11 September 2009

WATCH: Gospel Star Tonex Confirms Rumors and Same Sex Attraction

Anthony Charles Williams II, the Stellar Award-winning gospel singing artist, producer and minister better known by his stage name Tonex, confirms his long-rumored sexuality and admits that he "is" attracted to men. Tonex's admission on the popular The Lexi Show, a popular gospel and Christian YouTube show, is perhaps the first time a gospel singer has confirmed their homosexuality, writes Darian Aaron, the Atlanta-based blogger and gospel music fan.

"Tonex boldly opens the closet door in a way that I could never imagine anyone else in the gospel music industry having the courage to do. As a childhood victim of molestation, Tonex refuses to blame his same-sex attraction on this experience like many of his colleagues who "struggle" with homosexuality (i.e. Donnie McClurkin) and corrects the interviewer when she attempts to frame the discussion in this way. 'It wasn't a struggle. And then people like to blame the struggle on molestation. No. Just say you were attracted to men and be honest and quit blaming it on that experience', says Tonex."

Although Tonex does not come out and say he is gay, several times in the interview he emphasizes that he "is attracted" to men and that is "not a struggle". On numerous previous times, the flamboyant recording artist has denied that he was gay, most famously on the 2007 video of The Naked Truth and an infamous YouTube video where he swore and used profanity. "I take ownership for that," Tonex now admits.

Tonex also blasts the black church for its hypocrisy and its mistreatment of LGBTs: "The church has completely faggotized everybody who's gay, sends them to hell over the pulpit and the church literally screams hooray and are happy about that. And yet, we celebrate the pastor who has a clean record and a clean look, but yet he is still doing the same thing that the same gender loving people are doing."



[Edited 9/12/09 10:32am]

Interesting read, but it's nothing new. James Cleveland was also gay, and Bobby Jones is still in denial.

kenlacam said:

I swear everytime I see or hear Bobby Jones talk im like

And airbody knows that Donny and Tyler was fuckin'....

Tyler Perry?

And more breaking news, the grass outside is green.

Timmy84 said:

Timmy84 said:

right now it's brown.

ehuffnsd said:

Ooh...shocking.
[Edited 9/12/09 11:04am]

kenlacam said:

BeBe Winan was also rumored to once been on a DL with his bisexually. It's surprising since all of The Winan Family are a little homophobic.

Juanita Bynum was known by a few people in her early years to have affairs with other women. THIS was also documented is some videos on YT.

And part of the reason why Bislop Paul S. Morton's marriage to his first wife ended was due to her catching him in a hotel room getting ready to have sex with another pastor (who has since passed away years ago).

None of this is new. There has always been stories of people on the DL behind the scenes of the Sunday-keeping churches. At least Tomex is being honest for a change.

TonyVanDam said:

That's what really disappoints/upsets me about them, the fact that some of them had the nerve to speak out against gay rights was disturbing to me. I used to respect that family but now I give them the side eye.
[Edited 9/12/09 12:06pm]

Umm I always wondered why does this distract people from their obvious talents because at the end of the day it doesn't really matter...

TonyVanDam said:

Holy Crap!!!!! I had no idea about Paul Morton. That blows me away! That would lead me to believe, then, that all those sangin "bishops" like to slob the knob, so to speak.

I dont care what yall talk about on this thread...just dont go tellin' me nothin yall heard about Richard Smallwood

I love his hair

ABeautifulOne said:

I don't know about others, but I guess it's honesty. Yeah in the end it don't matter but don't put yourself in a position to be judged especially if you deny something, you know?

DanceWme said:

I don't think you have to worry about that.

ABeautifulOne said:

Good point.

If you love the music of Elton John or George Michael, then maintain the freedom to love the music of Tomex or BeBe Winan.

The only thing I'm speaking against is what I called "sexual hypocrites". They are basically the kind of people (especially most rap artists) that would bash against gay/bi men at every opportunity, but always have no problems with having lesbian/bi women and/or passable-looking trannies all in their music videos & album release parties.

"Sexual Hypocrites" are also some people who may be on the DL themselves but yet still have the audacity to publicly bash other LGBT people what aren't hiding who/what they are at all.

kenlacam said:

@ how you said THAT^

THAT past incident with Bislop Paul S. Morton is a well known story that was only known within certain regional areas of Louisiana (I would know because my grandmother and her friends knew the story all too well!). Almost no one outside of the state knew anything about it.

DanceWme said:

Unless someone (ex-lover?)from his past knows anything about him that you don't, you & your church have nothing to worry about.

kenlacam said:

yes chile.

The gospel world is full of hypocrisy and rampant homophobia disguising the fact that many gospel singers are gay/bisexual (the LGCC comes to mind).

Timmy84 said:

In secular music, it wouldn't matter, but since in the gospel world homosexuality is frowned upon, so it would matter, because it would make the said gay singer a total hypocrite. Gosepel Music Workshop of America, I hear is nothing but a big ole gay club....

Don't forget Carlton Pearson, Clifton Davis and Bishop Noel Jones. I was told by one of Carlton Pearson's ex-church member that, has already come out to his church members. He is married with wife and kids, but Mr. Jones is in the closet. Yes I am talking about Grace Jones brother.

That is why Tonex and his wife divorced he was living a lie.

BeBe Winans now that is a shock!

Once you get deep into church you will realize, the saints ain't so sanctified as they put on. The pastors are the biggest pimps and get plenty all in the name of the almighty.
[Edited 9/12/09 14:39pm]

TonyVanDam said:

Oh I could care less if he was gay or not. It just seems that everytime I turn around there is something about somebody being with so and so etc...

I understand if it took him this long to admit it(and others for not coming out), the Black community is severly homophobic,,,,,some might be strong enough to come out and take the heat, others are not. It is what it is.

And like somebody from another board said, denial is the craziest thing.

So,,,,good for him.

shut UP!

Harlepolis said:

Does anybody know why?

Timmy84 said:

Prove it!

kenlacam said:

You know we could be here all day and night adding to THAT list.