Queer Images: Remembering Noah's Arc

Background: "Noah's Arc" was created by Patrik-Ian Polk and aired on LogoTV for two seasons, 2005 and 2006. It was followed by a sequel movie, "Noah's Arc: Jumping The Broom" released theatrically in 2008. The model above was not a part of the cast or crew.  

Darryl Stephens and Jensen Atwood

"Noah's Arc" was a first-of-its-kind and somewhat controversial television series that aired on LogoTV, groundbreaking  in the fact that it featured an all-black starring cast with black and Latino supporting actors and a significant number of honestly queer performers portraying fictional gay characters. For many, both same gender loving and otherwise, it offered an insight into a segment of American black culture that had never before been portrayed on the broadcast media.

Many offered opinions that the characters reflected a side of black same gender loving life that was unrealistic. It simply didn't exist. Others felt the persons represented stereotypes of gay men, black or otherwise. White critics argued that the show didn't have any white leading or supporting actors in any important roles. Therefore, again, it failed to accurately depict queer life. And the list goes on and on.

Most, if not all, of these criticisms leveled against "Noah's Arc," the show, are true and, to a certain point, valid. However, the same can be said for probably 98% of what is presented for our viewing pleasure on the screens of whatever media we choose. Art may reflect life but our life experiences are as diverse as we are. And, the show was produced as entertainment and not a documentary.  

The Cast of "Noah's Arc:" (counterclockwise) Christian Vincent as Ricky, Jonathan Julian as Eddie, Gregory Keith as Trey, Rodney Chester as Alex, Jensen Atwood as Wade, Doug Spearman as Chance, Darryl Stephens as Noah; (center) Patrik-Ian Polk, creator

And entertain us it most certainly did. At least, in my humble opinion. The characters may have been stereotypical and for me, that was one of the strengths of the "Noah's Arc." Almost all of us could identify, regardless of ethnicity or race, with at least one of the leading roles. Among my extended social circle, once the individual got over the fact that the cast was all black, most began to enjoy the show. Among my many black friends, once they accepted the stereotypes and the fantasy world, they began to appreciate the entertainment value

Every episode of the short-lived "Noah's Arc" opened a door into the circumstances, incidents and situations that are a part of queer existence. The series may not have been real, but the experiences presented certainly were true enough. The drama, humor, sarcasm, tragedy, homophobia and absurdity of it all combined to make the show both relevant and revealing. The acting, direction and all aspects of production made us laugh, cringe, cower and angry. It all created empathy, identity and sympathy. It was indeed entertainment.

"Noah's Arc" was also historic. It offered viewers an opportunity to see black gay male life from a black queer man's perspective. It presented black gay men performing as black same gender loving men. For once, black queers were in predicaments where white queers weren't calling the shots or pulling the strings. It similarly demonstrated that there was really a subculture inside the black community that was both exclusively black and same gender loving. It both raised the proverbial glass ceiling, opened people's eyes and offered something to ponder. 

"Noah's Arc" was enlightening and entertaining. It was fun. I liked it. It was groundbreaking, a first, a milestone. 

Thank you to everyone involved in "Noah's Arc!"

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!