Club de cine social LGBTQIA+ para estudiantes de secundaria

🌈 LGBTQIA+ Movie Social Club
📌 Goals of the Club:
Foster discussions about LGBTQIA+ identity, representation, and inclusion.
Provide a safe space for students to explore themes of self-discovery, friendship, and acceptance.
Encourage media literacy by analyzing how LGBTQIA+ characters and stories are portrayed in film.

You can pay weekly and drop in to this class any time you'd like. None of the classes build upon one another. Each week is a new movie and an engaging review together! Optionally, I did create a 20 week class schedule for those that prefer to pre-pay for extended classes for a discount.
Speaking of discounts, you want to try to your first class free with me? :-) 

Get $13 off this class (or my horror movie class) with coupon code NIKKIMOVIECLUB13 until Apr 30, 2025. 
You can look through my other classes at https://outschool.com/teachers/Shana-Paré 

A "Socratic classroom" utilizes the Socratic method, a teaching approach that emphasizes student-led, critical discussions through open-ended questioning, encouraging deeper understanding and critical thinking. I strongly believe the Socratic method is an amazing tool to open students up and dig deep into their thoughts. In this fun, casual movie club, we will be doing just that. We'll be watching one LGBTQIA+ movie per week for 20 weeks. The learners will be watching from the comfort of their own spaces and must obtain the movie by themselves. After the film, we will be discussing our thoughts on the production, what goes on behind the scenes, what our favorite parts are, how we think each character carried the film, etc. We will have discussion questions as homework following the film. The student is expected to read and respond to them, and bring them to class with them for the discussion. However, everything is optional! A second option for each student is to create an art project each week that reflects their thoughts and feelings about the film they watched. Art can be a very powerful tool when words fail us. 
There will be specific talking points we will cover, and examples are listed below.

Target Audience: Students (Ages 13-18)

APRIL SCHEDULE:

Week 1: Love, Simon (2018, PG-13) – Coming-of-Age & Self-Acceptance
🎬 Summary: Simon, a high schooler, navigates coming out while forming an anonymous online relationship with another closeted student.

🔹 Discussion Topics:

Coming Out Journeys: Why is coming out different for everyone? What challenges does Simon face?

Friendships & Support: How do Simon’s friendships change throughout the movie? What makes a strong ally?

Representation Matters: How does this film provide positive LGBTQIA+ representation?

Secrecy & Anonymity: How does online communication impact Simon’s journey of self-acceptance?

If You Were in Simon’s Shoes: What advice would you give Simon at different points in the film?
____________________

Week 2: The Half of It (2020, PG-13) – Friendship & Identity
🎬 Summary: Ellie, a shy and intelligent student, helps a boy write love letters to a girl—only to realize she has feelings for her too.

🔹 Discussion Topics:

Love & Identity: How does Ellie’s experience reflect struggles with self-acceptance?

Unspoken Feelings: Why do Ellie and Aster struggle to express their emotions?

Friendship vs. Romance: How does Ellie’s friendship with Paul evolve, and why is it important?

LGBTQIA+ Stories in Small Towns: What challenges do LGBTQIA+ teens face in communities with little representation?

Interpret the Ending: What do you think happens to Ellie after the film?
____________________

Week 3: The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021, PG) – LGBTQIA+ Representation in Animation
🎬 Summary: Katie Mitchell, a creative and quirky teen, embarks on a chaotic road trip with her family, while subtly exploring her LGBTQIA+ identity.

🔹 Discussion Topics:

Casual Representation: Why is it important to have LGBTQIA+ characters in mainstream family films?

Family Relationships: How does Katie’s relationship with her parents shape her identity?

Being Different: How does Katie embrace her uniqueness, and why is that inspiring?

The Role of Comedy: How does humor make serious themes more accessible?

Small Moments, Big Impact: How does Katie’s subtle LGBTQIA+ representation make a difference?
____________________


MAY SCHEDULE:

Week 1: Nimona (2023, PG) – Fantasy & Identity
🎬 Summary: In a futuristic medieval world, rebellious shapeshifter Nimona teams up with a disgraced knight to challenge society’s rigid rules.

🔹 Discussion Topics:

Being Different in Society: How does Nimona’s experience as a shapeshifter mirror real-world struggles with identity?

Breaking Stereotypes: How does the film challenge ideas about heroes and villains?

The Importance of Found Family: How does Ballister’s relationship with Nimona reflect the idea of chosen families in LGBTQIA+ communities?

Visual Storytelling: How does animation help make the film’s themes more powerful?

Self-Acceptance: What lessons does Nimona learn about embracing who she is?
____________________

Week 2: To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995, PG-13) – Comedy & Community
🎬 Summary: Three drag queens embark on a road trip, get stranded in a small town, and end up changing the lives of the locals.

🔹 Discussion Topics:

Drag Culture in Media: How does this film celebrate drag as an art form and self-expression?

Breaking Gender Norms: How do the main characters challenge traditional gender roles?

Community & Acceptance: How do the townspeople change after meeting the three queens?

Comedy & Representation: How does humor make important social themes more accessible?

Allyship: What does this movie teach us about being a good ally to the LGBTQIA+ community?
____________________

Week 3: Moonrise Kingdom (2012, PG-13) – Love, Identity & Belonging
🎬 Summary: Two misfit kids, including a sensitive, artistic boy who doesn’t fit traditional masculinity, run away together, leading to an adventure about love, identity, and self-acceptance.

🔹 Discussion Topics:

Queerness & Gender Roles: How does Sam challenge traditional ideas of masculinity?

Belonging vs. Being Different: Why do Sam and Suzy feel like outsiders? How does this connect to LGBTQIA+ experiences?

First Love & Identity: How do early relationships help shape identity?

Family & Acceptance: How do different adults in the film respond to kids who don’t fit the norm?

Visual Aesthetics: How does the film’s unique style enhance its themes?
____________________

Week 4: The Prom (2020, PG-13) – Acceptance & Self-Expression
🎬 Summary: A high school girl in a small town wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, but the school board cancels the dance. A group of washed-up Broadway actors swoop in to help her fight for her rights.

🔹 Discussion Topics:

LGBTQIA+ Rights & Prom Culture: Why is it important for LGBTQIA+ teens to feel included in school events?

The Power of Visibility: How do celebrity allies impact social movements, and when can their activism feel performative?

Comedy vs. Serious Issues: How does this musical balance humor with important themes?

Coming Out Stories: How does Emma’s experience compare to other coming-out stories in media?

The Importance of Community Support: What role do allies play in LGBTQIA+ acceptance?
____________________

JUNE SCHEDULE:

Week 1: A Monster Calls (2016, PG-13) – Grief, Identity & Self-Expression
🎬 Summary: A boy dealing with grief and bullying forms an unexpected connection with a giant tree monster who helps him face his fears.

🔹 Discussion Topics:

Metaphors for Queerness: How does the monster represent emotions like grief, fear, and identity struggles?

The Power of Storytelling: How do stories help the main character process his emotions?

Loneliness & Self-Acceptance: How do the themes of isolation relate to LGBTQIA+ experiences?

Art as Expression: How does drawing and creativity help the protagonist understand himself?

Processing Big Emotions: What lessons does the film teach about handling difficult emotions?
____________________

Week 2: Better Nate Than Ever (2022, PG) – Comedy & Self-Discovery
🎬 Summary: A Broadway-loving middle schooler, Nate, sneaks off to New York to audition for a musical, discovering his confidence and identity along the way.

🔹 Discussion Topics:

Dreams & Identity: How does Nate’s love for theater help him understand himself better?

Representation in Film: How does Nate’s story differ from other LGBTQIA+ coming-of-age narratives?

Supportive Friendships: How does Nate’s relationship with his best friend help him through his journey?

The Power of Being Yourself: What does Nate teach us about embracing what makes us unique?

Family & Acceptance: How does Nate’s family react to his passion for performing?
____________________

Week 3: Pariah (2011, rated R)

🔹 Discussion Topics:

Why is it important to see stories about queer teens of color on screen? What impact can representation like this have?

How does Alike’s first romance affect her sense of self?

Do you think creative expression can help people work through difficult feelings?

What are the dangers of trying to “fix” someone’s identity?

What do you think happens next for Alike?Does she find freedom? A new community? How would you write her next chapter?

____________________

Week 4: The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012, PG-13) – Mental Health & Identity
🎬 Summary: A shy high school freshman, Charlie, befriends two seniors, including Patrick, a charismatic gay teen dealing with his own struggles.

🔹 Discussion Topics:

LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health: How does Patrick’s journey reflect the struggles of many LGBTQIA+ teens?

The Power of Friendship: How do Charlie, Sam, and Patrick support each other through difficult times?

The Importance of Representation: How does Patrick’s storyline contribute to LGBTQIA+ visibility?

Overcoming Trauma: How does Charlie's journey relate to resilience and healing?

Music & Expression: How does music help the characters cope and connect?

____________________

Week 5: Strange World (2022, PG) – Family & LGBTQIA+ Representation in Animation
🎬 Summary: A family of explorers embarks on an adventure in a mysterious land, while teenage Ethan navigates his first crush on another boy.

🔹 Discussion Topics:

Normalizing LGBTQIA+ Characters: How does this film treat Ethan’s crush differently from older LGBTQIA+ representation in animation?

Family Expectations vs. Personal Identity: How does Ethan’s journey compare to real-life family dynamics for LGBTQIA+ youth?

Science Fiction & Representation: Why is it important for LGBTQIA+ stories to be included in fantasy and sci-fi?

Breaking Stereotypes: How does Ethan’s character challenge traditional portrayals of masculinity?

The Role of Adventure in Self-Discovery: How do the characters learn about themselves through their journey?
____________________

JULY SCHEDULE:

Week 1: Billy Elliot (2000, PG-13) – Challenging Gender Norms
🎬 Summary: A working-class boy in a small English town discovers his love for ballet, defying his father’s expectations and societal norms.

🔹 Discussion Topics:

Breaking Gender Norms: How does Billy challenge ideas about masculinity?

Parental Expectations: How does Billy’s relationship with his father evolve?

The Power of Passion: How does dancing help Billy express himself?

LGBTQIA+ Themes in Non-LGBTQIA+ Films: Why do many LGBTQIA+ viewers relate to Billy’s story?

Resilience & Pursuing Dreams: What does Billy teach us about following our passions?
____________________

Week 2: The Way He Looks (2014, Not Rated, PG-13 Equivalent) – First Love & Independence
🎬 Summary: A blind Brazilian teenager, Leonardo, forms a deep connection with a new classmate, Gabriel, while navigating independence and self-discovery.

🔹 Discussion Topics:

Love Beyond Sight: How does the film show that attraction is about more than physical appearance?

Independence & Identity: How does Leonardo’s journey reflect the struggles of LGBTQIA+ teens seeking independence?

Subtle Storytelling: How does the film portray LGBTQIA+ themes in a quiet, natural way?

Representation of Disabilities & LGBTQIA+ Identity: Why is it important to include diverse identities in storytelling?

Different Cultural Perspectives: How does this Brazilian film differ from American LGBTQIA+ films?
____________________

Week 3: Prayers for Bobby (2009, TV-PG) – Family & LGBTQIA+ Acceptance
🎬 Summary: Based on a true story, this film follows a mother who struggles to accept her gay son, leading to a tragic and life-changing journey.

🔹 Discussion Topics:

The Dangers of Non-Acceptance: What impact does Bobby’s mother’s rejection have on him?

The Power of Change: How does Bobby’s mother evolve, and why is that important?

LGBTQIA+ Mental Health: What challenges do LGBTQIA+ youth face when they lack family support?

True Stories in Film: How do real-life stories like this help educate people?

Allyship & Advocacy: How can we support LGBTQIA+ youth in difficult situations?
____________________

Week 4: Moonlight (2016, PG-13) – Identity & Self-Discovery
🎬 Summary: A young Black man, Chiron, navigates childhood, adolescence, and adulthood while struggling with his identity and sexuality.

🔹 Discussion Topics:

Intersectionality: How does Chiron’s experience as a Black gay man shape his journey?

Masculinity & Vulnerability: How does the film challenge traditional ideas of masculinity?

The Role of Silence: How do unspoken emotions impact Chiron’s life?

Coming of Age: How does Chiron’s journey compare to other coming-of-age stories?

Cinematic Storytelling: How does the use of color, music, and cinematography enhance the story?
____________________

AUGUST SCHEDULE:

Week 1: Out (2020, Pixar short, Rating: PG) - Coming out, Family, Love
🎬 Summary: A short and sweet animated story about a man coming out to his parents, with the help of a magical dog.

🔹 Discussion Topics:

🏠 Why do you think Greg was nervous about telling his parents he’s gay?

🧠 How do you think his parents might have felt when they found out? Did their actions surprise you?

🗣️ Have you ever been afraid to tell someone something important about yourself? How did it go?

❤️ What do you think this short film is really about?

🤝 Why is it important for people to be accepted for who they are?

🧙‍♂️ If you could ask the magical animals a question, what would it be?

____________________

Week 2:  Tangerine (2015, R but appropriate for mature teens) – Trans Identity & Friendship
🎬 Summary: A trans woman, Sin-Dee, roams the streets of Los Angeles on Christmas Eve after learning about her boyfriend’s betrayal.

🔹 Discussion Topics:

Authentic Trans Representation: How does this film differ from older portrayals of trans characters?

The Power of Friendship: How does Alexandra support Sin-Dee, and why is that important?

Unique Filmmaking: How does the film’s use of an iPhone for filming affect its storytelling?

Challenges Faced by Trans Women of Color: How does the film highlight real-world struggles?

The Importance of Humor in Serious Stories: How does humor balance out the film’s heavier themes?
____________________

Week 3: Rafiki (2018, Not Rated, PG-13 Equivalent) – Love & LGBTQIA+ Rights
🎬 Summary: Two Kenyan girls, Kena and Ziki, fall in love despite their society’s strict anti-LGBTQIA+ laws.

🔹 Discussion Topics:

LGBTQIA+ Rights Around the World: How does the film highlight the struggles of LGBTQIA+ people in conservative societies?

Love vs. Society: How does the couple navigate their feelings despite external pressures?

The Role of Family: How do their families react, and how does that shape their choices?

Hope & Resilience: How does the film offer hope despite its difficult themes?

Censorship & Representation: Why was this film banned in Kenya, and why is its visibility important?

____________________

Week 4: Crush (PG-13) - Authenticity and self-discovery in queer relationships
🎬 Summary: An artsy teen joins the school track team to get closer to her crush — but ends up finding love where she least expects it.

🔹Discussion Questions:

How does Crush present different kinds of queer identities and relationships?

What does the film say about expectations vs. reality in high school crushes?

How are creativity and self-expression portrayed in the film?

How do the characters model acceptance and support for one another?

____________________

Week 5: 10. Summerland (PG) – Historical LGBTQ+ representation
🎬 Summary: Set during WWII, this film follows a reclusive writer who reflects on a past relationship with a woman while forming an unexpected bond with a child.

🔹Discussion Questions:

How does the film depict queer love in a historical context?

What does the story say about chosen family and unexpected relationships?

How are memories and grief shown visually?

How might things have been different if the characters lived in modern times?