Photos: (Fox Searchlight, Focus Features, Beacon Pictures)
It's Spirit Day, and people around the world are wearing purple to take a stand against bullying and show their support for the LGBTQ community. Props to those of you rockin' purple. Here are a few movies to watch in the spirit of Spirit Day, in order from the most light-hearted to the most Kleenex-worthy.
+ Bring It On
Photo: (Beacon Pictures)
Start your Spirit Day off on a light note with one of the most spirited cheer movies of all time. "Bring It On" is so bad it's good, and if you were to eat a marshmallow ('cause we don't condone drinking games here) for every time you hear the word "spirit," you'd look like the Michelin man by the end of the film.
+ Spirited Away
Photo: (Studio Ghibli)
More of a cartoon person? Check out "Spirited Away," the beautifully illustrated tale of a girl who accidentally enters the "spirit world" and has to find her way back into the human world. The girl's journey could be compared to the process of coming out. Although it's long and not always easy, she eventually reemerges in the human world stronger than ever.
+ Rent
Photo: (Columbia Pictures)
"Rent" is a popular musical-turned-movie that explores LGBTQ themes like gay and lesbian relationships and HIV/AIDS. It's about a group of lovers and friends who love and support each other exactly as they are, in spite of their weaknesses and illnesses.
+ Milk
Photo: (Focus Features)
"Milk" is a 2008 biographical film about the life of gay rights activist Harvey Milk. Milk was the first openly gay person to be elected to office in California, and his life tragically ended in assassination in 1978. Watch the film for an inspiring history lesson, and to better understand what a big deal it is that we can openly celebrate Spirit Day every year.
+ Boys Don't Cry
Photo: (Fox)
In "Boys Don't Cry," Hilary Swank plays Brandon Teena, a trans man who is assaulted, beaten, and murdered when it is discovered he was born female. Swank won an Academy Award for her boundary-breaking performance, and Chloe Sevigney received an Oscar nomination for her role as Teena's girlfriend.
Follow the action links below to learn more about Spirit Day, how to love yourself, and how to support your LGBTQ friends and fam.
