Television network BET (Black Entertainment Television) is celebrating Black LGBTQ people on their social media channels for Black History Month.
The digital arm of the Viacom/CBS-owned channel is telling the story of several Black people leading in their communities or industries through several “original editorial series.” Black LGBTQ people are prominently featured throughout the various projects.
Related: Republican wants to cut funding from “Sesame Street” because a gay man will appear on it
Each day throughout the month of February, BET’s social networks will highlight a different Black LGBTQ people and their work, in their own words.
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#29DaysofQueerExcellence Meet: ICON Freddie LaBeija of The House of LaBeija.
"I am the Father of The House of LaBeija and have overcome so many obstacles in my own life in order to improve the lives of others and bring the House of LaBeija back to its former glory." #BETQueerAF pic.twitter.com/VzCb4YXm6w
— BET (@BET) February 4, 2020
“This month, BET is highlighting Black, queer people and how they show up for themselves and their community,” the network wrote in its announcement. They’ve already shared posts on entertainer B. Hawk Snipes, commerce executive Alexis Toney, art director Kendrick Daye, ballroom icon Freddie LaBeija, Slay TV co-founder Sean Torrington, and author Chana Ewing.
The Black Queer Excellence campaign also serves as the first release from a new social franchise, Queer as F**k. This will also include a 3-part documentary series and other original programming, BET announced in November.
#29DaysofQueerExcellence Meet: @classicnewwave
I remember when I was scared to be myself. Not seeing anyone who I felt like I could relate to in school and in work made it harder because I felt I needed to tone myself down just to make people comfortable. F**k that. #BETQueerAF pic.twitter.com/jz7q5xsc58— BET (@BET) February 5, 2020
BET has been criticized before for erasure of, or disrespecting, LGBTQ people in its content – In 2013, transgender media personality B. Scott sued the network for discrimination, and the lawsuit was settled in 2015 – but they have recently made strides to improve in LGBTQ representation.
BET is also including trans Pose actresses MJ Rodriguez and Janet Mock, along with trans 911: Lone Star actor Brian Michael Smith, as one of the trios focused in its upcoming “Black Excellence Trilogy” video series. Fans of the network previously criticized their failure to invite cast members of the FX drama series or honor the show during the 2019 BET Awards this past summer.
In November, Rodriguez was part of the opening of the BET Soul Train Awards.
.@MjRodriguez7 you gave us LIFE tonight, as ALWAYS! #SoulTrainAwards pic.twitter.com/KV0rw0A7oN
— BET (@BET) November 18, 2019
In addition to their #QueerAF programming, Daily Show correspondent and comedian Jaboukie Young-White will be included as one of the members of BET’s “The Future 40” List, presented by Walmart. “The Future 40” names entertainers, writers, entrepreneurs, and other “of the most inspiring and innovative vanguards who are redefining what it means to be unapologetically young, gifted & Black.”
#29DaysofQueerExcellence Meet: Chana Ginelle Ewing …I've been an entrepreneur for over a decade, which enables me…
Posted by BET on Thursday, February 6, 2020
Other members of The Future 40 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. You can also follow the network @BET on all major social media websites and keep up with the hashtags #Future40 and #BlackTrilogy for their other series of posts.
#29DaysofQueerExcellence Meet: Bri Laboss
"My goal is to broaden perspectives and offer space for reflection and more expression. Using voice creatively and being vocal about the things that occupy the lives we live catalyzes personal reckoning and healing." #BETQueerAF pic.twitter.com/o0kwSgrZET
— BET (@BET) February 7, 2020