Del ShoresSouthern Baptist Sissies [Blu-ray]

"Souther Baptist Sissies" was one of the funniest, saddest and moving films I've ever watched. You see, I'm a straight ally for GLBT rights and marriage equality, or as the Southern Baptists might say, "one of those Godless supporters of homosexual abomination." I'm allowed to say that because I was raised in a Southern Baptist church. From second grade until I graduated from high school, I was in church every Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night. I participated in Bible drills, sang in the choir, but I never fit the mold they tried to stuff me into. I read too much, asked too many questions, showed interest in science and in other religions, and worst of all, one of my best friends was gay. "Southern Baptist Sissies" gave me flashbacks to how my friend was treated by our church, how he felt fear and shame, how he tried desperately to "be straight," and how he constantly battled depression and suicidal thoughts. Watching those scenes brought a flood of pain and tears, but thankfully, the movie ended with hope, and there was a lot of hilarity in the mix. Leslie Jordan and Dale Dickey were absolutely brilliant, making me laugh until my sides hurt. Emerson Collins was funny and adorable, and Newell Alexander's role as the Southern Baptist preacher was so well played, it was scary. After I rented this film on Amazon Instant Video, I knew I had to own it. I'm a big fan of "Sordid Lives" and Del Shores didn't disappoint.

Southern Baptist Sissies perfectly chronicles the shame and self loathing imposed on me by the church as I grew up. I thought I would die when they sang When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder and did "sword drills." I had forgotten about them both but in an instant I was transported back to that introverted youth, afraid to speak in case I sounded feminine and afraid to look at people in case my "crush" was written all over my face for all the world to see. I too had suicidal thoughts back then. It is so sad that so many bright, beautiful, talented, amazing young people kill themselves every year because doctrines are preached (and not just from the church) that say you life is not worth living if you are gay. Thank you Del Shores, cast and crew for bringing the message that God...the real God, is love and anyone who preaches hate is not speaking for God at all. I have since made peace with my faith and my sexuality and the two co-exist in harmony within me today. Both together make me a much stronger person then if I were to only allow one to reign in my life. Because of the way this emulated with my life story I would have to say this is by far the best movie I have seen in a very long time.

I didn't grown up in the South, but I grew up deep in the grips of religion. The great thing about this show (about all of Del Shores' work, in fact) are the characters that are easily identifiable. I saw most of myself in Andrew, but I saw bits of myself in Mark's anger, Benny's love for music and TJ's attempts to deny himself, too. At times funny, then raunchy, then heartwarming, Shores once again runs the gambit of emotions in this show. That's what makes his writing so perfect to me.There were so many times I wanted to yell at the preacher, especially when he blamed the victim in the story, when it was HIS lies, his misinterpretation of the Bible that led that boy where he went. Oh how angry his words made me towards the end, especially! I was frustrated by the parents that let the preacher's bad theology govern their lives and their children's lives. I long for a word that's closer to the stained glass window. Benny, you were freaking right about that!

I rented this in memory of the AMAZING Leslie Jordan, and was so glad because this is a necessary production that everyone in today's society should watch!! It's potent and entertaining, shows what true love actually is :)

This was deep and so enlightening on how life Is affected by others and beliefs

Outstanding! Long, long ago, was raised in the Baptist church back in the hill country of Kentucky. Always suspected that I might be different - if I ever met the right man - it's a strong, emotional thing for me - not just physical.... Fast-forward many, many years; I am old now, but know who I am and proud of it. Left Kentucky, thankfully, when I was young. Yep, queer as a 3-dollar bill - and still play those old hymns on the piano. Sort of like being gay - they never leave you....... Blessings and love to all...!

The world is getting a little better every day. It may not seem like it sometimes, but it is. When I was a teenager, I knew the pain of loneliness. I knew the struggle. I even knew the thoughts of ending it all. I failed in my attempt to end it all and I am so happy I did. Whenever I can, I try to tell those who are lonely that things will get better. They really do. The world itself is getting better. You can do things today that were unthinkable just fifty years ago. There will always be those few people who have hearts full of hate, but my experience has been that so many people are accepting. So many people love you and care for you. You are not alone. Please hang in there.

This play is the definition of accurate when it comes to the LGBT experience in Baptist churches. Depicting 4 outcomes/experiences of Southern Baptist boys who are gay, this play show what can happen to lives when understanding is avoided and judgment imposed. Even if one is not LGBT, or believes sexuality is a choice, this film can highlight the effects of imposed prejudice of LGBT people in churches for many truly love God.

I laughed; I cried; I actually cared deeply about the characters and what happens to them, and got put through the emotional wringer. I found the ending a bit saccharine, more about life as we'd like it to be. Not ready to watch it again yet...but I will be.

A BIG classic! Good to see so many of the stars from the excellent 'Sordid Lives' again, although this movie is quite a different thing. It's alternately funny, and heartbreaking, so you should keep the tissues handy. Will repay many subsequent viewings!

Funny, well written, and touching