Perfume Genius: ‘It would be braver for Sam Smith to be a spokesperson’
By Will Stroude
Perfume Genius has said he thinks gay artists are reluctant to discuss their sexuality in case it becomes “the main talking point”.
Speaking to Attitude, the gay indie-pop star – real name Mike Hadreas – says that while he doesn’t judge stars who try to stop their sexuality becoming a ‘thing’, he feels he has a duty to “continue to push [his sexuality]”.
Discussing soul singer Sam Smith – who earlier this week said that he didn’t want his sexuality to be a “talking point” (click here to read more) the Seattle-based musician says: “I can understand him not wanting to be on this platform, but I personally think it is more brave for him to say “I will be a spokesperson” in any way that he can be.
“I think that’s more brave,” he adds. “Maybe it’s not necessary – he’s allowed to do whatever he wants. He shouldn’t be judged because he doesn’t want to talk about it.”
You can read the full interview with Perfume Genius, in which he discusses everything from artists who glamourise addiction to the lack of mainstream queer pop, in the new issue of Attitude – the Pop Issue – which is out in shops and available to download to your mobile, iPad or tablet device now at Pocketmags.com/Attitude.
You can also order the cover of your choice – featuring either Olly Murs or Nick Jonas – and have it delivered directly to your door at newsstand.co.uk/attitude.
