Khalid: "Being Outed Was a Blessing in Disguise"

American R&B sensation Khalid has opened up about one of the most personal and transformative experiences of his life - being outed as gay by an ex-partner on social media. While the incident initially left him feeling exposed and vulnerable, the 27-year-old singer now describes it as a “blessing in disguise”.

In a candid interview with People magazine, Khalid reflected on the moment he was forced to publicly confirm his sexuality in November 2024, after a former partner revealed the information on X (formerly Twitter). “I was caught off guard,” he admitted. “What’s so nasty about it all is that my own story got stripped away from me.”

Despite the painful nature of the experience, Khalid has since found a sense of liberation in living openly. “I decided I’m just going to choose to love who I am unconditionally because it’s all I got on this earth,” he said.

[The album] a celebration of being out and a representation of my queerness.

This newfound freedom has deeply influenced his forthcoming album, After the Sun Goes Down, set for release on 10 October. Khalid credits the incident as the catalyst for the project’s creation. “This album wouldn’t have come to be if I wasn’t outed,” he revealed. “It’s a celebration of being out and a representation of my queerness.”

Known for hits like Young Dumb & Broke and Location, Khalid has long been a staple in the global music scene. However, he now admits that during the making of his earlier albums, he was holding back. “I wanted to give enough of myself where I felt like I wasn’t completely hiding, but I didn’t want to give too much where I felt exposed,” he explained.

Now, Khalid is embracing his identity with a boldness that’s reflected in his new music. Inspired by pop icons such as Britney Spears and Rihanna, he says the album is “an ode to the beautiful icons that came before me”. He adds, “I really tapped into that little boy and gave him his shine that he always wanted.”

The lead single, Out of Body, features a sultry music video that sees Khalid confidently expressing his sexuality - a stark contrast to the more reserved persona fans may remember. “It’s vulnerability, in a sense,” he said. “I’m embracing my sexuality - relentlessly, fearlessly.”