Frank Ocean's career was in the balance after he announced on his Twitter page that he was once madly in love with a boy. The budding star hadn't released a proper album before taking a risk that most celebrities save until well into success.
That's what makes Frank Ocean's coming out so special. It hits close to the homes of many closeted or questioning gay men, on and off the stage.
Coming out has always taken guts, but rarely has there been a role model that has come out in the beginning of their career. Typically, announcements are made after retirement or when bank balances are so big, the numbers have to be abbreviated.
But Frank came out like the rest of us: with everything on the line, including family, friends and careers.
I'm not suggesting other gay celebrities had little to lose. Harder than becoming a star is staying a star. What I am pointing toward are the many young men, especially ones in typically homophobic situations, that are concerned about how the world will hold up, or fall, if they open up about their attraction to men.
Thus a new, more Earthed, role model has emerged in Frank Ocean. He's shown his vulnerability in "Bad Religion," the first release from his new album, channel ORANGE. "It's a bad religion to be in love with someone that can never love you," he sings of his first heart break.
Fans have responded with bursts of support.
Has coming out hurt Frank Ocean's career? If album sales are an indication, not anytime soon. As I'm writing this blog, channel ORANGE is sitting at #1 on the iTunes chart.
That's what makes Frank Ocean's coming out so special. It hits close to the homes of many closeted or questioning gay men, on and off the stage.
Coming out has always taken guts, but rarely has there been a role model that has come out in the beginning of their career. Typically, announcements are made after retirement or when bank balances are so big, the numbers have to be abbreviated.
But Frank came out like the rest of us: with everything on the line, including family, friends and careers.
I'm not suggesting other gay celebrities had little to lose. Harder than becoming a star is staying a star. What I am pointing toward are the many young men, especially ones in typically homophobic situations, that are concerned about how the world will hold up, or fall, if they open up about their attraction to men.
Thus a new, more Earthed, role model has emerged in Frank Ocean. He's shown his vulnerability in "Bad Religion," the first release from his new album, channel ORANGE. "It's a bad religion to be in love with someone that can never love you," he sings of his first heart break.
Fans have responded with bursts of support.
Has coming out hurt Frank Ocean's career? If album sales are an indication, not anytime soon. As I'm writing this blog, channel ORANGE is sitting at #1 on the iTunes chart.
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