In a revealing cover story for Rolling Stone, pop sensation Lorde opened up about her gender identity and its influence on her artistry. The artist, who recently announced her new album titled “Virgin,” highlighted her complex understanding of femininity, describing it as a blend of “raw, primal, innocent, elegant, openhearted, spiritual, [and] masc.”
Lorde, who attended the 2025 Met Gala showcasing her album in an outfit she referred to as an “easter egg,” expressed that it made her feel both masculine and feminine. When asked about her gender identity, she reflected, “I’m a woman except for the days when I’m a man,” reiterating her resistance to being boxed into a single category.
In the interview, she shared a significant personal transformation she has recently undergone—discontinuing birth control after over a decade. This decision, she said, helped her feel like she had “cut some sort of cord between myself and this regulated femininity.” This detachment from conventional femininity, according to Lorde, has opened up new creative avenues for her.
Lorde anticipates that her upcoming album “Virgin,” scheduled for release on June 27, will elicit strong reactions. She stated, “There’s going to be a lot of people who don’t think I’m a good girl anymore, a good woman. It’s over.” However, she also expressed hope that some listeners will see her evolving artistry as a significant arrival, aligning with their expectations.
Following the album’s launch, Lorde will embark on the Ultrasound tour starting in September 2025 in Austin, Texas. This tour will take her through arenas across the U.S., and eventually to Europe and the U.K.
Lorde’s candidness regarding her gender identity and creative process represents a growing trend among artists embracing fluidity in gender and expression, encouraging fans to explore their own identities. This openness could foster a more inclusive artistic environment, resonating with many who feel similarly.