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by OnTopMag.com

Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons has said he was "profoundly moved" by singer-songwriter Frank Ocean's coming out.

Ocean, whose real name is Christopher Francis Ocean, came out as at least bisexual in a blog post on his website. He is being credited as the first mainstream hip-hop star to come out.

The 24-year-old Ocean, a member of the collective Odd Future, said in the post that his "first love" was another man.

"By the time I realized I was in love, it was malignant. It was hopeless. There was no escaping, no negotiating to the women I had been with, the ones I cared for and thought I was in love with."

Ocean added that his feelings were not reciprocated.

Simmons, a strong advocate for gay rights, applauded Ocean in a blog post.

"I am profoundly moved by the courage and honesty of Frank Ocean. Your decision to go public about your sexual orientation gives hope and light to so many young people still living in fear. These types of secrets should not matter anymore, but we know they do, and because of that I decided to write this short statement of support for one of the greatest new artists we have."

Simmons added that, "Today is a big day for hip-hop."

"It is a day that will define who we really are. How compassionate will we be? How loving can we be? How inclusive are we?"


Article provided in partnership with On Top Magazine

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