For a few years, Blue band member Duncan James was so terrified of popping out as homosexual, he pretended thus far celeb friends Geri Halliwell and Martine McCutcheon.
However now issues are utterly totally different as this yr, the singer will likely be performing in Pleasure occasions up and down the nation in make-up, lingerie and suspenders, writes The Mirror.
Duncan says that he's lastly snug in his personal pores and skin, because of the love of boyfriend Rodrigo Reis… and his showbiz greatest mate Denise Van Outen. The 44-year-old informed the Mirror that he's proud to be homosexual.
In his interview, Duncan says: “It has taken me a very long time to really feel utterly snug. I bear in mind once I was in Blue the primary time round, there have been all these rumours I used to be relationship my associates Geri, Martine and Tara [Palmer- Tomkinson] and I used to really feel relieved.
“I used to be taking part in Pleasure with Blue and feeling such a hypocrite as a result of everybody was celebrating their sexuality and I used to be nonetheless within the closet. Now I’m performing Blue hits and songs from musical theatre in full drag. I find it irresistible.
“Doing drag is so liberating. It’s like carrying a really camp Superman costume – you're feeling so empowered.”
Duncan is presently showing on Movie star Gogglebox with ex-Large Breakfast host Denise, 48 - who he describes as "the final word homosexual icon and ally."
“Not solely is she a robust, impartial girl, she’s additionally loyal and by no means judges you. She is the form of buddy you possibly can inform something to. She is the form of woman greatest mate each homosexual man wants.”
After years of feeling responsible about his sexuality, Duncan says he's comfortable eventually. He's again with bandmates Lee Ryan, 39, Simon Webbe, 43, and Antony Costa, 41, and selling a brand new album and tour. He's additionally loved-up with Brazilian Rodrigo, 28, his accomplice of 4 years.
Duncan says: “It wasn’t till I met Rodrigo that I actually felt snug about my sexuality. He's youthful than me and so unapologetic about himself and his sexuality.
“He was the primary accomplice I had who wasn’t ashamed to carry my hand. Different boyfriends didn’t wish to present any public shows of affection in case they have been pictured.”
Dad-of-one Duncan hints that marriage and extra youngsters might be in his future.
“We've got talked about getting married," he says. “However my precedence proper now's my profession and getting financially safe after the pandemic.
“I don’t really feel like we have to rush it. I feel we are going to get married when the time is correct. The identical for youths… Rodrigo would love youngsters however it isn't the fitting time.”
The LGBTQ neighborhood is anticipated to be out this weekend after London celebrated Pleasure yesterday.
And although we now reside in a way more accepting society, Duncan believes popping out remains to be one of many hardest issues anybody should do.
He says: “For me, there was a number of Catholic guilt. It's drummed into you that you're incorrect and a sinner. Being informed as a child you'll go to hell is quite a bit to must take care of.
“Fortunately, we now reside in a distinct world to once I got here out. Besides, it is likely one of the scariest issues you'll ever must do. There may be a lot worry of rejection – and also you don’t simply must do it as soon as, you need to do it many occasions earlier than you're feeling out and proud.”
Duncan bought so emotional earlier than he got here out to his mum Linda that she thought he was terminally sick.
He says: “Although I'm so near my mum, it was nonetheless terrifying. We have been on vacation in LA and I used to be supposed to inform her however chickened out. She went to mattress and I phoned Si [Webbe] who gave me the arrogance to go inform her.
“I drank half the minibar. I used to be crying a lot. She was simply relieved as a result of she thought I used to be going to inform her I had most cancers.”
Duncan is aware of how vital it's for younger homosexual individuals to have optimistic function fashions after being bullied as a baby.
He says: “I used to be referred to as ‘f**bought’ and ‘queer boy’ as a result of I liked drama and musical theatre. One boy specifically used to attend for me on the college gate and beat me up.
“I used to go house crying to my mum however was too scared to inform the lecturers. I simply wished to be regular – however now I realise there isn't any regular. We're all superbly distinctive.
“That's the reason it's so vital that Pleasure is so seen internationally as a result of it reveals nobody has to really feel alone or scared about being who they have been born to be.”
Regardless of occasions altering, Duncan says he nonetheless receives homophobic abuse on-line. However as a substitute of rising to the bait, he tries to concentrate on extra optimistic issues as a substitute.
He says: “It feels wonderful to be again with a brand new album and area tour. All 4 of us genuinely love one another like brothers, which I feel is uncommon.
“I’m actually happy with the brand new album and the tour will likely be insane.”
Blue’s sixth studio album Coronary heart & Soul is launched on September 9. Tickets for his or her 12-date area tour are on sale now. To search out out extra, go to officialblue.com