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| DoraExplorer |
On BBC Three last night. A really interesting, thought provoking and emotional documentary about a 16 year old boy who wants to be a drag queen and has known that for years. He wanted to go to his school prom in a dress and "come out" to everyone.
He has a fab supportive mum who knows all about it, but his dad (who doesnt live with them) had no idea, and Jamie had decided to tell him. My heart was in my mouth when Jamie left the house to meet up with his dad. I was willing him on!
He then got an opportunity to do a routine at a local club. He invited fellow students and got some great support from them as well as an invite to appear at a Pride event.
Then there was a complaint from a parent who had heard about the dress plan for the prom and was "disgusted" that the school might let him in.
Jamie decided to go ahead and looked stunning for the prom. Everyone seemed to support him and it was really great to see that.
I absolutely hope that he gets everything he wants from life and gets his dream. He comes across as someone who, even at such a young age, knows what he wants.
I think he will go far - he is amazing!
| 21 Jul 11, 11:45 AM Lj_switch UK, 3 yrs   |
Yes, I watched it too. I found the "fly-on-the-wall" filming a little unconvincing at times, but it must be very hard to truly show feelings when there's a camera crew in the room. He came over as a sensitive, thoughtful lad with a determination to live his life the way he wants, whilst being sensitive to his friends and family. A pity his dad couldn't bring himself to be there at his debut, but perhaps too much to take in, too quickly. He was also pretty damn good in drag, so with some coaching/training should have a great career. be a switch, double your fun Edited 21 Jul 11, 11:46 AM by Lj_switch | ||
| 21 Jul 11, 12:56 PM Puddin_Von_Puss UK(WA), 6 yrs  |
I was impressed too. Not just by him, but by the maturity of his peers and the support they gave him. Loads of 16 year old lads seemed pretty ok with the situation and I for one was surprised by that. But glad to see it. Cracking looking lad too, yeah, he's got a good career ahead of him. It's the little things Dude, the little things. | ||
| 21 Jul 11, 1:17 PM simply_saffy UK(HX), 19 mths |
Yup i watched it too & it brought a tear to my eye as having a son of a similar age, who also doesn't conform to social 'norms', i could relate on a lot of levels. I particularly liked some of the comments made by his male peers, who at that age can be blatantly obnoxious. Edited 21 Jul 11, 1:18 PM by simply_saffy | ||
| 21 Jul 11, 2:57 PM go_dutch UK(AL), 4 yrs  |
as someone who came out at 17, and the friend of someone that came out at 16, i have to say i think that a lot of youths are misrepresented, I got NO abuse at school from my peers, there was a bit of friendly banter but just the sort of give and get that most young friends will talk about. the only time i ever heard abuse was when some 13 year olds i was supervising taking the piss out of my friend, and were pretty quick to shut up when they realised they were being confronted... Admin says: The bottom line is don't call people cunts | ||
| 21 Jul 11, 2:59 PM Poppy_Scarlet UK, 4 yrs |
Ah, that sounds like a great documentary.
I found the link to the episode on BBC iPlayer here if anyone else is going to watch it now too 'Heaven bound' ...Young, Curvy and Pervy... LFS - mandapoo | ||
| 21 Jul 11, 6:42 PM simply_saffy UK(HX), 19 mths |
I can only speak from personal experience...being the mother of a 15 year old boy who talks to his mum therefore i know what he's had to deal with so far...but i agree that youths are often misrepresented which is why i said 'can' be obnoxious...luckily my son has some amazingly supportive friends. I'm glad your experience was a positive one, unfortunately not everyone attends schools where their entire year group are quite as open minded...such is life. ~smiles~
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| 21 Jul 11, 8:57 PM mariatv UK(B), 9 yrs |
just caught it on BBC3 fair dues to them all for accepting | ||
| 21 Jul 11, 9:19 PM JennyM UK, 4 yrs |
I was touched by the fact that the other students - not just his friends - refused to enter the prom venue themselves if the staff didn't let him in. And his comment about his father's unpleasant text the next day was good, something along the lines of how he himself had plucked up courage and told his father face to face about his CD, but his father couldn't face him to tell him he didn't want to see him again after he'd been to the prom in a dress. It negated what could have been a very damaging impact on Jamie. Brave boy. |
