Three Moments That Capture The True Spirit Of GLAAD Spirit Day
October 16th is GLAAD #SpiritDay, a day where millions of people stand against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. VH1 proudly supports GLAAD and the idea of equality for all and we're proud to wear purple today in support of the cause.
We've had ample opportunities over the past year to make a positive impact when it comes to LGBT equality, and in case you missed them, we pulled together some of our favorite examples. From positive portrayals of gay characters on television to inspiring interviews, they run the full spread from heart-wrenchingly beautiful to sexy and steamy, take a look:
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Drea Kelly & son Jay[/caption]
Earlier this year, Jay Kelly, the oldest child of Drea and R. Kelly came out as transgender. When we spoke to Drea about Jay's reveal, her reaction was one of the most beautiful responses from a parent we've ever heard.
This past June your 14-year-old son Jay came out as a transgender boy on his Ask.fm page. How is your family adjusting to that? Are there any misconceptions you’d like to clear up?
Drea:
All I can say about Jay is he makes it so easy to be a proud mom. For parents, we need to realize, [our kids] have their own journey. Parents get it wrong when they don’t support their children. They have to go out and fight every day and face this world. The first battle should not be at home. I think that a lot of children in the LGBT community don’t succeed because the one thing they need the most is foundation. I just tell Jay all the time, baby you won the war. You’re gonna have a lot of battles but you won the war. Mama accepts and loves you for who you are. Your family does. My dad is a retired military naval officer and all he said was, “I’m gonna mess up sometimes and [use the feminine pronoun] ‘she’ but I’m gonna eventually get the ‘he’ thing. Just give grandpa some time. I’m gonna get it dude.” That was it.
It’s pretty remarkable for a 14-year-old to be so open publicly. I mean that takes some courage.
Drea:
It’s like Jay; you don’t understand that you’re changing people’s lives just by being courageous. The kid is so courageous. She has…and see, there I go [using the wrong pronoun]. It’s a learning experience. It really is. It’s something we smile about. When I make that mistake I’m like, “Girl, you got a son, honey, get it together. Get it right.”
We're Premiering The Groundbreaking Series TransAmerica Next Year
Earlier this year, VH1 announced that we'll be premiering a Tyra Banks-produced docu-series tentatively titled TransAmerica. The show will feature an ensemble cast of women, including RuPaul's Drag Race star Carmen Carrera, as they navigate life and shatter steretypes. For more on this new series, check out the official press release. TransAmerica will be premiering in early 2015.
Hit The Floor Kicks The Sex Factor Up A Notch With Zero And Jude's Tryst
VH1's hit scripted series Hit The Floor has always taken risks and pushed buttons when it comes to sex. Hot tubs, locker rooms and even church confessional booths have been the scene of many of the show's hottest moments, but we have to say that this sex scene between Jude (Brett Antonello) and Zero (Adam Senn) took the cake in season two. Another show might have toned things down to keep viewers from clutching their pearls but not this one. Watch the whole scene here.