Reality television star Derek J. is a prime example of a larger than life gay celebrity on the rise. Derek J. first made his mark on Bravo’s hit show The Real Housewives of Atlanta as a hairstylist to much talked about housewife Kim Zolciak. Not one to be left out of the limelight, he brought about much talk of his own with his vibrant persona and penchant for wearing fabulous high heels, women’s clothing and carrying high end purses on screen.
Derek J. will return to reality TV as a judge on the Oxygen series Hair Battle Spectacular, a fantasy hair competition where he’ll bring his colorful style and personality to a new audience of viewers.
To new fans, Derek J. is a thrilling, unique persona. But to his first and number one fan, his mother Nita, he’s still just Derek.
“I wasn’t surprised [about his success] … He was just doing what he wanted to do, doing his thing,” she says of her son’s recent celebrity status, adding that while being the wildcard may be his thing on camera, at home, he’s a bit more reserved. “He’s more laid back. He’s like his mom a lot. He likes to get his rest when he comes home, so he’s more laid back and a caring person like his mom.”
Nita and her son share similar demeanors but what they don’t share is Derek J.’s eye-catching sense of style.
“I’m more like down to earth and not flashy or anything like that,” reveals Nita.
As far is Nita is concerned, her son’s sexuality and/or style isn’t an issue and she’s more than proud of his venture into Hollywood. She hopes that parents of other gay celebrities are just as supportive of their kids.
“If they’re not out there doing criminal things and they’re trying to establish themselves to have income coming in and doing what they need to do to break into that industry, you have to support them,” explains Nita. “No one wakes up and says that this is what they want in life for their children, but you just have to understand it, accept it, come to terms with them, and support it.” –nicholas robinson
