Little America is a new anthology series by Apple TV+ that highlights stories of eight different immigrant experiences.
Haaz Sleiman stars in “The Son” as Rafiq, who is forced to flee his home in Syrian village of Qardha after his father catches him kissing another man. Initially, Rafiq goes to Damascus, where he meets another gay man, who encourages him to seek asylum in the West.
Sleiman, an openly gay Arab who moved to America from Lebanon as a young person, tells Salon he immediately connected with the story.
“I felt [the script] was so strong, and relatable, and universal,” he says. “There are similarities to my story. My father emotionally set me on fire, but over time, he actually did love me. He told me he loved me and would defend me.”
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Growing up in Lebanon in the 1980s, Sleiman kept his sexuality a closely guarded secret. He says the fear of being found out was “debilitating ” and “crippling.”
“I felt so isolated and lonely,” he recalls, “and I felt I couldn’t share who I am with anyone. I felt I was not seen, that I didn’t matter, that something was wrong with me. But no matter how much I tried to change, you cannot fight nature, and I kept losing to what’s natural.”
Of course, that is no longer his experience. In 2017, Sleiman made headlines when he came out publicly as both gay and “a total bottom.”
“Fans around the world have thanked me for the way I came out and said I made them feel powerful and not apologize for the way I am,” he recalls. “I’m glad I’m inspiring young queer people across the globe and giving them a role model.”
He continues, “That I came out and said, ‘I’m a total bottom,’ might turn off executives. I didn’t care. Coming out made me a better actor. And I don’t regret it. … I’m ready to break out and change the conversation and challenge the world that we live in.”
Asked what he hopes audiences take away from Little America, Sleiman says he hopes it opens their eyes to the immigrant experience.
“I think the show is a reminder that it is a land of immigrants, and Americans should be kinder to each other because we all come from a different part of the world, different continents, different religions, backgrounds, and ethnicities,” he says.
“It reconnects us to the humanity of that journey of the American immigrant and what the nation is really based upon. It reminds us about that in a beautiful way and the truth of that. Even when an immigrant moves to America for a better life, it’s not sweet and perfect.”
Watch the trailer for Little America below.
Related: ‘Nurse Jackie’ actor Haaz Sleiman comes out: ‘Not only am I gay, but I’m also a bottom.’
marion
So brave! Still work to do in the coming out department if he wants to rival Sam Smith,
Doctor Benway
Taking it in the ass is a so great act of bravery.
What a man! What a hero!
(Is it just me or do all the so call queer models are more and more stupide?)
Den
No, it is obviously just you.
And a few of the other old biddies here.
stagehand1
Fell in love with this beautiful man the second I saw him on Nurse Jackie. That he’s actually gay was just the cherry on top. Or in his case, cherry on the bottom. Either way I always appreciate a well spoken and proud gay person.
MikeM
He was great in that. He was in a film called “The Visitor” where he appears in a scene with only a t shirt and white briefs. He’s hot.
RobF
Is this the new norm when coming out: “Hi! I’m gay and am a total bottom!” TMI – it should only matter to those who wish to have sex with you and vice versa. The general public doesn’t give a shit.
bowlingbutch
People over share sometimes but if that was in his comfort zone then who am I to question what he shares? I am not on social media because I choose to under share. He is a very good looking man and I am glad he is able to come out and still work .
judysdad
Not something I would announce when coming out, but whatever floats your boat, I suppose.
Kangol2
I’m glad to hear Haaz Sleiman’s career is ascendant. He took a huge step coming out and publicly declaring himself a bottom. One thing that certainly did was to let every potential partner know what they’re getting.
CityguyUSA
He has an advertising platform and he used it. I hope he doesn’t get overwhelmed with the number of people that will now want to verify what’s he told them. Did he do it because he’s lonely and thinks that this might bring him someone that will go the distance?
Chevelter
We live in a time of WAY too much oversharing of information.
Doctor Benway
@Den Well, if for you, being a total bottom is enough to make a hero, i guess you can’t be considered as intelligent and you deserved him.
I hope someone is giving me a medal next time i’m taking it in the ass.
(Poor gay community, there is no improvement)
o.codone
Dude, you have those big, beautiful lips, put some moisturizer on them. I hate to see you all dried out like that. Maybe your BF will do it for you. Just do it.