Shawn Mendes: Singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes shared an emotional moment with fans during his concert at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, addressing long-standing questions about his sexuality. On October 28, Mendes candidly discussed the journey he’s been on to understand his own identity, saying he’s “just figuring it out like everyone else.” Mendes, who rose to fame at just 15, has been in the public eye since a young age, facing scrutiny over his personal life, relationships, and identity.
During the performance, Mendes introduced his new song, The Mountain, which touches on themes of self-acceptance and resilience in the face of judgment. He sang: “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.” Addressing the crowd, Mendes said that writing the song was significant for him. “It felt like a moment where I could address [ in a way that felt close to my heart,” he shared. “I want to be closer to everyone and just be in my truth.”
Mendes shared how, as a young artist, he faced relentless public speculation about his identity, which, he admitted, felt invasive and unsettling. “The truth is that I didn’t get to do a lot of 15-year-old things,” he reflected, speaking about his early rise to fame. “It’s kind of silly because I think sexuality is such a beautifully complex thing, and it’s hard to just put into boxes.” He continued, “It always felt like such an intrusion on something very personal to me.”
Despite his successful music career and high-profile relationships with singers like Camila Cabello and actress Sabrina Carpenter, Mendes said he often felt pressured by public assumptions about his sexuality. In an interview with Rolling Stone in 2018, Mendes opened up about his frustration with the rumors, stating, “Do you like the songs? Do you like me? Who cares if I’m gay?” Now, years later, he told fans that he’s still navigating his feelings, emphasizing that societal pressures can make exploring one’s identity feel challenging.
As Mendes wrapped up his heartfelt message, he reminded fans of the importance of authenticity and bravery in facing personal questions. “I’m just trying to be really brave and allow myself to be human and feel things,” he said. Mendes’s open dialogue onstage resonated with fans, many of whom have faced similar questions about identity. His transparency marks a significant moment in his career, as he uses his platform to encourage acceptance and understanding.
This moment of openness adds to Mendes’s growing legacy as an artist unafraid to share his truth. Fans are eager to see how Mendes will continue to explore these themes in his music, as he embraces self-discovery both on and off the stage.
