Subscribe
The Daily Grind Video
CLOSE

Last night Frank Oceanopenly admitted to his legion of fans that he is a bisexual man and I support him and his decision to do so.

Some of his past music may have alluded to it with lines like “I believe that marriage isn’t between a man and woman but between love and love” on his introspective song We All Try. At the time I thought that he was just showing his support for marriage equality, but now I see that it may have come from a more personal place.  In an open letter that should have been in the credits of his debut album, Channel Orange, Frank admits to have fallen in love with a man at the age of 19 and although it was initially a shock, my next thought was it honestly does not matter.

As a recording artist in this day and age, as open-minded as society claims to be, there are still many people who have not been able to accept their musical artist as part of the LGBT community. It still takes a whole lot of courage for someone in the public spotlight to be completely honest about their sexuality and for that I applaud Frank. 

It took a lot for him to be who he is not only in music but in black music. As a culture it is almost taboo to like anything “gay” but now that we have already fallen in love with the soulful love ballads that Frank was making, it would be a shame for anyone to change their opinion on Frank Ocean as an artist now that his sexuality has come to light.

The most attractive thing that any artist can do in any genre is be honest, so the last thing that we should do is condemn his “truth.” He can still make good music for us all to appreciate and enjoy. On the other side of the spectrum, most people like music that they can identify with, so I can understand why someone would feel uncomfortable if Frank released a love song that was directed towards a man. But, at the same time, there is a reason for the “skip” button on your media player however skipping out on Frank after you have already grown to love his music would leave you at a disadvantage not only as a music lover but also as a member of society. 

We have come so far with equality for the LGBT community that not liking Frank for being who he is would be a step in the wrong direction and that is a step that I am not willing to take.

Congratulations Frank, I am looking forward to Channel Orange.  Maybe other musicians who have had the same feelings can now follow your lead and be themselves publicly.  This should not only be a proud moment for you but for all of your fans who can now identify with you more than ever before.

Jason Brooks