Where Are The LGBT “Real World” Housemates Now?

"Seven strangers picked to live in a house together..."
From: NewNowNext

It’s hard to believe, but MTV launched The Real World way back in 1992. Over the course of 24 years—and 30 seasons—the reality show has reflected, and influenced, pop culture in countless ways.

For LGBT people of a certain age, The Real World: New York’s Norman Korpi was the first real-life gay man we ever saw on TV. And Real World: San Francisco star Pedro Zamora’s struggle with AIDS brought the epidemic home like never before.

To celebrate the arrival of The Real World: Go Big Or Go Home we’re checking in with the groundbreaking show’s LGBT roommates.

The Real World: Go Big or Go Home premiered March 17 at 10/9c on MTV.

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Norman Korpi

“The Real World: New York”

Norman was the first openly gay cast member on The Real World, appearing in the series’ iconic debut season. It might not seem like much now, but back then having an openly gay man who was successful, happy and sexually active was a Very. Big. Deal.

Post-RW, Norman founded the production company Fruit Films, and starred, directed and wrote the independent film The Wedding Video.

Today, Norman is still designing and making art—and recently invented an ergonomic laptop stand, the AeroTray. in 2015, he and former housemates Heather B and Julie appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Network to discuss their Real World experiences.