04 January 2011

ART: Prayers For Bobby

If you haven't already seen this movie, it is beautifully done. It is a true story and I think it is SO applicable to the Mormon community.... or any conservative Christian community. This speech, made me bawl the first time I watched it. I literally called my mom crying. I get emotional when I hear people that are not gay say such kind words. It is really weird because I don't usually get visibly emotional. But when I hear heterosexual people talk positively and kindly about homosexuals, for some reason it strikes right at my heart.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just added this to my Netflix Queue today. I'm excited to watch it.

Anonymous said...

It’s so frustrating to hear people that I respect and love within the church make intolerant and hurtful remarks about gay people. I think views like that can only stem from an attempt to fill the void of ignorance and uncertainty about gay people that many members experience with the clear platform that the church seems to offer with regards to homosexuality and the definition of a “good” family. If people just accept the church’s stance, they can avoid thinking critically about the issue for themselves. If only they knew who was sitting amongst them, if only they saw their gay brothers and sisters for who we really are—people struggling to find a path of happiness in a culture that tells us we can’t experience both the joy of an authentic relationship and the certainty of eternal life, I could not imagine that such intolerance could persist for long. But I don’t know if I have the courage to be the one to show them that. It’s always easier to hide behind the façade of “fitting in” than acknowledge the “not quite” of reality.

Jonathan Adamson said...

@Lucky Jake- YAY!

@Anonymous- I know that it can be extremely scary to come out from behind the facade when you know that everyone you care about loves that facade and seemingly hates what is underneath it. I hope that someday we won't need to feel like we need to hide behind the mask that others prefer that we wear. One day, perhaps the numbers of people that are in your same position will find the courage. I think it will take some time, but I hope that in some small way, I can help give others the courage to face their fear. There are others that have come out and are trying to be a voice for the voiceless as well. Hopefully together we can spark change.

jen said...

I loved this movie. I sobbed the whole way through.
And then I bought the book, and read it all in one day. The mother amazes me.

Jonathan Adamson said...

@Jen- oooooh, a book? I will have to find it!

Anonymous said...

I just finished watching it, and was incredibly moved. It just goes to show that difference between Mary's character at the beginning of the movie vs her character at the end, was simply Understanding... and that's what most in the church do NOT have. A deep, and real understanding of the issue-- other than what Mormon CULTURE has taught them.

I really want my parents to see this movie.

jen said...

Jake - I want my parents to watch it. I haven't convinced them though. In their minds even WATCHING it goes against their personal beliefs...

Maybe one day.

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