Mainstream media continues to use visceral stereotypes of black gay men; images that are degrading and feed into the perception that the black gay community has not evolved.
Compared to our white counterparts, the black gay male characters created by some mainstream TV producers are polar opposites. When you view gay white characters on television, the storylines have become stronger, they have progressed from the stereotypical hairdresser role, their personalities demonstrate the range of attributes among gay men, and their storylines are authentic to the issues faced in the gay community. The character’s sexual orientation is almost a non-issue.
Let’s take Jack Falahee’s character on “How to Get Away With Murder”, Connor Walsh. As a gay white character his promiscuity, which could be considered a stereotypical trait often associated with gay men, makes him an intriguing character. This character is different from other gay characters because his promiscuous behavior is a compelling trait that gives him power and control.
Over time this character, even as promiscuous as he is, is being shown on a mainstream TV channel. More importantly, this character in the end is worthy of love. We watched Connor deal with HIV, commitment issues, cheating, and yet he is still worthy of an intimate, authentic relationship. I wonder, would this character have come across as authentic if it were played by a black actor?
On the flip side, black gay characters on television are vastly cast in situations that are less favorable. For example, Tyler Perry’s “The Haves and The Have Nots” black gay character Jeffrey Harrington, played by Gavin Houston, is a prime example of how far the gay character on television has come but how far behind the image of the gay black man is. I believe the stereotypical storyline for Jeffrey’s character borders on being homophobic.
Struggling with our sexual orientation is a real issue confronted by many gay men. But why are black gay characters still so far in the closet on television? Even the storyline for Kevin Satterlee, the son-in-law of a church bishop on Oprah Winfrey’s show “Greenleaf” has revealed his struggles with his sexual orientation while his wife is pregnant with twins.
Where are the gay black characters who proudly stand up and are honest with themselves and their friends and family who are strong, stable, and worthy of love? Yes, Jeffrey Harrington’s father (on “The Haves and Have Nots”) is accepting of his son’s sexual orientation which is a positive step, but would it not be better if Jeffrey was not a “struggling” gay man.
We might need to consider the targeted demographics for each of these shows. The producers and writers for HTGAWM are building up gay characters, even if they have faults. Connor is complex and works through his issues. On the other hand, it might be argued that Perry’s and Winfrey’s shows are targeted to a different demographic, specifically the black community. I would argue that in some ways black gay men are being oppressed within their own community through some of the storylines and images on these shows.
Some have argued that the black community has generally been more homophobic and less accepting of gay black men. I ask, with their authority and influence, couldn’t Perry and Winfrey portray strong black gay characters rather than feeding into fears and stereotypes of the black gay man who is struggling and hiding his true self? These storylines just perpetuate a mindset we are weak, not worthy of love, we should be ostracized, and we are dishonest.
“It was only a few years ago that GLAAD’s annual television reports found that black gay men were one of the most underrepresented groups on television, but the current influx of more diverse characters is a very promising sign,” says Matt Kane, a program director at GLAAD.
Although, I agree with Matt, I have to disagree strongly when the storylines being given to these characters are, in my opinion, invoke fear based on antiquated stereotypes of the black gay male. For example, it’s insulting to watch a black gay character plotted to be in love with a straight man. This is a weak storyline that continues to be played out on the “The Have And Have Nots.” Sure it’s probably for ratings; I understand the need for drama.
Even on the hit show “Empire” we watch the black gay character go from having a healthy relationship into struggling with his sexuality and ultimately cheating, causing the relationship to end. Yes, it may sound realistic, maybe many can relate, but as a gay black man, it is discouraging to watch. Why must we continue to see only brothers on the DL having sex in alley ways or the character who can never truly be comfortable with who he is?
Although I understand writers and producers may be catering to specific demographics and may be out for ratings, writers and producers are in positions of power to influence and change the portrayal of gay black men on television.
