Key Takeaways
- Earlier this year, I added an LGBT column for the website to make the site more inclusive and talk about issues that affect some members of our commun
- Of the many things that motivate me to travel and explore the world, movies are definitely one of the strongest influences. Cinematography helps us ex
- And as the experience of coming out feels like a journey for so many LGBT people, it makes sense that there’d be many LGBT movies that cover the emoti
Earlier this year, we launched an LGBT-focused column at Route for Less to foster inclusivity and spotlight issues that matter to members of the global LGBTQ+ travel community. Through this series, we share firsthand perspectives on safety, cultural insights, pride events, and practical advice—all grounded in real-world experience. This month, we’re thrilled to welcome back Adam from Travels of Adam, our guest columnist, to curate his favorite LGBT-themed films rooted in travel.
Of the many things that inspire us to explore the world, cinema remains one of the most evocative. A well-crafted film transports us—not just visually, but emotionally—to places we’ve never been, helping us imagine new landscapes, cultures, and ways of living.
For many LGBTQ+ individuals, the process of coming out mirrors a journey: one of distance, discovery, risk, and return. It’s no surprise, then, that so many impactful films intertwine personal identity with physical movement—whether across deserts, mountains, or continents.
From award-winning dramas like Brokeback Mountain to beloved cult classics such as To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, and bold international works by directors like Almodóvar and John Waters, these films use travel as both metaphor and narrative engine.
Below is Adam’s curated list of all-time favorite LGBT-themed movies where travel plays a central role—spanning genres, eras, and geographies, from heartfelt indie dramas to joyful, unapologetic comedies.
1. Brokeback Mountain
Widely regarded as a landmark in LGBTQ+ cinema, Brokeback Mountain (2005) tells the poignant story of two cowboys whose annual summer work trips take them from Wyoming into the rugged mountains of the American West. The vast, breathtaking scenery serves as both sanctuary and silent witness to their deepening bond.
The film thoughtfully portrays how intimacy often begins in friendship—and how external pressures, internal conflict, and societal expectations can shape, constrain, or ultimately fracture love. Though the ending is bittersweet, the film affirms that authentic connection transcends geography, time, and even silence.
2. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
From alpine heights to sun-baked expanses, our next stop is Australia’s red-dust heartland. Released in 1994, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert follows three performers—a trans woman and two drag queens—as they board a battered lavender bus named Priscilla and set off across the Simpson Desert en route to a gig in Alice Springs.
Along the way, they encounter everything from curious Aboriginal communities and small-town hospitality to overt prejudice and danger. With standout performances—including a young Guy Pearce—and legendary costume design, the film balances irreverent humor with raw vulnerability. Like any great road trip, it delivers equal parts laughter, tension, and revelation.
3. C.R.A.Z.Y.
Though set against the backdrop of 1980s Quebec, this acclaimed 2005 Canadian film features a pivotal journey to Essaouira, Morocco—a coastal city whose windswept medina and Atlantic cliffs become symbolic of liberation and clarity. At its core, C.R.A.Z.Y. is a tender, layered portrait of a gay man navigating family expectations, faith, and self-acceptance.
Zac’s solo trip abroad isn’t about escape—it’s about grounding himself before returning home with renewed courage. The film’s rich soundtrack (featuring Patsy Cline, David Bowie, and Giorgio Moroder) underscores its emotional arc, reinforcing how music and movement can heal and empower.
4. To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar
This vibrant 1995 road-trip comedy follows three New York City drag performers—played by Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, and John Leguizamo—as they drive cross-country from Manhattan to Hollywood for a national drag competition.
When their vintage Cadillac breaks down in a conservative Midwestern town, they’re forced to stay—and unexpectedly transform the community around them. With warmth and wit, the film explores intersectionality, challenging stereotypes while celebrating resilience, chosen family, and the power of visibility. Its message remains timeless: kindness and authenticity can shift hearts, even in unlikely places.
