JOHN SCAGLIOTTI

FRF Interviews John Scagliotti, producer of Before Stonewall and Co-Director of After Stonewall.

FRF: What was your filmmaking experience before these films?

John: I actually started in commercial radio. I was the News Director of one of the biggest Rock and Roll stations. In fact, we started a monthly gay cultural program, called Lavender Hour in 1973. It was the first commercial gay radio program in the country. We presented some of the early pioneers in gay and lesbian poetry, music and drama." I was also doing lots of radio documentaries for the stations with music and sound effects. I thought it would be interesting if they had pictures too. So ten years into my career I quit radio and went to NYU Film School.

FRF: What inspired you to make these two films?

John: I think after the Stonewall Riots, so many people were coming out, and people were beginning to share and talk with each other; that was part of coming out. I started hearing these great stories of what gay life was like in the old days. These stories people would tell were all fascinating stories of events in their past lives, and I just wanted to be able to let others share in this history too.

FRF: What aspect of this history was most surprising to you?

John: The most amazing thing about early gay history was how much of it was hidden. When we started Before Stonewall we could hardly find anything in the libraries. The library of Congress didn't even have such a category. Part of our work was to get people to open their attics or look under their beds. We actually had to go through people's stuff to find the visuals. The stuff was there but just not in the kinds of places where one could get access. It was all underground. Now, there are many gay and lesbian archives with lots of visuals, pictures, posters, recordings. Saving our history has become a major part of the gay and lesbian community.

FRF: How do you view today’s climate in America towards gay culture in light of its history?

John: Well I think people realize that knowing your history is very important in understanding where gay culture comes from. People put down cruising as bad form, but don't realize for many gay men it was the only way to meet others of your own kind. It was important to know how drag queens were involved in the first big riot, Stonewall. Knowing where you came from helps you move forward. Plus it is a fascinating history, full of amazing stories of courage and struggle. This gives great comfort to those who are still not able to come forward as open gay and lesbian people.

FRF: Why do you think gay marriage has been a hot topic at this particular point in time?

John: In After Stonewall, we have one of the first gay marriage protests in the early 70's. People did it as a lark and everyone never thought it was serious. As if there would ever be a chance of this happening. I think the reason it took off recently is that so many gay folks, especially lesbians, have families and are much more concerned about the protections that marriage offers for families. Where I live in Vermont, hundreds of lesbians with their children, friends and family literally took over the Capitol building during the Civil Union debates. It was an impressive sight and I think many straight legislators began seeing that these people were very serious about getting equal rights. I think it was all those children. People just started following the lesbian grassroots and the gay leadership realized it better get on board that train.

FRF: What are some other projects that you are working on or would like to work on?

John: Well I am very interested in the global aspects of gay and lesbian life. What is going on in India and Muslim countries with these issues fascinates me and I think others want to know about it too. I just finished a film on gay life in the developing world (called Dangerous Living) and what an adventure. I think ever since 9/11 people want to know what is happening in other parts of the world -- and I think that goes for gay folks too.

FRF: What is your favorite gay film and why?