Jun 12
The 2025 Tribeca Film Festival's Best Queer Offerings
Matthew Creith READ TIME: 6 MIN.
New York City is abuzz this week as the Tribeca Festival returns for another installment of thought-provoking and entertaining film projects that are sure to delight cinephiles. From June 4 to the 15, several highly anticipated films are set to premiere at the world-renowned film and television festival in the Big Apple. Beginning with the opening night film, the documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" about the legendary rocker, Tribeca is sure to satisfy even the most casual of audience members.
Among the healthy slate of projects debuting at the festival are a variety of queer offerings scattered throughout. The Tribeca Festival has an excellent reputation for showcasing stand-out LGBTQ+-themed movies as part of its extensive schedule, with high-profile performers and directors walking the red carpet to debut their latest projects. Here is a list of just a few of the queer offerings premiering at the Tribeca Festival this year that audiences should look out for.
Source: Courtesy of Roadside Attractions via IMDb
"Twinless"
After making its debut to thunderous applause earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, "Twinless" is sure to continue blazing a trail of controversy at Tribeca. Star Dylan O'Brien won accolades at the Park City fest, and his sex scenes garnered a heap of praise on social media, though the film is more complex than that. Director and star James Sweeney's indie hit strikes all the drama and comedy notes as the two men find a connection in losing their twins to heartbreaking circumstances. However, Sweeney's character might be a bit more mischievous than initially thought, and the two are embroiled in a tortuous friendship that establishes themes of connection and despair. It's a must-see before awards season kicks off later this year.
Source: Courtesy of Aplify Pictures/Tripod Media via IMDb
"Come See Me in the Good Light"
Poetry in motion might be the theme of "Come See Me in the Good Light," the newest documentary from director Ryan White. Its subject, Andrea Gibson, has lived a life full of ups and downs, most notably a cancer diagnosis that has sent the poet laureate's life upside down. With the help of longtime partner Megan Falley, Andrea attempts a road less traveled, one of chemotherapy and waiting for test results, as their poetry tour continues in the background. Produced by comedian Tig Notaro and featuring music from Sara Bareilles and Brandi Carlile, "Come See Me in the Good Light" is an expression of love, constant struggles, and the determination of one couple's journey to find humor in a devastating situation.
Source: Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
"Boy George & Culture Club"
It seems that every year, the Tribeca Festival has a staggering number of music documentaries to choose from. 2025's fest is no exception, with the highly anticipated debut of "Boy George & Culture Club," concerning the elements that make the out British singer and his iconic band notable music legends. Boy George has always been known for his flamboyant and charismatic nature, and this new documentary explores what made Culture Club such a hit band in the 1980s. Challenging the status quo was just part of a typical day for Culture Club, and the film reveals candid truths about why everyone involved was so determined to create chaos using their music and reputations.
Source: IMDb
"The Inquisitor"
It's not often that the state of Texas comes into play when discussing the life and times of legendary LGBTQ+ politicians, but "The Inquisitor" is seeking to change all of that. Barbara Jordan's story might not be well-known to the general public outside of the Lone Star State, but the American hero who rose to fame as the first Black American and first woman to deliver a keynote address at the Democratic National Convention is a subject worth exploring. Jordan was Texas' first Black state senator and the first southern Black woman to join the United States House of Representatives. Still, her private life as a member of the LGBTQ+ community was shielded from the public's knowledge until after her death. "The Inquisitor" delves into Jordan's legacy and private interests to gain a deeper understanding of the woman whose name is still spoken by those who knew her best in the great state of Texas.
Source: IMDb
"State of Firsts"
Continuing a trend of political documentaries that are bound to make some anti-LGBTQ+ activists shudder is "State of Firsts," a new film that follows the journey of America's first openly trans person to be elected to the United States Congress: Sarah McBride. Currently serving the people of Delaware in the House of Representatives, McBride has become a target of President Donald Trump's wrath and his loyal MAGA Republicans on Capitol Hill. However, no amount of attacks from the far right will stop the resilient McBride, whose road to a congressional seat is examined in detail in this latest documentary. Unflinching and powerful, McBride's story is worth noting as director Chase Joynt takes audiences on a ride of opposition and history.