12 Days of Pride: BET.com Salutes Jussie Smollett
Drag superstar Shangela honors the actor like only she can.
Jussie Smollett seduces us every week on Empire, but his talent and brains is why so many have fallen in love with him. Therefore, he was a perfect fit for BET.com's 12 Days of Pride.
The actor and singer became a household as Jamal Lyon on Lee Daniels' Empire. Before Jamal, we had never seen a Black gay male character like him on network television. Jamal is equally messy, beautiful, complicated and owns who he is.
Like Jamal, Jussie has always been an advocate for walking in your truth. Once upon a time, being an openly gay actor would ruin your career, not for Jussie. His honesty is why we love him so much and why he is being honored in the 12 Days of Pride.
Watch Shangela's tribute above.