In an exclusive clip for the third season of Bravo‘s Southern Hospitality, we see a moment between resident bartender TJ Dinch and new assistant general manager Michols Peña. Last week, it was revealed that they had kissed but nothing really came from it.
The discussion between the two (while getting mani-pedis, of course) turns into a very vulnerable moment where they have a conversation about their sexuality, coming out and challenges of dating in the south.
Peña reveals that he lost his connection with his mom and realized that his friends were his chosen family. He told Dinch that he was his first “gay friend” and that he felt mistreated by him after the kiss. Peña goes on to talk about how Dinch doesn’t date guys like him and the insecurities attached with being a queer person of color.
“I’m not your stereotypical white guy,” Peña tells Dinch in the clip. “I always feel like I am never going to be enough.”
Dinch responded, “Thats a little upsetting.” He continued to say that “having an openly gay man showing interest in me is different.”
Southern Hospitality was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award in 2023. The reality series follows The series follows Southern Charm’s Leva Bonaparte as she manages Charleston’s very own “it” crowd, otherwise known as her larger-than-life staff at Republic Garden & Lounge.
Southern Hospitality airs Thursdays at 9pm on Bravo.