The pressure to conform to the "correct" gender in 'Boys don't cry' and 'Brokeback Mountain'

Exploring the impact of societal norms on marginalized sexual identities, this seminar paper analyzes the films "Boys Don't Cry" and "Brokeback Mountain." It highlights the severe challenges and hostilities faced by individuals who deviate from accepted gender roles, often leading to tragic outcomes. Through the lens of cultural studies, the paper examines how these low-budget productions by directors Kimberly Peirce and Ang Lee portray love stories that defy societal acceptance, emphasizing the pressure to conform to traditional gender expectations.