Tomorrow is the start of Pride Month.

It's a time of appreciation, love, and support for LGBTQ persons from their community and its allies. Given what they have to endure in our toxic society it's darn important (straight people can have the other 11 months of the year). It's especially important for queer youth, who need affirmation that they are not alone and there are people out there who love and accept them for exactly who they are... despite whatever bullying and hate that comes their way.

It's also a time where corporations capitalize on Pride by slapping a rainbow on everything in order to make money. Sometimes to show support. But most times to make money. Or possibly to show support and make money.

As usual I'll devote the month to LGBTQ movies old & new. This year is shaping up to go like this (December is usually all Hallmark Christmas movies, but I've lost access to Hallmark Channel, so I had to switch things up)....

• ✓ JANUARY: Concert films.
• ✓ FEBRUARY: Movies for Black History Month.
• ✓ MARCH: Indie movies.
• ✓ APRIL: Italian films.
• ✓ MAY: Science fiction flicks.
• JUNE: Movies for Pride Month.
• JULY: Historical films (scheduled).
• AUGUST: Disney movies (scheduled).
• SEPTEMBER: 80's movies (scheduled).
• OCTOBER: Horror flicks (scheduled).
• NOVEMBER: Super-Hero movies (scheduled).
• DECEMBER: Hallmark Rom-com movies (scheduled).

I always try to watch a movie a day, but sometimes I binge a series over a couple days if that fits my schedule better. And usually I try for a 50/50 split between favorite movies and movies I haven't seen before to be sure I don't get flooded with duds. That's essential with LGBTQ movies because way too often they're rooted in heartbreak or tragedy and there's only so much of that you can take night after night.

This year I'm starting with Date and Switch, so at least I won't have to worry about heartbreak or tragedy right off the bat. Happy Pride, everybody.