Queen Latifah finally dispelled with any questions about hers sexuality Sunday night when she accepted the BET Lifetime Achievement Award.

Latifah was honored for her one-of-a-kind 35-year career as a rapper, performer, actress, and more. MC Lyte, Rapsody, Lil’ Kim, and Monie Love performed together and thanked her for being their peer or paving the way for them.

My heart melted when queen latifah mentioned her son and partner ???? what a day to be gay

— destiny???? (@destiethebestie) June 28, 2021

Latifah (née Dana Owens) was at the forefront pf hip-hop in the early days and not just as a woman. But her closing remarks drew the most attention, after the star mentioned her longtime partner, Eboni Nichols, and their son, Rebel. She ended her speech by wishing viewers a “Happy Pride!”

So happy Queen Latifah is reining on her day. She’s deserves every bit of respect, recognition, and praise. So much heart, prIde, and talent and seeing her thank her partner and child yelling Happy Pride at the end. So proud of her. #betawards2021 #pride pic.twitter.com/v5qHfeZOG5

— Janellaboo (@Janellaboo) June 28, 2021

Latifah’s sexual orientation has been a nonstop source of gossip for years as the hit singer and actress has steadfastly refused to confirm or deny that she is a lesbian.

Queen Latifah finally publicly acknowledging her “partner” Eboni Nichols & their son Rebel …we (black culture) been knew ever since Cleo in Set it Off but do you boo ❤ #BETAwards #LifetimeAchievementAward

— Strawberry_K (@Slim_Trina) June 28, 2021

The star, who is notoriously private but has mentioned having a crush on another woman, expressed her love for her partner and their son. It’s the first public acknowledgment of an addition to her family since it was rumored to happen in 2018.

I’ve been out for a minute but to hear Queen Latifah shoutout her partner & their child tonight in her speech really touched me. Whew, also with Lil Nas X’s & Jazmine Sullivan’s performances #BETAwards went a lil beyond the usual surface level acknowledgment of Black LGBTQ folks.

— Jasmin H (@jhsting32) June 28, 2021

“I’m gonna get off this stage, but I thank you so much for all of you, the fans for supporting every crazy-ass thing I’ve done through the years. And thank you for making Equalizer No. 1. Eboni, my love. Rebel, my love. Peace. Happy Pride!”

 

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Queen Latifah expressing her love for her partner and wishing us all a happy Pride as she accepted her Lifetime Achievement Award tonight had me emotional. So many Black queer kids watching the show tonight are being so affirmed by our people #BETAwards

— McKensie Mack ???? (@mckensiemack) June 28, 2021

“Queen Latifah expressing her love for her partner and wishing us all a happy Pride as she accepted her Lifetime Achievement Award tonight had me emotional,” McKensie Mack tweeted after the speech. “So many Black queer kids watching the show tonight are being so affirmed by our people.”