Show Times True Blood: Portrayal of Gay Men of Color
Gregory Mason
Cultural • Sep 2nd, 11
When Show Time first introduced the world to True Bloods fry cook at night and construction worker during the day, Lafayette Reynolds, I knew I had finally been introduced to my type of gay black man. Actor extraordinaire Nelsan Ellis, brings the remarkable and exceptional character that is Lafayette Reynolds to life every season and he keeps getting better.
The character of Lafayette is unlike any gay black man I have seen in a very popular show, he is a strong black man who is capable of defending himself, physically and verbally, and standing up to people who have an issue with him. He is so comfortable in his own skin to wear very colorful and creative ensembles that show his uniqueness.
Based on the novels that inspired True Blood, “The Southern Vampire Mysteries” by Charlaine Harris, Lafayette was killed off in the second novel of the series, but in True Blood he has been such a popular character that they decided to keep him. This was the best decision made by the production behind the show True Blood, because his character has grown better and better each Season.
There has been word in certain media sources that creator, Alan Ball, had some worries about Lafayette’s character and how people would react to him. However, the character that he had worries about has been so popular that they decided to keep him alive and the creator of the novels that inspired True Blood, Charlaine Harris, definitely approved of how well the story has been told of Lafayette’s journey.
True Bloods portrayal of Lafayette, not just as a gay man, but a gay black man has been very positive and a great representation for certain black men who have yet to see a television show character that they can relate too. Eventually, True Blood introduces the audience of True Blood to another gay male who is a nurse of Mexican heritage named, “Jesus Velasquez” played by the talented Kevin Alejandro.
Lafayette and Jesus soon become boyfriends and it gives a great, positive model of what true gay love represents not just for two men, but two men of color. It gives a powerful and strong representation of the commitment and contributions that each partner can give to each other. They really enjoy each others company and truly care for one another so much and it shows how relationships really don’t differ between males and females, and it gives a great light for others to learn from.
Show Time continues to bring amazing story evolution to the characters of True Blood and particularly Lafayette’s character and I am truly grateful and happy that there is finally a great role model for our gay men of color.
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