Actress Raven Symone is facing criticism this morning following her interview with Oprah during Sunday’s episode of “Where Are They Now?”
Not only did Symone confirm her relationship with a woman, she also rejected being labeled as gay and even being called African-American.
Last year, the young actress made news when she tweeted how happy she felt about the government’s ruling allowing gay couples to reap the same benefits of heterosexual couples, including marriage (Read HERE).
It was the first time Symone had publicly addressed her sexuality — something that’s been in question for some time.
“That was my way of saying I’m proud of the country,” she says. “But, I will say that I’m in an amazing, happy relationship with my partner. A woman.”
On keeping private about her personal life Symone adds, “People in my family, they’ve taught me to keep my personal life to myself as much as possible. So, I try my best to hold the fence where I can,” she says. “But I am proud to be who I am and what I am.”
On when she knew she liked both men and women she reveals, “In that topic of dating… I knew when I was, like, 12,” she tells Oprah. “I was looking at everything.”
On her reluctance to be labeled she adds, “I don’t want to be labeled ‘gay.’I want to be labeled ‘a human who loves humans.'”
Taking things a tad further Raven even expressed not wanting to identify herself as African-American —something Winfrey warned would cause backlash.
“I’m tired of being labeled,” she says. “I’m an American. I’m not an African-American; I’m an American.”
“I mean, I don’t know where my roots go to,” she explains. “I don’t know how far back they go… I don’t know what country in Africa I’m from, but I do know that my roots are in Louisiana. I’m an American. And that’s a colorless person.”
Winfrey then asks, “You’re going to get a lot of flak for saying you’re not African-American. You know that, right?”
“I don’t label myself,” she further explained. “I have darker skin. I have a nice, interesting grade of hair. I connect with Caucasian, I connect with Asian, I connect with Black, I connect with Indian, I connect with each culture.”
“You are a melting pot in one body,” Oprah says.
“Aren’t we all?” Symone responded. “Isn’t that what America’s supposed to be?”
Where Are They Now?” airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on OWN.
Sweethearts, watch the interview below and share your thoughts.
Thoughts?
