News

Lorde felt 'trapped' before exploring gender identity

Lorde has revealed that she felt "trapped" before beginning to explore her gender identity.

Earlier this year, the New Zealand singer spoke candidly to Rolling Stone about her experience, saying that she feels "in the middle gender-wise" and identifies as "a woman except for the days when I'm a man".

In a new interview with BBC Radio 1, the Solar Power singer admitted that she felt "so trapped and so tight in this very kind of straight-ahead femininity".

Lorde, whose real name is Ella Yelich-O'Connor, told the station that her journey began in a "pretty basic" way, with her realising that she didn't want to be limited to only women's clothes at a photo shoot.

"Because some days that will feel so tight and I'll feel so trapped," the 28-year-old continued. "The same with my make-up. I say to people now just treat it like male grooming - don't overcook it. Because the same thing happens, I get all stuck and tight and I can't express myself."

The Royals singer also noted that her 2025 Met Gala look - which featured a cummerbund, a traditionally masculine accessory - was a subtle nod to her evolving gender expression.

Reflecting on her journey so far, Lorde said that she hasn't "landed anywhere" yet, but that embracing the freedom to explore her identity has been transformative.

"I feel a lot more expansive, a lot bigger and my definition of what's beautiful is really different now," she shared. "I think it will just keep unfurling and I'm down for that."

Lorde released her fourth studio album, Virgin, in late June.

Photo: Cover Media
Source: Cover Media
Added automatically
4 views