American Idol runner-up says she ‘chose’ to be gay and then ‘chose’ to be straight again
American Idol runner-up, La’Porsha Renae, has said she “chose” to be gay for two years before “choosing” to be straight again.
The comments come as a surprise as she last year said she doesn’t agree with LGBT “lifestyles”.
The Mississippi native faced criticism online after saying she “wasn’t brought up that way”, when asked about the new anti-LGBT law that had just been passed in the state
She has now found herself in hot water again after tweeted that she “chose” to be gay.
“I chose to be heterosexual after being homosexual for 2 years. I chose a belief system that felt TRUE to my spirit,” she said.
She later tweeted: “You’re wrong to think it’s not a choice for some….because it was for me.”
In response to fans saying she was homophobic, or suggesting that she shouldn’t use the word “chose” to refer to her sexuality, she lashed out.
After losing to Trent Harmon, La’Porsha said that although she didn’t believe in discrimination, she also didn’t agree with people “choosing” that lifestyle.
“They are people just like us. They’re not animals as someone stated before,” the 22-year-old told a press call.
“They’re people with feelings. Although all of us may not agree with that particular lifestyle for religious reasons, whatever the reason is, you still treat each other with respect.”
She added that she had lots of gay friends, but said: “I am one of the people who don’t really agree with that lifestyle. I wasn’t brought up that way. It wasn’t how I was raised.”
La’Porsha also posted her comments to Twitter, prompting a backlash from people who called out her choice of words.
Kit Williamson replied: “Glad you’re leaving Mississippi. One less close minded person holding my home state back. Too bad – I was a fan.”
“Being gay isn’t a lifestyle; it’s part of who someone is. Using the word lifestyle implies it’s a choice — which it isn’t,” said Shane Bitney Crone, an LGBT advocate.
.@LaporshaRenae Being gay isn’t a lifestyle; it’s part of who someone is. Using the word lifestyle implies it’s a choice — which it isn’t.
— Shane Bitney Crone (@ShaneBitney) 10 April 2016
The Governor of Mississippi signed what is deemed as American’s most anti-LGBT law into force last year. The Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act will allow people to use religion as an excuse to discriminate against LGBT people.
A number of businesses and celebrities, including Ellen DeGeneres, have slammed the state for passing the bill.
