I have openly expressed my appreciation for the satirical opinions expressed in the animated series "The Boondocks." The show has come under scrutiny for its excessive use of the n-word, but it continues to explore popular culture with a critical eye.

Just when you thought Boondocks could not get any more edgy, the creators are gunning for the Black Media Mogul himself -- Tyler Perry.

Now, I am not one of those gay people who enjoys outing other folks. The coming out process is a very intimidating, stressful and personal journey. How you doing Clay Aiken?

I have never slept with Tyler Perry, so I cannot confirm his orientation.

But according to the "children," Perry has long been suspected of being in the life. So, I was absolutely blown away by the latest episode of Boondocks, featuring the Drag Lord himself.

Some might question whether Boondocks went too far by publicly calling someone out about something that some may argue is nobody’s business. Side note: The “Rocky Horror Picture Show” reference is absolutely hilarious!

I offer this anecdote: Perry has built an empire based on a successful formula that includes spirituality, black culture, drag, comedy, the wounded black woman, the dark-skinned, mean brother and the light-skinned Prince Charming. In fact, the Prince Charming characters are getting progressively lighter. Stay tuned for “Why Did I Get Married to this Angry Black Woman,” starring Justin Timberlake.

The point is, Tyler Perry clearly understands the business side of the entertainment industry.

We have seen other mainstream stars contemplate the impact of coming out, including Ellen, Ricky Martin and the aforementioned Clay Aiken. So if mainstream personalities must weigh the risks, then it stands to reason that marginalized celebrities would have even more reason to padlock the closet door.

The larger question is, regardless of Perry’s orientation, could someone who has built a public persona cloaks in black culture and religion be as successful as an Out Gay Celebrity? Can we imagine the incredible pressure on someone who, for all practical purposes, is a media mogul yet fears rejection from the very demographic that supported him? And what are the larger implications for our community if someone with such a high profile is understandably fearful?

Perry is actually following a long tradition of black men in Hollywood in drag. Think Flip Wilson, Jamie Foxx Martin Lawrence and Whoopi Goldberg, to name a few…smile. This list does not include all the working drag queens holding it down and collecting those dollar tips in the club.

So as a society, and more specifically as a community, can we handle a leading man who is gay or an attractive cinema siren who sings for other women?

Watch this episode of "Boondocks" and tell me what you guys think?

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Professor Locs describes himself as an African American, gay, Southern male who has had an extensive career in higher education. His column appears each Wednesday. Click here to read his blog.

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