Entertainment
‘We need more shows like Desmond’s to show authentic Black love on screen’-Stella Akinwumi-Entertainment – Metro
‘We should have loads more shows that situate in every sexuality.’
Dating Black stars Monikah (L) and Richie Brave star in the latest season of Dating Black (Picture: BETUK)
Dating Black stars Richie Brave and Monika Lee believe we need more honest depictions of love on-screen.
The hit BET UK series has returned for a second series which shines a spotlight on what dating is like for young Black men and women.
The brand-new installment also centres around thought-provoking discussions on love, healing and transparency.
Ahead of season two premiering on Valentine’s Day, radio personality Richie Brave and presenter Monikah Lee shared the importance of different relationships thriving through drama series and sitcoms.
‘When I was younger people were putting on TV shows like Desmond’s – two people in love and a beautiful family in South London being Black Caribbean,’ Richie told Metro.co.uk.
The 1989 classic comedy – which is available to stream on Netflix – is set in a barber shop in Peckham – was well received for providing an insight into black family life on British TV.
Two people in love and a beautiful family in South London being Black Caribbean (Picture: Channel 4)
Addressing how times have changed, Richie continued: ‘This conversation in today’s age is needed now, in this day and age the narrative is “trust no one and you’re gonna get cheated on.”‘
He continued: ‘We should have loads more shows that situate in every sexuality.
‘When we’re looking at Black love, quite often there is a flattened view of Black love and how it only exists for heterosexual people, it should exist for everybody, non-binary, gay, lesbians and the trans community.
‘The way black trans people are portrayed is like “you’ll never be able to find love because you’re black and you’re trans.”
‘There needs to be love portrayed and a little less “these are the ways in which it doesn’t work.”‘
Monikah also explained why it’s crucial for on-screen depictions to ‘move with the times.’
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‘I feel like it’s important to see how different relationships can thrive, it doesn’t have to be a nuclear family. It would be great to see just different versions like polyamory for real,’ she said.
‘We need to allow young people to see how different relationships and dynamics can flourish independently, it’s not based on what society tells us. It’s all a social construct.’
Dating Black is available to stream on My 5.
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