Mark Wahlberg issharing some of the sweet messages he has received from parents ofLGBTQ youthamid the release of his newest filmJoe Bell.

Based on a true story, the movie follows “an Oregonian father who pays tribute to his gay teenage son Jadin, embarking on a self-reflective walk across America to speak his heart to heartland citizens about the real and terrifying costs of bullying,” reads a description presented last month alongsidethe movie’s official trailer.

InWahlberg’s heartfelt poston Thursday, the actor (who plays Bell, alongside Reid Miller as Jadin) spotlighted several messages, including one from a mother who said the film “means so much to me” and that she was “so thankful” for it.

“I have always been accepting of my gay son from day one, but there are so many parents who are not,” she added. “I pray that [the movie] helps open the hearts and minds of parents who are struggling toaccept their children as they are! Thank you!”

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“My child attempted suicide in January. Theyhave come out as transand I will do everything in my power to protect them from the hate in the world,” another fan wrote. “The preview made me bawl and hit me hard because I live it. Thank you for bringing light to our LGBT kids.”

“I’m a young father with young daughters … my youngest has recently told me she’s gay and I couldn’t be more proud of her [for] living her true self,” said a third. “Your trailer brought tears to my eyes and I guarantee it’ll make our entire family cry.”

Reid Miller and Mark Wahlberg inJoe Bell.Everett

Good Joe Bell

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Featuring the tagline “Redemption is a journey you can’t take alone” on its poster,Joe Bell, also starringConnie BrittonandGary Sinise, premiered in September at the 2020Toronto International Film Festival.

Joe Bellis in theaters now.

source: people.com