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7 September 2017 2:29 AM

Troye Sivan reveals to Larry King what inspired him to come out publicly

By Troy Nankervis

Singer, actor and all-round talented chap Troye Sivan has spoken to US talk show host Larry King about his acting journey, dealing with fame, and the progression of gay rights while promoting his new album Blue Neigbourhood.

When asked about his decision to be an openly gay artist, the GLAAD award nominee told King he decided to come out to his family at age 15.

“The thing that kind of inspired me to come out to my family and give me that initial strength was going on to YouTube and watching a bunch of coming out videos,” he said.

“Those videos made me realise the different kinds of reactions you can get, but ultimately it just gave me hope and strength.

“And so I came out to my family and just became so comfortable over the years, and at the same time I built up a YouTube audience of my own, so I thought it was my opportunity to give back to the community.”

The 20-year-old also spoke about his recent appearance on the cover of Rolling Stone Australia. “It was pretty insane. I was questioning a lot that day,” he said.

“I was like I don’t know what my next goal is, that I really want to do. I feel like that’s been the pinnacle for a long time.”

Sivan added the changes in the way the gay community is perceived was linked closely to the rise of the online space and social media.

“I attribute it to the internet. I think in the past, a kid being raised by homophobic parents had no way to learn any other alternative,” he said.

“Now with the Internet, they can have the most homophobic parents in the world, [but] they can go online and see a gay YouTuber, or watch some TV even.

“I think it is representation on the media that’s really opening people’s minds at a much quicker rate than has ever happened before.”

You can watch the complete interview with Larry King below:

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