History of Kehlani in Timeline

Kehlani Ashley Parrish is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer who gained initial recognition as a member of the teen pop group PopLyfe. After departing the group, Kehlani pursued a solo career, releasing critically acclaimed mixtapes "Cloud 19" (2014) and "You Should Be Here" (2015), both achieving gold certification by the RIAA. "You Should Be Here" marked their debut on the Billboard 200 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album.

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Full Timeline

August 2017: Received a Māori tattoo

In August 2017, while in Australia, Kehlani received a "Kirituhi", a Māori tattoo, done by a New Zealand artist flown to Sydney. The tattoo represents their family, siblings, and guidance through adversity.

January 5, 2018: Lotus flower tattoo cover-up

On January 5, 2018, Kehlani posted a photo to Instagram showing that their hand tattoo of the word "woke" had been covered up with a lotus flower; they stated that they felt that their "hand would speak for [them] before [they] even got a chance to open [their] mouth".

April 2018: Came out as queer

In April 2018, Kehlani spoke about their sexuality on Twitter, stating, "I'm queer. Not bi, not straight. I'm attracted to women, men, REALLY attracted to queer men, non-binary people, intersex people, trans people. lil poly pansexual".

April 2019: Identified as non-binary

In an April 2019 interview with Diva, Kehlani stated they are "definitely on the non-binary scale" despite preferring "she" pronouns.

December 2020: Pronoun update on Twitter

In December 2020, Kehlani updated their pronouns on Twitter to "she/they".

2020: Spiritual detox, farm purchase, and La Regla de Ocha practice

In 2020, Kehlani underwent a spiritual detox to address toxic cycles, started writing 'Blue Water Road' after breaking up with YG due to the COVID-19 pandemic, bought a farm in Simi Valley, California, with their daughter, was in a relationship with 070 Shake, and began practicing La Regla de Ocha.

2021: Preference for 'they' pronouns

In 2021, Kehlani stated their preference for "they" pronouns in an interview with Byrdie Magazine, because "something feels really affirming when people say they", and that "it feels like you really see me".

2021: Identified as lesbian

In early 2021, during a livestream, Kehlani announced that they are a lesbian, after having publicly identified as queer and pansexual in the past. They prefer polyamorous relationships and want to include female pronouns in their music.

October 2023: Support for Palestine and signing of Artists Against Apartheid letter

In October 2023, Kehlani voiced solidarity with Palestine during the Gaza war, criticizing celebrities who remained silent. They also signed the 'Artists Against Apartheid' open letter.

November 2023: Call for ceasefire in Gaza

In November 2023, Kehlani signed an open letter calling for a ceasefire and an end to the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip.

May 27, 2024: Criticism of musicians' silence on Gaza conflict and support in 'Next 2 U' music video

On May 27, 2024, Kehlani criticized fellow musicians for their silence on the Gaza–Israel conflict on Instagram. Kehlani's support for Gaza was also shown in the "Next 2 U" music video, which features a poem by a Palestinian American writer and a Palestinian flag.

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2024: Brief marriage and annulment

In 2024, Kehlani was briefly married to Mariel Gomerez, an A&R and music executive. However, their marriage was annulled three months later after Gomerez cited fraud and infidelity as the reasons.

2024: Merchandise release for Palestine

In 2024, alongside the release of their single "Next 2 U", Kehlani released merchandise created by Palestinian Nöl Collective's creative director Yasmeen Mjalli, with all proceeds benefiting Palestinian, Congolese, and Sudanese families through Operation Olive Branch.

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April 2025: Cornell University performance canceled

In April 2025, Kehlani's performance at Cornell University's Slope Day was canceled by president Michael Kotlikoff due to their support for Palestine, with Kotlikoff claiming that Kehlani had "espoused antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments". Kehlani responded stating, "I am not antisemitic, nor anti-Jew. I am anti-genocide, I am anti the actions of the Israeli government".

May 2025: New York Concert Canceled Due to Pro-Palestine Views

In May 2025, Kehlani's scheduled free concert in New York, set for June 26 as part of Pride events, was canceled following pressure from Mayor Eric Adams. The cancellation stemmed from concerns raised by First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro regarding public safety risks due to Kehlani's pro-Palestine views.