An interview between NeNe Leakes and TS Madison is going viral, and people are not happy with the Real Housewives of Atlanta alum. She asked a series of questions about dating trans women and had a hard time wrapping her head around sexuality and how it relates to trans identity.
During the interview, NeNe suggested that only gay or bisexual men date trans women. Obviously, that’s not the case, and Maddie tried to set the record straight. NeNe wasn’t getting it, and now fans are dragging her for her ignorance. It’s an uncomfortable conversation, but perhaps a valuable learning lesson for everyone this Pride Month.
NeNe Leakes should “pick up a book” after TS Madison interview
NeNe recently launched a YouTube series called The NeNe Leakes Show, where she’s hosted a variety of celebs, RHOA alums, and other personalities. Maddie appeared on the show during the June 5 episode.
At one point during their hour-long conversation, they were talking about dating. That’s when NeNe asked, “Do you only know gay men?”
Maddie said, “Well, I don’t date gay men,” to which NeNe replied, “You know, when you guys be saying that, that’s weird, weird. Because what do you mean you don’t date gay men? Because if he sleeping with you, and sleeping with a woman, he something.”
With the patience of a saint, TS Madison continued to explain to NeNe why sleeping with a trans woman doesn’t automatically make someone “gay.” NeNe just kept asking, “What is he? What is he?”
The conversation continued to go in circles. At one point, NeNe said that she wouldn’t date a guy who previously slept with a trans woman. That clip is now circulating all over social media, and people are frustrated with NeNe’s closed-minded point of view.
One fan wrote, “NeNe being this ignorant about queer topics while constantly existing in queer spaces is gross. pick up a mf book!”
Although fans are angry with NeNe, Maddie uploaded the clip to her Instagram account. She thanked NeNe for having the difficult conversation. She also pointed out how these topics can be confusing for a lot of people who aren’t familiar with them.
Underneath the post, RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Yvie Oddly commended Maddie on how she handled the situation, pointing out how she handled the interview with grace, even though she struggled to get NeNe to understand.
“I love how you coulda come at her sideways for so many things, chose to show grace even when you couldn’t make her see things differently,” Yvie commented.
“And I love how by the end she ultimately responded with love for you, despite the things she still might not understand.” Yvie continued. “This needs to be studied.”
Yvie said it best. It’s not often that you see an uncomfortable conversation like this end with love. We just hope NeNe can recognize why people are so frustrated with it.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta streams on Peacock and Hayu in the UK and Ireland.
TELL US – WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE CONVERSATION BETWEEN TS MADISON AND NENE LEAKES? DO YOU THINK NENE CAN LEARN FROM THIS MOMENT?
