Sivan has already gained major popularity. | Photo: YouTube/TroyeSivanVEVO
Troye Sivan isn’t sure the term ‘gay icon’ is right for him.
The 22-year-old Australian singer opened up to Wonderland magazine about his identity and place within the community. He appears on their spring cover.
For him, he rejects the term because of his privilege and empathy.
‘I will never understand the struggles of a trans woman of colour growing up. What can I do as an empathetic person? How can I help? That’s why I politely reject the term “gay icon”. I would never wanna put that on myself.’
Sivan on the cover of Wonderland. | Photo: Instagram @troyesivan
So who are gay icons?
However, he does have some gay icons himself. And he recognizes the limitations.
‘When I think about the songs that I grew up listening to that made me feel… gay, it was mostly straight women: Cher, Madonna, Miley, Robyn, Lady Gaga,’ he said. ‘Those are my gay icons, which is a bit strange. I would have loved to have had more queer music growing up. That would have been nice.’
But thanks to artists like Sivan and Hayley Kiyoko and Janelle Monáe, fans have queer artists to love now.
Sivan is currently working on his second album, which will feature a collaboration with Ariana Grande.
