Maren Morris, Chappell Roan & more

Every year on October 11th, the LGBTQ+ community in the United States comes together to observe National Coming Out Day, celebrating the millions of people who have chosen to be open about who they are and to the world at the same time encouraging those who have not yet spoken publicly about their identities.

It's a particularly important day in 2024, at a time when queer artists are having more chart success than ever. From Chappell Roan's meteoric rise to pop dominance to Billie Eilish's anthem for women loving women reaching the upper echelons of the Billboard Hot 100, 2024 has been a record year for LGBTQ+ pop artists looking to prove that identity is an asset, not an advantage Obstacle is to success.

But in 2024, legislative attacks on LGBTQ+ people will continue to increase. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is currently tracking over 500 anti-LGBTQ laws across the United States. Former president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, meanwhile, has doubled down on his anti-trans talking points in a series of ads.

However, a June report from Axios suggests that momentum for anti-trans and anti-queer legislation has slowed in 2024, signaling a light at the end of the tunnel for queer and trans advocates in the US: “There is a lot of hope right now,” said HRC President Kelley Robinson. “Our resistance is excessive. They are not only attacking our community, but also our children.”

To celebrate National Coming Out Day, billboard takes a look back at some of the artists who have chosen to speak out about their identity in 2024:

Maren Morris

Photo credit: Leon Bennett/Getty Images

When Maren Morris posted a series of photos from her RSVP Redux Tour stop in Phoenix, Arizona, she decided to share an important fact about herself with her fans. “Happy to be the B in LGBTQ+,” she wrote, before wishing her fans a happy Pride month.

In a later interview with billboardMorris revealed that the moment didn't feel particularly bombastic to her – but she felt compelled to share what she identified as bisexual with her fans. “I think it was one of those things where I thought, 'Does this really need an Instagram post?' “It didn't feel like, 'Oh, this is going to be a big fucking bomb,' I just think it feels quite inclusive for any artist that's performing in public to let people know about it,” she said. “I also feel like I really don’t hide any part of myself anymore. This means I sleep better at night.”
Chappell Roan

Image source: Rick Kern/Getty Images

While Chappell Roan has been open about being queer for years, the singer got more specific during a tour stop in Ohio earlier this year. “Some things have changed, but damn I hope you're happy 'cause I'm a lesbian now,” the singer told the crowd in a fan-shot video.

In conversation with Rolling Stone For the September cover story, Roan confirmed that she had recently come to terms with her sexuality after examining why she never seemed to enjoy sleeping with men. “At the end you say, ‘Oh, I know why. That’s because I’m gay and there’s actually nothing wrong with me,” she said. “I just shouldn't sleep with men, and now I'm a little loathe at the thought of even kissing a man because no one is as good as girls.”
Renee Rapp

Image source: John Nacion

Similar to Chappell Roan, Reneé Rapp publicly identified as queer before 2024 – but the “Not My Fault” singer decided to be more explicit with her fans. During her appearance on Saturday Night Live, Rapp took part in a skit in which she was introduced as “our little lesbian intern Reneé,” which she later confirmed Them was a decision she made to officially come out.

“I didn't want to do it and say, 'Oh my God, I don't use the word 'bisexual'” and make bisexual people feel sexy. I also didn't want to say, 'Okay, I'm gay,' and all the lesbians say, 'Then say you're bisexual,'” she said. “I didn't talk on the phone for a few days because I was so scared and embarrassed, but then it just happened and it felt good.”
Julia Fox

Photo credit: Stephanie Augello

While Julia Fox may have found public fame after her whirlwind romance with Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), the Unpolished gemstones The actress announced in a TikTok video that she identifies as a lesbian. Fox included a video of creator Emily Gracin making a joke about closeted lesbians who “hate” their friends, confirming that the joke was very real to her. “Hey, that was me,” she said. “I was that lesbian. Sorry guys, it won’t happen again.”
Johann Vera

Image source: Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images

Back in August, Ecuadorian singer Johann Vera released his song “Closet,” in which he came out to the public as queer. “Why do I hate myself and fight with myself just because I love differently? / How can parents decide to lose a child just because they love differently?” he sings the song.

In a subsequent interview with billboardVera said he refused to come out for a long time, but ultimately decided he needed to speak his truth. “Now I realized that all my life I've had the idea that sexuality shouldn't be touched on in my music or my art. I wanted to be a private artist and not talk about my private life,” he said. “I wrote the song so that everyone would understand the struggle. All your life you have felt like you have this flaw, deep down inside you felt like there was a problem. It’s very difficult to break through that barrier.”