Black, Gay, and Proud: 10 Openly Gay Black Celebrities

There was a time when being homosexual was considered a mental illness. Thankfully times have changed and these celebs can openly love who they want.

byMelony Hill

December 21, 2016

1 minute read

There was a time in history when being gay was considered an illness. Not a physical illness, but a mental one at that. Homosexuality was as well kept a secret as the combination to a bank vault.

Fast forward to 2016, being homosexual is majorly accepted and being bisexual is considered “trendy.” More and more individuals are coming out of the closet.

These 10 Black celebrities aren’t hiding who they love.

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The Color Purple author Alice Walker had a well-known affair with singer Tracey Chapman

NBA player Jason Collins was the first pro athlete to be openly gay while actively playing.

lz granderson — LZ Granderson is a columnist for CNN and onscreen commentator for ESPN. Previously married to a woman, Granderson has one son

Wanda Sykes married her wife in 2008. Sykes had previously been married to a man before coming out as lesbian.

After years of public speculation, Raven Symone finally revealed she had a female partner in 2015. She had been dating AzMarie Livingston, who appeared on America’s Next Top Model: British Invasion while the two dated.

CNN anchor Don Lemon disclosed the fact that he was homosexual in his 2011 memoir, Transparent.

Frank Ocean revealed that in early adulthood he had been in love with a man just as his star was starting to rise. The talented singer just released new music to the delight of his fans.

Political activist, Angela Davis has been openly gay since the late 90’s.

Television journalist Robin Roberts let it be known that she had been in a longtime relationship with her partner Amber after beating cancer.

Michael Sam was the first openly gay player drafted into the NFL. His onscreen kiss with his then boyfriend when drafted, sparked much controversy.

In today’s society homosexuals no longer have to hide or fear the loss of income, respect and livelihood as in the past but they still have a long way to go. The LGBT community is constantly fighting for equal rights and representation.

Maybe one day we will be able to recognize that every human was born with rights and they don’t disappear or diminish based on color, religion or sexual preference.

Author

Melony Hill

Thinker, Avid Reader, Couch Potato. Sapphire Hill is a writer from Baltimore Maryland who loves to delve deeper into the whys of everything. Staff writer for 86 Blvd and Badd Magazine. Blogger and talent promoter for Sapphire Spotlight On Talent.