Hi, maybe some of you saw this, but I'll post it anyway. The Guardian was giving away a copy of Jackie magazine from 1975 today. It was the Valentines day edition, I haven't a clue why they were giving it away in September, seems a bit odd, but there you go! Anyway, they asked various musicians, including Freddie, Cozy Powell, the Mael brothers and Suzi Quatro about valentines cards they had received.
Freddie's section says:
"A few years ago, a girlfriend gave me a beautiful genuine antique card." he told me. "It was Victorian, and she must have searched all over to get it, because it was in mint condition - it hadn't been used before.
"I love all antiques, such as paintings and furniture, and so this card was very special. It was so beautiful I decided to have it framed, and I still have it hanging on my wall at home."
I thought this was really sweet, but also sad - this wasn't all that long before he came out, must have been tough pretending and trying to be straight.
But it was great to see him in a 'current' magazine, where he was alive and well!
You don't necessarily try and be straight, but usually it's a phase you go through or want to go through just so you know what you do prefer sexually. Once you know then that is usually the path you follow. And like any sexual experience you get more comfortable and confident with it as time goes on.
GT wrote:
You don't necessarily try and be straight, but usually it's a phase you go through or want to go through just so you know what you do prefer sexually. Once you know then that is usually the path you follow. And like any sexual experience you get more comfortable and confident with it as time goes on.
I wasn't trying to imply that coming out, or understanding your own sexuality is straightforward (no pun intended). I meant that in the 70s and 80s it was particularly difficult, with far more pressure on people to conform to the sexual standards and expectations of the time.
And before its pointed out, I am not implying that its easy today either.