Did Queen Latifah come out, or not? Do we care?

Following the landmark speech by President Obama a couple of weeks ago, showing his support for same sex marriage; the award-winning and influential actress, rapper, singer, spokesmodel and mogul, Queen Latifah, real name Dana Owens, headlined the recently concluded Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Festival.

Queen Latifah shared her support for the LGBT community throughout her headlining performance, sparking speculation whether she was self-identifying with the primarily gay antendees.

“Y’all my peeps (people),” she said, referring to the LGBT community. “I love you!”

Queen Latifah’s sexuality has always been a topic of speculation, with her rumoured split to long-term fitness guru girlfriend Jeanette Jenkins.  The Queen’s performance at the two-day festival was seen as a symbolic gesture by members of the LGBT community, and sparked internet bloggers alight.

Long Beach Pride Co-President Pat Crosby said in a statement, “For her to make her worldwide Pride debut here in Long Beach is a tremendous testament to the popularity of our celebration and to the strength of our community.”

Some may take the Oscar nominee’s debut at her first LGBT event as a sign to those that even care, that she is coming out and saying “Yes, you guys were always right.  I’m gay.”  Truth is, Queen Latifah has not declared anything in regards to her sexuality, and even if she were to, that is solely a private choice and does not deserve any extraordinary global speculation.

Sorry to burst anyone’s bubble and hopeful thinking, but, nope, don’t see any “coming out” there.

The Queen performing at the festival certainly helps to spearhead the awareness of gay rights in the US, specifically in the African-American community considering it leans more towards the conservative side.  Even in the notoriously liberal Hollywood, very few black celebrities have vocally supported the LGBT community, let alone performing with and for them.

Queen Latifah’s appearance at the event can only be seen as raising awareness, much like what President Obama achieved in his landmark speech, following the passing of the “hateful” Amendment One, slamming same-sex marriages in North Carolina.

Gay or straight, Queen Latifah doesn’t deserve any special attention or applause.  In previous years, the festival has also featured musical performances from the likes of Jennifer Hudson , Maya and India.Arie – do we need to speculate their sexualities as well?

 

We ask: Do you think Queen Latifah “came out?”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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