* * *
Once Colin’s performance ended,they wandered to the storytelling stage, where Nate was due to give his short talk.
“Oh, holy crap!” Nate moaned, pacing the area near the small stage, clutching his notes. David stood nearby, trying to soothe his nerves, but within minutes, the stage manager called out Nate’s name, and he stumbled to the storytelling area.
He drew a deep breath, looked down at his friends and husband to steady himself, and then spoke. “My name is Nathanial Gardener-Reese. I’m a professor of media studies at the University of Virginia. “I am also a playwright whose work has been showcased Off-Broadway. But in my twenties, I lived in Hollywood and worked as an associate producer for a man named Lance Barrett.”
Nate glanced at David, who nodded in encouragement while Colin gave him a quick fist pump.
“My position as a gay man working in Hollywood made me acutely aware of the struggles faced by LGBT persons trying to establish themselves in the movie industry. The success of films likeBrokeback Mountainand television series likeQueer as Folkplayed a pivotal role in portraying LGBT characters in a more positive and nuanced light and helped to normalize queer identities in mainstream media, opening the door for LGBT actors, directors, and producers among others.
“However, this acceptance was often not extended to persons in positions not on that uppermost tier. Set decorators, costume designers, location managers, extras, background actors, and others were not always treated with the same respect, inclusion, and acceptance accorded to persons with more visible and publicly identifiable positions. However, their contribution is just as essential for creating inclusive film environments.
“Our awareness of this issue led Lance Barrett and me to create a documentary film calledBehind the Reel, showcasing the difficulties these amazing artists experienced. Our goal was to enlighten audiences about the challenges faced by these LGBT professionals while celebrating their resilience and contributions to a more diverse and authentic entertainment industry.”
Nate drew in a deep breath, and for a moment, he stood in silence, staring out over the crowd. “I believe thatBehind the Reelis the most important work I have ever done, and though it was only given a limited showing, I am tremendously proud of any changes it has helped to facilitate.” He crumbled his notes in his hands and stared down at his husband again. “It’s available on Amazon Prime, and I encourage you to watch it. You won’t regret it. Thank you.”
He clasped his hands together and bowed as the spectators applauded and cheered, then moved toward the stairs. David embraced him as he left the small stage and spun him in a circle. “You were amazing! God, baby, I’m so proud of you!”
“Jesus, I am never doing that again!” Nate exclaimed, clutching David’s arm. “Let’s go back to the ship. I need a drink!” As the four friends walked toward the exit, several audience members approached Nate to tell him they had seenBehind the Reeland how much they had enjoyed it. Several others congratulated him and promised to watch the film.
“You going to have a whole new career as a public speaker?” Colin teased, nudging Nate’s arm.
“Fat fucking chance,” Nate told him. “I write words forotherpeople to say! And that’s exactly how I want it!”
“Damn shame,” Joshua told him, then laid a hand on his shoulder. “Because you were great up there. You were direct, sincere, and compelling. Plus, what you had to say was tremendously meaningful.”
“He’s right,” Colin added, ruffling Nate’s hair. “I’m proud of you, rabble-rouser.”
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
LAST NIGHT AT SEA
David’s arm stayed around Nate’s shoulders as they strolled to the ship, holding him close to his side. Again and again, he praised his talk, assuring Nate that his story had been the most enthralling of the entire night. “And not only that,” David added as they approached the cruise ship harbor. “I think it was the most relevant to what Voices of Pride wanted to accomplish.”
“This whole cruise has been quite an experience,” Colin said from behind them. “I expected to come here, eat fish, ride a couple of tour buses, and go home. I didn’t expect to pet a whale, save an eagle, perform an Irish love song, or watch Nate become a star.”
“I was already a star,” Nate teased, smirking back at Colin.
“You should have heard that audience,” Joshua said. “You should have heard their comments. You were a huge hit, buddy. We’re proud of you.”
Colin and Joshua could see Nate blush even in the fading light of the sunset. “Thank you,” he murmured, then looked up at David. “I need to phone Lance after we get home and tell him about all this.”
“Good idea,” David replied. He kissed Nate’s forehead and then nodded toward the dock. “Check it out. Sad to say, this is the last time we’ll get to see this amazing sight.”
They turned toward the ship and stood in silence, admiring the view. Every inch of the vessel seemed to glow with light, creating a breathtaking spectacle against the night sky. Multicolored glints reflected off ripples of harbor water, leaving a shimmering trail that stretched as far as the eye could see.
“Whose ideawasthis cruise?” Colin asked, flashing his dimples. “Because it sure was a good one.”
“Yeah,” Joshua agreed. “We owe our Professor a standing ovation. It’s been wonderful.”
David turned and bowed while his husband, Colin, and Joshua applauded.
“And now,” David said, taking Nate’s hand. “Let’s go get that drink.”
“And check out the Lido forpie!”
* * *
