"Gay 101: Experiences of a Black Gay Man"

Being black, gay, happy, free, and safe at the same time can be a fight from start to finish. Being doubly condemned, black and gay, is compounded by an historically forced absence of out black gay men whose public lives can serve as a guide for how to maneuver through the inherent dangers of being black and gay in America. And that inherent danger is expected in a country designed for hate and discrimination, as America is. The purpose of my annual “Gay 101” episode is to spotlight black gay men who can be that guide. In season 1 of Thought and Opinion, Glenn Lawrence gave of his insight and candor in my inaugural “Gay 101” episode. Today, I am privileged to have a man whose creativity and power will be well known to many. He has served as Head Writer and Co-Executive Producer for all seasons of hit dramedy "À La Carte" on AMC's, Script Coordinator for season 2 of "Bel-Air" on Peacock, co-writer of the penultimate episode for season 4 of "The CHI", served as the scriptwriter for the 12 annual Truth Awards here in LA, etc. Thought and Opinion is pleased to welcome the Deonte Staats.