The glitter has settled, the crosswalks are still rainbow, and West Hollywood just wrapped up another unforgettable WeHo Pride weekend. But beyond the star-studded performances and confetti-covered floats, one vendor booth had people confessing their earliest pop culture crushes, or more accurately, their gay awakenings.
Displayed on a pastel board with a simple prompt “What movie was your gay awakening?” The answers ranged from classic queer cinema to completely chaotic picks that had us cackling in the best way.
Wait, Lord Farquaad?
Let’s address the (short) king in the room. Yes, someone wrote Shrek 2, most likely for the dreamy-eyed Puss in Boots, instead of the original movie for the clear choice of Lord Farquaad. How could the bob haircut, the knee-high boots, or the undeniable camp energy he brought not make you question your sexuality?!
Other answers were more expected: Moonlight made multiple appearances (because obviously), as did Moulin Rouge! — Baz Luhrmann’s glitter bomb of love, loss, and corsets.
Sandra Bullock’s Miss Congeniality was another crowd favorite. Whether it was her tactical gear entrance or the “perfect date” scene (April 25, anyone?), queer folks were feeling very seen.
And then there was Fight Club. Between Brad Pitt’s leather jackets, homoerotic tension, and that famous shirtless scene, it’s basically queer-coded chaos wrapped in toxic masculinity. Honestly, it tracks.
Animated Anthems and Questionable Crushes
Animated films had their moment too. Disney’s Hercules sparked a surprising number of bisexual awakenings (and possibly some gym memberships). Meanwhile, Atlantis: The Lost Empire gave us Milo Thatch: nerdy, anxious, and somehow hot?
Other write-ins included Shego from Kim Possible (queer girl canon), Ella Enchanted, and The Princess Diaries, because any movie with both Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews was destined to shake the queer foundation of a generation.
Some also pointed to Cheaper by the Dozen 2, and while we didn’t ask follow-up questions, we’re guessing it had something to do with shirtless camp boys, teen drama, or a very formative summer crush.
A Celebration of Joy and Representation
WeHo Pride also brought a lot of visibility to some great work being done in the local community. Local organizations, nonprofits, and grassroots groups marched with power and pride, reminding everyone that queer joy and queer justice go hand in hand.
In quieter moments, attendees found space to reflect, like at “Ground in Pride,” a wellness gathering with yoga and a sound bath beneath the sunset at Plummer Park.
But it’s often in the smaller, lighter moments, like confessing your first fictional crush at a vendor booth, where the magic of Pride really shines. Because whether your awakening came from Brad Pitt, Shego, or Puss in Boots (no judgment), Pride is about honoring what made you you.
And if you’re still figuring that out? Welcome. You’re in the right place.
