Fans of singer-songwriter Khalid are rallying around him following a wave of homophobic backlash after teasing his upcoming, unapologetically queer music video for “Out Of Body”.
The Grammy-nominated artist — known for hits like “Talk” and “Location” — posted a 15-second preview of the clip on 23 September. The short video, which features intimate scenes between Khalid and other men, sent a clear message: the 27-year-old is embracing his sexuality and artistic freedom with pride.
The “Out Of Body” video is due out 26 September, ahead of Khalid’s fourth studio album, After the Sun Goes Down, which drops on 10 October.
Out Of Body
9.26 pic.twitter.com/6WqqZSOiqz— Khalid (@thegreatkhalid) September 23, 2025
Queer Imagery Sparks Praise — and Prejudice
In the teaser, Khalid is seen pressed up against a grungy bathroom sink by a man who leans in, appearing to kiss him. The camera then cuts to a suggestive hand movement on Khalid’s chest, implying the man is kneeling. Later, four more men — one shirtless — join Khalid in the bathroom, dancing and grinding to pulsating synth beats. A woman appears briefly, adding to the fluid, underground club vibe.
As Khalid moans, “So out of body,” the track lives up to its name with dreamlike, sensual visuals.
While many fans celebrated the teaser as bold and liberating, others lashed out, accusing Khalid of “leaning into stereotypes” and oversexualising queer identity — despite no such criticism being levelled at similar videos by straight artists.
Social Media Reactions: “Why Can’t Queer Artists Just Exist?”
Some critics compared Khalid unfavourably to Sam Smith, Troye Sivan, and Lil Nas X, implying he was following a “trend” of queer expression rather than acting authentically. One bitter comment read:
“Coming out as g4y in the music industry doesn’t mean you have to hold on to all the stereotypes. Honestly, this is disgusting.”
Another claimed:
“Gay n**s in the industry always gotta show us as sexual deviants.”
Others lamented that Khalid was “just another good artiste gone,” or referred to him as “the Black Sam Smith” — intended as an insult. Some suggested he had been “Lil Nas X’d”, implying he had “given in” to queer visibility.
Fans Defend Khalid: “Let Him Be”
Supporters weren’t having it. Many pointed out the double standard that sees queer artists criticised for the same sexual expression that straight artists regularly display without issue.
“I don’t get the offence over this,” one fan wrote. “Straight people do this all the time and no one says they’re portraying their community as sexual deviants.”
Another added:
“Y’all were shady about Khalid being gay for years. He gets outed, owns it, expresses himself — and now it’s a problem? Support him or shut up.”
A third echoed the frustration:
“Y’all saying he’s doing too much, but if he kept presenting straight, that wouldn’t be good enough either. Pick a struggle.”
One fan focused on the artistry, simply stating:
“I love when an artist gets to be more expressive. This video already looks amazing — and the QUALITY!!”
What’s Next?
“Out Of Body” is the second single from After the Sun Goes Down, following “In Plain Sight”, released in August. The album will be Khalid’s first since coming out as gay — a declaration he made after being forcibly outed in 2024. At the time, he said:
“I’m not ashamed of who I am.”
And with this new era, he’s proving it — proudly.
