Gay pop star Olly Alexander to Glastonbury crowd: ‘I’m here and I’m queer’
The Years & Years frontman made a heartfelt speech during his performance at this year’s festival.
Years and Years may have been praised for their epic set at this year’s Glastonbury Festival on Sunday afternoon, but it was a moving speech by their gay frontman that really struck a chord with the crowd.
Olly Alexander dazzled in a rainbow-coloured feather poncho, customised Converse trainers, and glitter in his hair, as he bounced around the stage with seemingly endless amounts of energy.
However, it was his moving speech towards the end of the band’s set that stood out, as he reflected on the events of the past few months.
“I am gay, in fact I am really really super gay,” he joked.
“But what I keep thinking about in the last year, some crappy and messed up stuff has happened.”
“As a queer person, as queer people, we know what it’s like to be scared and we know what’s it like to live with fear as part of our every day.
“But tonight, at Glastonbury, I would like to ask you to join me on Pride weekend and say, ‘no thank you fear. Bye fear bye.’
“Shove a rainbow in fear’s face.”
“All I have to say to finish is, I am here and queer and sometimes I am afraid but I am never ashamed of who I am,” he concluded.
The ‘Shine’ singer has been vocal about the need for gay role models, recently releasing a music video celebrating sexuality.
In March, the 25-year-old revealed that growing up in a “straight world” caused him to suffer from anxiety and depression.
He continues to win praise for his frank and open approach to sexuality, and his willingness to help young fans come to terms with their own identity.
