Sexual Orientation in the Music Industry

By Viola Malone on August 1, 2012

Frank Ocean

*Credit NABIR

The world of music has always had its own set of bylaws and beat to follow for those who choose to live in it. One of those rules that never seemed to be discussed is the fact that the industry is heterosexual and so are it’s community members. However, recently R&B singer-songwriter Frank Ocean announced few details in a letter about having a past same-sex relationship.   Ocean took to Tumblr and posted a letter on July 4th, 2012 that he wrote some time ago.

In the letter Ocean mentions he met someone four summers ago, “I was 19, he was too”. The letter goes on to reveal how they spent everyday and slept with one another and Ocean told his friend of his feelings only for him not to reciprocate them back and returned to his home with his girlfriend. It wasn’t until years later he would tell Ocean his true feelings.

Even with over 10 percent of the world falling under the category of homosexual bisexual and everything else that falls under the umbrella that is not heterosexuality, many are still in denial. Frank Ocean was praised by other entertainment celebrities like Beyonce and Russell Simmons for being true to himself and the entire the world. Many fans have taken to Twitter and other social networks to show respect and thank him for his bravery.

Of course negativity is always lurking somewhere near positivity. Others backlashed and claimed that the musical team Ocean is affiliated with, OFWG, isn’t heterosexual. Some music fans have gone into debates about why it isn’t a big deal that he announced his sexual experience because he is “an R&B singer”, insinuating that it is the Hip-Hop and Rap artist who must never veer from the “normality of sexual orientation”, when in fact many are constantly picking at Drake who is heterosexual and unafraid to share his emotions through his music.

Not only does Frank Ocean get the respect of the continuously growing LGBT plus community, myself, and others around the world, but he has rebelled and taken a stand within the industry while so many have and still are keeping quiet and holding themselves in chains. Ocean, who told The Gaurdian that “I’m happy when I wake up in the morning…a boulder has been removed from my chest”, recently released his debut studio album Channel Orange and appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

I am sure Frank Ocean isn’t the only one who has experienced a non-heterosexual relationship, so why is it that those who can relate feel the need to hide? Is it because they are afraid of being judged or is it because of music corporations? I say it is due in large part to consumers. We have a voice and far more power than we believe. So I challenge you to challenge the norm.

 

If you would like to read the letter Frank Ocean wrote and posted online, click the following link to visit his Tumblr page: http://frankocean.tumblr.com/post/26473798723

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