Centric TV Airing “Same Difference” In Celebration Of National Coming Out Day

"If you take on the ‘masculine’ lesbian role, you're expected to uphold that persona forever."

From: NewNowNext

 Coming out is a lifelong process, even within the LGBT community, where people who don’t fit easily defined roles can be stigmatized.

 In honor of National Coming Out Day on October 11, Centric TV is airing The Same Difference, Nneka Onuorah’s award-winning documentary exploring homophobia and gender discrimination within the African-American lesbian community.

“Often in the lesbian community, especially in the African-American lesbian community, there are rules and roles that come with your lifestyle,” says Onuorah.

“If you present, dress, and take on the ‘masculine’ lesbian role, for example, you’re expected to uphold that persona forever—it can be frustrating to be stereotyped in that way.”

Without passing judgment, the film presents various viewpoints on policing identities, and includes interviews with out actors Felicia Pearson (The Wire), Lea DeLaria (Orange is the New Black), and AzMarie Livingston (Empire), among others.

Breaking down stereotypes and empowering women of color is a passion of Onuorah’s: In September, she launched “We Are All Women,” a campaign to encourage black LGBT women to vote.

Below, watch a trailer from The Same Difference , airing Tuesday, October 11 at 11 pm on Centric.