Despite the number of LGBT characters presented onscreen today only a small fraction are of color. Furthernore, of that percentage very few are safe from falling into the category of being portrayed stereotypically. As the diversity of LGBT characters continues to be featured more prominently in film and television, Black gay men are finally getting the chance to see themselves reflected as something more than that of a comedic prop, or as an accessory to an interracial relationship. NBC's newest series, Council of Dads, features the first married Black gay couple on a prime time television sitcom, a huge step even in the year 2020. Playing the roles of Oliver and Peter, are J. August Richards and Kevin Daniels, with Richards' character being one of three fathers helping the Perry family adjust after the death of the family's father, an event that completely changes the dynamic of the family going forward.
Daniels is an out actor who has appeared on shows such as Modern Family, Sirens, and Why Women Kill. Richards became a household name as a series regular on Angel, and has interestingly enough, despite having played predominantly "straight" roles previously in Hollywood, Richards also used this casting opportunity to officially come out to the world, revealing that he also identifies as gay. Needless to say, having gay Black characters protrayed by actual Black gay men is a refreshing step away from straight actors taking on gay roles. Speaking with the advocate about his coming out and incorporating it into the show Richards stated, "It was important to me that the nuances of the experience of being a Black gay man were represented on this show, because otherwise, why am I even doing it?"
Outside of the couple, the series also features a transgender child in the Perry family. This visibility is important and continues to highlight the diversity that exists within the LGBT community. Years ago I asked the question where were all the happy black gay couples on prime time television. It seems we finally have the answer.
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