Tank Discusses Sexual Fluidity

This week, singer and sex symbol Tank set the internet ablaze, once again, with his comments surrounding sexuality. Previously the unapologetic R&B crooner was catapulted into the spotlight of public opinion when he spoke out in support of his LGBT fans and decided to perform at DC Black Pride in 2017. Now the singer has once again drove his heterosexual fans into a frenzy with his comments about sexuality among men and experiences with other men.

On October 21st, speaking with Angela Yee and co host on her Lip service podcast, early into the interview the conversation segwayed when Yee pushed the conversation further when she asked "what if a dude sucks a dick once, does that make him gay?" And of course candidly stating, " He sucked dick once, right? Then, he's like I'm not sure if I liked it or not. Let me try it again," and upon not liking it, "it doesn't mean he's gay... the art of being gay is being gay. It's a continuious state of being." Naturally the star was met with mixed reaction afterward, sparking an ongoing debate.

Tank, like many other Black male celebrities, read more here, is helping to change and improve the conversation surrounding homosexuality. Exploring ones sexuality, no matter the age, and engaging in a sexual act with someone of the same sex doesn't eternally etch one's sexuality into stone. Sexuality is fluid and there should be no shame or stigma engaging in something to decide if it's something you like. Challegnging the stigma of black sexuality has been an ongoing fight. The subject has also been touched on through other outlets such as Issa Rae's series Insecure.

Furthering the conversation only helps to end the stigma once and for all, and that only helps makes the world a better and less judgemental place.

Christian Keyes Is An Artist Not Ally.

While it's no secret that Hollywood loves casting heterosexuals to portray homosexual characters, one would think that most, if not all, actors who take on these roles would be 100% secure with their sexuality. Unfortunately, even in 2019 the male heterosexual ego remains fragile as ever, as showcased by actor Christian Keyes recent rant on Instagram where he addressed the unwelcomed attention he receives from gay men on his social media accounts. Link to video below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Br9tD4UgBMR/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=3kgpgytmez4e

 Aside from respecting his sexual preference, Keyes rant is damaging as it only further demonstrates the issues of casting non homosexuals to portray homosexual roles in film and television. As much as these actors respect others truths and appreciate the support the truth is often very few are allies of the LGBT Community. Surely Keyes knows he is not the first heterosexual male to be ogled and hit on by fans of the same sex. Heterosexual stars like actor Ryan Reynolds and R&B singer Tank are well known for embracing gay fans without taking offense to flirtatious behavior. Instead of ignoring male advances, or being flattered to receive them, Keys has to defend his fragile sexuality and in turn only alienates his fans and showcases a degree of homophobia.

The best thing Keyes could have done in this situation was to just ignore any and all messages received by males after all, at this point in his career any interesting opportunities wouldn't and shouldn't be presented via his inbox. Given that Keyes portrays a gay man on the CW series Legends of Tomorrow, one doesn't know how his comments will effect his work going forward considering Hollywood's low tolerance for any type of homophobia, no matter how blanketed they may be.

Coming to Terms

Coming to Terms is my first novel and one of my greatest accomplishments to date. It is a coming of age tale about a young man named Justice Rae and the struggle with his sexuality and self-esteem. It isn’t an autobiography but I will admit that there are pieces of me within the character Justice. Aside from that, I would like to think that any homosexual adolescent will see themselves in the character and be able to relate to him and his struggle.

What prompted me to write this book is the fact that there weren’t/aren’t any books pertaining to this particular topic. (Or that I am aware of). All books that I have encountered have either been targeted to adult homosexual males and their relationship or adult black gay men not accepting their sexuality. Though they were good to read none of those books truly spoke to me.

I remember reading On The Down Low by J.L. King in High School realizing that ‘this isn’t me. I’ve always accepted my sexuality.’ And I think that was the turning point for me and my writing. I always knew that I wanted to be an author, I felt that I could write any and everything that there is to be written but I finally had a target audience that I could cater too. I wanted to write a novel that related to adolescents between the ages of thirteen and seventeen. Something they could read and know that they weren’t in this alone because personally, I didn’t have anything to relate to as I dealt with my sexuality.

Coming to Terms began on one lazy summer afternoon when I was bored at home with nothing to do but write. I wanted to write a love story showcasing the unity between two males but it quickly transformed into something more. I’ve always had a strong compassion towards young adult literature so I figured why not write something that could encompass multi genres as well as relate to readers coming into their sexuality along with those who at one time struggled with theirs.

Though the protagonist is a homosexual, as a reader you don’t have to be in order to read and enjoy his journey. Coming to Terms also deals with the dynamics of family, exploring how one's sexuality impacts those around him or her, as well as how the views of individuals can hurt and influence a closeted homosexual.

There are three important things that I  want each reader to take away from Coming to Terms . First is that love is genderless and colorless and that the heart wants what the heart wants, also readers must realize that some no matter how bad we may want certain things, there are just things that aren’t meant for us to have, and finally through finding love is important self-love is the most important love anyone can find.

I self-published Coming to Terms through Lulu.com so everything, the good and the bad, falls on me. It has been an amazing journey and it’s not even close to being over. I accept all feedback and criticism, no matter how good or bad, because at the end of the day it will only make me a better and stronger writer.

Coming to Terms is available at  www.amazon.com in paperback and on amazon kindle.