Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford continues to advocate for acceptance and inclusivity in heavy music, and has shared that he's offered advice to other gay musicians about coming out themselves.
Halford publicly revealed his sexuality in a 1998 interview with MTV, and when asked by Francophone LGBTQ+ publication Fugues if he had ever lent an ear to questions posed by closeted peers, the Judas Priest icon shared, "Yes, that has happened, but I won't name names because everyone comes out when it's their time."
"As we all know, set yourself free," he expressed. "It's such a difficult thing for us to do, even now in 2024 because we still have this ongoing challenge of hate and bigotry and intolerance and divisiveness. You think it would be a lot easier, but it's not."
"The struggle is still very real for young people, and that's where I hope any conversations I have with others do some good," Halford continued. "You know, I read a story not long ago about a guy in his '90s who came out just before he took his dying breath. Glory hallelujah! It's never too late to set yourself free because, as we know, once you're out, the attacks float away. I'm fucking here, I'm queer, get fucking used to it!"
Halford has, of course, also imparted similar advice in public. In a 2020 interview, the vocalist expressed that closeted metalheads "don't have to feel as alone as I did," sharing, "It is up to you to decide. I have friends [who] are still deeply closeted of their own choice. That's just the way it works for them. Gay metalheads, man, just come and join us and just get out and just have a blast. Have a good time with your life and don't be afraid."
Earlier this year, Halford and Judas Priest delivered their 19th album, Invincible Shield.
In September, the band will play Montreal and Niagara Falls on a supporting North American tour.