In a time where it feels most shows and films are about superheroes, it is refreshing to watch content that just feels real. Writer and producer Carlton Jordan is a self proclaimed, and justifiably so, stigma-breaker. He writes stories that are not only relatable, but are on issues that no one is talking about. This can especially be seen on his YouTube show “POZ ROZ”, which is about a young black woman who contracts HIV. The viewer finds themselves loving Roz through her growth and struggles as she adjusts to her new reality. Warning, there are a few spoilers below, but Carlton made sure not to give away anything for Season 2 (even though I wanted him to)! Please read further to learn more about Carlton Jordan and his creations.

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Foreword by Kira Bucca, Editor in Chief of Jejune Magazine.

Where are you based?
I’m living in Los Angeles, but grew up in Charlotte, NC (rise up!) and lived in Washington, DC for six years as a super senior at Howard University.

As a youth, did you always know that you wanted to pursue a career in production and directing? What/who do you credit as one of your first sources of inspiration?
As a kid, I did not know what production or directing really was beyond the stage. I knew I wanted to be a writer. I grew up with writers. My mom is an aspiring writer. She read all my screenwriting books and moved to Hollywood about seven years ago to pursue her writing dreams. My sister and nephew are writing now, as well. We have been through so much that we all have stories to tell.

As a teenager, I did not know what the steps were to become a screenwriter or that it was even a job! However, after seeing KIDS, written and directed by Larry Clark, I knew I wanted to get involved in this medium and DISRUPT! Sneaking into a KIDS screening changed my trajectory from wanting to do journalism to film. The movie, and Clark’s writing style, which was so risqué and explosive at the time, literally shaped my artistic expression as a creator and writer.

Generally speaking, people understand concepts like script writing, directing, and producing as complex ideas, yet they get internalized fairly simply - good or bad. Do you remember the first script you ever wrote? What was it like seeing your work play out for the first time? What went through your mind?
OMG, my first feature script was called “Talent Show”, which I wrote in 1998 while I was a sophomore at Howard University. There, I was taught to “write what you know” and draw inspiration from your experiences, so I was the director of my high school talent show and loved the whole comedy/drama of the process, so I wrote about it. The first time someone actually read my script was when I did a spec script (which is a sample script from an already existing TV show) for “The Parkers.” I got a really BAD review on it and it discouraged me, but also challenged me to be better. Fast forward to writing, directing, and producing my first web series LOVE HANDLES. When the show launched in 2014, I was so happy! “Happy” is the only word to describe the feeling of people watching, enjoying, and sharing your work! A lot of filmmakers say they do not do it for the accolades or the applause or validation, but I think they’re lying. The accolades do not determine my talent, but it sure does feel good when you are acknowledged for your craft.

You have a new series out called “Unfiltered”. Can you please tell us a little bit about this show?
Yes! Facebook does original programming on their platform under the brand called “Facebook Watch,” and I have been a producer there on several seasons of Huda Boss about makeup mogul, Huda Kattan. When the opportunity came to be Supervising Producer for “Unfiltered: Paris Jackson & Gabrielle Glenn”, I jumped on it because I love the Jackson family and knew that it would be a once in a lifetime experience, and it was. It is a six part docu series that follows Paris, her boyfriend Gabe, and their band The Soundflowers, which is a folk band. It is not a docu drama or Michael Jackson expose; it is a pure doc on the life of Michael’s only daughter as she tries to find her voice in the music world and in the public eye. It’s a project I’m very proud of.

Many filmmakers do not do unscripted because its looked down upon as not art, but I love producing unscripted / reality as much as I do scripted TV and Film. I hope to do more.

Jejune is obsessed with your web series “POZ ROZ”. Can you tell our audience a little bit about the show and what inspired you to create it?
Thank you! I love that you’re obsessed. I had two inspirations. One, in the LGBTQ+ community, discussing HIV while dating is very common and when a question like “What Is Your HIV status” is asked, many times, if one person says their positive — then the conversation ends. I had to confront my own biases in those scenarios recently.

The idea was kind of what it would be like to date with a stigma swam around in my head for a while, but didn’t know how to approach in a fresh way. Then, one day, I was scrolling through xoNecole and there was a story about a young woman living with HIV. She found out at 22-years-old while living in Atlanta. She thought it was the end of her life. She went on a journey of accepting her condition and diagnosis. She found love, got married, had kids, and is living a wonderful, healthy, thriving life. I thought it was so interesting — that was the angle I wanted to enter this world in. I wanted to tell a story of someone finding love with a stigma like HIV and what that world looks like. It sounds really heavy, but when people watch, they are surprised about how there’s lots of comedy in this world.

Thriving with HIV is the story that a lot of positive people are telling about their journeys now. It is about managing the disease while finding life on the other side of the disease. I think it’s an interesting, dynamic way to open up that world and see what it looks like.

We feel there is a lot to unpackage with this show, but let’s start with the most obvious — you choose to tell a black woman’s story with HIV. It seems that HIV is often associated with the LGBTQ+ community, but the truth is that HIV is much more common that most people realize and women are particularly susceptible to the virus. Can you tell us a little bit of why you choose to tell a black woman’s story with it?
Let’s unpack these BAGS! I’m a stigma-breaker. The conversation and stories about HIV have been mainly connected to the LGBTQ+ community. Those stories and conversations are very valid. The LGBTQIAP+ community continues to make strides and it continues to be a topic of discussion even in recent years with TV shows and movies having characters, even main characters, dealing with HIV. However, you do not hear about Black cis-het women at all when it comes to the visibility of the disease, although the numbers are increasing in that demographic. I wanted “POZ ROZ” to be that gateway conversation about sexual health, specifically in the Black community across sexualities and genders. Rozzlyn Mayweather, a quirky Black girl next door, seems to be the perfect entry point. There is a stigma that has haunted those infected with HIV for the longest time. It gets especially hard for those who are living with the disease trying to live and pursue healthy love lives. The conversations need to be re-examined.

HIV/AIDS already has a stigma within the larger aspects of society and culture. Once factoring in HIV/AIDS and its association with the LGBTQ community, things get more dark. How do you balance the comedic aspects of “POZ ROZ” while confronting difficult subject matters?
I like to believe I am a traumedy writer. I feel with every trauma there is some comedy because life is absurd! I think that is just my natural writing style based on my life and experiences. I also believe there are many projects out there that keep the conversation of HIV and sexual health DARK. I wanted to remind people that HIV is not a death sentence anymore and people are living long healthy lives. So, why not create and tell stories of their journeys without full on tragedy. Once again, taking away the stigma and not creating something that is a PSA, but more an entertaining ride.

“POZ ROZ” has a very interesting mix of things going on. It is set in a very seemingly LGBTQ+ friendly setting. However, many of the straight characters clearly show bigotry towards their LGBTQ+ friends. Why did you think this was important to show?
Great question! I write these things to show even allies in the LGBTQ+ community can be ignorant, bigoted and display homophobic behaviors. It is important to show this because I can guarantee you that every person in the LGBTQ+ community has had friends who have either knowingly or unknowingly showed bigotry towards them or people in the community and needed to be corrected. It goes back to being willing to educate yourself or listen to someone when they feel offended.

I’m glad you peeped that, even ROZ our lead, has a lot of learning to do when it comes to being friends with someone gay (Stacey). It is all cute going to clubs with your gay BFF, but what happens when you unknowingly become problematic? In “POZ ROZ”, I wanted to take every day ignorant moments and reveal them in absurd ways and also eventually have these characters confronted for their behaviors.

Jabbar, Roz’s ex-husband who comes out as gay, is an interesting and conflicted character. Can you talk about him a little bit and why you wanted to highlight a character like him?
Jabbar is very interesting in this project because he represents an older generation of Black men who struggled with acceptance of their sexuality, then accepted their sexuality as “gay” because that was the only other term people used besides “straight.” However, as we see in the later episodes of the series, Jabbar’s challenged to re-examine the modern-day spectrum of sexuality, with all the new terms and nuances, and see if “gay” still applies to him. This is something we’ll explore more in Season 2. I think labels or feeling that he must conform to one identity is really his issue. I think so many men and women can relate to him where they feel like they have to choose instead of just being. He is experiencing, albeit messy, his own sexual awakening.

Jabbar seems so different from all the other guys Roz is attracted to. Why do you think she married him?
Firstly, Roz’s attractions are all over the place - and that is on purpose. For Jabbar in particular, he was a provider and support system for Roz. Some sense of stability in her carefree life. Roz’s carefree ways and minimum efforts to achieve what she wanted was complimented by Jabbar, a college educated assistant professor. She was looking for that male provider in her life, which we’ll explore more of in Season 2.

In the end, it’s their love story. Roz and Jabbar both benefited off the marriage. Roz got the support, stability, and love she so desired and Jabbar was able to keep up appearances until he could not do it anymore.

There seems to be a sense of a lot of closeted LGBTQ+ characters in “POZ ROZ”. Do you feel this is still very common in 2020?
I do not agree that there are a lot of closeted LGBTQ characters in “POZ ROZ”. There are characters who are exploring and resolving issues with their sexuality. In 2020, I reject the idea of the “closet” because we are smarter than that now and know that sexual exploration and identity is a very individual journey and each person will deal with their sexploration differently. Some are private, others very open and vocal. As people are FINALLY learning to tap into the world of their sexuality, there will be some awakening moments with themselves and with their partners. Characters like Jabbar, Rochelle, and even the thug character are all on their sexual journeys, but not in the closet. As we learn to be more open about how we process attraction, it makes sexual health safer for everyone.

And the most important question. When does season 2 come out? We need to know if Stacy is ok!
OH THE PLANS I HAVE FOR SEASON 2! It will be a WILD ride for sure. Everything you thought you knew about these characters and this world will be challenged and re-examined. Season 1 was a set up season before we dive into all the real issues each character is facing and their origins. We also learn more about what was Roz doing during that two year break.

I am currently writing the season, but there has not been a production date set yet, due to COVID. However, you will find out so much more about the characters and their lives. Stacey’s life, or afterlife (ha!), will be examined FOR SURE. He has got lots of layers to him.

Do you have any other series on the horizon? Anything inspired by the current events?
My first web series, “Love Handles”, is being developed for TV right now! Although I cannot say the network, my writing partner and I are writing the pilot. I am interested in how the world will react to a show about body image in the Black community. Just because of my writing style, it is going to be JUICY! Also, I am writing a feature called “Distance”, with filmmaker JC Barros, about the intersection of the pandemic and BLM and how it effects a Black couple who had to cancel their wedding plans.

As a producer, how have COVID-19 affected your life? Have you started working again?
COVID-19 has affected me in so many ways — mainly learning to work remotely. I have not started working again since finishing the Paris Jackson project, but offers are coming. I think Unscripted / Reality projects are coming back quicker than the scripted projects because there are not as many restrictions. Although, safety is always important on any set!

It looks like you got out protesting for Black Lives Matter. Can you tell us a little bit about this experience?
Simply put, I believe it is 100% absolutely necessary for every citizen of the United States to stand behind the Black Lives Matter movement. I am very vocal about sociopolitical issues that affect Black people and helping figure out ways to solve them. When Black people have their full rights, EVERYONE wins. If we do not, because of systematic racism, police brutality, job discrimination, colorism, etc. then everyone LOSES. We win, y’all win! My experience is one of duty for those before me, and passion, knowing that as an artist and activist I can change the world.

How are you staying positive during shelter in place?
I am an isolationist. I LOVE being alone. I’m enjoying life home by singing, eating and walking around in my element just enjoying my own company. As a writer, the shelter in place allows me to stay focused on writing and not feeling obligated to go to so and so’s birthday party or social event, or wedding or brunch. For a creative like me, shelter in place is no big deal. I do miss seeing my family and traveling on a whim. I am lucky to have writing as an outlet because I know so many people that are lonely and depressed because they need that human connection and social interaction. I hate that COVID-19 and this pandemic is the reason I was able to slow down and sit and write, but that is the unintended consequence of where we are right now.

What is your motto in life?
My motto right now is “Let It Flow” like Toni Braxton sang on the Waiting To Exhale soundtrack. At my age, I am flowing with the energy around me and going in the direction energy takes me as opposed to trying to control every scenario and outcome.

To learn more about Carlton Jordan, please follow him via the below platforms:
POZ ROZ SEASON ONE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgi-peXS1Hx5GEoJ2ZEIbeSZzIGXzmc2C
POZ ROZ Instagram: pozrozseries

CARLTON JORDAN:
Instagram: carltonjordan
Twitter: carltonjordan

Photography by Scott Hebert.

Carlton Jordan Is A Stigma-Breaker