History of Kehlani in Timeline

Kehlani Ashley Parrish is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer from Oakland, California. Kehlani initially gained recognition as a member of the teen pop group PopLyfe in 2011. They have since established themselves as a solo artist in the music industry.

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August 2017: Receiving a Māori tattoo

In August 2017, during their travels to Australia, Kehlani received a "Kirituhi", a Māori tattoo from a New Zealand artist, whom they flew from New Zealand to Sydney, Australia to complete.

January 5, 2018: Cover-up of "woke" hand tattoo

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: Kehlani speaks about their sexuality on Twitter

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: Statement about non-binary identity

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".

2021: Preference for 'they' pronouns

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

2021: Kehlani announces they are a lesbian

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

October 2023: Signing of the Artists Against Apartheid open letter

In October 2023, Kehlani was a principal signer of the Artists Against Apartheid open letter, demonstrating their solidarity with Palestine.

November 2023: Signing of the open letter calling for a ceasefire

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 regarding the Gaza-Israel conflict

On May 27, 2024, Kehlani voiced their criticism on Instagram directed specifically at fellow musicians for remaining silent about the Gaza–Israel conflict in Palestine.

2024: Unveiling merchandise created by Palestinian creative director Yasmeen Mjalli

In 2024, in tandem with the release of their single "Next 2 U", Kehlani unveiled merchandise created by Palestinian, Nöl Collective creative director and founder, Yasmeen Mjalli. The entirety of the proceeds from the sales of the merchandise went towards aiding Palestinian, Congolese and Sudanese families, in collaboration with Operation Olive Branch.

April 2025: Cancellation of Cornell University performance

In April 2025, Kehlani's scheduled performance at Cornell University's annual Slope Day was canceled by university president Michael Kotlikoff over their support for Palestine. Kotlikoff claimed that Kehlani had "espoused antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments in performances, videos, and on social media." In response, they responded on Instagram saying, "I am not antisemitic, nor anti-Jew. I am anti-genocide, I am anti the actions of the Israeli government, I am anti an extermination of an entire people, I am anti the bombing of innocent children, men, women—that’s what I’m anti."

May 2025: Cancellation of New York concert

In May 2025, another scheduled Kehlani concert in New York was canceled after pressure from New York City mayor Eric Adams citing "security concerns." The free concert had been scheduled to take place on June 26 at SummerStage as part of Pride events taking place in the city, but was canceled after first deputy mayor Randy Mastro sent a letter to event organizers threatening to revoke their license and refer the matter to police to investigate if the event was a "risk to public safety." The event was canceled in the midst of ongoing backlash against Kehlani's pro-Palestine views.