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Blond Ambition dancers on Madonna and her LGTB Legacy
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In 1990 Madonna launched her record-breaking Blond Ambition World Tour, which showcased the pop icon at the very peak of her fame, which would eventually become the documentary Truth or Dare.
The doc chronicled Madonna on the road, behind the scenes and in bed with her Blond Ambition family of backup singers and dancers and is still considered groundbreaking for it’s candid, matter-of-fact depiction of the private lives of her seven dancers, six of whom were gay.
Carlton: There was hesitancy because I was so riddled with secrets back then. No one knew the quandary I had. [Wilborn has revealed in other interviews that he tested HIV-positive prior to the tour.]
Carlton: Even today when I think about certain moments what surprises me is just how raw some of those moments are. We’re at a table and I pull my penis out! I was surprised I did that. We didn’t go into any of those moments or those days with any sort of premeditated anything so I was surprised by what I was doing. The fact that by the end of the movie I’m naked…No one knew I was funky as a dog in that scene with Madonna on the bed where I am throwing her around. I was surprised I was that cavalier with Madonna and that I was so ballsy to yank her around.
In 1991 very few mainstream films had shown the lives of gay men so vividly. For some younger gay viewers it was the first time they would see two men kissing passionately, going to a gay pride parade or embracing their sexuality so openly.
Kevin: I’m glad we were in an environment where we could be ourselves completely. I was just discovering my sexuality at the same time so it was exploration for me. It was my first time at a gay pride parade; the first time I ever heard of one even. I’m so grateful to have been surrounded by LGBT vanguards who were boldly and happily themselves with very little attention on garnering validation from disapproving masses.
Slam: I was living my life as who I was. I am proud to have been a part of such a huge movement. We did something that at the time wasn’t cool, but it’s cool now. Looking back I am so happy to have inspired and touched so many people.
Luis: We honestly didn’t know the impact it would make on others. That’s the biggest gift that has come out of this film. I still hear from guys saying, “ I remember when the film came out and I was in flux with my sexuality. You gave me that inspiration to come out and feel good about myself” It’s a true gift.
On the premiere night
Donna: That night we were all celebrities. We were at a theater in Hollywood. I think it was on Sunset. There were two premieres we went to. There were some things I said that I was really hoping were not in the movie so I was nervous watching it at first. But then I was blown away at how brilliant and entertaining it was. But I was kinda holding my breath in a couple places. Luckily for me my personal stuff wasn’t in there but other peoples were. I was really feeling for them. Gabriel’s parents didn’t’ know he was gay. That was intense. I was feeling people’s uneasiness.
Carlton: The graveyard moment. I know Madonna’s facial expressions enough. In those moments I saw her face the way that most people have not seen her: the authenticity of vulnerability. I like that version of her. I’ve always liked that version of her. Even from videos she has done since, when she is more humanized, like the video for “Bad Girl.” I just like her as a lovely woman.
In January 1992 three of the Blond Ambition dancers, Oliver Crumes, Kevin Stea and Gabriel Trupin, filed a lawsuit against Madonna. The suit claimed that their privacy had been invaded during the filming of Truth or Dare. After two years of litigation a settlement was finally reached.
Carlton: The cameras were not in secret places. My position was- be aware that this is gonna be seen. If you don’t want it to be seen- don’t show it. I feel that the guys that went a long with the lawsuit found an opportunistic moment to take advantage of her. That’s my position and they know that’s my position. When we are all in bed and Madonna says, “How do we want this to be rated?” and we all scream, “X” there would be no reason for a conversation about ratings if they thought it was just gonna be for her personal library. That makes no sense. I said that in the deposition. We all knew what we were doing. It would have been one thing if every month for a couple hours somebody just had a camera out. But there was a crew. We had interviews set up. They weren’t stupid. That wasn’t for her to go watch in her bedroom by herself.
Carlton: It opened doors. I have an acting career now that was launched because of my attachment to Truth or Dare. I know I was invited into rooms in the 1990s, and some now because of my involvement with the film.
Luis: A few years ago my partner and I got into a conversation and he said, “Oh honey, no one knows who you are.” I said, “Ok, whatever.” We literally walked into the Yogurt Stop and the 18 year old behind the counter nearly has a heart attack and says, “Oh my god, you’re Luis Camacho.” I was like, “Honey, can you please take our picture? Snap!”
Slam: I really love the fact that I am still inspiring generations. It’s very touching and empowering.
Kevin: As time passes it becomes very apparent that it was a career defining moment and the impact of the tour and movie is still being felt today on a level deeper than most of the high profile gigs I’ve done since.
Carlton: I’m surprised that it still matters to people. I still get fan feedback response to them seeing me in a movie. It’s amazing that I’m time capsuled in something as iconic as Truth or Dare. The enduring lasting legacy of Truth or Dare is the statement of Express Yourself. I am still to this day in the practice of doing that. I think that’s a powerful message.
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Full Lenghty Fascinating Interview
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