Homosexuality and religion

In 1979, when I was editor of The Student Printz at the University of Southern Mississippi, I conducted a group interview with 18 campus gays, who came to my home willing to talk with me openly and anonymously.

These students – all male – were active in every phase of campus life (three were members of the football team). We discussed every aspect of their gay lifestyle. All of these young men had grown up attending church and expressed a “Sodom and Gomorrah” sense of guilt – their words - about their sexuality.

A new TV movie, based on a true story and starring Sigourney Weaver, explores the subject of homosexuality and religion. “Prayers for Bobby” examines a mother’s relationship with her gay son and her inability to accept his sexuality because of her own religious beliefs.

Actress Weaver appeared on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” today to talk about the movie and the mother. No spoilers – other than to say this true story should be essential viewing for anyone who is gay or has friends or family members who are gay. Please pass this information along!

“Prayers for Bobby” airs on Lifetime, Saturday, 24 January 2009, at 9 p.m. ET & PT, 8 p.m. CT.