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Texas Singer-Songwriter August Ponthier Comes Out as Nonbinary
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On October 15, 2025, Texas-born singer-songwriter August Ponthier publicly came out as nonbinary in a feature interview with Them, marking a significant milestone in both their personal and artistic journey . In the interview, Ponthier discussed their ongoing process of self-discovery, the decision to embrace they/them pronouns, and the importance of their new name, August. This revelation has resonated with fans and LGBTQ+ communities alike, highlighting the evolving landscape of gender identity and representation in contemporary music.
Born on February 26, 1996, in Allen, a suburb of Dallas, Texas, Ponthier's early life was shaped by the tight-knit community and the vibrant local culture. They studied jazz at the University of North Texas before relocating to Brooklyn, New York, at the age of 20. The move offered new creative opportunities, from modeling and art to digital content creation, and ultimately provided the freedom to explore and express their authentic self .
Ponthier's career began to gain momentum in 2019 through TikTok, where they shared original music, creative covers, and content infused with what Billboard described as"queer-themed lyrics" . Their openness and artistry quickly attracted a dedicated following, leading to a contract with Interscope Records in 2020.
In their interview with Them, Ponthier described how embracing their nonbinary identity has been a gradual process, influenced by years of reflection and engagement with supportive communities. They explained the significance of choosing the name August, which symbolizes a fresh chapter and a sense of self that feels"true, expansive, and unconfined by traditional gender binaries" .
Ponthier emphasized that their expansive view of gender identity was deeply shaped by experiences in sapphic spaces, which provided both affirmation and inspiration. They continue to identify as a lesbian, underscoring the diversity and fluidity within LGBTQ+ identities .
Ponthier's discography includes three critically acclaimed EPs: Faking My Own Death (2021), Shaking Hands With Elvis (2022), and Breaking the Fourth Wall (2024). Their debut single "Cowboy" was celebrated as one of Billboard's"25 Best Songs By LGBTQ Artists of 2021 (So Far)," reflecting Ponthier's talent for weaving personal experience and queer themes into their music .
Throughout their career, Ponthier has spoken candidly about the intersection of music, identity, and self-expression. In previous interviews, they described how moving to New York and coming out as gay influenced both their artistic direction and sense of belonging."I guess it was time to live my truth as a gay cowboy," Ponthier told Atwood Magazine, referencing the creative and cultural influences that shaped their music videos and lyrical style .
Ponthier's coming out as nonbinary is significant not only for their personal life but for the broader music industry and LGBTQ+ visibility. As a nonbinary artist from Texas, Ponthier stands as a role model for authenticity and courage, particularly for young people navigating their own identities in regions where representation is still limited .
Their story underscores the power of visibility and the importance of diverse narratives within the LGBTQ+ community. By sharing their journey, Ponthier has created space for others to explore the full spectrum of gender and sexuality, and reinforced the importance of self-definition in both art and life.
As August Ponthier continues to write, perform, and connect with their growing audience, their openness about gender identity adds a vital new dimension to their legacy. The embrace of their nonbinary identity and new name marks not just a personal evolution, but a beacon of possibility for others seeking to live authentically.
