T-Pain: "Rappers Won’t Work With Frank Ocean Because He’s Gay"

by: April D. Byrd

Hip-Hop Super Producer T-Pain is speaking out in defense of his assistant and against homophobia in Hip-Hop. As T-Pain begins to speak out more openly on the issue, he revealed that not only are people afraid to approach him because his assistant is an out gay man, but He also knows certain rappers who refuse to work with Frank Ocean because of Ocean’s sexuality.

Pain said in a statement: 
“I think the radio is getting more gay-friendly,” he said. “I don’t think urban music is getting more gay-friendly, because if that was the case, Frank Ocean would be on a lot more songs. He also went on to say that he feel's "No-Homo" jokes are unnecessary. The producer also took his rant to twitter:

Just see a lot of ppl lookin at my assistant like “oh no better not go that way. That guy wants my butt” don’t be an idiot. Ur still fugly
— T-Pain (@TPAIN) April 16, 2013

Attention all homophobic idiots: if you’re not attractive to straight women, you’re probably not attractive to gay men. You can unclench now
— T-Pain (@TPAIN) April 16, 2013

T-Pain is speaking his truth foul mouthed and all. Check out His exclusive interview with DJ Vlad in the (video below). Parental Warning:---- Explicit Language.


-source

What do you think of T-Pain's perspective? Do you Agree?...or is the rapper just using the N-word too much for you to tell?! Let Us know in the comments below and follow up on Trey Anthony's Facebook fan page. 

Let's Hear it!!

I Don't Like this Situation With B.Scott and BET

I am not impressed with BET's actions this past weekend at the BET Awards involving popular blogger B.Scott. If you haven't heard about the situation as yet, the Cole's notes are that B. Scott was invited to attend the awards as a red carpet correspondent. But, once the carpet festivities were underway, he was pulled from his duties and asked to change out of the heels and clothes that he was wearing as well as pull back his hair into a ponytail. When he complied to this request, he was eventually replaced by another correspondent.

See, the problem that I have with this more so than BET's decision to restrict the clothes that he chose to wear is that they knew exactly what they would be getting when they invited him to take part in the festivities. B. Scott is known for his beautifully made up face and long flowing hair. His brand is "glamour". So knowing his brand and what he is about, it is confusing to me that BET would even invite B.Scott if they were not willing to accept his style of dress. I understand that there are such things as dress codes when you are working with an employer and representing them publicly, but perhaps this should have been a conversation had before hand?

Afterwards, B.Scott wrote a letter to speak out about his experience. Read his statement below as well as BET's statement.

A part of B. Scott's letter:

“It’s not just about the fact that BET forced me to pull my hair back, asked me to take off my makeup, made me changed my clothes and prevented me from wearing a heel. It’s more so that from the mentality and environment created by BET made me feel less than and that something was wrong with who I am as a person.”

BET's statement:

“BET Networks embraces global diversity in all its forms and seeks to maintain an inclusive workforce and a culture that values all perspectives and backgrounds,” the statement read. “The incident with B. Scott was a singular one with a series of unfortunate miscommunications from both parties. We regret any unintentional offense to B. Scott and anyone within the LGBT community and we seek to continue embracing all gender expressions.”

What are your thoughts on the whole dress code situation between BET and B.Scott? Is BET justified and restricting the style on the red carpet?

Kill the gays: Ugandan anti-homosexuality bill up for debate

It’s truly shocking to me that while gay marriage is being legalized in countries like the US and France, Uganda is choosing to move in the other direction. You may have already heard about the bill being debated in Uganda. The media calls it the “Kill the Gays bill” and officially it’s called the “anti-homosexuality bill”, but whatever it’s called it is appalling and the thought that it may get passed is frightening.

With estimates that there are at least 500,000 gay people living in Uganda, activists there are said to be preparing in case they need to start evacuating suddenly. Only 4 months ago they were celebrating the success of Uganda’s first-ever pride parade, with almost 100 people in attendance.

There are a lot of factors involved in this story, including a history of European colonization and evangelism that is directly linked to Ugandan views on homosexuality. But to pass a bill that encourages violence against a group of people is inexcusable. All governments should have to protect their citizens and this bill does the opposite.

The purpose of the bill is to “prohibit and penalize homosexual behaviour”; homosexuality is already illegal in Uganda with current penalties that go up to 14 years in prison. The anti-homosexuality bill originally included death penalties for certain “offences”. It was first introduced 3 years ago and after international pressure from governments, NGOs, LGBT and human rights activists some revisions have been made, and now it is up for debate again. The revised bill has not been released so there is still a lot of speculation about whether or not the death penalty is still included.

The anti-homosexuality bill proposes the same punishment for sexually assaulting a minor as it does for parents or people in positions of authority who engage in same-sex relationships (in the original the punishment for either of these was death). There is also a lot of language about protecting children and youth from predators. By throwing pedophiles in with gays, they stigmatize homosexuality and it helps get the bill passed faster. Well, if you’ve been following Canadian politics this strategy should be familiar; it’s the same argument that REAL Women of Canada presented this week at hearings about a bill in Canada that would protect trans human rights.

I’ll be watching closely to see whether or not the international community will be able to prevent this bill from being passed. You can help by signing this online petition and, if you’re in New York there will be a peaceful protest at noon TODAY (Friday, November 30th) Uganda Mission at 336 East 45th Street.

Guest post by Eden Hagos

Queen Latifah Headlining at Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Festival

Queen Latifah is set to headline at this year's annual Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Festival on May 19.  This performance will mark the Queen's first ever engagement at a pride celebration.

“From hip to R&B, pop to standards, Queen Latifah is the voice of our generation, and her concert here will be phenomenal,” Long Beach Pride Co-President Pat Crosby said in a statement. “For her to make her worldwide Pride debut here in Long Beach is a tremendous testament to the popularity of our celebration and to the strength of our community.”

Now the whole world is speculating (again) to whether she is gay or not.  This performance is somehow determining her sexual orientation which to me makes no sense.   In the past, headliners have included, Jennifer Hudson, Maya, and India.Arie. and I don't remember hearing anything about them in the news.

Do you think that by performing at these awards, she is 'claiming' her sexual orientation?


The bottom line is that, that whether she is gay, straight or otherwise, Queen Latifah is incredibly talented and has had an amazing career.

Take a second and reminisce on some of her highlights.....

U.N.I.T.Y

Pariah releases in select US theaters today

Pariah, for those who don't know, is a movie that follows a 17-year-old African-American lesbian, as she struggles with how to live with who she knows she is.

Pariah generated a lot of buzz at this year's Sundance Film Festival and opens in select US theaters today.

This film perfectly timed as more and more young gay people are committing suicide each day because they do not feel accepted in today's society. Hopefully this movie will continue to raise awareness and start dialogues among families and save some lives.

To my US fans and friends, check your local listings and check it out if you can.

For more info please visit their website: http://focusfeatures.com/focusfeatures/film/pariah/