A STRANGE but interesting documentary, this.

When I was at school, there was absolutely no chance of anyone coming out as being gay for the obvious fear of unpleasant reprisals.

They were right to be scared, too, in those less-enlightened times.

Have things changed that much, though? Well, Jamie here has already taken the brave first step of telling everyone at school that he is gay and generally it seems to have gone okay.

The next stage, though, has already been met with some opposition as his school is not too keen at the thought of him attending the prom in a dress.

Also, his dad doesn’t know about him being gay, something he rectifies in a rather quick and odd meeting between the pair.

This well-made programme is sympathetic to his cause and actually useful to any other youngsters who may be experiencing similar difficulties.

Luckily for Jamie, his mum is very supportive, as are the rest of his family and friends, who he obviously has a good relationship with.

The parents of the other kids are interviewed and are equally impressed by Jamie’s bravery — and say that they think he looks good when he eventually makes it to the prom.

Makes you think that people aren’t that bad after all. Sadly, for each person featured here who is accepting of Jamie’s lifestyle, there’ll be someone who isn’t and will feel the need to react with violence.

An interesting programme and a welcome departure from the usual My Fat Hyperactive Kid Eats Seven Pizzas For His Breakfast type of ‘documentary’.

Thinking about it, though, that would be an almost Olympian achievement and, if it was a sport, probably more interesting than most set to take place in London next year.