Adam Lambert Talks Turning 40, Gender Fluidity in New Interview

There have been many changes in the music industry for LGBTQ+ representation, and "American Idol" alum Adam Lambert has helped usher some of those changes in as an unapologetically queer singer.

In a new interview with Attitude magazine, Lambert talks about the "terrifying" prospect of turning 40, and just how much things have changed for LGBTQ+ artists in music.

"You look at the scene now and it's so much more accepted and visible," Lambert says. "I remember before being on the music scene, in L.A. gay clubs, the only people who wore makeup were drag queens. Drag was very small – it wasn't an industry. I always enjoyed putting makeup on because I liked the way I looked in it, the expressiveness, alternativeness of it."

With so much more acceptance of gender fluidity now, Lambert wonder who would he be if he had grown up with more openness and inclusivity to look up to in entertainment.

"If I was growing up right now, a teenager or in my early 20s in 2021, would my relationship with my sexuality or gender be exactly what it is now? I don't know. It might be different... as we get older, identity becomes less of a priority and mystery," he said. "That's one reason the new generation is so excited about pronouns and names for their gender. They're in the process of becoming who they want to be. That's what you do in your teens and 20s."

Lambert also confirmed to the magazine that he has plans to work on a new stage musical about a real-life person prominent in the 70s era.

About the project, he said: "Writing music for someone else's story has been really interesting. It takes place in the '70s. I love that era. I'll be putting out an album, linked to the musical. A concept album, where I'm performing it."

But, Lambert says he has no plans for his upcoming 40th birthday.

"I'll do something with friends," he says. "I do have Peter Pan complex, for sure, so 40 is slightly terrifying. That being said, I'm on a personal transition right now into the next chapter. It's exciting."

Read the full interview with Lambert at Attitude.