Lil Nas X Apologizes to Trans Community for Surgery Joke, Then Says ‘Eat My Ass’ When Criticized as ‘Fake’
LGBTQ
Lizzo Criticizes ‘Complicit Silence’ Over Transphobia and Other Forms of Bigotry
Ari Lennox Fans Ask If She Was “Dykin It” As 2016 Photo Resurfaces, Singer Responds
For Ari Lennox, 2023 is off to a strong start. After finally delivering her sophomore album, age/sex/location, at the end of last year, the Dreamville artist gave us her first new vocals in a minute on the Creed III soundtrack. Along with several of her labelmates, and other hip-hop and R&B favourites, she helps paint a perfect sonic picture for Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut. “Greater” finds her showing out on her own, but on “Talk To Me,” she was joined by Omen and OG DAYV.
Aside from that exciting project, which landed on Friday (March 3), Lennox has also been busy entertaining audiences on stages all across the nation. Her tour kicked off a few weeks ago, boasting many sold-out dates and sultry performances from the Washington, D.C. native. From time to time, she’s even been teasing social media with tantalizing thirst traps of her various tour looks. Most recently, the “Pressure” hitmaker gave us a preview of the look she rocked in Connecticut.
More Tour Thirst Traps
Connecticut was love
pic.twitter.com/7skjZddaOs
— Ari Lennox (@AriLennox) March 5, 2023
On Sunday (March 5), the R&B diva posted up in a pair of tiny denim shorts and a shiny metal bra on Twitter. “Connecticut was love,” she wrote in her tweet, including an image of her singing to a full crowd gazing back at her with immense love. “This was an amazing show from top to bottom,” one attendee responded to Lennox’s commemorative post. “Vocals are consistently fire. Ari is a sanger. When you are ready a live album will be [amazing], I feel like all the greats have one.”
While her new thirst traps are certainly getting their share of attention, another hot topic of conversation surrounding the 31-year-old right now is her sexuality. Over the weekend, a TikTok featuring a throwback photo of Lennox from 2016 surfaced online, showing her without makeup and in a more masculine presenting outfit. “Mmm honey, was Ari Lennox dykin’ it out here in these streets before she got famous?” one user asked. “‘Cuz her energy makes this make sense to me.”
Ari Responds to Twitter’s Sexuality Speculation
I leave twitter for three days….THREE DAYS
https://t.co/jdJHreFRa0
— Ari Lennox (@AriLennox) March 4, 2023
By the time she saw the tweet for herself, Lennox couldn’t help but laugh at the situation. “I leave Twitter for three days… THREE DAYS,” she joked. In the replies, others pulled out more past photos of the singer that show her dressing similarly. “Explain this too, it’s giving very much butch,” someone pressed her for answers. “Let me not know how to dress in peace, DAMN,” she clapped back.
Elsewhere online, many are pointing out that she didn’t explicitly deny the rumours, leaving them with a shred of hope that the entertainer might play for both teams. Of course, nothing has been confirmed, but she’s been publicly linked to a few men throughout her career. Keep scrolling for more of Twitter’s discourse about Ari Lennox’s sexuality, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.
let me not know how to dress in peace DAMN
— Ari Lennox (@AriLennox) March 4, 2023
— SSG1
(@reggben32) March 4, 2023
This Ari Lennox trying to beat them allegations rn,
pic.twitter.com/Xab6KmOLaL
— Latté Liberal (@Come_Oon_Man) March 4, 2023
— Rosegold Shay (@Rosegold_Shay) March 5, 2023
“Dykin it out” is so crazy
pic.twitter.com/MHxKQ6fDz0
— #1 Super Freak (@Onikanism) March 4, 2023
Be who you are for your prideeeeee pic.twitter.com/FBuDOyq9Ch
— Ari Lennox’s ASL Tour is Here
(@welovearilennox) March 4, 2023
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Raven-Symoné To Be Honored With Icon Award At 2023 Truth Awards
Sunday, March 4th marks the ninth annual Truth Awards, with Raven-Symoné set to receive the 2023 Icon Award. The 37-year-old actress is being recognized for her commitment to family programming and LGBTQ advocacy, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Initiated by the Diva Foundation and Better Brothers Los Angeles, the Truth Awards honors Black LGBTQ+ members and allies. Specifically, the ceremony shines a light on stars who’ve used their platform to embrace and advocate for their identity.
The Icon Award will add to Symoné’s impressive list of acclamations. Previously recognized for her work in The Cosby Show and That’s So Raven, the Georgia-born star has racked up five trophies from the NAACP Image Awards. In addition, Symoné has earned two Daytime Emmy nominations for her work on The View.
Symoné’s Star Continues To Rise
The Disney Channel alum will receive her recognition at the 2023 Truth Awards, which will be hosted in Hollywood, CA. Sheryl Lee Ralph, the founder of the DIVA foundation, gave a statement about the ceremony. “The Truth Awards, along with our acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community, will encourage, inspire and motivate others to live their truth unapologetically,” she wrote.
“It’s important that we focus on supporting our brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ+ community as they continue to fight for equality. Our public acknowledgment and partnership make it possible for them to live out loud and openly for the world to see.” The ceremony will be led by Pose actress and transgender rights advocate Angelica Ross. Joining her are Cocktails With Queens host Claudia Jordan and news anchor Marcus Washington.
Raven Speaks Her Truth to Oprah
Despite her industry-shaking success in her early career roles, Symoné received backlash after a 2014 interview with Opera Winfrey. During their discussion, the actress reflected, “I don’t want to be labeled gay, I want to be labeled a human who loves humans.” She continued to expand, “I’m an American; I’m not an African-American. I’m an American.” Even with Winfrey warning her of the criticism she would likely face for the comments, Symoné stood with her truth.
The 2023 Truth Awards will be recognizing Bryon Perkins, the first openly gay HBCU football player, with the Courage Award. Additionally, The Upshaws (created by Wanda Skyes and Regina Hicks) will receive the Cultural Affirmation Award. The STARZ network will also be honored with the Corporate Diversity & Leadership Award for 2023. To keep up with the hottest pop culture news, don’t forget to check out HNHH.
Chrisean Rock Tells Blueface She’s “Not Gay,” Doesn’t Want To Kiss Other Girls In Front Of Him
Since late last year, many reality TV lovers have been watching the drama between Blueface and Chrisean Rock play out on the small screen. The main episodes of the first season of Crazy In Love have come to an end. Thankfully, Zeus is keeping users entertained with a few bonus releases. In the most recent one, the embattled couple finds themselves feuding over the idea of bringing another girl into the bedroom.
On Saturday (February 4), @theneighborhoodtalk uploaded a preview from the series, teasing the drama that’s to come. In the clip, the 26-year-old asks his girlfriend if she’s “part of the LGBTQ community” as she tells him about her upcoming performance at Pride. “I am not gay baby,” she immediately responds while doing her makeup.
“You just like to make out with girls for fun?” Blueface asks Rock, who gives him a telling look. “Not no more,” she says in a quiet tone of voice. “I like making out with you.” After hearing this, the “Thotiana” rapper suggests that they find another woman to join them for an evening of kissing. “You could just make out with her, and that’s it,” he pleads.
The 22-year-old is undeniably unimpressed with her beau’s plan. “You’re making me uncomfortable,” she tells him. “This is why I be ready to fight you. Since when did I start wanting to share?!” As the California native plays it off, saying, “What do you mean? You like to kiss!” Chrisean makes it known that she’s not okay with getting intimate with another girl in the presence of “[her] n*gga.”
“I ain’t gonna kiss her,” Blueface pushes the idea further. “You kiss her!” The Baddies cast member begins getting emotional at this point, and her boyfriend responds with, “That’s crazy. You kiss all the bitches without me, but with me, you don’t want to kiss nobody.
We’ve obviously seen them engage in endless bickering on Crazy In Love. However, Blueface and Chrisean’s antics have been taking place in real-time too. Just a few days ago, the pair appeared on The Perfect Network podcast. During that interview, Rock was left annoyed when her beau spent too much time talking to co-host Moniece Slaughter.
See a video of the “Lit” artist’s reaction to the situation here. Afterward, tell us if you would tune into a second season of the Zeus Network’s controversial reality series, or if you think it should be cancelled in the comments.
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Boosie’s Daughter Poison Ivi & Her GF Are Instagram Official, Social Media Reacts
In the past, Boosie Badazz has been heavily criticized for explicitly sharing his stance on the LGBTQ+ community. In particular, his comments about Dwyane Wade’s transgender daughter, Zaya, have earned him considerable heat. However, it seems that poetic justice may be served, as the Louisana native’s daughter has gone Instagram official with her girlfriend.
As Love B Scott reports, photos of 21-year-old Poison Ivi boo’d up with her partner arrived online earlier this week. While the rising rapper wears khaki pants, sneakers, and a colourful tee, her date opted for heels, a hot pink skirt, and a bold animal print top.
The pair obviously couldn’t look more different, though they have the makings of a beautiful couple. In the caption, Ivi’s unknown girlfriend later wrote, “Endlessly in love with you [kiss emoji].”
After the images began circulating, it wasn’t long before social media called out the recording artist for his hypocritical behaviour. “Boosie daughter finally came out,” one person tweeted. “I wish everyone flooded his TL cause we need the same energy he gave Lil Nas, or [an] apology,” they additionally said.
In response to comments like these, another user pulled up a past interview the 40-year-old did with The Breakfast Club. “He literally said he wouldn’t attend or support his daughter’s marriage to a girl,” they concurrently pointed out. “He’s homophobic both ways.”
Other social media users are chiefly debating whether Gabrielle Union will get a kick out of the situation.
Regardless of her sexuality, Badazz has shown plenty of love to his eldest daughter in the past. On her 20th birthday at the end of 2021, he gave her several luxury gifts with a giant smile on his face, as well as $50K in cash.
Scroll further for more Twitter reactions to Boosie’s daughter’s new relationship. Afterward, share your thoughts on the situation in the comments.
Gabrielle Union after reading that Boosie daughter is gay: pic.twitter.com/BQZdN1wXdD
— Mamba Out
(@kcjj_04) January 17, 2023
It’s wild to me how boosie be goin on Dwayne wade son and his daughter a whole nigga out here
— $GUAP★GIRL$ (@GuapGirl_YaeBay) January 17, 2023
Boosie daughter finally came out I wish everyone flooded his TL cause we need the same energy he gave lil nas or a apology
—
igDawgTalk
(@DaRealistNBG) January 16, 2023
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Dave East Reflects On His Criticism Of Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road”
Dave East has reflected on the controversy surrounding his comments on Nas-X” class=”text-word” target=”_blank” >Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road.” Speaking with Math Hoffa for My Expert Opinion, East explained that he is “cool with” the LGBTQ community.
“I said I did not like ‘Old Town Road.’ One day, I felt a way. I said, ‘I don’t like this record.’ You know their entire community ran down on me,” East said firstly. “I never said nothing about the [LGBTQ] community. I’m cool with the people in the community.”
At the time, East remarked that the song is “fucking wack,” before adding, “I don’t know what the fuck is going on with hip-hop, with rap but… I ain’t no hater, man, but that shit is wack with a cape on it, It’s super wack!”
He also later used a Jamaican slur to describe gay men while reacting to Nas’ Nicki Minaj-inspired Halloween costume.
“It’s like you can’t have an opinion on shit no more,” East additionally said on My Expert Opinion. “You gotta know what comes with it. I didn’t say nothing about [Lil Nas X’s] preference as far as who he is as a person, I don’t give a fuck about that.”
He further added: “I don’t like the song. I don’t like the fact that it’s being played on New York radio where I know it’s a thousand n****s right in the town. When I go to Atlanta, the radio sounds like Atlanta.”
“Old Town Road” famously reigned atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a record-breaking nineteen weeks in 2019. Nas later released a remix with Billy Ray Cyrus, which helped continue its success.
Check out Dave East’s appearance on My Expert Opinion below.
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Dwyane Wade Files To Legally Change Gender, Name Of Transgender Daughter
According to a confirmed report from TheBalst, NBA star Dwyane Wade has filed a court petition to legally change the name and gender of his transgender daughter, Zaya Wade.
According to documents obtained from the L.A. County Court, Wade is asking a judge to officially change his child’s name from Zion Malachi Airamis Wade to Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade. Zaya is a transgender, however, being that she is under 18 years of age, her father has to be the one to officially request the change in court.
The petition mentions Zaya’s mother, Siohvaughn Funches, but says that Dwyane Wade has full authority to make the decision. “Pursuant to the terms of the Final Custody Judgment, (Wade) has full authority to make decisions on behalf of the petitioning minor, and he is not required to receive consent from Ms. Funches-Wade. As a courtesy, Ms. Funches-Wade has received notice of this petition,” the document reads.
In the filing, Wade asks that the court legally issues a decree recognizing that the minors’ gender is changed to “female. It also specifically cites the reason for the change as “to conform with gender identity.”
The multi-millionaire athlete admits he is shocked by his daughter’s confidence in this area, saying, “I went years without telling my chef that I don’t like cilantro on my burger — as an adult, it took me years to have the confidence to say that…My daughter, at 8 years old, had the confidence to say, ‘This is who I am. This is who I want to be.’”
The petition is now pending with the court.
The post Dwyane Wade Files To Legally Change Gender, Name Of Transgender Daughter appeared first on The Source.
Tevin Campbell Discusses Struggles and Triumphs of Being a Gay Man in the R&B Industry
Tevin Campbell may be known for his hit 90s song “Can We Talk” and this week, he definitely talked, opening up about what it was like to be a queer man in the R&B industry in the 90s and how it has changed from then to now.
In an interview with host Janine Rubenstein on the PEOPLE Every Day podcast, Campbell confirmed that he identifies as a gay man, something that likely did not come as a surprise to many of his fans as earlier this year, he tweeted (and later deleted) the phrase “Tevin is…” followed by a rainbow flag emoji.
Campbell discussed some of the struggles of being a child celebrity, noting that he never really hid his sexuality from anyone close to him, saying that “I didn’t hide anything about me. I didn’t try to act a certain way or anything. You just couldn’t be [gay] back then.”
He explained that many of his songs were just R&B songs, but the industry tends to make songs heteronormative.
He noted that despite growing up in the public eye, that he was lucky to have made it while claiming that a lot of child stars “don’t make it.” He then went on to note that “a lot of us do,” saying that the fact that he has is one of the reasons that he has embraced himself. (Campbell first began his music career at age 12.)
He noted that when he did Hairspray in 2005, it was the first time that he was around a significant number of LGBTQ people who were living their best lives and that’s how he became more comfortable with his sexual identity.
He said that major stars such as Lil Nas X and Frank Ocean have helped increase LGBTQ representation in the R&B and music industries in general, but still noting that there is a lot of work when it comes to representation and acceptance in the industry.
He also dished on some of the general industry turmoil including a decades-old semi-beef with Usher, who was also mentioned as a possible artist to sing “Can we Talk” back in the 1990s. (He said that he and Usher are on good terms and there are no hard feelings.)
He also said that he likes watching the “Can we Talk” challenges on TikTok today and that he is excited about the future of R&B, citing artists such as Frank Ocean and Jasmine Sullivan.
He left listeners with the parting advice to love themselves, both the good and the bad.
The full episode can be listened to on iHeart at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-people-every-day-76003809/episode/rb-star-tevin-campbell-opens-up-101008105/.
The post Tevin Campbell Discusses Struggles and Triumphs of Being a Gay Man in the R&B Industry appeared first on The Source.