Frank Ocean, a successful upcoming artist, decided to confess to the rumors of his first love being a man through a love letter titled The Letter. Frank Ocean blew up with hit songs and a multiple of fans supporting him; so why come forth with his secret now? Ocean felt that he could no longer live the “correct” life of a black male in the music business, alongside his secret life. Ocean expressed himself through a letter on Tumblr. Letting the world know his true identity and in the process he felt a sense of happiest and relief. There was no clarification on if Frank Ocean was homosexual or bisexual.
Did this secret hurt the rising artist music career? Despite the negative remarks from critics, Frank Oceans’ music career is still going strong. Ocean is surrounded by his supporting fans and a number of big names in the industry from Alicia Keys to Russell Simmons. Many express their admiration of Ocean for his bravery, honesty, and the first black male in hip hop industry of today’s generation to openly come out and announce his sexual orientation. Oceans’ coming out have not affected his music career in a negative manner but the complete opposite. His fans and those of the industry respect him even more and show him great support in his choice of his sexual orientation.
Frank Oceans’ bravery in revealing himself shows others in the same situation a voice of confidence. It is a brand new light in the industry especially for black males. Why hide who you are and live in misery for the sake of you peers? You are beautiful no matter your sexual orientation male or female; we are all human no matter what people say. Ocean is a hero and a light of truth for all young males and females of today’s generation. We do all we can to live the life that is expected of us even if it will cause us misery and pain, and we do this for what? What do we get out of pleasing the people that surrounds us with their judgment? There are some many young intelligent and talented men and women who are hurting on the inside because they are living a lie. Ocean is living proof that you can be homosexual or bisexual and still be loved and supported, no matter who you are.
I admire Frank Ocean for his bravery, honesty, and confidence. Despite the possibilities of consequences he could have encountered, he still shared the truth to the world and stood tall. It is very hard for young people of today’s generation to be accepted, but it is even harder to be true to yourself and love you for you. To all those who are struggling with living as a homosexual in secret, learn to accept who you are, love who you have become and be true to yourself. Once you achieve this, it would not even matter what others think of you, and before you know it you will have love and support for being yourself. One thing that will always remain, a person with true maturity will accept you as you are and would not change anything about you. There is support and love in the world for those who make the choice to be homosexual or bisexual. The trick is first supporting your own choice before receiving societies support. Be who you are born to be, because at the end of the day, we are all human. Take the lead and inspire others, for we all need inspiration.
Victoria Campbell