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Raven-Symoné: 'I Don't Want to Be Labeled As Gay'

The actress resists being defined by sexuality, race.

Raven-Symoné isn't one to hold her tongue when she has something to say, and she's sure to stir up some controversy with remarks she made this weekend regarding her sexuality and race. 
Speaking to Oprah Winfrey, the former child star — who came out last year — explained why she has kept quiet about her sexuality despite being "in an amazing, happy relationship with my partner, a woman," model AzMarie Livingston. "I don't want to be labeled as gay," the That's So Raven star said. 
To be fair, the actress adds that she resists all labels, be they about her gender, sexuality or race. "I'm not an African-American, I'm an American," she stressed to a shocked Winfrey, who predicted a swift backlash on social media to the provocative statement. "I don't know where my roots go to. I don't know what country in Africa I'm from. But I do know my roots go back to Louisiana. I'm an American, and that's a colorless person."
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 (Photo: Rochelle Brodin/Getty Images for NYLON)

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