Queen Latifah didn't make any big announcements at the Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Festival this weekend, but it seems she invited the world to read between the lines.
The hip hop queen, whose sexuality has been the source of speculation for years, told the 10,000-strong crowd, “I’ve been waiting to do this for a long time.” She then went on to perform her hits "U.N.I.T.Y" and "Ladies First." 
It was Latifah's first appearance at a gay pride event, and she said she was proud to be among "my people" for the evening. The Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Festival is the fourth largest in the country, and the masses of mostly LGBT fans gave Latifah an enthusiastic welcome.
The multi-talented star returned the favor, peppering inspirational sayings like “let your inner light shine in the world” and “conquer hate with love” between songs.
Latifah will soon be seen in the upcoming remake of Steel Magnolias, as well as on her own talk show, slated for launch this fall. Perhaps she'll have even more to share with her fans then.

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(Photo: John Parra/Getty Images)