A Crash Course in LGBT Film 101

We all respect and look up to Advocate.com's editorial director, Lucas Grindley. His take on politics and world news is smart and insightful. But we were appalled to discover his LGBT cultural viewing experience is missing so many important films. In fact, all of them.

Thus a vigorous debate began among the staffers here about which were the 10 most important films to round out Lucas's film education. On the following pages we give you each of our staffer's top 10 lists, in order of importance from 1 to 10 on each. Keep your eye out for repeats. On the last page of this article there is a survey for those of you who think we got it all wrong and want to submit your own list. We encourage you to do so.

A note: These films do not necessarily have to have gay content -- perhaps they are an important part of LGBT culture for their camp value, etc.

Jase Peeples, Entertainment Editor

1. The Boys in the Band
2. Paris Is Burning
3. Brokeback Mountain
4. The Celluloid Closet
5. Rebecca
6. Milk
7. Boys Don't Cry
8. Philadelphia
9. The Wizard of Oz
10. A Nightmare on Elm Street 2

Jase's list is like a fine California cabernet sauvignon. Classic and rich, but with a touch of New World freshness. Will please most palates.

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Trudy Ring, Copy Chief

1. The Times of Harvey Milk
2. Milk
3. Brokeback Mountain
4. Desert Hearts
5. Boys Don't Cry
6. All About Eve
7. What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
8. Valley of the Dolls
9. The Children's Hour
10. Rebecca

Like a 2007 Bouchard Pere & Fils chardonnay, this is a rich and powerful list with strong personality and good aging potential, but don't miss the fruity undertones.

Tracy Gilchrist,SheWired Editor in Chief

1. Cabaret
2. High Art
3. Suddenly, Last Summer
4. Paris Is Burning
5. The Celluloid Closet
6. My Beautiful Laundrette
7. Maurice
8. Heavenly Creatures
9. Longtime Companion
10. The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love

Tracy's list, like a extra-large glass of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, has a spicy top note and an earthy finish.

Daniel Reynolds, Editorial Assistant

1. The Wedding Banquet
2. Rope
3. Gayby
4. Philadelphia
5. Cruising
6. Hedwig and the Angry Inch
7. Pariah
8. To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar
9. The Boys in the Band
10. The Talented Mr. Ripley

Like a California gray riesling, Daniel gives us a fresh, youthful, and sharp list.

Diane Anderson-Minshall,HIV Plus Editor in Chief

1. Bound
2. Boys Don't Cry
3. Desert Hearts
4. But I'm a Cheerleader
5. Parting Glances
6. Longtime Companion
7. Love! Valour! Compassion!
8. Go Fish
9. Stranger Inside
10. If These Walls Could Talk 2

Diane's list suggests the rich emotional tones of a quality Italian chianti. Nostalgic and drinkable.

Christopher Harrity, Web Producer

1. All About Eve
2. The Boys in the Band
3. Strangers on a Train
4. Sunset Blvd.
5. What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
6. Mommie Dearest
7. Valley of the Dolls
8. The Wizard of Oz
9. Auntie Mame
10. Cabaret

Skip the fancy wines, it's a party night. Get a lot of good cheap (Spanish) champagne and some creme de cassis. Champagne cocktails and laughter all round.

Sunnivie Brydum, News Director

1. Tongues Untied
2. Brokeback Mountain
3. But I'm a Cheerleader
4. Valentine Road
5. Shortbus
6. Latter Days
7. Ma Vie en Rose
8. A Streetcar Named Desire
9. Mean Girls
10. Velvet Goldmine

Brut rose: not overly sweet, as one might suspect. The flowery tones are there, but also a sparkling bite.

Michelle Garcia, Managing Editor

1. Fried Green Tomatoes
2. Paris Is Burning
3. The Color Purple
4. Valley of the Dolls
5. Camp
6. But I'm a Cheerleader
7. Kissing Jessica Stein
8. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
9. Milk
10. The Rocky Horror Picture Show

This list is like a good brandy, a distilled wine that give a kick where it counts that promotes dancing and sing-alongs.

Neal Broverman,Out Traveler Editor in Chief

1. Parting Glances
2. Bound
3. Mysterious Skin
4. Desert Hearts
5. Weekend
6. Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss
7. Personal Best
8. Trick
9. Ka-boom
10. The Fluffer

Neal gives us both depth and acid irony. Like a fine merlot wine served in a box.