Adam Lambert reveals he first experienced homophobia within the theatre world
The 'American Idol' runner-up has never been shy about his sexuality
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
Adam Lambert first experienced homophobia in the theatre world.
The American Idol runner-up and the new Queen frontman has never been ashamed of being true to himself and publicly came out back in 2009 and his sexuality has not stopped him becoming one of the most celebrated singers worldwide.
But in an interview with GQ, Lambert – who is gearing up to release his fourth studio album – revealed when he first experienced homophobia.
He said: “Funny as it sounds it, probably within the theatre world.
“I would be auditioning to play parts such as the romantic young leading man and it was hard because there was a lot of homophobia in casting.
“My manager would come back and say, ‘Well, they really feel like you’re too light.’ I was like, ‘What does that mean?’ and they said, well, it means gay.
“It was difficult because I was in my early twenties trying to come into my own and figure out who I was, all that.
“And then at the same time I’m trying to get work where I have to be other people and sort of have to downplay that part of myself.
“It was super confusing because I felt like, ‘Where can I express myself?’ That’s probably one of the reasons I started becoming drawn to music and being my own artist: being able to do things on my own terms.”