Tevin Campbell recently opened up about his life and profession in a way we haven’t heard the ’90s heartthrob speak before. In a candid conversation on the PEOPLE Every Day podcast, the R&B singer talked concerning the image he was forced to lean into as a youngster within the music industry and the way what was portrayed was removed from his reality.

“I don’t think the sex symbol thing worked, however the love songs last,” the 45-year-old said talking to the packaging of his successful debut album T.E.V.I.N. in 1991 and I’m Ready in 1993. “I had no idea on the time, like after I was 15 or 16 recording [‘Can We Talk’] that it might have that impact,” he added. “I used to be just a child singing within the studio.”

As a baby, Campbell wasn’t concerned along with his sexuality — neither wanting to lean into it or conceal it, he explained, saying, “I just sort of desired to be me, you recognize?” 

“I didn’t hide anything about me. I didn’t attempt to act a certain way or anything,” he added. “You simply couldn’t be [gay] back then.”

At the least not in the general public eye when young Black girls were the important thing marketplace for his music and even that of the fictional teen idol and crush of Ashley Banks that he played on an episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Those closest to Campbell knew the reality, nevertheless.

“After I got here out to my family and friends [at] about 19 or 20, that was it for me. After which I went on the road of discovering myself. I didn’t know who I used to be,” he shared.

Performing within the Broadway musical Hairspray starting in 2004 helped him find himself. “Being around individuals who were like me, LGBTQ+ those who were living normal lives and had partners. I had never seen that,” he said. “That was an amazing time in my life.”

While speculation around Campbell’s sexuality can have lingered for years, many fans felt no questions remained after Campbell responded to a Twitter user’s query about famous singers who’re rumored to be gay by tweeting, “Tevin is…” with rainbow emoji earlier this yr. As for his alternative to tweet that comment, Campbell said, “It was an off-the-cuff thing for me. I really like my fans, but what they give thought to my sexuality is of no importance to me.”

Take heed to the total podcast here.