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Raven-Symone: I Don’t Want to Be Labeled as Gay or African American

It’s the future she can see! Raven-Symone spent her childhood in the public spotlight, first breaking out as little Olivia Kendall on The Cosby Show in the late ‘80s before moving on to Disney Channel fame on That’s So Raven and in The Cheetah Girls movies. But in August 2013 it was the grown-up child star’s personal life that made headlines when she seemingly came out as gay, tweeting, “I can finally get married! Yay government! So proud of you.”

Related: PHOTOS: Stars' coming out stories

In a new interview with Oprah Winfrey, Symone, 28, opened up for the first time in a candid discussion of her sexuality and the labels that have surrounded her through the years. 

Raven Symone
Raven-Symone spoke out about her sexuality and race in an interview with Oprah Winfrey.

“I knew when I was 12. I was looking at everything,” she said, adding, “I don’t need a categorizing statement for it. I don’t want to be labeled gay. I want to be labeled a human who loves humans. I’m tired of being labeled…I’m in an amazing, happy relationship with my partner, a woman. On the other side, my mother and people in my family, they’ve taught me to keep my personal life to myself as much as possible, but I am proud to be who I am and what I am.”

Related: PHOTOS: Disney stars through the years

Continuing on the topic of labels, Symone added, “I’m an American. I’m not an African American,” to which Winfrey replied, “Oh girl, don’t set the Twitter on fire. What did you just say?”

Related: PHOTOS: Hollywood's gay power couples

Symone remained calm despite her potentially controversial statement, explaining, “I don’t know where my roots go to. I don’t know what country in Africa I’m from, but I do know I have roots in Louisiana. I’m an American, and that’s a colorless person. We are all people. I have lots of things running through my veins. I connect with each culture.” 

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