Last year Olly read his friend James Ingham's RUComingOut story on this very website. In his story James spoke about the struggles he faced when coming out and opened up about an attempt at taking his life. Olly was touched by what he read and so decided to throw his support behind our campaign. In this exclusive interview cheeky chappy Olly tells showbiz journalist James why he backs RUComingOut.
Thank you for tweeting about my coming out story and supporting RUComingOut. It means a lot.
It was the least I could do James. It was a brilliant article. And when I say brilliant, it's kind of for want of a better word. I didn’t really know what to say when I messaged you. For me it was a really amazing and intriguing story to read because it is something that probably a lot of gay guys go through but as a straight guy I had never even thought about it, never mind had to go through anything like that. It was really interesting and educating to me. I just couldn’t believe what you went through and probably a lot of gay guys go through during the process of coming out. The fear of telling their families and friends, coming to terms with it themselves, not to mention the whole pressure behind all that. For someone who has never had to deal with something like that it was really touching. I think most straight guys should read it to appreciate and understand what it can be like for someone coming out.
I have always got on well with gay gays and even flirted with them. I’ve never had a problem with someones sexuality or really even thought about it before. But I know there are still people who still homophobic and maybe they should read it to empathise.
I have always got on well with gay gays and even flirted with them. I’ve never had a problem with someones sexuality or really even thought about it before. But I know there are still people who still homophobic and maybe they should read it to empathise.
Are you surprised that coming out is still a big deal for so many people?I feel like in the last ten years or so things have changed massively. I would say it seems a lot easier to come out now than ten years ago. I see lots of gay fans at my concert aged 15 and 16 who are openly gay and say they are gay. I think that’s a massive turning point.
I don’t think you would have had that ten years ago which can only be a good thing. From an outsider looking in I think it's become a much easier thing for kids to come out to their parents and friends. I think the internet and social media has helped as well because people don’t feel as isolated and alone. I remember from your story you literally felt like the only gay in the village and I don’t think that’s the case, as much, any more. That’s another reason why I was happy to support RUComingOut because it’s a resource anyone can access anywhere. Like you said in your coming out story, things are massively better than they used to be but I guess there is still more to be done. Pictured: Olly and James |
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Did you know many gay people growing up?
No one at school who was my age came out as gay. There was the odd joke and some people were called gay. I didn’t get involved in that or think it was right. Then I went to college and realised that some guys did come out. When I used to work at the call centre there were a couple of gay guys a bit older than me that I used to be mates with and have a laugh with.
What about now? Do you have many gay friends?
I think when I moved to London that was a massive eye opener for me. Especially being on The X Factor and then in the entertainment industry which is full of gay people! The X Factor was a massive wake up call. I had such a laugh on that show with some of the gay dancers. Brian Friedman is such a diamond and we had a great time.
You're clearly comfortable around gay men then?!Yeah of course. When I first met David Walliams I didn’t know if he was gay or not. Whenever we meet up we instantly flirt with each other. I have no idea why we do but we do! We have a laugh with each other and are happy to flirt. It is just who I am. I am comfortable with who I am and comfortable with my sexuality and I just want everyone else to be comfortable too, regardless of sexuality.
I would hate for someone to feel uncomfortable around me or be scared to tell me they are gay. For starters they have no need to tell me. I don’t go into a room of gay guys and tell them I am straight. I feel like gay people shouldn’t have to explain themselves either. I almost hate the word 'gay', because I see us all as equal. I think it’s sad in a way that people have to ‘come out’ at all. |
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How do you feel about equal marriage?
I think we all have to grow with the times. If I’m honest I would probably have answered the question differently if you had asked me ten years ago. I would have probably said I wasn’t sure if it was 100% right, but things are different now. As long as people are happy and not hurting anyone I don’t see the problem. I know lads who are together and who are really happy.
I’m sure there are people out there who have an opinion on it and don’t agree with it but I am all for love and happiness in life. If you are in love, happy and not hurting anyone, who should tell you that’s not right? You hear so many sad stories of people considering suicide because of their sexuality and it upsets me to think you once did that or that anyone would do that because they feel like they can’t be themselves. I would rather everyone be able to be themselves and be happy and if that means two guys or two girls marrying then so what!
I’m sure there are people out there who have an opinion on it and don’t agree with it but I am all for love and happiness in life. If you are in love, happy and not hurting anyone, who should tell you that’s not right? You hear so many sad stories of people considering suicide because of their sexuality and it upsets me to think you once did that or that anyone would do that because they feel like they can’t be themselves. I would rather everyone be able to be themselves and be happy and if that means two guys or two girls marrying then so what!
If you were gay who do you think would be your ideal man?
It would be easy for me to say David Beckham and I think I have mentioned him before so I will go for Justin Timberlake. JT has got everything. He can dance, he can sing, he’s a sportsman, and actor, he’s stylish and just cool. If I was a gay teenager he would be the poster boy I would have on my wall!
© Copyright RUComingOut 2016
© Copyright RUComingOut 2016
Olly's fourth album, Never Been Better, is out now!
Follow Olly on Twitter @ollyofficial
Follow James Ingham on Twitter @TheJamesIngham and read his RUComingOut story by clicking here.
Follow Olly on Twitter @ollyofficial
Follow James Ingham on Twitter @TheJamesIngham and read his RUComingOut story by clicking here.