Last August, rapper Snoop Dogg drew widespread criticism for his response to a grandson’s questions about same-sex parents in a movie. Now, he’s partnered with GLAAD and queer singer Jeremy Beloate to release “Love Is Love,” a new kids’ song about family diversity. Has he redeemed himself?
Snoop’s initial comments came during an interview August 20 on the It’s Giving podcast, when he spoke about watching the Disney film Lightyear with one of his grandsons. The protagonist’s boss and best friend is a woman astronaut who is later shown to have a wife and kids.
During the film, Snoop related, his grandson asked him, “How she have a baby with a woman? She’s a woman!” The boy kept questioning while the movie played, and Snoop tried to hush him. Snoop complained to the podcast, “I didn’t come in for this shit. I just came to watch the goddamn movie…. I’m scared to go to the movies now. Y’all throwing me in the middle of shit that I don’t have an answer for.”
He continued. “These are kids. That we have to show that at this age … like, they’re going to ask questions. I don’t have the answer.”
I offered my own suggestions for finding that answer. Snoop’s phrasing was insulting, but I sensed frustration and a lack of knowledge, rather than hate, behind the homophobia. Don’t get me wrong: it’s still homophobia, and does damage either way—but I think there is a better chance for learning and redemption if the motivation isn’t deep-set animosity.
Snoop clearly realized he’d messed up. Yesterday, Spirit Day, Snoop and queer singer Jeremy Beloate, who had been on Team Snoop during Season 26 of The Voice, released a video conversation in partnership with GLAAD, along with a new kids’ song.
In their conversation, they discuss bullying, family diversity, and some unrelated topics like Beloate’s upcoming music. Among other things, Snoop says:
It’s a beautiful thing that kids can have parents of all walks, and be able to be shown love to be taught what love is, because hate is taught, and so is love. And I think that being able to have parents of all walks of life, whether it’s two fathers, two mothers, whatever it is, love is the key. And I think these kids are being loved by these great parents that are, you know, showing them an example of what family is. So I want to give a shout out to all of the parents out there for doing such a great job with these kids.
I have the opportunity to teach the kids through my music and through Doggyland. So, it’s a partnership that we working to teach these kids what love is about. So, I commend you. No matter what your background is, you’re doing an amazing job as a parent. And kids need to know that parents are parents. No matter what the makeup is, love is the key.
The kids’ song, part of Snoop’s animated children’s series Doggyland on YouTube, features anthropomorphic cartoon animals, including one young child with two moms. It’s an ode to love: loving who you are and loving your family and friends. One verse says:
Our parents are different
No two are the same
But the one thing that’s for certain
Is the love won’t change
Families are special
They are so unique
Everybody’s got a purpose
More than what you see
And the regular character Bow Wizzle, voiced by Snoop, comes in towards the end to rap:
We embrace all parents
With a big ol’ hug
Love is love
And there’s nothing above
Different families all make us great
There’s no debate
That’s how we relate
Yes, this is Snoop doing damage control. But he has a huge platform, and I’m happy to see him using it to spread this message of love and family diversity. Time will tell if he’s sincere, but I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.
But you know, if he happened to show up for a performance at Family Week in Provincetown next year, or made a large, public donation to one or more of the fine local and national organizations that support LGBTQ families, that might go even further towards proving his commitment.