Want to know how Queen Latifah really felt while officiating the historic mass wedding of 33 couples, many of whom were same-sex, during last night’s Grammy Awards? She’s still pretty euphoric today. “We had us a wed’n!” the entertainer exclaimed on an episode of The Queen Latifah Show. The rapper-turned-actress-turned talk show host has never publicly spoken about her own much-discussed-by-others sexual orientation, but that didn’t stop her from promoting marriage equality in front of the largest possible audience.
In the episode scheduled to air tomorrow, the Queen shared an all-access video that included her being deputized as a commissioner of civil marriages, mingling with Madonna and later signing the necessary documents to legalize all the newlywed couples. After writing her name on the final document, Latifah shouted “You’re married!” and looked into the camera to state that this is “life as it should be.” Back in front of her studio audience, she confessed that her mind is blown and she “will never, ever forget that experience.”
MickeyP.
Good Lord woman,come out,already!
SteveDenver
That was a beautiful thing she did.
One of my FB friends said, ‘You’d have to be a robot not to get weepy.”
Another FB friend posted it to his wall and got a lot of positive comments and two negative. He just defriended and blocked them. Who needs that kind of negativity?
davincibarnette
How is it effecting you that she hasn’t? It’s a personal journey everyone has to make in their own time. Back up!
HirsuteOne
I’m sure the comments bashing Latifah will be rolling in soon enough. She has the right to lead her life as she sees fit and it’s no one’s business to judge her. The issue of her “closeted” sexuality only seems to matter to those who need to legitimize themselves or use it as a weapon of shame.
The irony is not that Latifah officiated the group wedding of people that included LGBT people, the irony is that the distinction of being LGBT is fast becoming a non issue. The paradigm is changing fast and she’s ahead of the curve.
CCTR
Looking beautiful as ever. Job well done Queen Latifah!
jimbryant
It was a gimmick that harmed the gay community and which will cause heart-ache for us in the long run. I’m not saying that gay marriage is a gimmick – far from it – but I am saying that the way it was done was gross and offensive to many gay people.
Eventually, a Freud will emerge who will determine conclusively why gay men allow themselves to be exploited by female celebrities like Latifah and Madonna.
AuntieChrist
@HirsuteOne: What’s worse than being judgmental is when people get all preachy…Your words not mine. But what is even worse is when people try to mask those things in some pseudointellectual framework as you have done…SNAP
AuntieChrist
You go Miss Thing… I think that I will check out your talk show now.
Bob LaBlah
Stay right where you are Queen. It is no ones business what you do behind closed doors and if you had a relationship with your personal trainer, then good for you. You showed the world where your heart is and the problem with many of these ignoramuses has a lot to do with your race than sexual preference.
Spike
Rather ironic that those gay couples who chose to be appear and be married on national television have more courage the QL, as it involves standing up, out and proud as members of the Gay & Lesbian Community.
BitterOldQueen
Thing about Latifah is that normally I’m all for outing closeted folks who are anti-gay or noncomittal. If they “just want to live their life quietly” it’s probably none of my business. It would be extraordinarily boosting to young gays and lesbians, though, for a celebrity of her stature to be out and proud, rather than cagey and slippery. At this point it wouldn’t hurt her professionally, either, if that’s her worry. I just sometimes wonder why people like her are so weird about this. Hiding who you are (or who you love) for whatever reason is not just about being ashamed but also shames others by extension.
Kangol
I appreciate deeply what she did at the Grammys. At the same time the irony of her still not coming out, or feeling able to do so, is saddening. It really is. Coming out and being out would not compromise or harm her fame or professional standing.
What about her own girlfriend/partner? Would she not feel free enough to marry her in such a ceremony, and what message is that conveying about her beliefs and state of mind? Does she feel shame about being a lesbian? Fear? Embarrassment? What is it? There are many out and proud and brave LGBTQ celebrities. She should join them.
I understand the arguments about privacy and so forth, but watching her joyfully marry these couples, which was a beautiful act and moment, while also realizing that she cannot even bring herself to admit, in 2014, that yes, she loves women, was sad.
Christopher
How does anyone know that Ms. Latifah isn’t “out”. One does not have to disclose their sexual orientation to the entire planet in order to be out. For all we know she could be like many others whom are out to those in their personal lives but not to the general public. The entire world doesn’t know that I’m gay but the people in my life that mean the most to me (family, friends, etc.) are all aware that I’m gay. That doesn’t make me any less “out” than someone Ellen or Rosie or any other “out” public figure. How do we know that this isn’t true of her as well? It isn’t wise to speculate and make assumptions about her, or anyone else’s, personal lives when we don’t have all of the facts.
Bob LaBlah
@jimbryant: could you explain in detail how she harmed the gay community?
Cam
@Bob LaBlah: said…
“Stay right where you are Queen. It is no ones business what you do behind closed doors and if you had a relationship with your personal trainer, then good for you.
______________
It is interesting how much the first part of your comment mirrors the bigoted right wingers. You compare admitting you are gay to talking about what you do in your bedroom. Does a straight woman talking about having a child mean she is talking about the sex act that got her pregnant? Sounds like you have a little self hatred there. And for the record, she didn’t have a relationship with her personal trainer, she had a relationship and told everybody the woman was her trainer.
Cam
@Christopher:
Your comment could have come word for word from the people that used to claim that Clay Aiken, Ricky Martin, and Anderson Cooper were out….you know, until they actually came out.
Bob LaBlah
@Cam: Don’t get the impression that gay marriage and other civil rights won by the community in the last decade have change the first thought that goes through most strait people’s minds: the sex act itself.
I stand by my statement. She did a wonderful, read between the lines move that only an idiot could not put two and two together when her background is looked at. Only those with no lives what-so-ever would complain about her not letting people into her bedroom. There are certain things about people that have no effect on whether or not the sun will rise in the morning.
Cam
@Bob LaBlah:
It’s funny how you claim that it is STRAIGHT people who think that way, and then you keep claiming that if she came out that she was “Letting people into her bedroom”.
You’re the one that seems to have some major issues around homosexuality.
Christopher
@Cam
You mean until they came out to you and me. Just because they felt that they needed that cathartic moment wherein they revealed their sexual orientation to the public doesn’t in anyway mean that Ms. Latifah, or anyone else for that matter, need to have that same moment just to satisfy yours, mine or anybody else’s curiosity.
Cam
@Christopher:
Your comment is ridiculous. As she was in a relationship and owned a house with a woman of course she is out privately, however that isn’t what this post is about is it?
But keep on trying.
Christopher
@Cam
Duh…This post is actually about a woman who took part in a monumental event at an awards show and really nothing more. Who gives a shit about her owning a house with another woman? Guess what…most people don’t obviously. So be bitter and be blessed.
HirsuteOne
@AuntieChrist:
You are EXACTLY the type of person who gives people like Latifah reason to keep things like this private. The world would be a much better place without people like you.
HirsuteOne
So much gay hypocrisy in here. You people act like Latifah will be guest starring on Duck Dynasty next week too. Maybe everyone so disturbed by the horrific actions of Latifah should contact her with their concerns? Write her a heartfelt letter, or send a tweet. Let her know how you feel. Or in the case of AuntieChrist, dictate the letter to your nurse so she can look up the big words.
Kidomega123
So much bitterness and vitriol being displayed on this comment thread dedicated to such a beautiful moment on television. This is why we cant have nice things.
HirsuteOne
@AuntieChrist:
Here’s a sample letter for you:
Dear Mz. Latfiah:
My own life is so unsatisfying and unmanageable that I must strongly assert my own values onto you and make rules for you to live by. As such, please immediately acknowledge the following list:
Rule 1: You must wear a name tag or other symbol so you can be easily and immediately identified according to your sexuality.
Rule 2: You must refer to yourself as a scissor sister in all written and spoken communications and if possible when speaking about this, please use the accent and diction that Oprah used for her character “Sophia” in The Color Purple.
Rule 3: Please return all earnings, accolades, awards, tweets, Facebook likes and coupons for free frozen yogurt with a letter of explanation that they were obtained under false pretenses.
Rule 4: Please immediately cease and desist from munching any rugs, swallowing any sausage, fondling boobies, dropping it like it’s hot or amassing a posse of twerking shawtys, regardless of their gender, until you make a suitable and appropriate coming out announcement, complete with names and contact info of all previous sexual partners (for verification).
Rule 5: You must cover yourself with a suitable drape, possibly a burqua or snuggie, in order to prevent the gaze of others from falling upon you, as you simply aren’t worthy.
Rule 6: You must acknowledge receipt of this letter in skywriting (contact Shia LaBeouf for a reference) and a performance of “I’m Coming Out” at the upcoming NFL Super Bowl XLVIII, Sunday, February 2, 6:30 PM (on FOX) in the MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ. It’s highly recommended that Gov. Chris Christie introduce you, but not required.
Rule 7: You must refer to me as “AuntieChrist Dearest” at all times along with the appropriate curtsy for any face to face encounters.
Until you comply, you are dead to me. However, please do not misconstrue my micromanagement and vetting of your every move as evidence to the contrary.
Warmly,
AuntieChrist Dearest
cc: Any other closeted gay (we’re coming for you)
Bob LaBlah
@Cam: Somehow I would not be surprised to learn you are the only one laughing.
AuntieChrist
@HirsuteOne: I have spent the last 39 years as an out and proud gay person, 25 of those years with the same man…I must have struck a nerve or you would not have responded as you did my hairy one…At no point did I imply or state any of the things that you said in your VERY PREACHY letter…I have worked all my life and now that I am semi-retired I work with people living with AIDS and HIV but I am not paid…I believe that everyone SHOULD come out but it is their choice to do so..If a gay person is causing direct harm to the gay community they should be outed aggressively…I knew Harvey Milk personally…I also know Larry Kramer…YOU ASSUME a great deal and you are VERY JUDGMENTAL…I have a decent home a loving mate and a very full and satisfying life, also good health…I think perhaps you would benefit from taking up yogi or meditation…There are some rather good self-help books out there…I think your letter is more a projection than accurate observation.
HirsuteOne
@AuntieChrist:
Oh, come down off of the cross hun. It’s cold outside and people need the firewood.
HirsuteOne
@AuntieChrist:
Oh, sorry forgot to add *SNAP*. Take a walk in your own shoes before you ring anyone else’s bell.
HirsuteOne
@AuntieChrist:
You hun, are NO Harvey Milk or Larry Kramer. You should be ashamed to even invoke those names.
AuntieChrist
@HirsuteOne: You take everything I say out of context and go off point to justify I am not sure what…Harvey was my friend I don’t know your age but I can only guess that you are either young or very immature..I made no claim or comparison of myself to Harvey or Larry. However I did start a business in San Francisco in the early 80s which now employs nearly 200 gay men and women with job security health care and spousal benefits…You started this mini feud when two people made very heartfelt and sincere positive comments, you put them down and accused them of being preachy…Unfortunately judging by your continued comments which lack any relevancy to mine, I surmise that in a battle of wits you sir are unarmed…Your comments and your mock letter have all the depth and glitter of a worn dime…If you are in fact hirsute, then I suggest that you have more Neanderthal DNA than is normal for one of European descent.
HirsuteOne
Good grief, still this? It’s none of my business what you or anyone thinks about me or my comment(s). I posted my opinion and it’s just that- my opinion. Reading it doesn’t require you to agree to a TOS or join my secret club.
For the record here it is again:
HirsuteOne
I’m sure the comments bashing Latifah will be rolling in soon enough. She has the right to lead her life as she sees fit and it’s no one’s business to judge her. The issue of her “closeted” sexuality only seems to matter to those who need to legitimize themselves or use it as a weapon of shame.
The irony is not that Latifah officiated the group wedding of people that included LGBT people, the irony is that the distinction of being LGBT is fast becoming a non issue. The paradigm is changing fast and she’s ahead of the curve.
Jan 28, 2014 at 1:28 am
The simple fact is you are pissed off because of our interaction in some previous post, weeks ago (or more) and because of your grudge you couldn’t help yourself from adding your own snarky, snap enhanced, holier than thou, commentary. I simply returned the same courtesy to you. Don’t snap if you can’t handle the snaps, honey.
If you have a problem with this, then feel free to dodder over to the lobby, take a number, have a seat and amuse yourself with the rest of the nattering ninnies waiting for me to give a fuck.
Or, you while you are busy dabbing your tears with a page torn out of your own book, grab your Ouija Board and IM Harvey Milk. I’m sure he would be happy to hear from you. In fact, I hope you meet him again- soon.
hephaestion
You can only live truly free when you are out. 100% out.
jar
@Christopher: Christopher, if you are only out to those close to you that does make you less out than an Ellen Degeneres. That’s your prerogative, but don’t try to muddy the waters to appease yourself.
HirsuteOne
@AuntieChrist:
Since you apparently need a score card to keep up…here it is…for the record honey, the “preachy” comment was in another thread. Not this one. It was a snarky reply to a preachy boor (like you) who (indirectly) chastised me for being judgmental….about Madonna’s makeup. I also made a snarky comment that she looked stiff, like a corpse. However, I didn’t realize she had an injury recently. I then posted tongue in cheek mea culpas later. Nothing that was said was related to my support for Latifah’s stance.
Furthermore, there were many more vile and disgusting comments in that thread, as well as this one, but I don’t see you nailing yourself to your cross over that. Nevertheless, you weren’t involved and I fail to see why you became involved and are now crying about the fact that I won’t take your shit like some Letters Patent dispensation from the Queen.
“…battle of wits you sir are unarmed”, “…have all the depth and glitter of a worn dime”, “…have more Neanderthal DNA than is normal for one of European descent”. Admittedly, slightly funny, if dated. Did you want to slap me with your silk opera glove, too?
HirsuteOne
@AuntieChrist:
Just in case you didn’t see it, my Jan 28, 2014 at 7:35 pm reply was directed to you.
Boo
I love/loath looking at the comments section (it’s akin to watching a train wreck). I’m not sure why Queerty even bothers to write articles. All of the comments just become personal attacks. All Queerty needs to do is put a single word, like “Banana”, in the body of their articles and just let the queens have at each other. Priceless and disturbing. Ask yourself before eviscerating each other, part of the problem or solution?
Roan
@Boo:
Which one are you, Boo? Part of the problem, part of the solution or sitting watching while gleefully sipping your T?
Boo
Oh Roan, a little bit of it all. You dear?
Roan
@Boo:
Me? I’m just here for the pictures.
Louis
Gay straight it doesn’t bother me at all shes always been an ALLY and I love her especially her spirit she just radiates love.
Cam
@HirsuteOne:
The fact that you got so angry and have attacked over this would seem to indicate a weird identification with the topic.
It is irrelevant what you claim, fact is, Queen Latifah is in the closet, your opinions as to why are irrelevant, your comparing coming out to wearing a name-tag merely means that you think it is a shameful imposition on others.
Sorry you have so much baggage.
HirsuteOne
@Cam:
Yes, Cam. Your take-away from that satirical letter makes perfect sense. Good job, old chap.