As you may recall, the guys from HBO’s Insecure recently slipped into their workout clothes and swim trunks for a thirst-quenching photoshoot for GQ.
The photos left most of the internet feeling parched… until a handful of homophobes had to ruin the fun by leaving nasty comments on social media.
Now, in an Instagram story posted this week, Sarunas Jackson, who plays Dro on the hit HBO series, takes on those antigay trolls.
Related: See why everyone’s gagging over this locker room photoshoot featuring the men of “Insecure”
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“Me and the fellas did a shoot with GQ…,” he begins. “It was fun and it was a blessing. Now, if you [have] been following me—or if you know me personally—you know, I ride for my people [black people]. I ride for my culture. Now, I’m also going to hold you accountable, no matter who you are. It doesn’t even matter about culture. Period.”
Then comes the strong medicine. Jackson specifically calls out all those trolls who made antigay comments.
“How homophobic can people be? You know, we’re a group of men, who had our shirts off, and we’re doing GQ’s comedy issue, and we’re being called gay, up and down, right?” he said. “Mind you, none of us are gay in that group, and even if any of us were, who cares? That’s not the issue. I’ll tell [you] what the problem is, though.”
Related: This black gay man with a white husband took down a racist troll
He continues:
You guys are using homosexuality as a negative. Accusing us of being [gay] why? Why? It’s a big problem in the black community. Get secure with yourself, get secure. Ironically, our show’s title is perfect for a lot of you motherf*ckers out there. On top of that, the shining the light on the colorism issue. All the light skin dudes were [called] gay automatically. Crazy.
Jackson ends his Instagram story thanking Insecure fans for their support, and leaving just two words for the homophobic haters: “Do better.”
Word.
Watch the full Instagram story captured by The Jasmine Brand below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjchOCZHJ4O/?taken-by=thejasminebrand_
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Black Pegasus
Anyone with half a brain knew that GQ photoshoot was done with a comedic campy vibe, yet Black Twitter/Instagram had to display their ignorance yet again. If I were a gay black teen I’d be hurt and discouraged by the homophobia on social media, but thankfully I’m a grown azz man which gives me the ability to pay them dust!
Frank
TRUTH about social media and how it can DESTROY ones self-esteem and self-worth…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-WWoGOf8fY
Black Pegasus
@Frank – that’s a powerful video. Unfortunately, the sheep who need to see it wouldn’t understand the concept or message within the video.
Frank
Thank you Black Pegasus…this is the reality that many need to embrace as they deal with those on social media…it is ALL smoke and mirrors a fog that seeps into your mind and erodes the soul…
Kangol
I’m so glad Sarunas Jackson spoke up. One thing to add to clap backs with homophobes like the ones he checked over the photoshoot is why they are so obsessed and freaked out by gay people and gay sex, which pops up a lot. Reframe it as men like Jackson, Ellis, Noel etc being *secure* in their masculinity, and ask why the homophobes are so damned obsessed. I see it on other sites too, and so often, after being checked about blaming religion or “ruining” young black men, etc., the homophobes can’t answer as to why they are so nervous and worried and obsessed. Why? They’re scared of themselves!
DCguy
More and more pressure on bigots, things are changing, and every little bit helps.