Rachel’s doc tells the fascinating story of the store’s historical significance for the LGBTQ community, her parents’ role as unintentional activists, and how the internet destroyed the business. The store served as a refuge for LGBTQ community members during the height of the AIDS crisis, and the film highlights Karen and Barry’s struggles with being so heavily immersed in LGBTQ culture at a time when it was not socially accepted. Stars Gemma Arterton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Lucas Bond Directed by Jessica Swale watch on Netflix As World War II rages across the English Channel, Alice (Gemma Arterton) leads a solitary, quiet life on. 01 of 18 Cobalt Blue (2022): A Love Triangle Turned into a Family Feud Netflix IMDb Rating: 6. The business went through many challenges, from being caught in an FBI sting during President Ronald Reagan’s crackdown on pornography, to gaining a reputation for attracting hustlers in the wee hours of the morning. The straight, religious couple with kids, however, kept the nature of their work a secret from family and friends. Season 2 explores Eric’s story even more and has quickly become one of the most progressive shows for teens available. With the prospect of humiliation looming, Simon reluctantly agrees to help Martin get closer to Abby, Simons female best friend. Otis’ best friend Eric Effiong (Ncuti Gatwa) is proudly Black and gay, and Sex Education allows him the space to be a truly multi-faceted character rather than a stereotype. The store was first established in the ’60s as Book Circus. Rachel’s parents, Karen and Barry Mason, who were working with Hustler publisher Larry Flynt at the time, took over the store in the early ’80s and renamed it Circus of Books. Closeted gay teen Simon is mortified when his classmate Martin gets hold of Simons intimate email to his online love.
Alex Strangelove is a 2018 American comedy film directed by Craig Johnson. This documentary by artist Rachel Mason is a riveting look at the popular and long-running bookstore and gay pornography shop, Circus of Books, in West Hollywood and in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles. The list below ranks the best gay and lesbian films on Netflix you can watch.