Jennifer Lopez's Lesbian Aunt: Star Says 'The Fosters' TV Show Inspired By Late Relative

Jennifer Lopez Reveals Very Personal Gay Inspiration For New TV Show

During a recent interview with Rob Marciano of Entertainment Tonight, Jennifer Lopez revealed that her upcoming ABC Family television show highlighting lesbian moms, "The Fosters," which she executive produces, is an homage to her late lesbian aunt.

The Bronx born actress, singer and producer explained to Marciano that the series is about complex contemporary families. "Although [the script] was about a non-traditional family and had some newer themes, it had some really basic themes as well about family and love and what's really important in life," said Lopez. "And life can be complicated and messy sometimes and not simple. It was really a true depiction of family in this day and age."

Lopez attempted to hold back tears when she began speaking about her aunt who recently passed from cancer. The "If You Had My Love" singer said she thought of the plight her aunt faced while deciding to take on the executive producer role.

"I had an aunt who was gay. I lived with her and I loved her. She just passed away from cancer. I thought of her often when I was thinking about taking on this project and the prejudices that she faced."

Lopez, who has played a lesbian character in the past, has frequently spoken out about her love for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in the past. In a 2010 interview with The Advocate she stated, "When it comes to gay marriage, I just believe in love. I believe that when two people find each other and love each other, they should be able to spend their lives together."

"The Fosters" debuts on ABC Family on June 6.

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