The compelling new web series NATIVES has arrived, offering an authentic depiction of Black LGBTQ+ life. Created by Ronald Hinton [pictured], a New York-based actor and writer, the show is attracting attention for its raw and nuanced portrayal of a community often misrepresented. Viewed on YouTube, this independent production is a testament to the power of storytelling from within the community itself.
Centred around the fictional Trenton Houses in New York, NATIVES tells the story of a group of twenty-something queer friends navigating life’s complexities after the return of their friend Izzy Sanchez. Izzy, having attempted a new life in Los Angeles, returns to find his old circle amidst their own personal upheavals. The series delves into themes of friendship, resilience, and the sophisticated web of chosen family dynamics.
Ronald Hinton, the driving force behind NATIVES, has crafted the series as a passion project. Spanning six years in its development, Hinton’s work stems from a gap he identified in media portrayals—a lack of stories that resonate with his personal experiences and those of his peers. “I didn’t see anything out there, any shows, that accurately depicted my life or the life of people I knew,” Hinton shares. His series aims to rectify this oversight.
Alongside Hinton, Brittany Franklin, the director and producer of NATIVES, emphasises the importance of authentic storytelling. “That’s what’s missing in many stories because they are not made by people who are from the community and have walked in those shoes,” Franklin notes. The writers, having lived the experiences depicted, strive to dismantle stereotypes and present a genuine narrative.
The show’s storyline highlights the emotional dynamics of ‘living on the down-low’, all the while celebrating personal authenticity and the power of staying true to oneself. It explores themes universal in nature, transcending the confines of identity-focused narratives to tell stories of genuine human emotions and experiences.
The wider television industry has seen a gradual increase in the inclusion of Black LGBTQ+ characters, particularly with shows like Insecure, P. Valley, and Dear White People. Hinton’s initiative, however, seeks to continue pushing the boundaries of representation without the backing of big studios.
Darnell Dudley, a creative producer and writer for the series, expresses his belief in the transformative power of the show. “When people watch our show it will be like a complete breath of fresh air, I know that people will feel seen,” he states. This sentiment echoes the findings of a recent Nielson report, in which 25% of global audiences expressed a desire for more inclusive content.
In alignment with this demand, initiatives such as SLAY TV, a network dedicated to the Black queer experience, continue to thrive and support projects like NATIVES. The revival of shows such as Noah’s Arc, set to return in 2025, further indicates a positive shift towards inclusivity.
Source: Noah Wire Services
