Khalid Celebrates Queerness in Forthcoming Album After Being Outed

In the past year, singer-songwriter Khalid has undergone a significant transformation. Last year, he was outed on social media by an ex, an experience he initially found jarring. However, this event has since unlocked an even deeper well of creativity for Khalid, informing his forthcoming album "After the Sun Goes Down," set to be released on October 10th.

Khalid, who has been out to his family and friends for years, had previously held back from fully expressing his sexuality in his music. "As an artist, sometimes you do find the pressure to create yourself to be accepted by all sides," he explains. But the experience of being publicly outed has given Khalid a newfound sense of liberation, which he has channeled into his latest work.

"This album is a celebration of being out and a representation of my queerness," Khalid says. The 27-year-old artist has embraced his sexuality, no longer holding back and instead tapping into the pop-star dreams he's had since childhood. Tracks like the slinky, Britney Spears-inspired "Out of Body" showcase Khalid's newfound confidence and willingness to explore his identity through his music.