Raven Symone on Lesbian Rumours: ‘Sexual Orientation is Private’

Raven Symone made her debut on The Cosby Show at the age of three and has been in the spotlight since, as her entertainment career graduated to Disney shows like That's So Raven and The Cheetah Girls. Now, however, Raven is 26 and all grown up and as her welcome to the world of the paparazzi and celebrities, is a network of rumours suggesting she is, in fact, gay.

A report in the National Enquirer, carried by The Stir, is to suggest not only that Raven is a lesbian but she is dating AzMarie Livingstone, a contestant on America's Next Top Model.

Raven has neither confirmed nor denied the report but has taken to social networking Web sites to proclaim her outrage.

"My sexual orientation is mine, and (something for) the person I'm dating to know. I'm not one for a public display of my life," she tweeted, adding, "However that is my right as a HUMAN BEing whether straight or gay. To tell or not to tell. As long as I'm not harming anyone. I am a light being made from love. And my career is the only thing I would like to put on display, not my personal life. Kisses!"

Raven will next be seen on Broadway in the musical adaptation of the film Sister Act.

Furthermore, the 26 year old has reportedly been ignorant of her family's concern over the situation. According to the report in MTV, she has lost almost 30 pounds, has undergone a whole image makeover and is now a Broadway star. The report added she was "at a point now where she doesn't care what her family thinks and she's in love with AzMarie. She's a lesbian and wants to live that way." It continued saying "she told her parents she loves them, but her home -- especially her bedroom -- is nobody's business, and she was not going to back down, so they needed to accept it, period".

Radio station Hot 93.7 FM reported Symone and Livingston were living together in the actress' luxury $11,000-a-month New York City condo. Fans have been supportive of her decision and identity, tweeting with messages of approval.

Vin tweeted @ImObserVIN"@MissRavenSymone A+ girl for standing up for urself! U have the right to ur privacy... #LoveIsLove, it knows not race, gender, or religion."

Another follower, Jamez Eli, said: "‏@JamezEliDotCom @MissRavenSymone that's riight!! Tell every one to but out!! I met u a long time ago your awsome!!"