BET Is Celebrating Black LGBTQ People With #29DaysOfQueerExcellence

Posted on by Diamond Jeune, DI

Every day throughout the month of February, BET’s social media network will highlight different Black LGBTQ people, their stories, and their work.

What We Know:

  • This is the network’s way of trying to be inclusive and showcase the works of those who have been overlooked in the business.
  • The network shared several stories of many different people such as entertainer B. Hawk Snipes, commerce executive Alexis Toney, director Kendrick Daye, ballroom icon Freddie LaBeija, Slay TV co-founder Sean Torrington, and author Chana Ewing.

 

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#29DaysofQueerExcellence Meet: @bhawksnipes . . . The way I uplift Black Queer people is by authentically being myself every day. And letting them know they are LOVED. Whether it’s going to a casting for a TV or Runway show. A lot of my supporters on social media or even random people I come across on the street are so inspired by my confidence & freedom. The different ways I’ve shown my self-expression have been through great opportunities such as being the first Black Non-Binary Brand Ambassador for LYFT, Google and The PHLUID PROJECT just to name a few. I’ve also had the privilege to be on iconic & award-winning shows including, “The Circle NYC” (YouTube), “Tales of the City” (Netflix) and most recently “POSE” (FX). I think “freedom” is something a lot of people (especially marginalized Black Queer/Trans people) want and deserve. And if I could be that beacon of light for them..then HERE I AM. I also love to read about Black LGBTQ+ Trailblazers from the past and then spread the word to the next generation within the community. #BETQueerAF . . . 📷: @jocelyn_prescod 💄: @fabfacesbyaigner

A post shared by BET Networks (@bet) on

  • BET announced, in November, the Black Queer Excellence campaign which released a 3-part documentary and other original programming.
  • In the past, BET has been criticized for disrespecting the LGBTQ community. In 2013, transgender media personality B. Scott sued the network for discrimination. The suit was later settled in 2015. Since then, the networks have tried to improved LGBTQ representation.
  • BET’s “Black Excellence Trilogy” video series featured trans Pose actresses MJ Rodriguez, Janet Mock, and trans 911: Lone Star Brian Michael Smith. This came after fans criticized the lack of representation and their failure to invite the cast members of the hit show.
  • In November, Rodriguez was featured at the BET Soul Train Awards.
  • In addition to #QueerAF programming, Daily Show correspondent and comedian Jaboukie Young-White will also star in BET’s “The Future 40” List, which is presented by Walmart. This list will name “entertainers, writers, entrepreneurs, and other of the most inspiring and innovative” people who know what it means to be unapologetically young gifted and Black. Other members include author Tomi Adeyemi, Star Wars actors John Boyega and Naomi Ackie, and Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes.

To keep up with BET’s recognition of LGBTQ people through Black History Month, follow the hashtags #29DaysofQueerExcellence and #BETQueerAF and follow BET on all social media platforms

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