Good News For Black Gay TV Fans

Deacon
December 5 2006, 10:50AM

I'm glad here! is adding to DL Chronicles to it's line up, unfortunately my cable provider only offers here! as part of their on demand service, after seeing the first episode of The DL Chronicles it will be worth the price to see it. Nothing against Logo but their programming is limited, they never have more than 8 episodes of any show and they rerun the same shows over and over again, then again they are part of Viacom and like MTV, VH1 orignality is not a top priority. It's good to see that within the past six years black gays have been making major strides for themselve in film and television. Major props to Quincy & Deondray for their excellent work...

clay
December 5 2006, 10:53AM

im so happy for quicny and deondray! it is a great quality show!!!!

Cincinnati NAMjA
December 5 2006, 11:30AM

Though i am excited that there will be more mainstream exposure of gay Black men in the media, you would think that the net work could create a more original/creative name for the series.

Antroine
December 5 2006, 11:32AM

That is AWESOME!!! Congrats! Hopefully "here!" will be HERE! LOGO has yet to make to Brighthouse Networks in Orlando, Fl after numerous emails and phone calls. I don't understand it. How can Orlando (a city in the top 10 for gays) not have a gay channel?

Anywho..Again Congratulations. We doing big things!!!

Mark Norris
December 5 2006, 12:44PM

I was at the screening of D.L. Chronicles at the Egyptian Theater. I can tell you first hand that the crowd loved the show. The house was packed and there were so many recognizable faces in the audience that I truly felt like I was at home. The movie was excellent. And to hear that they are going to be on the here! channel did my heart good. Step by step we are making strides in the struggle to have our stories told.

If any of you get the chance to see this movie do it. You won't be disappointed.

Mark

C. Baptiste-Williams
December 5 2006, 12:54PM

This is great news I have been wanting to see this for sometime... however I don't think we get that channel here in Atlanta.

Gregg
December 5 2006, 1:28PM

Awsome! However, I am not familar with the channel. I would like to know what cable company in the NYC area provide the channel.

s25
December 5 2006, 1:47PM

I am sorry but I do not like the title at all DL! Why is everything with brothas have to be DL? I do not understand that! Black gay, homosexual, SGL identified need to challenge sterotypes that asscioate our communities to just DL? The title has got to go!!! In my opinion!

Mike (AKA Prime)
December 5 2006, 1:55PM

The series is great and I congratulate Quincy and Deondray on their success.

To those who have expressed concern about the title, don't judge a book by its cover, or a series by its title in this case. Once you have seen the current episodes of the series, you will understand and the title will be of little concern. Its not what you think, trust me.

Jaye
December 5 2006, 3:24PM

This is great news to hear. I've heard a lot about the DL Chronicles series. Can't wait to see it. I'm with you s25, I don't care for the name either. The whole "DL" term has a not so good stigma to it now. Other than that, it most def gets my support.

I still have my fingers crossed for Patrik and Noah's Ark. I hope he's shopping around for another network, just incase LOGO wants to trip and pull the plug.

playboyadonis
December 5 2006, 4:46PM

This looks hot. I like Noah's Ark, but I often felt that it was missing that Mature Man flavor. I will check this out.

========================
STOP THE SPREAD...SLAP A CONDOM ON IT

milt7
December 5 2006, 5:29PM

Thats great!. I really enjoy segemented television, as opposed to mainstream television. When viewers have the chance to view the types of television shows ,that they more readily identify with, then they feel they are not "left-out".LOGO gives our audiences(its target viewers), a more inclusive perspective

Karmatic
December 5 2006, 6:08PM

Ok he's Bangin the sister and the brother???WTF!!

That trailer I just watched only adds fuel to the anti-gay crowd who wants to link us to Deviant Illmoral Beasts.. I understand the need to explore this whole "DL" thing but I'm good and ready for us to lay this "DL" bullsh*t to rest...The upside of this series will be the continued diversity and choice in Black Gay Television..I'm not a fan of Noah's Arch largely because of the misrepresentation of the gay lifestyle and the flaming characters..And while I'm not overly excited about the "DL Chronicles", I am inspired about the very existance of it's conception.

DWIGHT POWELL / CLIK
December 5 2006, 6:52PM

Really Awesome News. Absolutely the best black gay piece of work I've seen on film. SOOOOOOO proud of you guys. Well deserved. Kudos to Here! for stepping up to the place and recognizing talent and quality. My only hope was that the name would be changed by now. There are some people that might not be willing to give this project a chance merely based on the title. But there is so much more to the film. The DL thing has left a bad taste in the mouths of many. All in all, this is great news.

castiron
December 5 2006, 7:30PM

@s25: I agree with you! Why does everything with black gay men have to be on the DL? Why do we all have to dress, act, and speak like thugs? Why do people not want to have real dates preferring instead to have quick sexual hookups without any meaningful convesation? I cannot understand it. I'm hip, live the NYC metropolitan area and am not too old (39), but I feel like the train has already left the station and I'm not on it.

Charles
December 5 2006, 7:53PM

Keith you sound like a hypocrite. You tell how the stats are wrong about black men spreading HIV and now you are singing the praises of a show that glorifies the perception as to how HIV is spread in the black community. You blast Mr. JL King for his reporting but you applaud these guys for their efforts. Why?

Many of the people went to see the movie because there are some attractive black men in provocative sex scenes to look at and nothing more, sex first substance second.

Do you support this show because of “visibility no matter what”? I don’t buy more flexibility and availability of programming, if this show is a hit what’s next “Prison Bitch-the Life of Black Men on the Inside”?

As in the white gay community there is a “Gay Mafia". A select few in black gay community are shaping what people see of us and I have yet to see my life reflected.

BTW: the company won’t change the name of the show it allows a negative picture of blacks (gay and straight) and makes the black woman look like a fool

Texas76132
December 5 2006, 10:02PM

There is some serious hating going on here. The show may talk about being on the DL, but it mirrors real life. You can go into any fitness center and find a straight man that is willing to go there with you if they suspect that you might be gay. This DL stuff is everywhere. The married guys are the worst. If you have walked out of your front door, you have been looked at or approached subtly or aggressively by an attached man who is willing to be gay for a few minutes. If you say you haven’t, you are lying. I wish the show the best.

Tyler
December 5 2006, 10:50PM

I certainly hope that this series continues walking that fine line between exploitation and counter-hegemonic images of black male sexuality. It's really quite fascinating.

J
December 6 2006, 1:39AM

I understand how some of you feel, but it's nice to see representation even if the show's acting, images, and title make you cringe. Years ago black folk had to degrade themselves so we could have a Soul Food today, and these shows are no different.

If you still feel some kind of way remember that most tv shows are lame, so why should gay programming be any different?

Ron Lee
December 6 2006, 9:11AM

I agree with s25 & Castiron they could have chose another name.But at the same time some gay men are not seeking gay men. Also many gay men are not dating period,and are not actively seeking a date,which is sad. Those of us who are single in our late 30s or early 40s are still young yet we feel left out. There are many people who are hiv POS. who will not tell their partner; and where are our activist to protect us? We have many issues in the community which make good subject matter FOR t.v. I hope for our sake we all come together. Guys lets encourage dating and marriage will take care of itself. PEACE OUT.

Texas76132
December 6 2006, 10:01AM

Here we go again. Black folk want it both ways and are never satisfied with anything. Damned if you do and damned if you don't.
Two days ago, we cheered the creators of the show for winning a Clik award. We all rallied for them and blamed the white power structure for ignoring black gay viewers and their dollars. No one said anything negative about The DL Chronicles being degrading to blacks as long as it did not have a network to call home and broadcast from. Now, suddenly, all the obstacles have been removed and the show has a network to call home. Instead of being happy, we flip the script and say that the show is demeaning and stereotypical to blacks. Can someone explain to me what has happened in the last two days to change our attitude about this show? Nothing about the premise of the show has changed. For every black person trying to standup and do something progressive, you have 100 blacks trying to knock him down. You finally got what you want. It’s on TV, so what is the problem?

ALC
December 6 2006, 11:20AM

Congrats to Deondray, Qunicy and all involved. It's good to see hard work pay off and to see the vision of creative and responsible minds come to the masses.

Those of you who are complaining here clearly have not seen the actual episodes. I've seen both Episode 1 at Fusion last year and Episode 2 on Sunday. Both times, the packed crowds loved the film. The episodes are NOT about thugs or men spreading HIV. They are intelligent, comedic and dramatic, and well-structured, with great acting and production value. Instead of complaining, try simply saying you'll reserve judgment and/or excitement until you've actually seen it.

I do agree that the title sounds dated and could be off-putting to some people, but it is what it is, and it does encapsulate what the series is about.

Also, don't make assumptions about the story based on the trailers. There are some interesting twists (which by the way is a sign of a well-written script.)

s25
December 6 2006, 3:11PM

The title does not represent the experience of many of us who are comfortable with all of our identities. Why aren't we challenging the sterotype of the DL and titles like this? This title reinforces to American that just Black men and men of color are on the DL and have these issues about sexuality. I am not saying not discuss the DL but when the title is that I have issue with. Since the mid 90's most of the discourse in the Black gay, SGL community is DL issue. Two many people have wrote books and discuss this issue and we keep reinforcing this the sterotype that Black men are the only ones on the DL. We need to change our way of thinking and our approach to these issues! I could care less about visibility if we are not coming out with tools to challenge sterotypes and oppression in our communities. The title reinforcing stereotypes for visibility not challenging them.

Texas76132
December 6 2006, 3:31PM

Black people say on the dl; white people say in the closet. It's all the same. People are just being too sensitive.

Deacon
December 6 2006, 3:53PM

Too many brothers are hung up on the title, from what I saw each episode chronicles different aspects of what a DL life could look like......how about seeing the show first before passing judgement.......people watched a show about a family in a Chicago ghetto called "Good Times" but for those who grew up in that enviroment how many would say they were.....

s25
December 6 2006, 4:06PM

Wrong it is not the same thing. DL is not a black term and does not only apply to Black men. Sistas say on the DL, white folks, Latinos etc. DL is a universal term and has different meanings depending on the context. The title is reinforcing a sterotype that Black men are not comfortable with their sexuality and the Black community is homophobic. I am surprise Keith supports this when he has written several articles about the DL term not just applying to Black men. But then again I shouldn't be because it seems like everybody is so focus on visibility and would do anything for it even if reinforcing sterotypes. Also I think people like JL King etc, keep focusing on DL issue cause it makes money. The think I do not understand is people in our community going to talk so harshly about JL King because he was discussing the DL issue but yet continue to make movies and write books.

saint james
December 6 2006, 4:25PM

This conversation reminds me of another time in black folks' history. In the 60's when I was a boy black people called all over the city to tell other black folk that "colored: people were on TV!. This was particularly true of the Ed Sullivan Show, especially when Motown artists were on. Then we had shows like That's My Mama, Jeffersons, Good Times and Sanford and Son. Then black people got critical and wanted to see something other than stereoypical potraits of African Americans. Cosby was critiqued for a lack of realism (as was Julia with Diahann Carroll). The DL Chronicles is this era's Sanford and Son. Things will change in time, I think. I am sure when this idea was written and marketed the DL discussion was at its height. DL got the project in the door.

Texas 76132 If a "straight" brother is willing to be gay for a minute is he situationally gay, bi-sexual, or in denial about his orientation. A real question. Thanks.

Deacon
December 6 2006, 4:43PM

s25, have you seen the any episodes of the DL Chronicles, have you gone to the website and read anything about the show........The difference between what Quincy & Deondray are doing and JL King is that Quincy & Deondray are exploring different aspects of what a down low life could like where as King exploited they gay community with silly minded stereotypes.......and why is that being a thug equates to being down low.....being dl or in the closet, it's the same thing race has nothing to do with it......

s25
December 6 2006, 5:24PM

I am accepting the reality that overall our communities likes to complain about stuff but are not willing to challenge the status quo because the status quo makes them money! All these so called leaders and activist were going around dissing JL King for using the DL to make money in his pocket when these same folks are writing books and doing movies on this issue and Black men being on DL. At least with JL King, he had the actual experience of being and living on the DL. It sounds like whole bunch of hypocrisy and b.s by some of these folks.
It seems to be that everyone is about making a buck and going along with whats popularity for the moment instead of being activist about change!

You know what if some you folks support this I do not want to hear about why do white folks and hetersexuals view us as predators, and why Americans view Black men always on the DL?

Texas76132
December 6 2006, 6:31PM

Saint James,
It depends on the guy. I don’t think that any man is situationally gay, but I do think that some are bisexual or in denial of his sexual orientation. When people admire someone, they often express their love and affection sexually because they don’t what to do with the feelings they have. If you have had a school crush on a teacher, you know what I mean. Even though I am a gay man, I can develop lustful feelings for some women. And trust me, I am not bisexual. I am 100 percent gay. That is the same reason many straight men get into sexual relationships with gay men. They don’t know what to do with their feelings, but they do know they have a rocket in their pocket that needs to be relieved of pressure and many of them act on it . After the lust goes away and they realize they are heterosexual, they end the relationship and sometimes the friendship. If he has sex with more than one man, then he certainly has sexual identity issues he needs to address.

Ty
December 6 2006, 8:02PM

I guess I don't see what all the hoopla is about, just who has ever even seen this here! tv? As far as the name of the show, and its theme, still don't get it. The whole "DL" culture holds no interest for me, no time and no interest with guys who have issues with who they get thier swrill on with, no matter how well written it maybe. Aids is spread by stupidity and being gay and unsafe sex more than anything else, not denying you like sex with men, that's just a lame sad, cop out by cowards , IMO. Give me the fluff of "Noah's Arc," even with the way too girly Noah.

s25s25
December 6 2006, 9:31PM

But why do we focus so much on the Down Low? What is the point, what is solving, and what is challenging? We have spent over 10 years discussing this issue
writing books, having disagreements over the Down Low and have the information out there is not coming from people who actual lived the Down Low lifestyle. I think people continue to discuss this issue because it makes money personally. People can writer books, and do movies and tv serious of the issue. But yet when White folks focus on the Down Low, and make stereotypes some us get all mad! When Oprah had her show about DL and JL King was on there folks were so angry! DL issue is not the only issue we have to deal with. What about a more important issue that folks like to sugarcoat white gay racism. Why can't we have television show to address this issue and our more important external and internal issues?

Jeff
December 7 2006, 12:44AM

Because that stuff isn't so entertaining as it is frustrating and alarming. That's better saved for a panel discussion (like a talk show format). These shows aren't trying to be political. I don't know what you all are thinking but if people saw the show and there was positive feedback, then they must be doing something right.
We're just never satisfied. With Noah's Arc, they were too feminine. Now we're complaining about the title of this show. If they had shows on that reflected what you all want, the show wouldn't last two episodes into the series. It's boring and people who are in TV know you have to have something to make people talk. This certainly will do.

divaROSSishere!
December 7 2006, 1:47AM

Television(entertainment in general) is FANTASY
E.V.E.R.Y.O.N.E. Remember that!!!
Americans Need A TV Diet

Steve
December 7 2006, 7:09AM

DownLow? Whatever! That's a HOT photo, and it sounds like it will be a HOT show. TV is fantasy. Sometimes it reflects reality, but not always. If you can't enjoy it, then turn it off.

Shows that reflect your reality may be coming soon. Stay tuned! ba-da-dum!

s25
December 7 2006, 8:15AM

Ok! I do not want hear anymore misconceptions about Down Low and Black gay men anymore by the media then! I do not hear any complaining since you support a title like this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All I know is I won't be supporting it thats for sure! Have no time for always focusing on the DL. There are more important and critical issues I could spending my time investing in then this show with a title like that.

Deacon
December 7 2006, 9:34AM

Just as people have stereotypes about gays, there are gays who have stereotypes about what it is or means to be on the down low, from what I saw the show helps to educate people as to the many dimensions of the down low.....I think too many people are caught up in their own perception of what the title of the show is suppose to suggest, from what I saw I was impressed by how Q&D are handling the issue.....I suggest that those who have not seen the show and are passing judgement need to do their research first.........http://www.dlchronicles.com/

Blkconservative
December 7 2006, 9:51AM

Ok...I like eye candy as much as the next person. The quality of trailer alone should signal LOGO to up its programming bar as well. I'll probably watch it before making any judgments about the choice of title and it's portrayal of black men.

The problem I see with the whole DL thing, in general, is that in pop culture it implies on a balance a negative identity, readily ascribed to all black gays.

So, I guess we should jump for joy and loose our objectivity when the next fabulous show of hunky, gorgeous, black men comes to air called "My Gay Nigga."

Maybe then we could all sober up just enough from the drowning in the eye-candy to be thankful that there's another film for us. Whoopee.

s25
December 7 2006, 10:49AM

But why are we discussing this issue? What is the point? We have discussed this issue for 10 years already? Lets move on too shows with different topics and issues. Thats why we don't get anywhere now! We too busy discussing the same issues SGL, vs gay, DL, and we really do not come up with real alternatives. This show is all about what is hot, entertainment and pure capitalism replicating the same sterotype we been debating on in our communities for years on. But yet because is some cute faces and bodies you down to replicate the sterotype. It seems that the only thing that is important in our community, is a hot body, cute face, sex, quote on quote masculinity, keeping up with the Jones and capitalism, and making money. Real issues like racism in the White gay communities, real alternatives to HIV/AIDS, etc. are not important and only talked about when folks want to complain.

yht
December 7 2006, 12:27PM

I agree that the DL angle has been exploited ad nauseum. Why can't they have a show about black folks w/ different upbrings, political ideologies (gay repubs for example), or generational dating, etc etc. I can think of all kinds of ways to make a gay show enough dramas to make it interesting without resorting to stereotypes. With a title like DL Chronicles no matter how well meaning and interesting it is it's gonna put off a lot of people.

Deacon
December 7 2006, 12:39PM

Eye candy or not, Quincy & Deondray are presenting a point of view of the dl that has merritt and should be told. What their doing goes beyond the issue of men on the down low, their making a statement of black representation on film and tv plus giving a different perspective on a current topic in our community...

s25
December 7 2006, 1:33PM

But again some of you guys never answered the question why are we still discussing, writing, and fascinated by the DL? For one this not a current issue my brothas and sistas. James Earl Hardy, JL King, Keith, even E Lynn Harris has wrote books about the DL. Oprah has had like two shows about the DL. There have been like many many articles around this issue. This about entertainment, capitalism, and supposed representation. I do not understand how replicating sterotypes is going to help us collectively. Also why title something DL Chronicles but then just feature Black men in it? My argument is having only Black men in title like DL Chronicles suggest whether it means to or not, that the DL is only a Black male issue. Only Black men are on the DL and only Black men used the term. Even Keith himself wrote several articles that said Black males do not only use the term DL.

nova
December 7 2006, 2:48PM

Watch the show first, complain about it later.

stephen Macias
December 7 2006, 3:43PM

Our network is very proud of new partnership with the D.L. Chronicles. We also welcome your input, reaction, and comments about it and any other parts of our growing network. You can e-mail directly @ stephenm@heretv.com and check out our website heretv.com to see how the channel is offered in your area. And the person in NYC, we are a regular 24/7 channel on Time warner cable. Channel 325.

Happy Holidays!

Stephen Macias
SVP, here! Networks

s25
December 7 2006, 4:35PM

I think it is ashame that we are still making books and movies around this issue. I wish the show luck but I will not be watching it! For now on the only time I will support anything to do with Black gay folks when it something challenging oppression and its really progressive.

saint james
December 7 2006, 6:00PM

Texas 76132, Thanks for your answer. Regarding siutationally gay; You don't think that men who are in prison for extended periods of time may behave homosexually because of the lack of available women? I am not referring to rape which is an act of aggression and very often disconnected to sexual orientation. I mean men who for the duration of their prison term who engage in acts with men and then once released resume hetero behavior. In your view is everyone potentially bisexual?
We are still discussing the DL issue because it still holds facination for people. DL is a term that is primary used in the Black community. When others use it (urban dwellers, Latinos, etc) they have aculturized another black term like so many others before it. I heard a main stream news commentator used the term "get-go" just last week. That term is now used among the dominant culture though it was popularized by us.

playboyadonis
December 7 2006, 7:09PM

S25... so you don't think the release of the "DL Chronicles" is progressive? Anytime we get a chance to showcase gay relationships, and the dynamics of them, something progressive is going on. The release of this show will shed light for many people because most people choose to watch rather than read. Men and women will learn about the love triangles that many men are a part of. And hopefully, DL brothers will learn to be more accepting of themselves and the women they deceive will be more knowledgable and able to recognize when they are in unfaithful relationships.

I don't think this show is all about the raunchy sex that takes place, its main focus is to open the lives of DL men by showcasing chronicles that are based on real life issues.

Texas76132
December 7 2006, 8:04PM

Saint James,

I have no idea about guys in prison because I have never been arrested before. Anything I would say would be an uneducated guess.

Blue
December 8 2006, 1:15PM

All I can say is the title is enough to make me not want to watch it. That may be small of me, but sorry ... I'm over the DL bullshit! There were a million different titles they could have used for this and explored the same issues. The name alone, as somebody else put it, is gonna turn folks off because it has a very negative shade to it. Why they don't understand this I don't get. Sorry, no matter how much eye candy they offer, I'll be skipping it. I can see the DL Chronicles here in DC when I watch all of the married black men leave the bars at 10 to go home to wifey and baby. Pathetic.

Steve
December 8 2006, 5:44PM

All you all can rant and rave. It's still one of the hottest photos I've seen in a while.

ALC
December 8 2006, 5:44PM

For all of you who have a problem with the title "The DL Chronicles", how do you feel about the title of the DVD series, "The Closet"?

JB
December 9 2006, 12:48PM

It is what it is... Some of us use to date women before we came out. So there is a transition stage where some transition faster than others. So we can relate to the story. On the flip side, some of us watched Noar's Arc and I can't relate to that. But those that act like that can relate to it! So to sum this up, people that can relate to the DL Chronicles will watch it and those that relate to Noar's Arc will watch that! Also I forgot to mention, when attaching the word "STEROTYPE" to DL Chronicles and Noar's Arc we know one is based on truth which needs to be told. The other is based on nothing but FANTASY and STEROTYPES....