Khalid Reflects on Being Outed: A Journey Toward Autonomy and Pride on Keke Palmer’s Podcast

Diamond-certified singer Khalid, known for chart-topping hits such as “Location” and “Young, Dumb & Broke,” released his first album as an openly gay artist in October 2025. However, his journey to public acknowledgment was not on his terms. In November 2024, Khalid’s ex-partner, content creator Hugo Almonte, publicly disclosed details about their relationship on social media, outing Khalid’s sexuality without his consent. The series of posts included personal allegations and claims that Khalid has since denied, amplifying the media scrutiny surrounding his private life .

Khalid addressed the incident during a revealing interview on Keke Palmer’s podcast, "Baby, This Is Keke Palmer", explaining the intense emotional toll of losing control over his narrative. He described the moment as “embarrassing” and “annoying,” noting that some expected him to retreat or hide after being outed. Instead, Khalid made the conscious choice to remain visible and authentic, emphasizing, “I’m gay, it happened, and I’m still here.” He discussed how privacy and autonomy are vital, especially when navigating the public eye as a queer artist .

Khalid explained that he had always been open about his sexuality to those closest to him, sharing that having a gay uncle meant the subject was never taboo in his family. He reflected on the importance of reclaiming his autonomy, stating that “when someone takes away your right to tell your own story, it can feel like everything’s spinning. But I realized the only thing I could control was how I moved forward” .

Khalid’s experience sheds light on the broader issues of consent and privacy that many LGBTQ+ people face when coming out. The act of outing someone without their permission is widely recognized as a violation that can have lasting emotional and social consequences. Khalid’s response, choosing not to go into hiding and instead embracing his identity publicly, resonates with many who have experienced similar breaches of trust. His statement, “I’ve learned that healing is loud. And honestly, I’m proud of the person I’m becoming,” underscores the process of healing and self-acceptance that follows such an event .

Khalid’s journey also highlights the critical role of community and family support for LGBTQ+ individuals. His openness about his family dynamics and his uncle’s influence demonstrates the power of affirming environments in fostering resilience. The conversation on Keke Palmer’s podcast provides a platform to discuss these challenges openly, helping to destigmatize public discourse around coming out and privacy within the music industry and beyond .

Despite the initial embarrassment and pain, Khalid has used his experience to advocate for greater understanding and respect for LGBTQ+ identities. By speaking out on a major platform like "Baby, This Is Keke Palmer", he contributes to ongoing conversations about autonomy, consent, and healing after being outed. His story is a reminder that, although coming out should always be a personal choice, resilience and pride can emerge even in the wake of unexpected challenges.

In promoting his latest album, "After the Sun Goes Down", Khalid continues to affirm his visibility as a proud gay artist, inspiring others to embrace authenticity and reject shame. His narrative stands as both a cautionary tale and an example of empowerment for LGBTQ+ communities navigating the complexities of identity in public spaces .