On May 17, netizens voiced their thoughts on the “lack of diversity” of Black Sheep’s Boys Love dating show, Sparks Camp, just days before its pilot episode.
Via Twitter, Netizens commented on Black Sheep’s promotional video for their BL dating show, Sparks Camp, with the caption, ’10 diverse guys.’
Drag Den PH Season 1’s Lady Gagita called out the tweet, noting the dating show seemingly lacked drag performers and plus-size contestants.
Medyo di true yung diverse. Walang baklang nagdadrag. Walang chub. https://t.co/XG4DkmgHhF
— Lady Gagita #Mudrakels #DragDenPH (@ladygagitaofcl) May 18, 2023
Other netizens criticized the series for its lack of diversity, especially for having only certain body types.
is "diverse" with us in the room? https://t.co/Q3k7tEIftQ
— Sef (@sefloseo) May 17, 2023
Ang triggering ng sparks camp, cast reminds me of ppl who talk shit abt me, my body size, scrncaps my posts to laugh at, makes you feel out of place in circles. Giving it a chance kasi magaling yung director at dop, at baka may matutunan rin sa love at acceptance lol
— Victor Kaiba Villanueva (@exgangleader) May 19, 2023
One netizen pointed out that the dating show was more of an “artista search.”
“BL dating reality show” is giving artista search vibes kaya I am not surprised with the “conventionally attractive” + influencer cast.
Pero to label this set as “diverse” is quite a stretch (and the comments around it are valid). https://t.co/VpanlewGmr
— gaks #VdMbulok (@psychokenetics) May 18, 2023
Another netizen questioned whether the selection process involved having contestants with a “fairly” high amount of social media followers.
What was the process here like did they handpick 8-10 twinks with 5k+ follower count on various social media platforms https://t.co/HnhyBhMgXV
— violent chachki (@VlOLENTCHACHKI) May 17, 2023
Others pointed out that there appeared to be a socio-economic imbalance in the contestants’ selection process.
They all look like the Rich Manila Gays of Poblacion™️.
I love that there is 🇵🇭🏳️🌈 representation! But they don't look, talk or act like many of my gay friends. More variety, taste the whole rainbow! 🌈
Hopefully there's a season 2 with more diversity! https://t.co/Oj8d6WgYRN pic.twitter.com/ctPGMWxdBK
— Kris_P (@Kris_404_p) May 18, 2023
As I generally presume the best of intentions from non-antagonistic media. I'm taking "diverse" here not as something skin deep. Baka from different socio-economic landscapes (A1 all the way to indigents), different belief systems too.
I have my doubts, yes. Ayusin nila sana. https://t.co/Fxy4joZoOq
— Jett Obejas (Bea Benign) (@yisafunctionofx) May 17, 2023
Another netizen quipped that the dating show already has its bashers despite the pilot episode not yet airing.
https://twitter.com/tampalpukemo/status/1659437038045925376
One netizen tried to open a dialogue with the Sparks Camp’s host, “Miss Trans Global 2020”, Mela Habijan, who graciously accepted netizen feedback.
dahil we believe in the power of opening a conversation, ano po ang masasabi natin sa komento na hindi naman daw diverse ang cast na ito @missmelahabijan 🥒🥒 https://t.co/8AssVHcSU1
— cucumbernijobert (@cucumbernijobrt) May 16, 2023
She also revealed that she initially voiced concern about the ‘diversity’ of the contestants to Black Sheep.
Hi! Kumusta? Thank you for raising this.
Personally, diversity is the first aspect I brought up with @Black_SheepPH .
I particularly pointed out the importance of seeing men of unique characters and attributes — femme gay men, chub men, short men, men outside of Metro Manila,
— Miss Mela Habijan (@missmelahabijan) May 16, 2023
She then promised to relay or extend netizen criticisms of the production regarding diversity lack.
This insight is very valuable. Thank you for sharing. Will extend this to the production team.
Hopefully, if there’s a second season, more from our siblings would try out and audition.
And if you’d be able to watch, feel free to send us feedback. 💖
— Miss Mela Habijan (@missmelahabijan) May 18, 2023
As for Sparks Camp, the BL dating show under Ted Boborol’s direction begins on May 24 via Black Sheep’s YouTube Channel.
