Key Takeaways:
– Singer Shawn Mendes recently spoke openly about his sexuality, stating he is still figuring it out.
– His latest single, “The Mountain,” appears to address the speculation surrounding his sexuality.
– He considers his sexuality to be a personal and ‘complex’ subject and is seeking to understand it better.
– Mendes has faced frustration over constant attention to his personal life, influencing his public behavior.
– He expressed empathy and anger for those who are not able to express their own sexual identities, due to societal pressure.
Shawn Mendes, the “Treat You Better,” and “Stitches” singer, seized his latest live performance as an opportunity to set the record straight about his sexuality, stating he’s simply “figuring it out like everyone.” The 26-year-old Canadian star engaged his audience in a heartfelt discussion before launching into his new track, “The Mountain,” that appears to address the long-standing speculation surrounding his sexuality.
Unpacking His Truth
Sitting onstage at the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Colorado, Mendes revealed, “Since I was really young, there’s just been this thing about my sexuality and people have been talking about it for so long.” As part of his intimate For Friends and Family Tour, Mendes said that he found the urge to categorize sexuality into rigid boxes rather absurd, praising it as a “beautifully complex thing.”
Addressing Sexuality through Song
“The Mountain,” his new song, serves as a medium to address these matters close to his heart. The song speaks of fluctuating feelings and brushes lightly over rumors of his preference for “girls or boys.” Mendes stated, “I’m just speaking freely now because I just want to be able to be closer to everyone and just kind of be in my truth.” He highlighted the fact that he is still grappling with understanding his “real truth” about his sexuality.
A Story of Persistence Amid Speculations
Rumors about the pop star’s sexuality have both bothered and frustrated him over the years. In a previous interview with Rolling Stone, he admitted he felt an imposed pressure to maintain a public image with women, a move aimed at refuting rumors about his being gay. Despite these perceived pressures, Mendes also acknowledged the internal battle he faced, accepting that there is nothing wrong with being gay.
Unveiling Past Relationships
Mendes’s personal life has been under the microscope for quite some time, with the pop star linked to various celebrities including Camila Cabello, with whom he worked on the hit number “Señorita,” and Hailey Bieber. His suspected relationships with chiropractor Jocelyn Miranda and singer Sabrina Carpenter also made headlines, though none of these relationships were publicly confirmed.
Being Open about Sexuality
In an earlier podcast with Dax Shepard, Mendes shared that speculations about his sexuality began when he was a teenager, causing him considerable discomfort. He faced criticism concerning his voice and his body language, factors which led to him experiencing internal strife. Mendes released a poignant call for understanding, showing empathy for others who may be battling similar internal or external struggles with their sexuality.
Seeking the Divine Middle Ground
Mendes articulated his desire to find a comfortable middle ground with his sexuality, citing iconic figures such as Freddie Mercury who had succeeded in doing the same. The singer’s confession and subsequent discussion of his sexuality display a tremendous amount of courage, and his candid attitude has found resonance with a large number of fans who look up to him.
In conclusion, Shawn Mendes continues to traverse his journey of self-exploration while expressing himself with courage and authenticity. His ongoing efforts to figure out his sexuality make it clear that individual truths and unique experiences are indeed things to be honored and not simply categorized or stereotyped.