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Jake Gyllenhaal says Heath Ledger wouldn’t tolerate homophobic ‘Brokeback’ jokes

‘This is about love’

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Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal in ‘Brokeback Mountain’ (Screenshot via YouTube.)

Jake Gyllenhaal revealed that his “Brokeback Mountain” co-star Heath Ledger wouldn’t tolerate homophobic jokes about the award-winning film.

“Brokeback Mountain” became fodder for gay jokes after its release in 2005 and inspired the “I wish I knew how to quit you” meme, a line that Gyllenhaal’s character famously tells Ledger’s character.

In an interview with Today, Gyllenhaal says Ledger would speak out against the homophobic jokes.

“I see people who have joked with me or criticized me about lines I say in that movie — and that’s the thing I loved about Heath,” Gyllenhaal says about the late actor. “He would never joke. Someone wanted to make a joke about the story or whatever, he was like, ‘No. This is about love’. Like, that’s it, man. Like, no.’”

Gyllenhaal also explained how “Brokeback Mountain” skyrocketed his acting career.

“It opened tons of doors. It was crazy. It was amazing. It’s defined my career in different ways,” Gyllenhaal says. “[But the film] is bigger than me. It has become not ours anymore. It’s the world’s.”

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PHOTOS: Shenandoah Valley Pride

LGBTQ celebration held at Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg, Va.

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A scene from the 2026 Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Shackelford)

The 2026 Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival was held at Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg, Va. on Sunday, Sept. 20.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

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Whitman-Walker Health holds 40th annual event

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Whitman-Walker Health held the 40th annual Walk and 5K to End HIV at Anacostia Park on Saturday, Sept. 19.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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PHOTOS: Wanda Alston Foundation Fall Reception

LGBTQ youth services organization honors Robert White, Japer Bowles, Washington Capitals

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Rayceen Pendarvis was the emcee at the Wanda Alston Foundation 2026 Fall Reception. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Wanda Alston Foundation held its Fall Reception at the Penthouse Rooftop at The Wharf on Friday, Sept. 18. Honorees included D.C. Councilmember Robert White, Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs Japer Bowles, and the Washington Capitals. Rayceen Pendarvis served as the emcee and entertainment was provided by the Thomas Circle Singers.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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