Welcome to Gaia! ::

I wrote a play about a coming out. Tell me what you think.

Monsters Outside my Closet

By: Henry Van Leishout

Danny: (staring into mirror talking to himself.) You've got to tell them. You've got to. Today is the day. Ooh, but what if they hate me after I tell them? What if the treat me like dirt or kick me out of the family? No they love me, and they will no matter what. But, look at me, how don't they know already? I look gay. I act gay. There's no reason why they shouldn't know. I'm such a...

Dad: (interrupting) Danny? You okay?

Danny: Yeah, fine. Just...fine.

Dad: its Kat isn't it?

Danny: Yeah, sure, I guess I still can't get over it.

Dad: Well, I'm sure you'll find someone better.

Danny: Thanks dad.

Dad: Okay sport, get to school. (Exits)

Danny: I'll tell them tomorrow. (Black out.)

(At school)

Mike: He walked in on you?

Danny: yeah, awful right? He also thought I was still upset about Kat. What am I gonna do, Mike?

Mike: Dude, if you don't feel comfortable telling your parents, then don't do it. You're only doing it to date Landon, right? Stupid reason.

Danny: I know. But he's so cute, and he likes me too. He just doesn't like dating guys in the closet.

Mike: If you're not comfortable, and he won't date you because of it, then maybe he's not worth dating.

Kat: (Enters wearing an "I tured my boyfriend gay." shirt.)Who's not worth dating?

Danny: Kat, why are you wearing that?

Kat: What do you think? Made it myself.

Mike: Obviously. You spelled "turned" wrong.

Kat: I did? Oh well. I think people get the point.

Danny: Please will you take it off?

Kat: Oh, Come on. We've been broken up for a week now. I haven't worn it until today, just for you. Plus I have nothing else to wear.

Danny: Kat, you know my parents don't know yet. I don't like parading around that I'm gay.

Mike: Kat, just do it. You can embarrass him once he's out.

Kat: You are so whiney. So when are you going to tell them?

Mike: He tried to this morning. His dad walked in while he was practicing his "I'm gay" speech.

Danny: Guys, it's harder than you think. Try going up to your parents, in all seriousness, and telling them you're gay. I doubt you'll be joking then.

Mike: No way! My crazy religious parents would ground me forever and try to perform an exorcism on me, even after I've told them it was a joke.

Kat: My parents wouldn't care. They would try to set me up with a couple of their friends' lesbian daughters. Ew...

Danny: See? Each kid's parents are different. Mine are weird and in-between and I don't know what they'll do.

(bell)

I got to get to class, guys. I'll see you.

Mike: Later.

Kat: Say "hi" to Landon for me.

Danny: Shut up.

(At class)

Landon: Danny, did you tell your parents, like you said you would?

Danny: No. I was going to, but…

Landon: Dan, if you're not ready, I understand. It was hard for me too. I just don't want to be locked back up in the closet. I like being able to hold hands in public, and being able to kiss you. If you don't tell them we can't do that. It's tough though. I get it. But I'm not going to wait until you are ready.

Danny: No, Landon, I'm ready. I'm just scared. I'm scared of what they'll think. I'm scared that they will hate me. I'm scared that they won't care or that it will be way awkward.

Landon: Of course you're scared. What you're going to do is huge. But, trust me, it's worth it. When you go home, you just have to go for it. Just tell them and they'll understand. Do you trust me?

Danny: I think so…

Landon: Good

(Bell)

Well I'll see you later.

(They hug and adlib goodbye. Landon Exits.)

(In another class)

Danny: Hey, Eve, Have you seen Kat? Is she still wearing that shirt?

Eve: What shirt? Oh, you mean the one that shouts out to the whole world that you're a fairy? Yeah she is.

Danny: I told her to take it off, but she never listens to me, or anybody for that matter.

Eve: Well, you better get it off her, quick. There is no way you want your parents to know.

Danny: Why?

Eve: Letting your parents know, is like committing some sort of crime.

Danny: I don't understand. There's nothing wrong with being…

Eve: (cutting him off) I know, but they make it feel like there is. First they get angry. They yell at you and tell you how much of a failure you are. They say you're stupid for making the wrong choices, even though it's not a choice. Then they get disappointed. They guilt trip you into thinking that you are a disgrace to the world. They make you feel like crap. Then they kick you to the curb and say they never want to see you again. I'm telling you kid, it's not worth it.

Danny: Is that what happened to you?

Eve: (nods) I'm living with my friend Dara. She's my best friend in the world and her parents love me more than mine do.

(Bell)

Danny: I'm sorry.

Eve: Please, for your own good. Don't tell them. (They exit.)



(At home)

Denise: So, How's your son?

Mom: Oh he's good, He has wonderful grades although he just broke up with his girlfriend and your son? Is he still…you know?

Denise: Gay? Yes. He told me all about your boy too. When did Danny tell you?

Mom: Tell me what?

Denise: That he's gay. He did tell you didn't he?

Mom: He most certainly did not. My son is not gay. How could you ever say such a horrible thing about my perfect little angel? He's the smartest most intelligent and devout boy I have ever seen and he would never choose such a stupid way of life. (Dad enters.) Well, my husband is here. I think you better get going, Denise.

Denise: Let's see if I ever come over for a talk with you ever again. (She exits)

Mom: (shouting after her.) You won't have to worry about it. You'll never be invited.

Dad: What was that about?

Mom: Nothing she was just being ridiculous. Do you think Danny is gay? Of course not, right?

Dad: I don't know why do you ask?

Mom: Denise was just making outrageous claims that our perfect boy was a homosexual.

Dad: Where did she get that idea from?

Mom: Her son is one of them himself.

Dad: Well, you know how high school kids gossip.

(Danny enters)

Dad: Hey sport, how was school?

Danny: Mom, Dad, I have something to tell you.

Mom: What is it, honey?

Danny: I'm…um…Well, I'm…Wow; this is harder than I thought. I am…I'm…Well, I…

Dad: Just tell us, Danny. We'll understand.

Danny: I'm gay.

Mom: WHAT!? You're gay? We didn't raise you that way! We didn't raise you to turn away from God! How could you be so stupid as to choose this? Who taught you to act this way, because it certainly wasn't me.

Danny: I…I…don't…I…

Dad: Honey, calm down.

Mom: No, I won't calm down. I'm going to the laughing stock of the entire congregation, because of you. You are a disgrace to the entire family. Your grandfather will have a heart attack when he finds out. I can't even bare to look at you anymore. Just stay away from me. (she exits)

Danny: Mom, wait!

Dad: Let her go Dan.

Danny: I'm leaving. I should never have told you guys.

Dad: (Grabbing Danny to stop him) Wait, I don't hate you like you think. I could never hate you. The truth is, I'm proud of you.

Danny: You're what? What do you mean? I feel like I did something wrong.

Dad: You didn't. Danny, I'm proud, because you told me. It takes some people a lot longer to tell their families and you had the guts to tell us at seventeen.

Danny: I guess…

Dad: I love you and nothing will change that. You're a good kid and I know you're happy this way.

Danny: So you don't care that I'm gay?

Dad: Of course I care. You're my son, That won't change. I just don't mind.

Danny: what about mom?

Dad: Your mother and I will talk. Although it doesn't seem like it now, She does love you. It will take a while, but eventually she'll understand.

Danny: Thanks dad, I love you.

Dad: I love you too, son.
(They hug)

The End

1) The Title could be different.
2) This would be a good book if you made it longer with more details.

...I agree with the whole book thing I think it would be better off a short story or somthing. Just try and make your plays a little more detailed like "danny sits in the chair...landon taps danny shoulder..."good ending but still should be longer...