Newspapers / Q-notes (Charlotte, N.C.) / Feb. 1, 1987, edition 1 / Page 5
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February 1987 ■ Q-Notes PAGE 5 A Family Confronts 15-Yeai-Old Gay Son FSOM PREVIOUS PAGE beautiful child, no grandchildren from this child." Mai7 cried at the time. She grieved the loss oi her "normal” child. She grieved the loss oi un born grandchildren and a future based on the world she knew. Bill reacted violently. "I was devastated," he said, remem bering. "I had suspected, but when he told us ... " The evening was spent in loud argument. Bill would not accept the reality. He later restricted calls from Bobby's gay friends. Bobby's every move was under suspicion for two years. "He went out of his way to make us miserable," added Bill, who was recov ering from open-heart surgery at the time. "1 thought he was trying to give me another heart attack." Bobby frequently stayed out all night without informing the family. He hid marijuana under his father's car seats and took any medication he could find in the house. At last. Bill and Mary had to lock up even Bill's heart medication to keep Bobby from taking it. Mary continued. "Again, we went to a psychologist and I got terrible advice. 'They said to either accept him as he is and live with this horror, or throw him out. Pack his bags in the middle of the night and put them outside the door. In the middle of the night. What mother would do that? "From that point on, our lives were miserable. He was out. He was gay. And we had to figure out how to deal with it." Mary shook her head, remembering the bewilderment. 'They had no one to turn to. There .were no support groups such as PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) to help them learn how to deal with their son's antisocial behavior, let alone his gayness. 'This was not something they could talk to their friends about. Then Bobby dropped out oi high school and announced he was moving to New York City. He told his family, "I hate it here. I’m not happy. You’re not happy.” "I told him, "That's fine, if that's what you wont,' " Mary said. "He had some money in the bank and we gave it to him gladly. 'The following day was Dot's marriage. She and her husband went off on their honeymoon. Claire and (her husband) went back to New York City and Bobby went to live with them. 'The next day Bill and Sam and I walked around this big old empty house. It had been so full of life, friends and children. Sam said, T don't think I'm going to like being an only child.' " And Bobby, rebellious, 17, had gone away to win over New York. In the process, he would find out how to love and begin learning about his own limi tations. His story is just beginning. Part 2, March issue: Bobby's parents talk about his life in New York. MANb> Friday, Feb. 6: The Tradesmen Present The Queen of Hearts Pageant Featuring CHEAP TRADE 500 Draft & Pot Night Lubricants For Thirsty Men Mondays Canned Beer 750 Schnapps $1.50 Tuesdays Bottled Beer 900 Free Poo! Until 10 p.m. $1.50 Schnapps Wednesdays Pool Tournament Prize: $20 Bar Tab Schnapps $1.50 Thursdays Canned Beer 750 Schnapps $1.50 Fridays Leather Night Schnapps $1.50 Saturdays $1.50 Schnapps Sundays House Drinks $1.50 FOR RENT Indian Trail Area One-bedroom efficiency cottage on horse farm. Private, quiet, rural, garden space, use of swimming pool. Non-smoker. No drugs. Light social drinking okay. References required. Available b^lnning late February. Call 882-1747 (Local To Charlotte) THE BRASS RAIL Home Of The Tradesmen Mon-Sat 5-2:30 Sun 1-2:30 3703 Wilkinson Blvd. 399-8413 Visit Ciub South After Hours: 1708 South Bivd. 333-3859 Ml Open 24 Hours Every Day Do Not Repeat Do Not Miss February At Charades FLASH! The word is they're lost in fantasy. Believe it! Just look at these shake-your-head parties; 13th & Full-Moon Party FRIDAY, FEB. 13. The word is Charades will actually hold a Full "Mooning" Contest with a $50 cash prize. Can't stand the heat? Sweet Heart's Ball SATURDAY, FEB. 14. Whew. Reality returns. Anniversary of Grand Canyon THURSDAY, FEB. 26. The rumor is that Steve fell on the ice, and actually said "anniversary of Grand Canyon" when he came to, smiling. Whatever it is, drink specials will be part of the party. (Don't miss thisi) New Moon Madness A night to remember! (We just publish what they say, folks.) Monday Blahs? Charades is open via the patio entrance, serving drink specialsl Thursdays. No cover for members (except for QCQ's Valentine Party Feb. 12). It's usually "Rock, Roll & Remember" NightI Open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays And Special-Event Sundays 421 Eastway & The Plaza Charlotte, N.C. 704/568-3556
Q-notes (Charlotte, N.C.)
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Feb. 1, 1987, edition 1
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