Olly Alexander: My lyrics are about same-sex relationships, because that’s who I am

Singer Olly Alexander talks about fighting gay abuse, his mental health struggles … and fancying Corbyn
Up-front: Olly Alexander in a shoot for ES Magazine
Cameron McNee
The Weekender

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Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander has revealed how he has been called names and spat at for being gay - and still feels uncomfortable holding hands with a partner in public.

In a candid interview with ES Magazine, he also talked about his battle with depression and anxiety.

The singer and actor, 25, grew up in Blackpool and the Forest of Dean, and his sexuality became an issue when he was at school in Monmouth.

“I’ve been called names in the street and hit and spat at,” he said.

In the band: Years & Years bandmates Mikey Goldsworthy, far left, and Emre Türkmen
Dave Benett

The abuse he suffered had lasting effects. “This is my own internalised shame, probably, but I still feel a little uncomfortable holding hands with my partner in public,” he said.

“Homophobia is less overt, sure, but it’s still with us in insidious, institutionalised forms.”

Alexander, who lives in London Fields, added: “Gays are still the ‘Other’, they’re apparently less likely to fix your car or play football. And do we want them as teachers? These questions are still around …”

The singer, who joined Brit-nominated band Years & Years in 2010, said his negative experiences had not put him off writing about same-sex relationships.

Last year’s King, for example, was about a controlling ex-boyfriend.

“My lyrics are about same-sex relationships, because that’s who I am,” he said. “It was important to me that I felt comfortable expressing myself.

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"I’m always touched and humbled by the number of people who come up to me and say they connect with my sexuality in the songs. Other people just like the songs.”

Alexander, whose relationship with Clean Bandit’s Neil Amin-Smith ended last year, revealed an unlikely crush.

“I’m a real Left-winger,” he said. “I fancy Jeremy Corbyn! Maybe it’s naïve of me to have this romantic political fantasy but I like the way he looks like he’s always about to head off to a march or a protest.”

He also attacked the closure of many gay clubs across the capital, including The Joiners’ Arms in Shoreditch.

He said: “It’s so sad. A lot of our community has moved online now, but bars are not just places to hook up, they’re part of our history and culture.”

Alexander, who starred in Bright Star in 2009 and Riot Club in 2014, also spoke about his struggles with mental health.

“I’ve had a lot of therapy since I was 19,” he said. “It’s a big help. I see a therapist for an hour once a week and I take medication.”

He called for a body to educate employers on the issue — and for a better understanding of mental health terminology.

He said: “I struggle with language, with the words we’re given for conditions.

I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, and on the one hand that’s helpful because there is a lot of support and routes out of there, but at the same time it shouldn’t define you, because everyone’s experience is so personal and textured.”

Read the full interview in this week's ES Magazine.

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