*We live in a world obsessed with celebrity-- where everyone wants to know who is doing what to whom, when, where and how.
From the tabloids, the internet and 24-hour television, the most intimate details of celebrity life is on front street and has become everyone’s business. Well not every detail.
With his bestselling book, Hiding In Hip Hop – On The Down Low in the Entertainment Industry from Music to Hollywood, celebrity insider and veteran entertainment industry journalist Terrance Dean lifts the lid off of Black Hollywood’s highly secretly “DL” community. Part memoir and part expose’, the red-hot page-turner peels away at the identities and reckless lifestyles of some of entertainment’s biggest stars.
The Robertson Treatment recently spoke with Dean to get the scoop about this hidden community.
Why did you write this book?
I wrote this book to expose the truth about how the entertainment industry goes to great lengths to keep the lives of gay celebrities a secret, even if an artist has the desire to disclose their sexual identity. Many same gender loving men and women of color who are a part of the entertainment industry feel as if they have no voice within a culture that demonizes and dehumanizes them. This book is a testimony of my life and the journey of coming to terms with my sexuality and the power of living into my truth.
Can you offer any clues as to the identity of any well-known stars on the DL?
As I mentioned in my book there is a high-profile rapper/actress, who has been nominated for several awards, including an Oscar, who also has dated a few WNBA players, and a R&B songstress from the early 90’s. Another is an extremely popular male R&B singer who has written for Rhianna, Beyonce, and other great R&B singers, who has broken the mold of superstardom with his popular ballads and signature sound. He’s been seen with beautiful women, but they are cover girls and provide the perfect cover-up for his hidden secret.
Have you ever encountered any well-known star in a compromising situation?
Yes, I have. In a couple of instances I have encountered well-known celebrities in compromising situations. One music producer who has produced several of today’s hottest rappers and singers, who has been featured in numerous Hip Hop magazines and television specials was at a down low sex party. I recognized him at the party and introduced myself. He was very cordial. After a few drinks, the men at the party moved to the bedrooms. I saw the music producer engaged in sex with several men in the middle of an orgy. I’ve been intimate with many A-list actors, rappers, and singers. They are on television, the radio, and have a significant presence in the entertainment industry.
One famous actor/model with a beautiful body and face, who has been photographed in high-fashion pictorials, and has been the face of leading clothing designer’s campaigns, became my bed partner after an intimate evening.
Is there a profile for the kind of man/woman who is on the DL?
Unfortunately there is no profile for the kind of man/woman who is on the down low. They fit in perfectly into the heterosexual environment and no one would ever be able to pinpoint who they are. Being on the down low is being discreet, and un-clockable to the average person. Down low men and women do things in private and in secrecy, and they seek out others who are just at private about their lifestyle. However, I do tell men and women to be discerning of who they are dating. Do not become comfortable and complacent. Many are in relationships with down low men and women and assume they are in heterosexual monogamous relationships. Ask questions of your mate and their sexual behaviors – ask if your man has been with another man, or your woman has been with another woman. Check their e-mails, phones, and close associates who tend to come in and out of their life. There is nothing wrong with being inquisitive of your mate. You have a right to know and if you are not comfortable with the answers you receive, then do not be afraid to walk away from the relationship.
Are you afraid of retaliation?
No, I am not afraid of retaliation. I can’t be afraid of the truth, and if I tell my truth, then I can do anything. If I am fearful, then I would be doing an injustice and disservice to myself, my community, and what God has called me to do.
You mention in the book that you participated in the homophobic behavior to deflect attention away from yourself. Is this book your way of making amends?
Partly, the book is my making amends of my own homophobic behavior to deflect attention away from myself. Many of us - artists, executives, and others in the industry, who have not disclosed their sexuality, will use derogatory language, and abuse toward those who are open and out with their sexuality. I hope this book will bring light to the many men and women who are homophobic and how it prevents a serious dialogue within the black community about sex and sexuality.
Why does the African American community have such a hard time accepting homosexuality?
The African-American community has a hard time accepting homosexuality because of inaccurate information that surrounds the lives of same gender loving people. The images of gay and homosexuality people are often negatively portrayed and presented. Sex and sexuality are seen as taboos in the black community, so we are afraid to have a dialogue about those topics because we might be perceived as sexual deviants. So, we stand by and watch our friends and family members who are gay being ridiculed. Too many of us have stood silently by as the epidemic of HIV/AIDS kills our family members, the pregnancy rate among our teenagers continue to rise, and the irresponsibility of men who create several children with several different women is tolerated. Things are getting better – attitudes are improving, but we have a long way to go.
BEST BETS – Corporate Giving
I recently received an invitation to join more than 200 hopeful pilots on a “Dream Flight” to Houston, Texas, courtesy of Delta Airlines and the Organization of Black Airline Pilots. I must admit that before this trip I had only a scant point of reference to the organization and the work they do to foster a positive environment for African Americans interested in careers in aviation, but from what I witnessed they are passionate in their goal to increase the number of Blacks and other minorities to careers in the flying industry. Founded 32 years ago by Ben Thomas and 36 African American pilots, the organization has grown to include the participation and support of all the major carriers in U.S. aviation.
By most standards I travel a lot, which has resulted in my somewhat blasé regard for the experience, however, seated next to two pre-teen boys and watching their excitement as our plane took flight from Atlanta’s Hartsfield headed for Houston Hobby, reawakened my sense of wonderment and joy about the experience of being up there with the clouds and birds. Our flight though short, was expertly narrated by a skilled, and did I say Black pilot who provided a technical summary for how a metal tube could carry more than 200 people from Atlanta to Houston at an altitude of 35,000 feet. I’ve been literally around the world, but at certain times during the flight it felt like the first time. Amazing!
After our landing at Hobby we were spirited off for a tour at the NASA Space Center to learn about technology that will really send you on a high. At all times our group benefited from the expert “handling” from superlative narratives provided by members of OBAP, which now also included pilots from Houston-based Continental Airlines, UPS, the Air Force and U.S. Space Program, who made it their business to provide all present (but especially the youth), with the numerous opportunities available for careers in aviation.
I was definitely inspired after our day long trip to Houston; and for a moment as we hit the skies headed back to Atlanta I imagined myself at the helm of this big bird in the sky. Ha! Fortunately, more than my own fantasies, I could sense from my youthful companions that more than a few had got the bug to pursue careers that would provide them with the opportunity to take passengers to wonderful adventures in the sky.
For more information about OBAP visit www.Obap.org
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Copyright 2008