October 11th is more than just a date, it marks National Coming Out Day, a moment to celebrate and highlight the bravery, resilience, and authenticity of LGBTQ+ members. It’s a day to amplify voices, get educated, and advocate for people to share their truths. As the day has come, let’s explore the day’s history and celebrate some television shows that are bringing LGBTQ+ identities to the light.
For starters, the day was founded in 1988 by psychologist Robert Eichberg and LGBTQ+ rights activist Jean O’Leary. At the time, the date was selected to commemorate the anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The march was a monumental moment for the LGBTQ+ community, drawing thousands of individuals to fight for equal rights and visibility. Since its establishment, National Coming Out Day has grown into an internationally recognized event celebrated across countries and communities.
Within the past years, Black television has increased the visibility surrounding LGBTQ+ individuals, showcasing authentic storylines that resonate with the audience. This shift not only reflects the growing acceptance of different identities within the Black community but also highlights the importance of media representation. Notable shows such as ‘Pose,’ ‘P-Valley,’ ‘Legendary,’ and ‘Ru Paul’s Drag Race’ have been taking lead in effort, with each show contributing to conversations about the LGBTQ+ experience.
Pose
Debuting in 2018, ‘Pose’ stands as a groundbreaking series that focuses on the lives of Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ individuals in Ballroom culture of New York City in the 80s and 90s. The show features a wide range of cast members, making it the largest cast of transgender actors in leading roles. By centering the storyline around characters like Blanca (MJ Rodriguez) and Elektra (Dominique Jackson), ‘Pose’ brought the struggles LGBTQ+ members face daily to mainstream media. Additionally, what made this show stand out was its incorporation of real-life ballroom figures and LGBTQ+ activists, increasing its authenticity.
P-Valley
Next, we’ll take a trip down to the valley where you’re sexual identity is the least of anyone’s concerns. ‘P-Valley’ takes off to showcase the lives of the employees working at a strip club in the Mississippi Delta. The show highlights race and sexuality, showcasing Lil Murda (J. Alphonse Nicholson), a Black male rapper who navigates his sexuality while living in a heteronormative environment. As the series progresses, viewers can see LGBTQ+ relationships with depth, emphasizing love and vulnerability while tackling stereotypes.
RuPaul’s Drag Race
While this one isn’t necessarily a Black show, RuPaul’s Drag Race may be the most iconic series geared toward celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, particularly drag culture. This long-standing series has introduced the world to legendary Black queens, including Bianca Del Rio, Bob the Drag Queen, and Shea Coulee. However, the show extends past entertainment, serving as a platform where representation in the drag community is put at the forefront.
Legendary
Another series that highlights ballroom culture is ‘Legendary.’ The series features “houses” that show off their best performers in different categories, including voguing, for a chance to win $100,000. ‘Legendary’ not only gives individuals a space to display their talent and creativity, but it also honors the cultural significance of the ballroom scene. To add excitement to the show, ‘Legendary’ has a star-studded guest judge list that includes Megan Thee Stallion, Keke Palmer, and Law Roach.
Including Black LGBTQ+ stories in television is not just a trend, it’s an important aspect of storytelling that resonates with the lives of its audience. As we all know, representation matters and when viewers see themselves reflected on television, it brings a sense of inclusion and belonging to various identities.
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