Kavana: ‘Stephen Gately was my first boyfriend’
In the new issue of Attitude, pop star and recent Celebrity Big Brother contestant talks about the very public ups and downs of his life in (and out) of the spotlight: From his time as closeted teen heart throb in the 90s, to his dark battles with addiction to his re-emergence in the public eye thanks to The Big Reunion. Here are some highlights from our frank chat with the star:
On his first notable relationship…
The first person I was really able to talk to about being gay and actually act on it was Stephen Gately. I was supporting Boyzone on tour and Stephen and I shared a lot of lingering looks. I remember one time we got chatting and one thing led to another and we started seeing each other for a while – but it was all very innocent. It was more about talking and feeling safe with other. There was kissing, we weren’t just playing Disney songs all the time. He was such a lovely, lovely lad. Years later when he passed, and I went to the memorial, I was very sad as he was the first person I had shared any intimacy with. It’s really sad. I was never going to say anything at the time as it had been so long before.
Dealing with his mum’s dementia…
You have to play along with her. She thinks she’s been there two weeks and keeps telling me that she is planning to come home at the end of the week. She’s been there two years now. It’s just very sad. And you have to play along and you go away feeling awful. I have to go to see her because I don’t want to regret not spending time with her when she is still aware of what’s going on. But then she has a great time in the hospital – they’re up having a laugh and dancing. She’s convinced her best mate is a man when it’s a woman. She’s healthy and safe and that’s the main thing. She’s crafty too. She’s already charging residents of the care home £5 for her to read her tea leaves. So she’s making money and she doesn’t even need money cos its all paid for.
Getting married to his partner, Neil…
It’s been fast, but when you meet someone and they get you, it just works. He’s the first person I don’t need to be needy with. We laugh a lot. He’s a good, decent Northern guy. I feel more balanced with him. He’s supportive with my mum and that speaks volumes of his character.
On his mum attending his wedding even though she’s not aware he’s gay…
Oh, I absolutely would have to [invite her along], but she’d probably think it’s just a nice day out and, God forgive me for saying it, she’ll probably have forgotten about it by the end of the week.
You can read our full interview with Kavana in the special Pride Awards issue of Attitude, out now in print and download. You can grab a copy in shops or from Pocketmags.com/Attitude (digital) or newsstand.co.uk/attitude (print).
