Guy Lochhead, 20/06/10
American writer of ‘human comedies’, best known for the screenplay ‘Harold and Maude’, which was based on his M.F.A. thesis. Also founder of the Colin Higgins Foundation, which rewards bravery in the face of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender, and campaigns for the empowerment of historically underprivileged constituencies. Include ‘Harold and Maude’ for its healthy attitude to death and youth. Although it is sometimes whimsical and sickly sweet, it inspires a sense of belonging that is so important in adolescence and beyond.