Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Khalid has publicly come out as gay, sharing the news in a series of heartfelt posts on social media after being outed.
The 26-year-old artist, whose full name is Khalid Donnel Robinson, took to X on Friday afternoon to share the announcement, posting a simple rainbow flag emoji alongside a short statement:
“there yall go. next topic please lol.”
A Response to Being Outed
In a follow-up post, Khalid revealed that he had been “outted” but chose not to elaborate further. Despite the circumstances, he made it clear that he has no shame in his identity.
“The world still continues to turn,” he wrote. “I’m not ashamed, but it ain’t nobody’s business.”
Khalid responded to fans, emphasizing that he was never “hiding” his sexuality but simply hadn’t made it public. In a final post, he indicated he was done addressing the topic, choosing instead to thank his fans for their unwavering support.
On his Instagram story, Khalid echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude to his followers for their kindness.
A Career of Influence and Authenticity
Khalid’s decision to come out adds another layer of authenticity to a career already celebrated for its vulnerability and relatability.
- Albums and Awards: The artist released his third studio album, Sincere, in August 2024, continuing his streak of critical and commercial success.
- Accolades: Over his career, Khalid has been nominated for six Grammy Awards and has won multiple MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
- Cultural Impact: In 2019, Time magazine named him one of the 100 Most Influential People for his contributions to music and his connection with fans worldwide.
Fans Rally Around Khalid
The response from Khalid’s fanbase has been overwhelmingly positive. Many praised him for his honesty and strength, especially given the difficult circumstances of being outed.
“We love you for who you are, always,” one fan wrote on X. Others commended his graceful handling of the situation, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and privacy.
A Moment of Representation
Khalid’s coming out is significant in a music industry where LGBTQ+ representation continues to grow but remains a deeply personal decision for artists. His openness about his journey—and his refusal to let others dictate how or when he shares his truth—has resonated with many.
As Khalid himself wrote, “The world still continues to turn,” and for his fans, it’s turning a little brighter with his courage and authenticity.
