Is diana ross gay
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“Not only was it a star, it was, like, the star.”
But Rodgers and Edwards helped make that superstar shine brighter than ever: Ross’ classic “Diana” album — released 40 years ago on May 22, 1980 — went on to become the best-selling LP of her career with hits such as “Upside Down” and the gay anthem “I’m Coming Out.” And perhaps more significantly, it set the twirling template for all of the diva dance-pop that would come after that, from Madonna and Janet Jackson to Beyoncé.
It was a tricky, transitional time for Ross at the beginning of the post-disco era.
It remains an enduring gay pride anthem often heard at Pride parades and other community events. “He thought that that would be Diana saying that she was gay,” says Rodgers.
But Rodgers convinced the singer to stick with the song anyway, selling it as the perfect concert opener to make a regal entrance for the rest of her life. I explained to her that it’s just like when the president comes out and they play ‘Hail to the Chief.’ ”
Diana Ross didn’t realize she was making a gay anthem when she recorded “I’m Coming Out” in 1979, says the man who co-wrote the track.
“She didn’t understand that that was a gay thing, that that was a person saying, ‘I’m coming out of the closet,’” recalled famed producer Nile Rodgers.
The song remains a triumphant symbol of freedom for the LGBTQ community and marginalized people everywhere. There is a commonly held belief among devotees that she is bisexual or fluid in her sexuality. It became an anthem for the gay community.
Hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Upside Down,” and “I’m Coming Out” cemented her status as a pop icon.
In 2021, she told Entertainment Weekly, “I’m Coming Out means freedom to me. She collaborated with the production duo Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of the group Chic. “But she knew that’s what we were doing.”
To that end, Rodgers and Edwards “interviewed” Ross before writing a note of music.
Well, she has chosen not to publicly discuss it one way or another. While she’s never publicly stated her sexual orientation, Ross has fully embraced her status as a gay icon.
So is Diana Ross gay herself?
But the Queen of Motown’s music forever touched millions of LGBTQ lives by echoing their own journeys towards fearless self-expression.
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While never directly addressing her own sexuality, Ross has signaled her support for the community in various ways.
Ross‘ daughter Tracee Ellis Ross coyly addressed the chatter about her mom’s sexuality, telling Andy Cohen, “She’s never said she’s gay, but I don’t think she would be bothered if people thought that.
Her Response to Speculation
So where exactly does Ross herself stand on all the speculation surrounding her sexual orientation?
But the singer herself has no interest in labeling her sexual identity for the public.
The Impact of Her Silence
Ross’s declining to directly address the many years of speculation has allowed fans to freely project their own ideas and beliefs onto her carefully crafted public image.
Rather than make bold declarations about her sexuality, she expresses those themes subtly through the power and artistry of her music.
Regardless of whether she publicly claims the label “gay icon,” Diana Ross’ legacy of uplifting marginalized groups with messages of pride and self-acceptance will live on.
“For two days she told us her life story, as if we were writing a magazine article,” says Rodgers.
With its driving bassline and Ross’ belting vocals declaring freedom and self-love, “I’m Coming Out” took on a life of its own. It cemented Ross’ successful reinvention for a new decade.
Importance and Impact on LGBTQ Culture
Over the years, “I’m Coming Out” (paid link) became woven into the fabric of LGBTQ culture.
“I said, ‘Diana, this song is gonna be your coming-out song. We all have different backgrounds and experiences with music, but we share a passion for writing about the things that we love.
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“The disco era ended in the summer of ’79, and she came out the next year,” says Rodgers.We are a group of friends that bonded over their shared love of playing guitar. “I had to go outside and call Bernard from a telephone booth. Her glittering career speaks for itself.
Final Words
Over six decades into her career, there’s no denying Diana Ross’ eternal status as a gay icon.