Summerabbacat

Charlie Brown - husband, movie star, tireless LGBTQI and animal rights activist and DISCO DIVA. LOL.

Could this be in Charlie's future @Mark Ponyboy Peters? if so, hopefully without the booze and drugs.

In search of Brayden's family name (Parks as identified by his father in chapter 1 when he introduces himself to Charlie's father), I was reminded of the very different level of wealth between the Parks and Brown families. It was easy to forget this after chapter 1 as not once did Charlie exhibit any superiority due to his affluence. This is testament to the manner in which his father has raised him, and likely another blight in his odious mother's eyes.

It is truly atrocious. I have it on vinyl, CD and DVD.

Indeed there was @Mark Ponyboy Peters "When interviewers asked about dating, he’d laugh lightly and shake his head. ‘Oh, no. There’s no time for that. I’m just focused on work and reading all the scripts that they keep sending me." Charlie's coming out may remove him as a candidate for some big budget roles, the type of schlock that invariably does well at the box office, but it will likely improve his prospects for roles in films with artistic merit and indie films, the types of films which often appeal to @Summerabbacat. Whether he is able to sustain a career in such films is unknown, but acting is an unforgiving profession at the best of times. One movie bomb and you are often soon forgotten, a good example being Valerie Perrine, who although not a big star, had appeared in several successful films and been lauded for her talent, until she appeared in Can't Stop The Music. It was box office poison, except in Australia. We loved it, both movie and soundtrack, and I count myself amongst those who did. I recognise the story is lame, the script is at best mediocre and the performance of the "actor" formerly known as Bruce Jenner especially woeful, but I still love it.

A delightful story about the burgeoning relationship between two teenage boys, Brayden and Charlie. Brayden, a confident boy who is happy in his own skin, is drawn to Charlie who is shy and quiet, seemingly not wanting to be seen. Encouraged by Brayden, Charlie auditions for the lead In their school’s production of a very popular play currently in season overseas. Charlie is successful in his audition and finds a place where he shines and in which he can hide in public, but for how long. What happens in Charlie's life and by default in Brayden's life as a result of Charlie's stellar performance in the school play, is a series of events which demonstrate that sometimes dreams can come true. The usual high standard of storytelling by the author @Mark Ponyboy Peters, who once again retains the services of @MJC as his editor, resulting in a flawless work which was a pleasure to read. Well-written characters, believable plots and universal themes, the usual hallmark of Mark’s works are ever present. Read and enjoy.

Great story. Unable to write a review at present as that option is not working.

There is a "secret" screening coming up in San Diego soon I believe @weinerdog. @Mark Ponyboy Peters' cousin Primrose has organised the event, but he may be able to give you details. I also believe both Charlie and Brayden will be in attendance, surrounded by some of San Diego's finest marines for "protection".

The crushing defeat of Viktor Orbán in the Hungarian elections was a bright spot in the current very dark times @Josh Aterovis. If this was to have a domino effect it would be wonderful, but I think that is highly unlikely given Hungary is a relatively smaller player on the world stage.

Except perhaps for Ricky Wong @VBlew. His statement he does OK with his gambling may be a lie, and gamblers are renowned for going to any lengths to feed their habit.

I cannot explain this @Lee Wilson, but I am upset Phil was beaten to death, essentially assisted suicide. After all he had done to his family he should not be forgiven, but for some reason I am saddened by his death, which after Steven's visit was almost a fait accompli. Perhaps it is because there are so many other people in the world who are far worse than Phil, who are in positions of power or who have extreme wealth, who go unpunished for their brazen disregard for the law, and for their fellow humans and/or other non-human animals.

I think you have mentioned this story was written about 20 years ago @Josh Aterovis. Given this, it would be perfectly natural to believe attitudes towards "gay professions" might have changed, that the average person may be a little more enlightened, but alas I suspect this is not the case in many parts of the world, with right-wing governments elected by right-wing constituents, turning the clock back. I read a startling example of this on the weekend, when I read of a decision handed down by a judge in 1977 in the case Renee Richards, an American transgender female tennis player, who had taken legal action to be allowed to play as a woman professionally. The judge based in New York was scathing in his decision, finding that she was a female and that the relevant authorities/governing sporting bodies had no business demanding she have tests to determine her sex (this is a much simplified summary of his decision). Here we are, almost 50 years later and the hysteria associated with "bathroom usage" continues unabated, and has been the cause of much vitriol aimed at some transgender women by certain people. Israel Meeks offered a perfectly credible explanation for his income source which has allowed him to furnish and decorate his apartment with expensive items, which I seem to recall he indicated his girlfriend had selected. No doubt he would not have been able to select because "every one knows all men who are involved in home decorating are gay, just like all male hairdressers, florists and ballet dancers". "Does that mean you're staying with Micah?" "No. We broke up." "Over me?" "That was part of it. He saw us kiss the other night. But there were a lot of other issues as well. We just weren't at the same place. He wanted more than I was ready to give." "I don't understand. If you're not with Micah, why don't you want to get back together with me?" Arsehair just doesn't get it. His ego is such that he cannot believe Killian just isn't into him enough to want to resume their relationship, which ended in no small part due to his demands on Killian, and his total refusal to compromise. He should return to George Mason University and stay there. Those red herrings multiplied in this chapter @Josh Aterovis, although on this occasion I think they are not merely red, but a rich pansy red, taking on a more floral colouring. Obviously "gay" fish in the world according to Israel Meeks. LOL.

A very natural transition as he matures and becomes more aware of the world around him and its inequities, which will I imagine be significantly enlarged due to his newfound fame and possible wealth. If he continues acting, and his coming out may restrict his suitability for roles in the eyes of many, his father may need to become his manager, or at least take an active role in this aspect of his life. His father is no fool and should continue to be an asset to him.

I don't think that would have worked @Mark Ponyboy Peters as neither Charlie nor Brayden had shown any political interest in LGBTQ rights, apart from Brayden calling out Martin and his goons for teasing Charlie on occasion and "accusing" him of being gay. If Charlie had made comments during his speech it may have come across as disingenuous. Now he has come out he may find himself being invited to functions speaking on behalf of or to gay teens. Perhaps Harry might contact him to enquire if he is interested in assisting Tony in some way or another to raise the profile of homeless gay teens for example. Sooner or later everything circles back to Thompsonville.

That sounds positively kinky @Paladin. Now I have a ghastly image of Scragtasha fermenting in my mind, dressed in a dominatrix outfit of black leather (😠 😠) stalking Martin and lashing him with a whip every time he disobeyed her or failed to cater to her latest whim(s). CatWoman without the beauty or the camp persona.

Could we perhaps describe these additional touches, flavours, whatever one likes to name them, as paladinesque.

Especially if she is rabid.

Jeez Louise you are quick off the mark.

What a superb epilogue @Mark Ponyboy Peters, with the revelation surprising, but not shocking me. Perhaps Rachel's revelation encouraged Charlie to acknowledge his true relationship with Brayden, but I would like to think he realised what a huge part Brayden had played in his success and felt it was worthy of acknowledgment to the world at large. It is unlikely he would realise what a huge impact his bravery could have on other same sex attracted teenagers, especially those who are struggling with acceptance or who have little or no access to services others take for granted. He may become the poster boy for young teenage LGBTQ in Australia after his revelation, but it will also make him the target for those whom you referred to as the "righteous brigade" aka zealots of many flavours. His mother will no doubt have a conniption, an added bonus of Charlie's coming out. You were almost right about the tissues @Mark Ponyboy Peters, except I don't use them. I had an instantaneous reaction, but managed to get myself "under control" fairly quickly.

Hear, hear @Josh Aterovis. That other "minor celebrity" has no talent and has contributed nothing of worth to society.

If he is not a fan of body hair he is going to be in for a painful and expensive continuation of hair removal treatments to rid himself of it. If he is comfortable with it, then the power be to him.

More treats await us @Gary L, @drsawzall, @pvtguy, @centexhairysub, @Daddydavek, @VBlew, @Carybr and @CCinPS.

He may work best under pressure @Gary L. So busy story writing, producing his classical music programme Planet Hugill, singing with The Pink Singers, designing swimwear and underwear for Morrie's website and searching for that bloody Nimrud Panther. When does he get time to eat and sleep and go dancing at The Admiral Duncan or the King's Arms ?

Have you got another Hugillicous story lined up ready to start publishing @Robert Hugill when this one is finished? Not that we Hugillites are greedy, but we simply cannot live without regular trips to the Hugillverse as is evidenced by their popularity.

This one could be Kyle @weinerdog as he appears to be quite skinny too.