It appears that Frank Ocean has come out of the closet.
Last night, the R&B singer took to the microblogging website, Tumblr, to open up about his sexuality.
In a brave and heartfelt open letter, Ocean reveals that he first fell in love with a man at the age of 19:
“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.”
Ocean added that, upon learning the love was unrequited, he turned to music to keep him “sane”:
“By now I’ve written two albums, this being the second. I wanted to create worlds that were rosier than mine. I tried to channel overwhelming emotions. I’m surprised at how far all of it has taken me.”
The statement was originally intended to form part of the linear notes for Ocean’s upcoming album, Channel Orange, but due to recent speculation, the singer felt the need to open up sooner.
The news will undoubtedly refuel the debate surrounding the supposed homophobia of Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, the California hip hop crew whom Ocean forms part of. However, fellow OFWGKTA band mate, Tyler the Creator – who has been at the centre of the criticism – offered his support to Ocean on his Twitter page today, albeit in a typically eccentric manner:
My Big Brother Finally Fucking Did That. Proud Of That Nigga Cause I Know That Shit Is Difficult Or Whatever. Anyway. Im A Toilet.
— Tyler, The Creator (@fucktyler) July 4, 2012
