Change Your Image
rayinla-1
Reviews
CBS Schoolbreak Special: What If I'm Gay? (1987)
Somewhat superficial, but still important early movie about coming out
This HBO movie centered around a group of friends, one of whom is acting the straight part, dealt to him by society, but will soon deal with his homosexuality. The time is the 1987, and a high school soccer player is 'found out' by his best friends. He has been dating, and playing the straight part the best way he knows how, but finally, starts dealing with his confusion about sex, and the roles males play in society. His best friend and girlfriend, naturally have trouble dealing with his orientation, but thankfully, another good friend and a high school counselor provide support and positive guidance.
I saw this movie on HBO when it was original broadcast, in fact I taped it. I was dealing with coming out at that time and so this movie became very special and important to me. I even taped the show and have recently transferred the nearly 20 year old show to DVD.
While a bit superficial, and feeling somewhat like an after school special, this movie important as one of those movies which can help a young person come to terms with their homosexuality. Most specifically, how important self esteem, and having a positive self image are during High School.
Consenting Adult (1985)
Consenting Adult, a very early positive story of coming out to your loved ones
Well, I was dealing with these very same issues, at the time that I saw this television show, in 1985. I actually taped the show, well of course, as Marlo Thomas was one of my favorite actors. This story, dealt with the very topical subjects of coming out to your parents, friends and family during a very scary period of time, when AIDS was devastating our community. Though somewhat superficial, due to the subject matter, and the fact that this was a broadcast television show, it had special meaning to anyone dealing with all of the conflicting emotions related to coming to terms with your own homosexuality during a very conservative time. A time whose conservatism, unfortunately, is being mirrored in 2005, nearly 20 years later.
I believe this show should be made available for all to see as it treats the subject with some honesty and tenderness.
I've just transferred the show from my old and deteriorating video tape to DVD and hope it will last another 20 years. Gosh, I can't believe how far we've come in 20 years, and yet how far we have yet to go.