Emmy-winning writer and actor Lena Waithe joins Black Queer Canon hosts Tre’vell and Mikelle to discuss one of the most enduring studs on screen: Cleo Sims. Played by Queen Latifah in the 1996 crime drama “Set It Off,” Cleo has become a pivotal archetype for black butch lesbians on screen. In the episode, the three discuss Cleo’s impact, what the role says about masculinity and that brutally tragic death scene.

Black Queer Canon is a production of Slayzhon. It is created, hosted and executive produced by Mikelle Street and Tre’vell Anderson. Chris Rodgers is our associate producer and editor. Our theme is the track “Soul” by Neverending Nina. The project is supported by Critical Minded, an initiative to invest in cultural critics of color cofounded by The Nathan Cummings Foundation and the Ford Foundation.

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