Last week, I complained that LA Complex stereotypes gay black men. I was disappointed about the whole down low rapper storyline. Most gay black men are not rappers or musicians just regular people.
Now I have changed my mind. I think Kal and Tariq dysfunctional relationship is interesting drama. For some gay black men it is difficult to come out of the closet due to homophobia inside the black community. I think this story can help us black folks to have more dialogue about homosexuality.
The second scene in the studio Kal tries to act hard and create this persona that he is a heterosexual man is shocking.
Kal`s hypocrisy pretending to be straight yet treating Tariq like shit is disappointing yet real.
However, Kal is scared by his attraction to Tariq so he treats him badly. I think Tariq will have to decide whether he wants to deal with Kal`s internalized homophobia. It is refreshing to see two young gay black men on Canadian television! I hope the writers continue to expand the characters make them more real and not stereotype them.
In the final scene, my heart melted when Kal showed some vulnerability and admitted that he is attracted to Tariq.
By the way the the kiss at the end of the last scene is so hot!!!
The show is totally addicting! My tv wonked out on me when it aired today. Gonna catch the web episode once it’s posted! I love Canada!