Singer-songwriter Olly Alexander has spoken up about his experience with open relationships in an interview with BBC journalist Evan Davis at National Student Pride in the UK.
The lead singer of band Years and Years said that his last relationship “was an open relationship which was the first time” and that “you have to be very honest with your partner”.
26-year-old Alexander said it was a decision he and his former boyfriend had made together and that the expectations associated with monogamy were unrealistic.
“I don’t think we should be pitting [different relationships] against each other. It’s not like one is better than the other.
“We don’t really allow ourselves those discussions. We are all taught one relationship model. It’s bonkers your partner has to be your best friend, your protector, your confidant, fulfill you sexually.
"There’s a lot for one person. It’s crazy how diverse we are but we have one relationship standard.”
The singer was asked whether he was able to trust his partner while in an open relationship.
“If someone is going to fall in love with someone else that’s going to happen whether you like it or not. It doesn’t matter if you are in an open relationship.”
Alexander also described the notion of pride in the LGBT+ community, saying: "As queer people, we are forced into this narrative of being proud. Pride is so important and, of course, we want to be proud but we don’t lead a fairytale narrative where we can always stand on the top of the hill and wave the flag.”
