Happy Place Olly Alexander: “I couldn’t accept my identity” Queer joy and mental distress co-exist
Dec 9, 2024
Olly Alexander, musician and actor known for his work with Years & Years and his role in 'It's A Sin', opens up about the struggles of identity and mental health in the queer community. He shares how portraying a character in 'It’s A Sin' helped him confront personal challenges. The discussion delves into body image issues and the complexities of fame, emphasizing the need for self-acceptance. Olly highlights the significance of his upcoming album 'Polari', which connects to the rich history of queer cultural expression.
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Polari: A Secret Language
- Olly Alexander's new album, "Polari," is named after a historical British slang.
- This slang was used by marginalized groups, including gay men, to communicate secretly.
It's a Sin and Self-Discovery
- Acting in "It's a Sin" helped Olly Alexander confront his fear of exploring his identity and history.
- Learning about gay history helped him understand himself better.
Exploring Queer Mental Health
- Olly Alexander's documentary explored the link between being gay and mental health.
- He was surprised by the prevalence of mental distress in the queer community.