*Before representation became a movement or a marketing buzzword, Deondray Gossfield and Quincy LeNear Gossfield were already pushing boundaries. With their groundbreaking series “The DL Chronicles,” the filmmaker duo cracked open one of Hollywood’s most avoided subjects—the secret, complex lives of Black gay men—and gave it humanity, depth, and visibility.
“We saw a one-sided conversation about the down-low,” Gossfield said. “We wanted to show the reasons some men feel they can’t come out—the real human stories behind it.”
Released at a time when the topic was often sensationalized, “The DL Chronicles” reframed the narrative. It replaced stereotypes with soul, exploring how religion, family, and masculinity shaped silence within the Black community. The result was both daring and overdue—a rare portrayal that spoke to viewers who had never seen their truth reflected on screen.
“When we made that show, there weren’t people like us on TV,” LeNear Gossfield said. “We were trying to speak to what was real, not what was comfortable.”
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Their courage came from necessity. Both men were working actors in Los Angeles during the 1990s, a time when being openly gay could end a career.
“We started making little things to showcase ourselves as actors,” Gossfield explained. “We didn’t realize we were honing our skills as directors.”
That shift in perspective changed everything. A short film they produced for just ten dollars went on to win $10,000 in a Showtime digital film competition.
“The universe was like, hey—pay attention,” LeNear Gossfield said.
The success of “The DL Chronicles” not only challenged Hollywood but also built the foundation for their next chapter. Today, the couple are producers and directors on Showtime’s “The Chi,” a series that dives deep into the emotional lives of Chicago residents navigating love, loyalty, and survival.
“Our dear friend, our sister—Lena invited us to direct an episode in Season Five after a filmmakers program she spearheaded,” Gossfield said. “That episode was so beloved by her and the network that they came and asked us to do more episodes and produce the show.”
LeNear Gossfield said the themes of “The Chi” continue to reflect their own artistic mission.
“Expect the unexpected with ‘The Chi,’” he said. “There’s always a power exchange, a power struggle, a dynamic shifting—and that will continue.”
The series, recently renewed for its eighth and final season, will begin filming in 2026. For the Gossfields, it’s another opportunity to tell stories that merge truth and transformation.
Their work was also recently featured in “Seen and Heard,” an HBO documentary produced by Issa Rae and directed by Giselle Bailey. The film honors Black creatives who reshaped television and film despite the industry’s barriers.
“We were honored to be included in this amazing and historic documentary,” LeNear Gossfield said. “It’s about Black filmmakers who found a way where there was no way.”
While the Gossfields’ careers have evolved, their purpose has stayed consistent: to give voice to experiences too often buried under fear or stigma.
Their storytelling continues to challenge what Hollywood chooses to show—and what it leaves out.
“We’re still here, still developing, and still evolving,” LeNear Gossfield said. “Something new is around the corner every day. We’re so grateful for all the support and the community that’s held us down all these years.”
From “The DL Chronicles” to “The Chi,” their work insists that visibility is not a trend—it’s a responsibility. By transforming hidden stories into powerful art, Deondray Gossfield and Quincy LeNear Gossfield have proven that representation can heal, reveal, and redefine what truth looks like on screen.
From the column: Black in the Green Room By Keith L. Underwood – Follow: @mrkeithlunderwood (IG), @blackinthegreenroom (IG), YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook
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