Since the shows inception, “Love & Hip Hop” has been ostracized for it’s negative and stereotypical depictions of African Americans. From drink throwing, to weave pulling and women who can’t seem to find a man that’s faithful and not behind on his child support; the New York, Atlanta and Hollywood franchise’s are unfortunately everyone’s guilty pleasure.
Most people watch and critique via social media because they don’t believe the “ratchet”, “ghetto” and “scripted” storylines apply to their lives.
However, on this season of Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood, executive producer Mona Scott-Young has finally included an important aspect of “reality”. Miles, is an aspiring rapper and Milan is a music producer; they’re a wonderfully happy couple with a huge secret. Within the last six episodes, we’ve watched Miles struggle to admit to his friends, family and former girlfriend Amber that he’s gay.
Homosexuality in entertainment whether it’s sports (Michael Sam) music (Frank Ocean) or TV/film (Jussie Smollett) has always been a taboo topic especially amongst the black community.
Following the Monday, October 19th episode of Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood, ABC News anchor, TJ Holmes with moderate the roundtable discussion, “LHH: Out In Hip Hop” on why the industry is still so homophobic.
A few of the many panel participants are listed below. For the full list, click here.
(Moderator) T.J. Holmes- is a journalist and national television personality. He is currently an ABC News Correspondent.
Big Freedia- is considered the “Queen of Bounce,” which is a subgenre of hip hop music born out of New Orleans that is known for its call and response style and lightning speed booty shaking dance.
DMC- is considered one of the pioneers of hip hop culture and founding members of the hip hop group Run-DMC.
Emil Wilbekin- is the President of World of Wilbekin, former Editor in Chief of Vibe Magazine and former Editor at Large of Essence Magazine.
Fizz- is an actor and rapper, formerly of the R&B group B2K. Currently, he is a cast member of VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood.”
Michael Arceneaux- is a Complex Magazine entertainment writer.
Ray J- is a singer, songwriter, record producer and actor. He is currently a cast member on VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood.”
Pastor Delman Coates- is the Pastor of Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Maryland and a vocal supporter of marriage equality and LGBT acceptance within the church.
SIYA- is a rapper who stars in Oxygen’s “Sisterhood of Hip Hop.”
Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood’s own Miles and Milan will also be present, discussing their personal experiences since the show has premiered.
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Will You Watch? ‘Love & Hip Hop’ Roundtable On Homosexuality In The Entertainment Industry was originally published on hellobeautiful.com
