Raven-Symone: ‘I’m not African American’

Raven_SymoneRaven-Symone is an actress, student and former child star, but apparently what she is not, is an African American. The former “The Cosby Show” star sat with Oprah Winfrey for an episode of “Where Are They Now” that aired Saturday. As the two discussed Raven’s sexuality, she shared that she doesn’t like to be shoved into any specific category and labeled. “I don’t want to be labeled gay. I want to be labeled a humans who love humans. I’m tired of being labeled,” explained Raven whose dislike of categorization includes race. “I’m an American; I’m not an African American. I’m an American.” Oprah, assuming that Raven would receive a lot of criticism for not claiming African American as her ethnicity, said she’s not sure what her racial background is. With lighter skin than many African Americans, many consider Raven biracial, and she said that’s exactly what America is about. “I don’t know where my roots go to… I do know that my roots are in Louisiana. I’m an American and that’s a colorless person ’cause we’re all people. I have lots of things running through my veins,” she said. As for her sexuality, Raven confirmed rumors that she’s dating a woman, but she refrained from using the terms “gay” or “lesbian.” “I’m in an amazing, happy relationship with my partner, a woman,” said Raven who knew as a teen that she was attracted to women. She did not have a label for it then, and she doesn’t use labels now. “I knew when I was like 12. I was looking at everything. I don’t need language. I don’t need a categorizing statement for it,” she said. “I don’t label myself.”