Given that it's Henry's first foray into documentary film making, I believe Talbott Street 1980-1986 is an ambitious piece. Although there were a few tales of celebrity wrangling, Henry confesses that it wasn't too difficult to book major headliners like Linda Clifford and Sylvester because the artists loved coming to Indianapolis thanks to local hospitality and friendliness. Overall, the documentary is a wonderful homage to a unique piece of Indiana history. This combined with the fact that smaller bars were becoming more popular - some declaring that the Talbott Street scene was "so over" - he decided to close up shop. But the AIDS epidemic began to take a large toll on the club by the mid-80s. He wanted to created a safe space where local Indy gays, lesbians, transgenders, and, yes, even straights, could hang out without fear or shame. Although he was only a hyperactive 22-year-old when he opened the club in 1980, Henry admits that it was a big success in spite of the odds. Thankfully, during the Q&A following the documentary, an attendee thought to ask what led to Henry's decision to close Talbott Street in 1986. This reality is all the more reason to note the poignant sadness that lingers over the film's end when Henry declares - rather abruptly - after six wonderful years, he chose to close the nightclub's doors. For example, the Christmas holiday brought many together not only for the celebration of the season, but for solace as well. It was also a home to many Indianapolis gays and lesbians who weren't accepted yet in their own homes at that time. One of the more enjoyable details of the documentary is how Henry makes a point to hammer home that Talbott Street was not just a popular disco to help you forget your troubles week after week. Henry politely refused and went ahead with the extravaganza (marquee and all). A few days before the big day, Henry was approached by local police officers asking him to take down the sign or at least remove the word "GAY" for they could not guarantee anyone's safety on the night of the show.
One particular story the film shares involved the nightclub marquee displaying " MISS GAY INDIANA" in large letters in preparation for the inaugural event. Talbott Street contest, the In Concert series, and the Miss Gay Indiana pageant. Without taking any direct credit, Henry is clearly responsible for the launch of the Mr. In addition to the footage of drag queen showstoppers like Billy Blake and Ruth Dix, Talbott Street of the 1980s also played host to performances by such gay icons as Linda Clifford, Grace Jones, Sylvester, and the one and only Divine.ĭuring the first half of the '80s, Talbott Street grew to become a mecca of Indianapolis' queer nightlight. History buffs and Indy natives are not only given a fresh perspective on this singular hotspot, but are introduced to yet another reason for local Hoosiers to be proud of their hometown. Henry, the documentary opened on black-and-white photos and a narrative voiceover explaining the history of Talbott Street. After a short introduction from Talbott Street's current owner, Michael Strapulos, and a brief "What was my motivation?" from the man himself, Kent J. Henry's documentary Talbott Street 1980-1986 was a huge success with the Indianapolis family and allies alike. Packing in a larger audience than the premiere night feature film Violet Tendencies, Kent J. With that in mind and my umbrella in tow, Saturday afternoon found me in the Toby Theater at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Indianapolis LGBT Film Festival. So imagine my excitement when I discovered that the festival had not floundered in my absence. Before I moved to the West Coast in 2004, I had the pleasure of becoming a fan of the local LGBT film festival here in Indy.