10 Rappers & Singers Who Support the LGBT Community
October is LGBT History Month, but in addition to highlighting the triumphs and tribulations within the national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, Oct. 11 also marks the 27th anniversary of National Coming Out Day. The celebration began in 1987, when more than half a million people marched in the nation's capital on behalf of lesbian and gay rights.
In June, the Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court case held in a 5-4 decision that lesbian and gay couples had the right to marry in the U.S., but 13 states still have same-sex marriage bans. However, as the nation on a whole has continued to advance, when it comes to the music industry, coming out is still a bit of a taboo subject. Hip-hop in particular has a reputation for embracing homophobia, but fortunately, there are many rappers and singers that are very vocal about their support for the LGBT community.
While many gay or lesbian artists may not be as open as Frank Ocean -- he wrote an open letter about his love for a man in 2012 -- rappers like Fat Joe have voiced their acceptance in music and beyond. “Everybody has got somebody in their family that is gay,” Fat Joe told VladTV. “It’s 2011 going on 2012. I think if you’re gay, rep your set.” When President Obama publicly announced his stance on gay marriage equality, Jay Z also supported same-sex unions. “What people do in their own homes is their business, and you can choose to love whoever you love," Hov said. "That’s their business. It’s no different than discriminating against blacks. It’s discrimination, plain and simple.”
In honor of National Coming Out Day, check out 10 Rappers & Singers Who Support the LGBT Community.