Khalid identifies as gay, asserts: ‘I am proud of my sexuality’
Khalid is opening up about his sexual orientation — even if he insists it’s “not anyone’s concern.”
The 26-year-old singer known for “Young Dumb & Broke,” who released his third studio album, “Sincere,” in August, shared his news on social media, announcing he is part of the LGBTQ+ community.
“🏳️🌈!!! There you go. Next topic please lol,” he wrote on X, previously known as Twitter, on Friday night.
In response to a follower who asked, “Wait hope Mr Khalid isn’t GEHHH!” he clarified: “I am! And that’s alright.”
Khalid further explained that he was outed and stated, “And the world keeps moving. Let’s be clear (lmao): I’m not ashamed of my sexuality! Honestly, it’s nobody’s business! But I accept who I am 🖤 love you all.”
When a fan remarked that his sexuality was somewhat of an “open secret,” Khalid replied: “I wasn’t hiding anything! It’s just not for you to decide.” He also re-shared a fan comment that his 2022 song “Satellite” serves as an “LGBTQ anthem,” emphasizing he wasn’t hiding his sexuality but simply “didn’t feel the need to announce it to anyone.”
“Thank you!!!! I was never hiding,” he reiterated.
YSL News has contacted Khalid’s representatives for further comments.
Khalid’s announcement reflects a growing trend among public figures feeling compelled to disclose their sexual orientation
The artist from El Paso, Texas, rose to prominence while still in high school with his self-released single “Location” in 2016. The following year, this song made it onto his first album, “American Teen,” where he wrote or co-wrote every track. In 2017, he garnered five Grammy nominations.
Though often recognized as an R&B performer, Khalid’s music fuses various genres, collaborating with stars like Justin Bieber, Marshmello, Ty Dolla $ign, Normani, Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas, Kane Brown, and Ed Sheeran.
This announcement is Khalid’s first explicit acknowledgment of belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community. Other public figures, including Shawn Mendes, Kit Connor from the Netflix series “Heartstopper,” and Ariana Grande, have also expressed feeling pressured to come out, regardless of their sexual orientation.
“Public figures, whether celebrities or not, are not obligated to share their sexual orientation with the public, and it should remain a personal choice,” said Melvin Williams, an associate professor specializing in communication at Pace University, during a previous discussion with YSL News.
Experts assert that no one should feel obligated to come out, especially if their safety could be endangered. Furthermore, individuals should only come out when they feel ready. “Ideally, we aspire to create an environment without closets from which to come out because ideally, people should never be expected to be anything other than who they are,” stated Moe Ari Brown, a licensed marriage and family therapist, in a past discussion with YSL News.
“Until that change occurs, individuals must consciously choose whom they wish to invite to celebrate their identities.”
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance or support, The Trevor Project offers trained crisis counselors available 24/7 at 866-488-7386, through chat at thetrevorproject.org/get-help, or by texting 678-678.
