Pentatonix has been around for over a decade, and honestly, they've changed the way we think about a cappella music. From their early days on The Sing-Off to winning multiple Grammys and selling out arenas, they are absolute powerhouses. But as they grew in fame, people started getting curious about their personal lives. One of the most common questions fans ask is who is gay in Pentatonix group, and the answer isn't just a single name. It's a reflection of how open and diverse the group has been since the very beginning.
They don't hide it.
Scott Hoying and Mitch Grassi, two of the founding members, have been out and proud for years. Their journey hasn't just been about music; it's been about representation in a genre that can sometimes feel a bit traditional. When you see them perform, that authenticity is part of the magic. It isn't a marketing ploy. It's just who they are.
The story of Scott and Mitch
Scott Hoying and Mitch Grassi aren't just bandmates; they've been best friends since they were kids in Arlington, Texas. If you've ever watched their old "Superfruit" YouTube videos, you know exactly what I'm talking about. They have this shorthand that only comes from decades of knowing someone's every quirk.
Both Scott and Mitch are openly gay.
Scott, who usually handles the baritone or lead vocals, has been incredibly vocal about his life. He actually got engaged to his long-time partner, Mark Manio, back in 2022, and they tied the knot in a gorgeous ceremony in 2023. It was all over social media, and honestly, it was heartwarming to see the support from the Pentatonix community.
Mitch Grassi is a bit more of a fashion chameleon. He’s known for that incredible tenor voice that hits notes most people can’t even dream of. Over the years, Mitch has pushed boundaries with his gender expression and personal style, often leaning into more fluid and avant-garde looks. He’s been an icon for fans who don’t fit into a specific box. He has spoken in interviews about how he identifies as gay and how his journey with his identity has evolved alongside his career in the spotlight.
Is anyone else in the group LGBTQ+?
While Scott and Mitch are the two most prominent members people think of when asking who is gay in Pentatonix group, the rest of the members have their own stories.
Kirstin Maldonado is the only woman in the group. She is married to Ben Kassoy, and they have a daughter together. Kirstin has always been a massive ally to the LGBTQ+ community, but she identifies as straight.
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Kevin Olusola, the beatboxing genius who literally keeps the group in time, is also married. He wed Leigh Weissman in 2019. Kevin is quite open about his Christian faith, which plays a big role in his life, and he lives a more traditional family life.
Then there’s Matt Sallee. Matt joined the group after Avi Kaplan left in 2017. Like Kevin and Kirstin, Matt is straight and married. He tied the knot with Sarah Bishop in 2021. So, when you look at the lineup, it's a mix. Two out of the five current members are gay.
Why this representation matters in the music industry
Representation is a word that gets thrown around a lot lately, but for Pentatonix, it’s tangible. Back when they started, there weren't many mainstream vocal groups where 40% of the members were openly gay. They didn't make it their "thing" or their whole brand, but they didn't hide it either.
That matters.
It matters to the kid in a small town who loves choir but feels like they don't belong. Seeing Scott and Mitch succeed at the highest level of the industry—winning Grammys, appearing on Christmas specials, and touring the world—proves that talent is what counts.
Interestingly, the group's dynamic has always been built on mutual respect. You never get the sense that there's tension over their differing lifestyles or beliefs. Kevin’s faith and Scott’s identity coexist in the same space without conflict. That’s actually pretty rare to see in such a public way.
The Superfruit era and the fans
You can't really talk about the gay members of Pentatonix without mentioning Superfruit. This was the YouTube channel Scott and Mitch started during the height of PTX's early fame. It was chaotic, funny, and deeply queer.
They weren't just singing. They were doing "vlogs," challenges, and eventually releasing their own original music. It gave them a platform to be "extra" in a way that maybe didn't always fit the polished image of a Pentatonix holiday special. For many fans, Superfruit was the first time they saw two gay men just being themselves, being successful, and being hilarious.
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It helped humanize them beyond the "acappella stars" label.
Common misconceptions and rumors
Because people love to speculate, there have been plenty of rumors over the years. Some people used to think Scott and Mitch were a couple. They even gave them the ship name "Scomiche."
But the truth?
They never dated. They’ve addressed this multiple times, saying they are strictly "work husbands" and best friends. They have that brotherly bond that can sometimes be mistaken for romance by outsiders, but they’ve both moved on to different relationships while remaining as close as ever.
Another rumor that pops up is about former member Avi Kaplan. When he left, some fans wondered about his personal life. Avi has always been very private. He hasn't publicly identified as gay, and most reports indicate he is straight, though he keeps his dating life far away from the cameras.
Navigating the "Wholesome" image
Pentatonix is often viewed as a "family-friendly" or "wholesome" group. They do a lot of Christmas music. They perform on mainstream TV. Sometimes, people assume that "family-friendly" is code for "conservative."
Pentatonix proves that’s a false equivalency.
They managed to maintain a broad, multi-generational appeal while being authentically queer. They didn't have to choose between being a "gay group" or a "mainstream group." They are just a group of incredible singers who happen to have different backgrounds. This has likely helped broaden the horizons of some of their more conservative listeners who might not have followed an LGBTQ+ artist otherwise.
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The current state of the group
As of 2026, Pentatonix is still going strong. They are still touring, still releasing hits, and still being vocal about who they are. Scott and Mitch continue to be prominent figures in the LGBTQ+ community, using their platform to support various causes.
Scott’s wedding to Mark Manio was a big moment for the fans. It felt like a full-circle moment for someone who has been in the public eye since his early twenties. Seeing him happy and settled adds a layer of depth to the group's journey.
Mitch, meanwhile, continues to explore his solo project, "Messie," where he dives even deeper into his personal identity and artistic vision. It’s much more experimental than PTX, showing that he’s not afraid to take risks.
Practical takeaways for fans
If you're a fan trying to keep up with the group or just curious about the dynamics, here is the breakdown of what you actually need to know:
- Be careful with rumors: Social media, especially TikTok and old Tumblr threads, is full of "shipping" theories. Most of them aren't based on reality. Scott and Mitch are best friends, not partners.
- Follow their solo work: To get a better sense of their individual identities, check out Scott’s solo music and Mitch’s "Messie" project. It gives a lot more context than the group's covers.
- Support the allyship: Kirstin, Kevin, and Matt have shown how to be vocal allies while maintaining their own identities. This balance is what makes the group's chemistry work so well.
- Ignore the "closeted" theories: It's generally better to listen to what artists say about themselves rather than trying to "out" people who haven't made a public statement. In Pentatonix, the people who are out have been very clear about it.
Pentatonix stands as a testament to the fact that a group can be diverse in every sense—spiritually, sexually, and musically—and still find massive success. Knowing who is gay in Pentatonix group helps you appreciate the layers of their music and the honesty they bring to the stage. They aren't just voices; they are people who have navigated the spotlight while staying true to their identities.
Next time you hear those perfectly blended harmonies, remember that they come from five very different people who found a way to work together beautifully. That’s the real story.
Finding authentic updates
To stay informed about the group's members and their advocacy or personal milestones, the best route is following their verified social media accounts. Scott Hoying and Mitch Grassi are both quite active on Instagram, where they share updates about their lives and partnerships. Avoid "fan-edit" accounts if you're looking for factual information, as these often blur the lines between reality and fan fiction. Checking official interviews with outlets like Billboard or The Advocate will provide the most accurate insights into their perspectives on identity and the industry.