“Pose” Co-Creator Steven Canals | Directing Intimacy and Queer Love

This Pride Month, we're joined by Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning creator and showrunner **Steven Canals** to break down one of the most intimate scenes from *POSE*. Together, we discuss how the scene evolved from script to screen, the challenges of directing intimacy before the role of intimacy coordinator was fully established, and why portraying queer love with tenderness, not spectacle, mattered so deeply. We also explore: • The collaborative process between director, actors, and intimacy coordinator • Balancing choreography with actor freedom and authenticity • How intimacy coordination has evolved over the past decade • Why queer intimacy deserves the same emotional depth as any love story • The importance of consent, vulnerability, and trust in intimate storytelling Plus, Steven shares behind-the-scenes stories from making *POSE*, reflects on the show's lasting cultural impact, and tells us exactly how he'd ruin his own scene if he had to. **Scene discussed:** *POSE* Season 2, Episode 8 ("Revelations"), approximately **3:38–5:47**. \----------------------------------------- CREDITS — POSE (S2E8 "Revelations") Creators: Steven Canals; Brad Falchuk; Ryan Murphy Director: Steven Canals Writer: Steven Canals Producers: Ryan Murphy; Brad Falchuk; Steven Canals Actors (featured in discussed scene): Billy Porter; Dyllón Burnside Intimacy Coordinator: Teniece Divya Johnson © 2019 FX Networks / 20th Television. All rights reserved. \----------------------------------------- Support the show **Connect & Support the Show** **Watch the Video Version** on Spotify and YouTube. **Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content:** Join our Patreon to request scenes for us to break down and access exclusive bonus episodes. **Follow Us:** Get behind-the-scenes content and updates on Instagram and TikTok @FakingItThePod **Visit Our Website:** FakingItThePod.com **Theme Song:** "Faking It" by Mike Goetz **Subscribe & Review** Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Love the show? Leave a 5-star rating. It helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. **Credits** Episode credits listed above. All rights reserved. **Legal Disclaimer** The views expressed are our own. For entertainment and educational purposes only. Not intended to defame or infringe. All trademarks and copyrights remain the property of their respective owners.