Olly Alexander Says He Was Told to Stay Closeted to Protect His Band

Was openly queer singer Olly Alexander told to stay in the closet by music industry execs to protect his budding musical career? The Years & Years singer recently revealed that this, in fact, was the case with his media trainer at the time of when he and the band were receiving a record deal.

According to The Huffington Post, the 27-year-old singer recalled moments where he spoke to his trainer about his sexuality, during a speech at an LGBT charity event on Friday.

"She said, with very good intentions I'm sure: 'Why does anybody need to know about your sexuality? What business is it who you go to bed with? Do you really want to invite personal questions like that? Maybe it's better to not say anything about your sexuality at all.'"

Alexander went on to say, "When a journalist did ask me what my sexuality was, I said, 'Yes, I'm gay and this song is about a man. It was a really big moment for me, and I realized I needed to say that for my 15-year-old self. I decided I would keep speaking out. It felt like I was healing and I saw first-hand how being open and honest helped."

Check out Olly's new track, "Sanctify" from Years & Years, which just dropped!