Tag Archives: Raven-Symoné

Outspoken actress/singer Raven-Symoné successfully transitioned from a child star to TV presentor, film and stage actress.

At a time her personal life has remained out of the public eye for years. However, when The National Enquirer reported that she had moved in with openly gay model AzMarie Livingston, the actress addressed the rumours on her Twitter page, writing: “I’m living my PERSONAL life the way I’m happiest. I’m not one, in my 25 year career to disclose who I’m dating and I shall not start now. My sexual orientation is mine, and the person I’m dating to know. I’m not one for a public display of my life.”

Raven-Symoné Secretly Marries Miranda Maday

Raven-Symoné took to Instagram this week to announce that she’s tied the knot with Miranda Pearman-Maday in an intimate backyard ceremony.

“I got married to a woman who understands me from trigger to joy, from breakfast to midnight snack, from stage to home. I love you Mrs. Pearman-Maday!” Raven, 34, whose last name is Pearman, wrote alongside a picture on Instagram of her and her now-wife hugging each other.

In the sweet snap, the couple are all smiles and Miranda, wearing white, excitedly hugs her wife’s neck.

Raven wore a black button-down shirt and black pants while Maday wore a white top and white pants for their wedding.

Raven came out back in 2013, when she celebrated the legalization of gay marriage nationwide. “I can finally get married! Yay government! So proud of you,” she tweeted at the time.

Raven has been notoriously private about her relationships and it’s unclear how she met Maday, but marriage has always been on her mind.

In 2013, following the legalisation of gay marriage, the actress tweeted, “I can finally get married! Yay government! So proud of you.” She later officially came out.

In 2014, Raven further opened up about her sexuality to Oprah Winfrey.

“In that topic of dating and in love, I knew when I was, like, 12. I was looking at everything,” she said. “I don’t want to be labeled gay. I want to be labeled a human who loves humans.”

Last year Raven explained why she is still so private about her love life despite being out. “While it was a selfish thing for me to keep my secret to myself for as long as I did, I am very happy that I’m out, if only to help someone else feel comfortable,” Raven told Variety.

She added: “I still have my reservations about how much I want to divulge and how much I want my career to be defined by my membership within the LGBTQ community, how much I feel necessary to say because my journey is my own, and how much I’m obligated to say because of the position that I’m in and that I can help somebody get out of their shell.”

Raven-Symone Says Suppressing Her Sexuality ‘Ate at Her Soul’

The View co-host Raven-Symone says she wasn’t sure she would ever come out.

Talking about her sexuality in the third season of It Got Better, she says

Being on television sets from age three to age 30, I’m more comfortable there. You create a family with these people that’s sometimes are closer to you than your own family.”

But she goes on to caution,

It’s not very healthy later in life. My likeness… however you see it at that time, had 15 people dictating what I should and should not look like. If I did whatever I want, it’s not gonna sell. It doesn’t go with the brand. I was branded at such a young age.”

The former child actress says she was aware of her sexuality by age 12, she nevertheless felt compelled to hide that from the world.

I kinda pushed myself to look for boys. I look back now like, ‘Woah, you like girls.’ I didn’t wanna tell my parents. I had the number one show on Disney. I had multiple albums, I’d been on tour with *NSYNC… I didn’t wanna deal with that.

I never thought I would come out because my personal life didn’t matter. It was only what was supposed to be sold as the Raven-Symone brand.”

While concealing her sexuality is something she felt she had to do in her career, Raven-Symone admits, over time, “that eats at your soul.”

However, when she stepped away from the industry and went to college, she finally came out. And fell in love.

I didn’t have to have a ‘beard.’ I didn’t have to have a man standing by me. I felt lighter, I felt like I could go out and not have to put on 17 different hats to be myself.”

In addition to Symone, the third season of It Got Better also features testimonials from Sir Ian McKellen, Candis Cayne, Adam Lambert, EJ Johnson, and Wanda Sykes.

Raven-Symone Defends Hillary Clinton’s Trustworthiness

Raven-Symone has had enough, of people people saying they don’t trust Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton.

Talking on ABC talk show The View Symone said;

I have a problem with everybody still saying that she’s untrustworthy. I feel like there’s this stigma since the beginning of (the) human race that a woman is untrustworthy. It starts in the Bible,’

Her fellow panellists reminded her that people might not trust the former US Secretary of State, US senator and First Lady because of an email scandal that dominated her campaign last summer.

Of that controversy Raven-Symone said:

She’s explained many times what the situation was and why they’re coming after her. I think that’s a problem. Get over it already.”

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Watch Margaret Cho Grills Raven-Symoné On The View: ‘Why Don’t You Have Girlfriend?’

Margaret Cho was back on the view this week, and she didn’t fail to deliver.

In the Hot Topic segment, Cho was asked about president Obama covering Out Magazine this week.

But Raven-Symoné was quick to highlight she too, was in the issue as well.

This was acknowledge by Cho, but she was quick to ask Symoné about her relationship status. Watch below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIaUp29_xmA

Cho has been making ripples lately with her new song about rape – I Want to Kill My Rapist.

In the video, Cho and a band of 20 young girls, all armed, chase after a rapist to exact their revenge.

I’ve had it with rape. I don’t want the younger generation to grow up with it. I want to be really proactive – and aggressively angry – about the way women’s bodies have been used as public space since the beginning of time.”

A survivor of abuse, Cho had her shoulder-length dark hair shaved off for the video.

Cho is famed for her boldness, her taboo-breaking political humour.

The comedian is currently touring the globe with her stand-up show psyCHO, she also grabbed headlines earlier this year for appearing at the Golden Globe awards dressed as a North Korean dictator.

Although Cho (whose previous musical effort, Cho Dependent, was nominated for a comedy album Grammy) is performing the new song and a few others as part of the show, she insists her goal is not just to shock and amuse.

She says she wants to make beautiful music, too, in the form of songs that resonate with the politics of the time.

Another, called Fat Pussy, is all about being positive about your body, and is only mildly less shocking.

“Nothin’ better, nothin’ wetter,” she sings, and we have to agree with that.

LGBT Women Lead This Year’s Out 100 List

Ever year Out Magazine profiles the year’s most entertaining, heroic, and compelling LGBT people, from all walks of life. This year’s the list is filled with women making a difference.

Here is a selection of our favourite ladies.

Pictured: Aisha Moodie Mills

Carrie Brownstein – Artist of the Year

Cynthia Nixon – Actress / Out100 Pioneer

Lily Tomlin – Legend

Jess Glynne – Musician

Raven-Symoné – Actor, Musician, Talk-Show Host.

Jana Hunter – Musician

Hannah Hart – Comedian & YouTube Star

Andrea Bernstein & Nancy Solomon – Radio Journalists

Diana Nyad – Long-Distance Swimmer, Author, Motivational Speaker

Alicia Garza – Organizer & Writer

Abby Wambach – Athlete of the Year

abby-wambach out100

The Fun Home Family – Alison Bechdel, Roberta Colindrez, Beth Malone, Joel Perez, Lisa Kron

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Roxane Gay – Writer

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Holly Miranda – Musician

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Juliana Huxtable – Artist, Model, Activist

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Sarah Kate Ellis – President & CEO of GLAAD

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Aisha Moodie Mills – President & CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund

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Chai Feldblum – EEOC Commissioner

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Niki Nakayama – Chef

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Kelly Bush Novak – Publicist

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Petition To Remove Raven-Symoné From ‘The View’ Has Nearly Reached Its Target

Raven-Symoné has been quite the controversy-starter as of late. When former Cosby Show child star came to The View earlier this year, some wondered whether her penchant for heated rhetoric might give the show a bit of a kick in the pants. She would be the youngest co-host with the most interesting hair. And, after her comments to Oprah last year that she doesn’t identify as gay or African-American — though Raven-Symoné’s parents are black and she was dating a woman at the time — some thought Symoné to be a master at fuelling identity-politics hashtag wars on Twitter.

Especially with, comment recently has made about not hiring someone with a “black-sounding”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2k40i1Kwfk

However, now she’s crossed a line, when she weighed in on the video of a Spring Valley High School police officer assaulting a black female student, implying the student brought it upon herself by using her cell phone during school.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFLMJJ58xyg

Fed up with Symoné’s commentary, a petition has been launched on Change.org, asking The View creator Barbara Walters to remove Symoné from the show.

And now days after it was posted, the petition has garnered more than 128,000 signatures.

Raven Symone has been spouting her ignorant and self hating spiel on the view for Long enough, from stating that she wouldn’t hire somebody for having a ghetto name, to openly complaining about reverse racism, the final straw was her comment about the recent viral video of the school police officer assaulting the student, where Raven Symone said ‘get off your phone in school then.’ African Americans and black people around the diaspora need a voice representative of their views and not a voice representative of what white people want us to say. We need strong black rolemodels in prominent positions on television an Raven Symone cannot provide that. That is why I ask that we petition to remove her from The View.

The petition was posted by Che Scott-Heron, who said she is the daughter of performer Gil Scott-Heron — the iconic, politically minded black performance artist and author of, among many other works, the The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.

The petition is on track to reach its goal of 150,000 supporters, at which point Barbara Walters will surely get wind of the public’s disapproval of Raven and her uncommon opinions.

The question is, will she oblige the call-to-action?

Whoopi Goldberg To Matt Damon: Sexuality Has ‘Nothing To Do’ With Acting Ability

In an interview with the Guardian, Damon made remarks about fellow actor Rupert Everett, suggesting he was less successful because he came out as gay.

In terms of actors, I think you’re a better actor the less people know about you period. I remember thinking and saying, Rupert Everett was openly gay and this guy – more handsome than anybody, a classically trained actor – it’s tough to make the argument that he didn’t take a hit for being out.”

He later attempted to clarify the comments, on the Ellen DeGeneres show, he said:

I was just trying to say actors are more effective when they’re a mystery. Right? And somebody picked it up and said I said gay actors should get back in the closet. Which is like I mean it’s stupid, but it is painful when things get said that you don’t believe.

In the blogosphere there’s no real penalty for just taking the ball and running with it. You know what I mean? You’re just trying to click on your thing.”

Whoopi Goldberg, who is straight but has played a lesbian a number of times, opened up about the claims on the View.

I’ll tell you this… I played a gay woman in Colour Purple, a man in The Associate, and we’re actors. We’re supposed to be able to play everything and play it convincingly

So I don’t think whether you know or think or believe I’m gay has anything to do with what my abilities are. As an actor, that’s how I feel.”

Raven pointed out that it’s pretty much impossible for an actor to stay closeted by choice and maintain a certain “mystique” in Hollywood today, given the rise of social media and the public’s insatiable desire to “out” people.

People tell your business whether you tell your business or not,” Goldberg added. “And in terms of ‘mystique’ and all of that stuff, you used to be able to make that choice for yourself.”

Whoopi Goldberg added:

You can have your privacy, but you’re outed. People out you. People tell your business, whether you tell your business or not. In terms of mystique and all of that stuff, you used to be able to make that choice for yourself. I don’t know why everyone gives out, and I don’t think it has anything to do with how I view you as an actor.”

Watch the clip below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbv_Yu3PaJ0

Gina Gershon Discusses her Legendary Lesbian Role in ‘Bound’

Gina Gershon was a guest on The View last week, to discuss her new film Staten Island Summer, and to also talk about her famous part as Corky in the Lana and Andy Wachowki film Bound.

Raven-Symone asked about her taking on LGBT characters when she’s not part of the community, and Gina joked, “Well, I’m not a Hasidic Jew either!” about another recent part she’s played.

The actress, who has played queer character in other films like Prey for Rock ‘N Roll and Dealin’ With Idiots, told a great story about making a decision to take a chance, even when the people around her told it was a bad idea.

You know, it’s a funny thing with Bound. I remember I loved the script so much and no one knew these unknown directors and I wanted to meet them just because I thought, ‘The writing is so spot on.’ And as soon as I met them, I was like ‘These guys are great.’ You could tell they were geniuses. But my agents and everyone was like ‘You’re not doing this movie — it’s going to end your career.’ I’m like ‘Why?’ They’re like, ‘Well, you’re playing a lesbian—it will ruin your career.’ It’s like ‘So what? It’s a great part. It’s like the classic part I never get to play.’ And they’re two unknown directors—I’m like, ‘They’re bad asses.

These directors are incredible.’ And they’re like, ‘No, no. It will ruin it—we can’t let you do it.’ And I said, ‘Well, I guess then I’m going to have to leave.’ And I left my agents over it. It was weird, but at the time—you know, this was before Boys Don’t Cry came out and stuff—if definitely pigeonholed me for a second. After Showgirls and that, then all of a sudden I was just getting killer lesbian motorcycle crazy people, and which, I thought, ‘Oh my god, this is so silly.’ But I’m so proud that I did that movie and so happy that it helped a lot of people. It’s amazing. It’s a great film. I love that movie.”

You can watch that portion of the interview below (stars 19:23 in).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxVEdwYHfXY

Raven-Symoné: ‘I Feel More Comfortable Releasing Certain Things About My Life’

Now that she’s a co-host of The View, Raven-Symoné knows there are times when she will have to let viewers in a bit when it comes to her private life.

Talking to People magazine, she said

I’ve got to put some personal stuff out there. But now that I’m 29, I feel more comfortable releasing certain things about my life,”

Symoné is in a relationship with actress AzMarie Livingston who had a recurring role on the Fox drama Empire last season – a show that Symoné guest starred in as well.

My partner is in a show that people are going ape crazy for. I’m proud of her.”

The one-time That’s So Raven and The Cosby Show star came out publicly in 2013 because

I was tired of answering the same question over and over.”

But she told Oprah Winfrey last year that she does not like labels.

I don’t want to be labelled gay. I want to be labelled a human who loves humans. I’m tired of being labelled.”

Before taking the full-time slot on The View this year, Symoné had been taking stock and letting her career take a back seat to her private life.

I’ve done a lot of things in my life that I’ve just had to smile through, and I don’t want to have to pretend anymore. For a long time I didn’t enjoy myself in life. But it could all end tomorrow. I don’t want to be dying and go, “I forgot to do this.” Now, I’m living life for myself.”

Raven-Symoné Opens Up About Her Relationship With AzMarie Livingston

Since landing her gig on The View, Raven-Symoné has been in the news a lot lately. From spot-on opinions about Donald Trump’s bid for the Presidency; to her confrontation with conservative Candace Cameron Bure over the anti-gay bakery.

However, the one thing Raven doesn’t discuss too much is her personal life. But in a recent interview with People, she finally gave a glimpse into her relationship with model and Empire actress AzMarie Livingston.

Raven told People that she’s proud of AzMarie on the hit show.

My partner is in a show that people are going ape crazy for. I’m proud of her.”

Also read: Raven Symoné Supports Miley Cyrus on Not Wanting to be Labeled Bisexual

She also wished she had more time at home with her partner – but not just because they’re in love – it comes down to their TV viewing habits.

I refuse to binge-watch shows with anyone unless it’s my partner because I need to watch it when I need to watch it. Right now, I can’t watch the rest of Suits because I gotta wait for her. I’m like, ‘I want to watch it now!’”

Raven-Symone usually keeps her private life to herself but over the past several years she has opened up more regarding her relationships and sexual orientation. In an episode of Oprah: Where Are They Now, the former Cosby Show actress told Oprah,

People in my family, they’ve taught me to keep my personal life to myself as much as possible. So, I try my best to hold the fence where I can. But I am proud to be who I am and what I am. I don’t want to be labeled gay. I’m a human who loves humans. I’m tired of being labeled.”

Raven admitted that they are not rushing anything in their relationship. Instead they are focusing on the here-and-now and enjoying their success. Raven-Symone is a cohost on The View and Livingston, who was a former ANTM contestant, is now filming Season 2 of the hit show Empire.

Raven-Symoné Named Co-Host of The View

It’s official: Raven-Symoné is now a permanent co-host on The View.

Moderator Whoopi Goldberg officially announced on today’s show that the former Disney star.

In a statement released by ABC, Raven, called the appointment “another one of my dreams come true!”

After the announcement at the top of the hour, the new co-host, 29, proudly shared with the audience:

I remember coming to show with the Cheetah Girls when I was 15. I’m very happy to be sitting with these smart, talented mentors.”

After that she presented some tasty gifts – bacon and sweets for several of the panellists and potato chips and watermelon for Goldberg, 59.

Being a part of The View family will be a wonderful growing experience for me. The cast and crew are warm and welcoming and have made the transition into daytime talk easier. I have a lot to learn within this new arena, but being the apprentice of these spectacular women will only make me a better person and talk show host.”

Also read: Raven Symone Opens Up About Her Sexuality in Teaser For Upcoming Oprah Interview

It’s been an unstable time for the 18-year-old show, which is finding strong ratings competition from CBS’s similarly structured “The Talk.” After seven years away, Rosie O’Donnell rejoined the cast last September, then abruptly left in February, Nicolle Wallace and Rosie Perez joined the show.

Former moderator Barbara Walters, who remains an executive producer on the show, added

Raven-Symoné is a welcome addition to The View. She is happy, amusing and well-informed, and has already brought a unique perspective to the program that has resonated with our audience.”

Why are so Many Female Celebrities Opting to Not Label Themselves Bisexual?

Last week, when launching her Happy Hippie Foundation campaign to help homeless LGBT youth, Miley Cyrus told the Associated Press that not all her relationships have been “straight or heterosexual”, but no B word in play.

Raven-Symoné is also another women who does not want to be labelled. When asked by Oprah if was gay, Raven gave a very careful answer. “I don’t want to be labelled ‘gay,'” Raven says. “I want to be labelled ‘a human who loves humans.'”

Then there is also Gillian Anderson who also came out as having had a relationship with another woman after the death of an ex-lover. She told the Times newspaper she that she is “aware of the need for being open about fluid sexuality” but has not yet called herself bisexual.

The Oscar-nominated Maria Bello came out in a New York Times op-ed she titled Coming Out as a Modern Family. She openly wrote about falling in love and beginning a relationship with her best female friend, but refrained from using the ‘B’ word and instead called herself a, “whatever.”

Later she told the Huffington Post,

Things shift and change and it’s fluid, and I think the younger generation is knowing that more and [is] excited about it. It’s not static — life just isn’t — and we have to create better labels to embrace the beauty of who we are.”

Also read: Cate Blanchett Confirms Her Past Relationships With Women

In 2014 the ex-Spice Girl, Mel B, told the Guardian newspaper:

People call me lesbian, bisexual or heterosexual, but I know who’s in my bed and that’s it. I have a huge libido and a great sex life… Well, I did have a four-year relationship with a woman. But I’ve been very happily married for seven years to a penis. Ha ha! An amazing guy.”

So why are so many women opting to call themselves Bisexual? Is it that they are simply pansexual, and not limiting their sexual choice to biological sex, gender, or gender identity? Or is it that labels are simply too oppressive?

I am from a generation where stating who I am and who I am dating was about pride. I am proud to call myself a gay woman – a lesbian. And my friends will equally address themselves as such – be it bisexual, queer or gay.

So why the uncomfortable shift to not label? We have seen many celebrities be burnt with announcing they’re bisexual, but ending up with a man – Jessie J managed to cause so much offence when she stated she was no longer bisexual.

The Sex and the City star, Cynthia Nixon, once told the Daily Beast…

I don’t pull out the ‘bisexual’ word because nobody likes the bisexuals. Everybody likes to dump on the bisexuals.”

Then there are others who champion their bisexuality. Anna Paquin went to town on Larry King when questioned her about her sexuality during an interview.

“Are you a non-practicing bisexual,” King asked her.

“Well, I am married to my husband [Stephen Moyer], and we are happily monogamously married,” she replied.

“But you were bisexual?” King asked.

“Well, I don’t think it’s a past tense thing,” she continued. “Are you still straight if you are with somebody?

“If you were to break up with them or if they were to die, it doesn’t prevent your sexuality from existing. It doesn’t really work like that.”

Also read: Raven Symoné Supports Miley Cyrus on Not Wanting to be Labeled Bisexual

So does refusing to adopt the bisexual label contributed further to bi invisibility?

No stranger to the label debate is Australian actress and founder of feminist website herself.com, Caitlin Stasey. When interviewed last year, she stated she recently decided to steer clear of labelling her sexuality.

Because if I say I’m bisexual, people say it doesn’t exist, and if I say I’m gay, people say I’m belittling the plight of all other women who consider themselves gay. I found a word that I identified with, I was told I couldn’t have it, and now I just think fuck it. I’m attracted to whom I’m attracted to.”

Some of us live in a countries where same-sex relationships are still not legally recognised – where being a part of the LGBT community is still considered “other”.

So in one sense the coverage is good – it sparks conversations that hopefully help people realise sexuality lies on a spectrum, and where you fall is your place to label if you feel the need to do so.

Maybe one day bisexuality will be the norm. Or perhaps we’re slowly but surely entering an age, led by the politically correct Tumblr generation, in which we recognise, accept, and are no longer fearful of sexuality.

And beyond the labelling? Maybe one day we’ll wake to the news of a famous actress admitting she’s had relationships with many people, no mention of gender.

Watch | Raven Symoné Supports Miley Cyrus on Not Wanting to be Labeled Bisexual

While serving as a guest host on “The View,” Raven-Symoné said she supports Miley Cyrus‘ desire not to be labeled for her sexuality, but added: “Miley, I agree with you and, girl, I said it first.”

Symoné was filling in for Whoopi Goldberg, who was dealing with a family issue, when Cyrus’ recent interview, in which she said she has relationships with both men and women, but does not want to be labeled “gay” or “straight” came up.

Also read: Miley Cyrus: “I’m Not Hiding My Sexuality”

“I think I heard that somewhere,” Symoné said. She then played a clip from a 2014 interview she did with Oprah Winfrey.

I don’t want to be labeled gay. I want to be labeled a human who loves humans. I’m tired of being labeled. I’m an American. I’m not an African-American. I’m an American.”

Speak on the view, Symone said of the backlash she received after the interview

They thought I said I wasn’t black and I didn’t want to be labeled. Miley, I agree, we should not be labeled because it creates tension between people and you feel like you can look down, like that’s this type of person and this is how I should feel about you.”

Also read: TV World Gets Another Diverse Lesbian Character as Raven-Symone Guest Stars in ‘Black-ish’

Co-host Rosie Perez added

I think it’s a generational thing because I think that there was a time where labels were necessary because we were disenfranchised. We were ostracized from the conversation. So to put ourselves into the conversation, to take our seat at the table, there was a need to say, ‘Wait a minute, I am this. I’m not ashamed of it and I’m going to speak out'”

TV World Gets Another Diverse Lesbian Character as Raven-Symone Guest Stars in ‘Black-ish’

Black-ish is about an family man Dre (Anthony Anderson) who is struggling to gain a sense of cultural identity while raising his kids in a predominantly white, upper-middle-class neighbourhood. In the show Raven Symoné plays Dre’s gay sister Rhonda.

In the latest episode Symoné’s character returned to the show so could finally come out to the family – although Rhonda keeping her orientation a secret, it’s more of an open secret – a ‘don’t’ ask, don’t tell’ type of situation.

When she’s around, the whole family mutually agrees not to talk about sex and relationships, even though that’s gotten more difficult over the years. Now, Rhonda’s in a serious relationship, so it’s hard to continue hiding things

The actress explained in an interview with ETOnline…

From her brother’s wife it’s of acceptance, and from her brother it’s kind of a weird revelation of ‘I knew it, but we don’t talk about it’ type of thing. From her mother it’s a reaction that I’m sure a lot of people in the LGBT community get from an older generation. It’s interesting to see how it plays out in the episode, and it will hopefully help others accept themselves and be able to teach acceptance to another generation.”

Symoné has also had a stint in the fantastic Empire, which is set for a second season.

I hope that my character comes back and has more of a relationship with Cookie, and has the ability to kind of fight for her position in Empire’s company being that her daughter is an heir, and maybe give some of that money.”

Not only this, Symoné is also returning to her Disney Channel roots by teaming up with Zendaya on K.C. Undercover.

She is has also been appearing as a guest panelist on The View, something she enjoys:

I love those ladies, I love talking about current topics, I love getting dressed up again every day and having fun with those women. I think they are very smart, they’re very respectful of each other, and everyone respects each other’s opinions and lets us get it out. There’s so many more guests that we get to interview over the next couple of weeks and I’ll be on for that. It’s a wonderful, wonderful experience to be having at this age and to be able to express myself now. A lot of people are used to me being quiet, or very very politically correct, or young and only doing comedy, and to really be able to have a conversation between these ladies is great. Working with Whoopi Goldberg is heaven, Nicolle Wallacehas been like my new best friend, and Rosie Perez really keeps me on my toes, so I’m enjoying myself.”

Raven-Symoné, the Issues of Race and Labels

Race is a contentious issue at the best of times. We still live in a deeply racist society, despite the claims of the 21st century being ‘post-racial’, and people have strong opinions when it comes to their racial identities.

Raven-Symoné learnt this herself some weeks ago when she denounced the label ‘African American’ in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, explaining that she is “tired of being labelled”.

Understandably, arguments were raised on both sides, for and against Symoné’s anti-labelling stance. Not all of the criticism was debate-worthy or even constructive, though and she has now taken to Facebook to defend herself.

In a post, the actress states

“I don’t take offense to those that are mad at my personal opinion of myself. Like before, I’m glad there are conversations happening. Our generation tends to stay comfortable, at times, with issues and topics that need to be addressed.”

Raven-Symoné

She then goes on to say that,

“What does irritate me is the bulling [sic] tone towards myself and other opinions in the blog. Keep your disrespectful, mean, hurtful, words in a diary for yourself. Personal attacking is not needed, and no matter what race, nationality, culture, or womb you came out of; strive for respect. Strive to be virtuous, so the conversation can lead to great things, other things.

Our ancestors of all races had the courage to stand up for what they believed in no matter what the fight. Back then I hope the motto wasn’t…”the more haters the better”

Raven-Symoné

In many cases she is right – whether you disagree with what she said or not, verbally attacking her is unnecessary and doesn’t aid positive discussion. However, the suggestion that everyone critiquing her opinions are “haters” is somewhat troubling.

It’s unclear if we’ll hear her speak up about her beliefs again as the backlash was harsh enough that she backtracked on her ‘colourless’ expression a few days after she made it, confirming to thegrio that yes, she is still black.

But without Symoné, the conversation about race and labels rages on anyway, let’s just hope it can continue without the personal attacks on her in future.

Final say about “what I said”… http://thegrio.com/2014/10/07/raven-symone-african-american-black/. Hugs to all the people of America!

A photo posted by Raven-Symone` (@ravensymonecp) on Oct 10, 2014 at 6:11am PDT

Raven Symoné; A Woman With a Clear Sense of Who She Is and Isn’t

Raven Symoné is woman who has a very clear sense of who she is and isn’t. Watch this clip from the Oprah Show, and Raven Symoné discuss sexuality and race.

Raven has been relatively quiet about her personal life, but when pressed by Oprah, she gives a careful answer.

“That was my way of saying I’m proud of the country. But, I will say that I’m in an amazing, happy relationship with my partner. A woman. People in my family, they’ve taught me to keep my personal life to myself as much as possible. So, I try my best to hold the fence where I can. But I am proud to be who I am and what I am. But I am proud to be who I am and what I am.” Raven Symoné

The actress says she has known who she is before she was even a teenager.

“In that topic of dating… I knew when I was, like, 12. I was looking at everything. I don’t want to be labeled ‘gay,’. I want to be labeled ‘a human who loves humans.’ I’m tired of being labeled,” she says. “I’m an American. I’m not an African-American; I’m an American.” Raven Symoné

The remark seems to catch Oprah off guard. “Oh, girl. Don’t set up the Twitter on fire… Oh, my lord. What did you just say?” Raven explains…

“I mean, I don’t know where my roots go to. I don’t know how far back they go… I don’t know what country in Africa I’m from, but I do know that my roots are in Louisiana. I’m an American. And that’s a colorless person. I don’t label myself. I have darker skin. I have a nice, interesting grade of hair. I connect with Caucasian, I connect with Asian, I connect with Black, I connect with Indian, I connect with each culture.” Raven Symoné

P.S – Raven Symoné New Look – Loving it

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Little fashion for a trip. Tonight at 9/8c #wherearetheynow #own #unicorn @liketoknow.it www.liketk.it/vuTG #liketkit

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Raven Symone Opens Up About Her Sexuality in Teaser For Upcoming Oprah Interview

Raven Symone will be opening up about her sexuality as well as her infamous tweet that implied her support on same-sex marriage, in the interview Oprah’s ‘Where Are They Now’ this sunday.

Last week Symone posted a photo on Instagram where she sits in a chair across from the famous talk show host.

“#wherearetheynow #ivebeenhere you guys! It’s about to happen the #unicorn says some crazy stuff, #judgenot #listenfirst!@oprah thank you for a great talk, I enjoyed myself. Your my #### auntie for real! Lol. Coming out 5th on #OWN,”

Raven Symone

Tune in Sunday, October 5 to see the full interview. Symone will also be participating in the game show Celeb Name Game.

The Growing Number of Lesbian & Bi Celebrities – Here are Our Top 20

Coming out can be tough enough when its too a few, but coming out to millions… Takes time. In the past it was considered a potentially career-ending acknowledgment, now growing number of celebrities have come out with relatively little fanfare.

Here is a list of 20 Out and Proud Lesbians Celebrities…

1. Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster ended years of rampant media speculation when she casually came out of the closet while accepting her Cecil B. Demille award at the 2013 Golden Globes.

“I already did my coming out about a thousand years ago, back in the Stone Age. In those very quaint days when a fragile young girl would open up to trusted friends, and family, coworkers and then gradually, proudly, to everyone who knew her.”

2. Gillian Anderson

The “X-Files” actress revealed she’s had numerous relationships with women in a 2012 interview with Out magazine. The 43-year-old mother of three, who’s long enjoyed a sizeable lesbian fan-base, told Out that she first had a relationship with a woman while still in high school, after moving from her native England to suburban Michigan.

3. Raven-Symone

Raven Symone came out via Twitter in early August 2013 after long-term speculation surrounding the actress’ sexuality. She confirmed the subtle coming out by retweeting of her followers congratulating the star.

“I am very happy that gay marriage is opening up around the country and is being accepted. I was excited to hear today that more states legalized gay marriage. I, however am not currently getting married, but it is great to know I can now, should I wish to.”

4. Meredith Baxter

In December 2009 Baxter, most famous for playing Elyse Keaton on ’80s sitcom “Family Ties,” went on the “Today Show” and told Matt Lauer that she was a lesbian. Baxter said,

“Some people would say, well, you’re living a lie and, you know, the truth is — not at all. This has only been for the past seven years.”

Meredith Baxter

5. Cynthia Nixon

Star of ‘Sex And The City’ was out-ed in 2004 when the NY Daily News and the New York Post reported she was living with another woman in September 2004. Nixon half-heartedly confirmed the rumours…

“My private life is private… But at the same time, I have nothing to hide. So what I will say is that I am very happy.”

Cynthia Nixon

6. Kelly McGillis

Kelly McGillis, known as who starred opposite Tom Cruise in “Top Gun,” revealed she’s gay on lesbian website SheWired.com.

McGillis, who was married twice to men and has two daughters, said…

“It’s a part of being true to yourself. That’s been a challenge for me personally.”

7. Sara Gilbert

Sara Gilbert, who’s best known for her role on “Roseanne,” officially came out in 2010. At that time, she was getting ready to launch “The Talk,” a daytime talk show which focuses on parenthood and families, so Gilbert felt compelled to acknowledge her sexuality.

“I don’t ever really think of things as out or in. I just think I am who I am, and when topics come up that are appropriate, I’ll talk about them and share when it seems right.”

8. Joanna Johnson

“Bold and the Beautiful” star Joanna Johnson became daytime soap opera’s only active “out” actor when she said she was a lesbian in May. Johnson said she feared coming out would prohibit her from getting acting roles. Johnson is now married to L.A. club promoter Michelle Agnew, with whom she has two children with.

9. Lady Sovereign

In May 2010 the British rapper came out in Diva magazine.

“Magazines would always ask about it but [questions about my sexuality] would get stopped by my publicists. It was my choice, too, because I was a bit worried about it but now I don’t really give a shit. You can’t hide away forever. It’s just stupid and now I’ve come out I feel a lot more comfortable with myself. But it was a bit scary back then because some people do have horrible opinions.”

10. Kristy McNichol

In January 2012 Kristy McNichol, who was beloved for playing Buddy Lawrence in the ’70s show ‘Family’, for which she won an Emmy, and later Barbara Weston on the “Golden Girls” spin-off “Empty Nest,” revealed she is a lesbian because she is “approaching 50” and wants to “be open about who I am.”

McNichol also cited the wave of antigay bullying stories for coming out, hoping to help bullied LGBT youth who need support.

11. Chely Wright

Country singer Chely Wright came out in May 2010.

“There had never, ever been a country music artist who had acknowledged his or her homosexuality… I wasn’t going to be the first.”

But she changed her mind and said of her decision, “Nothing in my life has been more magical than the moment I decided to come out.”

12. Amber Heard

Amber Heard, 26, came out while attending GLAAD’s 25th anniversary party. She has starred in movies like as “Pineapple Express” and “Zombieland.”

“I personally think that if you deny something or if you hide something you’re inadvertently admitting it’s wrong. I don’t feel like I’m wrong.”

Amber Heard

13. Denise Ho

Hong Kong’s fourth annual LGBT Pride Parade in November saw beloved Cantonese pop star Denise Ho come out as a lesbian. This announcement made her the first mainstream female singer in Hong Kong to say she’s gay, according to several Hong Kong media outlets.

“As a celebrity, I think I have an obligation, a duty to stand forward for the sake of love and equality.”

14. Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi had been out to friends for quite some time, but she told the entire world in the fall of 2005 in interviews with Details magazine and The Advocate.

“I’ve had my years of being not open, many years of it… It’s an honor for me to do this; it’s just nice to be asked.”

Portia de Rossi

15. Heather Matarazzo

The actress, perhaps best known for her role as tormented teen Dawn Wiener in the film “Welcome To The Dollhouse,” came out in August 2004 by telling the NY Daily News about falling in love with Caroline Murphy:

“I met the person I’m so madly crazy in love with…She’s not famous yet. She will be. She wants to do musical theater and stage, which is not as demoralizing as the movie business is.”

16. Rosie O’Donnell

The comedian and talk show host came out by revealing “I’m a dyke!” during her stand up act at the Ovarian Cancer Research benefit at Carolines Comedy Club in February 2002.

17. Ellen DeGeneres

DeGeneres came out in 1997, both in real life and on TV in 1997, on her sitcom Ellen. The ‘Puppy’ Episode, featured a who’s who of Hollywood, including Oprah Winfrey, Demi Moore, Billy Bob Thornton, and Laura Dern as Ellen’s love interest. DeGeneres’s character became the first openly gay prime time lead character on television.

18 . Melissa Etheridge

Melissa Etheridge came out in January 1993 during the Triangle ball, the first ever ball thrown for the LGBT community during a president’s inauguration, in this case Clinton’s.

“I didn’t even think, Oh, I’m going to come out here…It was, ‘Gee, I’m really excited to be here, and I’m really proud to have been a lesbian all my life.’ And a big cheer went up through the whole hall, and k.d. [lang] came out and hugged me. I remember walking back, and my friend said, ‘I think you came out!'”

19. Maria Bello

Maria Bello recently revealed that she is in a longtime relationship with a woman named Clare. The actress, who officially came out in an op-ed piece for the New York Times, wrote about her experience telling her son about the relationship.

“Whomever I love, however I love them, whether they sleep in my bed or not, or whether I do homework with them or share a child with them, ‘love is love.'”

20. Wanda Sykes

Comedian Wanda Sykes revealed her sexual orientation at a Prop. 8 rally in Las Vegas in November 2008, telling the crowd…

“You know, I don’t really talk about my sexual orientation. I didn’t feel like I had to. I was just living my life, not necessarily in the closet, but I was living my life. Everybody that knows me personally they know I’m gay. But that’s the way people should be able to live their lives. I’m proud to be a woman. I’m proud to be a black woman, and I’m proud to be gay.”

Raven Symone Questioned about her Sexuality (again!)

Raven Symone is know for her many acting roles – playing the cute grand-child of Bill Cosby in the Cosby Show, ruling the Disney Channel airwaves with That’s so Raven and The Cheetah Girls. Then making her Broadway debut playing Deloris van Cartier in the musical Sister Act. She has also featured in films such as College Road Trip, The Princess Diaries 2, Dr. Dolittle and its sequel Dr. Dolittle 2 alongside Eddie Murphey.

But last August she made a stir, when she sent pro-gay marriage tweet from her twitter account.

Many thought the actress was coming out about her sexuality, when she tweeted, “I can finally get married! Yay government! So proud of you.” The message was in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Defense of Marrriage Act that prevented same-sex couples form tying the knot.

Appearing last week on the daily talk show Just Keke, Symone was asked a long question by host Keke about the tweet, what it meant and what the feedback was. Keke wanted to know once and for all whether Raven was digitally waving her pride flag because she’s a lesbian or whether it was just a sign of solidarity.

“I’ll just say I love my LGBT community and I’m part of them for always… Girl, I sent it because people are raising stupid laws. Period.”

Raven Symone

More recently Raven made waves when she debuted a colorful new look on Instagram after she dyed her hair purple with highlights from all over the rainbow. She explained that her new look was met with a little coroporate opposition, but she wasn’t going to let business determine her self-expression.

‘You have to be confident in who you are no matter what your team, background noise or front-ground noise makes. You have to stay strong. … It’s hard because people want to continue the brand, continue the look that they created to, I’m being honest, they want continue that look that made them money for so long but sometimes it doesn’t always coincide with who you are as a person.’

Raven Symone

The Rule Book of Lesbian Hair Styles Re-Defined by Raven Symoné

Last weekend Raven Symoné posted photos on Instagram of her new hair style. We love it, and we love the fact that she always looking to mix up her look and keeping her hair on point.

With this in mind. We took the opportunity to check-out some other lesbian hair styles. Yes, we know that some lesbians have bad hair, but most actually have hot styles that meet the mark. So here we bring you 42 queer women with fantastically good hair!