Shawn Mendes, the popular singer, is using his music to address conversations about his sexuality. During his For Friends and Family Tour, he performed a new song called “The Mountain” which includes lyrics that touch on his orientation. In the song, Mendes sings about people’s opinions on his age, gender preferences, and fitting into societal expectations.
This isn’t the first time Mendes has talked about his sexuality. In a podcast interview with Dax Shepard, he shared his frustrations about having to address rumors and clarify his orientation. Despite being straight, Mendes empathized with individuals who were in the closet and felt angry about the situation. The singer has faced challenges with people labeling him as gay from a young age, impacting his self-image and behavior.
However, these experiences have made Mendes more understanding of the struggles that LGBTQ+ individuals face, especially those who are afraid to come out. He acknowledged that many guys go through similar struggles and emphasized the importance of creating a safe and accepting environment for everyone.
In a previous interview with Rolling Stone, Mendes admitted that he sometimes felt pressured to prove his heterosexuality by being seen in public with a girl. Despite knowing that there’s nothing wrong with being gay, he still grappled with societal expectations and internalized stigma.
Through his music and candid conversations, Shawn Mendes is shedding light on the complexities of sexuality, self-identity, and societal pressures. By sharing his personal experiences and struggles, he is encouraging others to embrace their true selves and promoting acceptance and understanding in the music industry and beyond.