The rapper Makonnen, who burst onto the scene with 2014's smash hit "Tuesday," announced to the world that he is gay. The 27-year-old did it in the most millennial way possible, via Twitter.
As a fashion icon, I can't tell u about everybody else's closet, I can only tell u about mine, and it's time I've come out.
— Oceanic Makonnen (@iLoveMakonnen5D) January 20, 2017
And since y'all love breaking news, here's some old news to break, I'm gay. And now I've told u about my life, maybe u can go life yours❤
— Oceanic Makonnen (@iLoveMakonnen5D) January 20, 2017
Makonnen's willingness to come out is notable because of hip hop culture's reluctance to shun homophobia. Even now, more than a year after gay marriage has been legalized, homosexuality remains stigmatized within the hip hop community. Nevertheless, Makonnen received an mixed response on Twitter ranging from support.....
@iLoveMakonnen5D it takes a strong person to be open abt something like this . I love you bro . I'm always in your corner
— Danco James (@ThatBoyCurtis) January 20, 2017
......to contempt......
@iLoveMakonnen5D nigga talkin all dat trap shit i knew bitch never did nun of dat anyway but bitch gay woww
— ISSA TEC ???? (@TopShxtta_ToneK) January 20, 2017
......to so what?
@iLoveMakonnen5D you thought we thought you was straight? ???? alright man breaking news if you say so
— Mayor Of Leimert (@K1ngDev) January 20, 2017
Despite the mixed responses Makonnen's announcement is very timely. Following Donald Trump's inauguration, multiple pages from the Whitehouse.gov website were deleted including the one on LGBT rights. Moving forward it may be imperative for those with a platform such as Makonnen to announce their support for the LGBT community and their rights.
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