Meet the Gay Housemate of "Real World: New Orleans"

Preston Robertson James

The last cycle of Real World, set in Washington, D.C., was relatively highbrow in its GLBT (emphasis on the "B" representation), and cast member Mike Manning was a particular favorite around here.

Before that there was Derek Chavez (Real World: Cancun) and JD Ordonez (Real World: Brooklyn) – both also immensely likable guys who generally got on very well with their housemates.

This season the MTV series heads south to New Orleans, and it looks like they're going to be serving up a far more polarizing queer cast member.

Meet Preston Robertson James. Here's how he's officially presented in his Real World bio:  

Preston's first childhood memory is of crying in the back seat of the car while his mother went to score crack. Needless to say, his family life was anything but ideal. When he was 17, his mother essentially abandoned him, leaving Preston to fend for himself. Despite a rough childhood, he's somehow managed to grow into a carefree individual who walks to the beat of his own drum.

As a proud, young, gay, black man, Preston strives to be the center of attention. He has no filter, but what he does have is a bitchy side, which he's not afraid to show. In fact, he encourages confrontation, happily putting you in your place if need be. But be careful. If you push Preston too far, something is bound to get thrown in the toilet. Known for his outlandish antics and urge to mingle, we're sure Preston will be getting his fill on the New Orleans strip.

It is great that Real World is including a gay man of color this season, and more power to Preston for overcoming what sounds like a terribly difficult childhood. But that reference to his "bitchy side" and stuff getting thrown in the toilet really gives us pause.

Off-screen, one of the housemates is screaming, "Where's my hairbrush!"

I guess we'll have to wait until the show premieres on June 30th to find just how "in your face" Preston is, since he doesn't figure prominently in the season promo trailer below. (Other than that brief, naked bathtub spanking scene) But it looks like he's not the only housemate with a big personality.

What say AfterEltonites? Curious enough to tune in for this cycle of Real World?