Raven-Symoné Talks Labeling People 'African American' or 'Gay' on Oprah; Explains Her Faith [VIDEO]

Raven-Symoné Photo
Photo of Raven-Symoné |

'The Cosby Show' and 'That's So Raven' actress Raven-Symoné revealed some shocking statements regarding her race and sexual orientation in her recent discussion with legendary talk show host Oprah Winfrey.

The 28-year-old Atlanta native said in her discussion with Oprah that she knew she was attracted to males and females at the age of 12-years-old.

"I don't want to be labeled 'gay, I want to be labeled 'a human who loves humans,'" said Raven-Symoné to Oprah on the OWN network.

"...I will say that I'm in an amazing, happy relationship with my partner. A woman...People in my family, they've taught me to keep my personal life to myself as much as possible. So, I try my best to hold the fence where I can...But I am proud to be who I am and what I am."

In the same interview, 'The Hanging With Mr. Cooper' star also explained that she is tired of being called an African-American when it relates to the issue of race in American.

"I mean, I don't know where my roots go to. I don't know how far back they go... I don't know what country in Africa I'm from, but I do know that my roots are in Louisiana. I'm an American. And that's a colorless person," said Raven.

"I don't label myself, I have darker skin. I have a nice, interesting grade of hair. I connect with Caucasian, I connect with Asian, I connect with Black, I connect with Indian, I connect with each culture... Isn't that what America's supposed to be?"

According to a Hollow Verse report, Raven previously revealed in another interview that her religious views influence her role in Hollywood.

"I'm just a human being. I don't think it's necessary to over-exaggerate the fact that I'm an African-American. I'm a human first. Just thank God that in the roles for which I've been picked, it's not about the color. It's about the story. And hopefully, that story is so universal that it will connect with everyone, including an alien...Underlining it, I know I'm African-American, and I'm proud of that. And I think it's very important that more of us be cast to tell normal stories. But I try to not stress over it," said Raven to the Pittsburgh Urban Media.

"I'm introspective every day, every moment of the day. I'm a very spiritual person. Every day I look within myself, because that's where I get my strength from. If you don't look within, I don't see how you can survive in this world, because it wasn't made for the weak-minded."