Name: Mier, Mariefe N.

Movie Title: Boy Erased

Discussion:
The importance of the characters in the movie "Boy Erased". The movie "Boy Erased" revolves
around the story of Jared Eamons, who is sent to a conversion therapy program by his
conservative Christian parents after being outed to them. The characters in the movie play crucial
roles in Jared's journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
The characters:
1. Jared Eamons
Protagonist: Jared's internal struggle and eventual acceptance of his sexuality form the
core of the movie.
Impact: His journey is deeply impacted by his interactions with other characters,
particularly his parents and the leaders of the conversion therapy program.

2. Marshall Eamons (Jared's Father)

Conservative Parent: His strong religious beliefs and desire to "fix" his son's sexuality
drive the conflict in the story.
Impact: His decision to send Jared to the conversion therapy program shapes Jared's
experiences and challenges his own beliefs.

3. Nancy Eamons (Jared's Mother)

Supportive yet Conflicted: Nancy struggles to reconcile her love for her son with her
loyalty to her husband and their religious community.
Impact: Her internal conflict highlights the emotional turmoil experienced by parents of
LGBTQ+ individuals.

4. Other Characters
Conversion Therapy Leaders and Participants: They represent the societal and religious
pressures that contribute to Jared's internalized shame and confusion.

The characters in the movie impact Jared's journey by representing different aspects of the
societal and familial pressures faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Their interactions with Jared
challenge his beliefs, shape his self-perception, and influence his eventual decision to embrace
his true identity.
The most Appealing Scenes that I find most appealing and why:

1. Confrontation with His Father: The scene where Jared confronts his father about the harm
caused by the conversion therapy is emotionally charged and pivotal in Jared's journey.
2. Support Group Discussions: The supportive interactions with other LGBTQ+ individuals
in the therapy program offer moments of genuine connection and understanding.

I choose these scenes because they are very emotional and important in the story. The first scene
shows a big argument between Jared and his dad, which is a turning point for Jared. The second
scene is when Jared talks to other people like him, and it shows how important it is to have
support from others. These scenes help us understand the struggles of people like Jared and the
importance of being kind and accepting towards them.

As a GE 11 student, after watching "Boy Erased", my important takeaways are the following:

● Understanding of LGBTQ+ Issues: The movie provides insight into the challenges faced
by individuals struggling with their sexual identity in conservative environments.
● Empathy and Acceptance: It encourages empathy and understanding towards individuals
with diverse sexual orientations, promoting acceptance and support.

Conclusion
"Boy Erased" offers a poignant or pitiful portrayal of the struggles faced by individuals coming
to terms with their sexuality in the face of societal and familial pressures. The characters' impact
on Jared's journey and the movie's powerful scenes make it a thought-provoking and emotionally
resonant experience, particularly for us young audiences.