Frank Ocean Says He Is Saner And Happier After Coming Out

R&B singer and songwriter Frank Ocean has been making waves since he decided to be open about his sexuality--in a community that has been criticized for homophobia in the past—in a statement earlier this month. After a startlingly energetic performance on Jimmy Fallon, the 24-year-old released his debut solo album Channel Orange to favorable reviews and a nice number 2 slot on the Billboard charts during its first week. Now, the new star says he is “happy” he made the decision to come out via Tumblr earlier this month.

The now-infamous letter was written all the way back in the holiday season of 2011, when Ocean was amidst recording Channel Orange. The star told The Guardian he knew many of the songs in his work were addressing men and he wanted to confront any potential questions head on rather than skirt around them.

"I knew that I was writing in a way that people would ask questions. I knew that my star was rising, and I knew that if I waited I would always have somebody that I respected be able to encourage me to wait longer, to not say it till who knows when."

Due to changes in the mentality of society, it is now easier than ever for celebrities to come out. Frank Ocean’s news followed a similar situation with CNN correspondent Anderson Cooper, and reception has been overwhelmingly positive. For Ocean, the decision was less about what the public would perceive and more about his “own sanity.”

”I'm happy when I wake up in the morning, and not with this freakin' boulder on my chest."

It takes a lot to get over your first real love and if Ocean can pour as much emotion into his next effort as he has with Channel Orange, I have no doubt will be hearing more from him in the time to come.