message I believe in passionately.”
The film, Bailey noted, “was my first time
playing a gay character,” leading one
website to refer to the role as “a straight
actor’s gay education.”
“For the first time in my life, as my character
David, I fell in love with a man (Bobby) and
experienced a full-on man kiss!,” Bailey
exclaimed. “All of which came as easily and naturally as many of the straight
love stories I’ve played as an actor. However, the film’s impact on me went far
beyond a simple synopsis. It was a monumental experience for my life and
career, in that I got to play a role in a story that I believe can change lives.”
“I chose to become an actor so I could tell stories that inspire and enlighten,” he
said. “It truly filled my heart and soul to be able to help bring this story to fruition,
knowing that it could change the lives and families of ‘Bobbys’ out there today.”
Prayers premiered just months after California voters approved Proposition 8,
which rolled back marriage equality in the nation’s most populous state, where
Bailey also now makes his home. The vote, he told Ambiente, was heartbreaking
. . . but he does find a (small) silver lining in the number of voters who stood up to
support marriage equality.
“My reaction to the passage of Proposition 8 was surprise, followed by disgust,
and then disappointment,” he said. “I honesty did not think fear and ignorance
were that prevalent in California. The unconstitutional passing of Proposition 8 is
pure bigotry and a disgrace . . . and history will judge it as such. To deny a fellow
citizen equal rights under the law is downright un-American, and I am
disappointed by the 51% of California voters who did so.”
Bailey added that he hopes Prayers “will in some way open the hearts and minds
of those who deny equality to their neighbors. The good news is that 49% of
The film, Bailey noted, “was my first time
playing a gay character,” leading one
website to refer to the role as “a straight
actor’s gay education.”
“For the first time in my life, as my character
David, I fell in love with a man (Bobby) and
experienced a full-on man kiss!,” Bailey
exclaimed. “All of which came as easily and naturally as many of the straight
love stories I’ve played as an actor. However, the film’s impact on me went far
beyond a simple synopsis. It was a monumental experience for my life and
career, in that I got to play a role in a story that I believe can change lives.”
“I chose to become an actor so I could tell stories that inspire and enlighten,” he
said. “It truly filled my heart and soul to be able to help bring this story to fruition,
knowing that it could change the lives and families of ‘Bobbys’ out there today.”
Prayers premiered just months after California voters approved Proposition 8,
which rolled back marriage equality in the nation’s most populous state, where
Bailey also now makes his home. The vote, he told Ambiente, was heartbreaking
. . . but he does find a (small) silver lining in the number of voters who stood up to
support marriage equality.
“My reaction to the passage of Proposition 8 was surprise, followed by disgust,
and then disappointment,” he said. “I honesty did not think fear and ignorance
were that prevalent in California. The unconstitutional passing of Proposition 8 is
pure bigotry and a disgrace . . . and history will judge it as such. To deny a fellow
citizen equal rights under the law is downright un-American, and I am
disappointed by the 51% of California voters who did so.”
Bailey added that he hopes Prayers “will in some way open the hearts and minds
of those who deny equality to their neighbors. The good news is that 49% of
www.ambiente.us MARCH | MARZO 2009
Scott Bailey’s Guiding Light
an interview by Steve Ralls, exclusively for Ambiente
Scott Bailey has recently learned of his big gay following.
In January, on the same evening Lifetime Television debuted his latest project,
Prayers for Bobby, the former Guiding Light star traveled to Washington for a
premiere night fundraiser for Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
(PFLAG). The organization, which figures prominently in the storyline of Prayers,
invited Bailey to the nation’s capital for a small, intimate cocktail reception
with D.C. donors. Within hours of the event’s announcement, it had sold out,
and PFLAG added a second event, the same evening, which also turned out a
standing-room-only crowd.
“Wow! I am honored to have a ‘big gay following,’” Bailey told Ambiente, wryly
noting that he has “found gay fans to be immensely loyal and have great taste. .
. . A gay fan base is something I’ve hoped for, and that I’m honored to have,
and see as a sign of great things to come.”
And, as many Bailey points out, gay fans have, in the past, helped launch a
career or two as well.
Scott Bailey’s Guiding Light
an interview by Steve Ralls, exclusively for Ambiente
Scott Bailey has recently learned of his big gay following.
In January, on the same evening Lifetime Television debuted his latest project,
Prayers for Bobby, the former Guiding Light star traveled to Washington for a
premiere night fundraiser for Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
(PFLAG). The organization, which figures prominently in the storyline of Prayers,
invited Bailey to the nation’s capital for a small, intimate cocktail reception
with D.C. donors. Within hours of the event’s announcement, it had sold out,
and PFLAG added a second event, the same evening, which also turned out a
standing-room-only crowd.
“Wow! I am honored to have a ‘big gay following,’” Bailey told Ambiente, wryly
noting that he has “found gay fans to be immensely loyal and have great taste. .
. . A gay fan base is something I’ve hoped for, and that I’m honored to have,
and see as a sign of great things to come.”
And, as many Bailey points out, gay fans have, in the past, helped launch a
career or two as well.
| . |
| . |
| . |
The actor, whose soap opera career was followed by the critically acclaimed
Prayers with Golden Globe winner Sigourney Weaver, seems poised to become
a breakout star, and one of the screen’s most visible, and vocal, straight allies.
“I’m very proud to be considered a straight ally,” Bailey said. “I’ve always
thought it was important to stand up for what is right, and especially for the
| . |
| . |
California voters voted ‘no’ on Proposition 8, and as awareness is increasing so
will that number, until equality is here. I can only hope that day comes soon!”
He is committed to ushering in that day, he says, by remaining involved with
organizations like PFLAG, and working to educate the public about LGBT issues.
“I was thrilled and honored that [PFLAG] asked me to participate” in their Prayers
event, he said. “PFLAG plays an integral part in helping families better
understand the lives and experiences of their gay family members. . . . I will never
forget the mothers and fathers who hugged me, thanked me and through tears
told me how much they loved their gay sons and daughters. To help such a
powerfully positive organization that literally saves lives is something I would do
again in a heartbeat. Anytime, anywhere!”
“I will gladly step up and lend my support in any way I can,” he added. “I feel
strongly about LGBT equality issues. Inequality is not acceptable. Separate is not
equal. And I will continue to stand up and raise my voice for equality for all until it
becomes a reality.”
And to all the “Bobbys” and their families, Bailey offers this advice: “Be proud of
who you are! When you can safely come out, do so. If you are struggling, there
are organizations like PFLAG and The Trevor Project that can help. And if your
family is having trouble accepting you, turn them on to PFLAG and get them to
watch Prayers for Bobby.”
“I may just be one guy,” he told Ambiente, “but I hope that I am being a part of
the change I want to see, and I would love for that change to become
infectious.”
And with more than 19 million viewers – and counting – Prayers, and Bailey, may
be just the ‘guiding light’ that’s needed to help change to America, one living
room at a time.
will that number, until equality is here. I can only hope that day comes soon!”
He is committed to ushering in that day, he says, by remaining involved with
organizations like PFLAG, and working to educate the public about LGBT issues.
“I was thrilled and honored that [PFLAG] asked me to participate” in their Prayers
event, he said. “PFLAG plays an integral part in helping families better
understand the lives and experiences of their gay family members. . . . I will never
forget the mothers and fathers who hugged me, thanked me and through tears
told me how much they loved their gay sons and daughters. To help such a
powerfully positive organization that literally saves lives is something I would do
again in a heartbeat. Anytime, anywhere!”
“I will gladly step up and lend my support in any way I can,” he added. “I feel
strongly about LGBT equality issues. Inequality is not acceptable. Separate is not
equal. And I will continue to stand up and raise my voice for equality for all until it
becomes a reality.”
And to all the “Bobbys” and their families, Bailey offers this advice: “Be proud of
who you are! When you can safely come out, do so. If you are struggling, there
are organizations like PFLAG and The Trevor Project that can help. And if your
family is having trouble accepting you, turn them on to PFLAG and get them to
watch Prayers for Bobby.”
“I may just be one guy,” he told Ambiente, “but I hope that I am being a part of
the change I want to see, and I would love for that change to become
infectious.”
And with more than 19 million viewers – and counting – Prayers, and Bailey, may
be just the ‘guiding light’ that’s needed to help change to America, one living
room at a time.
‘Prayers for Bobby’ is now available for download in iTunes, and Bailey can
currently be seen in the CW series ‘Kamen Rider.’ He is the current print model
for Old Spice’s ad campaign, and can be seen next in ‘Backlight,’ a film being
released later this year in which, he says, he plays ‘a suicidal, depressed guy who
finds meaning by helping others.’ His website is www.scottbaileyonline.com.
CLICK HERE For more articles by Steve Ralls
Copyright © AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing these sources.
currently be seen in the CW series ‘Kamen Rider.’ He is the current print model
for Old Spice’s ad campaign, and can be seen next in ‘Backlight,’ a film being
released later this year in which, he says, he plays ‘a suicidal, depressed guy who
finds meaning by helping others.’ His website is www.scottbaileyonline.com.
CLICK HERE For more articles by Steve Ralls
Copyright © AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing these sources.
| Prayers for Bobby| Scott Bailey |
majority to stand up for the minority. As a straight white guy, maybe more of the
majority will listen to me when I stand up and say that gay rights are guaranteed
in the U.S. Constitution and Proposition 8 and gay discrimination are simply
wrong.”
Bailey’s passion for equality was formed long ago, but solidified as he learned the
story of Bobby Griffith, the title character in Prayers. Griffith, a young gay man
raised in a devoutly religious household, committed suicide after being rejected
by his mother and scorned by his church. His story, retold in the book by Leroy
Aarons and, this year, in the Lifetime film, moved Scott to speak out about LGBT
equality and to take on a role that the actor felt was especially important.
Bailey told the crowd at PFLAG’s January fundraisers that he first read Aarons’
book many years ago and was inspired by Bobby’s story and that of his mother,
Mary Griffith, who turned to PFLAG for support and later became a tireless
crusader for the gay community. And even though he joked that the producers
told him he’d be “a little old” to play Bobby once the story finally made it into
production, he jumped at the chance to play Griffith’s first boyfriend, who
provides a stark counterpoint to the struggles Bobby encounters on his coming
out journey.
In Prayers, Bailey’s character is fully accepted by his family, lives an active and
out social life and is almost the exact opposite of Bobby, whose home life is filled
with parental proselytizing and the “prayers” of a mother who wants him to
“change.”
“Playing David in Prayers for Bobby allowed me to do something about my
beliefs,” he told Ambiente, “and that is to put my money where my mouth is, or
walk the talk, if you will. I jumped at the opportunity to help tell and spread a
majority will listen to me when I stand up and say that gay rights are guaranteed
in the U.S. Constitution and Proposition 8 and gay discrimination are simply
wrong.”
Bailey’s passion for equality was formed long ago, but solidified as he learned the
story of Bobby Griffith, the title character in Prayers. Griffith, a young gay man
raised in a devoutly religious household, committed suicide after being rejected
by his mother and scorned by his church. His story, retold in the book by Leroy
Aarons and, this year, in the Lifetime film, moved Scott to speak out about LGBT
equality and to take on a role that the actor felt was especially important.
Bailey told the crowd at PFLAG’s January fundraisers that he first read Aarons’
book many years ago and was inspired by Bobby’s story and that of his mother,
Mary Griffith, who turned to PFLAG for support and later became a tireless
crusader for the gay community. And even though he joked that the producers
told him he’d be “a little old” to play Bobby once the story finally made it into
production, he jumped at the chance to play Griffith’s first boyfriend, who
provides a stark counterpoint to the struggles Bobby encounters on his coming
out journey.
In Prayers, Bailey’s character is fully accepted by his family, lives an active and
out social life and is almost the exact opposite of Bobby, whose home life is filled
with parental proselytizing and the “prayers” of a mother who wants him to
“change.”
“Playing David in Prayers for Bobby allowed me to do something about my
beliefs,” he told Ambiente, “and that is to put my money where my mouth is, or
walk the talk, if you will. I jumped at the opportunity to help tell and spread a
| . Fresh-Squeezed Paradise MIAMI RIVER INN miamiriverinn.com |
. LGBT/Latino/Hispanic Civil Rights unitycoalition.org |
| . IMAGEWEBDESIGN herbsosa.com |
| . 70's Inspired Purses GLOSSgear.com |
| . AMBIENTE ONLINE STORE |
| . CLICK to SHOP |
| . APRIL 16-19, 2009 MIAMI LATIN GAY FILM FESTIVAL cineflorida.com |
. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals |
| . Miami Beach Gay Pride April 18, 2009 |
