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Artist News
Will Young voted best role model for LGB teens
By CMU Editorial | Published on Tuesday 17 August 2010
Will Young has been voted the best role model in music for young British lesbian, gay and bisexual people, in a poll commissioned by campaign group Stonewall. Young took 58% of the votes, while Alison Goldfrapp followed at 15%, Kele Okereke had 12%, the only recently outed Joe McElderry came in with 10% and Lady Sovereign closed the top five with 5%.
Stonewall Chief Executive Ben Summerskill said: “Young people involved with Stonewall tell us that role models help them overcome the homophobic bullying that’s rife in Britain’s schools. Pop culture is hugely influential to young people so it’s encouraging to see more openly lesbian, gay and bisexual British pop stars”.
He added: “Joe McElderry is already recognised as a role model, so the scene is now set for him to become every bit as popular with young gay people as Will Young”.
Some reports have dismissed Young’s suitability as a role model, as he did not reveal his sexuality until after he had won TV talent show ‘Pop Idol’ in 2002, when a tabloid had threatened to out him. Though Young has always pointed out that not actively telling the public about his sexuality is not the same as hiding it.
