He continued acting in films, some produced in Europe and most not particularly memorable. In 1981, however, he appeared with transvestite actor Divine in John Waters's Polyester, which has become a cult classic. Four years later, Hunter again teamed with Divine in Lust in the Dust, a spoof of cowboy pictures, directed by Paul Bartel and co-produced by Hunter and Allan Glaser.

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In association with Republic Pictures International and Bonnie Sugar, Hunter and Glaser made the 1992 film Dark Horse, described as a "touching family drama." The story was by Hunter, Glaser was the principal producer, and David Hemmings directed.

Hunter's love of horses drew him to another project, a series on the HorseTV cable network called Hollywood on Horses. The show debuted in June 2002 with Hunter as host and executive producer.

As of August 2003 Hunter and Glaser, along with Neil Koenigsberg, were negotiating with director Peter Bogdanovich to make a film to be called Blues in the Night, based on a story by Evelyn Keyes.

In 2005, Hunter published a memoir, Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of a Movie Star, co-authored with Eddie Muller. In the memoir, Hunter not only discusses his career and his relationship with Anthony Perkins, but also reveals that he and Glaser have been life partners as well as business associates for many years.

Although few gay actors have been permitted the luxury of openness, many of them have challenged and helped reconfigure notions of masculinity and, to a lesser extent, of homosexuality.

Although Tallulah Bankhead is today remembered mostly as an irreverent wit and volcanic life force, she was also one of the most significant actresses of her time.

Independent filmmaker Paul Bartel's ultimate importance may lie less in his directorial efforts, which are variable in quality, than in his unwavering presence as an inspiring figure in the independent film world, particularly to queer filmmakers.

A versatile character actor, nightclub singer, and international cult star who generally performed his stage show and movie roles in drag, Divine became famous through his appearances in John Waters' films.

A product of Hollywood's star system, Rock Hudson became an international symbol of heterosexuality, wearing a mask until it was savagely ripped off when he was diagnosed with AIDS.

In his personal life, American actor Anthony Perkins often seemed as tortured as the troubled characters he played on film, hiding--and perhaps despising--his true nature while desperately seeking happiness and "normality."

A director, writer, producer, and photographer, John Waters became well known in the early 1970s through his filmic collaboration with actor--and drag queen--Divine.

Conflicted over his own sexuality, Tennessee Williams wrote directly about homosexuality only in his short stories, his poetry, and his late plays.