An Open Letter to Troye Sivan
I don’t really know where to start with this letter but I was raised to believe it is extremely important to show thanks to the people in your life who have helped or inspired you— whether you know them or not. You have made more of a difference in my life than I know how to say. I’m a 19 year old kid from a small town in north Alabama. Unfortunately, living in one of the most conservative and religious parts of the US means being anything other than straight is not only discouraged but openly mocked.
I can’t remember a specific time I realized I liked both boys and girls, but I do know that ever since I can remember I consciously made sure I acted like a “normal” boy. I had no interest in sports, but played and watched them anyways, because that’s what “boys do,” that’s how I fit in. Even worse, I pushed the fact that I was attracted to both sexes to the furthest reaches of my brain. In fact, writing this is the first time I’ve been honest with myself and put the thought that I’m bisexual into words.
This is because of your music.
Last fall, I found myself a freshman at a large public college. I had joined a fraternity, even though I had little in common with the other men that were to become my fraternity brothers. I did this again to appear like a “normal” heterosexual guy. At the hight of my stresses over pledging a Greek organization and adapting to college, I came across your song “Wild” on a friend’s Spotify. I had no idea who you were but was instantly drawn to the song. I listened to it everyday, and eventually had to google the music video.
I was stunned at what I saw, watching the beautiful video and the subsequent Blue Neighborhood trilogy.
You were a guy who like me wasn’t straight, but you weren’t ashamed of yourself. You didn’t hide in the corner. I soon learned you were already quite famous through youtube, and spent hours that night watching your videos. You became like a friend to me, the only one that I could turn to if I was feeling down. I don’t know of any openly gay or bisexual people in my community, so your videos were the only thing I had. Anytime my bisexuality depressed me, I visited your channel and instantly felt better.
Shortly after this Blue Neighbourhood was released and my world was rocked. I had never before bought an entire album, but I bought yours and was immediately hooked by every song. I can honestly say I listen to it every single day, and my favorite tracks change daily (currently “Heaven” and “Quiet”). The message you send to the world is amazing, and I can’t express how much you’ve done for kids like me. You have an incredible and mind-blowing talent, and you are using it for such good in this world. Thank you a million times over.
I am not out yet or anything, but you’ve given me the confidence to not feel less than. when the time is right, I know I will tell my family and friends that I am bisexual, and this is because of Troye Sivan and his amazing music. I am saving up to hopefully come to your November concert in Atlanta, planning to drive by myself to get the chance to see you. I wouldn’t dream of missing it. I know the chance is slim, but I hope that this somehow reaches you Troye. Especially in times like these when so recently the LGBTQ community has been viscously attacked, celebrities who are out there making queer kids feel like their life too is worth living need to be celebrated and applauded. Thank you so much, from all the people like me.
janainaart
theartofmadeline
blakekathryn
titsay
jbbartram-illu
izzy806
stormborns
