So So Gay
Singer Frank Ocean has declared his bisexuality in an open letter.
American RnB singer Frank Ocean, who has been dogged by recent online speculation about his sexuality, has apparently opened up about falling in love with another man. The 24-year-old rising star, who has collaborated with the likes of Jay-Z and Kanye West, posted an open letter on his Tumblr addressing the issue of his sexuality.
He wrote: ’Four summers ago, I met somebody. I was 19 years old. He was too. We spent that summer, and the summer after, together. Everyday almost. And on the days we were together, time would glide. Most of the day I’d see him, and his smile. I’d hear his conversation and his silence until it was time to sleep. Sleep I would often share with him. By the time I realized I was in love, it was malignant. It was hopeless. There was no escaping, no negotiating with the feeling. No choice. It was my first love, it changed my life.’
Ocean went on to explain that he eventually declared his love to his friend, who was initially unable to accept it. ‘I sat there and told my friend how I felt. I wept as the words left my mouth. I grieved for them, knowing I would never take them back for myself. He patted my back. He said kind things. He did his best, but he wouldn’t admit the same. He had to go back inside soon, it was late and his girlfriend was waiting for him upstairs. He wouldn’t tell me the truth about his feelings for me for another three years. I felt like I’d only imagined reciprocity for years.’
He went to say that he no longer has ‘any secrets that I need kept anymore’ and thanked his friend; ‘To my first love, I’m grateful for you. Grateful that even though it wasn’t what I hoped for and even though it was never enough, it was. Some things never are. And we were. I won’t forget you. I won’t forget the summer. I’ll remember who I was when I met you. I’ll remember who you were and how we’ve both changed. and stayed the same. I’ve never had more respect for life and living than I have right now.’
Ocean has been affiliated with controversial Los Angeles hip-hop collective Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All which have been accused of homophobia and misogyny. The band was dropped from the line-up at New Zealand’s Big Day Out festival late last year due to their homophobic lyrics. Various OFWGKTA members, including Tyler the Creator, have taken to Twitter today to declare their support for Ocean.
Frank Ocean’s forthcoming album Channel Orange is due for release on July 17.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmN9rZW0HGo
