Omar Apollo is one of the most exciting and versatile artists in the R&B scene, known for his songs that blend retro-soul, pop, rock, and Latin influences.
He is also a singer-songwriter who sings in English and Spanish and a Grammy-nominated artist for his debut album, Ivory. But what about his personal life? Is Omar Apollo gay?
This is a question that many fans and curious people have asked for a long time. In this post, the facts and rumors about Omar Apollo’s sexuality, his relationships, and his stance on LGBTQ+ issues will be revealed.
Who is Omar Apollo?
Omar Apollo was born Omar Apolonio Velasco on May 20, 1997, in Hobart, Indiana. He is the youngest of four children of Mexican immigrants who moved to the U.S. from Guadalajara.
He grew up in a working-class family, with his parents running a local restaurant called The Super Taco.
He started singing and playing guitar at a young age, influenced by artists like Pedro Infante, The Beatles, Prince, John Mayer, and Frank Ocean. As a child, he danced ballet folklorico and sang in his Catholic church choir.
Omar Apollo began his career by uploading his songs to SoundCloud, where he gained a loyal fanbase with his smooth and soulful vocals and his genre-bending sound.
He borrowed $30 from a friend to put his song “Ugotme” on Spotify in 2017, and it quickly went viral, earning him millions of streams and a deal with AWAL, an independent label.
He released his first EP, Stereo, in 2018, followed by his second EP, Friends, in 2019. He also toured extensively, performing at festivals like Lollapalooza and Tropicália and collaborating with producers like Kenny Beats and John Shanks.
In 2020, Omar Apollo released his debut album, Ivory, which showcased his musical evolution and diversity. The album featured songs in English and Spanish and genres ranging from R&B, pop, rock, funk, and folk.
The album received critical acclaim and commercial success, earning him a nomination for Best New Artist at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.
He also launched his own Netflix show, Down to Earth with Omar Apollo, where he travels worldwide with wellness expert Darin Olien and explores different cultures and cuisines.
Omar Apollo Profile:
Here is a table summarizing some basic information about Omar Apollo:
Full Name | Omar Apolonio Velasco |
---|---|
Date of Birth | May 20, 1997 |
Gender | Male |
Height | 6 ft 5 in (196 cm) |
Profession | Singer-songwriter |
Marital Status | Single |
Nationality | American |
Is Gay? | Yes |
Is Omar Apollo Gay?
Yes, Omar Apollo is gay. He has been open about his sexuality in his music and on social media without putting any labels on himself.
He has sung and rapped about his attraction to men, his experiences with love and heartbreak, and his struggles with identity and acceptance. He has also played gay characters in music videos, such as “Frío” and “Hit Me Up.”
However, Omar Apollo has also faced some speculation and criticism about his sexuality, especially from some people who accused him of queerbaiting, which is the practice of hinting at a queer relationship or identity without ever confirming it, to appeal to LGBTQ+ audiences without alienating straight ones.
Some reasons for this accusation were his clothing choices, musical influences, and friendships with gay celebrities, such as RuPaul, Tim Gunn, and Gus Kenworthy.
He has also been a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, where he flirted with some contestants and praised their performances.
Omar Apollo has responded to these accusations with humor and honesty, saying that he is not queerbaiting, but rather expressing himself and his sexuality in his way. He has also said that he does not like labels and that he is open-minded about sexuality.
Omar Apollo’s Stance on LGBTQ+ Issues
Omar Apollo has been vocal about his support for LGBTQ+ rights and issues. He has participated in several campaigns to raise awareness and funds for LGBTQ+ causes, such as the Trevor Project, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
He has also spoken out against homophobia, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQ+ people.
Omar Apollo has also revealed some of the challenges he faced growing up as a queer person of color in a conservative and religious environment.
He told Out Magazine that he experienced “heartbreaking” Catholic guilt for being gay and that he was called slurs and bullied by his peers.
He also said that his father, who had a “traditional masculine sense of himself,” subjected his brother, who was also gay, to so-called ‘gay conversion’ therapy, which is a dangerous and discredited practice that changes a person’s sexual orientation.
He said that his father kept his brother’s sexuality a secret from the rest of the family and that he was “conspicuously cruel” to him at times. He also said that his brother suffered from various physical and mental health issues and died in 2000.
Omar Apollo has also shared his own experiences with sexuality and gender identity, saying that he was “a late bloomer” and that he experimented with cross-dressing as a child.
He said he was fascinated by women’s clothes and makeup and would sneak into his mother’s closet to try on her dresses and shoes. He said he was not ashamed or guilty but curious and playful.
Is Omar Apollo Married With Kids?
As of now, Omar Apollo is single and has no children. He has not revealed much about his past or present relationships but has hinted at some of his crushes and flings in his songs and interviews.
He has also been romantically linked to some celebrities, such as Frank Ocean, when a picture claiming to have captured the two musicians in a frame went viral on Twitter. However, this rumor was never confirmed or denied by either party.
Omar Apollo seems very happy and focused on his career and personal growth. He often posts pictures and videos of his travels, hobbies, and friends on his Instagram account, with over 1.5 million followers.
He also gushes about his projects and his passions in interviews, saying that he loves to try out new places, learn new things, and challenge himself.
Conclusion
Omar Apollo is a talented and versatile artist, a proud and supportive ally, and a charming and charismatic star. He is gay, but he is respectful and appreciative of the LGBTQ+ community and has a large and loyal fan base among them.
He is also a fun-loving, adventurous, and ambitious person. He is one of the most promising and popular artists in the R&B scene and shows no signs of slowing down. He is Omar Apollo, and he is awesome.