Shawn Mendes Catches Flack For Declining To Help Young Fan Come Out To Parents

“I’m bisexual and I haven’t told anybody, but my parents are very strict and I don’t know how to tell them so I was wondering if you could do a little video,” said the fan.

“This is what I want to tell you, your parents are your parents,” said Mendes. “They’re going to love you no matter what you say, no matter how you say it, no matter how you look when you say it, any time of the day.” 

.@ShawnMendes receives backlash after telling a fan that he won’t help her come out to her parents. pic.twitter.com/jChVmMCwxA

— Music News Facts (@musicnewsfact) July 19, 2019

“Nothing I say is going to mean anything that is even close to what you saying it means to them,” continued Mendes. “You’re their world. I cannot possibly come close to the amount of joy and happiness that they’re going to feel when they find out that you’re telling them your truth and your honesty.” 

It’s the scariest thing to come out as any sexuality whatsoever and to pretend that “everything will be okay” and “your parents will love you no matter what and love you more for coming out” is total BS. I’m fortunate enough to have a loving family, but others don’t.

— aidan ♡ (@aiidaannn) July 19, 2019

But at the end of the day, coming out really is one of the most personal and empowering acts an LGBTQ person will ever do for themselves. Asking a young pop star to put a ‘seal of approval’ on the girl’s coming out isn’t likely to impact the parents.

“Hey – your kid is bisexual! Have a great day!”

I appreciate that Mendes seemed genuine and sincere in his response, and recognized the personal nature of coming out.