X Factor Winner McElderry: I’m Gay

Joe McElderry, the 2009 winner of British talent competition The X Factor, has come out in an interview with The Daily Mirror.

The 19-year-old singer had previously denied rumors he is gay, but told the U.K. publication it’s because he didn’t know himself until recently.

“I’ve had time to think about things. I wasn’t attracted to anyone anyway, male or female. It never really entered my head I was gay. But I just know. It’s how I feel.”

McElderry gave the interview just a week after coming out to his mother. He says he never hid his sexuality out of fear: “I know it sounds crazy but before then, I was so busy. It hadn’t even crossed my mind.”

Read the full story here.

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Reader Comments

Back to top Post a Comment Report Abuse
Name: Scott
Date posted: 7/31/2010 11:46:21 PM
Hometown: Portland

Comment:
The original article called him brave for coming out at the age of 19, at least twice in the article. I'm sure they meant this as a positive but I can't help but feel if people need to be brave to be themselves, then we still have a ways to go. He should feel every bit as confident and supported as he would feel if he was straight. I am happy for him I just long for the day that being gay isn't newsworthy anymore. It is really no big deal. His mom seems to be very supportive which is great. I also long for the day when gay people no longer carry the burden of having to come out, as we live in a world that assumes you're straight until you complete the coming out process.
Back to top Post a Comment Report Abuse
Name: bronze
Date posted: 7/31/2010 11:17:30 PM
Hometown: usa

Comment:
Yippie, another on our side. This is so great for our gay community. I'm so proud of him. I just wish he was a little more of the stereotyped gay because that would produce a better label for us.

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