In a candid and emotionally detailed post on his Tumblr account posted early today, R&B star Frank Ocean reveals his romantic relationship with another man. It's being interpreted as a confirmation of the rumors, inspired by some of the singers recent lyrics, that the singer is gay or bisexual.
According to Billboard, the letter was originally intended to be in the credits section of Ocean's official debut album, but after a United Kingdom blogger outed him, he decided to release it on Tumblr.
Early this morning (July 4), Frank Ocean took to his Tumblr to post a personal statement in which he opens up about his sexuality. In the piece, which he intended to "fill the thank you's section" in the credits of his upcoming album, "Channel Orange," Ocean shares details of falling in love with a man. "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," Ocean writes.
Ocean continues to share more of the relationship, closing with, "I feel like a free man. If I listen closely.. … I can hear the sky falling too." Odd Future's Tyler, the Creator took to Twitter to congratulate Ocean for his bravery, "F[—-]ing Finally Sus Boy @frank_ocean Hahahaha, You Still Aint Got No Bitches Hahaha My Nigga Dawg." "My Big Brother Finally F[—-]ing Did That. Proud Of That Nigga Cause I KNow That Sh[—] Is Difficult Or Whatever," he tweeted. Ocean's admirable statement comes two days after rumors of bisexuality spread like wildfire over the 'net.
Coming just after CNN anchor Anderson Cooper's announcement that he is gay, Ocean's decision to open up about his sexuality is perhaps even more poignant because of how rare such discussions are in the world of black music. As Russell Simmons wrote at Global Grind, “Today is a big day for hip-hop. It is a day that will define who we really are. How compassionate will we be? How loving can we be? How inclusive are we?" We hope, for the sake of Ocean as well as young people with experiences similar to his who are watching the public reaction to this news, that the answers to those questions don't disappoint.
Read more at Billboard.