A rising pop star in Singapore has been dropped by his record label after coming out as gay.
Willie Tay has opened up about the experience online, sharing his new stage name, Wils, and the music video for a new single, 'Open Up Babe', which he has since released independently.
“This is my first music video since I came out as gay," Wils wrote on YouTube.
"Sadly I got dropped from my label in Asia after I came out of the closet.. But I’m okay! I’m really grateful for the support from my loved ones."
He continued: "I wouldn’t have made it this far without you guys. If this song meant something to you, I’ll be forever grateful if you could share it to your friends. I really hope this reaches the eyes of underrepresented LGBT kids in the world and I can only do that with your sharing. Life’s so much more fun when you’re being you. I promise!”
He explained that the song was inspired by the anxiety he felt while living in the closet.
"This song got me so emotional. I remember being in this dark moment where I just couldn’t write anything because I felt like I was living a lie being in the closet. To those who ever held back because of who you are, this song is about letting that go and opening up to the beautiful things in life."
Speaking to Billboard, Wils described some of the challenges that continue to exist for members of the LGBTIQ+ community in Singapore.
"There’s a law in Singapore called Section 377a of the Penal Code, which says any consensual sexual acts between two men can be criminalised," he explained.
"There are a lot of gays in Singapore, and it’s OK to live as a gay man, but it’s just not really spoken about. That has led to a lot of bullying in the society."
