Harry Styles opens up about sexuality, says not everything is about labels

Right now, Harry Styles is on top of the world. He has the world’s No. 1 hit, the trailer for his new picture has just been released for the first time, and he’s on the cover of a magazine. He’s been busy revealing a lot about who he is as a musician, a guy, and an artist — yet there are some things one of the world’s most recognised musicians refuses to let go of.

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“I’ve been really open with it with my friends, but that’s my personal experience. It’s mine.”

This was Styles’ response when asked about his sexuality in an interview. The piece was published in the most recent issue of Better Homes & Gardens, and while the pop/rock singer-songwriter discussed a variety of issues in the lengthy interview, it’s the sex talk that has most people’s attention.

Styles appeared to be agitated by the discussion at one point, and he provided some fascinating insights concerning labels in general.

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“The whole point of where we should be heading, which is toward accepting everybody and being more open, is that it doesn’t matter,” the Grammy winner revealed. “And it’s about not having to label everything, not having to clarify what boxes you’re checking.”

The “Watermelon Sugar” singer also revealed that he first felt at ease with his sexuality, whatever it may be, after leaving the boy band that made him famous.

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“In lockdown, I started processing a lot of stuff that happened when I was in the band,” he began by saying that as one of One Direction‘s five members, he was pushed to open himself a lot in order for fans to connect with him as long as everything was “clean.” As the group was marketing to a young, mostly female audience, there was a stipulation in their contract that prohibited them from discussing topics like sex.

“For a long time, it felt like the only thing that was mine was my 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,” Styles admittedly said.

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That must have been difficult, given that he has previously been romantically linked to several prominent women, including Taylor Swift, and media scrutiny has been a part of his life for more than a decade.

“I think I got to a place where I was like, why do I feel ashamed?,” the musician continued, before wrapping up with, “I’m a 26-year-old man who’s single; it’s like, yes, I have sex.”

Styles has hinted that he isn’t straight during his solo career, but he hasn’t presented any substantial evidence to the contrary. He’s never been seen with guys in a romantic way, and the only individuals he’s been spotted with are women.

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He is rumoured to be dating Olivia Wilde, the director of the upcoming film ‘Don’t Worry Darling,’ in which he plays a closeted gay man.

Styles is currently promoting his new track “As It Was,” which has returned to the top of America’s Hot 100 songs chart. The song is the first taste of his upcoming third album, Harry’s House, which is set to be released on May 20.