Lorde Shares Candid Reflections on Gender Identity: “I Never Felt Like a Woman Until I Was 26”

Grammy Award-winning artist Lorde has long been celebrated for her introspective songwriting and fearless artistic expression. Now, as she prepares to release her fourth studio album, “Virgin,” the New Zealand singer-songwriter is opening up about a deeply personal aspect of her life: her relationship with gender identity. In a series of recent interviews and public appearances, Lorde shared that she “never felt like a woman until was 26,” describing her journey as one of ongoing exploration and “gender broadening” .

Lorde’s comments have resonated widely, reflecting a growing cultural recognition of gender as a spectrum rather than a fixed binary. Speaking to Rolling Stone, Lorde revealed, “My gender got way more expansive when I gave my body more room.” She went on to explain that the process of self-discovery was catalyzed by major life changes—including a significant breakup, experiences with psychedelic therapy, and confronting an eating disorder—which collectively allowed her to reflect on her identity in new ways .

Lorde’s reflections on gender were amplified during her appearance at the 2025 Met Gala. On the red carpet, she wore a custom Thom Browne gown with an open back, which she said “symbolizes my current state regarding gender. I cherish it. I feel like both a man and a woman, you know?” . In conversation with interviewer Emma Chamberlain, Lorde shared that her look was designed to blur the lines between masculine and feminine, reinforcing her message of gender fluidity.

In other interviews, Lorde addressed the question of whether she identifies as non-binary, describing her experience as nuanced: “I’m a woman except for the days when I’m a man. I know that’s not a very satisfying answer, but there’s a part of me that is really resistant to boxing it up” . She elaborated on the complexity of her feelings, noting that her gender identity is “expansive” and resists simple categorization.

These themes are woven throughout “Virgin,” the forthcoming album set for release on June 27. The project’s opening track includes the lyric: “Some days I’m a woman/Some days I’m a man,” a reflection of the dualities Lorde experiences in her daily life . The album explores not only gender, but also beauty, pregnancy, and the intersection of the grotesque and the sublime.

Lorde’s openness comes at a time of heightened visibility for non-binary, genderqueer, and transgender artists in the music industry. Her comments have been met with support and appreciation from LGBTQ+ fans, many of whom see their own experiences reflected in her journey. On social media platforms like TikTok, Lorde’s interviews have sparked conversations about gender fluidity, with users sharing their own stories and expressing gratitude for her vulnerability .

Within the LGBTQ+ community, Lorde’s statements are seen as a powerful affirmation that gender is not static. Advocates note that her willingness to speak candidly about not feeling like a woman until the age of 26 can help destigmatize late-in-life self-realization and the complexity of gender exploration. According to LGBTQ+ activists, the visibility of public figures like Lorde can encourage others to explore their identities without fear or shame.

In an interview with L’Officiel, Lorde further emphasized the importance of fluidity: “I’ve realized gender is less about the labels and more about how I choose to express myself each day. It’s an energy, a feeling—sometimes shifting, sometimes still” .

Lorde’s journey is unfolding within a broader conversation around gender diversity in the arts. As more celebrities and musicians share their stories, the cultural definition of gender continues to expand. For Lorde, this period of growth is intimately tied to her artistry. The “Virgin” era, marked by bold fashion statements and confessional lyrics, represents a new chapter in her career—one that prioritizes authenticity and personal truth.

The response from the music industry and fans has been largely positive. Fellow artists, including Chappell Roan, have voiced support for Lorde’s openness, with Roan reportedly asking her, “So, are you nonbinary now?” Lorde’s answer—that her identity shifts day by day—echoes the sentiments of many in the queer community who reject rigid labels in favor of lived experience .

As Lorde embarks on her global tour in support of “Virgin,” her message of self-acceptance and gender exploration is poised to reach audiences worldwide. For LGBTQ+ listeners in particular, Lorde’s story is a reminder that identity is a journey, and that each person’s path is unique—and worthy of celebration.