Will.i.am Opens Up About Embracing Femininity And Clarified His Sexuality
In a candid conversation on the recent episode of The Diary of CEO, Will.i.am proudly shared his journey of embracing his femininity in a world that often conforms to traditional gender roles. At 48 years old, the frontman of Black Eyed Peas spoke about how his upbringing without a male figure in his life allowed his mom to shape his perspective, resulting in his unapologetic embrace of his feminine side.
“Coming of age, I didn’t have a man in my life or a father in my life to guide me through that. My mom did that, which probably made me even ultra feminine, which I have no shame of being super feminine,” he shared.
Reflecting on his past, Will.i.am recalled how people in the 90s used to question his sexual orientation due to his feminine demeanor. He acknowledged that the support for the LGBT community was different back then, and many assumed he was gay simply because he exhibited qualities often associated with femininity.
“I’m still feminine. I sit where I sit. I act the way I act,” he stated confidently, attributing his mannerisms to his mother’s influence. He emphasized that he views his femininity as a superpower, a core aspect of his identity that he’s proud of. “When you know who you are, when you love who you are, how you are, how you vibe, that’s what it’s about,” he said.
Addressing any misconceptions regarding his sexuality, he clarified, “I like girls. I never was attracted to men. I’m attracted to females, but I’m feminine.”
His candid discussion about embracing his femininity stemmed from a pivotal moment in his life at the age of 18, which he described as a period of “distortion.” This challenging phase inspired him to channel his emotions into the 2019 hit song Be Nice, created in collaboration with the Black Eyed Peas and featuring Snoop Dogg.
Will.i.am acknowledged the emotional side of creativity, emphasizing that being sensitive is an inherent part of the process creative process. “There’s nothing wrong with being emotional. When you’re creative, you’re always sensitive, you’re hypersensitive. That’s a part of creativity. You feel too much, and I feel too much. I empathize hardcore,” he stated.
He went on to reveal his empathetic nature, recalling instances where he engaged in heartfelt conversations with strangers, demonstrating his openness to connecting with others and gaining insights.
