Dustin Lance Black on LGBTQ+ Rights, Equality & the Power of Storytelling | James Duke Mason

In this episode of Duke's Download, I sit down with Oscar‑winning screenwriter and longtime LGBTQ+ advocate Dustin Lance Black. From the moment we start talking, it’s clear how passionate he is about his newest project, Rock Out—a documentary that uncovers the hidden queer roots of rock and punk music from the ’60s and ’70s. The film is deeply personal for him, inspired by the connection he shared with his late brother, and hearing him talk about it feels equal parts moving and eye‑opening.
We also get into the story behind his iconic Oscar speech, the journey that led him to create films like Milk, and the way he approaches advocacy today. Lance is incredibly intentional—he talks about building coalitions, understanding our history, and focusing on practical, everyday activism. Even with all the setbacks the LGBTQ+ community faces, he emphasizes that none of us are in this alone and that collective action is still our most powerful tool.
Here’s how the conversation unfolds:
00:00 – I welcome Dustin Lance Black to the show
01:13 – We dive into what he’s been working on lately
01:52 – He shares the story behind Rock Out and the queer influence in rock music
02:56 – We talk about the personal inspirations that shaped the documentary
04:51 – Why queer representation in music matters more than people realize
09:53 – Lance reflects on the state of LGBTQ+ rights and the work still ahead
13:30 – The challenges and strategies he leans on in advocacy
33:30 – A look at his current and upcoming projects
37:15 – We wrap up with some final thoughts and a warm goodbye

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