But, But Why?
Was asked to write about the idea that it’s harder for Black celebrities to come out of the closet. Don’t agree with the premise, but did address the question at hand:
In a 2010 interview with Upscale magazine, Queen Latifah made her thoughts on speculation about her sexuality in the media clear: “I don’t feel like I need to explain things to a perfect stranger,” she said. “The people who matter know. And they love me for Dana. I don’t have to tell Joe Blow. Joe, you worry about who you sleeping with.”
She has yet to offer the full explanation many have pleaded with her to provide, though during a performance at a gay pride event in Long Beach, California, the multi-hyphenated entertainer told a crowd “I’ve been waiting to do this for a long time” and added “Y’all my peeps, I love you!”
Some sites have tried to stretch this into a confirmation that she is a lesbian, but it’s more like another nod to a suspicion without offering any real specification. Regardless of how many feel about it, such actions are within Latifah’s rights. She doesn’t owe us anything. She never did.
Still, I understand writers like Tracy Garraud hoping someone of Latifah’s stature would opt for a moresocially responsible openness about her sexuality and offer black lesbians the kind of visibility currently missing from the media. Another missed opportunity came recently with Raven-Symoné, who took to Twitter to respond to a National Enquirer story that she is currently dating America’s Next Top Modelcontestant AzMarie Livingston.
Read more at theGrio.
Perhaps I am a bit too idealistic, but I was always taught that there is an unspoken responsibility that comes along with fame. I believe that especially being of color, it is more important for them to come out and just be who they are. Yes it is 2012. And yes the culture of gay rights are shifting and we have more significant support for our cause than we did in the past. However- even folks in IOWA know that inequality is inequality, hence why gay marriage is legal there.
My point is, someone of Queen Latifah’s stature is already iconic in a sense in her own right. Coming out at this point will not do any real harm to her career as most folks already assume she’s gay. Confirming it will only assist visibility in the media, which is needed! If everyone continues to talk AROUND the whole sexuality issue when asked, well then we’ll never quite move forward as a people. In the words of Bernie Mac: “If people don’t like who you are, f*ck ‘em!”
You had me at the Jeremiah Wright quote. It has been one of my favorite quotes for years. Per usual, you’ve done an awesome job! I agree with your sentiment – public figures certainly have no obligation to “come out.” I feel that if they would choose to do it, it would inspire and motivate closeted members of the l/g/b/t community to do the same.