Olly Alexander dons rainbow outfit on ‘The Voice of Poland’ in protest at government’s treatment of LGBT people
The Years & Years frontman made a show of solidarity with the LGBT community on one of the country's biggest shows.
By Will Stroude
Words: Will Stroude
Olly Alexander has once again used his pop platform to make show of LGBT pride after sporting a rainbow outifit on The Voice of Poland.
The Years & Years frontman nailed his colours to the mast and had them broadcast to thousands of viewers across the country as his band performed ‘King’ on the TV singing competition last week (November 17).
The colourful display of solidarity came at the request of Polish LGBT publication Queer.Pl and local activists following comments from Polish national television Jacek Kurski that same-sex couples wouldn’t be shown in the country’s version of First Dates.
Homosexuality is legal in Poland, but prejudice remains rife in the socially conservative eastern European country, where same-sex marriage is banned under the constitution.
Taking to Twitter after the performance, Olly, 28, expressed his solidarity with the Poland’s LGBT community and criticised the homophobic stance of the Polish government, currently led by the right-wing Law and Justice Parity (PiS).
“Poland’s government has become increasingly anti-LGBT and same sex couples are not allowed to be shown on the TV station,” he wrote.
“Poland has embraced our band from the very beginning and I know it’s people to be kind, funny and hugely generous.
“Wearing rainbow colours is just a small statement but I’m very thankful to have been asked to do so.
— Years & Years (@yearsandyears) November 21, 2018
“The governments [sic] stance on LGBTQ+ equality does not reflect the pride and love we see at our shows there, nor is it reflected in the people we work with.
“We had a great week end [sic], I love Poland and I will do my best to do right by you guys.”
Meanwhile, Years & Years have announced a new project ‘Rendevous’ to celebrate LGBT voices – click here to find out more.