The rapper Makonnen, who burst onto the scene with 2014's smash hit "Tuesday," announced to the world that he is gay. The 27-year-old did it in the most millennial way possible, via Twitter.
Makonnen's willingness to come out is notable because of hip hop culture's reluctance to shun homophobia. Even now, more than a year after gay marriage has been legalized, homosexuality remains stigmatized within the hip hop community. Nevertheless, Makonnen received an mixed response on Twitter ranging from support.....
......to contempt......
......to so what?
Despite the mixed responses Makonnen's announcement is very timely. Following Donald Trump's inauguration, multiple pages from the Whitehouse.gov website were deleted including the one on LGBT rights. Moving forward it may be imperative for those with a platform such as Makonnen to announce their support for the LGBT community and their rights.