Shawn Mendes is opening up to us.

During a concert on Monday, the artist shared his thoughts on sexuality—an often-discussed issue among fans, casual observers, and many within the LGBTQ+ community. He mentioned that “sexuality is such a beautifully complex thing, and it’s so hard to just put into boxes.”

Mendes further expressed: “It always felt like an invasion into something very personal to me, something that I was figuring out in myself, something that I have yet to explore and still continue to explore … The honest truth about my life and my sexuality is that, honestly, I’m just trying to understand it like anyone else. Sometimes I feel certain and other times I don’t. It can be quite daunting, particularly in a society that has a lot to say about it. I’m striving to be brave and simply allow myself to feel human emotions. And that’s really all I want to communicate about it for now.”

Public figures often experience scrutiny regarding their sexuality: Kit Connor, Ariana Grande, and Taylor Swift are a few examples. But should they, particularly when they’re still “figuring it out like everyone?” And is it necessary for them to comment on it at all?

The brief answer is: No. The repercussions, especially if someone is coerced to come out prematurely, can be severe. A quick look at social media or a search into anti-LGBTQ legislation in the U.S. clarifies this point.

Pointless speculation about sexuality can be invasive

Kit Connor, known for his role in Netflix’s “Heartstopper,” came out as bisexual two years ago, but not on his terms.

“Back for a minute. I’m bi. Congrats on forcing an 18-year-old to out himself,” Connor tweeted. “I think some of you missed the point of the show. Bye.”

The series “Heartstopper,” which centers on a burgeoning romance between two high schoolers, Nick and Charlie (played by Connor and Joe Locke), portrays Nick’s uncertainty about his sexuality. Fans accused Connor of “queerbaiting,” a term used when a straight, cisgender individual appears to profit from LGBTQ themes, aesthetics, or roles.

This situation illustrated what can go wrong when accusations of queer representation arise. “There is a significant difference between audiences expressing genuine concerns about exploitative representations of LGBTQ themes and engaging in online harassment,” Melvin Williams, an associate professor at Pace University, previously shared with YSL News.

The same applies to Mendes. Despite not explicitly confirming anything regarding his sexuality, many social media discussions continue without substantial evidence. While everyone has the freedom to discuss what they want in private, engaging publicly about someone else’s sexuality when they’re uncomfortable is a different, unwelcome intrusion.

Shawn Mendes is not required to explain himself

However, shouldn’t celebrities prepare for inquiries about their personal lives, unlike ordinary individuals?

Yes and no. “The nature of celebrity journalism often seeks to extract as much information as possible about celebrities we feel overly familiar with,” Williams explained. “Nonetheless, both celebrities and everyday people are not obliged to provide confirmation or clarification about their sexual orientation, and such disclosures should remain the individual’s choice.”

Experts stress that no one should feel compelled to come out, especially if there’s a risk to their safety. Individuals should only come out when they feel prepared. Ideally, we aim to cultivate a society without categories or compartments to “come out of” since no one should be pressured to be anything other than who they declare themselves to be, according to Moe Ari Brown, a licensed marriage and family therapist, who previously commented to YSL News. “Until such a transformation occurs, we must deliberately decide who to invite into our identity’s celebration.”

Shawn Mendes is sharing his journey with us. He should not be obligated to reveal anything more.