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Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Word on the street is that Ne-Yo will be coming out in the October issue of Essence according to radio reports and a post on
jasmynecannick.com .
Ne-Yo's first single "So Sick" shot to the top of the Billboard charts and he has shown promise not only as a performer but a writer as well, penning Rihanna's hit single "Unfaithful" .
No one knows for sure if the alleged coming out is true or if it's just another internet rumor. Regardless, reading this story raised a very important question that I think needs to be addressed.
Why are gay black entertainers afraid to come out? We know they exist and some of us even run in the same circles with these people and witness their same-sex relationships first hand.
They present a false image to the public and they live authentically when the cameras are turned off.
I challenge you to name at least 5 black gay entertainers who are out? Excluding RuPaul, I'm unable to do so.
I personally have a problem with this. Visibility is so important in our community becuase visibility provides an opportunity to educate and to foster tolerance and acceptance.
I've had personal discussions with highly educated black people who believe homosexuality is not apart of the black community, they view it as a "white thing" imposed on weak black men who have no sense of their manhood or their blackness.
There are countless of white entertainers who are out and are playing a major role in shaping how Americans view GLBT people and their families.
I have my own theory on why black entertainers remain closeted, but I would love to know what you guys think.
Personally,I'm not holding my breath waiting for Ne-Yo to come out. I can't imagine that he would play russian roulette with his career this early in the game. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Below are some pics of some of my favorite black performers, they happend to enter my mind right now for some "strange reason".
4 Comments:
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHH! lol those pictures...lol.
My opinion on why black entertainers dont expose their sexuality is the same reason why so many black gays (not in the public eye) are closeted. In the black community homosexuality is STILL veiwed as a problem which causes people to live in secret. I would love to see a famous black entertainer to "come out" and make a positive portrayal of gay& black but I dont see that happening any time soon.
August 29, 2006 1:49 PM
Perhaps one day a prominent black entertainer will put it all on the line and come out for all to see. I honestly believe that if this particular artist is extremely talented and makes good art, his/her sexuality will be a second thought.
All it takes is one person to step up...once that happens, I believe we all will see a huge shift in the level of honesty and openness among black entertainers. Call me an idealist, but I truly believe that a brotha's musical/vocal/artistic talent will transcend his sexuality, IF homeboy is a class act and continues to kill it when he comes out. It's all a matter of time...
By the way, you are a MESS for those pics! Blasting out folk like that...you're alright, but you ain't right!
August 29, 2006 11:53 PM
I think that its only a mtter of time now before some one comes out but that one person that does is goign to have the weight of the world on thier shoulders. I hope its some one that we can be proud and not a questionable person. If it is some one who doesnt represent then we could probably do with out it.
August 30, 2006 4:31 PM
CHIYALD I GIVE UP ON YOUR LIST. EYEROLLS EVERYWHERE. (LOL)
But here:
Me'shell Ndeocello
The gay rapper, I forget his rap name
Almost every backup dancer for Ms. JAkson/Beyonce.
and I don't feel as though anyone has to put their orientation out there. WE as normal folk are just o nosey about who the celebrities or having sex with. And most of the people on your list don't really do anything to refute the claims.
August 31, 2006 10:57 PM
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