Raven Symone Doesn't Want To Be Labeled As Gay Or African American; Disney Star Opens Up About Her Sexuality And Sense Of Self In An Interview With Oprah Winfrey [PHOTO]

Actress Raven Symone has spent most of her life in the spotlight - first as Olivia Kendall in the 1980s show "The Cosby Show," and later in the Disney Channel original series "That's So Raven" and "The Cheetah Girls" movies. However, one of the biggest headlines she made was when she suggested she was gay in 2013, tweeting, "I can finally get married! Yay government! So proud of you." Most recently, the 28-year-old star has opened up to Oprah Winfrey in a candid interview about her sexuality and strong sense of self.

During the interview, Winfrey asked Raven if her tweet in 2013 was really her way of declaring to the world that she is gay. Raven responded, "That was my way of saying I'm proud of the country... But, I will say that I'm in an amazing, happy relationship with my partner. A woman."

Raven also discussed her ability to keep her private life away from the public eye, stating, "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."

She continued, "I knew [I was gay] when I was 12. I was looking at everything... I don't need a categorizing statement for it. I don't want to be labeled gay. I want to be labeled a human who loves humans. I'm tired of being labeled."

It seems that she doesn't want to be labeled as an African American, either. According to US Magazine, Raven added, "I'm an American. I'm not an African American," to which Winfrey replied, "Oh, girl, don't set the Twitter on fire. What did you just say?"

Raven retorted, "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... I connect with each culture."

Winfrey clarified, "You are a melting pot in one body," to which Raven replied, "Aren't we all? Isn't that what America's supposed to be?"

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Oprah Winfrey
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