“The Inspection” Star Jeremy Pope on Bringing Black and Queer Stories to the World

Even in the harshest environment, French opens himself to others with quiet dignity. (© 2022 Oorah Productions LLC)

Director Elegance Bratton on set. (© 2022 Oorah Productions LLC)

French’s drill instructors subject him to physical and emotional abuse. (© 2022 Oorah Productions LLC)

Jeremy Pope. (© Steve Gripp)

French never gives up on his relationship with his mother, who rejected him for being gay. (© 2022 Oorah Productions LLC)

Though one brutal drill sergeant is also black, he has walked a different path than French. (© 2022 Oorah Productions LLC)