In a recent episode of one of Bravo’s juiciest reality series, Southern Hospitality, newcomer Lake Rucker had a deeply personal conversation about her experience being queer, living in the U.S. South. Rucker is one of several queer cast members appearing on the new season of Southern Hospitality, bringing meaningful and authentic LGBTQ representation to reality TV.
To talk about her experience, Rucker joined GLAAD’s Anthony Allen Ramos for a chat.
“I’ve just had an amazing season so far. Everything has been a learning experience,” Rucker says about her first season on the show. The series is a spinoff of Bravo’s Southern Charm, following Leva Bonaparte as she manages Charleston’s very own “it” crowd, otherwise known as her larger-than-life staff at Republic Garden & Lounge.
Rucker speaks about her decision to talk about her sexuality in a recent episode, “I think that I am learning myself every single day, and I’m learning my sexuality every single day. So, being able to share that with the world and share these experiences with people that might be experiencing the same thing. It just warms my heart. I feel very proud of myself for having the courage to talk about it, because it is hard.”
At only 22, she shares how being a part of Gen-Z has shaped her outlook on being queer. “Being a part of this generation, we are able to adapt to different situations. We see it on social media. Rather than just seeing the 100 people around you, we’re seeing millions of people on the internet, so we’re able to experience and experiment.” She adds that, “I found myself experimenting at a young age, and I felt comfortable just doing it.”
She shares that while her family is accepting and will always love her, it’s not always as easy to have these types of conversations with them because of their traditional religious values. “My mom and my dad love me regardless, but they also grew up in a different generation,” she explains.
Rucker talks about her bond with fellow newcomer Michols Peña and how being Black and queer in the South has made them so close. “I love Michols to death,” she says.
“When it comes to my family, my mom and dad are going to love me regardless and be supportive of whatever decision I make. Yeah, they’ll have their opinions, they’ll talk their talk, and I get a little bit nervous to be fully open with them because they’re older, but I love them regardless. With Michols, I know he has his struggles with his parents, and I always want to be there for him.” She adds that, “He spent Thanksgiving with me and my family this past year. I just want him to know that we have each other as family. He’s my brother, I’m his sister.”
In addition to Lake and Michols, this season of Southern Hospitality also features out gay cast member TJ Dinch. While many fans may be rooting for a possible romance between the two, Rucker offers her inside scoop; “TJ and Michaels are both wonderful, wonderful men, and I love them both very, very much, but in my opinion, no.”
Watch TJ and Michols’ recent interview with GLAAD here:
In terms of her own love life, Rucker says, “I am single right now, and I think that’s wonderful. I think, being 22, you’re supposed to be single, you’re supposed to experience and experiment a little bit of everything.”
To close, she offers a word of advice to fellow LGBTQ people of color who may be struggling right now; “Give yourself grace and give yourself time. Nobody is on your journey except for yourself. You are facing your problems every day, dealing with your own mental battles.” She adds, “It’s ok to not be ok. It’s ok to not have everything figured out. Just know that there will be people who hate, but there will also be people going through the exact same thing as you. You could be someone powerful for them. Just remember that.”
Don’t miss new episodes of Southern Hospitality, airing Thursdays at 9pm on Bravo.