Frank Ocean Comes Out, Fellow Artists React

Sexual orientation has always been a hot topic but as more and more people voice their support of members of the LGBT community, more and more celebrities are choosing to come out and be proud of who they are.  Just days after Anderson Cooper finally confirmed what many suspected, R&B singer, Frank Ocean, chose to open up as well.

The “Swim Good” singer picked Independence Day to free himself from secrets, revealing that his first love was actually a man.  This comes after a listening session for his debut LP Channel Orange left fans wondering what some of his lyrics were actually about.

On his Tumblr page, he wrote:  "4 summers ago, I met somebody [sic].  I was 19 years old. He was too... Sleep I would often share with him. By the time I realized I was in love, it was malignant. It was hopeless... It was my first love, It changed my life."

It wasn’t an easy moment for him, though, as Ocean explains: "I sat there and told my friend how I felt.  I wept as the words left my mouth... He patted my back. He said kind things. He did his best, but he wouldn't admit the same... He wouldn't tell me the truth about his feelings for me for another 3 years."

After his revelation he said: I don't have any secrets I need kept anymore.  Thanks. To my first love, I'm grateful for you."

Tyler, the Creator and member Earl Sweatshirt both offered support for their Odd Future brother: "My Big Brother Finally Fucking Did That. Anyway. Im A Toilet." "Proud Of That N---- Cause I Know That Shit Is Difficult Or Whatever. Proud of frank."

Def Jam founder, Russell Simmons, added: "Today is a big day for hip-hop. It is a day that will define who we really are. How compassionate will we be? How loving can we be? How inclusive are we? I am profoundly moved by the courage and honesty of Frank Ocean. Your decision to go public about your sexual orientation gives hope and light to so many young people still living in fear. These types of secrets should not matter anymore, but we know they do, and because of that I decided to write this short statement of support for one of the greatest new artists we have."

This really is a huge step among the R&B and Hip Hop community.  Ocean is a brave man, indeed.