Rapper Kanye West, whose growing presence in
the fashion world has drawn a mixed reaction, says he faces discrimination
for
being straight.
West last month suddenly announced a show of his military-inspired Yeezy
line during New York Fashion Week, angering some more established designers.
“I felt that I got discriminated against in fashion also for not being gay,
whereas in music you definitely get discriminated against if you are gay,”
West, who manages to stay persistently in the spotlight, told the fashion
website Showstudio.com.
West stressed his support for LGBT rights. His wife, reality television
star Kim Kardashian, is the stepdaughter of Caitlyn Jenner, who has brought
widespread awareness to transgender issues by transitioning to be a woman.
West, who is African American, said he initially feared about “black radio
hosts possibly making jokes about it, because the black culture generally is
so homophobic.”
“I just feel so proud to be in a family that has so many people breaking
ground for the generations to come,” he said in the interview recorded
Tuesday.
West, whose stated ambitions include a run for president, again likened
himself to Michelangelo and denounced critics who see him simply as a
celebrity.
Unlike rappers who flaunt their wealth, West said he was out to prove
himself as a “creative genius” who can succeed if he has the right
resources.
“All of my aspirations are things that currently only 60-year-old white
people do, so I have to redefine and let people know exactly who I am,” he
said.
“When people try to take the piss out of me for clothing or this or that,
they never think… that I never had the opportunity to be properly
educated.” (AFP)