Every fall, Queerty spotlights inspiring public figures who’ve embraced their truth and proudly come out over the past year. More and more, celebrities are skipping the “formal announcement” and instead choosing authenticity in everyday moments. This reflects a powerful shift: they’re Out For Good, living openly and fearlessly.
This year, singer-songwriter Khalid Robinson shines as one of those bright voices.
!!!
there yall go. next topic please lol— Khalid (@thegreatkhalid) November 22, 2024
Meet Khalid
Born on February 11, 1998, in Fort Stewart, Georgia, Khalid grew up in a military family that moved often, including six formative years in Germany. His mom, a member of the Army chorus, passed her love of music on to him. By high school, Khalid was already honing his voice in theater and songwriting.
After moving to El Paso, Texas, his classmates quickly recognized his star quality, electing him Prom King and “Most Likely to Go Platinum.” They weren’t wrong. Khalid was already sharing songs on SoundCloud, and by 2016, his breakout single Location skyrocketed to the Billboard charts. Soon after, his debut album American Teen went Platinum, with anthems like Young, Dumb & Broke and Silence cementing his place in music.
I got outted and the world still continues to turn. Let’s get this straight (lmao) I am not ashamed of my sexuality! In reality it ain’t nobodies business! But I am okay with me 🖤 love yall
— Khalid (@thegreatkhalid) November 23, 2024
Coming Out With Humor and Strength
Khalid’s coming out wasn’t planned. In late 2024, an ex-partner publicly outed him through tweets and an old photo. Instead of shrinking back, Khalid responded with grace, humor, and resilience.
On X (formerly Twitter), he simply posted a rainbow emoji and quipped: “There yall go. Next topic please lol.”
He later made it clear he had no shame in embracing who he is:
“I got outed and the world still continues to turn. Let’s get this straight (lmao) I am not ashamed of my sexuality! In reality it ain’t nobody’s business! But I am okay with me. Love y’all.”
That mix of confidence and playfulness instantly resonated with fans.
thank you!!!! I was never hiding https://t.co/1yhNythnMP
— Khalid (@thegreatkhalid) November 23, 2024
Living Out Loud
In the months since, Khalid has leaned into his freedom. At a Billboard interview this summer, he reflected on how coming out changed nothing about his connection with fans:
“I looked out at the crowd and realized they were still singing the same way as before. Finding that freedom comes from knowing I can just be myself and still be embraced. I don’t change just because the world finds out I’m gay.”
That authenticity has carried onto the stage. At his first-ever Pride festival in Washington, D.C., Khalid not only performed he also celebrated. Fighting back tears, he told the crowd:
“These are happy tears. I want to thank you guys so much. For supporting me. It makes me so happy. I feel like I’m home here on this stage.”
The audience roared back with love.
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What’s Next for Khalid
Khalid’s newfound freedom is fueling his art like never before. His next album, After the Sun Goes Down (dropping October 10), promises to showcase his most authentic self yet.
As a preview, the video for his latest single Out Of Body bursts with color, energy, and unapologetic queerness proving that Khalid is stepping into his full power as both an artist and a proud gay man.
@kirstiepike @Khalid had us sobbing as he talked about feeling loved, seen, and accepted by the LGBTQ+ community at @WORLD PRIDE DC 📍@CapitalPrideDC @Visit Washington, DC #worldpride #only1dc #pridemonth #khalid ♬ original sound – kirstiepike__
Khalid’s journey is more than a story of resilience
it’s a celebration.
From SoundCloud teen to global superstar, he now stands proudly as himself, inspiring countless fans who see their own stories reflected in his.
And this time, he’s singing not just about life and love, but about freedom.