Ep 2. Author Terry McMillan and Her Gay Ex-Husband
- October 11, 2011
In the second episode of Oprah's Lifeclass season 1, author Terry McMillan opens up about a topic that is often considered taboo in the African American community- her gay ex-husband. Oprah Winfrey invites Terry onto the show to discuss her life, her career, and how she dealt with the emotional turmoil that came with discovering that her husband was gay.
The episode begins with Oprah introducing Terry and welcoming her to the show. Oprah highlights Terry's impressive career, including her best-selling novels "Waiting to Exhale" and "How Stella Got Her Groove Back." However, Oprah then shifts the conversation to a more personal topic, asking Terry to share her story of discovering that her husband was gay.
Terry explains that she began to suspect that her husband was gay when he started spending more time with male friends than with her. She also says that she had a "gut feeling" that something wasn't right in their relationship. Eventually, Terry's husband came out to her, and the two divorced.
Oprah then leads a frank and honest conversation about the stigma surrounding homosexuality, particularly in communities of color. Terry shares her own journey of coming to terms with her husband's sexuality and the backlash she faced from some members of her community. Both Oprah and Terry are committed to normalizing the idea of homosexuality and fostering acceptance within the African American community.
Throughout the episode, Oprah and Terry offer advice to viewers who may be struggling with their own identity, or the identity of someone close to them. In particular, they stress the importance of not forcing people to come out before they are ready, and of offering support rather than judgment or shame.
The conversation then shifts to Terry's writing career. Oprah and Terry discuss how Terry's own experiences with love and relationships have influenced her work. Terry also shares advice with aspiring writers, encouraging them to write from the heart and not be afraid to share their own stories.
The episode then concludes with Oprah and Terry acknowledging that their conversation may have sparked some controversy, but they are unapologetic in their commitment to promoting acceptance and understanding. The two women end the episode with a message of hope, reminding viewers that love and compassion are always possible, even in the face of adversity.
Overall, Oprah's Lifeclass season 1 episode 2 is a thought-provoking and emotional conversation about the complexities of love, identity, and acceptance. Terry McMillan's bravery in sharing her personal story, coupled with Oprah Winfrey's empathetic and compassionate hosting style, make for a powerful viewing experience. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of race, sexuality, and personal identity.
