James Blunt wants to be considered an ‘honorary’ gay man
Singer James Blunt says he’d like to be considered as an ‘honorary’ gay man.
The You’re Beautiful singer made the comments to Miriam González Durántez in an interview with the BBC’s Today Programme.
Ms González Durántez – a leading lawyer who is married to former Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg – spoke to the singer while guest-editing the Radio 4 show.
He explained: “I sing songs that aren’t very macho and so people will say, ‘oh you’re effeminate or gay’ as if calling me gay would be an insult.
“To call me ‘gay’ is a compliment and I would like to be considered an honorary gay man because I’m totally at ease with myself.
“I suppose I’ve written songs that are sensitive because I wouldn’t normally describe those emotions in everyday life.”
Referencing his time in the armed forces, Blunt added: “I also do see a relevance to what my previous job was. I was a reconnaissance officer. My job was going out there ahead of my commanders.
“To go and find the enemy, locate the enemy, target the enemy. To do so I had to be incredibly sensitive to my surroundings… and be aware of their intentions. That’s what my job is now – to be sensitive to my surroundings and relay that to the listeners.
I got a bit of grief for not being as macho – if I’d been macho I’d have had an audience full of men. I had an audience full of women and I’m happier that way round.”
Blunt previously had a spat with Labour MP Chris Bryant – branding him a “classist gimp” for raising the singer’s private-school upbringing.
