In the fast-paced world of pop music, few artists are as unapologetically raw and transparent as Bebe Rexha. The three-time Grammy nominee, known for chart-topping hits like “I’m Good (Blue)” and “Meant to Be,” has built a career not just on her powerhouse vocals and songwriting prowess, but on her refusal to hide her struggles from her fans.

The Diamond-certified singer remains a central figure in discussions regarding body positivity, mental health advocacy, and the importance of cultural heritage. As a news editor who has tracked her trajectory from a behind-the-scenes songwriter to a global superstar, I’ve compiled the definitive guide to the questions fans ask most about Bebe Rexha’s life and health.

Is Bebe Rexha Part of the LGBTQ+ Community?

Bebe Rexha has been incredibly open about her fluid approach to love and attraction. While she often avoids rigid labels, she has confirmed that she identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

In various interviews, Rexha has described her sexuality as a “spectrum.” She has stated that for her, love is about the soul and the energy of a person rather than their gender. In a candid 2021 interview, she revealed that she has dated women in the past and finds them “emotional and beautiful,” though she has also had high-profile relationships with men. By sharing her journey, she has become a beacon of support for fans who feel their identity doesn’t fit into a traditional box, emphasizing that “love is love” in its most authentic form.

Cultural Roots: Is Bebe Rexha Balkan?

One of the most defining aspects of Bebe’s identity is her immense pride in her Balkan heritage. Born Bleta Rexha in Brooklyn, New York, she is of Albanian descent. Her father, Flamur Rexha, emigrated to the U.S. from Debar (North Macedonia), and her mother, Bukurije Rexha, has roots in the Gostivar region.

The name “Bleta” actually means “Bumblebee” in Albanian, which inspired her professional stage name, Bebe. She is part of a powerhouse wave of Albanian-heritage artists—including Dua Lipa and Rita Ora—who have dominated the global charts. Bebe frequently visits the Balkans, participates in cultural events, and has been a vocal advocate for the region during times of crisis, such as the 2019 earthquake in Albania. Her music often subtly reflects the emotional intensity and resilience she attributes to her ethnic background.

The Health Battle: What is Bebe Rexha Diagnosed With?

Bebe Rexha has been a pioneer in destigmatizing mental health issues in the music industry. In 2019, she bravely revealed that she had been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.

For years, Bebe struggled with extreme highs and lows that she didn’t understand, often feeling “imprisoned” by her own mind. Receiving a diagnosis was a moment of liberation for her. She told her fans on social media, “I’m bipolar and I’m not ashamed anymore.” Since then, she has used her platform to discuss therapy, medication, and the reality of living with the disorder, encouraging her “Rexhars” (her fanbase) to seek help without fear of judgment. Her 2021 album, Better Mistakes, was a deeply personal exploration of these themes.

Understanding Her Body: Why Did Bebe Rexha Gain Weight?

In recent years, Bebe Rexha has faced an influx of public scrutiny regarding her physical appearance. In 2023, she shared a significant medical update that provided much-needed context to her changing body: she was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).

PCOS is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age, and one of its most prominent symptoms is rapid weight gain and difficulty losing it. Bebe expressed her frustration with the “toxic” nature of social media comments, where users would track her weight on TikTok search bars.

“I literally jumped, like, 30 pounds in a lot of time, maybe a little bit more,” she shared during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show. She highlighted that weight gain is a common side effect of PCOS and urged the public to stop commenting on people’s bodies when they don’t know their medical history. Since her diagnosis, Bebe has leaned even further into body positivity, frequently posting unedited photos and challenging the fashion industry’s narrow beauty standards.

Today, Bebe Rexha stands as a testament to the power of vulnerability. Whether she is calling out designers who refuse to dress her because of her size or discussing the complexities of her mental health, she does so with a level of honesty that is rare in Hollywood.

As she continues to release new music and tour the world, her legacy is being written as much by her activism as by her hits. She has proven that being a “Balkan Queen” means more than just having a specific heritage—it means having the strength to stand up for yourself and your community, no matter the obstacles.