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Monday, July 27, 2009
One would think the answer to this question would be a resounding yes after the success of Noah's Arc and The DL Chronicles, but sadly both of those shows have been cancelled and there's almost no black LGBT representation in prime time.
That may all soon change once Maurice Jamal's Friends and Lover's debuts on the small screen. A spin-off of Jamal's first independent feature The Ski Trip, Friends & Lovers stars Terrell Carter (yep, you read right), Jackee' Harry (227, Sister Sister), Kairon John (Noah's Arc), John Rankin (The Ski Trip), Ben Patterson (Noah's Arc), Debra Wilson (MAD TV), & Ray Cunningham (College Hill).
Friends and Lovers has been gaining quite a buzz during screenings at film festivals and Pride events across the country. Most recently at The Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian FIlm Festival where it was warmly received.
Bet.com television critic Michael Arceneaux recently chatted with cast member Ray Cunningham about the potential risk of bringing the lives of black gays and lesbians before a national audience and whether or not Americans are ready to see the black LGBT community depicted on screen.
“I honestly don’t feel even with a Black president that America is ready to accept a Black gay program", says Cunningham. It seems everyone is used to the co-starring gay characters with the two quick-witted lines. Our lifestyles are often made out to be spoofs but in the real world we have the same varying issues as heterosexuals.”
According to Cunningham director & creator Maurice Jamal is in the final stages of confirming a network that will be the home for his new series that will include LGBT as well as straight characters on screen.
Regardless if America is ready for this project or not, the images of LGBT people on television and in film should reflect the true makeup of the community. It's unacceptable in 2009 that many in the black community fail to recognize gay people of color exist and it's equally frustrating that black LGBT's have very few images in the media to identify with.
Will you be watching Friends & Lovers when it debuts? Get into a sneak peek in the video below:
7 Comments:
I can't wait! I miss Noah's Arc and the DL Chronicles.
July 27, 2009 1:42 PM
I'm actually excited about this project. Regardless of whether (Black) America is ready for us in the mainstream, it is incredibly important that we continue to put our faces out there- as much as we can- to further break barriers.
I just hope we can do it without stereotyping ourselves too much. Let's showcase the more personal side of Black gay culture... you know, the side that EVERYONE can relate to. :-)
July 27, 2009 2:06 PM
I am anxiously awaiting this one as well. Can't hardly wait.
July 27, 2009 5:06 PM
Judging from the preview it doesn't look like its going to be good. But i'll give it the benefit of the doubt mostly because I love anything involving Jackee Harry and Debra Wilson. I like the guys work though Dirty Laundry ( Think he was behind that) was a good film.
July 27, 2009 7:08 PM
I can't be mad at Maurice Jamal. He REALLY tries, and outside of the first "Ski Trip" film, he does pretty good. I don't care that this is giving me cliche tea. Heck, I just want to see some people I can relate to on TV. Work, Maurice. I know Debra is going to be real messy. She is super funny.
Yes, I will definitely be watching.
July 27, 2009 8:28 PM
just like mtv was not ready for our skin color but michael bust that door down we as black gay men have to take a stand because if we don't we always be the token black gay men in the stories and we have way to many stories that need to be told.its sad tht e lynn passed b4 any of his books turned into movies could see the light of day
July 27, 2009 8:29 PM
Has Maurice lost weight? Is it the new hairstyle? He looks just a little different in the pics.
I wish the show the best. I will be watching.
July 28, 2009 1:43 PM
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