Khalid Releases Queer Celebration Album After Being Outed

Khalid, the 27-year-old singer-songwriter, revealed that being outed as gay by an ex on social media in 2024 was initially a painful experience that stripped him of control over his own story. Despite the initial shock and the public invasion of his privacy, he now regards the event as a "blessing in disguise" that pushed him to embrace his sexuality openly and fueled the creation of his most honest and vulnerable album yet, "After the Sun Goes Down," set for release on October 10. Prior to being outed, Khalid had been privately out to family and friends but maintained guardedness in his music to balance vulnerability with self-protection, aiming to be accepted broadly without feeling exposed. This album marks a significant shift as it fully celebrates his queerness and reflects a deeper, fearless expression of his identity and artistry. Khalid describes the new work as a tribute to the pop icons who inspired his childhood, such as Britney Spears and Rihanna, and credits the experience with unlocking a creative freedom that had previously been constrained. His transformation highlights the powerful impact of reclaiming one's narrative and the courage to live authentically in the public eye.