News: Frank Ocean
Stars show support for Frank Ocean's coming out as bisexual
Words Alessia Parducci
Lots of people who are more famous than you — some of them only marginally — have been telling the internet how they think Frank Ocean’s coming out as bisexual is just groovy.
A bunch of stars from both musical and otherwise have voiced support for Ocean’s publishing of an open letter to his Tumblr account on Wednesday (July 4).
Odd Future cohort The King Mike G tweeted: “The most brave, promise to never change.”
Also from the Odd Future gang, Earl Sweatshirt expressed affection in rather more summary fashion: “Proud of Frank”.
British rapper Professor Green, along with some deep reflections regarding Selfridges, Versace and a lot of other thoughtful fashion tips, has asked the Twitter population: “Is hip hop adult enough to deal with frank oceans honesty?”
The Def Jam family has shown some love too. Following Russell Simmons’ statement on Wednesday, Ocean’s record label’s president Joie Manda demonstrated support for the singer in a statement to The Associated Press on yesterday.
“The courage he displayed in his beautiful and eloquent letter was touching on many levels,” he said. “Frank broke down a wall that should never have been built. Island Def Jam is so proud to stand beside Frank Ocean — the artist and man — now and always.”
Some other comments in brief:
Solange Knowles: “I salute you, brave soul. Independence Day. @frank_ocean”
Brother Ali: “Frank Ocean. What a bright, strong, beautiful human being. @Frank_Ocean Thanks for being you!”
Chromeo: “Respect to @frank_ocean. Single handedly uplifting the culture. As if the great tunes weren’t enough. Salute!”
Mac Miller : “frank ocean is very important for the growth of humanity.”
But hang on, we’ve got a better one for you. The Blueprint rapper Jay-Z has also given Frank’s letter the royal thumbs-up. Well, sort of.
A moving, heartfelt and deep post appeared on Jay-Z’s website — although the words actually written by Hova’s biographer Dream Hampton. The author did, however, reveal that the moment after sending Jay-Z the letter, he immediately posted it in full on his LifeAndTimes website.
The letter (read it in full here) ends on a poetic note: “We admire the great courage and beauty and fearlessness in your coming out, not only as a bisexual Black man, but as a broken hearted one. The tender irony that your letter is to a boy who was unable to return your love until years later because he was living a lie is the only truly tragic detail about your letter. A million twirls on this spinning ocean blue globe in this vast endless blackness for you my love.”
Jay-Z has been vocal on gay/bisexual issues before (read this!), backing President Obama’s recent comments in support of gay marriage in the US and arguing that not allowing same sex couples to wed was “no different than discriminating against blacks”.
Still, it’s hard not to feel there aren’t a few notable omissions from the tweetfest. No comments yet from Kanye West. Come on Kanye, stop pawing at your new missus and show Frank some love!
