Dallas filmmaker Israel Luna, along with co-creator Joseph Herrera, have debuted a new LGBTQ+ web series, The Gayborhood, set in Dallas’ famed LGBTQ+ neighborhood, Oak Lawn. This indie comedy-drama follows a group of coworkers at a studio run by a drag queen and features a cast of local talent, including longtime Luna collaborator Richard Curtin. Developed on a shoestring budget and backed by Dallas Voice (publisher Leo Cusimano is executive producer), the series is all about queer visibility, storytelling, and community, especially at a time when that visibility matters more than ever.
The Gayborhood ‘s premiere episode introduces us to Space Studios, a vibrant LGBTQ+-owned space in Dallas run by Bruce (Curtain) aka drag queen Heather Hardin. After a disastrous no-show by the previous manager, Bruce hires Noah (Danny Venegas), a friendly newcomer, to help manage the chaos. Noah quickly meets Jesse (Opie Ryan), a nonbinary staff member, and gets a crash course in navigating colorful coworkers, unpredictable clients, and Bruce’s strong personality. Filled with humor, community dynamics, and unexpected heart, the episode sets the stage for a queer, character-driven workplace dramedy.
The actors and crew are local to the Dallas area and viewers may even recognize queer country western bar Round Up Saloon, one of the filming locations for the series.
The first episode is now available on YouTube with subsequent episodes dropping Fridays at 6:00 p.m. Central.