It's been six years since Brice Johnston became one of the first queer BIPOC competitors on Survivor, and he's still a force to be reckoned with. From cast fundraisers and podcasts to an easy-on-the-eyes "Zaddy" calendar, Brice continues to make a name for himself in the world of entertainment. Not to mention, this is all while standing up for diversity on reality TV.
Brice, a 34-year-old from Philadelphia, appeared on Survivor: Cagayan, which is now streaming on Netflix. Season 28 saw the players divided into three teams - "Brawn," "Brains" and "Beauty." Though Brice considered himself a "package deal" of all three traits, producers deemed him a "Beauty," and he was tasked with seeing if his good looks and charm could advance him in the cutthroat game. After spending some time on the outskirts of his tribe, Brice formed an alliance with Morgan McLeod, who was also designated a "weak link" by tribemates.
In the years since his appearance on Survivor, Brice (who now goes by Brice Izyah) has served as an inspiration for other minorities and members of the LGBTQ+ community. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he said, "'Survivor,' like society, is often a numbers game. I'm very used to being 'outside of the numbers.' I would love to see more people of my demographic start the game off with a more level playing field, while also seeing the multiple facets of people like myself being properly portrayed on the screen." Brice added how his "snarky side" was often the only thing shown to viewers. "[It] was absolutely present, but I was also working hard consistently around camp and felt like that was overlooked."
In addition to speaking out on behalf of fellow BIPOC/LGBTQ+ individuals, Brice is part of several collaborative projects with past Survivor contestants. With the help show alum Rob Cesternino, who hosts "Rob Has A Podcast," Brice launched the "Purple Pants Podcast." The weekly podcast features segments like "Advice with Brice," "Church Announcements" and "Freak of the Week." Brice also created a yearly "Zaddy" calendar, which includes steamy photos of favorite male castaways like Wendall Holland, Cole Medders, Zeke Smith, and Chris Noble. There's also the female "Hot Gurl Summa" edition.
Also, on Dec. 19, Brice joined Survivor giants Ozzy Lusth, Sandra Diaz-Twine and more for a virtual holiday party. Hosted by Cirie Fields, proceeds benefited Survivor: Millennials vs Gen X's Sunday Burquest, who is battling stage 4 cancer.
The social worker from Philly, who told CBS he wished he could bring body spray and lip balm to the island, has become quite the post-Survivor success story. Brice is standing up for minorities, sharing advice with podcast listeners, and, of course, gracing fans with some eye candy each new year.
Source: Entertainment Weekly, Brice Izyah, CBS
