Yesterday, Frank Ocean wrote on his Tumblr:
“4 summers ago, I met somebody. I was 19 years old. He was too. We spent that summer, and the summer after, together. Every day almost, and on the day we were together, time would glide. Most of the day I’d see him, and his smile. By the time I realized I was in love, it was malignant. It was hopeless.”
Like so many of his love songs, Frank’s announcement is beautifully written–soul stirring, even. I would like to thank and congratulate Mr. Ocean, on the heels of Independence Day, for throwing off the fetters of fear, and of polite society, and of hip-hop hyper-masculine homophobia, and being completely, utterly, and inspiringly Frank.
Thanks for posting this Zhaleh! I absolutely loved the letter and the fact that he posted on the 4th of July.
Beautiful!
Cheers
x
A beautiful letter indeed.
Is it me, or does it seem odd that one has to formally “come out”? And if one chooses never to reveal who they find attractive, it’s considered deceitful?And to whom? People who don’t matter in the first place?
Regardless, I’m sure someone will be encouraged by his openess.
I think the idea of coming out publicly is ridiculous. Why is it my business who you date? And why tell me about it? Do what you want to do and let that be that. Let your “coming out” be someone spotting you at dinner holding hands with your significant other. Though I do think it is important to come out to those in your daily life, those family and friends who are a major part of your life. Being gay is a huge life altering realization that should be shared with those who love you.
Rebekah, IMO, it is only “deceitful” when you HIDE who you’re attracted to from others. If one chooses to never come out and live a lifestyle that would be openly accepted by the masses, i don’t find that deceitful. I find it more tragic than anything.
But AMEN to Frank for being one of (if not THE first) black man in the hip hop world to make this kind of step. I wish it weren’t such a big deal when something like this happens, but our society is ass fucking backwards in what we find important in life.
Ditto to what Azza said.
Did anyone read Dream Hampton’s letter to Frank?
http://lifeandtimes.com/thank-you-frank-ocean
I thought dream Hampton’s letter was equally beautiful.