Honestly, if you grew up watching Living Single or listening to U.N.I.T.Y. on repeat, you’ve probably wondered about Queen Latifah’s personal life at least once. It’s been the "open secret" of Hollywood for what feels like forever. People have spent literal decades asking: Is Queen Latifah a gay woman, or is she just incredibly private?
For a long time, she didn't give us much. She was the master of the "none of your business" pivot.
But things have changed. Slowly. Very slowly.
The conversation shifted from wild internet rumors to something much more concrete over the last few years. If you're looking for a simple "yes" or "no," the answer is basically written in her recent public appearances, even if she still hates labels.
The BET Speech That Changed Everything
In June 2021, Latifah stood on the stage at the BET Awards to accept a Lifetime Achievement Award. It was a huge moment. She was emotional, holding a photo of her late mother, and surrounded by legendary peers like Lil’ Kim and MC Lyte.
Then came the kicker.
She ended her speech by thanking her family. But she didn't just say "thanks, guys." She looked right at the camera and said, "Eboni, my love. Rebel, my love. Peace. Happy Pride!"
That was it. That was the moment.
✨ Don't miss: Melania Trump Wedding Photos: What Most People Get Wrong
For many, that "Happy Pride" was the official confirmation. She wasn't just supporting the community; she was acknowledging her place in it. She didn't use the word "gay" or "lesbian" or "bisexual," but she didn't really have to. Mentioning her partner, Eboni Nichols, and their son, Rebel, while wishing everyone a Happy Pride is pretty much the gold standard for coming out on your own terms.
Who is Eboni Nichols?
You might not recognize Eboni Nichols immediately, but you’ve definitely seen her work. She’s a heavy hitter in the dance world. We're talking about a professional choreographer who has toured with icons like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Usher.
They reportedly met back in 2009. It was on the set of Dancing with the Stars.
They didn't start dating right away, or at least they didn't get caught if they did. Most reports suggest they became a couple around 2013. Since then, they've been spotted everywhere from the U.S. Open to grocery stores, but they rarely talked to the press.
Recently, the "privacy wall" has started to crumble a bit. They walked the red carpet together at the 2024 Met Gala, both looking incredible in Thom Browne. Just last week, at the 2026 Golden Globes, they were seen together again, looking more comfortable in the spotlight than ever. It’s clear they aren't hiding anymore, even if they aren't selling their story to the highest bidder.
Why the "Is Queen Latifah a Gay" Question Persisted
Latifah’s reluctance to talk wasn't about shame. It was about boundaries.
Back in 2008, she told The New York Times, "I don't feel like I need to share my personal life, and I don't care if people think I'm gay or not. Assume whatever you want. You do it anyway."
🔗 Read more: Erika Kirk Married Before: What Really Happened With the Rumors
She was 100% right. People did assume.
- She played Cleo in Set It Off, a legendary queer character.
- She played Bessie Smith, who was famously bisexual, in the HBO movie Bessie.
- She performed at Pride events as early as 2012.
When you play those roles with that much soul, people start to look for the truth behind the performance. But Latifah grew up in a different era of hip-hop and Hollywood. In the 90s, being an "out" rapper wasn't just a career risk; it was practically unheard of. She built her brand on "U.N.I.T.Y." and respect, making her personal life a fortress that nobody could breach.
The Reality of Living Privately
It's kinda wild to think about how much energy celebrities have to put into just living a normal life. For years, Latifah and Eboni were "rumored" to be together while they were literally raising a child. Their son, Rebel, was born in 2019.
Imagine having a kid and not being able to shout it from the rooftops because you know the headline will be about your sexuality rather than your joy.
That's the trade-off she made.
By the time 2025 rolled around, the world had mostly caught up to her. We live in a time where curiosity about "is Queen Latifah a gay" person feels almost dated because she’s already shown us her family. She’s living her truth loudly, just without the press releases.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that Latifah was "in the closet."
💡 You might also like: Bobbie Gentry Today Photo: Why You Won't Find One (And Why That Matters)
In the queer community, there’s a big difference between being "closeted" and being "private." Closeted implies you're hiding who you are. Private means you know exactly who you are, but you don't think the public deserves a front-row seat to your bedroom.
Latifah has always been a hero to Black queer women specifically because she didn't conform to traditional "feminine" standards of the time. She wore the suits. She took the lead. She demanded respect. Whether she was dating a man or a woman, she was always "The Queen."
Key Takeaways from Her Journey:
- Labels aren't mandatory. You can acknowledge your partner and your community without needing to pin a specific word on yourself if you don't want to.
- Timing is personal. Latifah waited until she was a legend with a Lifetime Achievement Award before she gave that public shout-out. She earned her right to do it whenever she felt like it.
- Family comes first. Protecting her son, Rebel, has clearly been a huge priority for her and Eboni.
- Actions speak louder. Red carpet appearances at the Met Gala and the Oscars (where she performed a beautiful tribute to Quincy Jones recently) tell the story better than any "I'm coming out" interview ever could.
Moving Forward
So, where does that leave us?
Basically, Queen Latifah is living her best life with Eboni Nichols and their son. She’s a queer icon who refused to let the media dictate how she shared her heart.
If you want to support her, the best thing you can do is keep watching The Equalizer and celebrating her work. She’s proven that you can be a massive, mainstream success while holding onto the pieces of yourself that matter most.
Next time you see a headline wondering about her status, just remember that she already gave us the answer on that stage in 2021. She’s happy. She’s loved. And honestly? That’s all that should matter.
To keep up with her latest moves, you should follow her official social channels, but don't expect many "at home" vlogs. That's just not her style. You can also check out Eboni’s choreography work in films like Jumanji or Girls Trip to see the talent that runs in that family.