It chronicles the founding of the Mattachine Society, the first sustained LGBT rights organization in the United States, and the love affair of two of its founding members, Harry Hay (Thomas Jay Ryan) and Rudi Gernreich (Michael Urie).

The title is drawn from the early-20th Century usage of the word "temperamental" as slang for "homosexual".

[3] Producers Darryl Roth and Stacy Shane announced that The Temperamentals would close May 30.

"[5] The New York Times gave The Temperamentals a good review, calling it an "eminently likable docudrama".

Michael Urie, who originated the role of Rudi Gernreich, received a Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Actor.