Sunday nights Grammy Awards performances were indeed colorful and diverse, but Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, Mary Lambert and Madonna’s hot-button number: “Same Love” raised plenty of eyebrows (for various reasons).
Some people, in particular, didn’t have the same “issue” with it [as others with “moral,” “social,” or “religious” opinions about it] but in particular: they had a “problem” with the likes of Queen Latifah: The Aficionado, officiating– however, never having made it official that she herself (too/as well) was “official.”
That was the problem (in particular).
Having referenced an article I copied and pasted (that was posted by a member of the gay community and subject of this blog), http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/11/queen-latifah-talk-show-lesbian-_n_3738326.html
it looks as if before her show: “The Queen Latifah Show” got off the ground and took flight, Queen Latifah already made it clear that (on her show) she would not be addressing what for years, the gay community and just regular folks (fans/non industry) have speculated and pulled at her about for many years now.
I don’t know if it all started with her role in the popular movie “Set it Off” where she played “Cleo” (a lesbian) so well, 
or if that, combined with her stature + Jersey girl demeanor that gave a kind of “life” to the character–that by end movie, “Cleo” became who the world saw Latifah as and therefore, she was really [in her element in the movie?] yet playing us all along real life? 
Regardless where, or how the rumors got started, for many years, they’ve managed to plague the talented rapper who sings r&b and jazz, and who now has her very own talk show.
Being the inquiring mind that I am, believe it or not, when I came upon on a heated discussion [about Queen Latifah officiating gay couples during the Grammy performance], I couldn’t help but call the girl out with the most poignant opinions and who too, initiated the discussion. Her point of view was very strong (as was countless other’s) but because she initiated the conversation, it was her who I invited to express and explain herself. I told her that I would gladly put her on my blog as a guest blogger.
Needless to say, she didn’t answer back but proceeded to thoroughly express and explain herself throughout the conversation (among others with pretty much the same plight but to varying degrees) who I could tell by the dialogue and my thumbs-ups; even they would have taken me up on the invite but I wanted the ringleader-her viewpoints screamed the loudest.
I must say. As supportive and understanding to the plight of the gay community that I am and always have been, I’m often troubled by the divide that seems to be a very soft spot for people like Queen Latifah who, when it comes to the gay community–it’s more like: The People of the Gay Community vs. People Like Queen Latifah.
To be honest, despite any pictures, or rumors, or shunned questions over the years; I’m not even sure if it’s right to say “People Like Queen Latifah,” because regardless the thousand words screaming from the pictures; she’s never answered, confirmed, or explained anything………….not even the pictures (which too, could very well be a close friend).
Having explained that, perhaps I should say: “People Who Are in the Entertainment Industry Suspected of Having and Alternative Lifestyle,” or: “People Who Are in the Entertainment Industry and in the Closet.” .
Understanding this as being a very big issue within the gay community [considering the fact that they feel people in the industry have such influence in society as a whole, that to not embrace their sexuality for the sake of an image ] is a slap in the face to a community of people who feel they are in need of celebrity solidarity (because of their power and influence).
It is my understanding that because the gay community is so scrutinized and often criticized, it would serve them well if the world’s popular people (whether it be in politics, entertainment or anywhere on the world’s stage), would embrace their sexuality (and who they are). And the more this is practiced, it lifts the stigma and scrutiny off the hearts and heads of the general gay public.
I’m straddled the fence about this subject only because although I do feel people should embrace who they are, the fact of the matter is: “Who You Are” (in the industry or whatever your position of power or influence) doesn’t necessarily mean what you are (regarding your sexual orientation) has to be the world’s business–despite that fact that you are a gay man or woman. I feel really bad for the gay community when I come upon upsets like this because I know that they feel cheated and “used” for conveniences (like for example, as the girl felt about Latifah officiating a gay wedding ceremony and still “being in the closet” herself) .
The catch 22 about being a power public figure on the world’s stage, is that decision to feel the need to disclose what you are can very well ruin who you are (e.g., actor, judge, governor etc.). Like for example, many years ago Ellen DeGeneres’ decision to come out ruined her career and although since then she has done well for herself, there is no guarantee the same thing would work out for Latifah-although we can look to people like Jane Lynch (Glee) and just recently: Robin Roberts (Good Morning America) as inspiration to be free to be what you are. After all, this is a new day and time but the fact is, (and always will remain), you can never gauge what the outcome will be from such a decision that for the most part-in the interest of that kind of [full] disclosure; isn’t at all necessary–in that disclosing what you are (gay) having anything to do with who you are (publicly: an actor etc.) despite, yes, the fact is: being gay may very well be what and who you are privately.
With this particular issue (that I stumbled upon-the gay community having a problem with Queen Latifah officiating a gay ceremony when she herself has not come out of the closet) is that, I will always remain curious about what the
Ellen DeGeneres’,
the Robin Roberts’
and the Jane Lynch’s feel about the issue. I think those would be the leads to follow on the issue-for, they are the ones who took the risks on the world’s stage.
What I want to know is, for the people who are already “out” and working successfully in the industry [despite having come out, been out , or never “in the closet”]; what do they feel about their other celebrity peers having not come out? I wonder: do they have the same plight as the general public gay community? Do they frown upon their industry peers have not come out? That is the question…and who, in my opinion (if any “problem” with it is to be had) should have a problem with it (over and above members of the general public gay community).
Furthermore, the gay community and its massive and awesome support of one another is much stronger than many communities and organizations. The gay community support of one another is already so strong and solid that I really do not think even if every closeted [powerful public figure] in the world “came out,” doing so would make the gay community any more stronger than it already is (and forever will be)–with or without the powerful public figures openly embracing what they are (gay) because of who the: Ellen DeGeneres’, Robin Roberts’, and Jane Lynch’s are (actors). That has nothing to do with the fact that they are gay (and vice versa).
We’re human. And sometimes, you know, we tend to go through the motions over our emotions without making sense of it all when we are trying to take a stand, or stand for something. And often times, that stance (motion) can go on and on without anybody stopping to evaluate the notion and redirect our emotion…
My whole point could very well be compared to the fact that I watched, offered, (and waited a couple days) for the leader with the biggest rant and poignant points to take me up on my offer to express her point of view on a much bigger platform where it could vibrate and be seen. She plum (and purposely) ignored it…Which begs the question: perhaps it is all about going through the motions (with your emotions). I mean after all, if you want Queen Latifah to step out on something for the world to know that could quite possibly change her life, why didn’t you step out to merely express yourself for the world to see-especially on something you claimed was that important to you?
The fact of the matter (and moral of this lesson is): It’s all about passion and tenacity. When you have a strong stance of anything, you’re going to bring awareness and call out attention to that thing wherever it may be. And when you make the decision to not to take that chance, chances are: It’s all just your emotions being greater than the motion…that’s all.
