Queer cinema is probably my favourite genre of film, perhaps tied with horror. I myself am not gay (straight with a few creases is how my girlfriend describes me), yet whenever I hear about a film from the LGBT community, it will more than likely become one I would like to see. This is because, often, the nature of the films (mainly being made outside of the studio system, being made often by homosexual filmmakers) means that a certain honesty will always pervade them, and the message is likely to be a pertinent and heartfelt one. This is not to say that all films of this genre are good- no one genre consists entirely of good films after all- but the ways in which the films plumb truths hard and relevant, and the ways in which the messages of the films are often universal, means that more often that not, watching these films mean you learn something new. This goes beyond mere orientation. Despite all this, despite being no longer in a time where homosexuality is taboo (thank goodness), despite being in a time where gay marriage slowly becomes legal in countries worldwide, it is still the case that the average film-going public are not likely to flock to the cinemas to check out queer cinema offering. I am not here to comment on that, nor am I casting aspersions on or criticising those who choose to avoid these films- if you are not affiliated with the LGBT community, then that alone is a very valid reason why you just wouldnt ever really come into contact with the movies of the genre. I am simply here to tell you why there are some you should watch. So, here I present five cases for five very different films, explaining why I think you should watch them, regardless of what you are attracted to. The five films here are ones that teach you something new, about us as humans, as a species. They are ones that make you a better person, and allow you an insight into something you might not normally have any contact with. Above all, they educate on important issues, and they are indispensable both as art and as social comment. You owe it to yourself to see all these movies- and here are the reasons why. (I am aware that queer is a derogatory term for a homosexual. However, for those who are unaware, that is the official name of the genre of film I am writing about. Please do not think that the nature of this article is homophobic- I hope I have so far conveyed that it is anything but.)