‘Out in Hip Hop’: Is This An Agenda or Nah?

Last night, VH1 aired an one-hour special (“LHH: Out in Hip Hop”) dedicated to the topic of gays in hip-hop. The discussion served as an open forum for individuals to verbally show their support for the LGBT community. Panelists included “Love & Hip Hop Hollywood” co-stars Miles & Milan, Ray J, and Fizz, as well as, Big Freedia, Buttahman, Chuck Creekmur, DMC, Fly Young Red, D. Smith, and several others. The television special was a long time coming. It strategically aired two-hours after “Love & Hip Hop Hollywood” season 2’s emotional episode when Miles finally comes out of the closet to his high school sweetheart and family.

For the first time, the taboo of living as a gay male on the DL was seen by millions in this fashion. The harsh realities of being gay and open about it in the hip hop community has, for many years, been difficult to navigate through as artists. Miles talked about how fear of being outcast in the music industry prevented him from coming out up until now. How he’s had to work his career is the same way many other gay males and female artists have had to as well. The fear of not being accepted. The fear of being discriminated against by labels and club venues. Hell, being discriminated against by your favorite artist. These are all consequences of living your truth while in hip-hop.

It was good that VH1 touched on this topic and in this type of setting. There is a phobia in the music industry that’s been prevalent for decades. However, when we talk about social injustices, we forget to include gay rights and acceptance. One audience member spoke on that and stated that while we are pushing the #BlackLivesMatter movement, we must not forget that black lives include much more. Black gay lives are included. Black HIV/AIDS victims are included. Black homeless lives are included. And much more lives that fall into the “black” category.

A question that remain on some minds, however, is this a part of a gay agenda? Reality shows like “Love & Hip Hop Hollywood” and “Empire” have shown full-blown gay relationships on television. Same sex marriages are now acceptable in many states. Everyone is proud of being who they are and are pushing the culture forward through music, fashion, television, sports, and other areas. However, to some conservatives and Christians, this is way too much.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? DID YOU WATCH “OUT IN HIP-HOP”? WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

To watch the program or find resources to help someone deal with being “out,” visit VH1’s website at www.vh1.com.