After unceremoniously being outed online in 2024, singer Grammy nominee Khalid turned that act of betrayal into an act of reclamation. Following the outing incident, he released a moving statement, letting the world know exactly who he is — a proud Black gay man. Taking full agency over his personal story inspired Khalid to approach his music in a fresh way. Enter After the Sun Goes Down. Khalid’s fourth studio album became an ode to his newfound freedom, exploring 2000 to 2010s pop sounds of Janet Jackson, Rihanna, Britney Spears and singing lyrics explicitly about male-love interests. Since releasing the album, Khalid has received rave reviews from both fans and his fellow Black queer celebs, such as in interviews with Scott Evans for his House Party series and Keke Palmer on her Baby, This is Keke Palmer podcast. And with Khalid landing a Gay Times cover in October 2025 and receiving Billboard’s inaugural Disruptor Award in November 2025, the pop sensation is finding some serious power through his truth.