Fans and musicians have flocked to Twitter to show their support for Frank Ocean, a member of hip-hop group Odd Future, after he posted an emotional open letter detailing his sexuality.
It is believed the singer was planning to publish the letter, which reveals that his first love was a man, in the notes for new album Channel Orange, but posted it online this morning (July 4).
Before posting the announcement, he said his "hope is that the babies born these days will inherit less of the bulls**t than we did".
"4 summers ago, I met somebody," he wrote. "I was 19 years old. He was too. We spent that summer, and the summer after, together. Everyday almost. And on the days we were together, time would glide. Most of the day I'd see him, and his smile.
"Sleep I would often share with him. By the time I realized I was in love, it was malignant. It was hopeless. There was no escaping, no negotiating to the women I had been with, the ones I cared for and thought I was in love with."
Following the announcement Odd Future member Tyler, the Creator later tweeted that he was "proud" of Ocean.
While singer Ed Sheeran tweeted: ''big up Frank Ocean''. Followed by pal Example: ''Respect to Frank Ocean. Just waiting for Tom Cruise to work out how to use NotePad now..''.
Other support came in the form of former Fall Out Boy member Pete Wentz, who posted: ''be brave and real like frank ocean.''
Singer Jo Jo also said: ''You just changed the game @frank_ocean. I respect you and love your work. The move you just made... So strong. Sending all positive vibes''
DJ Fake Blood also posted: "Respect to Frank Ocean. If he loses any fans, he's better off without them. In fact the planet would be, as well."
Frank Ocean has is highly respected within the music industry and has recently worked with Beyonce on album 4 and Jay-Z and Kanye West on their collaborative effort Watch The Throne.
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