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Watching Brokeback Mountain kept me in the closet
The first time I saw the film, I convinced myself I didn’t like it. Now it’s one of my favourites
TL;DR
- The author's mother showed him 'Brokeback Mountain' at 14 in an attempt to help him come out as gay.
- The film's tragic ending and portrayal of repressed love reinforced the author's fear and shame, causing him to suppress his sexuality further.
- Negative societal rhetoric and legal decisions around same-sex marriage in Canada also contributed to his fear of living openly as a gay man.
- He later sought out positive LGBTQ+ representation in media and found acceptance and understanding through other stories.
- A 2018 screening of 'Brokeback Mountain' allowed him to see the film differently, appreciating its nuances and his own journey.
- He now considers 'Brokeback Mountain' a favorite film and understands his mother's actions as an expression of love.