Philadelphia (1993)

Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) is a homosexual senior associate at the largest corporate law firm in Philadelphia. He lives with his lover Miguel Alvarez (Antonio Banderas) and hides his homosexuality and AIDS status from other members of the law firm. When they learn he is infected, he is fired because of fear they might contract the disease. Beckett sues his former law firm with the help of admitted homophobic lawyer Joe Miller (Denzel Washington). During the court battle, Miller sees that Beckett is no different than anyone else, overcomes his homophobia, and helps Beckett with his case before AIDS overcomes him. In court Beckett testifies that he was planning to tell his partners that he was gay, but he changed his mind after hearing them tell homophobic jokes in the sauna of a health club. Beckett collapses in court shortly after finishing cross-examination. During his hospitalization, the jury votes in his favor, awarding him back pay, damages for pain and suffering, and punitive damages. Miller visits Beckett in the hospital after the verdict and touches Beckett's face. After Beckett's family leaves the room, he tells Miguel that he is ready to die. Immediately afterwards, Miller is informed that Beckett has passed away. The movie ends with a reception at Beckett's home following the funeral where many mourners, including the Millers, view home movies of Beckett as a healthy child.

This was the second Hollywood movie to tackle the AIDS epidemic, and it signaled a shift in the early 1990s for mainsteam films to have more realistic depictions of gays and lesbians. The movie won Oscars for Best Music, Song (Bruce Springsteen's "Streets of Philadelphia") and Best Actor (Tom Hanks). In an interview for the documentary "The Celluloid Closet", Hanks said some scenes showing more affection between him and Banderas were cut, including a scene showing him and Banderas in bed together. Howard Shore composed the original music. Ron Nyswaner wrote the script, which was inspired by the story of Geoffrey Bowers, an attorney who in 1987 sued the law firm Baker & McKenzie for unfair dismissal in one of the first AIDS discrimination cases. Jonathan Demme directed.

Poster Boy (2006)

Henry Kray (Matt Newton) is a young gay man in college enjoying the freedom of coming out away from his family. His father is powerful U.S. Senator Jack Kray (Michael Lerner) from North Carolina, with a national reputation as a right-wing homophobe. Around campus Henry's homosexuality is an open secret. Anthony (Jack Noseworthy), a 28 year-old gay activist looking to party, meets several campus gays, including Henry. When Senator Kray finds himself fighting for his political career, he enlists his son to be the "posterboy" for the campaign. The campaign will begin at a luncheon at Henry's college campus. Anthony and his friend Izzie (Valerie Geffner) have an argument about outing Henry, and Izzie (who is HIV-positive) leaves. She is hit by the limousine transporting the senator and his wife Eunice (Karen Allen), then invited along for the campaign luncheon. Henry invites Anthony as well, insisting that he sit with him. Henry introduces his father, who begins his speech. As the speech continues, Henry stands up, pulls Anthony to his feet and kisses him in full view of the national media, outing himself before the activists have a chance to. Senator Kray and his team decide to spin the event by stressing that the Senator still loves his gay son. The film closes with Henry summarizing the aftermath. He and Anthony don't see each other again. Izzie has died of AIDS. The Senator won re-election despite or perhaps because of the controversy.

This dark edgy drama is told mostly in meandering flashbacks unfolding over 6 months as Henry tells his story to a reporter. It's almost a low-budget docu-drama attempting to make a point about politics, sexuality, and family values. Mark Garcia composed the music, and Lecia Rosenthal and Ryan Shiraki wrote the screenplay. Zak Tucker directed.