Today's not just Independence Day for our country. Odd Future singer and rising star producer/writer Frank Ocean just declared his independence from being in the closet. In a revealing letter posted on his Tumblr, the "Thinkin Bout You" singer opened up about his first love--a man. Check it inside.....
With rumors swirling that Frank Ocean planned to open up about his sexuality (rumors said bi-sexuality to be exact) on his upcoming album Channel Orange, Mr. Ocean decided to take matters into his own hands today and reveal all. On his Tumblr.
He posted the letter he wrote back in December and that he planned to save for his album insert.
It was a revealing story about the 24-year-old falling in love with a man, 4 summers ago. And the relationship continued until last year. That first summer, the two spent every day and every night together. Spending time and sleeping together. But since the other man had a girlfriend and refused to come out about his feelings, it caused Frank to suffer from an inner struggle. He couldn't get the love he wanted in return. So he packed up his bags and moved to L.A. from Louisiana to pursue his music--in order to suppress his pain and heartache. And it got him to where he is today.
"4 summers ago, I met somebody," he wrote. "I was 19 years old. He was too. We spent that summer, and the summer after, together. Everyday almost. And on the days we were together, time would glide. Most of the day I'd see him, and his smile.
"Sleep I would often share with him. By the time I realised I was in love, it was malignant. It was hopeless. There was no escaping, no negotiating to the women I had been with, the ones I cared for and thought I was in love with.
"I sat there and told my friend how I felt. I wept as the words left my mouth. I grieved for then. Knowing I could never take them back for myself. He patted my back. He said kind things. He did his best, but he wouldn't admit the same.
"He had to go back inside soon. It was late and his girlfriend was waiting for him upstairs. He wouldn't tell the truth about his feelings for me for another 3 years. I felt like I'd only imagined reciprocity for years.
"I kept up a peculiar friendship with him because I couldn't imagine keeping up my life without him. I struggled to master myself and my emotions. I wasn't always successful.
"I don't have any secrets I need kept anymore. There's probably some small s**t still, but you know what I mean. I was never alone, as much as it felt like it. As much as I still do sometimes. I never was. I don't think I ever could be. Thanks. To my first love, I'm grateful for you.
Before posting the letter, he posted another statement saying he hopes kids don't inherit the bullshit we did. And he made it clear just what bullshit he was talking about.
Here's the letter in full (he posted a screenshot of his actual writing). Click the pic to blow it up to full size:
I have so much respect for how he opened up and told his story. Deep ish.
Channel Orange drops July 17th.