I wonder what people are thinking about the recent photos taken by paparazzi showing Queen Latifah in a questionable pose with another female.

The Queen, standing on the deck of a yacht, was basically caught holding more than court after some downtime attending Alicia Keys’ wedding.

Latifah’s public relations reps dismissed it as a prank. She was simply toying with nosey photographers, they said. The lady friend, they said, was simply Latifah’s trainer.

This is plausible; I always vacation with my trainer.

There has been a longstanding rumor, among the children, that Queen Latifah is family. Some of us remember her very convincing role as Cleo Sims, a mannish, lesbian bank robber in the movie “Set It Off.” This was very controversial in its debut, and some pondered whether it was art imitating life or just a fiercely committed actor? How you doing Queen?

I have spoken about my belief that each individual has a right to declare, or not declare, his or her sexual preference. But as the mainstream celebrates stars like Ellen, is society, or more specifically advertisers, ready for an out African American Lesbian Cover Girl or spokeswoman?

Queen Latifah is a top bankable star of music, film and television. She must weigh the consequences of putting her private life out there for scrutiny, whatever her orientation.

I have offered for discussion that if mainstream stars must struggle with this decision, then how much harder it must be for the few minority A-list personas who must contemplate the possible loss of so much of what they have worked for.

I personally am a huge Queen Latifah fan, and I support her PR camp’s spin. This photo does not prove anything. I offer Professor Locs’ Top Five practical scenarios for this picture:

1. She may have, indeed, been talking to her trainer: “I need you to firm up here and here.”

2. The yacht may have swerved suddenly, throwing them both off balance and into each other’s arms.

3. The woman in the photo was her fashion stylist, and she was taking Queen’s measurements.

4. It was her acting coach, and they were reading lines for her upcoming role as Barbara Jordan.

5. It’s the peak season for Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and they are checking each other for ticks....laugh.

What do you guys think?
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Professor Locs describes himself as an African American, gay, Southern male who has had an extensive career in higher education. His column appears each Wednesday. Click here to read his blog.
 

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