Movies That Matter Monday: The Birdcage

• Date: June 8 
• Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m. 
• Movie: Nichols, M. (Director). (1996). The Birdcage [Film]. United Artists. 

The Office of Empowerment presents “Movies That Matter,” a film series that highlights diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and culturally focused films that spark conversation and reflection. Each screening is designed to create space for learning, dialogue, and deeper understanding of lived experiences across different communities. 

This installment features The Birdcage (1996), a comedic yet meaningful film that explores identity, family dynamics, and acceptance through the story of a gay couple navigating societal expectations. While humorous and entertaining, the film also opens the door to important conversations about authenticity, LGBTQIA+ visibility, and the pressure to conform to dominant cultural norms. 

Following the screening, participants are invited to engage in discussion that connects the film’s themes to broader diversity topics and real-world experiences, encouraging reflection, empathy, and community dialogue.