.gay Movies: "All Man" An Interview with Producer Peter Jones

Jun 8

Oh hey, .gay! On this #FilmFriday, we are thrilled to present an exclusive interview with the renowned producer Peter Jones, who brought to life the captivating documentary "ALL MAN: The International Male Story."

This remarkable film sheds light on the groundbreaking impact of International Male, a men's catalog, which challenged the traditional norms surrounding masculinity and sexuality in the US fashion industry.

In our conversation with Peter, we delved into crucial themes, including the profound effect of the AIDS epidemic, the celebration and representation of queer culture during a time of limited acceptance, and the far-reaching influence that “International Male” had on popular culture.

We invite you to learn more about this remarkable tale below as we explore the complex yet fascinating topics of masculinity, flamboyance, and confidence.

*(Peter Jones in his office, with a camera. 📸 Phillip Graybill)*

What inspired you to create this documentary?

During these divisive times, I wanted to share the untold story of a band of outsiders, many of them rejected by their own families, who came together and made fashion history while having one hell of a good time.

Can you speak to the impact that International Male had on LGBTQ+ communities in the '80s and '90s?

In the middle of the plague that was HIV-AIDS, the International Male catalog provided a life raft of hope, featuring beautiful, healthy men frolicking around the globe in kaleidoscopic leisure wear that took everyone's mind off of the most devastating period of gay history.

The AIDS crisis is part of LGBTQ+ history that often goes unacknowledged in mainstream media. Can you speak to your decision to include this topic in the documentary and the impact you hope it has on viewers?

Long before Covid-19, Dr. Anthony Fauci first made a name for himself by teaching the public about the scourge of HIV-AIDS. There are strong parallels that will become clear to people who weren't alive in the 80s/90s. The AIDS section is the emotional climax of our film.

*(International Male catalogs, arranged in a fan shape. 📸 Jonathan Ingalls)*

In what ways did the catalog and fashion choices depicted in the film serve as a representation and celebration of queer culture during a time when it was not widely accepted?

People at the time misidentified International Male as "that gay catalog". Rather, it was a fashion-forward catalog created for all men - hence the film's title All Man: The International Male Story.

"All Man" celebrates International Male as a secret handshake that gave closeted LGBTQ+ teenagers and flamboyant club-goers permission to be themselves. Can you speak to the importance of media representation in providing this kind of validation and acceptance for LGBTQ+ communities?

I'll let All Man speak for itself. I will quote the legendary producer Sam Goldwyn: "I don't care if this picture makes a dime - just as long as every man, woman, and child in America sees it."