Caleb Shomo is opening up about his sexuality and personal journey in a deeply vulnerable new statement.
“There’s been a lot of speculation surrounding my personal life as of late, and I feel compelled to set the record straight before it affects those I love any further,” Shomo wrote on social media. “I am a proudly gay man.”
The Beartooth frontman explained that coming to terms with his identity has been a long and emotional process.
“This is something I’ve been unpacking and reckoning with in my life for quite some time now,” he shared. “It’s been difficult to navigate the feelings surrounding the subject and figure out what to do with this fact.”
Shomo also reflected on how the band’s earlier music documented years of inner turmoil, including struggles with religion, depression, self-hatred, and hopelessness.
“When it comes to my art / Beartooth, I have always strived to chase who I am in the deepest part of my soul from album to album,” he wrote. “As you could gather if you’ve followed the band at all in the earlier years, there are 4 very self-deprecating albums about exploring my religious upbringing, depression, self-hatred, self-loathing, and hopelessness.”
He continued, “I am grateful for all these albums, yet feel embarrassed at times that I wouldn’t allow myself to really dig up the roots for so long.”
The singer revealed that sobriety played a major role in helping him confront his feelings and better understand himself.
“I spent a decade burying feelings with alcohol, and honestly, when I decided to put it down and focus on exploring why I felt this way for so long, it’s been a direct path to me reconciling with my sexuality in hopes that it will eventually lead me to experiencing self-love,” he explained.
Shomo also teased that the upcoming Beartooth album will be his most honest work yet.
“One thing I decided before I wrote a single note or lyric of the upcoming album is that whatever happens, I will express myself wholeheartedly and fully,” he wrote. “I refuse to water any part of it down, from the music, to the lyrical content, and way I portray myself.”
The musician ended his message by encouraging others struggling with their identity to give themselves patience and grace.
“I encourage anyone who’s struggling with who they are to give yourself grace. Give yourself patience, be honest with yourself,” he shared. “Holding these things in only hurt you and those around you. Love you all, and hopefully this is a step in the right direction to loving myself one day.”
Shomo’s wife of 14 years, Fleur Shomo, also appeared to show her support in a now-hidden Instagram post.
“You never want anything more for your person than for them to just be ok,” she wrote.
