The Advocate Outs Luther Vandross
By Keith Boykin
August 17, 2005 02:10 AM
in sexuality
The Advocate magazine today became the first established publication officially to out Luther Vandross, who died in July. (At least that's the first time I've seen it.) An article on the magazine's website today described Luther Vandross as a "gay artist." The casual reference to Vandross's sexuality was included in an article that listed Alicia Keys, Celine Dion, Elton John, and Usher as some of the singers paying tribute to the R&B legend in a new CD called "So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross" (September 20 by J Records).
Everyone else in the media has hinted about it or suggested it, but nobody has ever said it. Point blank. But is it true? Was Luther actually gay? Actually, I don't know. I've never heard Luther Vandross say he was gay, so I'm not sure I can say that. I assume he was not completely straight, but that doesn't mean he considered himself "gay" either. I think it's a big leap for The Advocate to draw that conclusion. Hopefully they have evidence to back it up, but since Luther is deceased he can't sue them for it anyway.
This is not the first time this has happened too. In March 1996, former congresswoman Barbara Jordan was outed by The Advocate in a cover story called "The Other Life" that ran two months after she died.
Now yall know how I feel bout Lutha 
it's amazing how these so-called advocacy organizations and publications actually undermine their purpose. Luther has never confirmed (nor denied) being gay. What do you accomplish by "outing" a man after he has passed anyway? Either way RIP Luther you are sorely missed and I'd love you either way!