Today we’d like to introduce you to Quinn Dorsey.
Quinn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My name is Quinn Dorsey, I am a screenwriter, film enthusiast, an avid basketball coach and LGBTQ advocate in Dallas, TX. I graduated from Southern Methodist University a predominantly white institution (PWI) and spent my years there living in a constant state of exclusion and existed as an anomaly. As stereotypes would assert, I did not belong nor was I capable of withstanding the academic rigor that SMU offered as an openly gender non-conforming black lesbian. I was constantly looking for a space to be myself and be accepted within the POC community on campus.
I found success through becoming involved in the Black lab groups there. Within these groups, many professors would call on the members to participate in networks, events, and trips to highlight the Black community. One of the trips we took was the annual Civil Rights Pilgrimage, which allowed us the opportunity to meet with influential history-makers such as people in the freedom writers, the little rock nine, and U.S. Congressman & Civil rights pioneer John Lewis. The trip also involved visiting multiple sites that birthed abusive and racially oppressive stereotypes and colloquialisms that lead to racialized oppression within cinematography.
The trip opened my eyes to how much of Black history is undocumented and untold. This fact inspired me to take a beginner film class to learn how to tell the stories of our ancestors from a cinematographic standpoint. As I took more film classes, I developed a better understanding of how not only Black history has been told through a one-sided lens but how much the film industry lacks POC behind that lens. I said to myself, “In order to make a change within this industry and give POCs the imagery that relates to our true existence and everyday lives. The stories ad films must be made by people who look are Black and can account for their experiences”.
This discovery helped develop my love for writing through the various influences of different eras and genres. I want to push back against the currently racist and patriarchal misogyny that affects the POC & LGBTQ communities in film. I feel it was only right to give us as POCs, a voice and to shine a light on the positivism and success we bring into this world. Since my years at SMU, I’ve partnered with local creatives to create shows, business slogans, and short scripts for various projects in Dallas, one being a local show called “Dallas Vuse”. I am currently work on multiple projects, attending screenwriting workshops, and speaking at LGBTQ panels within the Dallas area. Although my main focus at the moment is guest speaking within the POC & LGBTQ community. Lastly, I am working with a group of creatives on an active production called “Black Pen, Brown Skin” that will shed light on Black oppression and the activists of today who are writing a new narrative within our community.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This journey has not been a smooth road in the slightest bit. Being a queer black female in an industry that has social constraints and is predominately white has been rough but very eye-opening and encourages me more and more every day to stay involved within the POC community and pave a way for people like myself and others to make a change in this world through a lens.
A big struggle has been producing cinematography that doesn’t always appeal to the masses. I produce films that challenge the acclimated visuals of POCs that the film industry produces and provide an outlook for our community that reflect positive and wholesome images. Many people prefer to see POCs associated with a racial statistic and inferior placement in this world but I want to counter that message and provide them with the opportunities to see POCs in a triumphant visual.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I currently am a freelancing writer and speaker and can be found on various social platforms. I am currently developing my production company so that POCs will have a safe, creative, and accepting space that allows them to showcase their art through cinematography.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment I would have to say is producing the documentary Black Pen, Brown Skin. This documentary will give POCs not only a voice but help inform the younger generations about their history and how POC today are still facing everyday struggles of oppression and injustice. This narrative will be told by everyday people fighting to create equal opportunities in different areas. The series will also educate and enrich POCs on how to pour back into their community whether that is creating generational wealth, utilizing your community resources, or restoring your community.
Contact Info:
- Email: quinnfilmsdallas@gmail.com
- Instagram: quinn.waay.up
- Facebook: quenci dorsey
Image Credit:
Ja’Lor Productions
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