Pop sensation Shawn Mendes bravely addressed years of speculation surrounding his sexuality during a recent performance on his “For Friends and Family” tour. At the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver, Mendes, armed with his acoustic guitar, seized a quiet moment to speak candidly with the adoring crowd.
“I’ve been pondering this all day,” he confessed, his voice resonating with sincerity, “whether I should say something during this part of the show.”
Met with a chorus of supportive cheers, the 26-year-old singer continued, opening up about the unique challenges of growing up in the unforgiving glare of the spotlight.
“Starting at such a young age – just 15 – meant missing out on typical teenage experiences, the self-discovery that happens at that pivotal stage,” Mendes shared, reflecting on his meteoric rise to fame. “Since those early days, there’s been constant chatter about my sexuality. It’s all felt a bit silly because sexuality is such a complex and remarkable aspect of being human; it simply can’t be confined to rigid boxes.”
Mendes, known for guarding his personal life closely, has, over the years, been romantically linked to fellow stars. His most prominent relationship was a two-year romance with Camila Cabello, an era that fueled musical hits like “Señorita,” “Summer of Love” and “Wonder”.
Yet, the relentless rumors about his sexuality persisted.
“It always felt like an intrusion, a violation of something deeply personal,” Mendes admitted, his voice tinged with vulnerability as he discussed his new confessional song, “The Mountain.” This powerful track tackles the persistent whispers head-on with poignant lyrics like “You can say I’m too young/ You can say I’m too old/ You can say I like girls or boys/ Whatever fits your mold.”
“Writing this song felt incredibly important because it was finally a chance to confront these rumors in a way that felt authentic to me,” Mendes revealed. “I wanted to be open, to connect with everyone on a deeper level and simply be truthful.
He continued, “The truth about my life, about my sexuality, is that I’m still figuring it out, just like everyone else. There are times when I know more than others, and those moments can be frightening. We live in a society that has so much to say on this topic. So I’m trying to be brave, to allow myself the freedom to just be human, to feel.”
Mendes’ raw honesty was met with thunderous applause from the attentive crowd. He then launched into a stirring rendition of “The Mountain’s” chorus, a raw and vulnerable song that will be featured on his upcoming fifth studio album, “Shawn,” set to be released on November 15th.
This heartfelt confession marks a pivotal moment for Mendes, echoing similar sentiments he expressed to The Guardian in 2019. Back then, he described the persistent whispers about his sexuality as “hurtful,” emphasizing the broader impact these rumors have on the LGBTQ community. “These assumptions hurt not just me, but those who look up to me,” he stated powerfully. “They may not be speaking out, but they are listening.”
Mendes’ openness and vulnerability offer a powerful message of self-acceptance and challenge societal norms surrounding sexuality. His willingness to be authentic, to embrace the complexities of his own identity, sets a powerful example for his fans and beyond.