Celebrating Gay Pride Month with Great Actors and Even Greater Movies

The LGBT and Pride Month are synonymous with acceptance, equality, and confidence. June is the most important month of the year for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transvestites- celebrations and demonstrations are abound. For those unsure of how to spend the month, I suggest you consider a movie marathon- especially if you're a cinema fan. Just what should go on your Pride Month movie list?

The quintessential LGBT movie, "Brokeback Mountain," is one definitely worth putting on any Pride Month marathon list. This is no typical cowboy flick- it's a testament to how romance and tragedy can transcend genres seamlessly. Struggling with feelings for one and other, the two men treasure their mountain trips together while faithfully returning to their wives and family afterward. Jake Gyllenhaal really shinesat the top of the cast- showing genuine confliction and emotion.Whether you're LGBT or not, you'll likely you'll be fighting back tears by the time Ennis and Jack's tragic tale comes to an end. Heck, unless you're totally heartless, you'll be sniffling midway through.

For Pride Month Supporters with political views or ambitions, "Milk" is a great addition to your list. The film follows Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be voted into a public office in the US. Sean Penn plays the titular role and with noticable skill at that!He does soon his ability alone while facing opposition for his life choice- as one could imagine. "Milk" may not be as emotionally investing as "Brokeback Mountain," but it's still a good Pride Month feature. Also worth including in your Pride Month marathon is "Brideshead Revisited," a drama set in England. Charles is drawn to the charismatic Marchmain family- especially the allure of their homosexual alcoholic, Sebastian. The film has just as many tearjerkers as "Brokeback Mountain," but in a more refined setting.

So as not to leave animated movie fans out, "Tokyo Godfathers" deserves a spot on your list. This fantastic Japanese anime film focuses on three down and out homeless friends and their encounter with an abandoned baby. The three have been brought together by circumstance and care for one and other far more than they let on. Miyuki the runaway teenage girl, Gin the estranged father and former racer, and Hana the transvestite idealist- all of them bear their own burdens and sadness, but band together nonetheless to find the infant's family.

For fans of action and intrigue, I turn your attention to two great LGBT favorites. For a long-time favorite with a story of twists and turns you couldn't possibly predict, consider "The Crying Game." A Pride Month movie playlist isn't complete without a thriller like Neil Jordan's masterpiece. Stephen Rea andMiranda Richardson make the film worth watching on their merits alone!For those that are fans of Al Pacino or John Cazale, don't hesitate to put "Dog Day Afternoon" in your marathon. As humorous as it is exciting, observe the bank robbery timeline and learn the reasons for the heist. Transgendered movie fans should appreciate "The Crying Game," while gay movie fans should enjoy "Dog Day Afternoon." Enjoy your Pride Month movie marathon!