# Prayers for Bobby

Prayers for Bobby (2009) is a United States television movie, based on the book of the same name by Leroy F. Aarons. It is based on the true story of the life of Bobby Griffith, a gay adolescent who committed suicide due to his mother's homophobia.
    Directed by Russell Mulcahy. Written by Katie Ford (teleplay), Leroy F. Aarons (book).

## Mary Griffith

* Homosexuality is a sin. Homosexuals are doomed to spend eternity in Hell. If they wanted to change, they could be healed of their evil ways. If they would turn away from temptation, they could be normal again if only they would try and try harder if it doesn't work. These are all the things I said to my son Bobby when I found out he was gay. When he told me he was homosexual, my world fell apart. I did everything I could to cure him of his sickness. Eight months ago my son jumped off a bridge and killed himself. I deeply regret my lack of knowledge about gay and lesbian people. I see that everything I was taught and told was bigotry and de-humanizing slander. If I had investigated beyond what I was told, if I had just listened to my son when he poured his heart out to me, I would not be standing here today with you filled with regret. I believe that God was pleased with Bobby's kind and loving spirit. In God's eyes kindness and love are what it's all about. I didn't know that each time I echoed eternal damnation for gay people, each time I referred to Bobby as sick and perverted and a danger to our children. His self esteem and sense of worth were being destroyed. And finally, his spirit broke beyond repair. It was not God's will that Bobby climbed over the side of a freeway overpass and jumped directly into the path of an eighteen-wheel truck, which killed him instantly. Bobby's death was a direct result of his parent's ignorance and fear of the word gay. He wanted to be a writer. His hopes and dreams should not have been taken from him but they were. There are children, like Bobby, sitting in your congregations. Unknown to you they will be listening as you echo "amen", and that will soon silence their prayers. Their prayers to God for understanding and acceptance and for your love. But your hatred and fear and ignorance of the word gay will silence those prayers. So, before you echo "amen" in your home and place of worship, think. Think and remember, a child is listening.
* To all the Bobbys and Janes out there, I say these words to you as I would my own precious children: Please don't give up hope on life, or yourselves. You're very special to me, and I'm working very hard to make this life a better and safer place for you to live in. Promise me you'll keep trying. Bobby gave up on love; I hope you won't. You are always in my thoughts.

## Jeanette

* They should love the son no matter what the sin. Hey, that's good, I'm gonna start my own Bible!

## Dialogue

    Bobby: I'm sorry, I'm not the perfect little Bobby you always wanted, but I can't keep apologizing for it mom! Accept me as I am or forget it!
    Mary: I will not have a gay son.
    Bobby: Then mom, you don't have a son.
    Mary: Fine.
    Robert: So we're really going to San Francisco?
    Mary: I think we have to, I don't think it's a choice. Well...that's ironic.
    Bobby: I think there's something wrong with me.
    Ed: That's for sure.
    Bobby: What d'you think mom would do if she found out one of us was a psychopath?
    Ed: What do you mean, "if"?
    Bobby: You know what she's always saying, that our whole family will be together in the afterlife? Well, what if one of us is a sinner?
    Ed: Hey, did you sleep with Michelle? I promise I won't tell.
    Bobby: No, it's not that. I'm just thinking about stuff, you know?
    Ed: You think too much. It's dangerous. Which is why I avoid it at all costs.
    Psychiatrist: Do you hear any voices?
    Bobby: No.
    Psychiatrist: Do you hear any ringing noises?
    Bobby: No. Was that the telephone?

## External links

* Prayers for Bobby Official Website
* Prayers for Bobby at IMDb
* Prayers for Bobby article at the World Socialist Web Site
* Prayers for Bobby at Parents and Friends of Lesbians And Gays (PFLAG) website
* Preview of the film
* Article on Location Shooting of the film
* Chismetime.com Movie Review