ST JOHN’S, Antigua, Aug 13 2015 – Former Queen of Carnival Tasheka LaVann has ended years of speculation about her sexuality, coming out as “gay and proud” in her first video blog.
LaVann, a former employee with the state-owned Antigua Broadcasting Service, now hosts “Island Lez Talk” on video sharing site Youtube.
More than 2000 people have viewed LaVann’s first episode in which she introduces herself and takes questions from her audience.
“I know persons have assumed that I am a lesbian. I know that persons refuse to believe that I could ever be a lesbian. But truth be told, I am a lesbian and I have always been a lesbian,” LaVann said in response to a question about her sexuality.
The former Sandals Grande Antigua Public Relations Manager told viewers she was speaking about the issue publicly for the very first time “although it’s not a recent discovery.”
Recalling her early struggles with her sexuality, the former pageant queen reveled she masked her true self “by entering into heterosexual relationships.”
“Now I’m absolutely proud to be who I am,” she added.
“Regardless of what society says I am going to live for me and I am going to be with who I truly want to be with. The type of person I connect with emotionally and physically and that’s a woman,” LaVann said responding to another question.
LaVann, 29, said she’s learnt the art of blocking off rumors and denied that her sexuality was based on a bad experience with a man.
LaVann, who has relocated to Toronto, is in a relationship and plans to release her blog ever Sunday.
Her revelations have led to an outpouring of support from friends and members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender community.
She has also been strongly criticised for her lifestyle choices but admits that she has a “strategy” to maintain her sanity. (Antigua OBSERVER)
