It’s not often that I am tempted to watch a Lifetime Original movie, but tomorrow night is the premier of “Prayers for Bobby“:
“Sigourney Weaver stars in this emotional true story about a 1970s religious suburban housewife and mother who struggles to accept her young son Bobby being gay. What happens to Bobby is tragic and causes Mary to question her faith; ultimately this mom changes her views in ways that she never could have imagined.”
I happened to catch Sigourney Weaver yesterday promoting the film on one of the morning talk shows and it turns out that both she, and the real life Mom of the boy this film is about, are together trying to advocate for gay and lesbian teens from fundamentalist homes. Their cause is to raise awareness about how a family’s rejection of an adolescent’s sexual identity–and often the attempt to “cure” it–can not only result in severe depression, but in Bobby’s case, tragedy (he committed suicide). Since Bobby’s death, his mother has devoted her life to this cause (she is still a devout Christian) and now Weaver is on board.
It airs tomorrow Saturday night at 9 p.m.
Beliefnet
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posted January 25, 2009 at 9:01 am
I watched it on Saturday night. It was very tragic and sad but ended on a redemptive and hopeful note. I dare any open minded person should watch it and not be moved to rethink the way our society treats its gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth and adults.
See Encore Presentations of “Prayers for Bobby” Sunday, Jan 25 at 8 PM & Tuesday, Jan 27 at 9 PM on Lifetime TV
Sigourney Weaver co-produces and stars in this emotional true story about a 1970s religious suburban housewife and mother who struggles to accept her young son Bobby being gay. What happens to Bobby is tragic and causes Mary to question her faith; ultimately this mom changes her views in ways that she never could have imagined. Based on the book “Prayers for Bobby” by Leroy Aarons. Check out the powerful trailer at http://www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/movies/prayers-bobby
For resources and information go to http://www.soulforce.org
posted January 25, 2009 at 10:10 pm
This is the first time that I am writing in a blog, but after watching the movie I was touch. I myself am a 20 year old now in college at Johnson & Wales in Providence RI. I am bisexual at least it is what I say to my self. I am lost in the world, trying to find a path. It is still hard for me and my parent to understand that I could be bisexual. As well in the movie, religion plays a big part in my life, and my pastor at church does not understand my situation, that is why I have not return to the church. Overall I am still trying to find my self in College. I do give thanks to God that he has aloud me to have my mother, which she has come around and support. Thank you so much for this movie as I do considered my self as a Bobby.
posted January 25, 2009 at 10:36 pm
My mom knew since I was in elementary school. She would still say “Paul – no girls are aloud in your room with the door closed” – No problem Mom.
I had always told my friends that I didn’t need to come out to her until she was ready. I’d say – If she asks me – I’ll be honest. If she askes me it meant to me that she is ready to hear the answer and wants to know.
She asked me. She said Paul I think Julie and Kathy are gay – I know Tristan is gay – Are you? This was on my 30th birthday.
I told my mom that I had told my friends that I would give her a (no pun intended) a straight answer. I said yes. She seemed fine with it. I think if she asked she was ready to know the answer – I didn’t have to put it on her. She died a few months later and it was only after her death that my brother told me she had cried about it. He also said he thought my brother Douglas who died many years ago in a plane accident along with my dad was gay. I asked him why. He just said – you are the same in so many ways.
Being told my mom cried made me sad. She never showed that to me. I’m glad I knew that if she cried she kept it from me. I’m also glad she knew I was gay. I coulldn’t deal with her passing on and not really knowing me for who I am. I am her youngest of eight children – one girl and seven boys. In the days before she passed she had a private talk with each of her children. When I was invited into the hospital room my mom spoke final thoughts to me and she said “Paul, you like Joe more than Joe likes you”. I left Joe about two weeks later. She was right and left me with her wisdom not criticism. She also said I was the nicest of her kids. Selfishly I agree. I know my siblings.
My mom loved me. I love my mom.
posted January 26, 2009 at 1:52 am
Edgardo – I understand what you’re going through. The “coming-out” process is often difficult, with pressure from families, religion and society, the feeling of isolation, of guilt, and depression. I’ve been in your shoes, although minus the overly religous family, but even without that, coming out and accepting myself alone, still put so much pressure on myself when I was around your age. Growing up Catholic, the guilt was there when I was dealing with my sexuality, and between that, the pressure to conform, the secrecy, and the isolation, I also had to deal with depression, confusion, and was so close to doing what Bobby did several times. Often times, most of society do not understand what that pressure is like, sometimes it comes from other people, but a lot of it is also internal. I’m very glad your mother has come around and is now supporting you. I’m also very glad this very powerful movie has been made, and hopefully, it makes a difference to those currently in Bobby’s and his family’s shoes. One thing I would advise to you, work on fully accepting your sexuality yourself, and the world becomes so much easier to live in. Good luck!