Was Cissy Houston’s Christianity and Homophobia To Blame For Whitney’s Troubled Life?
Let it be known Cissy Houston’s raw honesty, though admirable, left me feeling some kind of way during certain segments of her interview with Oprah. In particular, the segment on her daughters relationship with Robin Crawford and the rumors of her being in a bi-sexual/gay relationship with Robin left me looking at Cissy sideways. I excused her responses on the basis that she is elderly, from a different time, and holds steadfast to her Christian beliefs. I along with so many others dismissed Cissy for the same reasons. This is how so many of us have been conditioned to deal with our elders. Well, its a new dawn and a new day, and some argue that our dismissal perpetuates ignorance? Would You agree?
I consulted with a very good friend of the site @Anti_Intellect from the Anti Intellect Blog. He is someone i respect HIGHLY, no necessarily because of his views, but because of his ability to put thought behind the views he articulates to the masses and his thorough research and fact finding. Anti-Intellect says:
It can’t simply be said that Cissy is a product of her time because it isn’t as if no gay people existed at this time; they did. Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison are both around Cissy Houston’s age and are also religious women. However, they are not homophobic like Cissy Houston. Both Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou maintained close relationships with James Baldwin, a Black gay man. Cissy Houston, herself, often sang backup for Luther Vandross, another Black gay man. I think excusing homophobia as a generational thing is a cop out. Cissy Houston is homophobic because she chooses to be homophobic. I think we do a disservice to our elderly by suggesting that old age is somehow synonymous with homophobia. It is not. Homophobia is, and has always been, a choice.
See what what else he had to say. Read his essay in its entirety.
Was Cissy Houston’s Christianity and Homophobia To Blame For Whitney’s Troubled Life?
Written by: @Anti_Intellect of Anti Intellect Blog
Homophobia is bad enough on its own. Adding religious fundamentalism to the mix only intensifies the poison so often wrought by homophobia. Cissy Houston’s recent interview with Oprah Winfrey concerning her late daughters life reveals the toxic results of religious fundamentalism, homophobia, and celebrity.
During her interview with Oprah, Cissy Houston was asked about Whitney’s possible bisexuality and homosexuality. Like many homophobic Christians, Cissy Houston was staunch and resolute in her unwillingness to even entertain the idea of ever approving of her daughter being bisexual or a lesbian. It was a rather unfortunate few minutes of television to see someone who claims to love their child being so steadfastly against their daughter loving someone of the same sex.
Many people have responded to the interview by defending Cissy Houston. The idea is that Cissy is old and religious, and therefore should be given a pass for her homophobia. I fully disagree. Cissy Houston was born in the 1930s which means she came of age during the 40s and 50s. There were many gay and lesbian people in the Black community living during this time, and there were also many non-gay people who were supportive of their gay and lesbian peers whether religious or not. James Baldwin, Bayard Rustin, Audre Lorde, Sylvester, Alvin Ailey, and many Black gays and lesbians were living during this time.
It can’t simply be said that Cissy is a product of her time because it isn’t as if no gay people existed at this time; they did. Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison are both around Cissy Houston’s age and are also religious women. However, they are not homophobic like Cissy Houston. Both Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou maintained close relationships with James Baldwin, a Black gay man. Cissy Houston, herself, often sang backup for Luther Vandross, another Black gay man. I think excusing homophobia as a generational thing is a cop out. Cissy Houston is homophobic because she chooses to be homophobic. I think we do a disservice to our elderly by suggesting that old age is somehow synonymous with homophobia. It is not. Homophobia is, and has always been, a choice.
Cissy Houston has made it no secret that she is a religious woman. She raised her children in a devoutly religious home and has been a fixture on the gospel music scene. Religion, in my opinion, is an inherently anti-human institution in that it privileges the supernatural over the natural world. Relationships with fellow human beings take a back seat to the supposedly more important relationship with “god”. One of the most perverse aspects of Christian religion is its teaching that the full expression of human sexuality is “unnatural”. Perfectly natural sexualities like bisexuality and homosexuality are relegated to “sinful behavior” by the poisonous teachings of Christianity. It’s clear that Cissy Houston’s homophobia originates in her Christian beliefs. If it is true that where there is smoke there is fire, it can also be said that where there is homophobia there is religion.
It continues to amaze me how people, who consider themselves loving, allow homophobia and religion to come in between their relationships with their fellow humans. Parents, siblings, friends, and co-workers are all too willing to end relationships with, or disapprove of, people they claim to care about simply because the person is gay.
The tragic trajectory of Whitney Houston’s life makes more sense in light of her mother’s homophobia and religious fundamentalism. The crushing weight of homophobia and religious fundamentalism are a lot to deal with for many people. Internalized self-hate wrought by religion and homophobia can, and often does, lead to people coping with drugs. Cissy Houston, like Joe Jackson and Dina Lohan, needs to examine how her own actions may have led to her daughter’s turmoil. Whitney once sang, “I look to you”, it’s clear that what she saw in her mother was all too often an overbearing, homophobic, and religious fundamentalist woman.
What are your thoughts?
89 Responses to “Was Cissy Houston’s Christianity and Homophobia To Blame For Whitney’s Troubled Life?”
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Whitney very much stood up for herself, and anybody who was close to her before her passing stated that Whitney did what she wanted to do. So if she truly was a lesbian she would have been investing her time in women instead of ray j after her divorce. It makes since to me that having a strict deeply religious upbringing there were certain things she couldn’t express to her mother. Did you every stop to think that her relationship with Robin was simply a substitute closeness Whitney longed to have with her mother, or even Whitney acting out to get a reaction from her mother. Just because someone doesn’t agree with a lifestyle doesn’t mean they’re homophobic. i know many women who have dated men all their life had children, and then decided to be with women because that woman understood, could relate, or helped them deal with or get over a trauma it’s companionship not a desire to be with women. We all desire to be loved and understood, and some people don’t care who or where it comes from. Cissy deeply loved Whitney, but maybe Whitney could not receive or realize the way Cissy demonstrated her love. It happens all the time. Christianity and Homophobia had nothing to do with Whitney’s demons maybe losing her voice, being ridiculed and mocked for her marriage, having to live her life being America’s sweetheart maintaing a level of perfection. We only know what Whitney wanted us to know. There are many people who pretend to be gay for whatever reason, but that’s never talked about, because that would derail the Homosexual agenda and contradict the lie that people who are gay were born that way.
I love this debate. Please know that I’m not trying to attack you or change what you believe but i’m curious. What about inter sex people? For example a woman who on the outside appears to have the anatomy of a woman but on the inside has no ovaries and whose clitoris is also a lot larger than average that looks like a tiny penis? Who has way more testosterone in her body than the average woman? who was born that way? Is it wrong for her then to like other women?
I didn’t take Cissy as being homophobic..when I think of homophobia I picture people who don’t want anything to do with the homosexual community. I mean seriously I don’t like the color brown. If someone else likes it good for them but I don’t and I won’t wear it so why does Cissy have to like everything. No one likes everything so let’s not be so sensitive.
The color brown… or broccoli… or jeggings… are not an entire group of people. Jussayin’
I agree with the article for the most part. I think the other comments here, and the article as well, fail to also address how people’s choose to be homophobic even when they are Christians. There are plenty of Christians, in fact Christian leaders who refute the idea that homosexuality is a sin–even right down to the biblical texts that supposedly state it. To be anti-gay and Christian is not sum total automatic thing. It is a choice plain and simple. A choice some Christians have chosen NOT to make despite their homophobic brothers and sisters in Christ.
LOL at the comment you highlighted in your post….Luther Vandross was not “out” to everyone…please let’s remember that. and I think people took what she said the wrong way…she may not have issue with YOU or others being gay..she took issue with HER daughter possibly being bi-sexual or a lesbian…not saying it’s right or wrong..js That has nothing to do with Little Richard or Billy Preston.
I believe that Cissy has every right to stand on her moral and christian beliefs just like people that are gay have a choice to be gay. Christians have a choice to be Christians and do not have to hold
to the beliefs and principles of others.
I believe that Cissy has a right to “Speak Her Mind” just as anyone else, and people need to stop “Squawking everytime someone speak against the “Rainbow Troupe” after all they put themselves out there….Hellooo, give a break.
Give Cissy a break, don’t be mad because she’s saying what’s on her mind.
Since when do people have a “choice” to be gay, eri?
Ya’ll are CARRYING.
No one has to accept, like, love or deal with you or anything about you. Period. The man across the street doesn’t have to like the fact your gay as long as he gives you basic respect. Get over it.
Say that!!Respect is the operative word and Miss Cissy is a respectable woman. Some with alternative life styles want people to do back flips for them.
WHITNEY DENIED BEING GAY, BI, or whatever on various occassions! She loved the man meat Hunty!
**Maya Angelou has NOT (correction)
I understand Dineva’s POV, however this woman’s religious stance is what it is! The bible hasnt changed nor will it ever. Maya Angelou and whoever else in Cissy’s generation has openly stated their view point on homosexuality as Cissy, so we can not speculate they condone that behavior. As a Christian woman I do NOT condone or promote homosexuality, bisexuality, beastiality or any other form of unnatural sexual relationships; BUT because I am a Christian I WILL LOVE my “brother or sister” who chooses live that lifestyle. #NO Im not homophobic, I just believe in what the bible states
ppl over analyze everything
omg do you guys really care what she thinks it ain’t your mother let it go
“If it is true that where there is smoke there is fire, it can also be said that where there is homophobia there is religion”- best thing I have read all day. There are more gays at Sunday Service than there are Blake’s (ATL gay bar)
You know at some point its good to let somethings die because this is one story that will never truly be able to unfurl. Whether whit was gay/ bi is really of no relevance now that shes gone. And if it was then what of it? What is the benefactor here? Is it monkey see monkey do? Is it a way to justify bad behavior and i say bad behavior because it is not NATURAL. Some will argue this but i tell you better than the law can show you: YOUR IN ERROR. However thats not the issue here. Cissy is being attacked for simply stating her sole opnion on a topic that she dealt with and no longer wanted to deal because as a natural woman she wasnt having it! I think anyone writing a thread to gain a couple of opinions about how someone feels about a certain act is still questioning there sexuality and in the mix: kinda seeking a approval otherwise would it really matter if Cissy was homophobic? She has a mind just like a everyone else and how she feels is what she feels but is it solely based on doctrination? Maybe but she shoulndt be bashed for being natural. And also remember round her time it was excepted and while now it maybe LEGAL its still not LAWFUL. End the end stoo beating the dead horse!
I love U Funky Dineva , I agree Doll , Dena Smith can’t read , U can clearly see her level of intelligence is zero .. When it’s that low all one can do is talk out the side of the neck .lol
Yes GAWD, Go in bish! I live for you Funky Dineva!!
Can I just interject this?: not all Christian denominations think homosexuality is a sin y’all. Not all Christians are homophobic, not by a long shot. It pains me that anyone who claims to be a follower of Jesus Christ would oppress and condemn anyone for any reason. I also acknowledge the heinous abuse, rejection, and condemnation so many gay brothers and sisters have been subjected to at the hands of so-called Christians.
I promise you I can point you to plenty of churches and denominations that could give a flip who you love, gay or straight. Unfortunately, these denominations don’t get all the sensational press that the bigoted churches do. A good example is the United Church of Christ; a denominations that’s been around since the 1950s.
If one church rejects you, keep looking for one that welcomes you. Above all Jesus loves you and died for you just like you are – “church folk” did not.
Although I like you FD, I also think you use this outlet to create a lot of drama. Let Whitney rest and leave the elderly alone. Point! Blank! Period! It is why they indicate that F*ggots are not gay men- Gay don’t act like that. Serious, pump your brakes. Luther Vandross never died and admit his being gay. Whitney Houston continued to deny it as well. Let it go! You appear to want validation on something deeper than that. How does your grandmother feel about your being gay, Mr. Latham? How does your pastor from MS feel about it? Neither one shall judge, but every one is entitled to feel how they feel about it. Not everyone is going to march in the gay band, and I don’t fault Cissy for not. I am gay and think you are dead wrong. Even, that Kenya Moore issue left me with a bad taste.
I would like to add that yes Christian religion does teach that it’s a sin to be homosexual! But Christianity is NOT the only religion that teaches that homosexuality is sinful! This is my take on it, whatever you believe we all will have to answer for how we lived and we will do it one by one. I’m not getting judge on how Nessa lives, Mrs.Houston, my family or my friends. It’ll be just me. I love everyone and how others choose to live their life, it is their business.
Cissy Houston has as much right, if not more, to be honest and straightforward in her religous beliefs. I believe she tried as best she could to raise her children in a loving home. As far as homophobia, I don’t see how someone can jump to such a conclusion,
without even getting to know the woman on a personal basis. As far as Whitney Houston’s drug abuse, she was an inteligent woman, and made her own choice to follow the path to become an addict. She was never what Clive Davis created as her image. She was the best singer and entertainer I ever had the pleasure to see live in concert. The tragic ending of her life was such a preventable occurance. But we never know when our time is going to be up.
Well said
The way her mother was saying that she had to get with Robin talking about the way she talked to Whitney like she had power over her. And Bobby Brown wrote a book way back about Robin and Whitney but it never made the shelves. Whitney was not who people thought she was and it is OK. Whitney has said many times that she loved her mother and her mother is tore up from the floor up about her daughter. It is hard to watch your child living their life totally different from what you had wished for them. Her mother probably thought and prayed that Whitney would stop using drugs and she had used them so long she probably never figured that she would eventually die from drugs. Ms Cissey is probably riddled with guilt thinking she could have done something to help her. But when you have a person with money it is hard sometimes for them to listen to you. Ms Cissey is old skool and religious. She admitted she was strict in their upbringing. A parent should always realize they need to keep the door open always for their child to have someone to always talk to. No matter if you want to hear it or not. Ms. Cissey is mourning her beloved daughters death.
Dena Smith you are either STUPID or does not know how to read. At what point in the entire post does it say or is it implied that cissy houston turned whitney gay? NO ONE SAID THAT ANYWHERE. READ THE POST BEFORE YOU START TALKING OUT THE SIDE OF YOUR NECK
Dena Smith please don’t called Funky Dineva a F.You are wrong for calling him out of his name.
I don’t agree with this article, and I don’t believe you should pass judgement on someone because their views does not align with yours. I had a strong distaste for how Christianity was mentioned. The Bible reference right and wrong,and like a post before mine stated, “at some point we all know right from wrong”, it doesn’t have to be taught, you can feel it. I am sure a MULTITUDE lean on God’s words and pray whether they are down and out or filled with joy, and I bet if faced with terror or near death, God’s name will be called. I believe homosexuality is considered sinful in the eyes of God and others because that’s not the way it was to be. We are God’s creation, and we should consider our lives a blessing. If all men had sexual relations with men, and women were the same, then how would any of God’s children be brought to earth? Man nor woman would no longer exist.
He who have not sinned cast the first stone.
If you are a grown man worried about what somebody else has to say about you something is wrong with you, not them.
I come from a strong Christian background but when I left home and was taking care of myself that means they no longer had a say so on what or who I do.
The first time my mama ever been to my house was this past August. She didn’t like my lifestyle at all but ask me did I care? She eventually realized that she can’t make me be what I don’t want to be or do and the only choice she has is to love me or not. She does not have the option of accepting me nor what I do with my life.
Period.
Stop giving people power over you.
You don’t need their acceptance but respect should never be an option.
They can either love and respect you or move it along.
We didn’t talk for a few years but I refused to stop living to live for them- I refuse.
So true! And as much money, power, and diva attitude that Whitney had, I can’t see her as being this meek person who would honestly give a damn about what people thought about her. Didn’t Whitney live with Robin for awhile? That alone says that she didn’t care about what her mother or anyone else thought.
If Whitney was covering up her sexuality, it was because of her record label, not her mother. They are the ones who spent millions on manufacturing this “perfect black princess” image that was totally opposite of who she really was–a round-the-way Jersey girl. There’s no way they were going to allow their “investment” to crash like that.
tRUST & Believe!!
there was so much money put into WH and so much, much, much more made off of her that i am sure there was pressure on her…REGARDLESS of her sexual orientation!!! to KEEP them steady checks rolling in…so clearly this is not a sexual issue, it is a CAPITALIST issue. Pu$$y gonna sell when cotton and corn wont (in this case you can substitute music here) don’t believe me? Ask Janet, JLo and Beyonce….
…but if it was a factor, she still had the final say on what she chose to do.
It is sad how people want some badly to be accepted so they hide it. That inner turmoil can and will eat at you. Please, if you have to move away and start anew, do it. Forget what ya friends and family has to say because in the end, it’ll be God talking to you and only you about what you did on early. Mama ‘nem won’t be there.
No.
above all else we are to LOVE…Christianity teaches love…love for all…no christian shall judge anyone…that is not our position…even some Christians have it twisted…we as Christians are to spread the word, not beta it over anyone’s head…Free Will gives people options…IN THE END GOD WILL JUDGE US ALL!!!!!!!!
In the eyes of the law it 0-18 is the years that we the parents are responsible for. Now what they do after that is on them. Oprah asked and she told her how she felt, that didn’t make her a bad parent because I’m quite sure Whitney knew where her mom stood. Like her mom said she let her know how she felt but she was grown. That didn’t make her mom love her any less.
Some ask, why don’t you just leave it alone, let her rest in piece. This story is greater than whitney houston, whitney’s life is just the vessel by which i chose to demonstrate this story because whitney houston is familiar. SO MANY PEOPLE live closeted unhappy lives because of the fear of not being accepted by their families and persecution from CHRISTIANS. that is why exploring this is important. Not saying i’m right. Hell, i may be completely off-base. HOWEVER, with this post and so many of my others, the OBJECTIVE is to facilitate conversation. I am not trying to persuade anyone or get anyone to ride on my bus. I’m just trying to challenge the masses to think… I’m not right, you’re not right. There is not right answer to MOST things in life…
SOME OF Y’ALL NEED TO READ THE ARTICLE. No one is saying cissy is the SOLE REASON for whitney’s troubled life, but a contributing factor. No one is blaming cissy or saying cissy’s beliefs made whitney gay. simply exploring a theory.
No, it called being MESSY…. Leave it alone as it was left. It won’t draw more ratings than Oprah did..
All this talk of Christianity makes my skin crawl. If I believed in Jesus I would KNOW he would not endorse homophobia, so to put those words in his mouth is very disrespectful to your own spiritual leader.
So to all those who say that it doesn’t make Cissy homophobic, does that go for racism too? People who prefer whites to blacks or vice versa are just strong in their beliefs? Really?
So…blame the mom for a grown woman’s actions? Nope! Whitney made her own choices. I wish ppl would stop looking for approval and just live!
just because she preferred her daughter to be straight doesn’t make her homophobic…her beliefs. are hers…just as your beliefs are yours…
Being steadfast in her beliefs doesn’t make her homophobic.
No, if thts wht she wanted to do, im sure she did it….. Her mother didnt want her to be with bobby or be on drugs and she managed to do it for a loooooong time.
foh with that its insulting. Was Cissy Houston’s Christianity the reason why Whitney became a singer!!! YES!!!! GIR Check ur wigL
I can’t say that I agree with Anti-Intellect’s and Funky Dineva’s assertions here. I do believe Cissy Houston was a product of her time, but moreso her religion. Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison were not religious, but were progressive, forward thinkers. Cissy Houston was the total opposite. Yes, there were gays back in the day, but being gay was still mysterious and largely misunderstood. People who grew up in church back then, all they knew was that being gay was a sin, end of discussion. Does that make her homophobic? No. It simply means that gay did not align with her beliefs, and people need to respect that.
I don’t think you can lay the blame of Whitney’s troubles on her mother’s religion and disagreement with gays because it doesn’t explain how Michael and Gary became the drugged up messes they became too. All of Cissy’s kids are strung out, so who or what do you blame for their troubled life?
Also, everything that you say, think, react to and feel come from a faith or some kind of religious place whether you know it or not, If not where did you get your morale? How do you know that killing someone is wrong? How do you know that its wrong to lie, cheat, steal, divorce, overindulge, be gay etc? It all comes from a place of some sort of belief or acknowledgement of a higher being, if not this whole world would be a world full of tyrants, making up their own rules and doing their own thing. Mostly all major religions teach against homosexuality, carnality, divorce, overindulgence etc. WHY some put so much emphasis on homosexuality I do NOT know, that needs to cease because its all sin and all sin stinks in the nostrils of God.
Omg everything that i was embedded in me you spoke it clearly on this thread and i commend you. Wherr does one get the equity from if you didnt have a relgious background at some point i figure people start to disregard the NATURAL LAW to justify their unnatural actions because to them they can do no wrong. But at the end of the day GOD does hate it and he shows it throught the women because women know and men show the natural hate for something that our creator didnt ordain. I feel like this thread is trying to find a loophole for sometype of justification of unnatural habits as to say if one person is famous and gay and she was exceptes then hell ill be gay too. But the questions at the end of the day is: IS IT STILL CONSIDERED RIGHT AND THE ANSWER IS GOING TO BE NO!
AGREED. Everyone is responsible for their OWN demons.
Gays swear it’s the church’s fault. Sit down w this bull!
WOW you just said a mouthful, but i agree with Joshua D Richardson Let Whitney rest
Woww smmfh…. Folks are to much.. Let miss Whitney rest… If she was a Lesbian it really don’t matter now at this point….. And for the Record no parent turns their child Gay ,….that is this most silliest shit ever said smh….
@Bridget I know what you meant.
You have a point but I don’t see the truth in this point..How can her mother and the way she feels about homosexuality drive her into a downward spiral. Anyone who subjects themselves to drug use and abuses it is weak minded. One should know that you are only high for a moment and when you get down off your high the problem is still there. if you don’t take the time out to fix that problem that is your own fault. She allowed her issues to get the best of her and she allowed those demons to send her into a downward spiral. Whitney isn’t the only one with a mama like Cissy Houston..coughs* mine, but I have not let that get in my way or create these insignificant battles in my own mind. It was obvious that her mom was a tad bit controlling but it was also obvious that she loved her child. Whitney’s life spiraling out of control was at her own doing. No one else to blame but her. She had plenty of times to get her self together and Cissy tried to help her. This is a pure sign of what happens when people get money and don’t know how to use it.
@Brynden, when i use the word “Demons” I wasn’t talking about her being gay, I was using the term as something to describe negativity in our lives that causes us to do things that hurt ourselves.
Cissy is old school. If Whitney wanted to be free she could have freed herself. You can’t expect that old lady to be anything other than who she is.
What was your moms problem….or wat did she do wrong…to turn u gay…Since now your gay. Since apparently parents are turning their kids gay. Funky you shld be ashamed of yourself being that your a faggot yourself! !
people and their homophobia theory…. i think when people are so out spoken on someone else’s sexuality really is the gay / bi-one or homo & may just wanna sleep with that person lol……..really everybody is not struggling with what & who they are sexually(most are very CLEAR)….its sad that after Ms. Whitney death this is NOW being questioned sad….. seems like if your not all over the place & loose with ya jewels men & woman YOU GAY really people it’s legal now nobody has to be in the closet so to speak…you are who you are and LIKE what you LIKE…….
nonsense! I pray they let Whitney Rest in peace…Nobody put the pipe to her lips but her lol ijs
You are on this story. I hate i missed it.
Hey Dineva. I really disagree with your statment and your labeling Cissy as Homophobic. Just because you disagree with the gay/lesbian life style doesnt make you Homophobic. Its your right to have your preference.If she were Homophobic she would have been no where near Luther or the music scene in general. All the gay choir directors, Ministers of Music she was around them all the time and Im sure she respected their art but that doesnt mean she has to agree with their life style. The gay/lesbian community needs to stop ganging up on people that dont agree with your life style. That is not being Homophobic. Homophobic means you are not going to be around them in any capacity and that certainly is not what Ms Cissy was or is about.
Merriam-Webster defines homophobia as irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals. I’d say Cissy fits this description. Her one word answers and the look on her face definitely spoke volumes. Also, she never gave a concrete response as to why she didn’t like Robyn Crawford. Just vague and hollow answers. I say let Whitney rest in peace but her problems came from many different directions, herself and her Mama included.
I cant speak for Cissy Houston and neither should any one. I love that she gave one word answers. She didnt need to explain how she felt. Obviously she doesnt feel its right or acceptable but does that make her Homophobic. NO! I dont like drug users and alcholics but do I think they should be descriminated against. Absolutely not. Sexual Preference is a personal decision. Stop all this judging and bashing Miss Cissy.
…sooo now will people stop blaming everyting on BOOBAAAYYY!!!…
This article is just….. Cissy didnt say that because she is a Christian that she is homophobic. That is something that you all made a assumption about. She never said that she had a problem with gay people so what does her singing for Luther Vandross have to do with anything? AND Luther Vandross being gay is also speculation because no one has proof of that, he kept his life very private. Just like the relationship with Robin and Whitney was speculation, Whitney never said that she was in a gay relationship with Robin and the only person who could definitively clear that up is Robin. But back to Cissy, those women come from a different place in time, in those times it wasn’t acceptable for white men to date black women either. It wasn’t acceptable like it is now for men to walk around with a full face of makeup, heels and a purse then either those were just the times that they lived in, where things were a little more modest,now things are more acceptable and everybody wants to let it all hang out and that’s their prerogative. She never said that if Whitney had told her that she was gay that she would disown her, love her less or treat her any kind of way, maybe that should have been a question that Oprah should have asked so you could pick Cissy’s brain on the issue but since she didn’t this article is a whole lot of speculation. I understand that this is how you feel but I think that its unfair.
U are out of control!..There is no evidence of this being true. Surely no one can truly know whether or not Cissy Houston’s christian views about homosexuality was the cause of Whitney’s death. The only person that can truly answer the question whether this affected her to that degree is Whitney and she’s gone so you’ll never get that answer……This article is not backed by any truth, just pure speculation. Smh..just thirsty! Everybody wants to blame everybody but Whitney!!…First Bobby killed her!!…Her brother cleared Bobby’s name….Now Cissy’s the killer!!!….Just toooo much. Whitney killed Whitney.. , thats my opinion
No….. Whitney ( RIP) was herself her greatest competition and biggest enemy …. She knew her problems/ demons and faced them head on tried at first to deny them but owned them by the end!!! Me Luke others would have loved to see whit make that great comeback rebound from it all
I’ll definitely say that it could’ve been a factor amongst a multitude of other issues. But keep this in mind: whatever is hidden or repressed WILL manifest in certain ways and through different mediums. It’s just unfortunate that she wasn’t able to work through them and make peace.
I agree Jay…I think it was multiple things….are you guys old enough to remember Whitney being boo’d at Soul Train Awards? Black people felt like it was over kill…she won every black category at every award show. So, she had that pressure…staying true to her roots, the pressure of the gospel community…Is she black enough…lol in her music..and image.. the Robin stuff… the record company wanting her to only do Pop…Bobbi Brown…the media wasn’t feeling him lol so she had alot on her…and we didn’t see her at her worst until she married Bob. remember.. I just don’t ever want to act as if I can speak for Whitney…to push an agenda. I think the “black” church and our community have come a long way…so calm down….please. Ms. Cissy is old school…and don’t want it with her…lol
* worse *And you don’t want it with her
Yes!!! All anyone wants is unconditional love and maybe if she had that she would still be here IMO
Clearly u feel some kind of way
Yes, I think Cissy’s belief contributed to Whitney’s trouble life.
MAY SHE R.I.P!!!! AMEN!!
No!
We are all responsible for our own actions. Cissy didn’t make Whitney pick up a crack pipe and smoke or snort a line. She conveyed her views on homosexuality and stood by them. Whitney could have either…raged against the machine and came out as a gay woman or she could keep it inside and let it fester….she chose the latter.
Heck no!!!
That interview left me feeling some type a way also… smh no wonder,Whitney ran all over the world and disnt call. As,much as mrs. cissy loves her she was also that much more judgmental dont know one wanna deal with that.
I think more importantly, Whitney had to uphold an image as this great singer, The Voice, as Oprah called her, and that was way more pressure than being gay. Coming out of the closet would have tarnished that.
I didn’t know that Luther Vandross was gay..
NO, Whitney caused her own demons!!! Some kids grow up in horribly, abusive homes & grow up just fine…We all have to stand before God and give an account of our own actions, you will not be able to blame ANYONE for your actions or the bad decisions we made!!
Nope!! At some point you know right from wrong! That celebrity life was probably the cause ..
Good point Funky Dineva!
Isnt this the reason Krissy stopped talking to Cissy due to this TELL ALL book!
I think it played a Major role in her Drug habit
You just said a mouth full…