Ciara: 'Body Party' and Soul  The princess of Crunk&B opens up
about her newfound sense of self, the inspiration behind her
upcoming album, and why she thinks the hip-hop community will
embrace gay NBA star Jason Collins.  BY Jase Peeples  May 16
2013 3:00 AM ET  She’s sold more than 7 million albums, won
multiple awards, and collaborated with superstars like Missy
Elliott, P. Diddy, and Justin Timberlake. Yet, for all her
success, Ciara admits she has never felt completely comfortable
in her own skin — until now.  Her self-titled fifth studio
album (available July 9) showcases a renewed performer who is at
ease with both herself and her craft. Nevertheless, it’s the
struggles she has endured throughout her career that the singer
credits with helping her achieve a newfound sense of self-
confidence and part of what has endeared her to many LGBT fans
as well.  With her latest single, “Body Party,” currently
burning up Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, Ciara spoke
with The Advocate about her love for LGBT