KATSEYE’S Lara Raj comes out as queer
The 19-year-old Indian American left a voice message via the artist-to-fan communication platform Weverse
Lara Raj of KATSEYE in 'My Way' lyric music video.
HYBE LABELS
Words by Daniel Anderson
Lara Raj, a 19-year-old member of HYBE and Geffen Records’ global girl group KATSEYE, has publicly come out as queer, a groundbreaking moment in the K-pop industry. In a voice message shared with fans on Weverse on Sunday, Lara spoke candidly about her sexuality and the challenges that come with it.
"I think also being a girl who likes girls is such a different experience because a lot of people don’t think it’s like a real thing," she says in the message. "Or, on the other hand, people fetishize it, which is also super annoying." She also acknowledges the added complexity of navigating her identity as an Indian American.
💌 #LARA 230325
— KATSEYE Weverse (@weversekatseye) March 24, 2025
🗝️: 🎙️x1
🗝️: I support u all so so so much i know its SCARYY and you should never feel pressure to tell people, you tell them when YOURE ready
🗝️: 🖤🖤🖤
🗝️: OK ENOUGH SAPPY STUFF YALL
THINK I GIVE FRUIT??#KATSEYE @katseyeworld pic.twitter.com/AjjYLTOGQ9
Reflecting on her journey, Raj shares that she had known from a young age, saying, "I knew I was half a fruitcake when I was like eight, so I really was wanting everybody." She also admits that she was "really really scared" that her sexuality might impact her chances of debuting when competing on KATSEYE’s audition competition show The Debut: Dream Academy.
While KATSEYE is a global group, it has strong ties to the K-pop industry, in which few idols are openly queer due to conservative societal attitudes. The group’s fans, known as Eyekons, have flooded social media with messages of support, celebrating Raj for her openness and the representation she brings as a queer woman of color.
Solo artist and South Korea’s first openly gay K-pop idol Holland also shared a message of support and solidarity with Raj on X.
Lara, I just want to say how incredibly proud and happy I am for you. Coming out is never an easy journey, especially in this industry, but your courage and authenticity will inspire so many people who look up to you. You are showing the world that being true to yourself is…
— HOLLAND (@HOLLAND_vvv) March 25, 2025
KATSEYE continues to break new ground, as they are set to perform at their first-ever Lollapalooza later this summer.
Published on March 25, 2025
Words by Daniel Anderson
Daniel Anderson is a disabled Chinese American adoptee based in Seattle. His freelance writing specialties include K-pop, entertainment, and food. He believes that any restaurant can be a buffet, and the key to success is to take a nap each day. Follow his adventures on Instagram @danzstan.