Anders als die Andern (Different from the Others) (1920)
Banned/censored in: Germany
This film was banned due to homosexual themes. In the ’20s, it was restricted to viewing for medical research only. When Hitler came into power, it was banned again and mostly destroyed by Nazis. Since then, it’s been partially reconstructed.
491 (1964)
Banned/censored in: Norway
Although banned due to homosexual themes, a censored version was later released.
Pink Flamingos (1972)
Banned/censored in: Australia, Norway
The John Waters classic starring Divine was banned due to offensive content.
Transgressor (School of the Holy Beast) (1974)
Banned/censored in: Singapore
This one was interestingly banned because it “portrayed nuns as lesbians with depictions of sadomasochism as well as bondage in many of the scenes.”
Cruising (1980)
Banned/censored in: South Africa, Finland, Iran
This film infamously cut 40 minutes of explicit content taking place in a leather bar.
Farewell My Concubine (1993)
Banned/censored in: China
Although originally banned for its homosexual themes, it was allowed to screen in China after winning the Palme d’Or in Cannes.
Zoolander (2001)
Banned/censored in: Iran
Although the Ben Stiller movie is banned in several countries because of its plot about assassinating the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Iran banned the film because of its perceived support of gay rights.
Irréversible (2002)
Banned/censored in: Australia, New Zealand
The film opens in a gay sex club, filmed in an actual Parisian establishment, complete with explicit images.
Formula 17 (2004)
Banned/censored in: Singapore
It was banned because it “portrayed homosexuality as normal, a natural progression of society.”
Brokeback Mountain (2006)
Banned/censored in: United Arab Emirates, China
Although screenings were banned, DVDs of the film were available.
Shortbus (2007)
Banned/censored in: Singapore
It was banned because of pornographic content.
Solos (2007)
Banned/censored in: Singapore
It was banned for “pervasive explicit homosexual scenes.”
A Jihad for Love (2008)
Banned/censored in: Singapore
In addition to its depiction of Islam, the film was also banned because its subjects used their religion to justify their homosexuality.
Boy (2009)
Banned/censored in: Singapore
This was banned because it “romanticizes and promotes homosexual relationships.”
Brüno (2009)
Banned/censored in: Ukraine
Experts said the film contained “obscene language, homosexual scenes, and other scenes of offensive nature never shown in Ukraine.”
Female Games (2009)
Banned/censored in: Singapore
This was banned for “explicit lesbian sex acts.”
Milk (2009)
Banned/censored in: Romania, Samoa
The biopic of Harvey Milk was banned for trying to “promote the human rights of gays.”
I Want Your Love (2012)
Banned/censored in: Australia
The Australian Classification Board banned this film from being screened for explicit sexual content.
Stories of Our Lives (2014)
Banned/censored in: Kenya
This documentary about being gay in Kenya was banned for promoting homosexuality.
The Danish Girl (2015)
Banned/censored in: Malaysia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates
The movie was banned for “moral depravity.”
Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Banned/censored in: Kuwait, Malaysia
Although Disney gave us the smallest breadcrumb of a gay crush in this one, it was enough of a homosexual reference to earn a ban in a couple countries.
Ka Bodyscapes (2017)
Banned/censored in: India
It was banned on the basis of “glorifying the subject of gay and homosexual relationships.”
Rafiki (2018)
Banned/censored in: Kenya
The ban was temporarily lifted so the film could qualify for an Oscar nomination, although the country’s film classification board stands against it.
“It is a sad moment and a great insult, not only to the film industry, but to all Kenyans who stand for morality, that a film that glories homosexuality is allowed to be the country’s branding tool abroad,” it said. “The board firmly believes that films should reflect the dominant values of the Kenyan people. Homosexuality does not qualify as such.”
