Rob Halford, the legendary frontman of Judas Priest, revealed that he married his long-time partner Thomas in a small ceremony last year, marking a significant milestone in his personal life.

He openly discussed his concerns about ongoing homophobia in America, emphasizing that despite societal progress, many LGBTQ+ individuals still face discrimination and societal labelling.

Halford described his coming out as a spontaneous, stream-of-consciousness moment that he felt no regret about, and he highlighted how his journey has been a testament to living authentically despite adversity.

Reflecting on societal attitudes since the 1980s, Halford acknowledged both the progress made and the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people, especially in the context of his own experiences.

His openness and authenticity serve as an inspiration, demonstrating that living true to oneself is possible even amid societal hostility, and he has received supportive letters from fans worldwide.

Halford has spoken about the dangers he faced in certain places, where he feared violence such as being 'stoned to death,' illustrating the risks faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in less accepting environments.

Despite the traditionally masculine image of heavy metal, Halford's openness has challenged stereotypes, and he is now recognized as a prominent LGBTQ+ figure in rock and metal, inspiring other artists.

He emphasized that his coming out did not affect the respect he received from bandmates or the band's focus on music, and he considers his journey a miraculous achievement that has contributed to progress.

Halford expressed gratitude for his ability to be open about his sexuality and succeed in the metal scene, viewing his journey as a source of wisdom and a testament to societal progress.

He also reflected on the emotional toll of living for others' acceptance during the 70s and 80s, and how overcoming those challenges has been a significant part of his life.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, Halford kept his sexuality private due to fears of career damage, managing his public image carefully while cruising for men in gay bars and private spaces.

In the 1990s, while performing in other projects away from Judas Priest, his bandmates knew about his sexuality and accepted it, viewing him as a talented artist regardless.

He highlighted the evolution of attitudes towards sexuality in rock and metal, noting the more expressive style of glam rock contrasted with the homophobia of the 1980s.

Halford has criticized recent actions by President Donald Trump, who since January 2025 has rolled back LGBTQ+ protections and promoted policies based on biological sex, which groups like GLAAD have condemned.

He reflected on the emotional toll of living for others' acceptance in the past and acknowledged that homophobia still persists today.

Halford revealed that his band, label, and management knew about his sexuality before he went public, and fans often guessed his sexuality, which he considers a sign of societal progress.

Some of Judas Priest's early songs subtly referenced gay culture, serving as personal expression and coming out, with fans only now beginning to understand these references in context.

Rob Halford has been a key figure in Judas Priest since 1973, contributing to iconic hits and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

Judas Priest is currently touring North America with Alice Cooper through late October 2025, and Halford hopes to release a version of Black Sabbath’s ‘War Pigs’ recorded with Ozzy Osbourne.

Halford has spoken about the dangers and hostility he faced in the past, including fears of attack or violence, especially in less accepting environments.

Living in Phoenix since the mid-1980s, Halford described his marriage as a positive, affirming milestone for his relationship and personal life.

He considers his decision to marry a 'nice thing' that signifies a deeper commitment, and believes that even if it doesn't work out, life goes on.

Currently, Judas Priest is on a North American co-headlining tour with Alice Cooper, with dates through late October, including stops in major cities like Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin.