AZMarie & Raven
Earlier this week it was reported by The National Enquirer, World’s Least Reliable News Source, that actress/singer Raven-Symoné, currently starring in Sister Act on Broadway, is a lesbian currently in a relationship with AzMarie, this smokin’ hot androgynous model who recently appeared on the Tyra Banks Television Spectacular America’s Next Top Model. The story made the standard rounds and was brought to our attention about five billion times by various readers.
On Wednesday, Logo Online’s NewNowNext blog wrote:
Raven-Symoné has reportedly come out of the closet, this according to the website MediaTakeOut. They claim to have gotten the news from the National Enquirer (they NEVER publish anything misleading or false), who are claiming the actress is now officially out. Their report claims:
Sources close to Raven say she’s GAY and has shacked up with AzMarie Livingston, the androgynous beauty seen on “America’s Next Top Model.” The two are living together in Raven’s luxury $11,00-a-month [sic] New York City condo.. . .
She’s at a point now where she doesn’t care what her family thinks, and she’s in love with AzMarie. She’s a lesbian and wants to live that way.”
At Headquarters, we were undoubtedly titillated by this development, and not just because “That’s So Raven” is the best television show title of all time and offers endless opportunities for editorial riffs — we were excited because Raven-Symoné is cool, her alleged girlfriend is hot, and it’d be sweet to have her on our team. Personally, when I was a little girl I wished upon a star quite often that Olivia from The Cosby Show would be my best friend forever. She was just so cute and so so so funny and I thought she was just the best. Just the best!
But, without any confirmation from Raven herself or news from any reputable sources, we had to keep that excitement in-house, which was devastating as we generally like discussing these sorts of things with the group. Editorial Assistant Bren had the following brilliant idea: “If Sarah Croce would just go ask her about sweet figs or something, then we’d know for sure.”
This isn’t the first time such rumors have made the news. In 2008, Raven responded to lesbian rumors with an all-caps denial:
ME DATING A GIRL: EVEN THO I ADORE MY GAY AND LESBIAN COMMUNITY!!!!!! I HANG AND CHILL WITH THEM, AND ADMIRE THEIR FIERCE-NESS. AND LEARN FROM THEM EVERYDAY. I HAVE THIS TO SAY… 1) ITS FALSE THAT IM DATING A GIRL RIGHT NOW. 2)RUDE TO QUESTION SOMETHING SO PERSONAL. WE ARE ALWAYS FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHTS FOR THE GAY AND LESBIAN COMMUNITY. ITS NOT A FAD FOR THEM, ITS NOT THE NEXT COOL BAG FOR THEM, ITS WHO THEY ARE, AND I THINK THAT FALSLY ACCUSING SOMEONE, WATERS DOWN THE IMPORTANCE OF ACTUALLY SAYING YES TO GAY WEDLOCK, AND OTHER RIGHTS FOR THAT MOST AMAZING COMMUNITY.
Her response to this round of rumors was a bit more subdued, and suggestive:
Honestly, I’m having a hard time figuring out what to say about all this — but I do want to know what you think! I like Raven-Symoné a lot and it’d be really cool for media representation if she came out — she’s talented, smokin’ hot, super-successful, and a woman of color. Furthermore, Raven-Symoné is undoubtedly an LGBT ally — she even posed for a No H8 shoot, and recently performed at a Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS event.
Ultimately, I think most people agree that nobody is obligated to come out, even celebrities who stand to make a huge impact by doing so, and “outing” is only acceptable in the case of, say, a political figure who is actively pursuing anti-gay legislation while riding the homosexual pony in his off-hours. Raven is definitely not that, and the only person who knows what’s best for Raven is, ultimately, Raven.
But damn. I really wanted to be able to title this article “That’s So Gayven,” you know?
I kind of took what she tweeted as a confirmation.
only gay people hedge about their sexuality. if raven were straight, she would say, sorry guys! i’m straight. saying, its “‘private” its tantamount to saying she is gay.
Maybe she just doesn’t care that people are questioning her sexuality because it’s not that big of a deal to her.
Like C.J. Cregg
You should know that I am reading this at the intermission of a WW marathon
I can’t.
Yeah. I don’t know who that is.
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=C.J.+Cregg
Point is that I don’t care enough to google it. *shrug*
Didn’t Johnny Galecki (Big Bang Theory, Roseanne) refuse to confirm or deny rumors that he was gay for years? When he finally did answer it turns out he was straight and just didn’t think it was anybody else’s business.
Ha! Yes, he did! I loved that. He’s awesome in my book.
This seems very similar to equating a blank “interested in” section on facebook with gayness. I have both gay and straight friends who leave this section blank, so I don’t think we should jump to conclusions about Raven’s sexuality just because she refused to flat out say she’s straight.
This is a fantastic analogy. Although, I used to be one of those “straight” people who left that section blank on facebook, and I tend to think that’s not something that would even occur to a Kinsey 0 as something to do. I’m sure some people are just really sensitive/private, but I’ve talked to a lot of people who are some degree of questioning and that’s why they leave it blank, so idk…
Eh, maybe. I feel like the people who are really that committed to people not knowing they’re gay are the ones who are like “nope, straight!” and drag out some opposite-gender beard to “confirm” it. I’ve seen a lot of straight celebrities who pretty much refuse to address gay rumors because they don’t think it should be an issue.
yeah the tweet seems to be confirmation to me. while i agree in principle that no one is obligated to come out for the good of the community as it were, i wish it was less of a big deal. it’d be nice if for once when lesbo rumours abound the celebrity could just say “yeah i am…and?”
Ha That’s So Gayven would have been hilarious.
As much as I want this to be true (because I love Raven),I do think it’s just a bunch of gossip. If she is in a relationship with Azmarie, she is definitely not obligated to tell anyone. I think the problem with most people and celebs is that we sometimes feel like we should know every little detail about their personal lives which is simply not the case.
oh lord, the things I would do to that woman should be listed in the mental health act.
So she’s gay, right? That’s what it means when someone says, “It’s none of your business,” right? Not that, you know, it is actually none of my business who she’s dating/loving since I don’t know her and she owes me nothing. Denial always means gay, so…She’s gay. Cool.
I’m filing her under “Probably” along with Dianna Agron, Ellen Page, and KStew.
But like when you say “probably” you’re pretty much nodding your head right?
Totally.
Sounds about right. However, I have been told from one of my big-time director pals that Ellen Page “totallyyyyy plays for [our] team.” So I’ve filed her under “Definitely Probably”
I heard Ellen Page is dating Clea Duvall. But I heard it on tumblr so there’s a possibility that its not true
http://socialitelife.com/photos/ellen-page-visits-old-montreal-with-clea-duvall-joins-woody-allens-new-film/ellen-page-clea-duvall-montreal-06292011-05
http://cdn04.cdn.socialitelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/ellen-page-clea-duvall-montreal-06292011-07-435×580.jpg
guhhhh ellen page is so hot and she wears like the same clothes as me but better and omg so hot
I am going to assume that you are also so hot. Call me maybe?
yeah of everybody mentioned in the ‘probably’ list up there, ellen page is the only one i think for sure is true
Not gonna lie, I Fist-pumped as I read this
ok hi! i got yelled at on formspring about this comment and i realize that as the editor of this site i should be more careful about what i say because it holds more weight or something and i can’t just comment like a normal person. so i should say that i could be wrong, about ellen… like, i’d never say it in an actual post, i’m not that sure.
that being said, i think it’s pretty interesting that on the Hot 100, Ellen Page came in at #7 despite instructions to vote for (more-or-less out) queer women.
[yes, yes, i’m backpedaling! yup! watch me backpedal on out of here like an asshole]
well since I’m not an editor on this site, I can say. Ellen is a “Definitely Probably” on the more “definite” part of the “probably”
I know, but “Probably” covers “yeah they totally are but they still haven’t come out so let’s just be polite and respectful while mentally including them when we tally gay celebrities”.
We have the exact same wish list.
This perfect and accurate list.
I think the best evidence that Dianna plays for our team is that she does not have very good taste in men.
Of course, a lot of straight girls I know don’t, and some of them share her like of Alex Pettyfer, so, who knows?
Also, Sebastian Stan? lolololololololol
She could also make it less obvious by not always choosing the “up & coming hot guy of the moment that needs the PR” or you know, waiting till at least the Tuesday after the movie premiere to announce the breakup.
I’m crossing my fingers for Rooney Mara and St. Vincent (aka Annie Clark).
IF ANNIE CLARK WERE GAY MY HEART WOULD EXPLODE INTO TEN THOUSAND PIECES AND THEN I’D TRY TO FIND HER BUT WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO BECAUSE OF THE HEART THING. DO YOU SEE THESE CAPSLOCKS, ANNIE? MARRY ME, I’D BE SO GOOD TO YOU.
YOU GUYS WERE RIGHT ABOUT ELLEN!
Do you all realize that almost ten years later, three of these four women are out and proud?? I’m happy to have lived to see this, even if it is in the middle of a pandemic.
Thank you Autostraddle and fellow queers!
I used to have such a little girl crush on her back in the day when she was on Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century.
Zetus lupetus!
also i still have a crush.
…well, not on baby raven, obv.
grown up raven did not disappoint.
Reading this article, I could only think this:
(Ahh if only I knew how to embed!!)
the first thing that came to mind when i heard this rumor was, “aw snap!”
I hope this works, or I’ll be embarrassed.
I love love Raven-Symone. This girl always carries herself well when interviewed, is very supportive of the gay community, and she recently managed the impossible by being a sane voice of reason as a guest host on the View. This 25 yr old woman made Sherri and Bitsy look incredibly immature by comparison. I wish this woman all the best in the world so if she really is gay then welcome to the family but she should be allowed to come out on her own terms.
And for what it’s worth, as a gay POC, I think it’s maybe a little harder for us to come out to our friends and family. Add being a celeb to that and it’s even harder. Queen Latifah has still yet to come out. I get the pressure they are under.
P.S. Yes , That’s So Raven is the best tv ever. Definitely the best Disney sitcom of all time. I wish they still aired reruns.
I want this to be true! I loe Ellen&Portia but I’ve been looking for another young lesbian celebrity couple to follow ever since Lindsay and Sam Ronson broke up
Speaking of which, wasn’t Raven ‘roommates’ with Lindsay back in the day?
She talks about it here. I love the way she does finger quotes when she says “Let’s have a roommate experience.” She talks about how she was surprised by Lindsay’s body.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYOThv2vaIA
You have to watch the clip. It’s so funny and she seems so cool.
Fave quote though is the bit about liking eating though. So funny.
That picture of SamRo and Lilo that Gaby posted earlier this week made me nearly wistful for 2008. Nearly.
“But damn. I really wanted to be able to title this article “That’s So Gayven,” you know?”
Excellent work.
weren’t Raven Symone and Lindsay Lohan roommates at some point of their early career?
Yes. This was right around the time of Mean Girls. They had met during a Vanity Fair photoshoot and became friends. This is the same shoot that really ignited the Lohan/Duff fued. They stopped being roommates before Lindsey really went through her troubled phase. I don’t know if they are still in contact or not.
well, from what I can tell, Raven Simone seems to have things well under control, in comparison to LL.
I got a gay vibe from “That’s So Raven”.
this is all i want for memorial (or is it veteran’s coming up?) day.
That’s So Raven is one of the funniest shows that came out of the Disney Channel. We used to watch it in college.
She’s gone off, on my gaydar before.
But, also, it would be sooo awesome if she was gay!!! She’s been such a positive role model all her life. This would just take it even further. She’d be a great role model for gay folks everywhere.
A lot of times Disney stars come off obnoxious, but she’s a Disney star that always came off confident and humble and down to earth while being insanely successful at the same time. I think she was producer on her own show which is pretty awesome.
Needless to say, I’m a huge fan and would be thrilled if it turned out she was a part of the LGBTQ community. Prior to this, I didn’t know she was so supportive of us. Her tweets make it sound like she’s gay. But, yep, it’s totally her business.
Laughing because when will gay celebrities learn that the more of a fuss you make of it, the more likely it is to be true.
See : Dianna Gaygron and her giant effing Tumblr essay about *I’m not a lesbian but if I were…!* yeah okay, the lady doth protest too much.
Just…Raven baby gurl, nobody cares if you’re gay and everyone loves you, so come on out of the closet and get yo ass to the big gay welcome party. We have cookies. And CAKE! (sidenote : gay brownies also available).
wait… I’m curious, why do you think Dianna Agron is gay? she does not ping my gaydar, like at all, even after the “likes girls” t-shirt incident and her tumblr essay… (I mean, it made sense to me)
Well, she’s not called The Pussy Bandit for nothing.
Thanks, I now have “Dianna Agron Pussy Bandit” in my search history.
In a just world, that phrase would catch on just like EVAN RACHEL WOOD BISEXUAL has.
oh let it be so!
Dammit. Me too. Curiosity killed the cat, as it were.
Oh my God, you must not follow her at all to not see her gay. I could give you an essay on how Dianna is the Gayest Gay to Ever Gay, including: her deflecting laughter whenever men are mentioned in interviews, the way she eye-fucks female interviewers, and her never denying a relationship with Lea Michele. Other noteworthy mentions include: her use of gender-neutral pronouns when referring to hypothetical romantic partners, her very obvious PRomance with another suspected-gay actor, and her beautiful essay where she only ruled out the fact that she doesn’t identify as a “lesbian” which really doesn’t mean anything, especially when her agents have constantly reined her actions in (see: the unfolding debacle following her wearing the Likes Girls shirt).
Excuse me, I need this essay in my life.
Refers to herself as Charlie, claims she was a guy in a past life in more than one interview. She pings in a couple different ways. She could be gender queer, too.
No, she’s openly stated that she loves being a girl, but yeah, Charlie is super awesomely queer. Charlie is her male alter-ego but that doesn’t mean she’s genderqueer.
Ah, that’s cool. I haven’t seen all of her interviews.
well, I occasionally follow news on the Glee actresses, but I never saw things that way. Naya Rivera doesn’t use specific pronouns in interviews either. honestly I think it’s a calculated move on their (PR) part to keep fans guessing/intrigued.
I also assumed Dianna was straight because her attitude towards these rumors have always been so nonchalant. like I recall her in an interview earlier this year, dismissing the “relationship” with Lea Michele, it was on the lines of “the fans are convinced we’re dating because of all these pictures of us hugging… it’s funny, but flattering.” or something.
Fun fact : she has never actually denied her relationship with Lea. She’s dismissed the questions and has given really *really* vague answers but she’s never denied it. Not once.
Prime example of Dianna Gaygron in full swing – http://katpissnevernude.tumblr.com/post/19874285498/touristseason-msanimanga-subtle-gron-brb – she practically devours the interview woman with her eyes, hot damn.
Also, new favourite phrase of the fandom is “Dianna Agron is single and NEVER DATES ANYONE” because really, pretty much the only time she has spoken about a guy in a romantic way was Christopher Walken and the last time she spoke about someone in a romantic was about Taylor Swift.
(Sorry, I just have a lot of feelings omg).
Thank you, that was the interview I was referring to for the major eye-fucking. It makes me giggle every time because REALLY HOW CAN DIANNA BE STRAIGHT WITH THAT INTERACTION??
Wait, wasn’t she dating Alex Pettyfer for a while, her co-star in that I Am Number Four movie that nobody saw?
He’s pretty feminine-looking though so that doesn’t help the rumors. (Also, not that attractive but maybe that’s just me.)
I’ve also heard rumors that she’s dated Tim Tebow but I’m pretty sure those are complete BS (why would a holier-than-thou fundamentalist Christian like Tebow date a Jewish girl, and vice versa?) and probably just come out of the fact that she appears to be friends with Taylor Swift, Tebow’s actual gf/ex-gf/I’m not sure because I don’t keep up with these things enough.
The Alex Pettyfer thing was a total PRomance. They’re relationship lasted like a few months and very conveniently ended at the same time the press tour did…
Tebow tried his luck haha, but nothing happened between them, she says they only spoke briefly I think???
Also Tebow totally pings for me – have you guys seen that interview where he’s rocking some serious gay hand gestures?
Also, immediately after the movie was released, Dianna denied being in a relationship with him, so she can’t even adhere to regular PRomance code.
Oh, Di.
Tim Tebow is so obviously gay gay gay but is probably always going to keep playing the “looking for a nice Christian girl who wants to settle down” card because not only is there the whole professional football player thing, he’s also the homeschool poster boy and everybody in that world would turn on him in an instant. The going on a date with Taylor Swift thing only convinces me of that even more because John Mayer aside, she seems to have established herself as a professional beard.
Can I just say: Who can blame D.A. for eye-fucking that reporter? She’s REALLY HOT.
Also I’ve always gotten a massive gay ping from her. They never let Quinn smile on Glee (I’ll understand why – every time she smiles a baby lesbian gets her wings/toaster and rainbows shoot out of the sky and all seems right with the world) but if you see Dianna in her own element it is like gay-de-gay-gay-gay joy.
Funny story: My best friend and I used to act like Lea and Dianna in public, and whenever people asked if we were dating, we’d just laugh it off and say “No, we’re just really close friends, guh, why do people keep asking if we’re dating??”
How do Lea and Dianna respond to the rumours: “We find it hilarious! We just laugh about it! I mean, it’s so funny! Why can’t you just hug your friends?”
Guess what.
Now I’m dating my “best friend”.
Just saying.
Sobbing omg.
I’m sorry but Lea is not straight either, like, that’s an actual thing, with actual basic confirmation omg.
AE asked her about her sexuality or something like that and her actual reply was “Baby, I’m from New York. That’s all I gotta say about that. Before I say something my publicist gets upset about! [Laughs]” wow okay Lea heterosexual Michele. If you are completely straight then that horrible TV show you’re on is inoffensive and well-written.
Lea heterosexual Michele is more a move of Fox wanting to keep their Glee actors straight (hell, they wanted to keep the lid on Colfer when the show came out). Anyone who knew of Lea in her NY days knows that girl was never really “in”
Also, Naya’s on my “Hmm… Maybe” list for queer actresses, so.
And agreed. Naya is such a flirt, though I don’t think she gives an eff about your gender, really.
How did we not discuss these theories at Acamp?! omg, next camp we must compare essays. You ARE going to next camp, yes?
I watched ‘Revenge of the Bridesmaids’ last night on Netflix Instant Watch in honor of this. Well not really, I was already watching it before my girlfriend told me about this kerfuffle. But I was reminded of Raven’s boobs and I would like them on our team. A girl can dream.
She’s right, it’s none of our business!
I mean, who cares anyway? Shes just a person, loving other people.
If the figs ploy fails, I volunteer to make out with someone in front of her as a back-up measure.
also, go see sister act on broadway if you can. i laughed myself to tears. raven is the shit.
I need this in my life.
I always feel conflicted between the “none of my business” camp and feeling that celebrities coming out is really important for progress on a lot of levels. Hollywood is kind of America’s “false idol,” this big fake thing people listen to for beliefs and perspective on the pulse of society, whether or not it’s being portrayed with any truth other than that of the white dudes controlling almost every impression of culture. It’s important for the people attached to the fake things to see the real part- the people, esp the aspects that don’t get included in our cultural facade. The U.S. is really uneducated about our country’s media and its universal presence in our lives just makes people uneducated and miseducated about our world.
I just think its sad if someone in the position of being able to represent a glimmer of their relevant reality to ignorant masses, unrepresented groups and disheartened kids chooses not to… but it’s not like I can really understand the factors in their lives either.
wtfffff phone why did this end up here
please god let her be gay PLEASE GOD
Ran into Raven on the beach in Maui a few years ago vacationing with my family. She was super nice and took a picture with my little sisters. My one famous person interaction. In person she tottaly pinged my gaydar.
Let’s all just be honest for a second. Sure. Having Raven be gay would be awesome for queer women of color. No denying that shit.
But deep down inside we just want her to be gay…so we know that there is a chance, even if that is microscopic, we still have a chance at dating her.
Right?
Yes.
I have so many conflicting feelings when I see you, like I can’t not upmod because cute puppy but cute puppy + bra is like cute things + boobs which is two completely separate pinterest boards and I don’t quite know how to resolve these feelings.
Behind this puppy avatar is a sexaaaay gay lady, I promise!
I pray to the gay God’s this is true.
*sings* “That’s so Gayyyven!! It’s the future I can see. That’s so Gayyyven!!! Not so mysterious to me.”
I heard the rumor and my mine went to totally inappropriate (sexy) places.
That aside, no one should be outed. I don’t care who you are, you have the right to come out when you’re ready to come out.
I’m going to go back to my totally inappropriate (sexy) mind place now…..
Well snap, that’s so Raven!
Why isn’t this true? Why? They would make the hottest couple!
I KNOW
Sigh, I always loved Raven so, if she’s gay, then so be it. if she doesn’t ever want to confirm or deny it, then she is entitled to, I guess. But I think it sort of speaks volumes she didn’t deny it when she had the opportunity.
Perhaps she simply does not like the media putting labels on her.
Even if she is dating AzMarie, do we know that AxMarie identifies as a woman?
Identity in general, including sexual orientation, is a highly personal and complex concept; it’s up to each individual to decide for themselves how they identify. For us or anyone to publically asign labels to an individual is always a problem! And they’re refusal to accept said labels should not be seen as denial or confirmation… simply refusal to accept someone else’s label.
I know this makes me a bad queermo, but when people get that defensive over rumors about their sexuality, I pretty much assume that the rumor is true.
Samesies. Someone mentioned Galecki above: he never went on the defensive about how his sexuality is private and blah blah blah; he just ignored the questions. Raven is not ignoring the question. She’s just avoiding a definitive answer.
um. someone tried to out her. that’s not something to be excited about.
See, but this is how we can forevermore answer any questions of queerness: “If Sarah Croce would just go ask her about sweet figs or something, then we’d know for sure.”
Not saying anything… just that “Az” are the first two letters of my name and “Marie” is half of my middle name.
HANGIN WITH MR. COOPER
i would love it if raven came out, mostly because i’d be cheering her on for bagging the incredibly hot azmarie, it is her personal business who she is dating. i mean, if i was straight, i’d go gay for azmarie, she’s that fucking hot. anyway, i love the fact that raven is so supportive of the gay community, and thinks that speculation over a person’s sexuality trivializes the lives of lgbt people. no matter what her sexual orientation is, she’s got her head on straight and her heart in the right place.
It’s always weird when someone talks about “accusing” people of being gay. Can you accuse someone of something that ISN’T bad?
I am a light being made from love
and I watched Cheetah Girls 2 today
Yes to all of this.
Don’t even get me started on the songs…
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