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This Pride Month, Billboard asked artists to write a series of love letters to their LGBTQ fans, highlighting what the community means to them as people and as artists. Below, R&B sensation UMI shares her coming out story, and thanks the community for “being my family.” See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news My first interactions with the LGBTQ+ community were with friends I made in high school.

It wasn’t a conscious recognition of our identities; they were simply my friends. Through them, I learned a lot about freedom of expression. I’ve since been more connected with becoming a role model.



My biggest intention is to create art that people of all identities can relate to and feel seen through. I make art for the soul, for our universal feelings. We all love, we all have desire, we all have heart break.

I’ve always had a strong desire to provide a safe space through my music and shows for people to be whoever they want to be. I attract a crowd of people who love each other with such deep openness – even with strangers. I love that my shows are full of representation .

.. I think it’s a reflection of the love within me.

In the face of increasing political attacks, approaching life through a bird’s eye view reminds me of our ongoing evolution. Just a few years ago, the legalization of gay marriage marked a significant milestone — I was in high school when it happened and I wrote my friend a letter about it. We are still at the beg.

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