Behind the Scenes in Dallas
Rob Moore, Co-founder “Dallas Voice” - talks to us in his very nice condo association meeting room.
In Dallas I had Dane Walters as my Director of Photography (DP), who was extremely competent, and had his own equipment. He was fussy about how it was unpacked and repacked so I just assisted with the setup which was nice. We moved seven times for seven interviews.
Dr. Steven Pounders
Dr. Steven Pounders at home, Dallas
Other than packing and moving all the equipment, the downside to “blind setups” is that you are never sure what kind of space you will find yourself in.
Steven Pounders’ apartment was a dream, with lots of space to set up (fab view), though we had to be careful about using too much natural light, as it tends to change.
Dr. Pounders has worked tirelessly with AIDS patients from the beginning, at local hospitals and later in private practice.
“Buds and Blooms” in Garland - Tim Smith
Tim Smith at “Buds and Blooms”
We had to shoot through a doorway to get this to work! Tim Smith sat in a small space off the main showroom. He looked right at home among the floral setting inside the florist shop he bought in 2008.
Tim joined the Texas Gay Rodeo Association (TGRA) in 1987, and rapidly became involved. In 1988, he created the character “Tessy.“ This was the first time he had ever put on drag, but they needed a volunteer.
He turned out to be a natural, even to the point that for fun, he would dress up and go to straight clubs with his friends and never get found out. A dangerous game, he admits, but when you are young …
As “Miss Tessy,” Tim competed for an International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) royalty sash and was crowned Miss IGRA 1994. That year he also won the Goat Dressing buckle at the Denver finals.
“Tessy” raised thousands of dollars for local and regional AIDS support services during the crisis.
Tim met his former partner, Marcus Hood Jr, aka “Boogie”, in 2001, and together they raised a beautiful daughter Taylor.
In 2019, Tim was certified as both an Arena Director, and a Chute Coordinator, and can be heard calling "Next rider" all over the IGRA circuit. He was also inducted into the IGRA Hall of Fame.
Betty Neal’s Place
Betty Neal at her home
There are several advantages to interviewing someone in their home. They are more relaxed for one, thing. Often there are photographs about and awards and such, which I am able to take pictures of after the shoot.
Betty’s place was fantastic and she had lots of memorabilia and family photos to share.
Betty worked endlessly with disadvantaged communities, particularly African American folk who had few options after an HIV/AIDS diagnosis.
Current Climate
All of the interviews were successfully recorded. I captured some amazing stories, full of emotion and grit.
I am taken back time and again to that horrific era through these interviews and archival footage. I fear we are headed back there again.
History has a way of repeating itself, so I hope this documentary reminds our movement of what we are capable of doing, how to stay strong, be supportive and stand fast.
We said it then and I say it now -