VINCINT Talks Attacks on the Queer Community & The Four

"I sang 'Creep' on that show because I felt out of place. There wasn't anyone else like me in the competition," he shares. "There was no one else being talked about on television who was gay, and who was dark skinned, and who loved to sing and be an artist. And so that for me was a moment where I really got to shine and just show the world that who we are and what we represent is good enough."

The artist just released his newest single "Romance," which he says is "about finding out that someone that you really, really care about is being treated wrong and understanding that you could give them a better life and a better love if they gave you the chance."

VINCINT has always used his music to showcase his queer, Black point of view. As a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has swept the country, the singer has been outspoken in defending the queer community because "we're not the problem."

"These are my people and we are constantly under attack, even today, more so than ever. And if I don't speak out, who's going to do it?" VINCINT says. "I'm so tired of us being bullied and silenced ... We're human beings and we deserve respect."

VINCINT hopes that in a time of darkness, people take away positivity from his music, especially younger fans who may not feel accepted by their families or peers. He says that self love is foundational to the queer experience, and that nothing will stop him from living as his authentic self.

"You're supposed to love yourself. You're supposed to give yourself grace and patience and glorify yourself every day, because that's that's our purpose here," he says. "We're only here for a little bit of time. And if we're going to be here, I refuse to be unhappy because of someone else's opinion."

VINCINT adds: "Just do right, and right is loving people, building them up, and pouring into them, making sure that they feel seen and heard and loved. It's not about what you think someone else's experience should be