Greta Van Fleet Vocalist Josh Kiszka Comes Out

2023-06-21

Greta Van Fleet will release their new album, "The Battle at Garden's Gate," in spring 2021.

Greta Van Fleet, Joshua Kiszka – Story by Scarlett Hunter, photo by Anne Erickson

Josh Kiszka of Greta Van Fleet is publicly coming out and voicing his support for the LGBTQ+ community

Greta Van Fleet vocalist Josh Kiszka has announced that he’s a member of the LGBTQ+ community. He dropped the news in a new social media post. It’s not a total surprise, as Kiszka says that those who knew him were “well aware” that he was gay. But, the vocalist explained that he decided to come out publicly because of the new, repressive, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation Tennessee. Greta Van Fleet are Michigan natives, but Kiszka has since moved to Tennessee. Hence, these laws hit close to home for him.

“It’s imperative that I speak my truth for not only myself, but in hopes to change hearts, minds, and laws in Tennessee and beyond,” Kizka stated in the post, adding that he’s been in “a loving, same-sex relationship with my partner for the past eight years.”

A new bill recently attempted to ban drag shows from public property or anywhere that minors might be present in the state of Tennessee. That bill was shot down by a federal judge. Another bill, which was signed into law in March, prohibits gender-affirming healthcare for children. In his statement, Kiszka encouraged fans to take action and named several organizations working to stop these laws.

“The LGBTQ+ community is a cultural pillar, constantly championing positivity and acceptance through art, music, literature, film, and most importantly, legislation,” the vocalist said. “The greatest mortal gift of all is our capacity to love and as we travel through time, may our greater understanding of the matter around and within us teach us to love ever deeper.” Read Kiszka’s full statement here.

In other news, Greta Van Fleet will release their third album, “Starcatcher,” on July 21. The band also has a slew of tour dates ahead in support of the album. The tour, dubbed the “Starcatcher World Tour,” kicks off in July and runs through the end of the year. For tour dates, go here.

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Scarlett Hunter

Meet the expert - Scarlett Hunter has written about alternative music for a variety of publications over the past 10 years. She covers alternative and rock for Audio Ink Radio. Hunter is a graduate of Ohio State University. Contact her at scarlett@audioinkradio.com.

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