Strike A POSE

Last Saturday night, I attended a Q&A screening of the hit FX television show, POSE. The show is the first of its kind for employing multiple transgender actors as series regulars.

The main cast members and series creators were in attendance. All of them spoke candidly about their journeys to the show. And about their lives overall.

It was interesting to hear Ryan Murphy explain that when he began his career working alongside Steven Spielberg, he desperately wanted to be taken under Steven's wing and be mentored, but that didn't happen. I got the distinct impression he believes that that didn't happen because he's gay.

Janet Mock

The episode screened, "Love Is The Message," was co-written and directed by series producer Janet Mock. She discussed being initially doubtful she possessed the skill set to pull off the directing task. Well, by now, she she knows she not only pulled it off; she CRUSHED it!

Billy Porter

I never tire of hearing Billy Porter discuss the incredible highs and lows of his career. He talked about his early attempt at being an r&b recording artist, and how he was told over and over again to hide his sexuality. In essence, be someone he wasn't. And just like many an up and coming artist, he tried to do what he was told to fit in. It comes as no surprise that eventually, misery became his best friend. After years of couch-surfing and learning to love himself AS himself, the tide turned. And he began to book gigs that aligned WITH his sexuality.

Today, he clearly sees that he achieves his greatest successes by BEING Billy; not SUPPRESSING Billy.

This screened episode was my first time seeing the show. Based upon what I saw, I'll revisit it.

And even better than that, I'll recommend it to other folks!

Oh! While at the screening, I ran into the delightful Miss Mary Jo Boyd-Miller, who attended elementary school with me back in Indianapolis! What a great, great lady!!!!!!!!!!