Harry Styles has opened up about his sexuality and why he hasn't publicly defined it.
In the wake of his second studio album, Fine Line released on 13 December 2019, Styles took to the stage in more colourful attire, wore dresses and was spotted waving Pride flags.
His sexuality subsequently came under question, however the singer has since reflected how he's held back from labelling it because he thinks the expectation to define his sexuality is 'outdated'.
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While Styles noted how he's been 'really open with it' with his friends, he explained his sexuality is his 'personal experience' and belongs to him.
He told Better Homes and Gardens: "The whole point of where we should be heading, which is toward accepting everybody and being more open, is that it doesn't matter, and it's about not having to label everything, not having to clarify what boxes you're checking."
The 'Watermelon Sugar' singer also noted how he's been working through issues not just related to his sexual identity, but in relation to dating and other intimate relationships.
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The 28-year-old revealed how 'for a long time' the 'only thing' he felt was truly his was his 'sex life'.
"I felt so ashamed about it, ashamed at the idea of people even knowing that I was having sex, let alone who with," he explained.
He reflected how when there were 'still the kiss-and-tell things' he found it 'stressful' to know who he could trust.
He said: "I think we're in a moment of reflection. You look back, especially now there's all the documentaries, like the Britney documentary, and you watch how people were abused in that way, by that system, especially women.
"You recall articles from not even five years ago, and you're like, I can't even believe that was written."
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However, Styles resolved: "But I think I got to a place where I was like, why do I feel ashamed? I'm a 26-year-old man who's single; it's like, yes, I have sex."
As well as forming a healthier mentality surrounding his attitude towards relationships and his own sexuality, Styles noted his more relaxed attitude in relation to his music.
The musician explained how his first album had been plagued with his desire to be 'taken seriously as a musician' after leaving One Direction.
He reflected how he was 'bowling with the bumpers up, playing it safe'.
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However, now, Styles just wants to make 'stuff that is right, that is fun, that my friends can be proud of, that my family can be proud of, that my kids will be proud of one day'.
He said: "Finally, it doesn't feel like my life is over if this album isn't a commercial success."
Styles' latest album, Harry's House, is set for release on 20 May.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the LGBT Foundation on 0345 3 30 30 30, 10am–6pm Monday to Friday, or email [email protected]
Poppy Bilderbeck