Karamo Brown looks back on his appearance on “The Real World” to commemorate the show’s 20th anniversary

Karamo Brown looks back on his early career on MTV’s reality show real world philadelphia As the program celebrates its 20th anniversary.

He is currently queer eyeBut in the early 2000s, Brown had a slightly different claim to fame. In 2004, this cultural expert famously started his television career as a 23-year-old social worker. real world philadelphia. In fact, Karamo’s historic casting made him one of the first openly gay black men on a reality show.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, the television personality looked back on his time on the reality show with a series of clips from the show in the early 2000s.

“20 years ago today…23-year-old Lil Karamo appeared on #MTVRealWorld,” he began. “Damn, I was only in this game for a little while. Feeling misunderstood and alone on this show led me to the career I am today, helping others.” !💚💚💚”

“Remember Baby Me in the Real World? 🤯😳🥳,” Brown asked fans.

Clips in the carousel included the cast’s catchphrase introducing the show and a cisgender male cast member played by Brown asking, “Are you gay?” And a prank involving a police officer went awry.

Brown was seen confronting co-star MJ Garrett for reporting a tip that the cast member had a gun while out at a nightclub. The Netflix star was surrounded by officers and appeared visibly shaken as law enforcement moved the investigation outside.

In June 2021, Brown opened up about how he was spending his time. Real World He inspired him to become a figure that many people respect and admire today.

“I’ll tell you one thing: I’m a poster boy for ‘You Can Grow,'” he said at the time. “Right now, if you have people around you who are doing stupid things and have no direction, say this: ‘Look at Karamo.’ Real World And look at Karamo queer eye”

“That was one of those moments where I had to self-reflect,” Brown said of her early 20s on the reality show. “At that moment in my life, I was so in limbo, so afraid to be vulnerable. So afraid to say what I was feeling. All my problems and challenges were negative. And now I’m here.” Years later, I’m learning to be who I am, living my passions, being true to myself, being vulnerable, and being available for help. I am fully aware that it exists. ”

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“I always say this, ‘If my gay black ass can do it, anyone can do it.’ Because if you take the time to want to grow and ask for help, Just continue on that journey,” he concluded.