Host with the most

Keke Palmer becomes the first openly queer host of the Soul Train Awards

Three words that describe Keke Palmer: booked, blessed, and busy. The self-proclaimed “millennial diva” continues to inspire fans by the number of jobs she seems to snag.

From acting in films such as Hustlers and Nope, to releasing albums like Virgo Tendencies Pt. 1 and Pt. 2, to producing online content via her production company KeyTV, Palmer continues to add more things to her resume. Now, she’s adding a historic hosting gig to her portfolio.

On Wednesday, BET announced that Palmer would take on hosting duties for the 36th annual Soul Train Awards. The awards ceremony highlights the best in Black culture, music, and entertainment and Palmer makes history as the ceremony’s first openly queer host. 

Previous hosts include Oscar nominees Taraji P. Henson and Queen Latifah, The Color Purple’s Fantasia Barrino, and supermodel Tyra Banks. While Queen Latifah is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, she wasn’t openly identified as such when she hosted in 2001 and 2003.  

While several queer artists, such as Janelle Monaé and Cardi B have been honored, Palmer’s hosting duties break new ground and hopefully set a path for future queer hosts. And with queerly beloved faves like Victoria Monét, Ice Spice, Doechii, and SZA, it’s sure be a fabulously Black, queer affair. 

The announcement comes after the release of Palmer’s restraining order on ex-boyfriend and father to her child, Darius Jackson. On November 9, Palmer filed a restraining order against Jackson, accusing him of abusing her multiple times throughout their two-year relationship.

In light of the news, fans were quick to rally around Palmer and when the announcement of her new hosting gig was made, fans showered the entertainer with support.

The Soul Train Awards 2023 premieres on Sunday, November 26 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her.

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