History of Kehlani in Timeline

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

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Full Timeline

August 2017: Receiving a Māori Tattoo

In August 2017, while traveling in Australia, Kehlani received a "Kirituhi", a Māori tattoo from a New Zealand artist who flew to Sydney to complete it. The tattoo represents their whānau/family, with koru representing siblings and mangopare/hammerhead sharks representing guidance and strength.

January 5, 2018: Cover-Up of 'Woke' 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, stating that they felt that their "hand would speak for [them] before [they] even got a chance to open [their] mouth".

April 2018: Public Statement on Sexuality

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 on 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, during an interview with Byrdie Magazine, Kehlani expressed their preference for "they" pronouns over "she", stating that "something feels really affirming when people say they", and that "it feels like you really see me".

2021: Announcement of Identifying 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 also expressed a preference for 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, expressing solidarity with Palestine.

November 2023: Signing open letter 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 on Gaza–Israel Conflict

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

2024: Release of "Next 2 U" Merchandise to Aid Families

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.

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April 2025: Cancellation of Cornell University Performance

In April 2025, Kehlani's scheduled performance at Cornell University's annual Slope Day was cancelled by university president Michael Kotlikoff due to their support for Palestine, with Kotlikoff citing "antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments". Kehlani responded on Instagram denying the allegations.