Other Boys NYC is a Documentary Series Focused Exclusively on Queer & Transgender Men of Color

The year is 2017 and we're still not seeing enough stories from members of the LGBTQ community living outside Chelsea or Hells Kitchen. In a time when inclusivity is more important than ever, our culture has a tendency to see queerness from a singular point-of-view. Thankfully, Other Boys NYC, a 50-part documentary series available through SLAY TV, focuses exclusively on narratives of queer and transgender men of color.

The series aims to "inspire empathy" and create a dialogue that's missing in our community by taking an intimate look at topics like dating, family, masculinity, socio-economics, religion and careers. Filmmakers Abdool Corlette and Adam Vazquez produced Other Boys NYC to accurately reflect their own experiences as queer men of color in the media, alongside the series' other diverse featured men.

"All too often the default portrayal of LGBTQ men in the media is cisgender, gay and white," Corlette said. "However, the LGBTQ community is one that cannot be represented as a singular identity--it is an intersection of people from all races, cultures and religions. Growing up, I didn't see myself or my story represented in the media, so instead of waiting for them to share our stories, Adam and I decided to make something that shines a spotlight on the richness of our community. Other Boys NYC presents a more inclusive and accurate picture of what it looks like to be a man of color within the LGBTQ community. The series offers a dynamic view of humanity that will propel forward the dialogue around race, gender and sexuality."

Vazquez added: "We are seeing increasing levels of violence against the LGBTQ community and people of color. The language being used in politics is divisive and does nothing to raise awareness about the struggles of people within these communities. Other Boys NYC is a new way to meet people of color and to see their stories told honestly. It creates an opportunity to listen, learn and find commonality. Other Boys NYC was created to bring people together through awareness and understanding."

The series, which premieres February 20, will release its first 25 episodes on SLAY TV, and episodes thereafter will be released on a weekly basis. Watch the Other Boy NYC trailer, below.