Picture this: an afternoon in the West Village, with stars Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey at the center of a cozy, midcentury-masculine backdrop filled with taxidermy and vintage aesthetics. Article written by Raymond Ang and captured by Quil Lemons, the scene was set for a laid-back conversation about divas, dreams, Catholic guilt, and the revolutionary gay liberation tale woven into the fabric of their latest project.
However, there’s a twist—the stars have burgers on their minds, and the chosen restaurant, with its Hemingwayesque ambiance, only offers snacks and salads. The craving leads the duo to the legendary Corner Bistro, just a six-minute walk away, where the discussion about burgers, In-N-Out, and New York’s finest ensues.
Amidst the casual banter and delicious distractions, the duo delves into the heart of their latest venture—Showtime’s epic series, ‘Fellow Travelers.’ Set against the backdrop of historic gay bars like Stonewall Inn and Julius, the show pays homage to the pivotal moments in LGBTQIA+ history. A blend of love story and political thriller, the narrative unfolds from the 1950s Lavender Scare to the 1980s AIDS crisis, expanding Thomas Mallon’s novel into a captivating journey through decades and pivotal events.
Jelani Alladin, who plays a queer Black journalist in the series, emphasizes the importance of recognizing LGBTQIA+ history beyond Stonewall, challenging false narratives. ‘Fellow Travelers’ emerges not just as a sexy and compelling series but also as an essential history lesson, shedding light on dark periods often overlooked in mainstream education.
The series, with its steamy scenes and unapologetic approach to queer desire, challenges traditional portrayals of LGBTQIA+ characters in big-budget productions. Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey embody characters who navigate the complexities of power and intimacy, breaking free from stereotypes.
Religion becomes a prominent theme in ‘Fellow Travelers,’ mirroring the struggles faced by the characters. Bomer and Bailey, much like their on-screen personas, discuss negotiating religion within their queer identities. The article, available on gq.com, provides a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes camaraderie, the series’ exploration of joy amidst struggles, and the radical portrayal of queer intimacy in a major network production. The stars share their thoughts on the series’ revolutionary stance, shattering the shackles of shame and embracing diverse expressions of love and desire.
Written by @raymondangas
Photographs by @quillemons
Styled by Moses Moreno
Grooming by @melissa.dezarate
Set Design by @danieljhorowitz
