The acclaimed documentary “Do I Sound Gay?” touches issues few movies dare to. After its director and subject David Thorpe breaks up with a boyfriend, he loses confidence and begins to wonder about his voice sounding too gay. In the film he talks to voice coaches, friends and family about the issue and also interviews the likes of Margaret Cho, David Sedaris, George Takei, Dan Savage and Atlanta’s Don Lemon. The movie opens July 17 in Atlanta and Thorpe will be appearing at the 7:15 performance on July 19 for Q and A. We recently caught up with Thorpe to ask about the film.

Georgia Voice: How did this start?
Thorpe: I live in Brooklyn. For many years I was a journalist, then worked for a gay AIDS organization called Housing Works, Inc. While I was there got an idea for a project about my voice and the gay voice. I gradually started to explore it and discovered that people were intrigued by the topic. One thing led to another.

How long did it take to make?
Pretty much four years. I started in August of 2011.

You have some amazing celebrity interviews in the film. Did you get everyone you wanted?
No! A lot of people turned me down. But I did pretty well. David Sedaris had never been in a film. I felt very honored when he agreed to be part of the project. People are always amazed at the people in the film, but to be honest, with many, I just asked and they found the topic compelling.

What kind of stigma is there against sounding gay?
I think there’s definitely a stigma against being effeminate in society in general and in gay culture. You often see on Grindr “Masc for Masc.” We often tease each other for being overly feminine. Sometimes in fun, but there is some truth to the sense that gay men are afraid to be too feminine.

Why do you think that is?
In the film, Dan Savage says he thinks there is a direct relationship between homophobia and misogyny. Things that are feminine are considered interior or weak. At least back in the day –when you were raised, that is what was understood. Men are strong, women are weak. A lot goes back to childhood, and the pressures and stereotypes of what it means to be a man or woman. It’s especially hard for a man who may have feminine tendencies. Sounding gay doesn’t mean you are gay – there are plenty of straight guys who sound gay.

Talk about your emotional journey.
The movie isn’t just a movie. It is a journey I went on. I changed a great deal, and gained a lot of confidence. I’m much happier with myself, and I feel much better about being gay and less self-conscious about my voice.

What surprised you making this?
For me, it was a huge surprise to find out how many other gay men have experienced anxiety about this. I have never spoken to anyone about this. I found out one of my best friends for the last 15 years had anxiety/insecurity about this growing up. One of the first guys I interviewed told me he wished he didn’t sound gay and that he thought it stood in his way in terms of finding a boyfriend or a job. When I met people like that I thought I really had go all the way and get to the bottom of the stigma

Beside its theatrical and VOD run, where do you want this film to go?
I did make the film in a way that anyone can relate to. I have heard from many universities and high schools and nonprofits who are interested in using this as a teaching tool. We hope to partner with nonprofits to use it as teaching tool about accepting yourself and about stereotypes, and not judging yourself.

So what brings you to Atlanta?
I have a lot of friends and family here. I have been visiting since I was a kid. It’s kind of a homecoming.

“Do I Sound Gay?”
Now playing at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema
www.landmarktheatres.com