A story of what is like growing up gay in a small city in Northern California in the 50's and 60's and living a closeted life as a husband and father. Harlen Johnson is talented, intelligent, good looking and the first black teen to enter UOP in Stockton California, where he lives with the only person he will ever truly love "Douglas Dressler" the blond hair, blue eyed son of a banker who also loves Harlen. Harlen tethered by family and tradition can't find the courage to run away with Douglas who is willing to do anything to be with Harlen.