While mainstream Hollywood continues to catch up when it comes to LGBTQ representation in blockbuster movies, there are plenty of directors out there highlighting issues within the gay community through slick visuals.

For now, some of the most compelling and hard-hitting LGBTQ cinema exists in short films. From tackling the homophobic world of football, to a teacher exploring the sex party scene in New York City, they are touching upon real life emotions that your local Odeon is probably little way off from showing anytime soon.

Gay Times have rounded up just five of the best gay short films out there that you can watch online.

I AM SYD STONE (2014)

Directed by Denis Theriault, this 10-minute visual follows a Hollywood hunk as he returns home. But as is much the case in Tinseltown, he’s living a lie, and upon his return he attempts to rekindle a closeted relationship from his past.

WONDERKID (2015)

Starring Broadchurch’s Chris Mason, Wonderkid focusses on a gay professional footballer who’s struggling with his sexuality in the high-pressured and masculine world of the Premiership League.

DARE (2005)

It’s the age-old high school crush storyline. Ben lusts after his bad boy classmate Johnny, but when he’s offered a ride home one night, what seems like a dreaming coming true descends into heartbreak.

TRIPLE STANDARD (2010)

Homophobia manifests from many different insecurities, but in Triple Standard, one athlete’s prejudice is a symptom of his own struggle to come to terms with his sexuality.

CHASER (2013)

Max Rhyser plays a young schoolteacher who comes from a conservative Jewish family and community, but Chaser sees him attend a New York City sex party to escape his restrictive community.