BEARTOOTH’s CALEB SHOMO On His Decision To Come Out As ‘A Proudly Gay Man’: It’s ‘Something That A Large Group Of People Just Don’t Understand’
BEARTOOTH vocalist Caleb Shomo said coming out publicly as gay was frightening but empowering, and that he chose the band’s “Free” video as a personal statement. His experience highlights how public reactions to an artist’s identity can be intense, even when that person has already been open with friends and family.
Shomo said he had been expressing himself through make-up, clothing and nail polish while focused on finishing the album, and was surprised by how unaware many fans were. The video drew both supportive and hostile responses, including homophobic comments, prompting him to leave social media for a time. He credited the band BAD OMENS and its tour team with providing support during that stressful period; BEARTOOTH’s album “Pure Ecstasy” followed in August 2026.
- Caleb Shomo says coming out publicly felt frightening but empowering.
- The “Free” video prompted strong, divided reactions from fans.
- He took time away from social media and praised BAD OMENS’ support.
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BEARTOOTH is an American rock band, with Caleb Shomo as its vocalist and a central public face. An artist’s identity can be familiar to friends and family but still be new to fans, who may respond in different ways when it becomes more visible.
Coming out means publicly sharing one’s sexual orientation. For musicians, a music video or other creative work can also communicate personal experiences, while social media gives fans a direct way to react—sometimes supportively and sometimes with hostility.