Queen Latifah comes out at Gay Pride Parade


It looks like Obama’s open support for gay marriages has eased out things for the LGBT community to a great extent. Among many others, Queen LatifahQueen Latifah, real name Dana Owens, has also declared her self a lesbian.
After years of speculation about the singer, actress and songwriter, Queen Latifah’s sexual orientation, she has finally stepped out of the closet declaring gays as “her people” at the Gay Pride Parade held on Saturday.
Earlier this month, when Owens signed to speak on the Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Festival in Long Beach California, it was not certain whether she will merely support their rights or actually come out to reveal her own orientation. But on Saturday, as she addressed the attendees, the African American singtress made her pride known.
“Y’all my peeps (people),” she said, referring to the LGBT community. “I love you!” Queen performed for more than an hour, rocking the festival with her hits like “U.N.I.T.Y” and “Ladies First.” From the moment Queen told the crowd that she “has been waiting to do this for a long time”, it was clear that the event would be no ordinary. She later on added that she was “proud to be among her people”.
The 42 year old, Latifah thanked the crowd for their support and advised them to keep safe. Thank you to all my favorite peep guests who came out to support me. I appreciate it. I love you so much. Hope you had a beautiful time,” she said. “Y’all be safe whatever y’all get into tonight. Boys –- strap it up. Ladies –- strap it up.”
Her musical appearance at the festival was a proof about Latifah’s desire to not just be honest with her fans but to stand up and let people know who she really is. The kind of courage she displayed during her Saturday’s performance, has gained her an even deeper respect and appreciation form her supporters.
Latifah was long rumored to be in a relationship with a Hollywood Choreographer, Jeanette Jenkins. The two parted way in 2011.
Co president of the Gay Pride Parade, Pat Crosby also showed his excitement about Latifah’s performance saying that the worldwide debut of her “Pride” at the Long Beach “is a tremendous testament to the popularity of our celebration and to the strength of our community.”