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Khalid Says Forced Outing Fueled 'After the Sun Goes Down' as He Embraces Queer Identity

In a PEOPLE interview, he characterizes the 2024 outing as a painful catalyst for artistic freedom.

Overview

  • The 27-year-old confirmed he is gay on Nov. 22, 2024 after an ex outed him on X.
  • He says the experience unlocked honesty that shaped his upcoming album, which is scheduled for Oct. 10, 2025.
  • He acknowledges holding back on earlier records due to pressure to be broadly accepted.
  • The “Out of Body” video features explicit queer imagery, including intimate choreography with a male dancer.
  • He cites pop icons like Britney Spears and Rihanna as inspirations informing the album’s sound and persona.