03/03/2006
Gay Cowboy Down Under
Heath Ledger has spoken about a friend who inspired his character in Brokeback and today the Sydney Morning Herald allows Adam Sutton, who spent some time on set while they were filming, to tell his coming out story.
After spending six months in jail for a drunk driving accident that killed a young man, Sutton spent time going from one job to the next before realizing his true calling as a cowboy. Unfortunately, he was still closeted, and thus the Brokeback analogy. "You're meant to pull [women]. That's what you had to do," he tells the SMH. "I was scared of letting anybody know me better. I hated myself. I never let anybody inside my little circle, to know me. That was my front. It was a fort."
But Sutton has since come out and hopes his example inspires gay kids in the Australian outback: "It takes courage and it takes strength and it takes that inner person to take hold and not worry what Tom or Harry down the road thinks. But it's hard, you're standing on your own island, singing your own song. I wouldn't have done the things I've done if I had come out earlier in life. It would have changed the paths I took and it wouldn't have been the same. That's what makes it your life."
Meet Heath's mate, the real gay cowboy [sydney morning herald]
Related
A Real Life Brokeback Tragedy [tr]
Posted 9:09 AM EST by Andy in Film & TV | Permalink
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Posted by: JLK | Mar 3, 2006 10:30:06 AM
I haven't seen the Brazilian cowboys piece. I'll look at that. But Adam's story is an amazing one. It's testament to the fact that we have so far to go. I truly am grateful that we have Brokeback Mountain to inspire these dialoges. Unfortunately, it won't reach everyone who needs it, but hopefully many. I think the worst part (if I have to pick a worst part) is the self-hatred that our homophobic society engenders.
Posted by: Tina | Mar 3, 2006 10:51:44 AM
What a hard road he had walk. No wonder Ledger loves him.
Posted by: FASTLAD | Mar 3, 2006 12:11:39 PM
Living with the knowledge that your drunk driving took a life has to make wrestling with your sexuality about as rough as choosing a shirt to wear.
Posted by: Jacko | Mar 3, 2006 4:58:57 PM
Jacko,
That was profound.
It makes my comment about what a cute cowboy he is seem less insignificant.
~
Posted by: Gilli | Mar 4, 2006 1:20:28 AM
Jacko -Give Adam a break- hmmm!
Posted by: Phil | Apr 26, 2006 5:33:35 AM
Jacko -Give Adam a break- hmmm!
Posted by: Phil | Apr 26, 2006 5:34:19 AM
Jacko -Give Adam a break- hmmm!
Posted by: Phil | Apr 26, 2006 5:34:46 AM
Yes Adam has taken a life (unintentionally)and dealing with his sexuality-(major life turmoil/trauma for the one going through it)
Adam needs forgiveness all round and hopefully has forgiven himself so Healing can take place for all concerned. PS Adam seems a lovely guy-he can be my Cowboy any day!
Posted by: Phil | Apr 26, 2006 5:46:07 AM
I am actuaklly watching this guy on Australian story right now, and he is an absolute inspiration. What a strong, brave man.
Posted by: Allan | Apr 28, 2006 10:48:05 PM
This guy killed my best mate and he is treated like a hero !!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT PRICE IS LIFE?????????????
Posted by: Tom | Oct 5, 2007 1:10:27 AM
I went to school with Adam and he was always a very nice bloke. Tom, this happended like 15yrs ago. He didn't do it intentionally and i know for a fact that if he could go back and catch a cab home from the bay instead of getting in that car he would. Theres no future in the past. We have all done things that we regret, unfortunately some things worse than others. These cannot be changed. Adam has had to deal with his own demons because of his own actions. Obviously you haven't been able to move on so maybe you should go and get some counciling.
Posted by: Dan | Dec 8, 2007 2:59:28 AM
i think that this was really lively story and a grea insperation to all the gay people out there who have to face these obsticales everyday.
Posted by: betty | Mar 19, 2008 7:51:17 PM