Steven G. Norfleet. Photo: Instagram
The Netflix hit Beauty in Black is currently at the center of a cultural tug-of-war.
On one side is Xavier Smalls, whose recent social media activity left fans reeling. During an Instagram Live session, Smalls sparked outrage by explicitly linking LGBTQ+ identity to spiritual condemnation.
In a moment that went viral for all the wrong reasons, Smalls stated:
“It’s not just the LGBT… if you’re an alcoholic, if you’re a murderer, these are all sins that God doesn’t tolerate. All things that are an abomination… all these people will go to hell.”
By grouping the LGBTQ+ community with murderers and “abominations,” Smalls created an immediate rift with the show’s massive queer fanbase – and his own castmates.
Enter Steven G. Norfleet. As an openly gay man and a cornerstone of the Beauty in Black cast, Norfleet chose the Truth Awards in Los Angeles to provide the definitive counter-narrative.
Where Smalls saw “abomination,” Norfleet sees brilliance. Addressing the media, Norfleet dismissed the idea that his identity is a “topic” to be debated or a “sin” to be judged:
“Why is being gay such a hot topic sometimes? People may have different reasons of why that is the way it is. But my reason… so we be popping. We popping. We are amazing.”
Norfleet’s response acted as a direct, though elegant, shield against Smalls’ rhetoric. While Smalls spoke of darkness and punishment, Norfleet spoke of radiance:
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On Identity:“ We are incredible, different, creative, beautiful, outstanding human beings.”
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On the Haters: “And sometimes for some people, that can be a lie. But a bright light can be a lie for some people, but I never think that bright light should be. That’s why I think being Black and gay right now in this world, it’s beautiful.”
The irony of Smalls’ comments – considering he plays a gay character on the show – has not been lost on viewers. Many feel his eventual “walk back” of the comments was merely a PR move to protect the show’s Season 2 launch.
