Grammy-winning R&B artist Steve Lacy has described his sexuality as “fluid” in a candid Rolling Stone cover story, ahead of the release of his upcoming album Oh Yeah?
The 27-year-old, who first rose to prominence with his 2023 Grammy-winning single Bad Habits, reflected on growing up as a queer kid in a world that often forced him to suppress parts of himself.
“I really love dance — all styles: contemporary, tap, hip-hop, modern,” Lacy shared. “But growing up, I couldn’t explore that ’cause I never wanted anyone to call me gay before I told them I was anything, gay or whatever, you know?”
While he is openly bisexual, Lacy said his experience goes beyond labels. “It’d probably be easier if it were just like, ‘I’m g-word,’ but I’m not g-word. It’s fluid, and queer is a lot harder to explain than just being a gay dude.”
Fans first became aware of Lacy’s queerness in 2017 when he responded to a Tumblr question asking whether he’d date a man. His simple reply — “Sure, why not?” — was widely interpreted as his coming out, though Lacy later challenged that narrative.
“I didn’t really come out,” he told Variety. “I didn’t try to, it just kinda happened. I don’t care to announce who I’m into sexually. I think it’s silly. I never felt I needed to come out.”
Lacy’s previous album, Gemini Rights, included lyrics that candidly explored queer themes and sexuality — notably on tracks like Cody Freestyle, where he sings:
“Why you bother me? Don’t depend on me, no. Unless you’re swallowing, I could use your deep throat,” and, “You was handsome with a heavy d**k, a cannon, you do damage.”
Despite being an openly queer artist, Lacy is wary of being turned into a symbol for the entire LGBTQ+ community. “I feel like a lot of people use the gay bug to market their s**t,” he said. “And I never did.”
Now, as he prepares to release new music, Lacy embraces his fluidity both personally and artistically. “I love how my fluidity has just felt through the music,” he said.
