'Sexuality Is a Spectrum,' Declares FX Character in 'Atlanta' Premiere

Karen Townsend
September 7th, 2016 1:26 AM
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In Tuesday night’s premiere double episode of FX channel’s Atlanta, “The Big Bang; Streets on Lock,” lead character Ernest (Donald Glover) is arrested for participating in a shooting with his wanna-be rapper cousin, Alfred.

While waiting to be processed out, another detainee named Johnny strikes up a conversation with his ex, “Lisa.” Sitting between the two, it's an uncomfortable scene for Ernest, to say the least. Lisa, it turns out, is transgender. But Johnny doesn't quite get it. Another detainee has to inform him that his ex-"girlfriend" is a man by pointing out, "Why you think she in jail with the men? She'd be on the other side." 

While arguing with the other detainees over his own sexuality, Johnny yells his declaration that he is not gay. Trying to reassure him, Ernest says, “Sexuality is a spectrum.” You can do what you want to do. Sure. Poor Johnny is free to be as confused as he wants to be. Except maybe in the grittiest parts of Atlanta.

WARNING: Explicit Language

Johnny: Hey, you remember '12? Your hair was brown. 
Lisa: Oh, I remember. Honey, I in a completely different space back then. 
Johnny: Nah, nah, it's nice now. I like it. You always did like to switch it up. 
Ernest: I can move, if you want. 
Johnny: Yeah, I know. Yeah, I was Wildin' back then. [Chuckles] You remember Larry? 
Lisa: No. Larry? 
Johnny: Yeah, yeah, Larry. Used to come around with Kevin. He went to Southwest. 
Lisa: Um, I think so. I remember Kevin. He was loud. 
Johnny: Larry came with us to the movies that time. I know you remember the movies, now. We used to get freaky in there all the time. Remember that? 
Lisa: Quiet. 
Johnny: Oh, don't act, girl, you know we used to get it in. Hey, where you stay at now? Hey, man, what's your problem, man? 
Ernest: No, I--no problem. I can move, if you want-- 
Johnny: I ain't ask you to move, nigga! I'm trying to talk to my girl, you acting all weird and shit. 
Detainee: Your girl? 
Johnny: Yeah, man. Yo, this is my ex, Lisa, man. We used to talk back after my moms kicked me out the house. 
Detainee: My nigga, that's a man. 
Johnny: Wha--no, man, this is my ex. 
Detainee: Your ex-girlfriend a man. Why you think she in jail with the men? She'd be on the other side. Nigga, you gay. 
Johnny: No, man, she--[chuckles] Nah, man. So you think I'm gay? 
Ernest: Nah. No, I--
Detainee: This nigga gay as hell. [Laughter]
Johnny: Shut the hell up, man! Y'all niggas is tripping! Man, I ain't gay! Y'all niggas fuck guys up in here, anyway. 
Detainee: No, that--that ain't gay; that's just jail. You was on the outside fucking booty holes. 
Ernest: Sexuality is a spectrum. You can really do whatever you want. 
Detainee:- Man, that boy gay as hell. 
Johnny: I'm gonna stab your old ass when we get upstairs to them cells, man.
Detainee:  Nigga, sit down! 
Lisa: Johnny, calm down-- 
Johnny: Everyone can shut the fuck up, now! I know what you all think she is... But I ain't on that faggot shit, man.

And, of course, the Social Justice Warriors pounced on how homophobic and transphobic the black men in jail are in that scene.