10. DVD: Damages: The Complete Fourth Season
Even with a resume that includes Albert Nobbs, Dangerous Liaisons, and Fatal Attraction, the defining role of Glenn Close's spectacular career may well be Patty Hewes, the tough-as-nails litigator she expertly portrays in the legal thriller Damages. All 10 episodes of season 4, plus a featurette in which Close discusses the evolution of her character, are now available on DVD.
9. MUSIC: Hey Boy, Hey Girl! -- Pride 2012
From the uplifting disco-house of Eric Prydz to the electro-acoustic atmospheres of Air, this compilation of Astralwerks' most acclaimed artists and several newcomers takes listeners on a journey through contemporary electronic dance music and features tunes that should be part of your soundtrack to summer Pride festivities.
8. DVD: Blue Briefs
Six provocative short films that explore relationships and the pain that often accompanies love are compiled in Blue Briefs. Standouts include the award-winning Requited, which asks the question "How do you get over something you never had?" and Revolution, about a 16-year-old Iranian boy living in 1989 Los Angeles.
7. TV: Me @ The Zoo
While Chris Crocker's tearful plea to "leave Britney alone!" made him a controversial Internet sensation (his videos have been viewed more than 270 million times), the story of the transgender-identifying Tennessee teen as presented in this astute documentary by filmmakers Chris Moukarbel and Valerie Veatch will surprise and maybe even move you. Watch the trailer here. Premieres on HBO June 25.
6. BOOK: The Campaign Within
Neil Giuliano's memoir, aptly subtitled A Mayor's Private Journey to Public Leadership (Magnus Books, $24.95), is as forthright and extraordinary as the man who wrote it. The former president of GLAAD shares his incredible tale of growing up a shy, self-doubting kid with a secret in an Italian-American Catholic family to making history as the first openly gay mayor of Tempe, Ariz.
5. CONCERT: Fade to Blue
LeAnn Rimes, an amazing vocalist and longtime equality advocate, makes a second appearance with the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, which marks the group's first all-country music program, featuring a range of popular classic and contemporary country hits. Saturday and Sunday. For more information go to GMCLA.org.
4. BOOK: If It's a Choice, My Zygote Chose Balls
Jeremy Hooper, the very engaging, insightful writer responsible for the compulsory blog Good as You, takes readers through his life story with a compelling memoir (Good as You, $12.99). Hooper reveals the positive and unnecessarily encumbered aspects of growing up gay in contemporary society.
3. FILM: Nate & Margaret
Nate, a 19-year-old film student, and Margaret, a 52-year-old spinster with a coffee mug addiction, are best friends in an odd, quirky, totally working kind of way ... until Nate is set up on a date with James. It's like Harold and Maude but with a gay twist. Now playing in select theaters.
2. MUSIC: Make Me Believe in Hope, Bright Light Bright Light
Welsh musician and in-demand remixer Rod Thomas counts David Bowie, Kate Bush, and Grace Jones among his chief influences, but on his sensational debut album as Bright Light Bright Light, you'll swear he's been listening to nothing but the very best of Depeche Mode and Pet Shop Boys. It's no wonder NME dubbed him "the boy Robyn in all but name." Available domestically Monday.
1. EVENT: Trevor Project Live
Cinema icon Susan Sarandon, beloved by millions for The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Hunger, and Thelma & Louise, has supported the freedom to marry as well as funding for HIV/AIDS research and treatment, and has spoken out about homophobia in the media. Stanley Tucciwill present the Oscar-winner with this year's Trevor Hero Award Monday in New York. Tony Award-winner Michael Mayer will direct a show that will include Anthony Rapp, Thomas Roberts, Eric McCormack, and Debra Messing. For more information go to TheTrevorProject.org.
