Renowned singer Will Young opens up about the joys and challenges of being in his 40s as a gay man, highlighting the lack of representation for older gay men. In a candid interview with Zero Nine magazine, Young shares his reflections on identity, ageing, and the importance of visibility within the LGBTQ+ community.
Will Young on Embracing His 40s, His Identity, and the Need for Representation
Will Young, the celebrated singer best known for hits like “Leave Right Now,” recently shared his thoughts on the joys and challenges of being in his 40s and embracing his identity as a gay man. In a candid interview with Zero Nine magazine, the 45-year-old artist delved into his personal journey and addressed the lack of representation for older gay men in media and society.
Reflecting on his life, Young expressed a sense of contentment with his current age, remarking that he has no desire to revisit his 20s. “There’s something interesting about being a gay man and getting older,” he mused, highlighting the unique experiences and challenges that come with it. He humorously recounted instances such as texting exes only to discover they are now married, and acknowledged moments when he felt out of place due to aging.
Young also spoke about how he perceives his past, describing himself as “bats*** crazy” in his younger years and firmly stating he would never want to return to that period. His reflections underline a broader narrative about the realities of ageing within the LGBTQ+ community, an area that often goes underrepresented.
On the cover of the latest issue of Zero Nine magazine, Young delves deeper into these topics, offering insight into his experiences and perspectives. He highlighted the importance of visibility and representation for older gay men, noting that their stories are often overlooked in mainstream media. To address this gap, Young has written a song that touches on these themes, aiming to broaden the narrative around ageing and identity within the LGBTQ+ community.
In conjunction with the interview, Young’s new single, “Midnight,” is now available, offering fans a glimpse into his current musical direction. The single precedes his forthcoming album, “Light It Up,” which is set to be released on August 9 via BMG. The album promises to explore similar themes, providing a platform for Young to convey his journey and experiences through his music.
Young’s candid discussion with Zero Nine magazine is a poignant reminder of the importance of diverse representation and the need to share a wide range of experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. His reflections not only shine a light on the unique challenges faced by older gay men but also celebrate the joy and wisdom that come with age and self-acceptance. As Young continues to embrace his identity and age, his voice serves as an important contribution to the ongoing dialogue about representation and visibility.
