A Perspective on Raven-Symoné’s Quiet Coming Out

Is coming out still a big deal for black queer folks?

By Jamilah King Aug 23, 2013

Just in case you missed it, former Cosby Show child star Raven-Symoné quietly came out of the closet recently and it seems like the world just kinda shrugged its shoulders. The folks at Crunk Feminist Collective try to sort out if that’s a good or bad thing:

In a skype conversation with a former student we discussed the politics of coming out and whether or not we should celebrate or question the non-issue of Symoné’s disclosure.  On one hand I think it is heartening that someone who is somewhat iconic in the black community can self-identify as nonheterosexual and it not be a big deal.  On the other hand I wonder if there are not everyday blackgirls who are questioning or struggling with coming to terms with who they are that might not be empowered by the revelation and encouraged by the publicity.

What do you think? Leave a comment.