Television

P-Valley writer slams the show’s homophobic critics: “The gay ain’t goin’ nowhere”

By Jordan Robledo

1st July 2022

Starz
Starz

P-Valley’s writer Patrik-Ian Polk has slammed homophobic fans after they critised the show for including a gay sex scene.

Back in 2020, the drama series premiered on the Starz network to universal acclaim. 

Adapted from Katori Hall’s stage play Pussy Valley, the show follows the lives of several exotic dancers who work at the fictional Mississippi strip club The Pynk. 

While the series has been praised for its gripping storylines and performances, P-Valley also has been lauded for its LGBTQ+ characters – including The Pynk boss Uncle Clifford (Nicco Annan) and aspiring rapper Lil Murda (J. Alphonse Nicholson). 

Even though queer storylines have been part of the show since its inaugural season, homophobic viewers still found a problem with the series’ recent episode.

During episode four, Lil Murda – who recently broke up with Uncle Clifford – reignited his friendship with Big Teak after the latter’s release from prison.

However, their friendship turned physical after the two shared an intimate moment – which resulted in them having sex. 

Shortly after the episode aired, conservative viewers took social media to express their grievances over the sex scene. 

Comedian Lil Duval wrote: “Yea p valley lost me. They need a super gay advisory on movies like they got for everything else.” 

In response to the anti-LGBTQ+ comments, Polk took to Twitter and effortlessly shut down the critics in a series of tweets. 

“As a writer and producer of P Valley, specifically a writer of this episode, I encourage you to step away from Chucalissa,” he wrote.

“This show is not for you. Go watch something else. Cuz the gay ain’t goin’ nowhere. The reality is: a lot of these “straight” men are triggered by these gay love scenes. 

“Watching them brings up questions they have about their own sexuality. That ain’t got nothing to do with us or #PValley. Do the work; look inward!”

In an additional tweet, the Noah’s Arc creator also expressed the importance of showcasing Black LGBTQ+ relationships on TV. 

“This is why it’s important to see these gay black love scenes on television. So when idiots come online criticising the fact that the scenes exist, we have a problem. And it’s time to gay-regulate. PERIODT,” he added.

Some of the show’s dedicated fans echoed similar sentiments to Polk and even pointed out the lack of backlash for the episode’s lesbian sex scene. 

One user wrote: “With the latest P-Valley episode, let’s make it clear that these dudes are fetishising black women’s queer intimacy & expressions of sexuality and bashing black men’s queer intimacy & expressions of sexuality. Both are harmful & y’all shouldn’t act like the former is less harmful.” 

Another fan tweeted: “How you homophobic and watching P-Valley? Girl, this show ain’t for you.”

The second season of P-Valley is current airing on Starz in the US and Starz Prime Video Channel in the UK.