Private
By Brad Bong

May, 2002.

Eight months after 9/11. President Bush deploys troops into Afghanistan. 9 soldiers are discharged under Don’t Ask; Don’t Tell”.

17 year old Avery Blake is an average high schooler. Shy, soft-spoken, but with a golden voice that could stop a room. But, behind his ocean-blues eyes lies a secret he’s aching for the confidence to share. Avery’s gay. Even his Ivy League-bound best friend, Maddison pretends not to see who he really is.

Suddenly, Avery’s ailing father, James, is rushed to the hospital. And his mother, Becky is drowning in hospital bills she can’t pay. When it’s revealed that Becky’s been hiding James’ rapidly declining Multiple Sclerosis, Avery is desperate to help, But, Becky’s flailing need for control has her enlisting Avery into the Army National Guard. After all, the G.I. bill could offset the piling debt, leaving enough for Avery’s college fund.

At…