Olly Alexander gave an impassioned speech to empower LGBT+ people during Years & Years' set at Glastonbury on Sunday (26 June).
The pop group delighted fans with their appearance on the Other Stage at the music festival, which included their hits ‘Shine’, ‘King’ and ‘Desire’, as well as covers of tracks by Katy Perry and Drake.
However, it was Olly’s speech that really got everyone talking, as he addressed the crowds in one of the show’s more touching moments.
Dressed in an eye-catching rainbow outfit, he said: “As you might be able to tell by the way that I’m dressed, I’m gay. I’m in fact, really, really, super gay.
“A year ago we played the John Peel tent, and it was an amazing show. And I can’t believe that we’re here today… but what I keep thinking about is how in the last year, a lot of pretty scary and messed up stuff has happened.”
He continued: “As queer people, we know what it’s like to be scared, and we know what it’s like to live with fear as part of our every day.
“But tonight, Glastonbury, I’d like you to join me and say ‘no thank you, fear’. To say ‘fear, bye’. To literally shove a rainbow in fear’s face.
“And all I have to say to finish, is I’m here, I’m queer, and yes, sometimes I’m afraid, but I am never ashamed because I am proud of who I am.”
Olly recently blogged on the subject of queerness, when the group unveiled the music video for their song, ‘Desire’.
He wrote, of the video: “I’ve been wanting to make a video with some of my queer family for a long time and ‘Desire‘ felt like the right time to do it. Every Y&Y video has some similar elements that run through it: magical worlds, symbolism, pretty lights and this time I wanted sex added into that mixture.
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"They get that it’s about love, so I think that’s really given me perspective. I think people can deal with it, and they get it."
"I think there are a lot of people who are afraid to be who they are and if I have to sacrifice a little bit of fame and a little bit of success because I’m being 100 percent truthful with who I am, hopefully that will create a paved way for someone else."
"I really want the parents of my audience to see these videos actually. And realise that their reaction influences their kid’s entire experience. Showing them two sides of the coin: this is how it could go or this is how it could go. It’s up to you."