About Prayers For Bobby
Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner 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. Also starring Ryan Kelly ("Mean Creek"), Susan Ruttan ("LA Law"), Dan Butler ("Frasier") and Henry Czerny ("The Tudors"). Based on the book “Prayers for Bobby” by Leroy Aarons.
DIRECTOR: Russell Mulcahy
SCREENWRITER: Katie... More
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True Story
A look at the real story behind the Griffith family's struggle. Read an interview with Mary Griffith, the inspiration for "Prayers for Bobby." Check out family photos of Mary Griffith and her children.
Celebrities Who Have Played Gay Onscreen
Many of Hollywood's most famous faces have portrayed gay characters onscreen. Take a look at photos of some of the most memorable gay characters in Hollywood history.
Celebrity Gay Activists
Hollywood has never been shy in voicing their support for the gay community. Look at pictures of some of Tinseltown's biggest celebrity activists for the gay community.
"Prayers for Bobby" Excerpt
Leroy Aarons' book detailing the story of Mary Griffith and her son Bobby was the inspiration for this movie. Read an excerpt from “Prayers for Bobby.”
An Interview with Sigourney Weaver
Read an interview with Sigourney Weaver, the star of "Prayers for Bobby." And take a look at tons of photos of Sigourney Weaver's most famous movie roles.
Music From the Movie
Learn about about the music and artists featured in the movie "Prayers for Bobby." Buy the songs from "Prayers for Bobby."
Behind the Scenes
Look at tons of behind-the-scenes photos from the movie set. Start checking out pictures from "Prayers for Bobby."
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Take action! You can support youth who make a difference in memory of Bobby Griffith. www.horizonsfoundation.org/griffithfund
Since 1990, the Bobby Griffith Memorial Scholarship Fund has funded scholarships for Contra Costa County (California) high school graduates who contribute to the community by improving the environment for LGBTQ youth. Each year, the scholarship is awarded through Horizons Foundation and the eQuality Scholarship Collaborative.
Find out more here: www.horizonsfoundation.org/griffithfund
Although I have attended a Baptist church for the past 21 years, I was especially interested in the scriptural references made in the film. My son knows that I love him, no matter what, because I often express my love, encouragement and acceptance to him. However, it was because of my love that I attempted to discourage him from being gay.
In my own mind there must be something that is keeping me from totally embracing his lifestyle. However I have learned that no matter how much I love him and want for him to be different -mostly so that his life will be less encumbered and challenging as a straight person, something inside of me tells me that he is unable to change who he is. Once in one of our heated conversations while he was still struggling with his identity, he said, "Mom, do you think I would CHOOSE to be this way, if I had a choice!"
I really don't know if I didn't really understand what he was saying, or if I just couldn't accept it, and right now, I am still conflicted as to where I stand on the issues. But my son has gone on with his life as a GAY person, despite telling me often that he was bi-sexual, and NOT gay. Maybe that was his way of allowing me space to accept his being who he is. He did have a girlfriend for a long time, and she once mockingly said that they were going to get married. But it all turned out to be a cruel joke. Interestingly enough though, I later learned from my son, that she, in fact, was living a lesbian lifestyle!
When he went off to college, they drifted apart and he developed a friendship with a police officer about five years ago. They are now living together, and my son wears, what looks like a wedding band on his ring finger. However he told me it was a friendship ring.
I will always love my son, but this movie really hit a home to me, and it opened my heart and my eyes, even more so into understanding some of the feelings that still cause conflict for me. It has moved me into wanting desperately to resolve the feelings that I still harbor. My son will always be my hearts desire, first.
Lastly, I have no desire to change my religious affiliation. So this means accepting his gayness, which I will continue to seek God’s guidance in that acceptance. I guess it will be up to me, to find solace within the context of being Baptist; and hopefully my son, will be willing to “take the trip” with me, in spite of what may turn out to be an uphill battle. For I know that I love him and I know that God loves him even more, cause the Bible teaches that God’s love is infinite, and compassionate and kind. So it sounds to me, like he loves all of our children the same, gay, straight, bisexual, and transgender, whatever.