Back in July, before the release of his ‘Channel Orange‘, Frank Ocean set the world alight when he opened up on a romantic experience he had shared with another man, and the heartbreak it had caused him.
Sharing the story in an open letter penned months before the album’s arrival, he soon found himself belabored with ‘labels’, despite the fact he did not ‘label’ himself.
Now, in honor of his bravery and the impact his honesty has had on Pop culture, he has now been named ‘LGBT Hero Of The Year’, alongside US President Barack Obama.
Full story below…
The Examiner explains:
“Today, CNN called Barack Obama and Frank Ocean the LGBT heroes of 2012.
Overall, it was a year when civil rights for gays and lesbians took on many new strides. With gay marriage being legalized everywhere and even our own president changing his position on gay rights, 2012 will be a year to remember. Let’s take a look at the three most important figures in LGBT rights this year.
Barack Obama
In 2011, many gay people were against Barack Obama. He seemed to be defending every type of minority, except gays and lesbians. However, last May, Obama finally conceded to the Land of Dorothy and proclaimed he was for gay marriage. Conservatives knocked him and said this move would cost him the election in November. Not only did Obama win the election, but he won it by an electoral landslide.
Frank Ocean
Traditionally, hip-hop music has been homophobic. Ten years ago, nobody thought that hip-hop’s hottest act, Frank Ocean, would openly admit that he is gay. Some people condemned Ocean’s decision to come out of the closet, but most people embraced his decision. To make matters better, Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange is up for 6 Grammy awards.”