Pose (2018–…): Season 2, Episode 4 - Episode #2.4 - full transcript
("A Love Bizarre" by Sheila E.
And Prince playing)
Dip, spin, work, turn!
Yes, children, feast your eyes
on these fierce
and flexible queens, baby.
Yeah!
This display of talent
is the reason why
the world is trying to be us.
Ah, work it out!
Da-da-da-da-da, ah!
Sha-wham, sha-wham, sha-wham!
Ah! Y'all drinking
for free tonight.
Bartender, put they tab
on Daddy.
All right, look.
Clear the floor.
Clear the floor.
All right, all right.
Now, we all know
this Madonna song
has been bumpin' hard.
Madonna has accomplished
quite the feat,
topping the charts for
two consecutive weeks, right?
Right.
We done changed
the culture, y'all!
Now that everybody in the world
is trying to learn
how to Vogue...
Mm-hmm.
It's time for us
to switch it up.
Keep 'em guessing.
Put a little twist on Vogue!
All right!
The category is... Lofting.
Yes, divas, I want to see
all my banjee boys
and all my tops serving trade
to hit the floor
and Vogue!
Come on, Shadow,
giving us that signature line
that the world knows as Vogue,
but then he drops
right into the banjee boy.
Yeah, you don't know nothin'
about that.
Uh-huh, uh-huh.
Who's next? Who's next?
Ah... come on,
Lemar Evangelis...
no, is it... yeah, uh, Wintour!
Lemar Wintour.
You know, she a house hopper.
She a house hopper, baby.
It's all good, though.
You looking real banjee today.
I got one thing to say, though.
That little shimmering earring
will get you clocked.
Darling, you've been warned.
You know I love you, girl.
Oh... Yes!
Gravity Ebony certainly has
his own laws
of motion.
And it's larger than the ocean.
Ah, what?!
Oh, that's for the young,
hung, and full of what?
Ow!
Oh, oh, the head, bitch.
- He don't even have the cardboard!
- I need him in my house.
No, are you done?
He don't even need
the cardboard, bitches!
Tens across the board.
Whew! Lord Jesus, y'all done
wore me out on this evening.
Y'all done wore me out.
If there's anybody else
who thinks they can top
what we just seen...
I don't think there is, but
if you're bold enough to try,
come on, the floor is all yours.
Going once, going twice.
Uh-huh, just as I suspected.
There ain't nobody,
so the category is... ugh.
Oh, here we go.
This bitch again.
What's happening?
I can't with her.
Okay.
Okay, cut the music.
Please cut the music.
I have to say, bitch,
you do have nerve.
You really do have nerve,
but what are you doing?
I'm paying tribute to Madonna.
The woman that put Vogue
on the map.
Now put that music
back on, bitch.
The category is called Lofting.
It is a dance category
for actual dancers.
We've been down
this road before.
You are not a dancer,
you are not a Voguer,
and quite frankly,
I'm concerned about your health.
Break dancing might burst
that silicone.
And you don't want to go back
to that flat ass
you used to have, now, do you?
Pray, that's fucked up.
Why you always reading me
the riot act, Pray Tell?
You go out of your way
to put me down.
I don't have to put you down
when you're always
in the bottom.
You stood up there on your perch
talking about "It's our time.
"Our time to be seen.
To show the world what we got."
- That's right.
- Yes.
That's right.
But in this room,
you the only one
that refuse to see that
I got something to contribute.
I got heart.
I got talent.
I'm a star, just like Madonna.
Okay.
Judges, your scores.
Five. Five.
Zero.
- Nobody gets a zero.
- Six.
Five. I don't know
what to tell you, girl.
The cards don't lie.
You gonna regret your words.
I'm a star.
I know who I am.
Yes, you are.
I am somebody.
Yes, you are.
Okay, you go on ahead and be
somebody, Miss Jesse Jackson.
Just not on my floor.
Music, please.
♪ I got the power ♪
Take a hike and don't
ever come back.
♪ I got the power,
power, power. ♪
The category is...
Live...
Work...
Pose!
- You two are looking fierce.
- All right, Nurse Debbie,
work it out.
Now, you may want
to visit a mirror,
perfect some
of them moves, girl.
Sometimes I feel like God
is playing a joke on us.
We've been trying to break out
into the mainstream for years,
and now she lets it happen
in the middle of a plague.
Yeah, and white folks just want
a smile and a show.
Not all but most.
Well, that's why we got to do
this AIDS Cabaret again.
Give 'em a show
but also spread awareness.
Girl, that bitch was
Voguing at us.
Been watching too much MTV.
I can't blame her, though.
- I love that damn song.
- Yes.
Which is why you have to come up
and see what we're doing
at the balls.
The crowds have been
crazy, crazy packed.
Which means everybody is
on their "A" game.
You and Wanda would love it.
I want to,
but, you know, we're asleep
before you kids start putting
on your makeup.
Listen, I only have
a 20-minute lunch break.
- We got to get down to business.
- Oh.
So we're meeting
in this hellhole
because of your schedule, huh?
That's right, honey.
All right.
Well, I've been putting
a lot of thought into it,
and, after Lorna Luft's
surprise appearance
at last year's cabaret,
we can expect
much larger crowds, right?
So I'm thinking maybe we start
with a big group number.
Get the energy going,
and the crowd...
Pray, we're not here to talk
about the AIDS Cabaret.
What?
This isn't another
intervention, is it?
I've been doing real good
with my drinking.
Blanca, may I?
Yeah.
This is Blanca's blood work.
She's been on AZT, as you know,
for a few weeks now,
and already we're starting
to see her T cells climb.
I told you a million times
I'm not taking that toxic shit.
I don't trust it,
I don't like it.
I ain't doing it.
Well, that was then,
this is now.
Blanca told me
about that voodoo shit
you were doing over the weekend.
Oh, did she, now?
You skinny queens
are gonna experience
some fat bitch food tonight.
This is disgusting.
The guy at the yoga center said
eating a pound of butter
every day with some mineral oil
can help lower an HIV viral load
by flushing the virus
from the gut.
This guy said a pound.
Bitch, don't act like you didn't
use a pound last night.
Don't act new.
All right.
Bon... apé... tit.
My pilot light was broken,
I needed Blanca's stove,
and it wasn't
none of her business
to be telling you nothing.
If you're willing to eat
a pound of butter a day,
it's obvious
that you're investing
in improving your numbers.
Why won't you go on AZT?
Because I prefer
a more holistic approach.
That shit ain't gonna work.
Your numbers are dropping.
Mine ain't that low.
I really, really don't
appreciate y'all
talking down to me like this.
Can I not just enjoy my life
for one minute?
Just one!
Pray, we want more moments
with you, that's all.
We're doing it
because we love you.
Find another way to love me!
Please find another way.
Now, if you'll excuse me...
I need to go
and resuscitate what's left
of my good mood
that y'all just killed.
I have a life to live.
Hear ye, hear ye.
Now that we have all ordered
our grand slam breakfasts,
it's time for the first
bi-monthly.
Masters of Ceremony Council
to officially begin.
Manhattan, as our secretary,
you will read us the agenda.
So please tell us what we all
dragged ourselves out of bed
to talk about this morning.
We need to find a way
to get these bitches
to pay up their dues
and donations.
Those trophies
don't buy themselves.
I know that's right.
And the moments of silence for
individual brothers and sisters
is getting out of hand.
We need to vote
on just one moment
for the ones we've lost
at the beginning of each ball
to save time.
It's come to that?
Jesus.
And on a lighter note,
we need to discuss Madonna.
- Ah...
- The queen.
She's putting so many new eyes
on our scene.
We need to be prepared.
Which is why I've been saying
we need to vote
on a new modern category.
Agreed.
Some of these categories
are from 1973.
Yeah, but we got
to be careful, protective.
Remember who this is for.
- Yeah.
- Us.
Our community.
We are not a tourist attraction.
No, we're not.
Our greatest asset is
our authenticity.
One of the children suggested
we add a lip-synch category.
Ah, ah, ah. I'm shutting
that shit down right now.
If they want to go do that, they
can go on down to the Village
to one of them gay bars
and pretend to be Patti LaBelle
for all them white boys
in their blue jeans.
Yes. Okay, downtown.
- All the way downtown.
- What is real
about flapping your jaw
to a cassette tape?
- Okay?
- That is not how you do a ball.
- Mm-hmm.
- It's how you do ventriloquism.
Bullshit.
Well, well, well, if it ain't
the dummy herself.
Did you follow me here,
Carmen Sandiego?
No. A little birdie told me
that the council
was meeting this morning.
And everybody knows that this is
where you bottoms brunch.
Listen. I heard y'all was gonna
be talking about new categories,
and I just wanted to be here
in the flesh to state my case
before you girls end my dreams.
Candy, please don't
do this to me today.
My patience is as thin
as your wallet.
Candy, what is your problem,
girl?
You snag trophies every time
you walk the face category.
It's not just about winning.
It's about getting seen.
And I clocked Junior Vasquez
at the ball the other night.
Who that?
Girl, is you asleep
at the wheel?
It's only the biggest DJ
in New York.
And you said it yourself,
Pray Tell.
The eyes of the world are on us.
And I need to catch that gaze.
You hear me?
I'm a performer.
A star.
So why don't we just come up
with some categories
so we can show that off?
So, would you like us to put
a pole in the middle of the room
- so you can show us all your hidden talents?
- Ooh!
Lip-synching is the future.
Girls are making serious coin
in those downtown bars.
Okay, this is not The Gong Show.
This is not Puttin' on the Hits.
You are relentless, Candy,
I'll give you that.
And I admire it, but I suggest
that you take this energy
somewhere else,
because I will never bring
this category up for a vote.
Motion denied.
- Oh... - Done. -Yeah.
How about that?
Oh!
Why can't you take me seriously,
Pray Tell?
What are you gonna do?
Stab me in broad daylight?!
Do it, bitch.
You ain't seen the last of me.
Enjoy your meeting.
She's...
Motherfucker.
Yeah, I'm done.
I assume she's a Scorpio.
Ah, the category
is Higher than Heaven.
This is an avant-garde
fashion category.
You bitches best not
waste my time now.
Because I'm looking
for innovative experimentation.
Oh, come on, girl.
Oh, give me that little shimmy.
Look at you there,
like you just fell
into a vat of powdered doughnuts
face-first!
I ain't mad at you, bitch!
Judges, your score!
Wow, work it out!
And what have we here?
Swirling around in intergalactic
splendor, bitch.
Like you going to a party
at the Jetsons' house, baby.
Mm-hmm.
Yes. Give me the... ooh.
Ba-boo, boo, boo.
Give me the scores, y'all.
Uh-huh.
Oh, shit.
All right, Kiki, I see you.
Oh, shit!
I see your new piece of trade
works at the pet store,
don't he?
It's for birds,
real fucking birds, bitch!
Yes. Judges, your score?
Ten, ten, ten, ten, ten.
Come on and get...
Well, I don't know
that you can pick up
your trophy,
'cause you ain't got
no arms, bitch.
What you gonna do?
- Yo, can we have some birds at the house?
- No, we not doing all that.
- I want some birds at the house.
- Come with me.
- What?
- It's important.
- ♪ Hold on. ♪
- It's Candy.
She missed her last two shifts
at the club.
And she hasn't come home yet.
That's not like her,
not to check in with me after.
After what?
Being a mother's
expensive, Blanca.
W-We've been tight
on cash, and...
to make ends meet,
she been taking tricks
down at the motel on Grant.
- You know that's not safe.
- I told her not to, Blanca.
But y'all know Candy.
She gonna do
what she want to do.
Well, did you go to the motel
and see if she was there?
No.
Blanca...
Blanca, I don't want
to go alone.
Come on, let's go.
Hi. We're looking
for a girl named Candy.
We get a lot of girls in here.
Here.
This is her picture. Please.
Girl, tell him about the vanity.
She told me on numerous
occasions she always asked
for room 44 'cause it has
a vanity in it.
Do you see the sign out front?
We rent rooms by the hour.
People are coming in and out
of here like Grand Central.
Wait, someone's
still in room 44.
Can we knock
and just see if it's her?
- Fuck that, and fuck you.
- Look,
- just do your fucking job, please.
- Lulu, stop.
- Okay.
- Listen...
Here's my home phone number.
We'll leave it here
with a picture of Candy.
If you hear anything,
please just...
just please call me.
Come on, Lulu.
This is all we gonna have
for Friday night dinner?
Friday night dinner
is canceled this week.
All hands on deck
to look for Candy.
Okay, so I'll search
the west side pier.
- And Pray and I will go to Harlem.
- Yeah.
Angel, you stake out the club.
Oh, yo,
I'll do that with her, too.
I'm sure you would love to do
that, but you're on phone duty.
Call in every hour
so we can coordinate.
No one sleeps tonight
until we find her.
She might not have been in our
house, but she's our sister.
Please.
Allow me.
Hello?
Ma, it's for you.
Hello?
This is Blanca.
That's her.
- Hey.
- Hey, girl. Come in. Let's...
- We got to talk.
- What is it?
- Did you find Candy?
- Let's just wait
- until Elektra gets...
- Tell me now, please.
Candy's not coming home.
What do you mean?
Listen, I don't know how to say
this. I just got the call.
Candy's dead.
What?
That's not possible.
I just talked to her
two days ago.
No...
She was just making plans
for the future.
I know.
Blanca.
No.
Thank you, Mother.
I need you to tell me
what happened, please.
I got a call
from the motel manager.
He said after we left,
he was curious
about what was happening
in those rooms.
So the maid went into the room
to clean it.
Housekeeping.
They found Candy's body
dead in the closet.
Oh, God.
- Do they know who did it, Blanca?
- No.
But they are looking.
The NYPD doesn't care
about a murdered transsexual.
We've never been treated
with respect or dignity.
Candy's death
isn't any different.
Well, it should be.
Especially to us.
No matter what,
she was our sister.
What is it, May?
And 11 girls have been killed
this year.
We just keep sitting around
here, looking all sad.
We're letting it happen.
Candy would've wanted us
to fight.
Okay? She would've wanted us
to stand up
and say this is fucked up.
She would have wanted us
to honor her memory.
So, then what do we do, Elektra?
We plan a celebration
of her life.
But we got to get her body
from the morgue.
And I just don't know
how to do that.
None of us are
her blood relatives.
You and I will handle that.
Angel, you get a hold
of Candy's parents.
Let them know what happened.
We're going to make it
through this.
I promise you.
I work on the eighth floor.
You used to date
my coworker Jeff.
You broke his heart, actually.
He wouldn't stop
talking about you.
Is that what he said?
Yes, but that's really not
what this is about.
Listen, I'm gay, you're gay.
We're all dancing
under the same fucking rainbow.
- We need your help.
- I'm sorry for your loss,
but you're asking me
to break the law.
Okay, l-let me put it
to you in a different way.
Let's say things had worked out
between you and Jeff,
and you'd gotten married.
And after 30 years of bliss,
he dies on you.
According to the law, you'd have
no right to claim his body.
Or his crazy family
could have blocked you
from entering his hospital room
in his final days.
That would be fucked up,
wouldn't it?
Yes, it would.
Well, we have
the same situation here.
Blanca and Elektra
are Candy's family,
and I need you
to release her body to them
so we can give this girl
a proper funeral.
I'll take the fall
for whatever happens.
Just, please give us a break.
Write down the address
of the funeral parlor
you'd like to use.
I'll send her there.
Where's Lulu?
She can't take it.
She can't see her this way.
You think she blames herself
for getting Candy that job?
I don't know.
I never understood that one.
She always walked
in Candy's shadow.
I embalmed her myself.
No charge. She had been here
almost every week
these past few months
paying respects
to so many friends.
She would always take the time
to greet me by my name.
I appreciated that.
I'll give you some time.
Oh, no, no, no, no, no.
That makeup is tore up
from the floor up.
What the hell
is with that church lady wig?
Even I wouldn't wear that.
We can't let her go
in the ground
looking like my Aunt Carol.
She will come back and haunt us
to the end of our days.
We have to do something
about this.
Ladies, empty your purses.
We have two hours.
They couldn't even
acknowledge her
as their daughter.
- I feel like I failed her.
- No.
Don't you go blaming yourself
for their faults.
I had one final obligation
for Candy,
and I couldn't even do that.
Shit.
Lulu ain't even show up.
Grieving is tricky, baby.
We all deal
with loss differently.
She'll find her way.
You must be kind
to yourself today.
Besides, look how many people
- showed up for Candy.
- Right.
This is her family.
We were real to her.
Trust.
Now I'm-a go get
this thing started.
Hey, y'all.
Hey.
How's she doing?
As best she can.
How you holding up, hon?
I'm all right.
Okay.
I think it's time.
So, I'm not gonna stand up here
and lie to y'all today.
Miss Candy...
She was a pain
in my goddamn black ass.
Y'all know
what I'm talking about.
We didn't always see eye to eye,
but she was still my sister.
Like you all are my sisters
and my siblings and my children.
My cousins.
Y'all know family
don't always get along.
It's all right.
You know, I was...
I was sitting
in this very room, what?
Maybe a couple months ago...
at another memorial
saying farewell
to yet another friend.
And I overheard Miss Candy say
that funerals were a waste.
She said they were a waste
because...
"only the living get
to partake."
The departed are just
propped up for viewing.
- Mm-hmm.
- You know that's right.
Unable to see who showed up.
Unable to hear who cried out.
Unable to respond,
to speak their final truths.
We all have so much...
that we want to say to her
that will have
to remain unspoken.
We will never again get
the opportunity to...
tell her what she meant to us,
to thank her
for what she gave us,
and to give her the grandest,
shiniest motherfucking trophy
for her contribution
to our community!
Yes, sir.
But unfinished business is
the burden of the living.
We are charged
to continue on,
living through this tragedy
so that we can fight our hardest
to protect our sisters
from the hands
of men who are weak!
Who are afraid
to deal with their desires.
Today we mourn.
But tomorrow
we stand firmly together,
never losing sight
of who we truly are.
Yes, sir.
Goddamn right.
Now...
let us take a moment of silence
for our dearly departed,
taken too soon sister...
Miss Candy Ferocity.
I forgive you.
That's right, bitch.
I said I forgive you.
You need to know
I was a forgiving woman.
How the fuck else
you think I dealt
with all the backstabbers
in this world?
A woman's got to forgive.
Otherwise,
her complexion gets all hazy.
Least I died beautiful.
Not that you ever noticed.
I collected the finest trade
that Manhattan, Brooklyn,
and the Bronx had to offer.
But you?
I never once impressed you.
Why?
Why were you such an asshole
to me?
You gave plenty
of other people breaks
when they didn't deserve it.
Maybe...
Maybe I didn't want
to look at you.
You are unapologetic,
loud, black, femme.
All the things
I try to hide about myself
when I go out
into the real world.
You are all of them.
I guess...
in a way, I was just trying
to protect you.
What good is everyone's opinions
when you're gone?
I'm a free bird now.
No regrets.
That.
I was jealous of that bravery.
I never had a choice
to hide who I was.
My loudness walked into the room
before I did.
- Not a damn thing I could do
about that.
Maybe you're just doing what
you got to do to stay alive.
Maybe.
I'll tell you what.
It's gonna be a sad, lonely life
at those balls without me.
You know I would have killed
that lip-synch category,
- you bitch.
- Yeah.
Yes, you would, girl.
Pray.
Pray.
Get on with it.
Okay.
Thank you.
Thank you. So, y'all know
that Candy wouldn't want us
to drag this shit out,
so let's keep it moving.
I understand
that people have different ways
of mourning and grieving,
so if you have something
that you want to share or say,
please come up here
and express yourselves.
We are all here
to love and support each other.
I don't even know what to say.
This could've been me in there.
Why you?
Wh-Why not me?
This needs to be
a reminder to you
to reach for something more
than a quick coin.
But I'm not doing that no more.
But I can see you holding
those piers in your back pocket
in case this modeling thing
falls through.
- But we not allowed in that world.
- Stop doubting yourself.
You right. You the first,
the best of us.
Who better than you, bitch?
You gon' crack that door
wide open for girls like us.
That is your duty.
I better not see you back
at those tollbooths, neither.
- No.
- Unless you want me
- haunting you from the depths of hell.
- No.
I'm gonna miss you, Candy.
Don't waste your time
missing me.
Spend that energy
on a Candy girl out there.
Beautify her
in my stunning image.
Oh, and thanks
for trying with my parents.
You did right by me, sis.
Angel?
Lulu?
I didn't think you were coming.
I'm not staying.
I can't see her like that.
Laid in some box
with a bad beat.
It's not how
I want to remember her.
Lulu.
You choose
how you want to remember her.
This is just the moment.
Y'all have had thousands
of memories together.
Yeah.
And it's the bad ones
that always play in my head.
But... but don't you want
to say goodbye?
I'm so scared.
Me, too.
But, Lulu, the regret
that's gonna come over you
tomorrow is gonna be unbearable.
Trust me.
Seat taken?
Go ahead.
Any more luck getting through
that thick skull of Pray Tell's?
He won't budge,
and I'm getting worried.
He'll never admit to this,
but I can tell
he's lost a little weight,
and he's been drinking coffee
day and night
just to get his energy up.
I don't know what to do.
Well, you can't do anything.
It's up to him.
Excuse me. Will you two magpies
take your chitchat
somewhere else?
Some of us are trying
to be respectful.
Oh. Excuse me.
Don't even worry about her.
That's how she is.
Girl, I can't believe
you're gone.
Now I have to run this house
by myself.
You know I can't rely
on these girls for nothing.
I'm gonna miss your crazy ass.
You were a...
You were a thieving bitch!
That's my brooch!
You convinced me
Florida probably stole it.
You stole my style, my ideas,
and my gloves!
Is she taking her gloves?!
That's my motherfucking hat!
Lulu, stop, stop, stop, stop...
Get the fuck off of me!
Get the fuck out of my way.
- Oh.
- Uh-uh.
I'm not coming
to no family reunions.
They gonna be talking
about this funeral
for years now.
You know half the shit you took
off me wasn't even yours.
It seemed like a waste
to bury it with you.
True.
I was dying of boredom from all
those crocodile tears over me.
None of those people could stand
to give me one kind word
when I was alive.
At least you was honest.
I know why
it was hard for you in there.
You never liked me neither.
And why should I?
Yeah, we could do some damage
when we set our eyes on someone.
We could talk some shit.
But you and me...
We wasn't no Laverne
and motherfucking Shirley.
When did you ever
show me kindness?
I was your accessory,
and you resented me
because I was light-skinned
and thick.
And I played my strengths
at the balls.
It wasn't that bad.
Yes, it was.
Come on.
Remember that time
we stole that giant down coat
from Bloomingdale's?
And went to the A&P
and walked out
with an entire
Thanksgiving dinner underneath?
Or that time we snagged, like,
six trophies in one night.
That has got to be a record
or something.
Yeah.
Or when it was 20 below,
and we didn't have no heat,
and we had to snuggle together
under that giant
Bloomingdale's coat all night.
Okay, fine.
Maybe we had some good times.
We weren't all bad.
We weren't all good, either.
But some years gone,
something crazy or terrible
or hilarious is gonna happen,
and you're gonna look
at that space next to you
where I should be,
and I'm not gonna be there
to talk about it.
And you're gonna miss me, girl.
Time's gonna heal us
in a way it never could
if I was still alive.
You making me cry
and messing my makeup.
There's an old couple out there
looking like George and Weezy,
partaking in our refreshments.
What do you want me
to do about it?
Get out there
and shoo them away.
Hello.
Hello, I'm Blanca.
I'm Darnell Johnson.
This is my wife Vivica.
How did you know Candy?
Candy?
What kind of damn name is Candy?
It's the one she chose.
Candy was... our child.
He... was our son.
I'm so sorry.
She was a good person.
And Candy was loved.
You know, if it's
any consolation,
everyone showed up for her.
She was one of a kind.
Why don't y'all come on in back
and say goodbye.
I'll be right over there.
Just let me know
if you need anything.
Darnell, I don't know
if I can do this.
It's already okay.
Oh, my God.
Candy's parents came.
I can't believe you showed up.
Baby.
Why did it take me so long
to see you?
You refused to.
Ma, how many times you catch me
wearing your Revlon Charlie?
Or trying on your wigs?
Why didn't you ever scold me,
smack my behind,
shoo me away, something?
I thought you welcomed it.
Like me and you had
some sort of pact.
You were
my gateway to the feminine.
But when you rejected me,
I tried to tell you...
I didn't know.
I just thought
maybe you was creative.
At worst, gay.
But becoming a woman,
how was I supposed to respond?
Wasn't no guidebook
instructing me
on how to raise a child
like you.
This is me, Ma.
This is who I truly am.
I see that.
You know...
the outside is different,
but beneath it,
all I see is my baby.
I've missed you.
I missed you, too, Ma.
Daddy?
You always did have
a sweet spot for me,
in spite of my frilly ways.
You never knew
how to throw a spiral, but...
your tough behind
sure could tackle.
My little fighter.
All them...
boy things just wasn't your way.
But you had guts.
I got that from you.
Remember that dollhouse?
How could anyone ever forget?
You asked for it
for two birthdays,
a Christmas, and a Kwanzaa.
I knew you were the one
who got it for me.
I saw you,
sneaking in at bedtime.
I pretended to be asleep,
but I watched you
setting it up.
It was the best Christmas.
Ever.
I wanted my baby
to have what he...
I guess...
what she wanted.
I know you didn't
fully understand who I was
or what I went through.
But, that night,
I felt seen by you.
And having my daddy...
see me...
it gave me all the courage
I needed to become who I am.
I can't let you go.
We're just getting started.
You have to.
It's okay.
I love you, Daddy.
We want to thank Mr. and Mrs.
Johnson for coming out today.
Thank you so much.
So, if the MCs could come
and join me for a minute.
We have a very special
announcement to make.
So, we were gonna wait until
this weekend's ball to do this,
but I think now is
a, a more appropriate time.
In honor of Candy,
the MC Council has decided
that from here on,
we will be offering
a lip-synching category
at each and every ball.
We're gonna call the category...
Candy's Sweet Refrain.
I think she'd like that.
To Candy.
- To Candy.
- To Candy. -To Candy.
To Candy.
So,
if the pallbearers could come,
it's time.
("Never Knew Love Like This
Before" playing)
♪ I never knew love
like this before ♪
♪ Now I'm lonely nevermore ♪
♪ Since you came into my life ♪
♪ You are my love-light,
this I know ♪
♪ And I'll never let you go ♪
♪ You're my all,
you're part of me ♪
♪ Once I was lost
and now I'm found ♪
♪ Then you turned
my world around ♪
♪ When I need you,
I call your name ♪
♪ 'Cause I never ♪
♪ Knew love like this before ♪
♪ Opened my eyes ♪
♪ 'Cause I never ♪
♪ Knew love like this before ♪
♪ What a surprise ♪
♪ 'Cause I never ♪
♪ Knew love like this before ♪
♪ This feeling's so deep
inside of me ♪
♪ Such a tender fantasy ♪
♪ You're the one
I'm living for ♪
♪ You are my sunlight
and my rain ♪
♪ And time could never change ♪
Judges, your score.
♪ What we share for evermore ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
♪ I never knew love
like this before ♪
♪ Now I'm lonely nevermore ♪
♪ Since you came ♪
♪ Into my life ♪
♪ 'Cause I never ♪
♪ Knew love like this before ♪
♪ Opened my eyes ♪
♪ 'Cause I never ♪
♪ Knew love like this before ♪
♪ What a surprise ♪
♪ 'Cause I never ♪
♪ Knew love like this before ♪
- ♪ Inside of me ♪
- ♪ I never ♪
♪ Knew love like this before ♪
♪ Opened my eyes ♪
- ♪ Never ♪
- ♪ Never ♪
- ♪ Never ♪
- ♪ Never... ♪
♪ Never knew love like this ♪
- ♪ I never knew ♪
- ♪ Never ♪
- ♪ Never knew ♪
- ♪ Never ♪
♪ Never ♪
♪ Never knew love like this ♪
- ♪ I never knew ♪
- ♪ Never ♪
- ♪ Never knew ♪
- ♪ Never ♪
♪ Never ♪
♪ Never knew love like this ♪
- ♪ I never knew, I never knew,
I never knew ♪ -♪ Never. ♪
Hey.
I bet you Candy's
smiling in heaven right now.
She finally got
what she always wanted.
For you Chatty Cathys
to shut the fuck up.
Pray, give us a toast to Candy.
Yeah.
To Candy.
She was a funny bitch,
and we will all miss her.
- To Candy.
- To Candy.
On a lighter note,
what the hell is going on
with Lemar's wig?
I was waiting for somebody
to say something.
Yo, he drowning in them waves.
- Nobody's drowning.
- This is not a wig.
This is an inspired
Josephine Baker look.
Let them know, let them know.
Okay.
Next time, you need
to make them kids stick around
and help you clean up
before they go out to the club.
Nah, they need to go out
and be young.
- It's been a very rough week.
- Who you telling?
I need to go out
and shake my ass, too.
Oh. Are you sure them
old-ass knees gonna let you?
I'm being serious.
I know.
I've been holding on to a lot
of stress for way too long.
Listen, I like an empty house,
nice and peaceful.
Just me and my thoughts.
They don't scare you?
Sometimes.
But I got my friends
to lift me up.
And I will be here
to do the same.
That cup is clean.
Just fill it up.
I'm thirsty.
Now, where in the hell
did you get those?
After the funeral
I went to see Judy.
I figured it's time
I started taking these.
What made you change your mind?
I was looking at the children.
Full of dreams,
thinking they have
all the time in the world.
And I'm standing over here
trying to stay alive.
I don't want to go
to my casket...
with any regrets.
Nothing left undone...
or unsaid.
Candy's...
Candy's death reminded me
that life is so precious.
And I don't want to waste mine.
I don't want to waste it.
And...
I have an obligation
to fight for my life
just as much as I've been
fighting for Act Up.
Pray, I'm so proud of you.
Oh, it's a party now?
No, more like a toast.
To life.
To life.
Captioned by
Media Access Group at WGBH
And Prince playing)
Dip, spin, work, turn!
Yes, children, feast your eyes
on these fierce
and flexible queens, baby.
Yeah!
This display of talent
is the reason why
the world is trying to be us.
Ah, work it out!
Da-da-da-da-da, ah!
Sha-wham, sha-wham, sha-wham!
Ah! Y'all drinking
for free tonight.
Bartender, put they tab
on Daddy.
All right, look.
Clear the floor.
Clear the floor.
All right, all right.
Now, we all know
this Madonna song
has been bumpin' hard.
Madonna has accomplished
quite the feat,
topping the charts for
two consecutive weeks, right?
Right.
We done changed
the culture, y'all!
Now that everybody in the world
is trying to learn
how to Vogue...
Mm-hmm.
It's time for us
to switch it up.
Keep 'em guessing.
Put a little twist on Vogue!
All right!
The category is... Lofting.
Yes, divas, I want to see
all my banjee boys
and all my tops serving trade
to hit the floor
and Vogue!
Come on, Shadow,
giving us that signature line
that the world knows as Vogue,
but then he drops
right into the banjee boy.
Yeah, you don't know nothin'
about that.
Uh-huh, uh-huh.
Who's next? Who's next?
Ah... come on,
Lemar Evangelis...
no, is it... yeah, uh, Wintour!
Lemar Wintour.
You know, she a house hopper.
She a house hopper, baby.
It's all good, though.
You looking real banjee today.
I got one thing to say, though.
That little shimmering earring
will get you clocked.
Darling, you've been warned.
You know I love you, girl.
Oh... Yes!
Gravity Ebony certainly has
his own laws
of motion.
And it's larger than the ocean.
Ah, what?!
Oh, that's for the young,
hung, and full of what?
Ow!
Oh, oh, the head, bitch.
- He don't even have the cardboard!
- I need him in my house.
No, are you done?
He don't even need
the cardboard, bitches!
Tens across the board.
Whew! Lord Jesus, y'all done
wore me out on this evening.
Y'all done wore me out.
If there's anybody else
who thinks they can top
what we just seen...
I don't think there is, but
if you're bold enough to try,
come on, the floor is all yours.
Going once, going twice.
Uh-huh, just as I suspected.
There ain't nobody,
so the category is... ugh.
Oh, here we go.
This bitch again.
What's happening?
I can't with her.
Okay.
Okay, cut the music.
Please cut the music.
I have to say, bitch,
you do have nerve.
You really do have nerve,
but what are you doing?
I'm paying tribute to Madonna.
The woman that put Vogue
on the map.
Now put that music
back on, bitch.
The category is called Lofting.
It is a dance category
for actual dancers.
We've been down
this road before.
You are not a dancer,
you are not a Voguer,
and quite frankly,
I'm concerned about your health.
Break dancing might burst
that silicone.
And you don't want to go back
to that flat ass
you used to have, now, do you?
Pray, that's fucked up.
Why you always reading me
the riot act, Pray Tell?
You go out of your way
to put me down.
I don't have to put you down
when you're always
in the bottom.
You stood up there on your perch
talking about "It's our time.
"Our time to be seen.
To show the world what we got."
- That's right.
- Yes.
That's right.
But in this room,
you the only one
that refuse to see that
I got something to contribute.
I got heart.
I got talent.
I'm a star, just like Madonna.
Okay.
Judges, your scores.
Five. Five.
Zero.
- Nobody gets a zero.
- Six.
Five. I don't know
what to tell you, girl.
The cards don't lie.
You gonna regret your words.
I'm a star.
I know who I am.
Yes, you are.
I am somebody.
Yes, you are.
Okay, you go on ahead and be
somebody, Miss Jesse Jackson.
Just not on my floor.
Music, please.
♪ I got the power ♪
Take a hike and don't
ever come back.
♪ I got the power,
power, power. ♪
The category is...
Live...
Work...
Pose!
- You two are looking fierce.
- All right, Nurse Debbie,
work it out.
Now, you may want
to visit a mirror,
perfect some
of them moves, girl.
Sometimes I feel like God
is playing a joke on us.
We've been trying to break out
into the mainstream for years,
and now she lets it happen
in the middle of a plague.
Yeah, and white folks just want
a smile and a show.
Not all but most.
Well, that's why we got to do
this AIDS Cabaret again.
Give 'em a show
but also spread awareness.
Girl, that bitch was
Voguing at us.
Been watching too much MTV.
I can't blame her, though.
- I love that damn song.
- Yes.
Which is why you have to come up
and see what we're doing
at the balls.
The crowds have been
crazy, crazy packed.
Which means everybody is
on their "A" game.
You and Wanda would love it.
I want to,
but, you know, we're asleep
before you kids start putting
on your makeup.
Listen, I only have
a 20-minute lunch break.
- We got to get down to business.
- Oh.
So we're meeting
in this hellhole
because of your schedule, huh?
That's right, honey.
All right.
Well, I've been putting
a lot of thought into it,
and, after Lorna Luft's
surprise appearance
at last year's cabaret,
we can expect
much larger crowds, right?
So I'm thinking maybe we start
with a big group number.
Get the energy going,
and the crowd...
Pray, we're not here to talk
about the AIDS Cabaret.
What?
This isn't another
intervention, is it?
I've been doing real good
with my drinking.
Blanca, may I?
Yeah.
This is Blanca's blood work.
She's been on AZT, as you know,
for a few weeks now,
and already we're starting
to see her T cells climb.
I told you a million times
I'm not taking that toxic shit.
I don't trust it,
I don't like it.
I ain't doing it.
Well, that was then,
this is now.
Blanca told me
about that voodoo shit
you were doing over the weekend.
Oh, did she, now?
You skinny queens
are gonna experience
some fat bitch food tonight.
This is disgusting.
The guy at the yoga center said
eating a pound of butter
every day with some mineral oil
can help lower an HIV viral load
by flushing the virus
from the gut.
This guy said a pound.
Bitch, don't act like you didn't
use a pound last night.
Don't act new.
All right.
Bon... apé... tit.
My pilot light was broken,
I needed Blanca's stove,
and it wasn't
none of her business
to be telling you nothing.
If you're willing to eat
a pound of butter a day,
it's obvious
that you're investing
in improving your numbers.
Why won't you go on AZT?
Because I prefer
a more holistic approach.
That shit ain't gonna work.
Your numbers are dropping.
Mine ain't that low.
I really, really don't
appreciate y'all
talking down to me like this.
Can I not just enjoy my life
for one minute?
Just one!
Pray, we want more moments
with you, that's all.
We're doing it
because we love you.
Find another way to love me!
Please find another way.
Now, if you'll excuse me...
I need to go
and resuscitate what's left
of my good mood
that y'all just killed.
I have a life to live.
Hear ye, hear ye.
Now that we have all ordered
our grand slam breakfasts,
it's time for the first
bi-monthly.
Masters of Ceremony Council
to officially begin.
Manhattan, as our secretary,
you will read us the agenda.
So please tell us what we all
dragged ourselves out of bed
to talk about this morning.
We need to find a way
to get these bitches
to pay up their dues
and donations.
Those trophies
don't buy themselves.
I know that's right.
And the moments of silence for
individual brothers and sisters
is getting out of hand.
We need to vote
on just one moment
for the ones we've lost
at the beginning of each ball
to save time.
It's come to that?
Jesus.
And on a lighter note,
we need to discuss Madonna.
- Ah...
- The queen.
She's putting so many new eyes
on our scene.
We need to be prepared.
Which is why I've been saying
we need to vote
on a new modern category.
Agreed.
Some of these categories
are from 1973.
Yeah, but we got
to be careful, protective.
Remember who this is for.
- Yeah.
- Us.
Our community.
We are not a tourist attraction.
No, we're not.
Our greatest asset is
our authenticity.
One of the children suggested
we add a lip-synch category.
Ah, ah, ah. I'm shutting
that shit down right now.
If they want to go do that, they
can go on down to the Village
to one of them gay bars
and pretend to be Patti LaBelle
for all them white boys
in their blue jeans.
Yes. Okay, downtown.
- All the way downtown.
- What is real
about flapping your jaw
to a cassette tape?
- Okay?
- That is not how you do a ball.
- Mm-hmm.
- It's how you do ventriloquism.
Bullshit.
Well, well, well, if it ain't
the dummy herself.
Did you follow me here,
Carmen Sandiego?
No. A little birdie told me
that the council
was meeting this morning.
And everybody knows that this is
where you bottoms brunch.
Listen. I heard y'all was gonna
be talking about new categories,
and I just wanted to be here
in the flesh to state my case
before you girls end my dreams.
Candy, please don't
do this to me today.
My patience is as thin
as your wallet.
Candy, what is your problem,
girl?
You snag trophies every time
you walk the face category.
It's not just about winning.
It's about getting seen.
And I clocked Junior Vasquez
at the ball the other night.
Who that?
Girl, is you asleep
at the wheel?
It's only the biggest DJ
in New York.
And you said it yourself,
Pray Tell.
The eyes of the world are on us.
And I need to catch that gaze.
You hear me?
I'm a performer.
A star.
So why don't we just come up
with some categories
so we can show that off?
So, would you like us to put
a pole in the middle of the room
- so you can show us all your hidden talents?
- Ooh!
Lip-synching is the future.
Girls are making serious coin
in those downtown bars.
Okay, this is not The Gong Show.
This is not Puttin' on the Hits.
You are relentless, Candy,
I'll give you that.
And I admire it, but I suggest
that you take this energy
somewhere else,
because I will never bring
this category up for a vote.
Motion denied.
- Oh... - Done. -Yeah.
How about that?
Oh!
Why can't you take me seriously,
Pray Tell?
What are you gonna do?
Stab me in broad daylight?!
Do it, bitch.
You ain't seen the last of me.
Enjoy your meeting.
She's...
Motherfucker.
Yeah, I'm done.
I assume she's a Scorpio.
Ah, the category
is Higher than Heaven.
This is an avant-garde
fashion category.
You bitches best not
waste my time now.
Because I'm looking
for innovative experimentation.
Oh, come on, girl.
Oh, give me that little shimmy.
Look at you there,
like you just fell
into a vat of powdered doughnuts
face-first!
I ain't mad at you, bitch!
Judges, your score!
Wow, work it out!
And what have we here?
Swirling around in intergalactic
splendor, bitch.
Like you going to a party
at the Jetsons' house, baby.
Mm-hmm.
Yes. Give me the... ooh.
Ba-boo, boo, boo.
Give me the scores, y'all.
Uh-huh.
Oh, shit.
All right, Kiki, I see you.
Oh, shit!
I see your new piece of trade
works at the pet store,
don't he?
It's for birds,
real fucking birds, bitch!
Yes. Judges, your score?
Ten, ten, ten, ten, ten.
Come on and get...
Well, I don't know
that you can pick up
your trophy,
'cause you ain't got
no arms, bitch.
What you gonna do?
- Yo, can we have some birds at the house?
- No, we not doing all that.
- I want some birds at the house.
- Come with me.
- What?
- It's important.
- ♪ Hold on. ♪
- It's Candy.
She missed her last two shifts
at the club.
And she hasn't come home yet.
That's not like her,
not to check in with me after.
After what?
Being a mother's
expensive, Blanca.
W-We've been tight
on cash, and...
to make ends meet,
she been taking tricks
down at the motel on Grant.
- You know that's not safe.
- I told her not to, Blanca.
But y'all know Candy.
She gonna do
what she want to do.
Well, did you go to the motel
and see if she was there?
No.
Blanca...
Blanca, I don't want
to go alone.
Come on, let's go.
Hi. We're looking
for a girl named Candy.
We get a lot of girls in here.
Here.
This is her picture. Please.
Girl, tell him about the vanity.
She told me on numerous
occasions she always asked
for room 44 'cause it has
a vanity in it.
Do you see the sign out front?
We rent rooms by the hour.
People are coming in and out
of here like Grand Central.
Wait, someone's
still in room 44.
Can we knock
and just see if it's her?
- Fuck that, and fuck you.
- Look,
- just do your fucking job, please.
- Lulu, stop.
- Okay.
- Listen...
Here's my home phone number.
We'll leave it here
with a picture of Candy.
If you hear anything,
please just...
just please call me.
Come on, Lulu.
This is all we gonna have
for Friday night dinner?
Friday night dinner
is canceled this week.
All hands on deck
to look for Candy.
Okay, so I'll search
the west side pier.
- And Pray and I will go to Harlem.
- Yeah.
Angel, you stake out the club.
Oh, yo,
I'll do that with her, too.
I'm sure you would love to do
that, but you're on phone duty.
Call in every hour
so we can coordinate.
No one sleeps tonight
until we find her.
She might not have been in our
house, but she's our sister.
Please.
Allow me.
Hello?
Ma, it's for you.
Hello?
This is Blanca.
That's her.
- Hey.
- Hey, girl. Come in. Let's...
- We got to talk.
- What is it?
- Did you find Candy?
- Let's just wait
- until Elektra gets...
- Tell me now, please.
Candy's not coming home.
What do you mean?
Listen, I don't know how to say
this. I just got the call.
Candy's dead.
What?
That's not possible.
I just talked to her
two days ago.
No...
She was just making plans
for the future.
I know.
Blanca.
No.
Thank you, Mother.
I need you to tell me
what happened, please.
I got a call
from the motel manager.
He said after we left,
he was curious
about what was happening
in those rooms.
So the maid went into the room
to clean it.
Housekeeping.
They found Candy's body
dead in the closet.
Oh, God.
- Do they know who did it, Blanca?
- No.
But they are looking.
The NYPD doesn't care
about a murdered transsexual.
We've never been treated
with respect or dignity.
Candy's death
isn't any different.
Well, it should be.
Especially to us.
No matter what,
she was our sister.
What is it, May?
And 11 girls have been killed
this year.
We just keep sitting around
here, looking all sad.
We're letting it happen.
Candy would've wanted us
to fight.
Okay? She would've wanted us
to stand up
and say this is fucked up.
She would have wanted us
to honor her memory.
So, then what do we do, Elektra?
We plan a celebration
of her life.
But we got to get her body
from the morgue.
And I just don't know
how to do that.
None of us are
her blood relatives.
You and I will handle that.
Angel, you get a hold
of Candy's parents.
Let them know what happened.
We're going to make it
through this.
I promise you.
I work on the eighth floor.
You used to date
my coworker Jeff.
You broke his heart, actually.
He wouldn't stop
talking about you.
Is that what he said?
Yes, but that's really not
what this is about.
Listen, I'm gay, you're gay.
We're all dancing
under the same fucking rainbow.
- We need your help.
- I'm sorry for your loss,
but you're asking me
to break the law.
Okay, l-let me put it
to you in a different way.
Let's say things had worked out
between you and Jeff,
and you'd gotten married.
And after 30 years of bliss,
he dies on you.
According to the law, you'd have
no right to claim his body.
Or his crazy family
could have blocked you
from entering his hospital room
in his final days.
That would be fucked up,
wouldn't it?
Yes, it would.
Well, we have
the same situation here.
Blanca and Elektra
are Candy's family,
and I need you
to release her body to them
so we can give this girl
a proper funeral.
I'll take the fall
for whatever happens.
Just, please give us a break.
Write down the address
of the funeral parlor
you'd like to use.
I'll send her there.
Where's Lulu?
She can't take it.
She can't see her this way.
You think she blames herself
for getting Candy that job?
I don't know.
I never understood that one.
She always walked
in Candy's shadow.
I embalmed her myself.
No charge. She had been here
almost every week
these past few months
paying respects
to so many friends.
She would always take the time
to greet me by my name.
I appreciated that.
I'll give you some time.
Oh, no, no, no, no, no.
That makeup is tore up
from the floor up.
What the hell
is with that church lady wig?
Even I wouldn't wear that.
We can't let her go
in the ground
looking like my Aunt Carol.
She will come back and haunt us
to the end of our days.
We have to do something
about this.
Ladies, empty your purses.
We have two hours.
They couldn't even
acknowledge her
as their daughter.
- I feel like I failed her.
- No.
Don't you go blaming yourself
for their faults.
I had one final obligation
for Candy,
and I couldn't even do that.
Shit.
Lulu ain't even show up.
Grieving is tricky, baby.
We all deal
with loss differently.
She'll find her way.
You must be kind
to yourself today.
Besides, look how many people
- showed up for Candy.
- Right.
This is her family.
We were real to her.
Trust.
Now I'm-a go get
this thing started.
Hey, y'all.
Hey.
How's she doing?
As best she can.
How you holding up, hon?
I'm all right.
Okay.
I think it's time.
So, I'm not gonna stand up here
and lie to y'all today.
Miss Candy...
She was a pain
in my goddamn black ass.
Y'all know
what I'm talking about.
We didn't always see eye to eye,
but she was still my sister.
Like you all are my sisters
and my siblings and my children.
My cousins.
Y'all know family
don't always get along.
It's all right.
You know, I was...
I was sitting
in this very room, what?
Maybe a couple months ago...
at another memorial
saying farewell
to yet another friend.
And I overheard Miss Candy say
that funerals were a waste.
She said they were a waste
because...
"only the living get
to partake."
The departed are just
propped up for viewing.
- Mm-hmm.
- You know that's right.
Unable to see who showed up.
Unable to hear who cried out.
Unable to respond,
to speak their final truths.
We all have so much...
that we want to say to her
that will have
to remain unspoken.
We will never again get
the opportunity to...
tell her what she meant to us,
to thank her
for what she gave us,
and to give her the grandest,
shiniest motherfucking trophy
for her contribution
to our community!
Yes, sir.
But unfinished business is
the burden of the living.
We are charged
to continue on,
living through this tragedy
so that we can fight our hardest
to protect our sisters
from the hands
of men who are weak!
Who are afraid
to deal with their desires.
Today we mourn.
But tomorrow
we stand firmly together,
never losing sight
of who we truly are.
Yes, sir.
Goddamn right.
Now...
let us take a moment of silence
for our dearly departed,
taken too soon sister...
Miss Candy Ferocity.
I forgive you.
That's right, bitch.
I said I forgive you.
You need to know
I was a forgiving woman.
How the fuck else
you think I dealt
with all the backstabbers
in this world?
A woman's got to forgive.
Otherwise,
her complexion gets all hazy.
Least I died beautiful.
Not that you ever noticed.
I collected the finest trade
that Manhattan, Brooklyn,
and the Bronx had to offer.
But you?
I never once impressed you.
Why?
Why were you such an asshole
to me?
You gave plenty
of other people breaks
when they didn't deserve it.
Maybe...
Maybe I didn't want
to look at you.
You are unapologetic,
loud, black, femme.
All the things
I try to hide about myself
when I go out
into the real world.
You are all of them.
I guess...
in a way, I was just trying
to protect you.
What good is everyone's opinions
when you're gone?
I'm a free bird now.
No regrets.
That.
I was jealous of that bravery.
I never had a choice
to hide who I was.
My loudness walked into the room
before I did.
- Not a damn thing I could do
about that.
Maybe you're just doing what
you got to do to stay alive.
Maybe.
I'll tell you what.
It's gonna be a sad, lonely life
at those balls without me.
You know I would have killed
that lip-synch category,
- you bitch.
- Yeah.
Yes, you would, girl.
Pray.
Pray.
Get on with it.
Okay.
Thank you.
Thank you. So, y'all know
that Candy wouldn't want us
to drag this shit out,
so let's keep it moving.
I understand
that people have different ways
of mourning and grieving,
so if you have something
that you want to share or say,
please come up here
and express yourselves.
We are all here
to love and support each other.
I don't even know what to say.
This could've been me in there.
Why you?
Wh-Why not me?
This needs to be
a reminder to you
to reach for something more
than a quick coin.
But I'm not doing that no more.
But I can see you holding
those piers in your back pocket
in case this modeling thing
falls through.
- But we not allowed in that world.
- Stop doubting yourself.
You right. You the first,
the best of us.
Who better than you, bitch?
You gon' crack that door
wide open for girls like us.
That is your duty.
I better not see you back
at those tollbooths, neither.
- No.
- Unless you want me
- haunting you from the depths of hell.
- No.
I'm gonna miss you, Candy.
Don't waste your time
missing me.
Spend that energy
on a Candy girl out there.
Beautify her
in my stunning image.
Oh, and thanks
for trying with my parents.
You did right by me, sis.
Angel?
Lulu?
I didn't think you were coming.
I'm not staying.
I can't see her like that.
Laid in some box
with a bad beat.
It's not how
I want to remember her.
Lulu.
You choose
how you want to remember her.
This is just the moment.
Y'all have had thousands
of memories together.
Yeah.
And it's the bad ones
that always play in my head.
But... but don't you want
to say goodbye?
I'm so scared.
Me, too.
But, Lulu, the regret
that's gonna come over you
tomorrow is gonna be unbearable.
Trust me.
Seat taken?
Go ahead.
Any more luck getting through
that thick skull of Pray Tell's?
He won't budge,
and I'm getting worried.
He'll never admit to this,
but I can tell
he's lost a little weight,
and he's been drinking coffee
day and night
just to get his energy up.
I don't know what to do.
Well, you can't do anything.
It's up to him.
Excuse me. Will you two magpies
take your chitchat
somewhere else?
Some of us are trying
to be respectful.
Oh. Excuse me.
Don't even worry about her.
That's how she is.
Girl, I can't believe
you're gone.
Now I have to run this house
by myself.
You know I can't rely
on these girls for nothing.
I'm gonna miss your crazy ass.
You were a...
You were a thieving bitch!
That's my brooch!
You convinced me
Florida probably stole it.
You stole my style, my ideas,
and my gloves!
Is she taking her gloves?!
That's my motherfucking hat!
Lulu, stop, stop, stop, stop...
Get the fuck off of me!
Get the fuck out of my way.
- Oh.
- Uh-uh.
I'm not coming
to no family reunions.
They gonna be talking
about this funeral
for years now.
You know half the shit you took
off me wasn't even yours.
It seemed like a waste
to bury it with you.
True.
I was dying of boredom from all
those crocodile tears over me.
None of those people could stand
to give me one kind word
when I was alive.
At least you was honest.
I know why
it was hard for you in there.
You never liked me neither.
And why should I?
Yeah, we could do some damage
when we set our eyes on someone.
We could talk some shit.
But you and me...
We wasn't no Laverne
and motherfucking Shirley.
When did you ever
show me kindness?
I was your accessory,
and you resented me
because I was light-skinned
and thick.
And I played my strengths
at the balls.
It wasn't that bad.
Yes, it was.
Come on.
Remember that time
we stole that giant down coat
from Bloomingdale's?
And went to the A&P
and walked out
with an entire
Thanksgiving dinner underneath?
Or that time we snagged, like,
six trophies in one night.
That has got to be a record
or something.
Yeah.
Or when it was 20 below,
and we didn't have no heat,
and we had to snuggle together
under that giant
Bloomingdale's coat all night.
Okay, fine.
Maybe we had some good times.
We weren't all bad.
We weren't all good, either.
But some years gone,
something crazy or terrible
or hilarious is gonna happen,
and you're gonna look
at that space next to you
where I should be,
and I'm not gonna be there
to talk about it.
And you're gonna miss me, girl.
Time's gonna heal us
in a way it never could
if I was still alive.
You making me cry
and messing my makeup.
There's an old couple out there
looking like George and Weezy,
partaking in our refreshments.
What do you want me
to do about it?
Get out there
and shoo them away.
Hello.
Hello, I'm Blanca.
I'm Darnell Johnson.
This is my wife Vivica.
How did you know Candy?
Candy?
What kind of damn name is Candy?
It's the one she chose.
Candy was... our child.
He... was our son.
I'm so sorry.
She was a good person.
And Candy was loved.
You know, if it's
any consolation,
everyone showed up for her.
She was one of a kind.
Why don't y'all come on in back
and say goodbye.
I'll be right over there.
Just let me know
if you need anything.
Darnell, I don't know
if I can do this.
It's already okay.
Oh, my God.
Candy's parents came.
I can't believe you showed up.
Baby.
Why did it take me so long
to see you?
You refused to.
Ma, how many times you catch me
wearing your Revlon Charlie?
Or trying on your wigs?
Why didn't you ever scold me,
smack my behind,
shoo me away, something?
I thought you welcomed it.
Like me and you had
some sort of pact.
You were
my gateway to the feminine.
But when you rejected me,
I tried to tell you...
I didn't know.
I just thought
maybe you was creative.
At worst, gay.
But becoming a woman,
how was I supposed to respond?
Wasn't no guidebook
instructing me
on how to raise a child
like you.
This is me, Ma.
This is who I truly am.
I see that.
You know...
the outside is different,
but beneath it,
all I see is my baby.
I've missed you.
I missed you, too, Ma.
Daddy?
You always did have
a sweet spot for me,
in spite of my frilly ways.
You never knew
how to throw a spiral, but...
your tough behind
sure could tackle.
My little fighter.
All them...
boy things just wasn't your way.
But you had guts.
I got that from you.
Remember that dollhouse?
How could anyone ever forget?
You asked for it
for two birthdays,
a Christmas, and a Kwanzaa.
I knew you were the one
who got it for me.
I saw you,
sneaking in at bedtime.
I pretended to be asleep,
but I watched you
setting it up.
It was the best Christmas.
Ever.
I wanted my baby
to have what he...
I guess...
what she wanted.
I know you didn't
fully understand who I was
or what I went through.
But, that night,
I felt seen by you.
And having my daddy...
see me...
it gave me all the courage
I needed to become who I am.
I can't let you go.
We're just getting started.
You have to.
It's okay.
I love you, Daddy.
We want to thank Mr. and Mrs.
Johnson for coming out today.
Thank you so much.
So, if the MCs could come
and join me for a minute.
We have a very special
announcement to make.
So, we were gonna wait until
this weekend's ball to do this,
but I think now is
a, a more appropriate time.
In honor of Candy,
the MC Council has decided
that from here on,
we will be offering
a lip-synching category
at each and every ball.
We're gonna call the category...
Candy's Sweet Refrain.
I think she'd like that.
To Candy.
- To Candy.
- To Candy. -To Candy.
To Candy.
So,
if the pallbearers could come,
it's time.
("Never Knew Love Like This
Before" playing)
♪ I never knew love
like this before ♪
♪ Now I'm lonely nevermore ♪
♪ Since you came into my life ♪
♪ You are my love-light,
this I know ♪
♪ And I'll never let you go ♪
♪ You're my all,
you're part of me ♪
♪ Once I was lost
and now I'm found ♪
♪ Then you turned
my world around ♪
♪ When I need you,
I call your name ♪
♪ 'Cause I never ♪
♪ Knew love like this before ♪
♪ Opened my eyes ♪
♪ 'Cause I never ♪
♪ Knew love like this before ♪
♪ What a surprise ♪
♪ 'Cause I never ♪
♪ Knew love like this before ♪
♪ This feeling's so deep
inside of me ♪
♪ Such a tender fantasy ♪
♪ You're the one
I'm living for ♪
♪ You are my sunlight
and my rain ♪
♪ And time could never change ♪
Judges, your score.
♪ What we share for evermore ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
♪ I never knew love
like this before ♪
♪ Now I'm lonely nevermore ♪
♪ Since you came ♪
♪ Into my life ♪
♪ 'Cause I never ♪
♪ Knew love like this before ♪
♪ Opened my eyes ♪
♪ 'Cause I never ♪
♪ Knew love like this before ♪
♪ What a surprise ♪
♪ 'Cause I never ♪
♪ Knew love like this before ♪
- ♪ Inside of me ♪
- ♪ I never ♪
♪ Knew love like this before ♪
♪ Opened my eyes ♪
- ♪ Never ♪
- ♪ Never ♪
- ♪ Never ♪
- ♪ Never... ♪
♪ Never knew love like this ♪
- ♪ I never knew ♪
- ♪ Never ♪
- ♪ Never knew ♪
- ♪ Never ♪
♪ Never ♪
♪ Never knew love like this ♪
- ♪ I never knew ♪
- ♪ Never ♪
- ♪ Never knew ♪
- ♪ Never ♪
♪ Never ♪
♪ Never knew love like this ♪
- ♪ I never knew, I never knew,
I never knew ♪ -♪ Never. ♪
Hey.
I bet you Candy's
smiling in heaven right now.
She finally got
what she always wanted.
For you Chatty Cathys
to shut the fuck up.
Pray, give us a toast to Candy.
Yeah.
To Candy.
She was a funny bitch,
and we will all miss her.
- To Candy.
- To Candy.
On a lighter note,
what the hell is going on
with Lemar's wig?
I was waiting for somebody
to say something.
Yo, he drowning in them waves.
- Nobody's drowning.
- This is not a wig.
This is an inspired
Josephine Baker look.
Let them know, let them know.
Okay.
Next time, you need
to make them kids stick around
and help you clean up
before they go out to the club.
Nah, they need to go out
and be young.
- It's been a very rough week.
- Who you telling?
I need to go out
and shake my ass, too.
Oh. Are you sure them
old-ass knees gonna let you?
I'm being serious.
I know.
I've been holding on to a lot
of stress for way too long.
Listen, I like an empty house,
nice and peaceful.
Just me and my thoughts.
They don't scare you?
Sometimes.
But I got my friends
to lift me up.
And I will be here
to do the same.
That cup is clean.
Just fill it up.
I'm thirsty.
Now, where in the hell
did you get those?
After the funeral
I went to see Judy.
I figured it's time
I started taking these.
What made you change your mind?
I was looking at the children.
Full of dreams,
thinking they have
all the time in the world.
And I'm standing over here
trying to stay alive.
I don't want to go
to my casket...
with any regrets.
Nothing left undone...
or unsaid.
Candy's...
Candy's death reminded me
that life is so precious.
And I don't want to waste mine.
I don't want to waste it.
And...
I have an obligation
to fight for my life
just as much as I've been
fighting for Act Up.
Pray, I'm so proud of you.
Oh, it's a party now?
No, more like a toast.
To life.
To life.
Captioned by
Media Access Group at WGBH