TL;DR
- Sir Ian McKellen reflects on his knighthood and LGBTQ rights.
- Troye Sivan discusses his album ‘Bloom’ and representation.
- The cover features a striking collaboration between two generations.
- McKellen emphasizes the importance of coming out for LGBTQ visibility.
- Both icons share their journeys in the LGBTQ community.
In the June 2018 issue of Attitude magazine, the world was graced with a fabulous cover showcasing two titans of the LGBTQ community: Sir Ian McKellen and Troye Sivan. Talk about a generational clash of the titans! These two icons, each representing different eras of queer visibility, sat down to discuss their journeys through the colorful tapestry of sexuality.
Sir Ian McKellen, the legendary actor known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings and X-Men, mused about the peculiar experience of being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. “To be knighted is a very odd thing,” he said, reflecting on receiving the accolade in 1991 for his contributions to the performing arts. “Half of you thinks, ‘I’m thrilled to bits,’ the other half thinks, ‘Oh, stop it. It’s not for me.’” His words resonate with many in the LGBTQ community, as they reflect the ongoing struggle for acceptance and recognition.
McKellen, who came out publicly in 1988, emphasized the importance of being open about one’s identity. “I’ve looked to a world where no one should be constrained by the law in anything they want to do, as long as they don’t hurt anyone else. But you can’t take that attitude from inside the closet,” he stated. His commitment to LGBTQ rights has made him a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
On the other side of the cover, we have Troye Sivan, the Australian pop sensation who has taken the music world by storm with his album Bloom. In his interview, Sivan shared how he has grown more comfortable with sharing his identity through his music. “This wasn’t me thinking to myself, ‘Oh, it’s time to grow up and have my ‘sexy phase,’ or whatever. I just sort of started to become more comfortable with sharing,” he explained. His desire to be a representation for others is palpable, as he hopes to connect with those who might feel lost in their own journeys.
Both McKellen and Sivan serve as reminders of how far the LGBTQ community has come, while also highlighting the work that still needs to be done. Their candid discussions about sexuality, identity, and representation are not just inspiring; they are essential. As McKellen poignantly put it, “I’ll always be glad I didn’t accept the knighthood until I’d come out of the closet.” This sentiment echoes the experiences of many LGBTQ individuals who have faced similar crossroads.
As we reflect on this powerful cover from 2018, it’s clear that the dialogue between generations is vital. Sir Ian McKellen and Troye Sivan are not just icons; they are symbols of progress, resilience, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ rights. Their stories remind us that no matter where we are in our journeys, we are not alone.