Pastor’s son breaks LGBTQ+ barriers on-screen.

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We all have our favourite soap operas, whether it be Isidingo, Uzalo, Muvhango or 7de laan. We love how the story lines are always ready to shock us whilst having dinner, after the children's bath time or before we get back to the books.

Last week 7de laan, that airs on SABC2, had their first same-sex passionate kissing scene on your screen. Leaving viewers gasping, some dropping their forks and others feeling safe, included and understood.

Stacey and JSbu caught up with Deanre Reiners (Shawn) who was at first very anxious of pushing his acting talent to the limits, but decided to turn this opportunity into an on-screen moment that would speak to people who felt that they had no voice and to promote inclusivity among our “fellow South-Africans” as President Ramaphosa would phrase it.

Deanre speaks out about how his family, friends and the public had reacted and how Twitter lit up after the episode aired. He pinpoints the fact that 7de laan aims to “reflect a society as a whole.”

Deanre also emotes gratitude when he speaks about how his girlfriend supported him from the get-go and then drops the small detail that his father is a pastor.

Listen to the full podcast to find out what Pastor Reiners had to say about his son kissing another man on television.
16 Mar 2021 English South Africa Society & Culture · Personal Journals

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