Film festivals allow for many films, often those independent of major Hollywood studios, to gain recognition from an audience that may otherwise look over them. They can be wonderful opportunities to explore some new, less-known movies.

Some major cities, like New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and even Albuquerque, N.M., have started hosting LGBT film festivals, many of which are celebrating a long time of attendance and success.

But sadly, CU doesn't have a LGBT film festival, so we must make do how we can. I have started to rotate the types of films I watch each week, and have begun pushing myself to watch things that I normally wouldn’t. Some of the more recent titles dealing with LGBT issues, sexuality or other related issues, are Boys Don’t Cry and Training Rules, which I saw on campus at the ARC as part of LGBT film series. Training Rules examines how women's collegiate sports, caught in a web of homophobic practices, resulted in the destruction of the lives and dreams of many of its most talented athletes.

Another film I've recently popped in my DVD player is Milk, The film details the story of Harvey Milk, California's first openly gay elected official, and his struggles as an American gay rights activist. The film drew in popular acclaim last year from Hollywood, winning eight Academy Awards including Sean Penn's win for Best Actor.

Take some time to look at these films and others that may be outside of your tastes.