Black Gay Men’s Blog contributor, Angel Cruz, explores the images and representation of black gay men in the media and particularly, on Reality TV. In this age, where airing one’s dirty laundry in public can lead to a fat pay check, national notoriety and business opportunities, for those savvy enough to understand the concept of branding, are black gay men adequately and fairly represented? Are the networks solely interested in portraying us as outrageous and flamboyant types, because it makes great TV, or could the fact that not so many black gay men are “out” enough, to be willing to bare all on television come into play? Would the black gay men, who sit at home and complain that the flamboyant characters on television are nothing like them and their friends, be willing to live out their more masculine and regular black gay lives for all the world to see? Are there enough black gay men on Reality TV and are the characters representing us, or simply being themselves? What is it about some of the more outrageous and flamboyant types, that makes some of us uncomfortable? If Reality TV is supposed to be somewhat real, is it fair, or realistic, to expect every character to represent the community, instead of just being themselves – keeping it real? If the majority of us would not dare put all our business out there, do black gay men really have a valid complaint, when it comes to Reality TV and should the networks cast more black gay men, that are really like “us”, whatever that is?………..Intro by Storm
Black Gay Men & Reality TV – Where Do We Fit In?
Over the past 5 years the GLBT community has become more and more visible. On TV in film and in music we have become more and more mainstream being recognized for everything we do both good and bad. We have announced our presence to the world with two television networks (Here! and Logo) and they have taken notice. However, not all of us are as celebrated as our GLBT brethren. Many of us are still stuck in the corner of the closet while our counterparts enjoy the limelight. While there are characters that, in many cases represent a range of GLBT people it most often seems that gay men of color are missing and the few portrayals there are seem to be the most extreme and outlandish segment so much that it almost borders on parody. The most common culprit of this is reality -based TV.
Logo TV the GLBT network run by the MTV networks (which is owned by Viacom the same company that owns BET) has blossomed in past years is currently, experiencing major success with shows such as The “A-list: New York”. The A-list is one of those train-wreck shows that are ratings giants. People tune in to watch a group of New Yorks cattiest queens play out a summer of drama every week. The show’s first season was a cast of five. In the second season however, Logo added in cast member Reichen’s ex Bf as an independent cast member and they added Nyasha bringing the cast count to 7; 6 white guys and a black girl, Well, 5 white guys one Latino (Reichen’s ex-boyfriend Rodiney is Brazilian) male and one black girl. This is the cast they found in New York. It seems like in a post Noah’s Arc world Logo’s casting team has forgotten we existed, outside of the drag world; Even though I’m sure RuPaul raises HELL to make sure all types of queens are cast for her hit shows Drag Race and DragU. We as a whole are expected to believe that there wasn’t one successful gay man of color living in New York that could have been cast on this show even with such a low margin for what makes these men “A-List”. Only three of the people on this show were even heard of before appearing on the show and only two were known of their own merit and not because of who they were attached too.
Let’s Change the channel.
Derek J - Real Housewives of Atlanta
We get over to the Bravo network. Bravo rhymes with Homo and for the past several years their programming has gotten more and more fabulous. Gone are the days of early morning West Wing re-runs and Inside the Actors Studio. At Bravo it started with Boy Meets Boy a “Bachelor” style dating show that had one guy searching for true love from a group of possible suitors. The twist was that some of the guys where straight. It then changed gears into the short-lived (one season) Manhunt: The Search for America’s Most Gorgeous Male Model a unique spin on the much longer running America’s Next Top Model. Between the 2 shows there were 32 men and out of the 32 men only 2 were Gay men of color one from each show however, the gay show that took Bravo from a 7 to a perfect 10 on the Homo friendly index was ” Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” airing from 2003-2008 , featuring the “Fab Five” a group of gay men who used their superior knowledge of food, fashion and pop culture to makeover the hetero hopeless. So that’s a total of three shows based on gay men and culture. A total of 37 guys and 4 men of color and three are gay. If we fast forward to Bravos current programming shows like Top Chef, Platinum Hit and Top Chef are all recognized for featuring gay men. While we applaud their representation of the GLBT community there still seems to be some bias in what “Gay” looks like in America. Bravo however does have several other shows that feature gay icons “The Real Housewives” series. Several of the women featured in on these shows are considered gay icons for their positions as allies in GLBT cause. Which I take no quarrel with i remain forever in debt to these ladies and their effort to seek equality for all. My issue comes from the caricatures of black gay Men featured on these shows. On “Real Housewives of Atlanta” there seems to be a consistent portrayal of black gay men as having a pre-disposition to Drag, drama and being effeminate. On the flipside, the regularly occurring BGM on the show are also very successful in their respective fields and coincidentally represent the fruits of hard work and perseverance.
Changing channels again
TV and entertainment giant MTV is one of Reality television’s pioneers. The show “The Real World” has been a major staple on the networks lineup for over a decade and in the entire history of the show there have been only two openly gay Black Men. Translating to 26 seasons with 8 cast mates a season the first of which was Karamo Brown, in 2004 and Preston Roberson-Charles was the second in 2010. When a show has such long lasting success and is dedicated (or so they say) showing diversity and being a true reflection of the country as a whole you would think that there would be a more accurate representation of us on that show. Black Gay men make up an estimated 15% of the gay community compared to 1.6% of the Real World cast history. Even in the “Real World” microcosm we are largely ignored and not fairly represented. (Some people may add Stephen from the 1st Seattle season however Stephen never identified as gay before or while filming the show and he didn’t come out until 2008; ten years after the season aired)
The Black Gay Reality
So where is our place in Reality-TV index? It doesn’t seem like we really have one. Or maybe we are destined to be the catty sidekicks and weavologists to sassy African-American heterosexual women or shamed closet cases. Maybe if we are lucky we will fit in as an aspiring drag superstar! Then again there could be a problem with our inability to face our OWN reality as black gay men. Sometimes we just aren’t active enough outside of the next vogue battle. Maybe there is some bias in how we are perceived sexually in the gay community as a whole (Did Karamo and Willie ever hook-up in Philly?). Are we not successful enough to be considered a place in the upper echelon of gay society? In any case, reality-based television is in serious need of a bit more color.
No related posts.
This is a conversation that I was just having with a good friend and my position remains the same as I strongly believe that African-American characters are generally always presented on television in a stereotypical light. When it comes to Black gay men this is no different. Reality tv is supposed to show the “authenticity” of the life of whoever is being filmed so why wouldn’t overly effeminate and flamboyant men be showcased when we live in a society that thinks that is what we all are. Instead of stepping out and speaking out on the bias we tune in and boost the ratings which in turns gives show makers incentive to keep the cycle going.
AntycingGent, you are so right about that. We need to realize that there are alternatives out there, and though they are mostly online, they are out there, and we need to start investing our entertainment time and dollars in the alternatives that are more authentic, inspiring and uplifting for the Black, SGL community.
I have no problem with a Black, SGL man feeling his fabulousity and the desire to share it with the world, but there needs to be more balance.
I too was having this same conversation with a friend of mine. I think that the way the media potrays African-Americans is unjust enough but added with the topic of homosexuality we are basically thrown over a bridge. People automatically assume that because of our background and lifestyle choice, we are flamboyant and filled with diseases. When in fact the gay world is filled with many different cultures and backgrounds just like the entire human race in general. The stereotypes we face are not helped because the media likes to play off of what causes controversy. And in fact, I strongly believe the media has a lot to do with why we have so many gay males who face emotional and physical torments. Most people get their general ideas from the media no matter what the topic is. If we were given more opportunities to show the different lifestyle choices within the GLBT community, it would give us a better opportunity to fight for equality. More men would be comfortable with their sexuality and we could begin to see the correct steps taken on universal equality.
Truth of the matter is that sex and drama sells on reality TV; there’s no getting away from that. but in other programming there could be a better representation of GBM in the media. This seems to be one of the many conversations that is taking place among ourselves; I live in the Caribbean and was having the same discussion with friends. The question becomes how do we get other images of ourselves out there? The underrepresented guy who is not into drama, drag or being flamboyant is just a regular guy, and no one wants to tune in to see him in a reality show, but in sitcoms, drama and other shows he can (and should) be shown.
The time is long overdue for honest representation of all of us so the rest of society can see and understand who we are. So that our youths can see who they can become and not be a stereotype or pegged into a corner. There need to be more movies, short films putting our images out there, and the issues we deal with; ‘Slow’ by Darius Clark Monroe is an excellent example. This is a conversation that is happening everywhere, let’s continue to talk, comment on blogs, raise the issue with friends and our community and get something started!
Brent,
I am so glad you brought up that terrific short film “Slow” because films of that calibre will NEVER air on mainstream television. Why? Mainstream television is a racist, misogenistic place that puts profits over everything else. This means, essentially, that we — as Black same-gender-loving men can’t wait on the executives at Logo or Bravo/NBC to fix this problem. We simply need to stop supporting them and turn our time, dollars and clout to more uplifting and positive depictions of us. As you’ve alluded, it is already happening. Many brothers are waking up…Thank goodness!
“Would the black gay men, who sit at home and complain that the flamboyant characters on television are nothing like them and their friends, be willing to live out their more masculine and regular black gay lives for all the world to see? ”
That is the question that needs to be answered by so-called “masculine acting” black gay men. More black gay men of this type need to make themselves seen and heard or else be quiet about the representations of black gay men they see on TV. BTW, nothing against the guy in the picture. He’s only being himself, I guess.
“So where is our place in Reality-TV index? It doesn’t seem like we really have one. Or maybe we are destined to be the catty sidekicks and weavologists to sassy African-American heterosexual women or shamed closet cases.”
Maybe we should start a letter writing campaign to the powers that be. That would at least let the powers-that-be know that many of us are unhappy with the status quo.
I may be flamed for saying what I’m about to say but I’m going to say it anyway. Probably the only way for this situation to really change is for smart, “conscious” black gay men to establish business AND, especially, PERSONAL relationships with POWERFUL white gay men. They can then use their access to these powerful white gay men strategically to change the image of black gay men in the media and society at large. White gay men are not going to automatically “care” about a group (black gay men) they have no PERSONAL connection to. Why should they? No one else does this. Why should they?
I’m all for being fabulous and everything, but there are boundaries. There’s a fine line between being authentic and being down right tacky with our individuality. I don’t believe that we as gay black men are portrayed in a good light. And for that we have ourselves to blame. Maybe seeing other people’s wrongs will make us evaluate our behavior and change for the better. We still have a lot of catching up to do.
The A-List NY was a bit of a disappointment when it came down to casting and not too much representation of Gay and Fabulous men, which NYC house so many incredible gay Black men. There is a gliche in the show because Ryan, the hairdresser to the Stars and A-lister is actually married to a Black man. Yes honey, boyfriend’s man is all Black and successful in the business world. Ryan’s man has it going on and that is whole other topic on it’s own. Regardless, I would love to see their (the happy couple) dynamic in private and in public because that would make for better TV, than seeing these guys attempting to rip into Ms. Nyasha (who I think is fabulous).
Being someone(ME) that at one point in time was considered a “Snow Queen”, which I whole-heartedly deny and don’t try to defend anymore. I just figured that my only defense is my truth and that is I date men I like and the men I like come in all shapes and sizes. I would rather folks consider me a UN dater (United Nation dater) then box me in one slot and try to leave me there. Sorry I had to get it off my chest, it was weighing me down a bit.
We can’t count out the fabulous and a fashionista/fashion GOD (Vogue’s Editor-at-large) Andre Leon Talley when he was on ANTM (America’s Next Top Model). He is fashion royalty on all -levels. Same show (ANTM) but totally different personality and that is the undeniable ‘Misses Jay’. Boyfriend brings the heat and is so incredible on this show. There is no one that can do what he does on the runway with these extremely inexperienced girls. He is so fierce.
I can never talk reality and not mention Ru and the girls, who have their own flare and the “IT” factor and should make everyone who is blessed to watch the show, completely proud.
There is the adorable and extremely handsome, Anthony Williams, who made a huge splash on “Project Runway”. Now Mr. WIlliams who is now designing for VH1′s runaway smash “Single Ladies”, looks good and positive. Speaking of that show, there is a gay character Omar (Travis Winfrey) on the show who is fine but a very important part of the cast and the show. I know it isn’t reality but I think the premise at first was going to be a reality show. Travis brings the heat.
There is Derrick J (Hair Battles Spectacular), who has dominated the hair battle scene for some time and now he is judging. Derrick was made for TV and is completely his own person all the time. Derrick J is just as fabulous as someone should be and doesn’t pretend to be anyone els but himself. Maybe our choices are too good but these are guys with some serious heart and balls bigger than anyone else on TV. They are living on their own terms and without apologizing. I wish I had their strength. I wish nothing more than more successful for them.
Once I found out that Queer Eye actually had a BGM (Blair Boone) but he was replaced I stopped watching the show. The problem is that there’s no one really there for us. Blacks tend to still want to write us as the effiminate character only or Whites make us the drag queen or sexless character hence the Black girl on A list. The only thing you can do is stop watching those shows if you are and try to support shows that portray BGM/W in a good light.
I watch What Not to Wear just to support Ted Gibson.
I think that it’s sad that gay men of color are not represented more in tv. I feel this is because of many reasons. Sadly the only one’s we see are the “Usual Suspects” the fierce drama queens who deliver funny punchlines. While I feel there’s nothing wrong with this it would be nice to see some variety. Which brings me to my next point. How can we be represented on tv when we refuse to represent as individuals in the “Real World”??
Many of us are content with living and passing as “Straight” men even though we are gay. I know people who work at some of these networks who have tried to find more so called every day masculine men of color. Most of them are the first to turn down the opportunity to be represented. So they go and find the more stereotypical black gay men who don’t mind living in the camera’s eye.
I say this to say that if your not a part of the solution your just a part of the problem. We loose our right to complain when we aren’t even willing to admit our sexuality to family, friends or ourselves let alone a couple million viewers. It’s easy to sit back and complain about not being represented when we’re the one’s holding ourselves back.
In response to the question about those of us who sit and complain (see = masculine), it’s not about not being willing to be on the tv side, it’s that guys like myself don’t make for ‘good tv’. The target audience for these shows, RHOA in particular, is black women. Black women don’t mind seeing a snarky, smart mouthed (see = often times just jaded and bitter, and in need of letting years of baggage and pain go) queen who they can see as a no competition g/f.
Those ‘characters’ are over the top, and they make for ‘great tv’..because the outlandishness…yea I said it..draws ppl in to either laugh w them or @ them. (When is the last time you saw one of their lives being explored? In the least? Exactly.)
However, guys like myself might as well be a murdered on the screen, because a good looking, fit, masc, guy next door…is basically disgusting to a population of people who are looking for exactly that; but attracted to females. Just like many effeminate men don’t want to continuously defend themselves, masc gay men don’t want to constantly have to explain why we like what we like, and prefer what we prefer.
If Derek J and the rest of them can be accepted for only wearing womens clothes every time you see them on tv (way to be urself, cus im SURE thats what they wear everyday when theyre not on camera..sarcasm, btw) then I don’t have to be accused of thinking Im better than them, or anyone else, because Im a MAN who is attracted to other masculine MEN!
Just ask yourselves these 2 questions:
1. Out of 10, 10 yr old boys..If all of them from that age forward, grew up with the visual that masculine BGM exhisted..how many do you think..of those 10..would grow up masculine?
2. When was the last generation to grow up exposed to masculine BGM?
We do all know that there is nothing “real” in “reality tv”….right? And pretty much EVERYONE on these shows is a train wreck. I’m not sure if this is an arena where we should seek more representation.
personally I like RuPauls Drag Race….plenty of GBM men there…and as Ru says “if you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you going to love somebody else”