Singer George Perris Comes Out as Gay, Releases New Album ‘No Armor'

Alongside the release of his third full-length English album No Armor, Greek vocalist George Perris is opening up about his sexuality.

The 38-year-old says he does "not consider this a coming out, in the sense that I never went into a closet," but this does mark the first time he's speaking out about it. "I never hid my life. I've always lived the way I wanted to; it's just that I didn't have the courage to talk about it publicly." Today, he's "relieved, I'm happy and I'm proud," he explained to PEOPLE.

The new album is "the story of why I became who I am today," Perris tells PRIDE. "These songs make up the tapestry of my life from the day I was born. Now felt like the right time for me to talk about my private life openly, because firstly I felt ready but also because I wanted people to know why these songs influenced me so much, who this record was about."

With LGBTQ+ rights being challenged around the world, Perris also believes, "it’s a matter of political stance for me; it’s part of my responsibility both as a human being and an artist to be a part of this public discussion. I think there’s a sense of shame that’s palpable throughout gay men of my generation, probably because when we were growing up, being gay meant being excluded from society or laughed at in so many places in the world. However, what is asked from society in our era is for everyone to be able to live their private life in the light, not in the dark. That’s why I always disagreed with the word 'tolerance' or 'open-minded' because it hides defiance and contempt."

Perris hopes this album peels back another layer of who he is for his fans. "I also want to be completely honest with my audience. I’m a private person; I think that’s important if you are a public figure. But there’s a difference between privacy and secrecy. If my story gives strength to even one teenager or a gay person in fear somewhere, then my mission is accomplished.”

Listen to No Armor here.