We are in a golden age of queer cinema and television, with a growing list of diverse LGBTIQ+ characters and stories to choose from, accessible on more streaming platforms than ever before.
While queer cinema was once relegated to the cultural fringes, earlier this week queer-themed coming-of-age film Love, Simon won the gong for 'Best Kiss' at the MTV Movie Awards. Not only that, but last year the same award went to Academy Award-winning independent queer film Moonlight.
In honour of these two consecutive wins - and those still to come - we decided to take a walk down memory lane and celebrate the great same-sex kisses which helped to pave the way.
1. Ennis and Jack, Brokeback Mountain
When it comes to passion, this kiss has it in spades. In fact, it was so passionate that Heath Ledger reportedly came close to breaking Jake Gyllenhaal's nose during the shoot.
2. Willow and Tara, Buffy
A compilation-worthy relationship, filled with fan-art worthy kisses. The Willow and Tara legacy lives on today.
3. Andy and McKinley, Wet Hot American Summer
As the movie's title would suggest, this 2001 satirical comedy is both wet and hot - but more importantly, it features Bradley Cooper, which helps land this kiss on our list.
4. Jennifer and Needy, Jennifer's Body
Look, is the film great? Maybe not. But this kiss?
According to one YouTube viewer, this exchange between Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried was "the reason I realised I was bisexual".
5. Adèle and Emma, Blue is the Warmest Colour
This 2013 French film is known for being steaming hot, but it also had some tender moments...
6. Tobi and Leo, Summer Storm
This German film tenderly addressed same-sex love in the sporting world, set against the backdrop of a rowing tournament.
7. Charlie and Patrick, The Perks of Being a Wallflower
This kiss is particularly memorable due to the fact the characters weren't romantically or sexually linked in any way. Instead, the kiss was a sign of confusion and growth, giving the two characters a chance to connect in a way that ran deeper than sex.
8. Katherine and Cecile, Cruel Intentions
As one viewer writes: "This is my go-to clip to teach my partners how to kiss, instead of trying to impregnate me Alien-face-hugger style."
We think that sums it up nicely.
9. Jenny and Niki, The L Word
It's hard to go past The L Word, and there are plenty of great kisses to choose from, by Jenny and Niki's first kiss might just take the cake.
10. The Watermelon Woman
This arthouse 90s gem was addressing themes of gender and sexuality long before it was deemed cool or mainstream to do so.
