In 10 short years, Glenn Payne has clawed his way up the entertainment industry from working in the hectic world of live talk shows, to writing, producing, directing, and editing. Now Glenn hosts his own show, ‘Kiki Kitchen’, bringing the world healthy, easy, low-sugar recipes that are good for everyone.
‘Kiki Kitchen’ came to fruition after Glenn was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and wanted to share low-carb, low-sugar delicious alternative options for all people to enjoy. The show attracts memorable co-hosts such as Amanda Lepore, Bianca Del Rio, Dallas DuBois and more. Glenn is extremely proud and excited about ‘Kiki Kitchen’, and as he puts it, “I’m just a queen with a kitchen and dream. Let me show you how I enjoy low-carb deliciousness and always remember to make cooking a kiki!”.
Watch ‘Kiki Kitchen’ with Sweet Brown!
Glenn’s enthusiasm was infectious as the conversation turned a little deeper. When asked about LGBT portrayal in the media, Glenn truly believes that the media presents the entire spectrum. Gone are the days of the stereotypical, effeminate, fashion oriented, limp-wrested portrayal of any homosexual man. This portrayal of is becoming increasingly more and more the minority and Glenn couldn’t be more impressed with how far the media has come. “We’re seeing groundbreaking LGBT portrayal on mainstream network shows, transgender people are getting their own reality shows, and the Emmy awards are dominated by a show about lesbians and a transgender black woman in prison!” The stereotypes and prejudices are being broken down, “Today, media understands that people are regular people – complex and layered, masculine and feminine, professional athletes, politicians, accomplished talk show hosts, new anchors, mother, fathers, the list goes on and on.”
Glenn’s views on diversity in the media are inspiring as he opens up about the positive effect of shows such as ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’. “The show roots for the underdog and is all about being yourself and loving yourself not matter what anyone has to say about you.” During it’s time on air, ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ has had contestants open up about their experiences and struggles with coming out, revealing what it is like to live as a drag queen, living with HIV and being transgender. The support of such a show by networks as influential as MTV and Logo is a testament to the effort these networks go to each day to work towards a more accepting, tolerant and colorful world. It is also a testament to how far the entertainment industry has come in recent years.
While there is always room to grow, Glenn is excited with the direction the media’s portrayal of the LGBT community is taking, and couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it. With the fabulously funny ‘Kiki Kitchen’ available on gay.net and LogoTV.com, Glenn is looking forward to sharing more amazing recipes with the world, and having even more laughs with his guests in the future.
Photography by JonSeneca.com
