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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

Watch Video Extras

See exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes extras from "Prayers for Bobby"! Watch tons of "Prayers for Bobby" video now.

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.”

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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when i saw this movie i cried so hard i couldn't stop. i never knew how mean some parents could be to find out,and why shouldn't people chose to be gay the should love who they want to love!!!
We wish "Prayers for Bobby" the best of luck in the Emmys!

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
wen i saw this movie it made me see that as a gay teenager i am quite lucky to have parents that accept me for who i am and not who they think i should be. i only wish that bobby could have been as lucky as i am. it really does sadden me to think that a mother of all people would ridicule her own child for being gay. that is the onw person in my life that has helped me the most. this may seem mean but if ever met his mother inperson i would have a few choice words for her and the way she treated her child. we are all humanbeings and we were created as god wanted us to be, and if she couldnt understand that then , im afraid she mostlikely still doesnt.!
IF YOU REALLY THINK THAT GOD WANTED YOU TO BE GAY, I THINK YOU BETTER READ HIS WORD(BIBLE) HE SAID THAT HE MADE THEM BOTH MALE AND FEMALE HUSBAND AND WIFE. READ 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9. YOU CHOOSE TO BE THIS WAY, GAD DOES GIVE US FREEDOM OG CHOICE BUT HE WILL JUDGE US @ THE END, DONT LET THE DEVIL FOOL YOU, PLEASE READ HIS WORD ASK GOD TO OPEN YOUR EYES TO THE TRUTH.I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU
I just stumbled across this by accident while surfing the 'Net, and I have to say I spent the last five minutes or so just bawling my eyes like a baby over the trailer... much less the whole movie, which I am downloading from ITunes right now as we speak. This is going to be a whole-box-full-of-Kleenex movie I'm sure.
I really wish this movie would come out on DVD, I would buy it and watch it probably every day! I love this movie...it came on last night!
As a parent of a gay man, who is now 30 years old and beginning second year law school, Prayers for Bobby, was a somewhat difficult movie for me to watch. Although I was definitely drawn to it, it conjured up the many conflicts that I have tried to deal with in the past, in numerous conversations with my son, when he was in high school.

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.
YES GOD DOES LOVE ALL OF US,BUT YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT HE HATES SIN,ALL WE CAN DO IS PRAY FOR OUR CHILDREN, AND HE DOES HAVE A CHOICE. LET GOD BE GOD ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS QUOTE SCRIPTURE RENOUNCE THAT SPIRIT,BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT IT IS. I WILL BE PRAYING 4 YOU. GOD BLESS
Mark, a gay friend of mine who attempted suicide as a young man due to his shame at growing up gay in Urbana, Ohio, told me about this remarkable movie. Correct me if I'm wrong, but he said you missed a wonderful opportunity to alert viewers about suicide prevention. When you next air the show it would be great if you could list the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK and other vital information. Sadly, the gay and lesbian community have a disproportionately high rate of suicide. Congratulations again on a groundbreaking program. Ruth Deming of NewDirectionsSupport.org
When is Lifetime going to run this movie again? There has only been one re-run since it premiered... I thought Lifetime always replays their movies???
It has been on before though...this movie was my inspiration for everything I do now and I recorded it on DVR this time and have it saved. It was a great movie...
when does this movie come on i was at work and missed it
i need to know please
this movie is good i liked it i'm nt gay but i stll saw this movie but everyone and every parent shouls accept who there kids are no matter what they r cause u will never know what will happened but bobbys mom did't accept who he was cause she though that he was going to change but this movie is good i like it and then it was a sad movie
i would like to know when this movie is comming on again on lifetime so i could watch it.. i never seen it before. so does anyone know when it comes back on again prays for bobby?
IWOOD LIKE TWO NO WENT APRAYERS FOR BOBBY COMINGS TWO LMN MY NAMEIS EDDIE I LOVE IT THANK YOU
Seeing your excellent film and hearing the unenlightened comments made this week by Miss California regarding gays’ rights to marry compelled me to comment here. As a 59 year old gay man whose mother still prays for me to change, I know from experience that the movie's portrayal of the Griffith family captures so well the very real struggle of so many people whose beliefs create such pain and inner conflict regarding their gay children and siblings. Having been very religious as a child, coming to the truth about my sexuality in college was so devastating to me personally that I went from top of my ivy league class to drop out. I went to a therapist to try to change but came to realize that I was born that way and God must have had other plans for me. I eventually came out to my family after the stress of being so closeted led to the destruction of my second long term relationship. Although they continued to love me and tried to understand, everyone in my family eventually became fundamentalist Christians after I came out. God couldn’t have chosen a better way to punish me. I know personally how the church can keep families apart. So much for family values. I cannot ever share much of my true feelings with my family before their eyes glaze over or they turn everything into the Bible is the answer just like Mary Griffith did. This is especially hard for me since I still consider myself a Christian. I love my family dearly and I know they love me but there is so much of me that I have not been able to contribute to their lives and they to mine. I never allowed myself to get very close to my nieces and nephews since I know I would have been blamed if any of them turned out to be gay. One sister died recently. It pains me how much we had in common, that her husband and children didn’t appreciate, that we could have shared and enriched both of our lives. From all appearances I am the handsome all American guy and until recently did have a very good job. I am in a long term relationship of over 20 years. Both our families enjoy our company but we are not invited as a couple to many family gatherings. Suffering from periodic mood swings and bouts of depression I too have considered suicide. I will not allow myself to have a gun for that reason. Ironically the only thing that has stopped me recently is the thought that I would hurt my mom. I hope your film helps further understanding by Christians that the Bible has many interpretations and theirs does not have to demonize gays. We have so much good to contribute. It would be nice if they would give us the opportunity to live happy lives.
I have no idea who you are or your name, but today I posted a blog on my facebook page encouraging others to watch this movie. As I was reading over the comments I came across yours. I want you to know from one Christian to another...that you are important in Gods eyes, you matter and you are loved! I will pray for you too, not to change who you are, but to be reminded daily of Gods plan for you as an individual. I will pray also for your family to open their hearts and their minds to who you are and all you have accomplished. I was raised in a very strict Baptist church, I now attend a much more open minded church with my husband. It pains me to hear so many negative stories of how the church has cast out those they feel do not fit the "mold"...this is not always the case. I do not know why God put on my heart to email you today or why I read your post out of all of these, perhaps today you just needed to hear how important you are and that you deserve a relationship with God. Never forget this and never give up on yourself.

Warmest Regards!
This movie was great. It is more just like me. I have also threaten to commit suicide before but never did it. I am in my 20's and i have alot to deal with. But most people in my family dont know what i am going through. I have told a few close family members that i am gay but not the whole family. My Family is real religious and they will not accept me for me. They just want me to be just like them.. So Good Job Lifetime for making this movie.
To Lonely Guy, I am right there with you. My father signed a public petition for prop H8 and insisted my Mother do the same. My Dad and I had a breakthrough though when I asked him if he would bless me in his prayers, not curse me. He knows that I love God and doesn't understand how I could give myself to God but not to the misouri synod lutheren church.
to TLC: Thank you for showing this movie. I watched it in the middle of the night, I hope you had the courage to show it at a more reasonable hour. Also I know this is available on iTunes, is it possible to obtain on DVD?
I cannot thank Lifetime enough for featuring this movie! Bobby's story very well could have been mine, which almost ended similarly. Sadly, I have known more than a handful of young gay men who committed suicide, all from conservative Christian or Mormon homes.

More than twenty-five years later I have learned that God loves and accepts me and have learned to accept myself and love myself more fully. I went through more than eight years of reparative therapy (the ex-gay movement) trying to change my sexual orientation and it did not work for me or many others I knew. I now do my best to share the reality of God's love for all people with others. Whether one is religious or not, the reality is that for parents, friends and family members of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals (LGBT) as well as for LGBT people themselves, things can and do get better when people are allowed to be who they were created to be. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG: www.pflag.org, listed on the Support page with the movie info. here) was critical in my journey to educating myself and family, to getting support that I needed and learning to advocate for others. My prayers are with all the parents, families and young people out there on their own journeys to true love and acceptance.