Kim Petras Speaks Out Against Censorship, Embraces Sex Positivity in New Era

Pop superstar Kim Petras is entering a bold new chapter in her career, marked by unapologetic artistry and a fierce commitment to authenticity. The German-born singer, who made history as the first openly transgender artist to win a Grammy, released her new single "I Like Ur Look" on October 14, 2025, delivering the catchy anthem that fans had been requesting for months after she teased it on social media .

"I Like Ur Look" represents a significant artistic evolution for Petras, following her previous singles "Polo" and"Freak It." The new track marks what the artist describes as a complete departure from her earlier work, signaling a fresh creative direction that feels genuinely aligned with her current artistic vision .

In her interview with PRIDE, Petras expressed a newfound freedom in her creative process, stating: "I just don't really care what anyone thinks about the music! I love the music I've been making. I'm so proud of it! It's what I want to hear. It's completely detached from anything I've done before" .

This liberating approach to music-making comes after Petras achieved mainstream success with "Unholy," her Grammy-winning collaboration with Sam Smith in 2022. Following that breakthrough moment, she released several successful projects including "Feed the Beat", "Problématique", and "Slut Pop Miami" .

Now, with several radio hits under her belt, Petras is returning to her roots by working with her favorite collaborators to create material that refuses to compromise. Speaking at The Abbey Food & Bar in West Hollywood during MISTR's National PrEP Day celebration, Petras shared her current creative philosophy:"I'm making music with amazing friends and having so much fun. That's the best part of it! I just want to push pop forward. I just feel like it's my time to not care about anything but what I think the future is" .

The artist's commitment to collaboration and community extends beyond the recording studio. Her appearance at the National PrEP Day celebration underscores her dedication to LGBTQ+ health initiatives and community engagement .

Petras used her platform to deliver a powerful message about censorship and its impact on the LGBTQ+ community. As anti-LGBTQ+ legislation continues to proliferate across the United States, the singer emphasized the importance of her music as a source of resonance and connection for queer people .

"Censorship is trying to kill everyone. Censorship is bad. Shout out "Slut Pop"! I'll say it however, I don't care," Petras declared, referencing her provocatively titled project that celebrates sexual liberation .

The artist challenged societal discomfort around discussions of sexuality, particularly within queer contexts."It's so important to talk about stuff in general. Talk about sex! Why is everyone so awkward about it? Why are you being weird?" she questioned, advocating for open dialogue and the normalization of conversations about sexuality .

Petras's call for sex positivity represents more than just provocative messaging—it speaks to a long-standing tradition within queer culture of challenging heteronormative attitudes about sexuality and expression. Throughout her career, the singer has consistently embraced her identity and celebrated queer culture across all her projects .

This commitment to authentic self-expression extends to her visual presentation as well. In previous interviews, Petras has discussed how makeup serves as a powerful tool for transformation and self-definition."I think the really empowering thing about make-up is that it allows you to find your own definition of beauty. There is so much creativity and individuality in make-up, and beauty means something different to everyone," she explained .

Petras's approach to her artistry involves constant reinvention, with each project bringing a new persona and aesthetic. For "Slut Pop Miami", she adopted thin brows, overlined lips, and a spray tan, while her *Halloween* record featured a pale complexion with dramatic, spidery lashes."My make-up always lets me escape to wherever the music wants to take me," she has said .

This chameleonic quality allows Petras to fully inhabit each musical era, creating cohesive artistic statements that extend beyond audio into visual and performative realms. Her ability to shift characters and create new versions of herself has become a consistent feature of her career .

Beyond her musical output, Petras has demonstrated ongoing commitment to transgender rights and LGBTQ+ causes. As a MAC Viva Glam brand ambassador, she has worked to raise awareness about challenges facing the transgender community, particularly transgender youth who may face homelessness, lack of access to healthcare, and barriers to gender-affirming care .

"There are kids being kicked out of their homes that are essentially homeless from a very young age. There's also the issue of access to healthcare and gender-affirming care and treatment. There's a lot of misunderstanding that the community faces as well," Petras noted, highlighting the urgent issues affecting transgender people .

Her participation in National PrEP Day celebrations further demonstrates her commitment to LGBTQ+ health initiatives, particularly those addressing HIV prevention and sexual health within queer communities .

With"I Like Ur Look" now available on all streaming platforms, Petras is positioning herself as an artist unafraid to challenge conventions and push boundaries. Her message is clear: authenticity and self-expression should never be compromised, and conversations about sexuality—particularly within queer contexts—deserve to be normalized rather than stigmatized .

As she continues to evolve as an artist, Petras remains committed to creating music that resonates with her community while pushing pop music into new territories. Her refusal to be constrained by commercial expectations or societal discomfort around sexuality represents both a personal liberation and a broader statement about the role of queer artists in shaping popular culture.

The release of"I Like Ur Look" signals not just a new single, but a declaration of artistic independence from an artist who has already made history and shows no signs of slowing down. As Petras herself puts it, this is her time to focus solely on what she believes the future of pop should sound like—and she's inviting her fans, affectionately known as"bunheads," along for the ride .