Last week, The Enquirer had a lengthy story about Raven-Symone and how she’s pretty much living with her girlfriend, AzMarie Livingstone. According to the Enquirer, Raven had always played some word games with the press regarding her sexuality, but she had dated women in the past, and now she’s in a full-on, live-in relationship with AzMarie, and she doesn’t care what anyone thinks. There were also claims that Raven’s family were really upset with this turn of events. The story got wide coverage all over, and Raven finally took to her Twitter to discuss the report:
That’s so Raven, indeed. Raven-Symone was the subject of a story in this week’s National Enquirer which claimed that she was living with a girlfriend, America’s Next Top Model contestant AzMarie Livingstone.
The actress and former Cosby Show star, 25, finally addressed the speculation via Twitter on Friday.
“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,” she wrote of the rumors about her love life and sexuality.
“My sexual orientation is mine, and the person I’m datings to know. I’m not one for a public display of my life,” she continued. “However that is my right as a HUMAN BEing whether straight or gay. To tell or not to tell. As long as I’m not harming anyone. I am a light being made from love. And my career is the only thing I would like to put on display, not my personal life. Kisses!”
Symone is currently starring on Broadway in the musical adaptation of Sister Act.
[From Us Weekly]
Raven has also been retweeting messages of support, and she thanked her Twitter followers for that support. As for Raven’s statement – it’s fine. Everyone should be allowed to come out in their own way, in their own time. My feeling is that Raven is an “out” lesbian to her friends and family, but she doesn’t want to discuss any of it publicly, which is also her right. I don’t have a problem with her vague non-confirmation – my only problem is when someone out-right lies about their sexuality when asked a direct question. And considering the John Travolta situation, I guess I also have a problem with some closeted liar who is systematically assaulting massage therapists right and left because he’s so deep into his lie and he can’t just come out and have a boyfriend. My point? I’m fine with Raven living her life and not commenting on it.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Raven-Symone won’t confirm or deny her sexuality or who she’s dating
Well, she doesn’t have to.
ITA!
^This.
You took the words out of my mouth, Eve.
I get so upset when others take it upon themselves to out others. It’s not their place.
exactly!
Agreed. Does she care about our sexuality?
She don’t have to that’s her life and her business stay out of it!
I’m glad Raven didn’t allow herself to be “shame outed.” For me, I draw the gossip boundary line at celebrity deaths (i.e. photos of the ME rolling the body bag out, paps taking photos of the room, casket photos…just look at Whitney Houston’s death and you’ll see everything I despise) and shaming a celebrity into coming out (àla Lance Bass and even Neil Patrick Harris to an extent). Raven is fortunate enough to not be high on anyone’s radar so she has the opportunity to guard her personal life. Which I think is admirable compared to her being a fame whore. Raven obviously has a pretty good head on her shoulders and has throughout her entire career. I wish her success and happiness in her professional and personal life, although I doubt I will ever know about her personal happiness.
+1
indeed. as much as I personally feel that having gay celebrities come out is hugely helpful to gay rights and for gay youth who desperately lack out role models, it is certainly no one’s business and everyone has the right to keep their private life private.
If anyone has read Portia de Rossi’s memoir about her eating disorder, she discusses how one paparazzo had a specific vendetta to out her publicly and followed her around in search of an opportunity to snap a photo of her with her girlfriend. Sometimes people just want to keep things to themselves and sometimes people haven’t even come to terms with things themselves. Everyone deserves to deal with their own shit in private and reserves the right to keep it private even after they’re comfortable and happy.
+1
I don’t believe that because she won’t confirm/deny gay rumors means that Raven is a lesbian. Regardless of sexual orientation, a lot of celebrities don’t discuss tabloid rumors.
**Chris Crocker voice*
LEAVE RAVEN ALONE!!
LOL LOL
AzMarie is NOT British-she’s American. She competed on the US vs Brits season of ANTM, but as an American. She’s openly gay, and absolutely GORGEOUS. She has one of the most amazing bone structures I’ve ever seen.
Gorgeous, indeed.
http://i2.listal.com/image/3537870/600full-azmarie-livingston.jpg
She’s got a touch of the Jolie thing going on. Beautifully androgynous.
Hell, I’d consider dating her, and I’m straight.
I love Raven-Symone.
If I had to guess, it’s probably almost a relief to her that the general public now knows. But, yeah, it’s her choice to make whether she wants all the fanfare.
but she did just that by responding, if you didnt want to talk about it keep quite and let them talk..
I support her comments because she is not an attention whore. She does her work and then does press when she has to and then goes bout her business. If she was a Paris Hilton type and/or shaming those for not supporting gay rights while she herself lives in a closet, then yeah, I would have an issue.
It’s nobody’s business unless you want it to be.
OMg..Raven Simone is a lesbian?
OMg..Raven Simone is a lesbian? Well at least she won’t pull a Queen Latifah or beard.
OMg.Raven Simone is a lesbian? Well at least she won’t pull a Queen Latifah or beard.
Raven simone is a lesbian? Well at least she won’t pull a Queen Latifah or beard.
Wait, wait, wait–who, now?
Ms. Simone doesn’t owe anyone an explanation of her sexuality. As long as she is happy, that’s what matters. It’s no one else’s business, plain and simple.
She looks great. I always wondered how she turned out so great when all the other Disney stars are such a mess.
Her sexuality is her business.
She’s young and if this is her first relationship with a woman, maybe she isn’t ready to embrace a role as celebrity spokesperson of lesbianism. I think she handled it very well. I like celebs who just sort of say, “Well, what if I am gay? It’s none of your bidness.”
+1
Good for her, she shouldn’t have to.
And as an aside, I think it is a stretch to suggest that criminal sexual deviancy is caused by not being out or “living a lie”.
This!
Raven is “so gay”. If a celebrity or a regular person like myself chooses to respond by say, “my sexuality is no one’s business but my own or who I have in my bedroom is no one’s business but my own, then you must be gay. Please spare me the speech about it’s no one’s business. Hell, when you become a celebrity, everyone is in your business. If someone ask me, “Rebecca, are you gay?” My respond would be, “No, I am straight and love d***k!” LOL. I notice certain celebrites who have questionable behavior about their sexuality always respond to that question by saying, “it’s no one’s business but my own”! Just say yes or no. And for the record, I support gay marriage and I love going to the Gay Pride Parades in San Francisco and Los Angeles and I am straight!!!!
‘d***k!’
I don’t think you’re spelling that the way we’re spelling it.
It’s tiring to have to be the face of ‘The Crusade’ Focus on having a warm, safe bed for the body and be grateful for having it. No need to give a flip over who else is in it.
LOL @ Rebecca. Yes, I honestly believe she is gay also. I understand her point but come on now!!! Just say yes or no!!I am fully aware of how it is admit that you are gay because of how your family or friends might feel. They (the gay men and women in the closet) are afraid of the consequences. On the other hand, if they would answer by saying yes or no, all of this could be avoided by telling the truth. She reminds me of Queen Latifah who still want admit she is gay. Hell Stevie Wonder can see that she is gay! LOL.
As a 23 year old black female, and I am also a lesbian, I know know how Raven feels. I knew I was attracted to women when I was 16. I dated men but I was never fully attracted to them. My mom suspected it and would question me but I always told her it’s none of her business! One of my friends took several pics of me and my and girlfriend in a compromising position(s) and showed them to my parents! So I decided on that day to come out of the closet. My dad was pissed but eventually accepted me. My mom had been right all alone. My point is that even as a celebrity, it’s best to be honest with yourself. Why lie when the truth is going to come out eventually???
Congrats on coming out to your family and I’m so glad they’re loving and accepting, even if it took some time. I was also lucky that my family was very supportive. My 85 year old grandparents even came to my wedding last summer! But even when you’re certain they won’t disown you, it can be terrifying to come our to your family. Everyone has dreams and hopes for their children and an image in their head of the future and it can be hard for some parents to adjust that in their minds to take this new information into account, even when they are fully supportive of LGBT people in general.
Anyways, it sounds to me like Raven and her family are still in that adjustment period, and it’s too bad she now has the public eye on her while they navigate everything. Whether or not she chooses to ever discuss it in public, if she’s living honestly and happily in her personal life, I’m thrilled for her. Especially since her reported girlfriend is such a fox!
Kudos to this girl. Just gained a LOT of respect, in my eyes.
Its 2012. Who gives a rat’s ass WHICH sex people prefer.
@ Toni and Cecilia, I agree with you. I mean I understand the “its’s none of your business by mine and mine only”. I am a gay male so I totally understand. I came out of the closet when I was 16 yrs old. I chose to do that. My parents had already divorced and I am the youngest of six boys and four girls. I am 56 years old and live with my partner whom I have been with for the the past 20 years. I had already made the decision not to live my life based on lies just to please my parents and friends. Raven is in denial just like Queen Latifah, Tyler Perry, Anderson Cooper, Kevin Spacey, Tom Cruise, Jermey Jenner, etc… I could go on and on or is it Jermey Renner (you know who I am talking about from Mission Impossible Ghosts Protcol)As a gay male, I know another gay man or woman when I see one! LOL.
KEVIN SPACEY is gay?
Why does Raven have to be in denial just because she won’t come out to the press/public?
Well, since you’ve obviously already outed all the people who mentioned in your post, why do they have to bother? Honestly, if any one of those you listed were to be asked “Are you gay?” and they answered “no”, you’d call them a liar. Why do they have to say yes or no, if you already “know” the answer?
she doesn’t have to deny or confirm anything. they need to leave her alone.
Why can’t the media leave raven alone it’s her life and privacy like god damn
Good on her for handling herself with as much dignity and class as Queen Latifah. Neither is denying it; they are just choosing not to address rumours/gossip.
Bless them both!
I have to disagree with you! I am a very outspoken person and believe in telling the truth. Yes Raven has the right to privacy including her sexuality. However, since she is a celebrity, “privacy” goes out the window! And for the record, I am a lesbian and a proud lesbian! LOL. I knew I was gay since the age of 15. Raven is gay gay gay!! If you can’t say yes or no, then you are!!!
When I hear about a celebrity in a same-sex relationship who doesn’t want to confirm being gay I always assume that they’re bisexual (though they may be on the gay side of bi according to the Kinsey scale), and don’t want to deal with the stigmas associated with that. Which I can respect. ::shrug:: Either way, her girlfriend is smoking!
As long as you are a single celebrity, there will always be a public interest in who you spend time with, whether in public or private. It takes more work to avoid the subject than to just say “yes I am, so what, let’s move on”. It also shows respect for the other person in their relationship. The lid is already off the box at this point. She had an opportunity to stand up and own it. I find it disappointing for all the gay people that look for celebrities to break down the barriers
People admire honesty. It’s a trait that we don’t get to see often enough with celebrities. It makes a celebrity stand out because they are confident and proud of who they are, which is great PR for their career. Their personal life becomes no longer of interest to anyone because the gossip game is over and people have moved on to someone else. It’s easier to put out the fire at hand than hold your breath for the next time. Because there will always be a next time when you leave the door open for speculation and you work in a business that is built around gossip and headlines.
It’s about money and business, not honesty or gossip (minority of people actually follow gossip closely unless it blows up big enough for mainstream media to pick up). Consider segregation…when the sit-ins occurred at the lunch counters in N.C. it didn’t make the country all of a sudden say, oh well, let’s desegregate then. It was only after a few days when black people came together and boycotted the businesses and they lost a third of their revenues, did they have a ‘change of heart’. In the same vein, Hollywood as a business is scared of losing revenues if their big stars come out as gay. Raven coming out wouldn’t make much difference to them b/c she is not a big enough star, but consider if Tom Cruise had come out before the Mission Impossible franchise began…they may have dropped him out of fear of not being able to ‘sell’ him as an action star anymore (regardless of whether true, they wouldn’t want to risk it). Hollywood is the worst to hold up as models for young gay people…what would it tell them if someone like Tom Cruise came out and never worked again? However, I think big corporations outside of Hollywood have made bigger strides b/c they know to attract the best and brightest, they have to be open to diversity, many of which had same sex partner benefits regardless of gov’t. regulations. I think if big corporations opened up their advertisements to obviously show gay families as well (such as what JcPenny and GAP are doing now), it would have a greater influence on the acceptance of the gay community than if a single celebrity came out. I’m not saying a celebrity coming out shouldn’t be supported, but realistically, the bottom line is the bottom line and Hollywood will be behind other industries to actually embrace the gay community within their own walls publicly, rather than lead it. Hope my rambling makes sense.
I have a problem with people being asked what their sexuality is. It really is no one’s business and has nothing to do with her job which is an actress or singer or whatever. I’m so sick of these kind of questions because it puts the person in an awkward position.
the problem though is that everyone always asks celebrities about who they’re dating. Many of them refuse to comment and that’s fine, just like celebrities have the right to decline to comment when asked about their sexuality. But if we draw a distinction between the two, there’s an implied shame in non-mainstream orientations which I find completely unacceptable.
If we’re going to continue to show an interest in the dating and personal lives of celebrities, we need to treat the heterosexual and homosexual questions equally. But then everyone also reserves the right to say ‘no comment’ without it being perceived as them living a lie.
Hopefully one day no one will ask whether Raven is a lesbian, only whether or not she is dating Azmarie, since that is the most interesting part of the story. And even then, she will be completely entitled to keep it a mystery.
Those of you who are saying Raven is “in denial” and that she “needs to come out” seem to be missing the point of what she is saying. She has been famous since she was a child and yet I have never seen any stories about her dating life. She has always been about her work. And if that is the way she wants it, then I, for one, am willing to go with that since she has always been that way. I don’t feel entitled to know who she is dating or has ever dated. She is not, nor has ever been, a famewhore and I think people requesting to know about her dating life now, just because of some tabloid article, are completely out of line.
Could care less about the sexuality of others, but agree just should not lie about it
As a gay man, I understand but totally disagree with Raven. I know for a fact that she is gay! And it’s not my “gaydar” either. LOL. A lot of celebrities or just plan old folks like myself who aren’t in the public eye have been in the closet but refuse to come out because of the following reasons:
1.) their family is religious
2.) if he or she is an actor/actress/athlete, etc., how them coming out will effect their career (money wise/ratings)
3.) backlash from family and friends.
I personally got tired of lying to myself and decided to come out when I was in my early 20s. It’s hard for some people but the opposite for some people as well. Everyone is entitled to their opinions but when your response is “my sexuality is business or who I bring in my bedroom is no one’s business but my own”. Someone above mentioned that a response such as that gives reason to believe that you are gay!!! JUST SAY YES OR NO!!! And don’t get a beard either! LOL
WOWW NOT RAVEN! I MEAN OMMMGGSSHHH NOT RAVEN I CNT BELIVE THIS I MEAN SHE KEWL NDD ALL BUT IM SILL A BIG FAN OF HER!!
She shouldnt have to tell anyone.