Pose, FX Networks, Color Force, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Television, Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions

Counter Culture

FX Networks original drama Pose drops its fourth episode tonight.

#PoseFX season 2 has been confirmed.

rottentomatoes: 96%

metacritic: 75

imdb: 8.0




Blanca Rodriguez, Pose, FX Networks, Color Force, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Television, Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions , MJ RodriguezBlanca Rodriguez

HIV positive transgender fashionista Blanca Rodriguez finds solace in competing at ball room events in downtown 1980s New York City.


Blanca Rodriguez, Pose, FX Networks, Color Force, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Television, Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions , MJ Rodriguez“Royalty.  But we should all walk it together.  All of the house children.  Oh, no way.  Hold on a minute.  That’s the third time this week you’ve taken my idea as your own, and these bitches have gone along with it.  What’s the difference between walking royalty and walking as The Royal House of Abundance?” — Blanca Rodriguez

“If you don’t risk anything, you risk even more.  The Headless Horseman.  We’re locked in.” — Blanca Rodriguez

“So what does it say?  Come on, don’t keep me in suspense.  Rip the band-aid off.  All right.  Thank you.  Isn’t it, though?  Thank you.  It must be hard having to tell people they gonna die day after day.” — Blanca Rodriguez

“No.  I’m not sad.  These are tears of joy.  I’m relieved.  I ain’t never been certain of anything.  It’s just been all one day at a time.  Until now.  I don’t want to die.  I want to live.  I know it sounds crazy, but… I always knew I wasn’t gonna be long on this earth.  I still don’t know the when, but at least now I know the how.  At least now something in my life is for sure.” — Blanca Rodriguez

“I just got a lot on my mind.  It’s true, all of it.  I’m going to form my own house.  It’s my time, it’s my dream, and I’m going for it.  I do not want any of your opinions.  Honestly, no.  But I do want your blessing.  Believe me, this isn’t about you, it’s about me.  What I need.  Because in our world, there is only one way to leave something behind, proof that I was here, building a legendary house my way with my ideas.  When I got kicked out, I was a 17-year-old kid who didn’t understand who I was, if I was gonna die in the cold or from starvation.  You found me, took care of me.  You helped me understand.  It’s time I passed that kindness on.  You are jealous and petty and you show your true color.  So… do any of you want to walk out this door with me into the future?  Or would you rather choke on dust and decay?  Never.” — Blanca Rodriguez

“Where’d you learn how to dance like that?  What’s your name?  A pleasure.  I’m Blanca.  So, how does someone as talented as you wind up dancing for a whole bunch of junkies?  You want to be a professional dancer, right?  Don’t we all, honey.  You ever consider joining a house?  Well, a house is the family you get to choose.  I’m a house mother.  I provide a support system for my children and housing if you need it.  Together, we compete in the balls uptown.  And, you know, I’ve been looking to adopt a child with your dancing abilities.  Oh, so you think your dreams are more real than mine?”

“Balls are a gathering of people who are not welcome to gather anywhere else, a celebration of a life that the rest of the world does not deem worthy of celebration.  There are categories– people dress up for them, walk.  There’s voting, trophies.  Better than money.  You can actually make a name for yourself by winning a trophy or two.  And in our community, the glory of your name is everything.  And we not gonna be walking the red carpets at the Oscars, but this is our moment to become a star.  Welcome to the ballroom world.” — Blanca Rodriguez

“Realness is what it’s all about.  Being able to fit into the straight, white world, to embody the American dream.  But we don’t have access to that dream.  And it’s not because of ability.  Trust me.  I mean, isn’t that what you’re trying to do?  Dance your way into that world?  The world of acceptability?  Oh, child, hush.  You are gay, black boy.  Who else you gonna find to make you feel superior?  Um, no, thank you, sweetie.  I’ll be up all night.  I don’t judge people based on how they live.  I’m lucky I can mostly pass.  I’ve taken the hormones.  I know how to carry myself.  I kept who I was quiet from my parents for a long time.  I would wait until they went to sleep, and put on my face and finery, and sneak out to the balls.  Sneak back before they woke up.  I thought I was so smart.  Oh, then, on Thanksgiving– I’ll never forget– okay, my mother kept looking and grinning, and kept looking away, so finally I said, ‘mother, what in the world are you grinning about?’  You know what she said?  She said, ‘oh, you think you so clever.  I see that little young girl who runs in and out of your room, sneaks in and out of your room in the dark of the night.’  I gagged.  I was too stunned to speak.  So she went on to say how she wasn’t mad, and she was just relieved I wasn’t one of those sinful gays.  I said, ‘mother, that was no strange woman sneaking through your halls.  That was me.  I am not gay, and I am certainly not sinful.  What I am is a woman, mother.  Not your son, but your daughter.’  Well, she couldn’t abide by that, no.  She banished me from her home and her heart.  I cried like a baby.  I left, and never looked back.  When you get rejected by your mother, your father, you’re always out there looking for someone to… replace that love you’re missing.  Yeah– well, here, take my address.  Come if you feel it’s right for you.  If nothing else… … tonight, you got an education.” — Blanca Rodriguez

“All right, I’m coming.  Come in.  You need an application to enroll.  Mm.  Stand up straight.  And make eye contact when you’re speaking to her.  Of course.  Thank you for your time.  One day, you’ll be glad I was.” — Blanca Rodriguez

“You knew they were gonna read you for filth for wearing that dress.  What’s happening with you?  There’s a reason Prince Charming is only in fairy tales, sweetie.  We all need that.  And if you want a family that cares for you unconditionally, then get your broke ass up off this curb and fix that beat face.  I love you, too, girl.” — Blanca Rodriguez

“You’re going for the full year.  Boy, shut up.  Gimme this.  Uh-uh.  Gimme.  Let me see what this looks like.  I’m glad you filled this out in pencil.  And, look, you spelled ‘professional’ wrong.  Look at that.  All of my children are required to pursue an education.  My house has rules, and I expect you both to follow them.  Yes.  Education is key if you want to get ahead in this world.  Listen, and you need to be safe.  So leave them white boys alone.  Next, I want you to be healthy.  So make sure y’all taking y’all Flinstones vitamins.  And I need you to be available to walk any of the balls.  Those are mother’s rules.  I know they’re harder than most, but I got to be tougher on y’all than the world will be.  Hey.  If y’all can’t follow them, then you can leave.  Okay, good.  Good, ’cause, um, Friday night, we walking our first ball.  Yeah.  Mm-hmm.” — Blanca Rodriguez

“I don’t know, Pray Tell.  Them shoulder pads need to be a bit bigger.  Well, you know what they say.  You can’t be too skinny or too rich, so… uh-huh, but you said you did.  Well, you’re never gonna find the place where you belong if you keep on running away.  How in the hell you think we all wound up here?  I believe in you.  That’s one of the reasons why we fussin’ like this.  But don’t you ever lie to me again.  Do you have it?  Whoa.  Hold on a second.  Mm-hmm.  Pray Tell is like a father to all of us.  He works at Macy’s.  Can you believe that?  You deserve your own line.  That’s the truth.  Boy, get over here.  Let me see what you look like.  Baby, you are our secret weapon.” — Blanca Rodriguez

“Vogueing doesn’t just happen at the balls.  It lives in the streets, too.  Yes, but it’s more than that.  It’s a statement.  ‘I want to have a name in this world.  I want to be on top.’  Which is why we have to challenge Abundance.” — Blanca Rodriguez

“We can’t stay stuck on the sidelines forever.  Inspired by the up-and-coming legendary supermodel Linda Evangelista, who stole my look, and who I pay tribute to in return, we are The House of Evangelista.  You got this.  No, I was overeager.  We weren’t ready.  Evangelista.  House of Evangelista.  Like the supermodel, little man.  We’re sunk.  What’s your name?  You living on the streets?  Go collect your things and come right back here.  The House of Evangelista… welcomes any lost soul.  Children, leave your Monday morning open.  Mandatory attendance, no exceptions.” — Blanca Rodriguez

“Please don’t do this.  It’s embarrassing.  We do not have the luxury of shame.  Is this the head of dance?  Yes, I do.  Wait here.  Are you the head of dance?  Helena St. Rogers?  My name is Blanca.  I’ll be brief because I know how busy you are.  I’m looking after a young man who applied for admissions as a dancer and was informed that he missed the cutoff?  Oh, I appreciate that, but this young man is a very special talent.  Do you know what the greatest pain a person can feel is?  The greatest tragedy a life can experience?  It is having a truth inside of you, and you not being able to share it.  It is having a great beauty, and no one there to see it.  This young boy has been discarded, and he is so young, he believes that it has something to do with who he is.  It’s like cancer.  It’s going to eat at him from the inside until he resents even the best parts of himself.  No, but he is special.  He’s got all the talent and all the hurt you need to be a true artist.  Let him dance for you.  Give him a chance.  Give him three minutes of your time.  When was the last time you were truly surprised by something in your life?  I’m his mother.” — Blanca Rodriguez

“You’re gonna dance for her.  The dean of dance right now.  I got your stuff from home.  This is your turn now.  You hear me?  Take it.” — Blanca Rodriguez

“Nothing in life is fair.  But that’s okay, though.  I’m-a do something about it, so that my children’s world is better than the one I grew up in.” — Blanca Rodriguez

“You know, you can learn so much about a person by looking at their hands.  All the wigs and clothes and plastic surgery don’t matter when you’re looking at a woman’s hands.  It always reveals her real age.” — Blanca Rodriguez

“I told the children of my house that I was fighting for them.  I won’t back down.” — Blanca Rodriguez

“Now, your generation got us to where we are.  I’ll give you that.  I’ll give you all of that.  But I’m planning on moving our kind forward.  Getting us access to worlds you wouldn’t dare dream about.  I’m entitled.  I have the right.” — Blanca Rodriguez

“I am a woman and I will be addressed like a lady.” — Blanca Rodriguez

“You know what?  Why don’t you make like your hairline and disappear?” — Blanca Rodriguez

“Before I met you, everything was in black and white.  And that kind of thinking don’t work in a gray world.  You taught me to appreciate life and treasure every breath.  You adjusted my focus and now I see in color.  I just hope you do that for other people.” — Blanca Rodriguez


Angel Evangelista, Pose, FX Networks, Color Force, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Television, Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions, Indya MooreAngel Evangelista

“What category should we walk?  Superhero.” — Angel Evangelista

“Girl, I don’t want to go to jail.  My friend Coco went to jail, and they broke her cheekbone and her nose.” — Angel Evangelista

“Get your shady hands off of me.” — Angel Evangelista

“Girl, I’m a big old peacock.  Work.  Work.  I’m gonna fly away.  Oh, he’s back.  That white boy?  I’m a go check it out.  Hey, baby.  Finally decided to stop for a little chat?  You’ve driven past this spot three time today.  And I’ve seen your car before, over the past couple of months.  Window shopper.  I’m Angel.  You a cop?  Let’s have some fun, baby.  This is classy.  Backseat usually suffices.  So why did you stop today?  Special occasion?  So what are you, some kind of executive or something?  Wall Street?  Is this your first time?  doing something like this?  Don’t worry, it’s not mine.  Just tell me what you want, baby.  Saving up to have my little friend removed.  It’s not cheap if you want to do it right.  Not it’s my turn.  Take off your clothes.  And come lay with Angel, baby.  There must be some parts of your body that you don’t like.  That you would love to have go away.  So, was this what you wanted?  To just… lay here and listen to music with me?  Of course.  It’s my second best skill.  Do you want to talk or… no one’s ever asked me that before.  I want a home of my own.  I want a family.  I want to take care of someone.  And I want someone to take care of me.  I want to be treated like any other woman.  That’s my dream.  I thought you’d never ask.  I can’t believe you work for Donald Trump.  That’s so super impressive.  He’s so rich.  I heard even his toilet is gold.  Can you imagine?  Now that’s living in style. This song… is gonna be our song from now on.” — Angel Evangelista

“But the want ad said you were.  So what’s the problem?  Thank you for your time.” — Angel Evangelista

“I just wanted to see you.  You want to get a salad or a coffee or something?” — Angel Evangelista

“It’s chiffon.  It’s a Halston!  I met somebody.  But he’s just like all the others.  When am I finally gonna meet my Prince Charming?  I’m tired of being humiliated.  I deserve more.  I’m worthy of better.  I just need to know somebody has my back.  I should join your house.  I’m just sayin’.  I love you.” — Angel Evangelista

“You’re going to school?  I’m sorry, rules?  No!  Yeah, sure.  Friday?  That’s in two days.  Girl, what are we gonna wear?  Not anymore.  You can always spot the boys and the girls down at the pier who got the AIDS, because they look wasted away.  Like Halloween skeletons, over in their own corner.  I feel sad for them.  Sometimes you can’t tell if they fell asleep on a park bench or just died there.  And you thought I would be the problem child?  Whoo!  That’s not funny.” — Angel Evangelista

“Girl, I don’t think we should do this.  Elektra’s gonna be so angry.  We were robbed.  Uh-uh.  We got rules.  No drugs, no gentleman callers.  And anything you mop belongs to the community.  Uh-huh.” — Angel Evangelista

“Didn’t I tell you you was gonna get in?” — Angel Evangelista

“Hi.  It’s nice to see you.” — Angel Evangelista

“Gay, straight– it doesn’t matter.  They all think we got psychological issues.  They don’t see us as real.” — Angel Evangelista


Pray Tell, Pose, FX Networks, Color Force, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Television, Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions, Billy PorterPray Tell

“Royalty.  The category is… Bring It Like Royalty.  Yes.  You own everything.  Everything is yours.  You own your jewels.  You own your country.  You own your man.  You own every motherfucking thing… … that is there.  Oh, oh, oh.  I don’t now of a princess or a queen who gets their clothes from Casual Corner.  It’s all right, it’s all right.  ‘E’ for effort.  Please turn for the judges.  Please turn for the judges.  Turn around.  Wrong building, honey.  And the judges scores.  We have a six, we have a ten, we have a six, we have a six.  The shade.  The shade of it all.  Unfortunately, you are dismissed.  Bye-bye.  See you.  She mad.  Give them a hand.  anyone else?  Going once, twice, three times a lady.  Anyone else?  What?  What?  Oh, shit!  Now that’s royalty!  That’s royalty!  Yes!  And The House of Abundance has entered the building.  We’re giving realness, we’re giving capes, we’re giving panniers and corsets… …and surcoats… and crowns.  Oh, my!  Disney, Disney, watch your ass.  Blingderella is in town.  They’re giving wands, and princess realness.  Look at the prince.  Yes, live!  Lord Jesus.  Listen and learn.  Yes!  Walk for me.  Walk for me.  Yes!  And there you have it.  And where’s the queen?  Where’s the one and only?  Elektra.  The queen, the queen, the queen is giving a ball, the queen is giving a ball.  Oh, yes!  Ten!  Ten!  Ten!  Tens across the board.  Grand prize… House of Abundance.  Ah, shit!  Princess Diana.  And that… is how you do a ball.” — Pray Tell

“The category is… live… work… pose!” — Pray Tell

“‘Cry more, pee less.’  That’s what my mama used to say.  She was a saint, a St. Bernard.  Girl, that woman must’ve weighed at least 400 pounds.  I do not understand, for the life of me, why you would’ve gone and had that test.  You already knew the answer.  You having any symptoms?  Then you know what to do.  Keep living.  Put on your tallest pump and go on and get back out into the world.  You ain’t dead yet.  There is nothing more tragic than a sad queen.  All that says to me is that it’s time for you to find a dream.” — Pray Tell

“The category is… …Executive Realness.  These are high-powered business men of the ’80s.  The suit.  The 401(k).  The IRA.  Ah!  That chocolate cashmere!  Oh!  What are your scores?  Judges, please!  We have a nine, six, nine.  And who do we have next?  Ah, here it comes!  Yes, yeah.  We have high yellow.  We live on Long Island.  We’re calling this executive hustler realness, y’all.  The sepia Don Corleone.  At the Russian Tea Room.  Don’t scare the white people!  Don’t scare the white folks, y’all!” — Pray Tell

“They category is… High Fashion Evening Wear.  Ladies who have everything.  Please and thank you.  Uh-huh.  Uh-huh.  Okay, here she comes.  Yes.  Scores, please.  Well, come on.  Let us have it.  Ah!  And what have we here?  The lady in red.  The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous realness.  Opulence.  Mahogany.  Scores, please.  Uh-huh.  Uh-huh.  All right then.  Oh, coming, coming, coming.  What?  Ah, yes.  Miss Dominique Deveraux.  Miss Diahann Carroll.  Give me the scores, darlings.  All tens!  All tens!  Everything is yours.  Ah!  Mm-hmm.  Mm-hmm.  Yes!  Bravo!  Ah, Miss Angel.  Miss Angel, the category is High Fashion Evening Wear.  Ladies of luxury.  Why are you in a nightgown?  A lady do need beading for a formal fashion affair!  Come now!  Halston… for JCPenney?  Anyone else?  Anyone else who’s real, please?  Anyone else?  Please, anyone.  And here we have… standing on the shoulders of those who came before her.  Yes, honey!  Yes!” — Pray Tell

“Girl, this boy is a string bean.  If the shoulders get… too broad, he’s gonna look like a upside-down traffic cone.  What the young man needs is a sandwich.  Yeah, well, they’re gonna be revived when they hear that young Damon here is gonna be dancing at The New School for Dance.  When’s your audition, baby?  They didn’t give you a date?  Ooh-ooh.  Amen!  Okay, go somewhere, please, and get out of my business.  I don’t come to your job, knocking dicks out your mouth.  No, baby, that’s a young person’s game.  But the ball culture is my culture.  This is my community.  I’m respected here.  Revered, even.  As a cologne spritzer.  This is my passion– designing clothes, creating fantasies.  Yeah, well, maybe someday.  Ka, ka, ka, ka!  Ha, yes, yes, yes!  It looks like my work here is done.  Twirl!” — Pray Tell

“Uh-huh.  Cut, bend, live work!  No touching!  You know what?  No!  You know what?  You bitches cant’ have one night without your temperament getting the better of you.  Back it up.  Be kind to one another.  Damn.  Oh, God knows what started it.  Too many stolen men, a trophy lost unjustly.  Doesn’t matter though.  A house can’t be legendary unless it has a good rival.  Ooh.  It would be all over.  You’re sent away, forever banished.  Eternal damnation.  Practice.” — Pray Tell

“Well, well, bring it like a military man.  Realness.  Yes.  Be all that you can be.  Uncle Sam wants you.  Ooh, it’s Fleet Week, and I’m not talking enemas, children.  Thank you, military realness, for your service.  You may leave the floor.  I need everyone’s attention.  We have a challenge for the legendary children of The House of Abundance.  The challengers are… what’s the name of your house, baby?  Abundance, do you accept this challenge?  Now give ’em some music.  And pose!  Ooh, bitch, we got ourselves a battle!  Work!  Bring it the old way.  The only way!  Yeah.  Yes!  Attack!  Carry!  Live!  Pop!  Well… well.  Ah, candy apple red.  Uh-huh, the tigress.  Yeah.  Ooh.  Live!  Twirl!  Yes!  Yeah.  Ah!  Yes, my darling.  Ah!  And she has arrived.  Yeah.  Uh-huh.  Twirl!  Pop!  Twirl!  Twirl!  Spin!  Dip!  Turn!  Aah.  Vogue.  Vogue.  Yeah.  Vogue.  Yes.  Dip!  Pop.  Vogue!  Our challenge is complete.  Judges scores.  What are you giving Evangelista?  Ten, ten, nine, nine, nine.  Scores for The House of Abundance.  Ten, ten, ten, ten, ten.  Grand prize– House of Abundance.” — Pray Tell

“Well, well, well.  Look at the sad queens.  Disappointed about our scores?  Well, you shouldn’t be, ’cause quiet as its kept, I thought you should have been scored even lower.  You want a reason to keep going on after tonight?  There it go right there.  Houses are homes to all the little boys and girls who never had one, and they keep coming every day just as sure as the sun rises.  Pull up.  Work harder.  Triumph.  If not today, maybe tomorrow.  Now daddy needs a drink.” — Pray Tell


Damon Richards, Pose, FX Networks, Color Force, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Television, Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions, Ryan Jamal SwainDamon Richards

“I-I was at school, sir.  I can explain, I was… I’m a dancer.  And… I’m gay.  I’m trying to make something out of myself.  I want to get out of this town and be somebody!  Stop, stop, stop!  Aah!  No, no!  But I’m not a sinner.” — Damon Richards

“Hey, let go!  Hey, let go!  I know.  I forgot.  Thanks.” — Damon Richards

“Damon.  I want to be a star.  What do you mean?  I mean… I have bigger dreams than performing at some ball.  Came here to perform in a real dance company.  I’m not like you.  I’m-I’m sorry.  My dreams are real.” — Damon Richards

“So what exactly is a ball?  Oh, can you, can you make money?  I’m sorry I said I wasn’t like you.  Okay.  So, do you have, like, a real job or… oh, my God, what did you do?  Hmm.” — Damon Richards

“Did-did you see my backpack?  Did you see anybody go by with my backpack?  It’s a, it’s a blue Eastpak.  Shit!  It’s everything I had.  What am I supposed to do now?  I’m not sleeping with men for money.  I have nowhere else to go.” — Damon Richards

“What are we doing here?  I can’t go in there.  I’m not like them.  I’d like an application, please.  17.  My real mother was never this tough.” — Damon Richards

“What if I’m not even here next week?  No, but– stop.  Dance school.  I can follow them.  I’m usually not this skinny.  I-I didn’t eat for the first few weeks that I was here.  I’m not sure.  I… I-I didn’t return my application.  What if I audition and don’t get in?  And, anyway, I missed the deadline.  I don’t even think I’m supposed to be there.  What makes you so sure?  So, do you ever walk in the balls anymore?  So, what category are we walking?  Do I get to dance?” — Damon Richards

“Oh, so it’s like break dancing.  What was all that about?  So, what if a house challenges another house to a dance to the death and you lose?  How am I supposed to learn how to do all that?” — Damon Richards

“So what happened?  What?  For who?  I-I’m not ready.  I haven’t prepared anything.  I-I don’t have music.  Hi.  I’m Damon.  So am I supposed to talk first, or… what am I supposed to do first?” — Damon Richards

“I’d be dead if it weren’t for you.  Another day in the park, and I would have went with anybody for some food, done anything.  I got in.  Thank you.” — Damon Richards

“It’s not fair.” — Damon Richards


Candy Abundance, Pose, FX Networks, Color Force, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Television, Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions, Angelica RossCandy Abundance

“Girl, how do I get my hair to look like Madonna’s from Desperately Seeking Susan?  Every time I tease my roots, it just looks like… she is the mother of invention.  Real.  You hear that, cross-dresser?  Now go over there and finish cooking.  A bitch is hungry.” — Candy Abundance

“Child, all this culture’s making me weak!” — Candy Abundance

“So we don’t got to go to court or anything?” — Candy Abundance


Elektra Abundance, Pose, FX Networks, Color Force, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Television, Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions, Dominique JacksonElektra Abundance, Pose, FX Networks, Color Force, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Television, Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions, Dominique Jackson Elektra Abundance, Pose, FX Networks, Color Force, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Television, Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions, Dominique JacksonElektra Abundance

“Why are you conversing on matters so banal?  For ten years, the House of Abundance has reigned supreme, but last week, Pendavis stole our trophies.  Focus, children.  It is time to remind the world who we are.  Why don’t you just give your mother a Sominex instead?  What are we gonna do?  Run down to Burger King and get some paper crowns?  Shush, children, and let your mother speak.  I know what we’re going to do.  We will walk together as The Royal House of Abundance.  Just because you have an idea does not mean you know how to properly execute it.  Ideas are ingredients.  Only a real mother knows how to prepare them.” — Elektra Abundance

“Is that when you get off, handsome?  Hmm, I could move right in.  This should be my new apartment.  Jackpot.  Escort mother to her throne.  Shit.  We got to hide.  Everything.  My goodness.  Come on, hurry.  Don’t leave that.  Hurry up.  Come on.  What’s taking you so long?  I look too good not to be seen.  Grab that bench.  On the count of three.  One, two… run!  Oh, my God.  Hurry up and put this shit on.  Come on.  Absolutely useless.  Remove yourselves.” — Elektra Abundance

“So quiet today, Blanca.  As always.  Perhaps you’re thinking about strategies for the ball on Friday.  Perhaps you’re thinking of some more of your wonderful and proprietary ideas you’re so proud of.  Aren’t you the one always giving me my inspirations and motivations?  Or perhaps you’re thinking of the most opportune time to tell your sisters and your mother what she already knows.  That’s what I thought, no honor or courage in you.  All right, if you don’t have the chutzpah to say it yourself, then I’ll say it for you.  Our dear sister Blanca has decided to desert us… shut that shit off.  Did you not know that I have spies all over this city?  Did you not know that I would know that you were looking at flea-infested apartments to rent?  Scouring the streets for shit, scuffed broken furniture and sad chiffon for frayed curtains?  Mother knows everything.  Eyes in the back of my head.  Take the witness stand, traitor.  Not even mine?  That’s for damn sure.  Why would you want to leave my house?  The house that found you and raised you?  So that’s it?  You want a house so the world can sing your glory for years to come?  No.  It’s time you paid that kindness back to your mother in her greatest time of need.  Rather than lying to her, going behind her back, after she rescued you from the gutter and showed you the ways of this world.  So no!  No, bitch!  I do not give you my blessing.  I give you what every mother gives a baby bird who has feasted off the scraps of her sisters and gotten too fat, a push out of the nest.  You are not on my level!  I have a right to show my colors.  And you show yours.  You’re not ready.  You’re second banana.  I give you that, but no more.  Look at me.  Look at you.  I can pass.  I can strut down Fifth Avenue when the sun is sitting high as my cheekbones and be waited on at Bergdorf’s same as any white woman, while you hide away in the shadows.  You’re way ahead of yourself in the game, beast.  You’ll be back.  Justice.” — Elektra Abundance

“Trolling for new members for your house, mother dear?  We accept.  Girl, I’m gonna eat you like an after-dinner Rolaid.” — Elektra Abundance

“All right.  You fight that fight, naive little girl.  Learn the lesson we all learn eventually.  When it comes to the life we lead, there comes a point where you must accept disappointment.  Like I’m disappointed in this top coat.” — Elektra Abundance

“That is our place.  Our community.  The balls were created so we would have somewhere to matter.  If you have any aspirations to become a legendary mother, you’ll get it in your skull that while there are many places for us to find love and adoration in the outside world, in this life, yes, the balls are all that matters.” — Elektra Abundance


Lulu Abundance, Pose, FX Networks, Color Force, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Television, Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions, Hailie SaharLulu Abundance

“Miss Celie?  And this is where the goodness comes from.  I love it.” — Lulu Abundance

“You deserve it, mother.  You really do.  What do we take?” — Lulu Abundance

“I explained it to you, the museum ain’t pressing charges.  If word gets out that a bunch of queens broke in and stole all that historical finery, they ain’t never giving anyone else anything to exhibit ever again.  We’re free as the birds in the sky, y’all.  From now on, we should only walk as a house.” — Lulu Abundance

“Everybody needs someone to make them feel superior.  That line ends with us, though.  That shit runs downhill past the women, the blacks, Latins, gays until it reaches the bottom and lands on our kind.” — Lulu Abundance


Lawrence Richards, Pose, FX Networks, Color Force, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Television, Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions, Clark JacksonLawrence Richards

“We talked about you blasting music.  Where’d you come from?  Well, guess where I was.  I went into town.  Met up with the fellas for a drink at O’Malleys.  When I arrived, they were having a laugh.  You remember Todd, worked down at the factory with me.  He saw you skipping out of that dance studio in ballet shoes.  And I’m thinking, ‘not my son, ’cause we discussed it, and I said no dance class.’  Yeah? And how do you explain this?  Found it under your bed.  I told your mother.  ‘If you’re too gentle with him, he’s gonna grow up a sissy.’  I tried toughening you up, but she kept saying, ‘creatives need space to explore.’  So I let her raise you, and this is how you repay my kindness?  What?!  Speak up.  You’re 17.  You’re a man now, right?  So say it.  Oh, so I’m a nobody ’cause I never left?  You don’t know what it’s like to be a man.  To struggle.  I want him out of my house!  You’re dead to me.” — Lawrence Richards


Mrs. Richards, Pose, FX Networks, Color Force, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Television, Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions, Roslyn RuffMrs. Richards

“Lawrence, stop!  Stop!  How could you betray me this way?  I went against your father’s word, supported your creativity, and you bring filth into my home?  And you know the Bible condemns homosexuality, and God will punish you by giving you that disease.  You are.  If you love me, you will go before Him, ask for forgiveness and never engage in vile behavior.  Understood?  That’s how it’s gonna be?” — Mrs. Richards


Matt Bromley, Pose, FX Networks, Color Force, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Television, Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions, James Van Der BeekMatt Bromley

“‘Stan Bowes.’  ‘Bowes,’ what kind of, what kind of name is that?  I was born in Rye, then Riverdale, Princeton, Wharton MBA, just like the boss.  If you’re worried your prick’s too small ’cause you went to Hofstra, it isn’t.  You know why Trump picked your resume out of all others?  You’re from New Jersey.  Yeah, not here.  I’m the unicorn in this place.  Trump is from Queens.  He likes people who speak the same language as him.  Know how to get things done.  I ask everyone who comes in here looking for a job– right down to the janitor– what do you want?  Not money-wise, what do you want?  That’s a very good answer.  The new American Dream.  For the first time in American history, it’s considered a good thing to flaunt your success, right?  Let people know how rich you are.  This watch?  Patek Philippe, rose gold, nine grand.  I got four of them.  I’ve watched a Met game from the owner’s box and partied with Gooden and Strawberry afterwards.  Just the other day, I was backstage at a Cyndi Lauper concert.  I drive a Mercedes 350, and this suit is bespoke.  God bless Ronald Reagan.” — Matt Bromley

“What do you mean there are no tables at Indochine?  We have a fucking standing reservation at Indochine.  I got a permanent hard-on for the flamed shrimp.  Call back, ask for Philippe, tell him it’s me.  I am royalty at Indochine.” — Matt Bromley

“Our boss is in the Post again.  He’s a master of the publicity machine.  It’s so fucking awesome the way he controls them all.  do you read the Post?  Listen, if you want to sip Chardonnay in the upper west side with a bunch of intellectuals from Columbia, get the Times.  If you want to get invited to the best parties, walk past the line at Palladium, meet celebrities, get your name in the Post.  What do you want?  What is this about?  You want more money?  Close the door.  Have a seat.” — Matt Bromley

“So what’s she like?  I want details.  She blonde?  She got big tits?  She do that new Brazilian thing down there?  Don’t bullshit a bullshitter.  I’m proud of you.  I’m telling you, you put on that suit, you get behind that Cadillac, the pussy starts flowing like Niagara Falls.  I’ll get you your money.  Two conditions.  You work weekends when I ask, and you got to tell me the fucking truth.  Yeah?  Exotic.  It’s not my thing, but to each his own.  Do you love her?  You don’t.  You’re just not tired of fucking her yet.  Word of advice.  Don’t leave your wife.  And if you get her pregnant, you come talk to me immediately.” — Matt Bromley


Stan Bowes, Pose, FX Networks, Color Force, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Television, Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions, Evan PetersStan Bowes

“We’re Irish-Italian.  What’s your background?  Usually, that’s a detriment.  Well, I want to be you.  I want what you have.  I want a view of the river or the park or both.  I want to be able to walk by a shop on Fifth, see something in the window for my wife, and just go buy it.” — Stan Bowes

“What do you mean?  Get in.  No.  Where do you usually go?  Didn’t know that was an option.  People really do that?  I’m, uh… celebrating.  I got a job.  It’s an office, on Park Avenue.  Do you like music?  Kind of a hobby of mine.  Listening, not playing.  Yeah.  Take off your skirt.  And, uh… um… now your… take off your panties.  It’s not that little.  Yeah, I guess mine are all on the inside, though.  Can we talk?  You.  You, um… tell me about you.  Like, what do you want, out of life?  Drink?  Can I kiss you?” — Stan Bowes

“Hey!  Hey, baby.  Hi.  Show me.  Show me, show me.” — Stan Bowes

“What are you doing here?  I have a wife.  And kids.  You’re not somebody I can be with.  Please go.” — Stan Bowes

“Cheers.  Get used to it.  Oh.  Thank you.  Thank you, sir.  Dip it in the butter.  Is it as good as you imagined?  Mmm.  A lobster bib?  No.  Just don’t get butter on your bow.  What’s better, the dream or the reality?  Happy anniversary, baby.” — Stan Bowes

“Hi.  It’s nice to see you, too.” — Stan Bowes

“Yeah, well, this is what success looks like.  You serious?  Do you see how underwater we are now?  Look at all this.  We need all that stuff.  You don’t understand how it works out there in Manhattan, okay?  You have to look the part or they won’t let you into the big club.  You wore that gown to the big event at 21 the other night, and now they all think you’re one of them.  So what?!  You know anybody with a corner office in one of those skyscrapers in Midtown?  Or a place in Montauk of their own?  No.  You don’t.  Because people like us don’t get invited.  We don’t get a shot at it.  But I got a one-in-a-million chance here, and I made that happen because I’m adaptable.  I know how to play the part.  But you have no idea how much pressure that puts on me.  I have to be on 100% of the time, and I can’t do that if you’re second-guessing me and pressuring me to buy things that you don’t need and that we can’t afford!  I got to go back to the office.  Yeah, it’s Saturday.” — Stan Bowes

“I’m no one.  I want what I’m supposed to want, I wear what I’m supposed to wear, and I work where I’m supposed to work.  I stand for nothing.  I’ve never fought in a war and I probably won’t ever have to, ’cause the next one’s gonna kill us all.  I can buy things I can’t afford, which means they’re never really mine.  I don’t live.  I don’t believe.  I accumulate.  I’m a brand– a middle class white-guy.  But you’re who you are even though the price you pay for it is being disinvited from the rest of the world.  I’m the one playing dress-up.  Is it wrong to want to be with one of the few people in the world who isn’t, to have one person in my life who I know is real?  You’d be crazy to choose this life if you didn’t have to.” — Stan Bowes


Patty Bowes, Pose, FX Networks, Color Force, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Television, Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions, Kate MaraPatty Bowes

“Yeah?  Is it…?  You can show daddy,  Daddy’s home now, you can show him right now.  What is this?  Here, let’s knock it over.” — Patty Bowes

“Cheers, babe.  So this is what it’s like to be a person at the top of the Rainbow Room.  Thank you.  Okay.  Mmm.  Mmm.  I used to dream about having lobster.  Like those fancy people down by the shore.  I used to picture myself wearing one of those bibs, you know?  Yeah, a lobster bib.  Should I be wearing one right now?  I mean, you cannot imagine a taste you never tasted.  But I would just imagine what I would feel like when I finally got to eat it.  The reality.  Because I’m having it with you.” — Patty Bowes

“You think we’re successful enough to get a dishwasher?  We have a Cadillac in the garage.  There’s a ball gown in mine that costs $900 that I’ve worn once.  If we don’t have any money, then how are you paying for all these things?  We need a dishwasher.  We have a baby, and I’m up doing dishes by hand until the Tonight Show starts.  So what?  No.  Baby, baby, is any of this really worth it?  It’s Saturday.  If I’m gonna have to put up with this version of you, I should at least get a dishwasher out of it.  Asshole.” — Patty Bowes

“All you playboys long for family life, but you couldn’t stand it once you got it.” — Patty Bowes


Helena St. Rogers, Pose, FX Networks, Color Force, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Television, Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions, Charlayne WoodardHelena St. Rogers

“Can I help you?  We’re pretty strict about those things.  He can apply in the spring.  Have a seat.  I don’t understand what you want me to do.  We’ve accepted our fall class.  We are full.  Who are you again?” — Helena St. Rogers

“We just want to see you dance.” — Helena St. Rogers

“Five, six, seven, eight.  Two, two, three, four five, six, seven, eight.  Three, two, three, four, five, six.  Seven, eight, four, two– get that leg higher.  Higher!  Stop.  Damon.  Warmed up?  Warm-up was half an hour ago when class started.  Marcus.  Where’d you come from for class?  Uh-huh.  He was on time.  I have two tools I use to get students to reach their potential.  Encouragement and shame.  Taking you to the ballet, that was encouragement.  But that didn’t work, so now I’m moving on to shame.  I took a chance on you.  And I don’t care if you’re the next Alvin Ailey, you will never know if you don’t have any respect for me or this place or yourself.  Greatness comes from suffering.  From failing over and over until you bleed and cry.  And then, finally, something inside just cracks open.  Time is not your friend.  It’s coming for you, for all of us.  It shows no mercy and it always wins, and then you’re gone, forgotten.  A ball?  Is that the size of your dreams now?  Get out of my class.  Now.  Let’s go from the top.  And… five, six, seven, eight.” — Helena St. Rogers



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