writing, he worked as a freelance fashion stylist in Europe and Australia. A true craft beer and soy latte aficionado, he loves spending his days at the beach and visiting second-hand stores on a daily basis. Follow Peter on TWITTER for more tips.
Labels: 2024, Best Gay Film Destinations, Lifestyle Editor, Peter Minkoff
