Netflix’s new dramedy series ‘The Corps’, inspired by Greg Cope White’s memoir ‘The Pink Marine’, is set to bring a fresh perspective on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in the military. As we await its release, let’s delve into 10 significant films from the past two decades that explore queer narratives in military settings.
Burning Blue: A Navy pilot love story that turns Top Gun’s homoerotic subtext into the main plot.
Firebird: A tale of forbidden love between military pilots in Soviet-era Russia.
The Inspection: Based on Elegance Bratton’s story, it follows a gay recruit’s challenging journey in the Marine Corps.
The Letter Men: Inspired by WWII love letters between Gilbert Bradley and Gordon Bowsher.
Love In Country: An intimate look at two gay soldiers’ connection amidst the Vietnam War.
A Marine Story: A response to the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, following a discharged Marine major.
Moffie: A closeted teen’s survival story during the apartheid in South Africa.
Soldier’s Girl: The real-life story of trans woman Calpernia Addams and her relationship with a soldier.
Tom Of Finland: The biopic of Touko Laaksonen, known for his influential gay erotic art.
Yossi & Jagger: A tale of a secret love affair between Israeli soldiers.
These films not only depict the struggles and triumphs of LGBTQ+ individuals in the military but also serve as important cultural and historical documents. They offer insights into the complexities of identity, love, and duty within the armed forces. As ‘The Corps’ joins this impactful lineup, it’s a reminder of the diverse stories that exist within the LGBTQ+ community in military contexts.