**Rob Halford and His Husband Fire Back at Haters: “We’re Not Asking for Permission to Exist”**
Metal legend **Rob Halford** has never been one to hold back — onstage or off. Now, the Judas Priest frontman and his husband, **Thomas**, are making headlines not for the music, but for their unwavering stance against hate. In a bold and emotional statement shared online, the couple addressed recent backlash and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment with one powerful message: *“We’re not asking for permission to exist.”*
Halford, one of the first openly gay icons in heavy metal, has long used his platform to challenge norms and break barriers. But in recent months, he and Thomas have been targeted by online trolls and critics. Rather than retreat, the couple is standing taller than ever.
“We’ve dealt with hate before,” Halford said in a video message. “But this isn’t just about us. This is about every kid who feels like they don’t belong. Every person who’s told they can’t be who they are. We’re not going anywhere.”
Their message resonated across the music world, with artists like **Corey Taylor**, **Joan Jett**, and **Lzzy Hale** voicing their support. Fans flooded social media with the hashtag **#HalfordPride**, turning negativity into an outpouring of love.
Thomas added, “We’re not here to be tolerated. We’re here to live, to love, and to be loud doing it.”
At 73, Halford continues to be a lightning rod of change — proving that metal isn’t just about rebellion, but truth, identity, and defiance. Whether screaming onstage or speaking from the heart, he remains uncompromising.
“We’ve earned our place,” Halford said. “Not just in metal — in life. We’re not asking for a seat at the table. We built our own damn stage.”
And once again, he’s commanding it — loud, prou
d, and fearless.
