Jason Howard Green

Jason Howard Green

Thursday, November 7, 2019

People Are Angry that Robyn Crawford Has Outed Whitney


Sooo . . .  here's my two cents on this story:

The rumors surrounding the relationship between Whitney Houston and Robyn Crawford have been around for years.  This story should come as a surprise to no one.  Robyn Crawford is finally telling her "truth" regarding her relationship with Whitney "The Voice" Houston.  I heard the news in the same place I get most of my news, on Facebook.  And I immediately went to see the comments regarding this revelation. I thought I would be viewing a plethora of "Child we already knew" and "Girl it's about time" comments.  Now, those were there.  But I must admit I was stunned by the theme of the thread which seemed to be more of a "I can NOT believe she is saying this.  Whitney did not speak on it so Robyn has no business speaking on it either!"

I will start with this, I do not believe people should out others.  There are few exceptions that I have to that rule.  One of those exceptions is when people in positions of power (ie politician) do things to harm the LGBT community, and then those individuals are discovered to be gay, I say OUT THEM AS LOUD AS POSSIBLE!"  

But I must also admit, I think this is another one of those places where I think it is okay!  Now you may disagree with me.  You may not like what I'm saying.  And that is okay.  We are all entitled to our opinions.  But Robyn has sat in silence for a mighty long time.  And Whitney went on to glory over seven years.  And Robyn feels like she needs to get this off of her chest.  I think a person show have that right.  If this is not being done out a spite or being vengeful or to make a fast dollar, then I think it is okay.  I believe that if Robyn were doing this for the money, she would have dropped this book many years ago.  I believe that she was just finally really to tell her story. And I believe every word of it.

And I will share this as well.  I huge part of why I believe Robyn is Whitney's mom.  Several years ago, Cissy Houston did an interview with Oprah Winfrey.  And Opray, being as frank and forthright as she as, asked Cissy what she thought of Robyn and Whitney's relationship and asked her how would she have felt if Whitney were gay.  Cissy's response to those questions made me realize why it was so easy for Whitney to stay closeted.  Cissy came off as very homophobic in her answers.  So long before Robyn released her memoir, that interview convinced me that there was something to the relationship between these two.

I for one am happy that this news is now out there.  This is not the first time someone has been outed posthumously and it won't be the last.  Luther Vandross was outed by BFF Patti Labelle after he died.  Nell Carter was outed by her partner after she died.  It has happened before and it will continue to happen.  So to Robyn, go tell it on the mountain. Over the hills and everywhere.

And if you want to know why I am convinced this is true, please check out the conversation below between Sissy and Oprah . . .

Congratulations Mayor Joyce Craig


I would like to extend a big happy and hearty congratulations to Manchester mayor Joyce Craig on her victory Tuesday night.  Mayor Craig will remain as the mayor of the Queen City.  And I for one am here for it.  I feel like you have to support those people that support you.  And I honestly do not know a great deal about this mayor, I do know these things . . . 

Mayor Joyce Craig is the first mayor in the history of this city to fly the LGBT Pride flag over city hall.  When asked by her constituents if she would honor Pride month by flying the flag, she did not hesitate.  And she invited the community out to witness the raising of the flag and to celebrate the significance of the day.  That I know because I was there to witness the raising of the flag.  

I know that when I attended the Manchester Transgender Rally and Picnic, she was there.  And she got on the microphone announced publicly that she was a supporter of our community and offered to help and serve in any way that she could.  I did not expect to see her there.  But she was there.

I know that the "We Are One Festival" (the Afro-Carribean festival held in Manchester) is the only festival that I am aware of that celebrates people of color in this city.  It is a day of food and fun.  It is a day of culture.  It is a day of fellowship.  And it is the only time in Manchester where I am surrounded by a sea of other black faces.  And I know that on the morning of the last "We Are One" event that I attended (a morning filled with clouds and rain), the mayor was there to welcome those in attendance and help kick-off the event.  

Joyce Craig.  Thank you for showing up and supporting the LGBT community in Manchester.  Thank you for supporting the people of color in Manchester.  Thank you for supporting immigrant and refugees. I think this is a mayor that recognizes the value in the diversity of our great city.  And for that I appreciate her.  And I am glad to see her in the office again!