An Uncomfortable Outing w/ Daniel Bellomy

The subject of sexuality remains a hot-button issue for many, especially in Hollywood. In the age of the unapologetic gay celebrity, there now seems to be a presumed sexual comfort that everyone on the LGBT spectrum must exude at all times. A perfect example of this gross understanding can be seen with actor Daniel Bellomy's recent interview with Flip the Script Podcast. 

Recently, the Power actor visited the podcast to discuss his newfound fame and stardom. With his meme-worthy character portrayal and becoming a household name, everyone wants to know about the young actor and what may be next on his career path. A typical, albeit messy, interview question that is often asked is, "Are you dating or seeing anyone?" However, host QueenzFlip rubbed many viewers the wrong way with his line of questioning,

Watching the video made me feel like I was back in middle school when a male family member would ask, "You have a girlfriend? "No? Why not? What's wrong with you?" As an out and proud member of the LGBT community, even I have my moments of regression, so I relate with Bellomy all too well.

I'm sorry Bellomy had to experience this moment and public outing before he was ready. Since the clip emerged, the host has defended the segment, arguing that viewers are overreacting since Bellomy never felt disrespected. Despite Bellomy's verbal reassurance, the actor is visibly uncomfortable in the video. Thankfully, since the interview, Bellomy has been met with a wave of love and online support.

Christian Keyes Is An Artist Not Ally.

While it's no secret that Hollywood loves casting heterosexuals to portray homosexual characters, one would think that most, if not all, actors who take on these roles would be 100% secure with their sexuality. Unfortunately, even in 2019 the male heterosexual ego remains fragile as ever, as showcased by actor Christian Keyes recent rant on Instagram where he addressed the unwelcomed attention he receives from gay men on his social media accounts. Link to video below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Br9tD4UgBMR/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=3kgpgytmez4e

 Aside from respecting his sexual preference, Keyes rant is damaging as it only further demonstrates the issues of casting non homosexuals to portray homosexual roles in film and television. As much as these actors respect others truths and appreciate the support the truth is often very few are allies of the LGBT Community. Surely Keyes knows he is not the first heterosexual male to be ogled and hit on by fans of the same sex. Heterosexual stars like actor Ryan Reynolds and R&B singer Tank are well known for embracing gay fans without taking offense to flirtatious behavior. Instead of ignoring male advances, or being flattered to receive them, Keys has to defend his fragile sexuality and in turn only alienates his fans and showcases a degree of homophobia.

The best thing Keyes could have done in this situation was to just ignore any and all messages received by males after all, at this point in his career any interesting opportunities wouldn't and shouldn't be presented via his inbox. Given that Keyes portrays a gay man on the CW series Legends of Tomorrow, one doesn't know how his comments will effect his work going forward considering Hollywood's low tolerance for any type of homophobia, no matter how blanketed they may be.

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They caught me on a moonless night

Bearing a grocery bag

As I walked along the maze of streets

That I had mastered in youthful days.

Safe, secure fantasy quickly vanished as

Frightening figures emerged from shadows.

Clutched from behind

Grasped from up front

Slurs and chants rang all around!

Help was called, he did not answer

Prayers were sent, to never be delivered!

I thought to myself this must be a mistake,

I could not possibly be this “nigger”

This “faggot” they sought so violently.

The minutes left wounds of tormenting years

Reminders of such a terrifying event.

Whelps and stings overwhelmed my body,

Tears and sweat my only comfort.

They snatched no chain

Nor picked any pocket.

The relic they stole was much more valuable.

They quickly disappeared,

Returning to haunted shadows.

Leaving me sprawled in misery,

Thinking, hoping that it couldn’t be

That this nigger, this faggot was me.