“I guess that’s what you might call a drag queen.” We’re at a bowling alley in the far reaches of Kenner, Louisiana shooting Derek for an industrial. He wears striking but not particularly drag queen-y makeup. Of course he wants to look his best, and even Bradley Cooper wears makeup in the movies. Derek’s black tunic is slit up both sides and swishes around his shins. Black skinny jeans underneath. He looks more like a rock star than a drag queen. The same good old boy asks if we’re making a movie. I tell him no. It takes all kinds to make the world go round, he says. There is tenderness and curiosity in his tone. This good old boy has a nephew that’s gay. He’s proud of him, he says. He’s in awe that one so young can walk the road less traveled and not be afraid. Derek says “I’m a man first and gay second.” #bowling #acceptance #gaypride