In 2019, BET Social started the #BETQueerAF social franchise to create a diverse and inclusive platform to amplify Black, queer stories. In 2020 and beyond, BET is continuing this initiative! The month of February is dedicated to honoring the bustling legacy and history of Black people, however, the specifics of one's gender identity and sexuality tend to be expunged from the larger narrative.

With Black History Month approaching underway, it is without a doubt that most media/institutions will highlight Black pioneers throughout history using the same narratives taught in elementary school. This year,  the BET Social team is disrupting these traditional stories by shining a light on the Black LGBTQ trailblazers of the past, present, and future. 

MOBI’s Director or PR, Kenneth Courtney is one of the 29 LGBTQ creatives featured in the campaign!

#BETQueerAF: 29 Days of Black Queer Excellence 

Through #BETQueerAF: 29 Days of Black Queer Excellence, BET is spotlighting 29 contemporary LBGTQ creatives, activists, and thought leaders through a portrait series on the BET & BET Her social channels. It’s BET’s intention to use this campaign to highlight the beauty, power, and diversity of the global Black narrative by amplifying the voices of the Black queer community. The campaign not only shines a light on the LEGENDS of the past but also championing the new leaders of the present and the future!  

Kenneth has been part of the MOBI team since it’s conception and is also the Founder of Courtney Creative PR - a non-traditional and forward thinking public relations, branding, and artist management consultancy, focused on elevating the brand profiles of LGBTQ+ clients and projects through social impact across the lifestyle, fashion, and entertainment industries. When asked about his work in PR as it relates to the LGBTQ community, he said:

“I manage the first openly gay Dancehall artist from Jamaica, DEMARO. Jamaica and the Caribbean have a history of being extremely homophobic, especially in the Dancehall genre. I think back to DEMARO getting emotional after doing a round of interviews talking not just about his music, but being physically attacked in his home country for being gay and having to re-live it.

I just remember being on the phone and telling him how he’s going to help a lot of people by sharing his music and his story. It’s moments like those that reveal a higher purpose to the work I’m doing. That’s the REAL power of PR.”

-Kenneth Courtney