For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for April 22, 2022

Good…

now if only (step)parents were like that to their (step)children when this was originally first printed rather than send angry letters to Ms. Johnston and her syndicates as well to their newspapers’ editors… it is still a taboo topic

Home is where the heart is

I wonder what Connie said to Greg to bring about his change from rage to contrition. Maybe reminding him whose house it was?

Sigh….now the conversations begin…

Only if Lawrence knew how his mother talked about him to Elly when she asked her to help get Lawrence back home. But then he probably expects that and knows his relationship with his mom and stepdad will never be the same.

Well, Connie sure did a 180!!

Don’t know about Greg, though—although he’d better come around or HE’LL be the one tossed out!!

BTW, I hope Connie remembers to thank Michael!!

Comic strip of few words, but I guess the point is that Michael is eying the coffee mug because he had to get up at 3 in the morning to find Lawrence of all places in a coffee shop and to drive him home. Good gawd people! Offer him a cup of coffee.

This scene still gets me emotionally as it did in 1993. It was a few years after the whole affair of AIDS and Ryan White.

Lovely artwork with the dawn coming through. Better days indeed.

One thing I will always find difficult to understand: why do people care AT ALL about someone else’s sexuality? And what I’ll always find IMPOSSIBLE to understand: why is two adult men as consensual partners always the worst thing in the world? There are so many other things people do that are genuinely bad, sexually: children, sex trafficking, “grooming”, assault—why not put your energy and politics and Bibles into stopping all of that?

I envy bigots. I mean, really: Can you imagine having your own life so settled and perfect, that your biggest problem is who someone ELSE is having sex with?

NOTHING is stonger than LOVE

AIDS is still here, same as it was when this originally ran. What Lawrence needs to do is get him and his partner checked, and then they stay with each other until death do them part. No glory holing.

Nary a word stated in this strip, but yet a picture portrays 1000 words

So, it’s a “happy ending”? No. I suspect it is more of a beginning. Hindsight is 20/20.

Well done, artist and author.

The details in this otherwise silent single frame are wonderful. The dawn glow through the door. Michael looking back over his shoulder as he leaves. The hug, front-and-center. Greg’s concerned look, watching but staying out of the way. The half-empty coffeepot by the door.

No dialogue needed.

Is it party time yet?

I love this strip. It’s touching and powerful.

His dad has a lot of mending to do, I doubt his initial response will ever be forgotten.

What a wonderful world?……………….

There have been gay medical professionals and teachers since the dawn of time, as well as gay politicians, gay law enforcement personnel, gay businesspeople, and gay athletes. Sexual identity and preference is just one aspect of a human being, and has no bearing on externals such as career choice, parenting, etc.

i’m not crying… you are…

I’m actually a little envious of a fictional character. Never got that moment after coming out.

For not having any dialogue, this says a lot.

I wonder if Gov. Ron DeSatin (sic) has managed to get this arc banned from the Florida newspapers?

So far, I have loved this story line. It’s at once bitter and tender. And the friendship between the boys really hits home. Thank you, Lynn.

Let me just say that the American public amazes me in their ignorance and lack of social grace!

Where’s a magic spell when you need it?

This is a very powerful panel. Very well done.Thank you again Lynn.And to all of you who make generalizations about politics and sexuality,there are many Republicans who have zero issues or problems with being LGBQT.LGBQT are our in our homes, our families, friends, our coworkers and neighbors.And much to your horror I am sure, there are Republicans who are LGBQT.Being a Republicans and gay are not mutually exclusive. All this talk is hateful and causes only more division between us.Religion has been the driver for anti gay sentiments for years.That is based on the need to build up the congregation…. Catholics, Muslims,Mormons and others have shunned people or years after over homosexuality.Moreover, I think this was part of Lynn’s message.Patience, tolerance and respect. For all of us!

No hugs for dear old Dad???

I literally teared up just now.

It’s a hopeful note. I missed this in the first run of the comic, but I’m glad to see some remorse on Stepdad’s face. Let’s hope they all can talk things through from this point.

Pictures worth thousand Words. Mike well done.

I love this scene…

A picture is worth a thousand words.

the power of Love…

His stepdad is looking pretty abashed. Connie must have pinned his ears back after he threw Lawrence out of the house.

Greg overreacted like Will Smith at the Oscars in doing the bidding of a caustic woman.

Wow. One panel, no words, but a multiple emotions being displayed. Excellent!

Very well written and hopefully well received.

the body language is good. Mike clearly went in with Lawrence to make sure he is safe instead of dropping him off and going away. Greg looks like he’s sorry which he better be. I hope Lawrence doesn’t touch the coffee, or he might never sleep again at this point.

The comments about the following characters have been like this:

Greg Thomas, who kicked Lawrence out of the house for nine hours: “He needs to be dragged out into the streets and shot!”

Pablo da Silva, who kicked Lawrence out of his life for 17 years: “Cut him slack, he’s black!”

Faggots got to be faggots……..they think.

Why is Mike leaving? Shouldn’t it be Greg hauling his crap out!?

Greg is a changed and humbled man. All is forgiven.

ALL RIGHT!!

Have they thought about acceptance and understanding though yet?!