FREE BAUUC Social Justice Movie Night, Sept 18, 7pm in the Fellowship Hall. Popcorn and other refreshments will be available.

“Prayers for Bobby” (2009) – Rated (TV-14) (PG)

FREE BAUUC Social Justice Movie Night, Sept 18, 7pm in the Fellowship Hall. Popcorn and other refreshments will be available.

“Prayers for Bobby” (2009) – Rated (TV-14) (PG)

“Prayers for Bobby” is based on the real life story of Mary Griffith and her young gay son, Bobby.  Mary Griffith (played by Sigourney Weaver) believes God can cure him of what she considers his “sin”.  Bobby’s desperation for his mother's approval and his church's disapproval of homosexuality causes his subsequent depression and self-loathing. Blaming himself for not being the 'perfect' son, Bobby is driven to suicide. Faced with her family’s tragedy, Mary begins to question her faith when she receives no answers from her pastor.  Mary slowly reaches out to the gay community and discovers unexpected support from Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and becomes a GLBT rights activist. Click on the following link to view a preview of the movie - http://www.prayersforbobby.com/

After seeing this movie, you will realize why starting this October, BAUUC will take a very important step in providing meeting space and support for a Bay Area satellite of the Houston Chapter of PFLAG (www.pflaghouston.org).  All members and friends of BAUUC (including teenagers) are encouraged to see this movie as part of our commitment to social Justice and service to the greater community.

Sigourney Weaver hopes in particular that gay youth who watch the film will be "reassured that homosexuality is natural, that this is part of life, that they may have to fight to be who they are, but they're also fighting to educate us."

(The real) Mary Griffith thinks the movie will offer validation for parents of gays and lesbians as well. "They have to know it's OK to challenge their religious beliefs and church doctrine, especially when the health and welfare of their child is on the line," she said.