Step Aside: On the Jameela Jamil Ballroom Backlash

Arts

Feb 7

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The recent spark in attention paid towards ballroom culture has led to celebrities with bigger platforms, and larger followings, to hop on the bandwagon. Various television shows with queer-coded monikers have vogued and tutted their ways across our screens in the past few years. From Viceland’s My House to FX’s Pose, programs that showcase the underground celebration of Black queerness have claimed a spot of light in the darkness that is the media’s lack of diverse representation. Now more than ever, new displays of queer culture are making their way into mainstream media.

Enter: HBO Max’s Legendary.

A press release for HBO Max’s new voguing competition show, Legendary, announced actress Jameela Jamil as the MC and a lead judge. Queer news outlets and Twitter users alike are up in arms over the casting decision, and for good reason. Jamil faced criticism for taking up space in a community and culture that she has never been a part of-- until recently.

Hours after the press release dropped, Jamil released a three-slide statement on Twitter, clearing up inaccuracies and accusations. The actress clarified that she will only be a lead judge, while Dashaun Wesley is the MC. Viewers can also expect to see ballroom legends Leiomy Maldonado, and DJ Mike Q, as well as celebrity stylist Law Roach and everyone’s favorite steel-knee’d hottie, Megan Thee Stallion. With such a diverse group of celebs being a part of the project, you would think that there’d be little-to-no backlash. However, along with some poorly written apologies by Jamil, it has also come out that Legendary is being executive produced by the same guys who brought us Queer Eye and The Amazing Race, A.K.A two white men profiting off of the trendiness of underground cultures. Smells like pandering to me!

In any case, Jamil aims to put her privilege to use, stating that, “Sometimes it takes those with more power to [...] elevate marginalized stars that deserve the limelight and give them a chance.” To some, this was an admirable act of Jamil holding herself accountable for the events that took place. To others, this was an egregious display of her lack of knowledge and non-involvement in ball culture, and the queer community at large. The claws came out as people gave their two cents about the polarity of the situation.

To make matters worse, Jamil came out as queer in a somewhat reactionary and untimely manner, stating that, “This is why I never officially came out as queer. I added a rainbow to my name when I felt ready a few years ago, as it’s not easy within the south Asian community to be accepted…”

True as this may be, there is a lot to be said about non-Black allies who want to “give a voice” to people who need it the most, so long as they are given credit and/or a pat on the back. Some allies, like Jamil, have a strong desire to hold positions of power in communities that are so often stripped of opportunity and agency. This can, in turn, counteract the progression of the community as a whole. Twitter had a field day with Jamil’s statements, calling out the self-aggrandizing nature in which she “apologized.” It was almost as if she was saying, “Hey, I’m doing you all a favor! Take it or leave it.”

The idea that a show about marginalized people wouldn’t be as successful without someone outside of the community acting as the face of the entire production is flawed and tawdry. If the goal is to showcase the lives and talents of people within underprivileged groups, let it be that! The fact of the matter is that Jamil is sorely ill-equipped for this role. There are a lot of celebrities from within the community, and the ballroom scene, who would be better in a position such as this one. Consider actresses Amiyah Scott, Leyna Bloom, and Isis King, to name a few. Amiyah Scott even took to Twitter in a heated rant, stating, “I transitioned FROM THE BALLROOM SCENE to network television and you mean to tell me TV shows based around the scene are being created and I’m not even considered to be involved? K.” Her frustrations are completely warranted, especially considering she has the expertise of what it means to judge and be judged in a ballroom setting. Jameela Jamil does not.

An open message to Jameela Jamil or any other ally to the community: step aside and let the people you want to give a voice to, have that voice. With no conditions. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Stop infantilizing the concerns of people in lower positions then you are in and listen to the ways in which you can be a better ally. Congratulations to you for sharing your truth, and welcome to the queer community! Still, you are not right for this show and should turn your position over to a more suitable candidate.

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Ivana Fischer is the Culture Editor of WUSSY and a film and media enthusiast who specializes in cultural studies. You can find her across all socials @iv.fischer

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