In today's world, everyone seems to have a story of self-discovery, and public figures are no exception. For Shawn Mendes, this isn't new territory. Mendes is currently on His Friends and Family Tour and recently felt obligated to set the record straight about his sexuality. 

During his recent stop (Oct. 28) in Denver, a ticket-holder captured footage of Mendes addressing aspects of his personal life that have yet to be discovered. He explained that experimenting was difficult growing up since he began working at such a young age. 

"I think it's kind of silly because I think sexuality is such a beautifully complex thing and its so hard to just put into boxes," he told the crowd at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. "And it always felt like such an intrusion on something very personal to me." 

He continued, "The real truth about my life and my sexuality is that, man, I'm just figuring it out like everyone and I don't really know sometimes and I know other times." 

Shawn Mendes has been pressured and bullied for years, even before he was 18, to talk about his sexuality.

He spoke about it tonight at his show at Red Rocks.

“The real truth about my life and sexuality is that, man I’m just figuring it out like everyone. I don’t really know… pic.twitter.com/HhUYucRKoc

— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) October 29, 2024

This heartwarming speech came before his forthcoming track "The Mountain." This unreleased song sends a clear message: he doesn't care what anyone thinks. It's a refreshing perspective that invites us all to embrace our own truths, no matter the noise around us. 

The hitmaker is gearing up to release his self-titled album on Nov. 15, but he has been performing this track live. Concert-goers noticed that this song strongly acknowledges the fan-fueled rumors about his sexuality that have been circulating since he was 15 years old. 

Within the eye-opening ballad, he sings,  "Some days, I have a change of heart | You can say what you need to say | 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." 

Despite the chatter, Mendes has consistently emphasized that there's nothing wrong with being gay and that he's always been secure in who he is. Now, his music lets the rumors roll off his back with a sense of confidence and ease.

Mendes' stressed that he is now an open book, as he believes it will bring him closer to his passionate community of fans. 

"I'm trying to be really brave and just allow myself to be a human and feel things," he explained. "And that's to be 'closer to everyone.'" 

From Speculation to Self-Acceptance

Mendes has been romantically linked to high-profile names like Camila Cabello and Sabrina Carpenter, yet rumors about his sexuality persist. His lyrics in "The Mountain" suggest that no matter how people label him, he’s comfortable with himself.  

This is far from the first time Mendes spoke out about his sexuality. For years, the singer-songwriter felt obligated to defend himself again the fan-driven conversation. However in 2020, he slammed the comments on Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert Podcast.  

"It was so, so frustrating for me because there were some people in my life that I was very, very close to, who were gay and in the closet," Mendes told Shepard. "And I felt like this real anger for those pople. It's such a tricky thing. You want to say, 'I'm not gay, but it'd be find if I was gay – but also there's nothing wrong with being gay, but I'm not.' You don't really know how to respond to the situtation."  

@shawnmendesvault_ “the mountain” is such a beautiful song. so proud of our king. #shawnmendes #shawn #themountain #mendes #fyp #zyxcba #artist #performance @Shawn Mendes ♬ original sound - Shawn Mendes Vault 😍

Fans React: TikTok and Social Media Show Support

Fans were quick to express their support after hearing the fan-captured performance of "The Mountain." Rather than getting caught up in the sexuality rumors, many are celebrating the track’s emotional depth.

One fan on TikTok commented, “So happy that Shawn has had this immense growth. It really inspires me to keep going and grow as well.” Another fan commented, “I don’t care what he means. It’s a beautiful song and it gives me chills and tears.”

For many, the song isn’t just about the rumors but about Mendes' openness and vulnerability. Fans praised him for embracing his journey and sharing it through music. One comment summed up the overall sentiment: “This song is about finding yourself and not letting others define you. It’s such a powerful message.”

Photo Credit: @shawnmendes on Instagram.