The Category is...POSE being Culture and Realness in Full Effect
The category is…cultured realness in full effect! FX’s popular television show, POSE, is electrifyingly educational. The show is set in New York in the late 80’s. The slang and mannerisms that I catch myself using comes from the LGBTQ community decades ago. The make-up artists and stylists of the show are sure to win Emmys in the future. The show’s music will have you dancing out of your seat and voguing all around your living room. I didn’t know the level of my own ignorance until a friend forced me to watch the first episode. POSE portrays ladies and gentlemen at different stages of their journey, acceptance, and confidence within their community.
My sister asked about the show and the best way I could describe it is a scripted documentary. I’m learning so much about the transgender and gay community. There are terms, a living structure, and a hierarchy system that I literally knew nothing about. Not to mention, understanding the various struggles the transgendered and gay community go through. Their simple ‘norm’ is extremely interesting. The show doesn’t overwhelm you with a particular perspective which is refreshing for someone new to understanding this community. Some characters knew they were ‘different’ as young as five years of age. Also portrayed is a character, Stan Bowes, who is a white, married with kids, 30 year old that’s just realizing who is he really is. Although in the show (and in reality) they are treated poorly, disrespected, and looked down upon they have the luxury of forming their own family. The love that is thrown around and through the script and actors/actresses is nothing short of amazing.
The motto of this television show is “Live, Work, Pose” and it’s illustrated throughout the writing. Living life to the fullest, despite the odds, is the how the characters simply ‘get by’ day to day. The AIDS epidemic is passionately expressed. Pray Tell (the OG fairy god-queen that quickly becomes the heart of the show) is worried about being too invested in a partner. It’s hard not to stress about it when their community is dying one by one due to the disease. Adding to the fact that healthcare didn’t cover treatment; and the world didn't care to deem the research worthy of funding.
FX’s Pose, leaves me feeling inspired and encouraged after every episode. My perspective, my interest, and my writing has improved and expanded since becoming a fan. I was hooked after the first episode and I know you will be too! Tune in every Sunday evening and get your life!