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Cher, Of Course…
The show ran against The Wonderful World of Disney in the 7:30 slot on Sunday night. Standing there on her runway, half clad in twelve to fifteen costumes, Cherilyn Sarkisian Bono inspired more-and infinitely richer- fantasies than all the plastics of Disneyland.
Time Magazine, 1975
Yes, before Madonna and Gaga there was Cher…
There she was, picking up the pieces of a career that many show-business insiders considered hopeless after pop Camelot came crashing down with the divorce/demise of Sonny and Cher. But indeed, at 28 she had been elaborately packed. More glitz, glitter, bugle beads, and feathers. And as the camera panned in on her navel, the first ever-exposed belly button on national television, it seemed to twinkle as brightly as her sequins.
It redefined “Family Entertainment”.
Despite decade after decade of reinvention, this would remain my personal favorite. I was sixteen, hormonal and feeling completely different – an outsider looking in. Not unhappy just different. The tension between my father and me had reached a pitch point of being too much to bear. So I would disappear into my room and try to be quiet as possible; hoping he would forget I was there.
Trying to be invisible would become my art form.
And though my mother and grandfather would try to intercede, it was impossible for anyone to understand the problems between us. No matter how much love I felt from others, not receiving my father’s love somehow overshadowed everything.
Escape came to me once a week, through the incredibly lavish productions and even more incredible showmanship. Elton John, Bette Midler, David Bowie, LaBelle, and Ray Charles teamed with the likes of George Burns, Flip Wilson, Carol Burnett, Pointer Sisters, and Liberace. If it hadn’t been true, you could only make it up.
For one hour a week I was transported to this glittering, zany, glamorous world. Cher was like a futuristic space queen who, if nothing else, could be admired for her nerve. Bob Mackie once said she never refused to wear anything he designed and threw on a beaded dress like they were blue jeans. Who else had the complete nerve to dance the robot with Michael Jackson or sit and sing a ballad with Art Garfunkel?
At some point, Cher forced my hand. I either had to love her completely or, in the rigid masculinity required of me, forget all about her. But in all her sparkly confidence, Cher wasn’t a woman who was going to hide. And in watching her and loving what she was, I decided I wasn’t going to hide either. It was the first time I was ‘out’ in my life – I was out as someone who loved Cher. My open enthusiasm for her created a shared bond with my friend Mark. He and I would watch the show together in easy camaraderie – something I didn’t experience with other boys.
Cher didn’t save or even change my life. But for one hour a week she gave me an incredible, magical escape – and that was an hour of courage for me to be who I really was.
She made me smile. And having the chance to smile, even once a week on a Sunday night, meant the world to me.
She still makes me smile…
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Toss Glitter... Timeless...32 Comments
Beautiful story, beautiful boy! Cher simply must have an autographed copy of your book! Bellissimo!
Kat- From your mouth to God’s ear… As always thank you for reading, adding your voice and your beautiful loving support!!! xoxo
In the times you have met Cher did you ever tell her how much of a positive impact she had on your life? She definitely was a tread setter for all the Madonna’s and Lady GaGa’s to come and I remember watching her and listening to her music with you that made me love her also. I to loved to watch her TV show wishing I looked and have talents she has.. If you haven’t told her how she made such an impression on your life, I hope she reads your blogs and book. I knew there was tension between you and your Father….it was like a black cloud hanging over us when he was present, but I thought it was me and/or the other girls you were hanging out with than made me think he acted that way. I didn’t have a clue he treated you that way when you were home alone. I wish you had opened up to your friends earlier. I KNOW I would have been supportive of you…..like I told you several times before, I KNEW you weren’t like the majority of other boys, I didn’t realize that was why your Dad acted the way he did. But I understand to that you weren’t ready and probably didn’t understand yourself exactly what was going on with you…why you “felt” different and didn’t know how you friends would take it if you did say something. I wish so very much I could have eased your pain and suffering. I would have tried and I KNOW Charlena would have to. It breaks my heart to know now what I didn’t know then. I love you so much!!! Always have….Always will.!!! XOXOXO <3
Kathy- You and Chuck were wonderful friends and allowed me to be myself. I think I kept a lot of things to myself in an attempt to have some kind of control. And I knew I wasn’t like the other boys so I felt in a sense ‘Deserving’ of my fathers disdain. And even though that was all so difficult I still look at my childhood as being magical.
I’ve met Cher a dozen or more times and always become a twelve year old boy. I did spend the day with her when I was an extra in ‘Suspect’ and made an attempt to explain what I’ve written her. She recognized that I was shy and nervous and listened very graciously. It was a nice moment.
You love and support for me in friendship and in reading my blog means so much to me. I love you very much…..
xoxoxo
Love this story…xoxo
Carla- Thank you always for reading and supporting Farm Stories!!! Love you…. xoxo
She still makes me smile too.
xoxo
b
Bruce- Magical childlike smiles!!! That’s something to Toss Glitter’ too!!! xo
Great story!
I feel both your joy and your pain.
xoxo
Janet- I’m always so touched when my voice can make someone ‘Feel’- Thank you for your beautiful support!!!
xoxo
I’ve never wanted to get my hands on a book so bad in my life. Love you Eddie.
Debbie- Appreciate your support so much!!!! I’m hoping this will be the year for ‘Coming Out Of Indiana’… Love you!!! xoxo
Great stories. Keep em coming Eddie
Sherri- Thank you so much for reading and all your wonderful support!!! It means so much to me!!! xoxo
I’m. So glad you were able to meet Cher!! Another great story!! Love you!! Xoxo
Kathy- Thank you for all your support and Glitter!!! Love you!!! xoxo
Eddie, have you always been a “tease”? Just so often, you tempt us with another fine piece of Farm Stories. My heart aches and at the same time I sense your triumph. “Different”? Maybe. Gifted? Undoubtedly.
Marty- Appreciate your reading and support for Farm Stories so much!
xoxo
Well written. I remember you talking about Cher when we were working.. Enjoy reading your stories. XOXO
Suzanne- Thank you so much for reading Farm Stories. It means so much to me!!!
xoxo
I have always loved Cher!! I remember my Cher Barbie doll you got for me and a few outfits. What a great big brother you have always been! Love how beautiful you write your stories. You have lived a wonderful life and have met lots of extraordinary people:) Love you!
Sis- Best sister on the planet!!! We had fun didn’t we- So long ago!!! Thank you for a lifetime of support!!! Love you xoxo
You know how I feel and always have. I love you unconditionally and my heart has a special place for you as it always has. I never had a big brother and if course after I got over the extreme disappointment of you being gay I settled for the brother you. I couldnt go anywhere until my outfit was fixed or just let me trim your hair a bit it turned into a pixie cut. Or when u were in Arizona I can tell you didn’t use enough sunscreen facial for you tonight miss. Where’s your lipstick, bend down so I fix your tatas so you have a better cleavage. Yep I rather enjoy you as my big brother.xoxoxo…….lol
MonaBaby- You know my motto “Behind every fabulous girl is an equally fabulous gay man’ LOL!!! ‘Toss Glitter’!!!!
Love you!!! xoxox
I wondered when Cher would show up! All your life she has been No. I gal!! Love all your pictures of her. Bet she doesn’t know about all the ones you have hanging on the walls in your home!!!! xoxo
Mom- One thing they can say I’m loyal!!! Thanks for reading and adding your voice to Farm Stories!!! Love you!!!
xoxoxo
Loving your stories. Xoxo
Kim- Appreciate your reading and support so much!!! Thank you!!! xoxo
Love this , overwhelmed with your story Eddie ✨
Jeanne- Appreciate you reading Farm Stories so much!!! Thank you!!!
Love the story! And I loved Cher…just so fierce?! Didnt always get to watch if my father was around b/c it was just too grown-up and he didn’t think she should be parading around “half naked”! But my Momma liked it too…another fun thing we shared. And boy, Cher could rock a skimpy beaded gown like no one else and I loved her strong voice!!
Sherri- Today one would find it hard to believe how controversial and polarizing Cher was in the day. For me her dark, unique and outrageous image seemed somehow relatable to my world where everyone was expected to look and act the same. Also my Father created this ‘Real Men Don’t’ list and I’d soon discover Cher was high on that list. It’s ironic perhaps that in years to come she’d become a gay icon. He was infuriated when I hung her image on my bedroom wall. That was 1972 and I’ve had her image hanging everywhere I’ve live since.
I’m so happy this reminded you of your own sweet memories. Thats the highest compliment. I appreciate you reading my Farm Stories so much!!!
xoxo