GAYFACE: Mainstream Media's Portrayal Of The LGBT Community (QV - 4)

[babydrane]

I just love this video. I want u to be the mayor of Atlanta!

[UndercoverCracker]

If your mind is controlled by the media you have a seriously weak mind.

[lPauRussi]

i like people like you, but when I see chris crocker, he totally let gay community down.

Im straight woman and I agree with you, but some gay men think they are even better than women. Its annoying.

[erozpl01]

martin lawrence lookin motherfucker

[Jazscorpio]

Damn! Pretty awesome!

[snickers619]

preach!

[TheMediaman6]

As a PR person with over 25 years of experience, I can confirm EVERY WORD you said and you are dead on about this. I'd like to share this on my Facebook and PR FB with your permission.

[TheToxicity21]

I had no idea this went on with gay people, I see that every minority gets exploited by the media. Society is always me first, it is always about getting over on the next person. Insightful video by the way.

[Bannacream]

Van, It was a blessing meeting you @ columbia mall i am glade to have your representing us , A true face loving gay life ( Rick )

[datboikel08]

Man u said that n the only way it cud b said

[callydagamecock]

Thanks for posting this XEM...this is very true but I believe the reason this is going on is because those are the ones who are most comfortable with being who they are..and even at the end of the day..that isn't true..because I just found out what "the t" is...and im 31..

[blkwheeler32]

But Xem, What you're talking about makes sense, but, they just started portraying black folks in a decent light (sort of) and that took forever.  You know it's gonna take them a while top portray gay folks in a positive way.

[DrunkeyO]

you know hes talking about b scott

[egomaniaxxl]

Preach Brotha, wow I'm a new fan and it....it just touches me so much to hear someone else with my same views.

[Sagg75]

Xem,

You hit the nail on the head! I am tired of people think that being a gay man is a flamer, punk ass DL mofo, and last, a dumb as a box of rocks person.

Speak out and tell people that stereotypes hurt people, because if we don't, things will never change.

[DigableDude]

Masculine Gay Men do a piss poor job of representing ourselves!

[stillgrow]

I sooo agree with you, Neil Patrick Harris is a perfect example, he's sooo busy trying to apease str8 media/society, trying to portray the "I'm gay but, I'm not "gay gay", "I can pass 4 str8", "See I'm normal", "persona", and I think that type of openly gay person is hurtful 2 the lgbt community as well, because it says, "I have 2 b like you to be accepted by you".

[josephjmg18]

@stillgrow well I understand what you are saying but I don't think you caught Xems point.

[worldperformer]

Love your videos. Much love from Portugal :D

[revemupman]

This is why coming out is still stigmatized in the black community. The need to sterotype a certain characteristic as "gay" means you will never find out who's really gay or not. The only reason the "Down Low" exists is because of the stigma in the first place. Loose the stigma, and there will be no need for a closet or a down low culture.

[Milanoli]

I think Luke and Noah in As the world turns was a good portrayal, even though it was a soap opera. It seemed realistic. Neither of them were flamboyant, and neither of them were hair stylists or costume designers. But thats just me, I don't agree with how they portray gay men in movies and tv shows but you have to realize that they are broadcasting what they know, and until you have a person that knows, they will only show what they think gay men and women should act and look like.

[Zorrohxxx]

It took years( as mentioned previously by another viewer[s] ) for African, Asian and Latino Americans to become anything but comedy relief or just a side kick. Even now, the White lead character in a show has all the answers( even when it comes to diversity issues ) or is most likely the sensible hero. It is frustrating and as someone previously posted, we have to be patient. I can promise you that BET will NOT be taking the lead on this issue. You can bet on that. Pun intended!

[mandingo782]

I grow tired of straight women changing there tone of voice when they adress me.One of my co-workers had no idea she would piss me off everytime she greeted me because she would greet a heterosexual male co worker "hello mr. such and such, but when she greeted me, her tone got much higher an she sayed "Hey honey,..." I knew she meant well, but I did notice the difference. And I know I sound nothing like the voice she made. Your dead on, gay men are just amusing characters to most straight women

[desertflow3r]

I can see why that kind of treatment could get under your skin but I can also see that there is this definite simpatico between gay men and straight women that makes way for a closer relationship or informality if you will. I think it's the absence of that predator and prey dynamic.

[desertflow3r]

Patience honey! I understand it can be frustrating being under-represented. I've witnessed the slow evolution of the portrayal of Blacks in the media and find it amazing when I contrast that representation from the 70's till now. It was epedemic that the mainstream only wanted to see us comedically or athletically. Right now, they only want to see gays flamboyantly. Eventually, everyone will get their piece of the pie.

[mandingo782]

but should we HAVE to wait is the question

[cityboy826]

Most of the the networks have diversity programs for writing and show development...maybe that is the place to start redefining the lgbt community

[tutenor06]

...Just the way I love my XVA... straight, shaken, and stirred all at the same time! Love it!

[AmaniArk]

your videos always make me smile

[freshtee69]

So again, I applaud you sharing your thoughts about this important subject and I'm not only hopeful but also waiting for the day when others not like us will see us as we see ourselves.

[freshtee69]

I give them something to think about. I give them another way to look at an important part of me. I believe that we all are unwitting role models and representatives to the public at large and I make it a point to carry myself in a way that doesn't negatively impact how people view or perceive me just as I do because I am also black.

[freshtee69]

I applaud you on speaking your mind about how the mainstream refers and portrays us. I spend everyday showing others through my actions that all gay men do not act in that manner. Sometimes when someone finds out that I am gay because I tell them, they are amazed because I don't fit that model that they were conditioned to believe as accurate.

[popkats]

Xem you hit the nail on the head with this one here. I was telling my sister the same thing about the portrayal of gay in the media. I know you rmember Ricki Lake. She used to have all these LOUD Gay guys on her show. I would tell my sister and other friends whyis that? Why do she always have these people on here. They do not reflect me one bit. So I hesar what your saying and I pray that this gets back to someone that's in the media and really think about protraying us in a better way.

[caracre]

The more intersections of oppression, the more difficult it is to be understood. Plus you have stereotypes out there on each intersection that are so generalized on one idea of a group. It's hard enough at the microlevel/interpersonal level, let alone at the macrolevel.

Your point on women is well taken. We often follow instead of lead. I think a big reason for that is that women, or any group who has been objectified, want to please their oppressors at the subconscious level.

[khworksgmail]

i support this idea all the way

[Appplecidder]

Yass xem go in

[babiimak3r]

i agree.

[DrRenaldo]

try to channel that engery into positive , I am tired of seeing the typical gay role, but becasue our brothers dont step up and out there really isnt anything for other people to see, how can we role model to younger guys and were not fully out of the closet, giving them something to look at that isnt on tv.

So I am not surprised when I see the young ones out acting a fool because I know that there isnt proper modeling for our community.

[DrRenaldo]

You know I love you man,,,

[cutiewattsboi]

I totally feel you on this one Xem. I've been saying the same thing for a looooonnnng time. I hate the fact that the media only portrays one side, one face of gay america. We come in all different facets and we should be respected as so. It's almost embarassing sometimes to see other gay men on television acting so sassy, as if that's how all gay men are. It's refreshing to FINALLY hear someone speaking out about this. Thanx Xem and much LUV!

[holyandannointed]

no you're not the only one, it bothers me as well, the LGBT community are not portrayed well at all in media. They are portrayed as either hoes or jerks, overly flamboyant or just extremely weak, but that's not the case at all.

I feel we need to be portrayed truthfully so that we can stop getting those retarded looks and can be taken SERIOUSLY.

You spoke the truth.

Much Love

James

[248YacNi99a]

Do that shit Xem. I love you my brother I really do, and look fowared to your video's. I under stand what you mean 100%. I use to hate watching on of my favorit shows College Hill because of the charater Kyle. He and many others are the reason most brothers don't want to come out. Because you don't want you family or friends looking at you that way , cause like you said that's what most think we are as a hloe. Keep up the good work, and don't change for know one!

[tennislover08]

Ugh!!!!!!!!!!! Xem I Love you for bringing this most important issue up because so many people are affected by this....Everything about this video rocks, the way to spoke and conveyed your message was first rate and I want to say that I am happy and proud to look to you as a representative of our community

[africanTHEfire]

everything you said was true everything we cant just be content with our representation

[Taladiyoung]

who is this guy stewie LOL...... seriously though, every body know theirs plenty of sophisticated gay people such ass xem thats just not what entertainment america wants...and gays are the best stylist and fashion designers and make up artist. thats what majority is like so thats how main stream media depict gays.. why isn't it enough for gays to be excepted in todays society know one looks at you ass social rejects my brother is gay.people are just really facing the the reality, and excepting.

[landobnice]

Xem I love you man for your amazing elocution and straight ahead candor...

Don't ever stop papa..

[hotworkagain]

beautiful i love it, its so true

[SxchaFxkknFemm]

Hallelujahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh­hhh "AMEN!!!!!" YES SIRR

[CoreyLove00]

XEM~ its amazing becuz i've been feeling this way about Media for yrs!! What an Absolute EXCELLENT Mssg!...(this VLOG should be Y/T viral by EVERYONE Viewing:) ..5*Fav

[claflin2011]

don't you watch Greek on ABC family, he is one of the most honest and genuine character on the show and is part of the reason i watch. I think he is a great representation of a young homosexual man.

[bige298]

sad that this is to true...

[GayBlkWorld]

I think Patrik Polk did something powerful & took control. May be we need to tak control in relation to how we are portrayed.

There are many Gay & Lesbian producers that commission these show that stereotype us.

Will & Grace............Will was a lawyer & not camp.

[y2kmalone]

you better preach my brother

[forbilive]

Thats so true, about women thinking all gay men are flamboyant. I came out to my supervisor at work and she added FABULOUS to her vocab when speaking with me... ugh! How dreadful, lol. Yeah, I wish we would be portrayed in a wider variety of ways... AGREED!

[jkoppy]

The words u just spoke aloud were the words that i myself and thousands and thousands of other gay individuals have thought and said but have fallen on deaf ears. so for me personally Thank you

[letsgetmessy]

This is so true!

[whymustwe712]

Very true. Nice to hear someone else speaking out. However It is fine for those who are naturally flamoyant to be that way though, i dont want people to think that its not. Its just not how we ALL are... just some of us

[csupernature]

What about us? Thank you for shedding light on this topic, so necessary.

[melsucceeded]

Xem, I absolutely agree with you.

[damisoali]

True man... very true

[ddbarr514]

say word say word! you hit the nail on the head. i can tell ur pretty passionate about it too. it's so sad that we as a community aren't in the business of tyring to build up the community. one day, i pray, one day

[rockboot45]

so so so so true.what you said defeatly made so much since.because if a gay male whated to be on tevelision and did not act like what has been shown on tv of how gay men act.that gay male would not get that pary unless he acted bitchie and femalish and its so true.we do need more other types of gay males show on TV to represent other characters of gay males.instead of just the femalish kind.

[Endivisual]

that's so truee!!

i saw beauty shop the other day as well and i saw the dude dippin n i was thinkin the same thing bout what xem said

[ewingboyz]

this is so true, its like the media is putting their interpretation of the gay community on T.V. They want to make it look like they are accepting us but in a way that is more comfortable for them or more profitable for them but its not realistic. GREAT VIDEO!!!

[scorpionic08]

I agree but I think lesbian women in the media are even more under represented than gay men, we dont even really have a stereotype. Only positive thing ive seen recently on tv was Staceyann Chin in 'My two cents' on BET.

[spfxeyes]

I am ready for my Gay reality tv show. It is time someone reveal the truth and shed a positive image for community.

[Kumtekmeon]

Xem I see where you are coming from, but I do not think mainstream media will portray us any differently UNTIL we demand that change. Gay men who are masculine and all, who defy the typical stereotype of society NEED to step forward.

How can CBS show gay men in a different light when the only gay men who are not afraid to raise their voices are the ones who are flamboyant?

When we have a have a decline in 'outings' THEN we will see gay men of all walks truly represented in the media.

[reddhen]

you are so on point.

[slimsxyblkwoman]

The media is a massive tool for mind-control. Most are unaware that they are under hipnosis. The bigger challenge to society is to strive to reclaim their own minds and stop viewing the world through the eyes of someone or some group, that don't give a shit about YOU or US!

[InfiniteFinesse]

You're so on point in this vid. I as a heterosexual female was discussing this very same issue with a straight female friend just yesterday....We basically have the attitude that gay men only serve the purpose of "beating" our faces, styling our hair, designing our clothes and living spaces, or being a lapdog-like psuedo-girlfriend. The gays portrayed on Real Housewives of Atlanta doesn't help this narrow stereotype. Bottom line...deep down, we straight women resent such a waste of dick.

[Taladiyoung]

that's not how america personifies gay men thats how yall make yall self look. but if the majority of gay men act like that, thats how your going to be portrayed. most gay men are how you described . some are more dignified, but dont know body want to turn on the t v. and see a dinified gay guy. they want to see a gay guy sayin HOW DOIN MISS THANG.... or somthing like that. understand your feelings but this is america their will NEVER be a gay president.but still i respect your point of view

[InfiniteFinesse]

@Taladiyoung "thats how yall make yall self look".......Ya'll? Let me repeat/clarify....I am a STRAIGHT FEMALE...I'm not a gay male.

[Taladiyoung]

i wasnt talking to you y would u even respond stupid bitch.... fuck fags and their hags

[InfiniteFinesse]

Who's the stupid bitch? Your shit is sitting underneath MY comment Ya DUMBFUCK! Grow a brain and learn how to post a reply correctly!

[Taladiyoung]

I never replied to your comment any way bitch so fuck off you fucking hag .....................FUCK OFF!!!!!!!

[InfiniteFinesse]

*Poof* begone....ya pea-brained DUMBFUCK....And once again please learn how to post your moronic replies correctly. Everyone except your doofless ass can see you've replied directly under my comment. And your dumbass is still trying to argue...fuck you idiot. Now...Go forth and try to make the most of your shit-for-brains moron life.

[wordjunkiee]

SPEAK THE TRUTH XEM!!!!!!!!!!! (And I love the gay feminine impression you did at 6:44 haha)

[NauseousGuru]

I spoke about this topic today with a friend.

The media seeks to find humor in the homosexuality and I for one cannot stand it.

[CHANGEtheIdiot]

Hey wake up fool the MSM and liberals have been, and always will, just use you for your political power... they couldn't give two shits about you or your lifestyle!

They just want your VOTE... wake the fuck up!

[TheOneofakind17]

Omg,so true.I am sick and tired of it too.Thats why i was so upset when noahs arc was discontinued,i felt that the show really potrayed us in a much more positive way.

[Backatwon]

Xem - most people in general are not that interesting ...even the gay community has it's share of "boring" people ....media doesn't represent most poeple period ......other-wise it's not couched as entertainment ????.....................agree with you but the media is such a waste !!..........much respect!

[MountAthos]

What face do gays present?

Gay judge in miss USA savages an ordinary contestant as a "B&TCH" and "C&NT" because she has a different opinion than his.

Gays hold sexualized "KISS IN" protests across from the most sacred temples in Utah for prop 8, even during services. What is the point of this other than to evoke hateful feelings towards gays?

In SF, they disrupt and blaspheme catholic services.

Gay pride parades nationwide show the public highly sexualized caricatures of themselves.

[1andonlyDEl]

@MountAthos: ever heard of the word "generalization?"

[Kumtekmeon]

FYI gays are the victims of society, not the other way round!

Whilst Paris was crude, the contestant IGNORANCE and insensitivity are more shameful!

That kissing protest started for a darn good reason, and I am certain you don't find heterosexual kissing in the church to be sinful, so stop being the hypocrite!

And what about CARNIVAL isn't a straight event that glorifies sex and lewdness? I do not support Gay Pride, but Carnival os the same thing.

Why not talk about the suicides, & rejections?

[Kengikat]

THANK YOU for you bold and brave TRUTH. too many times gays want ti both ways

[BelizeanThug22]

I thank you so much for making this videos,because everything that you have stated on here is soooo true..Great job!

[KESLAHBROWN219]

I can't do anything but agree 100% with everything you just stated. Unfortunately that is how the mainstrem media portrays SGL people. I can say that as an African-American Heterosexual Woman, that happen to have alot of SGL friends, that the mainstream advertising executives and audience know that the portrayal of SGL persons is scaled down to represent a small percent of the SGL community. Unfortunately I have heard many say that they will buy what makes them laugh which is "GayFace"! 1Luv Kez

[cruzianjumbee]

Xem, i'm glad that you did this because you are right. I'm not that type of way either and im kinda like you. im a professional young blk man and I dont like it either.

[rvgcye07]

wow...that was a great video...this is a problem that sadly in my opinion may never change but...if more of us speak out about it...it could possibly become a reality...this is the reason why soooo many men get away with living the "down low" lifestyle in the sense that they cheat on their women with me...the women would never know because he's not the "typical" gay man....

much luv

jo-nathan

[Ta3z0nF13rc3]

So True...X

[H8RbyN8URE]

Actually, oftentimes you too are quite loud bruh....lol. I know you're passionate about your grievances and various topics but seemingly you do tend to shout out the camera a lot. That said, your point as usual is well taken and I agree 100%, though the media generally does a piss poor job in its representation of most, if not all minorities and it is not by accident IMO.

[Backatwon]

H8R .once again I agree with you ...the media does a piss-poor job at representing most peiesple not just minorities ........and at times Xem's passion is a little loud at times !....much respect man!

[RossclartRETROGRADE]

I'm like you!

I don't consider myself either feminine or masculine. Neither end of the scale ;)

I definitely agree about the portrayal thing. A good example is Marc in Ugly Betty. He's hilarious but still =/

I think it's quite insulting to us tbh.

[artavius18]

U better tell em Xem!

[mauriceD0514]

Tyra Banks represents the gay community really well on her television shows.

[Blaze7500]

I'm so glad you're bringing this to everyone's attention.. Because sadly its true

[mellicho]

Well said.x

[masterdoa]

PReach, Xem you are tellin the truth. THIS ALSO EFFECT THE MEN WHO ARE STILL IN THE CLOSET(AS IN ADTV SAY, STILL IN TRAINING) because they are afraid, even me, the only thing their parents going to see and think of is that social stigma of them. Hopefully THERE ARE MANY YOUNG LADYS THAT KNOW THIS is NOT THE FACT AND JUST KEEP AN OPEN MIND. EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE STARTING TO SUSPECT EVERY MAN(MIAMI FOR EXAMPLE) AT least THEIR MIND IS OPEN TO WHAT ELSE WE CAN BE INSTEAD OF FEIRCE AND GIVING FACE.

[brycen10]

Hey Xem, have you seen the show Greek on abc family. They have an African American male on that show that I feel does a good job of representing us. Granted, a straight male plays the part, but the character is gay and not extra, just a normal college kid

[kylefr635]

also, on ABC there's a show "Brothers & Sisters" which has a gay character on it who is very 'middle of the road.' he's a lawyer, married to a chef. and very complex, not just a sidekick.

for that matter, even "Desperate Housewives" does a pretty decent job of representing teh Gays. there's a gay married couple on the block. and Bree's son is gay, also well developed and complex.

we might not be represented out there like we want. but we're definitely making progress. just keep the faith.

[RayRaySag]

I agree with you Kyle. I'd rather have a "middle of the road" representation that a "screw everything moving" portrayal like in Queer As Folk. Believe it or not, DeGrassi: The Next Generation has/have/had pretty good representations of gay teens. To me, I think Will & Grace was as about as close as we are gonna get to proper representation. They had different cultures and varieties. Sometimes I've had to tell my straight acquaintances, "I'm not the type of gay person you see on TV".

[cu1837]

Well Xem, you know I agree with everything you just said. That's one of the reasons I'll tell my boys I like dudes before I tell my female friends. I have no desire to be pidgeon holed into the rol eof the gay side kick, I had to let my female friends know during a trip I was still a dude and still sexually attracted to girls. They were ass and titty and puss'd out and I had to make a serious effort not to oggle them.lol. But yeah we def need more diversity and better representation in media

[twanw]

O.M.G. I WAS JUST having this conversation! When i came out, I did so because there are NO representation of gay men who are in the middle. Not uber masculine, or uber feminine... No shade to either end of the spectrum, cuz I LOVE them but people seem to be bored by "us." It makes me sick!

[twanw]

let me clean that up. That wasn't the primary reason i did it, but it's one of the key factors

[MuziiiKProductions]

1st veiw :O